Paris · Loire · Bodrum · Istanbul

San Francisco → Paris → Loire Valley → Bodrum → Istanbul → Home
Jun 1–13, 2026 12 Nights 5 Phases • 6 Hotels Jackson & Tracy

The Trip

Paris · Loire Valley · Bodrum (Gümüslük + Gundogan) · Istanbul — twelve nights, anchored on Tracy's birthday at Cape Bodrum

Trip map: SFO → Paris → Loire → Bodrum → Istanbul → SFO
Paris
2 nts • Amy's apartment (Haut Marais, 3ème)
→
Loire
2 nts • w/ Marianna
→
Gümüslük
2 nts • Liman (adults)
→
Gundogan
3 nts • Cape Bodrum 5☆
→
Istanbul
1 nt • Karaköy/Galata
12
Nights
5
Flights
6
Hotels
~$11–13K
Est. Total
2
Travelers
🎂
Tracy's B-Day
SFO departure
Day 0 — Monday, June 1

SFO → Paris (overnight)

✅ UA990 nonstop • 10h 45m
🌙 Sleep on the plane • conf O5032C
Morning
Final packing & breakfast at home
Triple-check passports (valid through Dec 2026), Sapphire Reserve. No Turkey e-visa needed for either of us — Türkiye made Australian ordinary passports visa-free 2026-04-17 (Tracy already visa-free as US).
11:30 AM
Leave Mill Valley for SFO
Long-term parking (~$35/day × 13 days).
12:30 PM
At SFO — check in & TSA
UA Silver Pre-Check for Jackson. Light lunch airside.
2:40 PM PT
Depart SFO — United UA990, nonstop
UA990 SFO → CDG • 10h 45m • ✅ Booked · conf O5032C · eTicket 0162102761133 • $1,928.33 total United itinerary • 1st checked bag included, Economy S
In-flight
Dinner, then sleep
Set watches to Paris time on takeoff. Melatonin ~9 PM Paris time (= noon PT). Aim for 6–7 hours.
Paris Marais
Day 1 — Tuesday, June 2

Arrive Paris — light day

🛌 Jet-lag mode • Slow walking, easy food
⛈️ 73/62°F • Thunderstorm forecast (100% precip) — bring umbrella
10:25 AM
Land CDG, clear customs
~30–45 min through customs. Withdraw a small amount of euros at the airport ATM if needed.
11:30 AM
CDG → Haut Marais (3ème)
Uber (~€60, direct, 50–65 min in morning traffic) or RER B + Métro 3 or 11 to Temple / République (cheaper, ~1h15).
Amy’s Haut Marais studio6 photos
~1:00 PM
Meet Amy at 11 rue de la Corderie, 75003 for key handover
30 m² studio rented direct from Amy Gibson (Australian host, found via Australians in Paris and France FB group) • ✅ Booked direct · €400 paid via Wise for 2 nts • Host mobile +33 6 50 85 86 95 • IG amygibsonprojects • Queen bed, full kitchen, exposed beams, French windows over Carreau du Temple & École Duperré trees • Métro Temple / République • Confirm arrival window with Amy ahead of time.
Afternoon
Settle in / nap
Short Haut Marais walk — Carreau du Temple, cafés on rue de Bretagne, Marché des Enfants Rouges for breakfast supplies.
Place des Vosges2 photos
5:00 PM
Slow Marais wander — Place des Vosges
~10-min walk south from the apartment. Iconic 17th-century square, arcades, easy bench-sitting.
7:30 PM
Easy walk-in dinner in Marais / 4ème
No big booking tonight — arrival vibes.
Breizh Café (galettes)Aux Deux AmisL'As du Fallafel
9:30 PM
Bed early
Resist the urge to push through — Day 2 is the real start.
Paris museum day
Day 2 — Wednesday, June 3

Museum + Saint-Germain

🏛️ D'Orsay or Rodin • Saint-Germain shopping
☁️ 72/57°F • Overcast, cool • 13% precip
8:00 AM
Breakfast in the apartment or Marché des Enfants Rouges / rue de Bretagne café
Apartment has a full kitchen — self-cater bread + fruit + coffee, or grab a pastry at a Marais boulangerie.
D'Orsay or Rodin2 photos
10:30 AM
Pick one: Musée d'Orsay or Musée Rodin
D'Orsay — Impressionists in a converted train station (€16 pp, ~2 hrs). Rodin — sculpture gardens, quieter (€14 pp, ~1.5 hrs). Both 7ème. Book timed entry — closed Monday.
1:00 PM
Lunch in Saint-Germain
Sit-down bistro or café in the 6ème.
Café de FloreLes Deux Magots
Saint-Germain-des-Prés1 photo
2:30 PM
Saint-Germain-des-Prés shopping
Tracy anchor: Le Bon Marché + La Grande Épicerie. Smaller boutiques along Rue du Cherche-Midi, Rue de Grenelle, Rue Bonaparte.
5:00 PM
Apéro break in the 6ème
Café or wine bar before heading back.
7:00 PM
Back to the apartment to refresh
8:30 PM
Dinner — serious Paris pick
Parcelles (Marais natural-wine bistro, vegetable-forward, walking distance from the apartment — also in the 3ème) or Le Bon Georges (9ème classic neo-bistro). Both need 2–3 weeks lead time. Walk-in fallback: Clamato (11ème, arrive 6:30 PM sharp).
Parcelles ⭐Le Bon Georges ⭐Clamato (walk-in)
Loire Valley wine tasting
Day 3 — Thursday, June 4

Paris → Loire Valley (Angers) 🚄

🍷 Wine tasting & dinner with Marianna
💄 Amy's apartment (Haut Marais) → Rocaminori Hôtel (booked)
The Loire chapter — with Marianna. Personal connection: Marianna is hosting the wine days. Confirm with her: exact transfer plan from Angers Saint-Laud, the tastings she's lining up, dinner location.
8:00 AM
Breakfast, pack out of the apartment
Confirm key-handback method with Amy ahead of departure.
~9:30 AM
Taxi/Uber to Paris Montparnasse
~25 min from Haut Marais — taxi/Uber preferred over Métro with luggage. TGV Atlantique runs exclusively from Montparnasse (confirmed via Trainline research 2026-05-30).
10:52 AM
TGV InOui 8805 Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 → Angers Saint-Laud
1h 22m direct, arrives 12:14 • ✅ Booked · PNR CTEM7B • €116 for 2 pax (Tracy + Jackson) • TARIF STANDARD PREMIÈRE (1st class) • Visa 4824 • Cancellation: €19 exchange fee until 30 min before; then exchange once, no refund.
Rocaminori Hôtel1 photo
Early afternoon
Arrive Angers → Rocaminori Hôtel
✅ Booked · 5630900259 · €240.80 pay-at-property • Transfer with Marianna or local taxi — confirm with her. Reception closes at 21:00 — arrive before then (target ≤18:00 to leave dinner buffer).
Loire wine tasting3 photos
Afternoon
Wine tasting with Marianna
Loire whites (Sancerre, Vouvray, Muscadet) or local reds (Chinon, Saumur-Champigny). Anjou-Saumur (around Angers) is the likely focus — Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Crémant de Loire.
Evening
Dinner with Marianna
Likely at the hotel or a nearby restaurant Marianna recommends — confirm with her ahead of time.
Loire chateaux & wine
Day 4 — Friday, June 5

Loire Valley — chateaux & wine

🏰 Slow country day with Marianna
🍷 Anjou-Saumur producers • long lunch
8:30 AM
Slow breakfast at Rocaminori
Plan the day's route with Marianna.
Loire chateaux3 photos
Morning
Chateau visit or vineyard walk
Options depend on hotel location: Saumur, Brézé, Villandry, or Brissac. Some chateaux need timed-entry tickets in June.
12:30 PM
Long countryside lunch
Bistro or domaine tasting-room lunch — paired with the wine tasting.
L'Escargot (Saumur)Le Pot de Lapin
Loire wine afternoon2 photos
Afternoon
Wine tasting — producers Marianna sets up
Saumur-Champigny producers, Chinon caves, or a sparkling-Loire (Crémant) house. Marianna may have 1–2 specific tastings lined up.
Evening
Relaxed dinner
Hotel restaurant at Rocaminori or a local bistro Marianna suggests. Pack tonight — TGV back to Paris tomorrow.
Paris transit day
Day 5 — Saturday, June 6

Loire → Paris (Orly)

🚄 TGV back • Position for 8 AM Bodrum flight
🛌 Light day — do not overplan
Morning
Slow morning, breakfast, check out
Late morning
Transfer to Angers Saint-Laud
Drop-off with Marianna or local taxi.
11:44 AM
TGV InOui 12492 Angers Saint-Laud → Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2
1h 44m direct, arrives 13:28 • ✅ Booked · PNR 4F3EX8 • €86 for 2 pax (Tracy + Jackson) • TARIF STANDARD PREMIÈRE (1st class) • Visa 2237 • Same cancellation terms as Jun 4.
Afternoon
Paris station → ibis Styles Paris Orly Airport
RER + Orlyval (~€20 pp) or Uber (~€40). Free hotel shuttle to ORY in the morning.
Late afternoon
Check in at ibis Styles Paris Orly Airport
Avenue Jacqueline Auriol Orlytech, Paray-Vieille-Poste • ✅ Booked · Booking.com 5712163403 / PIN 6300 • €125.36 • Standard Twin Room • breakfast included • free shuttle to ORY every 20 min from 4:30 AM.
Evening
Easy hotel-area dinner
Keep light. Early bed — 8 AM Transavia flight tomorrow. Verify TO3250 check-in time (Orly 3, ~5:35 AM at airport).
Bodrum coast
Day 6 — Sunday, June 7

Paris → Bodrum (Gümüslük) ✈️

✅ Transavia TO3250 • 8:00 AM → 12:35 PM nonstop ORY → BJV • conf MH2RQA
🏖️ Land BJV • Transfer to Gümüslük (Liman Hotel) • Sea + village
4:30 AM
Wake, quick breakfast at hotel
5:30 AM
Free hotel shuttle to ORY 3
Every 20 min from 4:30 AM • ~5 min ride, arrives Orly 3 at 5:35 AM.
8:00 AM
Depart ORY — Transavia TO3250 nonstop to BJV
TO3250 ORY → BJV (Milas–Bodrum) • 8:00 AM → 12:35 PM local • ✅ Booked · conf MH2RQA • €370 (2 pax, Smart fares with priority boarding + cabin bag). Tracy seat 10E; Jackson standard seat at check-in.
12:35 PM
Land BJV (Milas–Bodrum)
Pre-arranged transfer to Gümüslük (~45 min west across the peninsula). Withdraw €200–300 in Turkish lira at the BJV ATM.
Liman Hotel Gümüslük area2 photos
Mid-afternoon
Check in at Liman Hotel Gümüslük (Adults Only)
52 1120. Sokak Gümüslük, 48970 Gumusluk • ✅ Booked · paid (Booking.com 3274634184726966819 / PIN 106856) • CAD 592.20 non-refundable • Double Room with Balcony and Sea View • check-in window 2:00–10:00 PM • breakfast available CAD 21/pp (not included).
Evening
Easy hotel dinner / Gümüslük waterfront walk
Light night after travel. Welcome-to-Turkey raki.
Bodrum beach day
Day 7 — Monday, June 8

Gümüslük village + sunset

🏊 Swim, walk, Rabbit Island • Slow village day
☀️ 84/66°F • Mainly clear, 0% precip • Sea ~70°F — perfect village day
Morning
Breakfast (Liman or village café)
Liman breakfast is CAD 21/pp; village cafés are an easy alternative.
Gümüslük village day2 photos
Day
Gümüslük village — swim, walk, eat
Swim from the rocks, walk to Rabbit Island at low tide, lunch at a waterfront spot, browse local craft shops. Easy village wander.
Late afternoon
Hotel time, freshen up
Mimoza sunset4 photos
8:00 PM
Sunset dinner — Mimoza (Gümüslük waterfront)
THE Gümüşlük sunset spot — tables at water's edge. Sea-to-table fish, mezedes, Aegean wine (~€80–120 pp). Book 2+ weeks ahead — Instagram DM or Liman can call in Turkish. Request a waterfront table for sunset. Alt: Limon (hillside). For a Bodrum-town alt: Orfoz high-end seafood (~30 min taxi, book ahead).
Mimoza ⭐Limon (hillside)Orfoz (Bodrum town)
Bodrum peninsula coast
Day 8 — Tuesday, June 9

Gümüslük → Cape Bodrum (Gundogan)

🚄 Cross-peninsula transfer • Settle into the resort
🤔 Lock Ephesus vs boat day for tomorrow
Decision day: Lock Ephesus vs boat day for Jun 10 today so Cape Bodrum can book the driver or charter. Ephesus = headline experience but long (6 hr drive + 3 hr walking). Boat day around Orak Island = quieter, more restorative birthday.
Morning
Breakfast at Liman, pack
11:00 AM
Check out Liman by 12:00 PM
Late morning
Transfer Gümüslük → Gundogan
Cross-peninsula taxi/driver, ~45 min. Pre-arrange via Liman or use a local taxi.
~1:00 PM
Lunch (en route or at Cape Bodrum)
Cape Bodrum area2 photos
3:00 PM
Check in at Cape Bodrum Luxury Hotel & Beach
Gundogan Mah., Bodrum 48965 • ✅ Booked · paid (Agoda 1009208554) • USD $1,482.52 non-refundable • Deluxe Room Sea View • breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness, express check-in included.
Afternoon
Pool / beach / unpack
Evening
Cape Bodrum hotel dinner or short trip into Gundogan / Türkbükü
Easy night, then early bed if doing Ephesus tomorrow.
Library of Celsus, Ephesus
Day 9 — Wednesday, June 10

Tracy's birthday — Ephesus or boat day

🎂 Tracy's Birthday • The trip anchor
🏛️ Pick one big option • Birthday dinner at Cape Bodrum
🎂 Two options — pick one (lock by Jun 9):
  • Option A — Ephesus: Private driver from Cape Bodrum (~3 hr each way), full tour of the ancient city, Selçuk lunch. The headline once-in-a-lifetime visit, but long and hot.
  • Option B — Boat day around Orak Island: Private charter from a nearby pier, swim coves, lunch onboard, Aegean wine. Quieter, more restorative birthday vibe.
Either way: birthday dinner at Cape Bodrum hotel restaurant — mention the birthday for dessert / candle / champagne touches.
Morning
Breakfast at Cape Bodrum (included)
Gift moment in the morning or save for dinner.
Ephesus ancient city3 photos
Option A · 7:30 AM
Private driver Cape Bodrum → Ephesus
~3 hr drive each way (250 km north, near Selçuk). Champagne en route. 📋 Book via Cape Bodrum concierge • ~€200–300 round trip. Tour Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Curetes Street, Temple of Hadrian. Optional Terrace Houses (extra ticket ~$8 pp). Entry ~$15 pp; on-site guide €60–120 optional. Sun hats, water (1L+ each), good walking shoes. Do NOT self-drive after the day's heat.
Boat day around Orak Island3 photos
Option B · 9:00 AM
Private boat charter around Orak Island
Pickup from a nearby pier. Swim stops at hidden coves, Aegean wine / raki onboard, lunch prepared by skipper (fresh fish, salads). 📋 Book via Cape Bodrum concierge • ~€350–600 half/full day private.
Late afternoon
Back at Cape Bodrum — shower & change
8:30 PM
🎂 Birthday dinner — Cape Bodrum hotel restaurant
Quiet, romantic, room nearby — intentionally low-effort after a long day. Mention the birthday at booking — hotel restaurants typically do dessert / candle / champagne touches. Alt: drive into Gundogan / Türkbükü or back to Mimoza (Gümüslük, ~45 min) if doing the boat day. 📋 Pre-book via Cape Bodrum concierge.
Bodrum town & marina
Day 10 — Thursday, June 11

Bodrum town + castle + beach club

🏰 Cultural morning • Beach-club afternoon
🍽️ Last great Bodrum dinner
Bodrum Castle1 photo
Morning
Bodrum Castle + Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Castle of St. Peter on the harbor (~€10 pp). Inside: Museum of Underwater Archaeology (~€15 pp) — Bronze Age shipwrecks, recovered glass + pottery. Wander old town / bazaar.
Lunch
Casual fish at Bodrum harbor
Maçakızı beach club4 photos
Afternoon
Beach club — Maçakızı (Türkbükü)
Sunbed entry ~€30–50 pp, ~15–25 min from Cape Bodrum in Gundogan. Or stay at Cape Bodrum's own beach — simpler.
Evening
Pack for tomorrow's Istanbul flight
8:00 PM
Final Bodrum dinner
Pick: Kısmet (Bodrum town classic), Nazik Ana (traditional Turkish, often locals' pick), or Cape Bodrum restaurant if tired.
KısmetNazik AnaCape Bodrum restaurant
Istanbul Karaköy / Galata
Day 11 — Friday, June 12

Bodrum → Istanbul ✈️

✅ AJet VF3101 • 13:50 → 15:10 BJV → SAW • PNR 4886B2
🏙️ One night at Casa Foscolo (Karaköy / Galata)
✅ AJet VF3101 booked (2026-05-30) — Premium fare, seats 2E + 2F:
  • Premium over basic Eco (+~$67): 25 kg checked bag each, free pre-assigned seats together (2E + 2F), complimentary sandwich, better change/refund flex. For a 2-week trip with Loire shopping, the checked bag alone justifies it.
  • AJet over Pegasus: even at Premium, AJet beats Pegasus's $69 Eco once you add bag fees (Pegasus basic allows only one 40×30×20 cm bag, no personal item, no checked bag).
  • SAW over IST (~$130 cheaper than Turkish Airlines mainline): €15 transfer premium (€90 SAW vs €75 IST) is the only downside. Jun 13 IST departure unaffected.
⚠️ Tomorrow's 5 AM transfer to IST: Pre-book Casa Foscolo → IST (€75 via hotel, ~50–60 min) tonight for the 7:50 AM UA flight.
Morning
Slow Cape Bodrum breakfast, pack, check out by 12:00 PM
12:30 PM
Pre-arranged transfer to BJV
~30 min from Gundogan.
13:50
Depart BJV — AJet VF3101 (op. Turkish Airlines), nonstop to SAW
1h 20m • ✅ Booked · PNR 4886B2 • 5,907.02 TRY (~$148) for 2 pax • PREMIUM / P class • Seats 2E (Jackson) + 2F (Tracy) • 25 kg checked bag + 55×40×23 cm cabin each • Tickets 2042455261279 + 2042455261280.
15:10
Land SAW (Sabiha Gökçen, Asian side)
~16:45
Arrive Casa Foscolo (Karaköy)
Hotel transfer ~1h–1h15 across the Bosphorus, €90 via Casa Foscolo (max 4 pax). WhatsApp +90 533 577 37 37 with AJet VF3101 / PNR 4886B2 / land SAW 15:10 + vehicle choice.
Casa Foscolo4 photos
Evening
Check in at Casa Foscolo Hotel
Design Hotels / Marriott member • General Yazgan Sokak 12, Asmalı Mescit, Beyoğlu • ✅ Booked · Marriott conf 94368158 • Deluxe French Balcony, 1 King + sofa bed • credit card guarantee. Hotel offers an optional private city tour for €190 + museum tickets.
8:30 PM
Dinner — Karaköy or Galata
If timing allows after flight + transfer. Mikla rooftop is the splurge (book ahead). Karaköy Lokantası is the reliable walk-in. Optional pre-dinner: Galata Tower at sunset (~8:30 PM in mid-June, ~€20 pp lift).
Mikla ⭐ (rooftop)Karaköy LokantasıKarabatakRefik (Galata)
Home
Day 12 — Saturday, June 13

Istanbul → Home (same day)

⌛ UA 6915 + UA 949 • IST → LHR → SFO
🏠 Land SFO 4:05 PM — gain a day flying west
⚠️ 5 AM cross-Istanbul transfer: Flight departs IST (European side), NOT SAW where we landed yesterday. Need to be at IST ~6:00 AM (1h 50m before international departure). Pre-booked car Karaköy → IST at 5:00 AM — ~50–60 min in light early-morning traffic.
4:30 AM
Wake, pack final
5:00 AM
Pre-arranged car Karaköy → IST
~50–60 min cross-Istanbul.
6:00 AM
At IST — check in, security, customs
7:50 AM
Depart IST — UA 6915 (operated by Turkish Airlines)
IST → LHR • 4h 0m (incl. timezone) • ✅ Booked · conf O5032C • Star Alliance codeshare on United-marketed ticket — earn United miles.
9:50 AM
Land LHR Terminal 2 — 3h 10m connection
Intra-terminal: UA 949 departs T2 (Star Alliance / United home terminal). No terminal change, no landside re-check, no second security if bags through-checked.
1:00 PM
Depart LHR T2 — UA 949 nonstop SFO
LHR → SFO • ~11h 5m • ✅ Booked • United 777-300ER.
4:05 PM PT
Land SFO — pickup car, drive home
~6:00 PM
Home — Mill Valley
Takeout, early bed. Westbound jetlag is mild — Sunday is recovery.

Flights

5 segments — UA outbound + inter-Europe + Bodrum→Istanbul (open) + UA return via LHR

DateRouteFlightTimesStatusCost (2 pax)
Mon Jun 1SFO → CDGUA990 nonstop2:40 PM PT → 10:25 AM CDG +1✅ Booked · O5032C$1,928 (UA itinerary)
Sun Jun 7ORY → BJVTransavia TO32508:00 AM → 12:35 PM✅ Booked · MH2RQA€370
Fri Jun 12BJV → SAWAJet VF3101 (op. Turkish Airlines)13:50 → 15:10✅ Booked · 4886B2 · Premium, 2E+2F5,907.02 TRY (~$148, 2 pax)
Sat Jun 13IST → LHRUA 6915 (op. Turkish)7:50 AM → 9:50 AM✅ Booked · O5032C(in UA itinerary)
Sat Jun 13LHR → SFOUA 949 nonstop1:00 PM → 4:05 PM PT✅ Booked · O5032C(in UA itinerary)
Cash subtotal (all booked)~$2,476

TGV InOui (both booked 2026-05-30 on sncf-connect.com): Jun 4 TGV InOui 8805, Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 → Angers Saint-Laud, 10:52 → 12:14 — PNR CTEM7B, €116, 1st class • Jun 6 TGV InOui 12492, Angers Saint-Laud → Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2, 11:44 → 13:28 — PNR 4F3EX8, €86, 1st class. Cancellation on both: €19 exchange fee until 30 min before; then exchange once, no refund. Transavia bag flag: existing booking (Smart fare, MH2RQA) allows only 1 × 40×30×20 cm per pax — our 2 carry-ons likely exceed this; add baggage upgrade before Jun 5 check-in. LHR connection: both legs operate from Terminal 2 — intra-terminal. Airside transit at LHR is exempt from UK ETA (Home Office exemption since 2025-01-16). United confirmed 2026-05-31 that bags through-check IST → SFO on the single reservation across Star Alliance partners (our 3h 10m connection is <12 h, not overnight, not domestic onward) — no UK ETA needed. Visas (verified 2026-05-31): None required for the trip for either traveler. France/Schengen visa-free ≤90 days (ETIAS launches Q4 2026, after our trip). UK transit visa-free via airside exemption. Türkiye visa-free for both (Australian ordinary passports became visa-free 2026-04-17 by Türkiye decree, matching the existing US exemption).

Hotels

Six properties across five phases — all booked. Amy's apartment (Haut Marais), Rocaminori (Loire), ibis Orly, Liman Gümüslük, Cape Bodrum (Gundogan), Casa Foscolo Istanbul

DatesPropertyLocationNightsStatusCost (2 pax)
Jun 2–4Amy Gibson's apartmentHaut Marais (3ème) — 11 rue de la Corderie 750032✅ Booked direct · +33 6 50 85 86 95€400 (~$432) paid (Wise)
Jun 4–6Rocaminori HôtelLoire Valley, near Angers2✅ Booked · 5630900259€240.80
Jun 6–7ibis Styles Paris Orly AirportOrly (airport hotel)1✅ Booked · Booking.com 5712163403€125.36
Jun 7–9Liman Hotel Gümüslük (Adults Only)Gümüslük village, western peninsula2✅ Booked · paid · Booking.com 3274634184726966819CAD 592.20
Jun 9–12Cape Bodrum Luxury Hotel & Beach ⭐Gundogan, northern peninsula, 5☆3✅ Booked · paid · Agoda 1009208554USD $1,482.52
Jun 12–13Casa Foscolo HotelKaraköy / Galata, Istanbul1✅ Booked · Marriott 94368158$0 cash
11 nights total — cash subtotal11~$2,742

Bodrum is split: 2 nights Gümüslük (Liman) for village/sunset, then 3 nights Gundogan (Cape Bodrum) for resort/beach mode — this also positions us closer to BJV for the Jun 12 departure. Amy's apartment (Haut Marais) has a full kitchen — option to self-cater breakfasts. Casa Foscolo offers a private Istanbul city tour for €190 + museum tickets, and runs hotel airport transfers at €75 from IST / €90 from SAW.

Budget

Updated 2026-06-01 for the Paris swap (SO/ Paris → Amy's apartment, direct €400; Chase Travel refund). All lodging booked.

Budget Summary

CategoryDetailsEst. Cost
Flights (cash)UA outbound $1,928 + Transavia €370 (~$400) + Bodrum→Istanbul TBD (~$150–300); UA return in UA itinerary~$2,500–2,700
Lodging (cash)Amy's apartment €400 + Rocaminori €240 + ibis €125 + Liman CAD 592 + Cape Bodrum $1,482 (Casa Foscolo on points)~$2,742 booked
Food & DrinkParis bistros + Loire w/ Marianna + Bodrum (Mimoza + Cape Bodrum birthday) + Istanbul$2,480–3,230
ActivitiesD'Orsay/Rodin, Loire tastings, Ephesus driver or Orak boat day, Maçakızı, Galata Tower$795–1,385
Local transportMulti-airport transfers (incl. €75 IST & €75 Casa Foscolo → IST), TGV ×2, cross-peninsula transfer, SFO parking$960–1,100
MisceSIM, tips, souvenirs, travel insurance (Turkey e-visa no longer required as of 2026-04-17 decree)~$790
Buffer (~8%)Cushion for unknowns$900
Estimated Total (cash)~$10,500–12,800

Tracy cash booked so far ≈ $3,508 (was $3,388 before the Paris swap; +$120 net: −$312 SO/ Paris cash refund, +€400 Amy apartment paid via Wise. 92,129 Chase points also refunded.). FX EUR≈1.08, CAD≈0.73. UA outbound + Casa Foscolo excluded from Tracy cash total. Open uncertainty: Bodrum→Istanbul flight cost, Ephesus vs boat day pick (Ephesus driver is generally cheaper than a private Orak charter), TGV pricing depending on lead time. Vs. May 17 plan (~$15,500): down ~$3,000 — the split Bodrum stay (Liman + Cape Bodrum, ~$1,914 paid) comes in well under the Mivara ~$5,000 estimate.

Weather & Packing

Forecast pulled from Open-Meteo 2026-05-31 — cool wet Paris arrival, then improving; Bodrum string is hot/dry/sunny; Istanbul wet at the end

DateLocationHi/LoPrecipConditions
Jun 2 TueParis73/62°F100%⛈️ Thunderstorm w/ hail — wet arrival
Jun 3 WedParis72/57°F13%☁️ Overcast, cool
Jun 4 ThuParis → Angers68/58°F23–55%🌦️ Light showers AM, overcast PM
Jun 5 FriAngers (Loire)68/49°F5%☁️ Cool overcast — good chateau day
Jun 6 SatAngers → Paris68/55°F13%☁️ Overcast, light showers possible
Jun 7 SunORY → Bodrum84/64°F0%☀️ Clear skies on arrival in Bodrum
Jun 8 MonGümüslük84/66°F0%☀️ Mainly clear — ideal village day
Jun 9 TueGundogan79/68°F4%☀️ Clear — ideal transition day
Jun 10 Wed 🎂Cape Bodrum79/66°F6%☀️ Clear — perfect Ephesus / boat day
Jun 11 ThuCape Bodrum78/66°F2%☀️ Clear — ideal beach club day
Jun 12 FriBodrum → Istanbul79/64°F8% / 39%Bodrum clear AM, 🌧️ Istanbul drizzle PM
Jun 13 SatIstanbul → SFO80/63°F31%🌧️ Light rain AM — umbrella for 5 AM transfer

Forecasts beyond ~7 days are less reliable — re-check the Istanbul end of trip closer to Jun 12. Sea temp Bodrum ~70°F (swimmable).

Packing List

  • Paris + Loire (cool, walking)
  • Light jacket / trench for evenings
  • Walking shoes broken in (Marais cobblestones)
  • Smart-casual for Parcelles / Le Bon Georges
  • Compact umbrella
  • Light layer for Loire countryside / chateaux walking
  • Bodrum + Ephesus (hot, beach, ruins)
  • Swim gear × 2 each (always one drying)
  • Sunscreen, after-sun, sun hat
  • Sunglasses (polarized helps on the boat)
  • Tracy: birthday outfit for Cape Bodrum dinner + Mimoza waterfront
  • Good walking shoes for Ephesus (~2 km on uneven stone, sun-exposed)
  • Sandals for the harbor
  • Light scarf / cover for sun
  • Istanbul (one night)
  • One smart outfit for Karaköy / Galata dinner
  • Layer for the early-AM 5 AM transfer
  • Documents & tech
  • Passports (valid through Dec 2026 — verify)
  • Turkey e-visa printout (Jackson) — not required since Türkiye 2026-04-17 decree
  • UA O5032C confirmation + LHR T2 connection notes
  • Sapphire Reserve + backup card
  • EU + Turkey adapters (Type C/F + Type C)
  • Airalo eSIM — France + Turkey plans
  • Chargers + power bank
  • Health & misc
  • Melatonin for outbound flight
  • Sleep mask + earplugs
  • Reusable water bottle (1L+ for Ephesus)
  • ~€200–300 in Turkish lira (ATM at BJV airport on arrival)

Pre-Trip Checklist

Locked · To book · Pre-travel — Tracy leading planning

✅ Locked

✅ Booked 2026-05-30

⚠️ Open decisions / actions

📋 Transfers to pre-arrange

📋 Activities & dining to book

📋 Pre-travel logistics

Paris + Loire + Bodrum + Istanbul 2026

Jackson & Tracy • June 1–13, 2026 • 🎂 Tracy's birthday at Cape Bodrum

Last updated May 31, 2026 (weather forecast refresh + visa confirmations)