Arrival Istanbul, Turkey - Accommodation at Istanbul

Istanbul - Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival in Istanbul, we will be waiting for you at our designated meeting point to transfer you from the airport to your hotel in Istanbul. Please refer to the “Additional Info” section for directions on where to meet us at the airport.

Bosphorus Strait - The Bosphorus, also known as the Strait of Istanbul, stretches for about twenty miles and is a narrow, natural strait of international significance. During your trip with us, you will visit the iconic sites along the Strait of Istanbul. Today, you have a free day (no tour). You can explore the Strait of Istanbul on your own or relax at your hotel in Istanbul.

Walking Tour at Sultanahmet District (Old City of Istanbul) - Accommodation at Istanbul

Sultanahmet District - We will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 8:30 AM for a walking tour of the historical sites around the Sultanahmet District (Old City of Istanbul).

Topkapi Palace - Discover the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace. Explore the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards that once formed a self-contained city, rarely left by its inhabitants. Wander through the outer-terraced gardens and enjoy the view over the Golden Horn.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Continue to Hagia Sophia, a significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul, which was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the stunning monument that combines elements of both a mosque and a church. Admire the basilica’s impressive dome, minarets, mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Learn about the İznik tiles, the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the sultans buried in the courtyard.

Historic Areas of Istanbul - Enjoy lunch at Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant, a Michelin Guided restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey.

German Fountain - Hear the stories behind the German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II to the Sultan, and its connection to the Orient.

Hippodrome - Visit the Hippodrome, a former circus built in 203 AD by Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. See the remaining monuments, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column. Pause to view the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, supported by 8 marble columns.

Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, is a historical mosque located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul. The complex includes Ahmed’s tomb, a madrasah, and a hospice. The mosque’s interior walls are adorned with hand-painted blue tiles, and at night, the mosque is illuminated in blue. It sits next to the Hagia Sophia. * There will be no visit to this mosque; you will pass by without stopping.

Grand Bazaar - The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With hundreds of small shops selling everything from handmade carpets to Turkish coffee, it’s a vibrant place to practice your bargaining skills.

Istanbul - At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel in Istanbul.

Flight to Cappadocia - Cappadocia Guided Tour - Accommodation at Cappadocia

Istanbul - Your driver will meet you at your hotel reception and transfer you to the airport for your flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia. The pick-up time will depend on your flight departure time, and the tour operator will inform you separately.

Cappadocia - Upon arrival at Cappadocia airport, you will be met by your driver and driven to your hotel in Cappadocia, approximately 1 hour from the airport. The driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate of the arrival terminal, holding a sign with your name on it.

Keslik Monastery - We will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 9:30 AM for a tour of the southern part of Cappadocia. Keslik Monastery is a vast cave monastery complex with two churches, a large refectory hall, a sacred spring, and numerous cave rooms. Set in an idyllic garden, it is the largest monastery in Cappadocia, with a history spanning 2,000 years. It has served various purposes, from a gravesite in pre-Christian Roman times to a large communal monastery during the Byzantine era, and now a tourist site.

Taşkınpaşa - Taskinpasa Madrasah, built during the Karamanogullari Principality period, is estimated to have been completed in the 13th century. The Taskin Pasha Complex includes a mosque, a madrasa, and tombs in the mosque’s courtyard.

Sobesos Ancient City - Discovered by accident in 2002, Sobesos Ancient City reflects Cappadocia’s history. Excavations revealed many motifs on colored stones, with floor mosaics featuring interesting geometric patterns.

Kaymakli Underground City - Kaymakli, one of Cappadocia’s major underground cities, has 8 floors, though not all are open to tourists. The first floor is designated for animals, with corridors connecting churches and living spaces. The city includes warehouses, kitchens, cemeteries, a mughouse, and a copper processing workshop, with hidden tunnels yet to be fully explored.

Mustafapasa - Mustafapasa Town, formerly known as “Sinasos,” is a Greek village and one of Cappadocia’s must-see destinations. Known for its historical and architectural features, you will have lunch at a traditional restaurant in this unique village.

Pigeon Valley - Located in Uchisar town, Pigeon Valley offers one of the best panoramic views of the region and features many pigeon houses built by ancient inhabitants. You can also visit a popular onyx stone factory in the area.

Cappadocia - At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia.

Hot Air Balloon Ride (Included) - Cappadocia Guided Tour - Accommodation at Cappadocia

Cappadocia Tours & Hot Air Balloons - Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED): Experience a unique adventure in Cappadocia! We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the balloon site, where you can watch the balloon being prepared. The flight will take place at sunrise, with the pilot ascending to about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level, offering breathtaking views of Cappadocia. The pilot may also fly as low as 1 meter above the rock formations for perfect photo opportunities. The total activity lasts approximately 3 hours, with the flight itself lasting about 60 minutes. After the flight, enjoy a champagne celebration and receive a medal as a souvenir. We will then drop you back at your hotel.

Urgup - We will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 9:30 AM for the Red Tour of Cappadocia. Visit the famous fairy chimneys known as the Three Beauties, the official symbol of both Urgup and Cappadocia.

Goreme Open-Air Museum - Explore the monastery, including rock-cut churches, kitchens, wineries, storages, and living rooms left by Anatolian Christians. The Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ortahisar Panorama - The town is dominated by a 90-meter-high rock-castle called Sivrikoya. This rock-cut architecture served as a refuge during Byzantine times. Enjoy a panoramic view of this unique architecture.

Uchisar Castle - Uchisar rock castle is one of Cappadocia’s major landmarks. It is the highest tuff hill in the area, offering beautiful views of the surrounding valley. (There will be no visit to the rock castle due to walking difficulties and safety risks. You will have a panoramic view of the rock castle and Cappadocia from the castle region.)

Goreme - Enjoy lunch at a Turkish Kebab Restaurant in Goreme, with vegetarian options available.

Çavuşin - Cavusin is a charming town in Cappadocia, often overlooked by tourists. It features a beautiful castle carved into a mountain, with surrounding houses known as the old village.

Avanos Oren Yeri - Avanos is known for its attractive old town with cobbled streets and views over the river. The old city of Avanos, formerly known as Venessa, overlooks the Kizilirmak (Red River), Turkey’s longest river. Avanos is famous for its earthenware pottery, a tradition dating back to the Hittites, using ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak.

Devrent Valley - Also known as Imagination Valley, Devrent Valley features many animal-shaped rocks, mostly red in color. Common shapes include camels.

Fairy Chimneys - Cappadocia is renowned for its unique landforms, with the Fairy Chimneys being the most notable. This tour will showcase many examples of these landforms and the interaction between humans and nature.

Cappadocia - At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia Guided Tour - Camel Safari (Included) - Flight Back to Istanbul

Rose Valley - Camel Safari (INCLUDED): After picking you up from your hotel, join your guides for a safety briefing. Meet your camel and start the safari through the Red and Rose Valleys. Enhance your experience by wearing traditional clothing provided for the ride. After the camel trek, we will drop you back at your hotel. Standard Safari Route: Red and Rose Valleys, Zindanonu Valley, Meskenler Valley. ** The route may change if weather conditions are unsuitable on your experience date.

Cappadocia - You will be transferred to Cappadocia airport for your flight back to Istanbul.

Istanbul - Upon arrival in Istanbul, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul.

• 2 nights accommodation with breakfast
• Airport transfers for domestic flights
• Day Trips to Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary, and Cappadocia Red tour
• Included lunch during day trips
• Licensed professional tour guides
• Domestic flights across Istanbul, Izmir, and Cappadocia
• Option to add a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia

• Dinner & Drinks
• Entrance fees of the museums (Your guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line.)