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 to the airport meeting point.
Bosphorus - 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 and depart 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. Wander through the outer-terraced gardens and take in the view over the Golden Horn.
Hagia Sophia Mosque - Continue to Hagia Sophia, a significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul, later 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.
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 by blue lights. 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 handcraft shops selling everything from handmade carpets to Turkish coffee, the atmosphere is vibrant, and it’s a great place to practice your bargaining skills.
Istanbul - At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel in Istanbul.
Walking Tour at Eminonu District - Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia - Accommodation at Cappadocia
Eminonu Square - We will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 8:30 AM and depart for a walking tour of the historical sites around Eminonu Square. Enjoy the market area, the lively city atmosphere, historic buildings, a walk by the sea, watching the ferries, and relaxing at the various restaurants and cafes around Eminonu Square.
Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Located in Fatih, the spice market is also known as the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) because Egyptian exports were sold there during the Ottoman period. The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia that connects the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. Look out for the Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus, as well as magnificent Ottoman palaces and mosques along the strait.
Rustem Pasha Mosque - Rustem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii) is a hidden gem, often described as a miniature Blue Mosque without the crowds. Though tricky to find, its stunning interior makes it worth the effort, offering a peaceful oasis in a bustling area.
Galata Koprusu - The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul. Since the late 19th century, the bridge has been featured in Turkish literature, theater, poetry, and novels. * There will be no visit to this bridge; you will pass by without stopping.
Eminonu Pier - Eminönü Pier is located along the Golden Horn on either side of the Galata Bridge in the Eminönü neighborhood of Istanbul. * There will be no visit to this pier; you will pass by without stopping.
Istanbul - At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel in Istanbul and then transferred to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
Cappadocia - Upon your 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 signboard with your name on it.
Hot Air Balloon Ride (Included) - Camel Safari (Included) - Accommodation at Cappadocia
Cappadocia Tours & Hot Air Balloons - Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED): Prepare for a unique experience 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 for your flight. The flight will take place at sunrise, with the pilot ascending to an altitude of about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. From this height, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of Cappadocia below. During certain parts of the flight, the pilot may fly as low as 1 meter above the rock formations, providing perfect photo opportunities. The total activity lasts approximately 3 hours, with the flight itself lasting about 60 minutes. A champagne celebration will follow the flight, and you will receive a medal as a souvenir of this magnificent experience. Afterwards, we will drop you back at your hotel.
Rose Valley - Camel Safari (INCLUDED): After picking you up from your hotel, join your guides for a safety briefing. Get acquainted with your camel and begin the safari journey. Admire the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia as you ride through the Red and Rose Valleys. Enhance your experience by wearing traditional clothing, available for you during 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 Guided Tour - Flight Back to Istanbul
Urgup - We will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 9:30 AM and depart for the Red Tour of Cappadocia. Meet the most famous family of fairy chimneys: Three beauties, the official symbol of both Urgup and Cappadocia.
Goreme Open-Air Museum - Visit 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 (300 ft) rock-castle in the center, known as Sivrikoya by locals. It is an extraordinary example of the region’s rock-cut architecture and served as a refuge from attackers during Byzantine times. You will see this rock-cut architecture during a panoramic visit.
Uchisar Castle - Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks in Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area, offering beautiful views of the surrounding valley filled with bizarre rock formations. (There will be no visit to the rock castle due to walking difficulties and safety risks. You will stop for a panoramic view of the rock castle and Cappadocia from the castle region.)
Goreme - Enjoy lunch at a Turkish Kebab Restaurant in Goreme. Vegetarian meals are also available at the same restaurant.
Çavuşin - Cavusin is a small, charming town in Cappadocia, often overlooked by tourists. It features a beautiful castle carved into a mountain, with surrounding houses also known as the old village.
Avanos Oren Yeri - Avanos is a popular destination known for its attractive old town with cobbled streets and views over the river. The old city of Avanos, historically known as Venessa, overlooks the longest river in Turkey, the Kizilirmak (Red River), which separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. The town 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, this area contains many animal-shaped rocks, mostly in red color. Some of the most common shapes resemble camels.
Fairy Chimneys - Cappadocia is renowned for its unique landforms, with the Fairy Chimneys being the most notable. These formations showcase the harmonious coexistence of human life and nature. On this tour, you will see many examples of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia.
Cappadocia - At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Cappadocia airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Istanbul - Upon your arrival in Istanbul, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul. Please refer to the “Additional Info” section for the timing details of your drop-off/return to Istanbul.
- Arrival and departure airport transfers for domestic and international flights
- Domestic Flights: Istanbul to Cappadocia to Istanbul
- Lunch included
- Day Trip(s): 1 full-day & 1 half-day tour in Istanbul, 1 full-day tour in Cappadocia
- Breakfast included
- Entrance fees for museums, national parks, ruins included
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast
- Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off Services
- Experiences: Hot Air Balloon Ride, Camel Safari
- Dinner & Drinks
Embark on a 4-day journey through Cappadocia and Ephesus. This excursion includes a visit to Ephesus, an ancient seaport with Greco-Roman heritage, and an exploration of Cappadocia’s unique landscapes and dwellings carved into rocks. Additional activities include an ATV Quad Bike Safari and a horse ride through Cappadocia’s picturesque valleys. The package includes 2 nights of cave hotel lodging in Cappadocia and 1 night in Kusadasi, full-day tours of Cappadocia & Ephesus, an ATV Quad Bike Safari, a horse ride, most meals, museum admission fees, transportation, airport transfers, and domestic flights. You may also add a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia for an even more memorable journey.
- Hotel drop-off (return to Istanbul) timing : The departure time of return flight is between 08.00pm and 09.00pm from Cappadocia. That’s meaning, your return flight will be landing Istanbul airport or Istanbul SAW airport between 09.30pm and 10.30pm. After you arrived Istanbul, local tour operator will transfer back you to your hotel in Istanbul. This transfer duration will be approximately one hour.
- The prices of package are valid for accommodation at the double or triple room. If you would like make reservation for single room(s), there could be supplement cost. There are not going to be any extra cost for single / solo travelers. This cost already accounted on price of these travelers.
- The pre-planned hotels are “Hagia Sophia Mansions in Istanbul” - “The Magnaura Palace in Istanbul” - “Zeynep Sultan Hotel in Istanbul” - “Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia” - “1811 Cave Boutique Hotel in Cappadocia” - “Sedirli Konak Boutique Hotel in Cappadocia” for your accommodation on this travel. You can choose any of them while booking. If preferred hotel by you is not available for standard/superior rooms on your travel dates, local tour operator can replace it with an equivalent hotel.
- The check-in time of hotels is 02.00pm, and you can not start use your room before this time. This is about the check-in & check-out policies of hotels. If your arrival flight will be landing to Istanbul-Turkey before that time , you have to add one night more hotel reservation to package, or wait at the reception of your hotel until 02.00pm for check-in to hotel.
- The differences between the package options are about the hotel categories. Tour(s), airport transfer(s) and flight ticket levels will be same for all options.
- The local tour operator will send e-tickets of your domestic flights at six days before your departure date. You will not need print out copies of the tickets for domestic flights. Your passport and reservation number on the tickets will be enough for check-in to plane.
- The local tour operator can request your some passport details for the bookings of your flight tickets.
- You will have 15kg luggage + 8kg hand bag quota per person for each domestic flight. If you will need more luggage capacity, please inform that to local tour operator. There could be some extra fee for luggage quotas more than 15kg. This is exactly about the policies of airline companies.
- If your drop-off hotel is inside of airports (IST and SAW airports) local tour operator do not provide any drop-off service on last day of this trip package.
- Hot air ballooning is a fully weather-dependent activity and the Civil Aviation Authority determines whether the flight will be held. If your flight is cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, you are entitled to a partial refund. In such a case, your refund will be processed by the day after of that trip.
- The Standard Balloon Ride has an One-hour approximately flight duration with 20 to 28 people capacity basket. The flight duration could be 50-55 minutes or 65-70 minutes. This situation depend the weather conditions before landing, and pilots are decide to that within the safety rules of Civil Aviation Authority. Total activity duration is approximately 3 hours.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- This tour is not available for the bookings to children who are 17 years old and under.
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
