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Istanbul to Cappadocia - The Essential
6 Days
The ultimate 6-day Turkey experience combining the best of Istanbul and Cappadocia. Explore Istanbul's iconic landmarks, then fly to Cappadocia to discover fairy chimneys, underground cities, and stunning valleys. The perfect introduction to Turkey.
Tour Highlights
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Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia
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Grand Bazaar
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Topkapi Palace & Harem
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Bosphorus Cruise
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Domestic Flights Included
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Göreme Open-Air Museum (UNESCO)
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Red Valley Hiking
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Underground City
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Uchisar Castle
Prices starting from
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1075 Euro per person based on 3* hotel
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1175 Euro per person based on 4* hotel
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1375 Euro per person based on 5* hotel
Prices include
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Return airport pickup and transfers upon arrival and departure both in Istanbul and Cappadocia
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5 night accommodation with breakfast
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4 full day small group tours including guidance, admission fees and lunches excluding beverages.
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2 domestic flight tickets including taxes
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All applicable taxes
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To enhance the local experience, tours in Istanbul are designed as walking tours with public transportation.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Arrival
Arrival in Istanbul. Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Istanbul Old City
We will start the tour with The Blue Mosque which is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. It is renowned for its stunning architecture that blends both Ottoman and Byzantine elements. The mosque is called the “Blue Mosque” because of its interior, which is adorned with over 20,000 handmade ceramic blue tiles. Then we will continue to The Hippodrome of Constantinople which was the social and sporting center of ancient Constantinople. It was primarily used for chariot races, political gatherings, and public events. Later we will visit St. Sophia, known as Hagia Sophia that is one of Istanbul’s most remarkable and historically significant buildings. Originally constructed as a cathedral by Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, it served as the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years and is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Istanbul’s most visited landmarks. Then we will continue to The Basilica Cistern which is an ancient underground water reservoir, known for its impressive size and captivating architecture. The dim lighting, the sound of dripping water, and the reflection of columns on the water create an almost ethereal, haunting atmosphere, making it a popular site for tourists and photographers. It has also appeared in popular culture, including movies like “From Russia with Love” from the James Bond series. After lunch break, our last stop of the tour will be The Grand Bazaar that is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Established in 1461, the bazaar has grown over centuries into a labyrinthine network of shops and alleyways, making it a major center for trade and commerce. It contains over 4,000 shops and 61 streets, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors daily.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Topkapi & Bosphorus
Today we will start the tour with Topkapi Palace which is one of Istanbul’s most historically significant sites, serving as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Our visit also includes Harem section, one of the most famous parts of Topkapi Palace that was the private living quarters of the sultan and his family. Other important sections are The Imperial Treasury that holds a rich collection of treasures,
The Chamber of the Sacred Relics houses a collection of religious artifacts, Gardens and Terraces offering breathtaking views of Istanbul’s waterways. The museum complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and stands as a testament to the grandeur and legacy of the Ottoman Empire. After lunch break, we will take a boat ride through the Bosphorus that is a popular and scenic way to experience the beauty and history of the city from the water. The Bosphorus Strait is a narrow waterway that separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Cruising along the Bosphorus provides breathtaking views of Istanbul’s iconic skyline, historic landmarks, and luxurious waterfront homes. After our cruise, we will continue our visit with Rustem Pasha Mosque which is a hidden gem in Istanbul, renowned for its exquisite Iznik tilework and intricate architecture. The mosque was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who is regarded as one of the greatest architects in history. Our last stop of the tour will be The Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is one of Istanbul’s most vibrant and historical markets. It served as a major center for the trade of spices and other goods coming from the East. The market is renowned for its wide variety of spices, herbs and natural remedies.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Fly to Cappadocia & North Tour
Transfer to the airport. Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Arrival and transfer to Cappadocia. We will start our day with Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is a captivating area in Cappadocia. Unlike many other valleys in the region, it does not contain churches or historical landmarks; instead, it is famous for its natural rock formations that resemble various animals and shapes. This makes it a magical and playful experience, showcasing nature’s artistry and providing a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of Cappadocia’s landscape. Later we continue to Pasabag, also known as Monks Valley, is a notable site in Cappadocia, famous for its extraordinary fairy chimneys with distinctive mushroom-shaped rock formations. These formations are created by the natural erosion of volcanic tuff over thousands of years, shaped by wind and rain. The valley gets its name, from the Christian hermits who sought seclusion there. They carved out small dwellings and chapels inside the fairy chimneys to live and pray in peace. Afterwards we will arrive Avanos which is a charming town in Cappadocia situated along the Kızılırmak River, which is the longest river in the country. The town is particularly known for its rich history, traditional pottery, and scenic beauty. Avanos has been a center for pottery-making since the Hittite period (over 3,000 years ago). This craft is deeply rooted in the culture of the town, with skills passed down through generations. Visitors can explore workshops where artisans demonstrate the art of pottery-making. After our lunch break, our final stop of the tour will be The Göreme Open-Air Museum which is one of the most visited and significant attractions in Cappadocia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, it showcases the region’s rich history, incredible rock-cut architecture, and well-preserved frescoes from early Christianity. The museum is famous for its rock-carved churches, monasteries, and chapels dating back to the 10th–12th centuries. The frescoes are among the best-preserved in Cappadocia and feature vibrant colors and detailed religious iconography.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
South Cappadocia Tour
We will start our day with Red Valley which is a breath-taking natural wonder known for its striking rock formations, vibrant hues, and panoramic views. It is famous for its scenic hiking trails that meander through vineyards, ancient caves, and rock-carved churches. The unique color palette of Red Valley is due to the iron oxide in the volcanic rock, which gives it its signature reddish hue. We will hike in this valley and reach Cavusin Village. Cavusin is a historic village, known for its fascinating blend of ancient rock dwellings, religious sites, and picturesque views. The eroded facades and collapsed structures add a dramatic touch to the village’s silhouette. From the high points in Cavusin, you can enjoy stunning views of Cappadocian landscapes. Cavusin was once an important center for Christian communities during the Byzantine era. After lunch break, we continue our to Ozkonak Underground City which is an ancient underground city that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area’s inhabitants, who built these subterranean complexes for protection from invaders. The city has a sophisticated system of tunnels, rooms, ventilation shafts, and even wineries. It is less visited compared to other underground cities, but it is one of the most well-preserved. Later we continue to Pigeon Valley which is one of the most beautiful and iconic valleys in Cappadocia. Named after the pigeons that once inhabited the area, this valley is famous for its dramatic landscapes, rock formations and ancient pigeon houses. Our last stop will be Uchisar which is a charming town, situated at the highest point in Cappadocia, known for its natural rock formations, historic castle, and stunning panoramic views. The Uchisar Castle is the town’s most prominent landmark. This natural rock formation has been used as a fortress for centuries, providing sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys and Mount Erciyes.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Departure
Transfer to the airport. Flight back to Istanbul. Departure and End of our services.
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