Explore the timeless charm of Turkey with this 6-day tour through Istanbul and Cappadocia. Begin your journey in Istanbul, the city where East meets West, exploring architectural masterpieces like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar and sail between two continents on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise. Fly to the magical land of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings, and stunning rock formations. Discover the artistry of Avanos pottery, the beauty of Devrent Valley, and the history within the Goreme Open-Air Museum. This unforgettable trip blends history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes for a truly magical Turkish experience.

Day 1

Arrive Istanbul

Arrival to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). Transfer to your hotel & Rest of the day will be free at leisure for relax and freshen up. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2

Istanbul

Breakfast at hotel. Tour of “Sultan Ahmet Center”, the heart of the “Old City” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6^th century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest “souk” in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir. Lunch at Local Restaurant. Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program) Sultan Tombs, there are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3

Istanbul

Breakfast at hotel and departure for half day tour of Istanbul. Golden Horn (from the bus), the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of İstanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines and drive along 22 kms. long Byzantine City Walls, strongest fortification of the middle age. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers etc. Bosphorus Cruise (by regular boat for SIC & PVT tours), through the water way separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials and luxurious apartments. Rumeli Fortress (from the boat – no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture. Tour terminates at Taksim Square and come back to hotel on your own.  Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4

Istanbul – Cappadocia

After breakfast at the hotel, check out process and transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your flight back to Cappadocia. Upon arrival to Kayseri Airport (ASR) or Nevsehir Airport (NAV), transfer to your hotel for check in process. Rest of the day will be free at leisure for relax. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5

Cappadocia

Breakfast at the hotel and meet at the hotel lobby in the morning and visit to Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. After visiting Devrent, drive to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch at local restaurant, proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church is excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Thereafter time to take photos in the neighbouring valleys before going back to the hotels. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6

Cappadocia – Istanbul – Home

After breakfast at the hotel, check out process and transfer to Kayseri Airport (ASR) or Nevsehir Airport (NAV) for your flight back to home via Istanbul.