ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, a city also formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, and a metropolis where East meets West, creating a captivating mosaic of diverse influences. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your selected hotel. Afternoon at leisure, perfect for a relaxing walk or a chance to savor a gourmet dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 2
Full-Day Private Istanbul Tour
After breakfast, you will meet your guide and start a tour that will show you the most spectacular and historically significant sites in Istanbul. You will start with the Hippodrome and the remains of the giant arena that functioned as the site for sporting events and political activities of the old city in the Roman and Byzantine eras. From there, you will head to the Blue Mosque. Just opposite St. Sophia, this exquisite mosque built in the name of Sultan Ahmet is famous for its blue Iznik (Nicean) tiles and is unique for having six minarets. You will also explore St. Sophia (the Church of Divine Wisdom) one of the greatest marvels of architecture. You will then continue to the Topkapi Palace, the former location of the Imperial offices and residence of Ottoman Sultans and now a magnificent museum exhibiting the imperial treasury, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy, and countless other artifacts. Your last stop for the day will be the Grand Bazaar, a historical shopping center that ranks as the biggest souk in the world, with nearly 4000 shops featuring antiques, gold, carpets, and leatherwear.
DAY 3
Half-day Tour of Istanbul with Basilica Cistern, Spice Market, and Bosphorus Cruise
Today’s tour will let you explore some exquisite sites of Istanbul such as the Basilica Cistern, and the vibrant spice market, while your city experience will be perfectly completed with a relaxing Bosphorus tour. You will start with the exploration of Basilica Cistern constructed in 532 AD built by Justinian to hold the water supply for the Great Palace. Inside, you will be enchanted by a mesmerizing forest of 336 exquisite columns, among which are two columns adorned with the captivating heads of Medusa at their bases. Next, you will venture into the Spice Market, a bustling bazaar that has been a spice and herb haven for centuries. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, fragrant aromas, and lively energy of traders haggling over exotic spices, teas, and Turkish delights. Cap off your half-day adventure with a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus. Glide past historical landmarks, grand palaces, and quaint fishing villages that line the shores.
DAY 4
Istanbul to Cappadocia
After breakfast and check-out, you will meet your driver and head to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Once you arrive, you will once again be met by your driver and start your journey to the selected hotel in Cappadocia. Afternoon and evening at leisure to soak up the views, local culture, and mouthwatering cuisine.
DAY 5
Cappadocia tour with Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you are searching for the ultimate views of Goreme and the fairy chimneys, you can opt for a hot air Balloon ride. Optional Hot-Air Balloon flight. Your journey begins in the quiet pre-dawn hours, where the anticipation builds as you witness the inflation of the vibrant hot air balloons against the dark Cappadocian sky. Once you are in the air, you’ll be treated to an unparalleled bird's-eye view of Cappadocia's iconic fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations so get your camera ready!
After a few hours of rest, you will meet your guide at the hotel and continue your exploration of Cappadocia, but this time from ground level. visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that unfolds like an ancient open-air gallery. Explore the intricately carved rock-cut churches and monasteries that date back to the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries. Marvel at the vibrant frescoes that adorn the interiors, depicting scenes from the Bible and providing a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious history of Cappadocia. From the historical marvels of the Goreme Open Air Museum, you will continue to the breathtaking landscapes of the Red Valley. Wander through the unique rock formations, chimneys, and fairy-tale-like landscapes that characterize this region.
DAY 6
Kaymakli Underground-Uchisar & Home Cooking
Today, you will descend into the depths of Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean complex crafted by early Christians to evade invaders, featuring living quarters, kitchens, and ventilation shafts across five levels. Conclude your day at a traditional stone house adorned with arched ceilings, Turkish textiles, and Cappadocia rugs. Prepare, cook, and savor an organic Turkish meal made from fresh ingredients, including eggs from house-grown chickens, honey from the beehives, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices grown in the garden. Embrace the essence of Cappadocian village life and Turkish culture.
DAY 7
Departure
After breakfast, you will meet your driver and head to Cappadocia airport and catch your flight to Istanbul from where you will then take your flight back home.
