Turkey Cappadocia Highlights Journey

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you have the rest of the day at your leisure to begin exploring the vibrant city of Istanbul at your own pace. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we set off on a guided tour of Istanbul. We begin at Topkapi Palace, the grand residence of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries, home to an impressive collection of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, imperial robes, jewels from the Treasury, miniatures, and the Holy Mantle, which holds relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Next, we visit the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque for its stunning interior adorned with blue Iznik tiles. Opposite the mosque lies the Hippodrome, once the centre of chariot races and public events, featuring three notable monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. After a pleasant lunch break, we head to the Grand Spice Bazaar for some shopping before returning to your hotel. This evening, you may choose to join an optional dinner cruise on the Bosphorus from 19:30 to 23:30, offering dinner with unlimited local drinks, live entertainment including belly dancing, Turkish folklore shows, and a DJ, all while cruising between Europe and Asia. The cruise concludes around midnight with transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we embark on a traditional Bosphorus boat cruise, sailing along the waterway that divides Europe and Asia. The shoreline is dotted with historic wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and fishing villages. From the boat, we admire notable landmarks including Dolmabahce Palace, the imperial pavilions and parks of Yildiz Palace, and the striking marble façade of Ciragan Palace. We pass Ortakoy, a unique area where a church, mosque, and synagogue have stood side by side for centuries, symbolising tolerance. We also see Rumeli Fortress, built in 1452 by Mehmet the Conqueror to control the Bosphorus, regarded as a remarkable example of military architecture. On the Asian shore, we view Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of Ottoman sultans, restored to its original splendour with antique furnishings and gardens, including the Harem. After a lunch break at a Turkish restaurant, we visit the Grand Spice Bazaar, where you can browse a variety of local foods, spices, and souvenirs. Following the tour, we transfer to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Izmir (flight not included). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi, where dinner will be served. Overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel for a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites. We will explore key highlights including the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the Roman baths, Celsus Library and the Grand Theatre. Following a lunch break, we visit a traditional carpet weaving centre, where this age-old craft continues to thrive. Next, we head to the village of Sirince, known for its distinctive Anatolian Greek architecture with original white-painted houses set on a hillside. Sirince is also famous for its fruit wines; here, you will visit local vineyards and learn about the wine-making process from Turkish producers. Later, you will have the chance to test your knowledge of fruit wine production. On the return journey, we stop at a renowned leather workshop offering quality goods at factory prices. This guided tour allows you to enjoy shopping without the usual market pressure, while gaining insight into traditional crafts. We return to your hotel in Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we set off for a full-day tour to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the striking calcium terraces known as the ‘Cotton Castle’ and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. We will walk around this remarkable natural site, and you may choose to relax in the thermal waters of the natural springs. After the tour, we return to the hotel where dinner will be served. For those seeking a unique experience, there is an optional tandem paragliding flight over Pamukkale’s famous white terraces, offering spectacular aerial views of the area’s distinctive landscape. This activity concludes around 17:30, allowing time to return to the hotel and unwind.

After breakfast, we transfer to Izmir Airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia (flight not included). Upon arrival at Kayseri Airport, we will transfer you to your hotel where you can relax and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the unique landscape of Cappadocia. Lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to join an optional Turkish Night Show, held in authentic cave settings. This lively event features traditional Anatolian cuisine, unlimited local drinks, belly dancing, folk performances, a DJ, and warm hospitality, offering a vibrant insight into the region’s cultural heritage. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, we collect you from the hotel and drive to Özkonak Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s best-preserved subterranean settlements. Next, we visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, the region’s cultural heart, renowned for its 10th-century frescoes depicting the life of Jesus Christ and monastic scenes. We then explore Çavuşin, an abandoned village featuring old cave houses built by Greek inhabitants. Lunch is served at a restaurant in Avanos, followed by a visit to a pottery workshop where you can observe traditional pottery-making techniques. Afterwards, we take you to Love Valley, known for its striking natural rock formations. Our tour continues to Devrent Valley, also called Imagination Valley, where the rocks resemble various animals. The final stop is the Three Beauties, a trio of iconic fairy chimneys symbolising Cappadocia. We return to the hotel for dinner. For those interested, an optional hot air balloon flight is available, starting early in the morning before sunrise. This unforgettable experience includes a flight over the fairy chimneys and valleys, a champagne celebration on landing, and a flight certificate. Please confirm with your guide the day before if you wish to join this early morning tour.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Cappadocia to explore at your own pace. Later, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul (not included). Upon arrival, you will connect with your onward journey home. We hope you have had a memorable trip and look forward to welcoming you on another tour in the future.