Istanbul and Cappadocia:
5 Nights / 6 Days

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, meet at the tour guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in Istanbul.

Day 2: Istanbul – Day Tour: Full day Istanbul old town tour

After breakfast at the hotel, we will explore the wonderful places of the old city of Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia. We visit the Blue Mosque with its six elegant minarets and the famous Iznik tiles, the Hippodrome, the ancient Roman arena for chariot racing, and the Grand Bazaar with its more than 4,000 shops. Then visit Topkapi Palace, which was the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. We visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace has an unparalleled collection of jewels including the Spoonmakers Diamond, the third largest diamond in the world, Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, in particular one of the finest collections of early Chinese pottery in the world, mostly gifts from China. We also visit the Imperial Armory where Ottoman weapons spanning centuries are on display. But perhaps Topkapi Palace’s most beautiful features are its courtyards lined with mature trees, and it’s easy to imagine the sultan strolling here, far from the worries of state and empire. We then drive to Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest and most magnificent of the imperial mosques in Istanbul. Dating back to the 16th century of the Ottoman Empire, it was designed by Sinan, the best architect of his time and creator of the classic style of Ottoman architecture. Finally, we visit the Hagia Sophia* museum and the Church of Divine Wisdom. After the tour we return to your hotel where you have the night at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

* Haghia Sophia Museum is closed on Mondays and is replaced by St Sauveur Chora Church.

Day 3: Istanbul – Cappadocia (Domestic flight: Istanbul to Cappadocia)

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the 17th-century Egyptian Spice Bazaar* and embark on an unforgettable cruise on the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that separates Europe from Asia. Surrounded by forested hills, it is surrounded by mosques, castles, 19th-century mansions, quaint villages and the flamboyant Baroque haunts of the last Ottoman sultans. Our tour ends with a drive across the Bosphorus from Istanbul to visit the Rumeli Fortress built by Mehmed the Conqueror. After the tour, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

* The Egyptian Spice Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

Day 4: Cappadocia

After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a full day tour to Cappadocia, Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy chimneys, Zelve Open Air Museum with three gorges in the valley, Pasabag (Valley of the Monks). Avanos, the stunning Goreme Valley and Open Air Museum where the remains of churches and early Christian dwellings carved into the rock date back thousands of years. After the tour we return to  hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5: Cappadocia – Istanbul (Domestic flight: Cappadocia to Istanbul)

After breakfast we explore the famous rock churches on a hike through the rosental. Rest in Cavusin, an ancient Greek city known for its Christian houses and churches. After lunch, visit Ortahisar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle, where storage caves can also be seen. In the afternoon we visit the underground city where the early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back we visit the picturesque Pigeon Valley, where pigeons contributed to the life of the locals with their droppings to fertilize the vineyards. You might also want to taste Cappadocia wine at a local winery. After the tour, you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, we will transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 6: Return flight

After breakfast transfer to the airport.