Arrival Istanbul, Turkey - Accommodation at Istanbul
Istanbul - Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival in Istanbul, we will be waiting for you at our meeting point to transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul. If you are taking this tour post-cruise, the pick-up point will be Istanbul Galataport (Cruise Port). If you are taking this tour pre-cruise, the pick-up point will be one of Istanbul’s airports.
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 masterpieces 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 - Explore the splendor of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace. Discover the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards that formed a self-contained city, which most inhabitants rarely left. Wander through the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn.
Hagia Sophia Mosque - Continue to Hagia Sophia, the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul, and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of both a mosque and a church standing side by side. Admire the basilica’s magnificent dome and minarets, as well as countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Learn about the impressive İznik tiles added over time, the creation of the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard.
Historic Areas of Istanbul - Enjoy lunch at Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant, a Michelin Guided restaurant in Istanbul, Turkey.
German Fountain - A gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II to the Sultan. Hear the stories of this liaison with the Orient.
Hippodrome - The Hippodrome, built in 203 AD by Roman Emperor Septimus Severus, was a former circus. Three monuments from the original structure remain: the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Constantine Column. Pause to view the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, made from eight marble columns.
Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, a historical mosque located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. The complex includes Ahmed’s tomb, a madrasah, and a hospice. Hand-painted blue tiles adorn the mosque’s interior walls, and at night the mosque is bathed in blue as lights frame its five main domes, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. It sits next to the Hagia Sophia, another popular masterpiece of the city. * 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 electric, 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. Stroll around Eminonu Square, enjoy the market area and lively city atmosphere amidst historic buildings, walk by the sea, watch the ferries, and rest at the various restaurants and cafes around the square.
Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - The spice market, located in Fatih, is known as the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) because, during the Ottoman period, Egyptian exports were sold there. The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia that connects the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. Rumeli and Anadolu Fortresses are located at the narrowest point of the Bosphorus. Keep an eye out for the magnificent Ottoman palaces and mosques along the Bosphorus.
Rustem Pasha Mosque - Rustem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii) is a hidden gem that some describe as a miniature Blue Mosque, without the crowds. It’s a little tricky to find but well worth it – the stunning interior beauty is matched by the feeling of finding a little oasis in a hectic area.
Galata Koprusu - The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn in Istanbul. Since the end of the 19th century, the bridge has 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 sits 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 (Optional) - Cappadocia Guided Tour - Accommodation at Cappadocia
Cappadocia Tours & Hot Air Balloons - Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional - Can be added while booking): Get ready for a wonderful experience unique to 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 be at sunrise, where your pilot will climb to a comfortable altitude of about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. From this elevation, you will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below. During certain segments of the flight, our pilots can fly as low as 1 meter above the rock formations, allowing perfect photo opportunities. The total activity duration is approximately 3 hours, with the flight lasting about 60 minutes. There will be a champagne celebration at the end of the flight, and you will be presented with a medal as a souvenir of this magnificent experience. Afterwards, we will drop you back at your hotel.
Keslik Monastery - We will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 9:30 AM and depart for the southern part of Cappadocia. Keslik Monastery is a sprawling cave monastery complex with two churches, a large refectory hall, a sacred spring, and endless cave rooms. Located in an idyllic garden setting, this is the most expansive monastery in Cappadocia. This site has been used and developed in many ways over the course of 2,000 years. It was a gravesite in pre-Christian Roman times, a large communal monastery during the Byzantine era, and now a tourist site in modern Turkey.
Taşkınpaşa Medresesi - Taskinpasa Madrasah was built during the period of the Karamanogullari Principality. Although the exact date of its construction is unknown, it is estimated to have been completed in the 13th century. The Taskin Pasha Complex consists of the mosque, the madrasa, and the tombs in the mosque’s courtyard.
Sobesos Ancient City - Sobesos Ancient City was discovered by accident in 2002. The city, a mirror of Cappadocia’s history, was unearthed as a result of a 3-year archaeological excavation. The excavations revealed many motifs embroidered on colored stones, especially the floor mosaics with interesting geometric patterns.
Kaymakli Underground City - Kaymakli, one of the major underground cities of Cappadocia, consists of 8 floors. However, as in many underground cities, not all floors are open to tourists. The first floor is designated for animals to easily go out. The corridors connect the churches and other living spaces to the stables. Kaymakli Underground City, with its astounding sections such as warehouses, kitchens, cemeteries, mughouse, and copper processing workshop, still contains hidden underground tunnels that have not been fully revealed.
Mustafapaşa - Mustafapasa Town, one of the untouched destinations of Cappadocia, is a Greek Village formerly known as “Sinasos.” This charming village, a must-see in Cappadocia, is becoming popular for its history 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. The site also features many pigeon houses built by the ancient inhabitants of the region. If you like, you can 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.
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. These are the official symbol of both Urgup and Cappadocia.
Goreme Open-Air Museum - This monastery includes rock-cut churches, kitchens, wineries, storages, and living rooms left from Anatolian Christians. Goreme Open Air Museum is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ortahisar Panorama - The entire town is dominated by the 90-meter-high (300 ft) rock-castle in the center of the town, called Sivrikoya by the inhabitants. It is an extraordinary example of the rock-cut architecture typical of the region and served as a refuge from attackers in Byzantine times. You will see all this rock-cut architecture during a panoramic visit.
Uchisar Castle - Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area with beautiful views of the surrounding valley full of bizarre rock formations. (There will be no visit to the rock castle due to walking difficulties and safety risks. You will have a stop for a panoramic view of this rock castle and Cappadocia from the castle region.)
Goreme - You will have 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 passed by tourists. It features a beautiful castle carved into a mountain. The castle and surrounding houses are also called the old village.
Avanos Oren Yeri - Avanos is a popular destination due to its attractive old town with cobbled streets and views over the river. The old city of Avanos, known in ancient times as Venessa, overlooks the longest river in Turkey, the Kizilirmak (Red River), which also separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. The most famous historical feature of Avanos, still relevant and visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery, the town’s main economic activity. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date 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 frequent shapes resemble camels.
Fairy Chimneys - Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most obvious places to visit to see these landforms and the common life of humankind 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 drop-off point. If you are taking this tour post-cruise, the drop-off point will be your hotel in Istanbul center. If you are taking this tour pre-cruise, the drop-off point will be Istanbul Galataport (Cruise Port). Please check the “Additional Info” section for the timing details of drop-off/return to Istanbul for this tour.
- Round-trip domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia
- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast
- Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia (optional add-on)
- Professional tour guides fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese
- Lunch during tours
- All entrance fees for museums, national parks, and ruins as per itinerary
- Complimentary pick-up & drop-off service in Istanbul and Cappadocia
- Transfers between Istanbul airports and Galataport
- Excursions: 1 full-day & 1 half-day in Istanbul, 2 full-day in Cappadocia
- Dinner & Drinks
- Entrance fees of the museums (Your guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line.)
Explore UNESCO Sites of Turkey with this three-days customized travel package from/to Istanbul by plane. Visit the Goreme open-air museum, rock churches, unique landscape and rock-cut houses of Cappadocia. And then flight to Aegean coast of Turkey for visit to Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis with an expert local guide in a small-group tour. For an even more unforgettable experience, wake up early for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia (optional).
- 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 you to your drop-opff point. If you will do this tour post-cruise, the drop-off point will be your hotel in Istanbul center for this transfer. If you will do this tour pre-cruise, the drop-off point will be Istanbul Galataport (Cruise Port) for this transfer.
- 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 pick-up or drop-off hotel is inside of airports (IST and SAW airports) local tour operator do not provide any pick-up / drop-off service on 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. Your refund rate will be the difference between options of “included balloon ride” and “excluded balloon ride” for the cancellations of the hot air balloon ride.
- 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.
- The children who 5 years old and under are not allowed to balloon tours.
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, local tour operator can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.
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.
