Istanbul and Cappadocia: From Minarets to Fairy Chimneys

Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel. You will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours.

*Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport, at least 14 days prior to your departure.

Overnight: Istanbul

Included Meals: None

Meet your guide at the lobby and begin your journey at the historic Hippodrome, home to the Obelisk of Theodosius and Serpent Column, iconic remnants of Byzantine history. Visit the stunning Blue Mosque, renowned for its domes, intricate tilework, and towering minarets. Continue to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century masterpiece with intricate mosaics and a soaring dome. End your adventure at the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir with a mysterious, illuminated atmosphere.

Overnight: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Set sail on the legendary Bosphorus Strait, a waterway that has shaped Istanbul’s identity for centuries. As you glide between two continents, Europe and Asia, immerse yourself in the captivating scenery of iconic palaces, historic fortresses, and quaint fishing villages. Proceed to the Egyptian Bazaar. The scents of exotic spices and the vibrant colours of local delicacies beckon you to the Spice Market.

In the afternoon, head over to Kadıköy, one of Istanbul’s best-kept secrets on the Asian side. This lively neighbourhood is a paradise for food lovers and those looking to explore off the beaten path. Wander through colourful markets, soak in the local vibe, and taste your way through street food favourites like stuffed mussels, kokoreç, beyran soup and lahmacun. Sip on traditional drinks like ayran and şalgam, then wrap up your culinary journey with a sweet finish—Turkish baklava and dondurma (ice cream) & turkish coffee.

Overnight: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast, Street Food Lunch

Take an early morning flight to Cappadocia today and start your adventure upon arrival.

Start your day visiting Devrent Valley, also known as "Imagination Valley", this is the most surreal-looking landscape. Your next stop will be Pashabag called also the Monks Valley because Christian monks chose to locate hermit cells and churches in these three-headed pinnacles symbolic of the Holy Trinity.

Proceed to Avanos (Vanessa) the pottery centre of Cappadocia, this village is set on the banks of the Kizilirmak/Red River. The river gets its name from the red clay it deposits. You can watch the potters at work using kick wheels, the technique which has remained unchanged for generations.

Continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum - the world´s most important Byzantine cave churches are found in these once remote valleys where monks and nuns pursued monastic life from the 3rd century on. Here you can see the best-preserved Byzantine cave wall paintings and frescos from the Iconoclastic period through to the end of Seljuk rule.

With a spectacular view over Goreme from Esentepe see the complete view of Goreme valley and Goreme village: fairy chimneys, rock formations, and cave houses. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Cappadocia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Optional: For the early birds, today is great to experience the Hot Air Balloon flight over the magical lands of Cappadocia.

You will be picked up from your hotel and start the day with a walk-in Red Valley, famous for its rocks, capes, local culture, and historical sights. Depending on the season, you may see local people ploughing their gardens or harvesting their crops. This walk normally takes 2 - 3 hours. At the end of your walk, you will reach Cavusin Village. Here a spectacular rock castle that once housed everyone in the village is awaiting you. Climbing up on the top of the castle you can see the ruins of Saint John the Baptists, a very large Byzantine church. Walk around the castle and visit some of the homes that were lived in until recently.

Continue driving to Kaymakli Underground City, one of the best-preserved and most visited Underground Cities in Cappadocia. This city is approximately 40m deep. It contains all the usual rooms found in an underground city (stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches, wineries, etc.). Continue to Pigeon Valley, a spectacular view of old abandoned cave homes and old Greek houses of Uchisar. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Cappadocia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today morning is free and yours to explore the beautiful Cappadocia. You’ll be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul.

Overnight: Istanbul

Included Meals: Breakfast

There are no scheduled activities today. You can enjoy free time until your departure. Optional airport transfers are available upon request (not included in the tour price).

Overnight: None

Included Meals: Breakfast