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Istanbul & Cappadocia

5 days

Explore two of Turkey's main attractions on this 5-day tour of Istanbul and Cappadocia. Enjoy guided sightseeing of highlights including the famous Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Baazar. Then fly to Cappadocia to take in some of the region's spectacular cave cities, rock-cut churches, and castles. Explore the Kaymakli Underground City, Goreme, and Ortahisar before returning to Istanbul.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Tour Overview

Duration

5 days

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Istanbul

Range

Private

Tour Guide

Local guides for sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 14

Minimum age

5 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Any day of the year

Hotel Rating

4 or 5 star

Countries

Turkey

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 4, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 1
Per person from
€1,815.00
Total From
€3,630.00
Deposit From
Final payment
€1,090.00
€3,085.00

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Tour Highlights

Istanbul - Take in the highlights of the city on a guided tour, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome
Grand Bazaar - Practice your haggling skills in one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets
Cappadocia - See the amazing rock formations of the Devrent Valley and the rock-cut churches of Goreme
Derinkuyu Underground City - Explore this ncredible subterranean network, carved deep into the earth and featuring an intricate system of dwellings, stables, cellars, churches, and wineries

Included

4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 1 dinner
4 nights 4-star hotels
2 internal flights (Istanbul - Kayseri & Kayseri - Istanbul)
Private airport transfers on days 1, 3, 4 and 5
Shared sightseeing in Istanbul and Cappadocia (with others in max group of 14 passengers. Private guide is available for a supplement)
English-speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide for all included sightseeing
Transportation for sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities including a Bosphorus dinner cruise and Cappadocia hot air balloon ride

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Turkey!

On arrival in Istanbul, you will be collected at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of today is free to settle in or head out and explore independently.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2 - Istanbul city tour

After tucking into a delicious breakfast at the hotel, it's time to head out on a sightseeing tour of incredible Istanbul. Take in highlights of the city including the spectacular exterior of Hagia Sophia, iconic Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace, just one example of the stunning Ottoman architecture to be seen in the city.

After the tour, you'll have a chance to delve into the Grand Bazaar. Practice your haggling skills and soak up the sounds and smells of this incredible market.

The evening is free to head out and explore independently, or you can enjoy an optional cruise and dinner on the Bosphorous Strait, which is the body of water that divides Europe and Asia (book and pay locally).

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Fly to Cappadocia

Istanbul - Kayseri - Cappadocia. Say goodbye to Istanbul as you are transferred to the airport for your included flight to Kayseri in central Turkey. From here you will be transported to Cappadocia, the land of subterranean cave cities and rock castles.

Our first stop in this remarkable region will be the Devrent Valley, which is often called the Imaginary Valley because thousands of years of erosion mean that many of the rock formations here look like animals - keep your eyes out for the camel, alligator, and dolphin! You'll also see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles at Pasabagi (Monk's Valley). After visiting Pasabagi, drive to Avanos which is known for pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay used by the local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey.

After lunch, visit the incredible open-air museum at Goreme, where you will explore some of the centuries-old rock-cut cave churches and other settlements. Following this visit, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Cave cities and rock castles

Cappadocia - Kayseri - Istanbul. This morning there's the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail serenely over Cappadocia on an optional hot air balloon ride (book and pay locally).

Later, enjoy a scenic hike through the Ihlara Valley, a stunning landscape shaped by the volcanic activity of Mt. Hasan. The valley, nourished by the meandering Melendiz River near Belisirma, offers a serene and picturesque trail. Continue to Selime to explore its remarkable hollowed-out citadel and ancient churches, where fairy chimneys gracefully dot the steep hillsides. Also, visit Yaprakhisar village, a perfect spot to capture memorable photos of this enchanting region.

The journey also includes stops at the picturesque Pigeon Valley and the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City. This remarkable subterranean complex features dwellings, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches, and even wineries. Once used as a refuge by Christian communities, it offers a glimpse into a unique and resilient way of life.

Afterwards, here's a transfer to the airport for your included flight back to Istanbul.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Istanbul

Today your touring arrangements come to an end after breakfast. There's an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour when booking 4 star. For the frequently used 5 star hotels, please refer to the 5 star Trip Notes. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Kent Hotel
Istanbul

The charming Kent Hotel is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Dilek Kaya
Cappadocia

Set in a restored old house, the Dilek Kaya offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful setting. Rooms are spacious with original stone walls and en suite facilities. The hotel also sports an outdoor pool and complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests to enjoy. There is also an impressive Spa and Health Club onsite which includes Turkidh Bath, Sauna, Steam Room and Fitness Room.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
Mid-range Boutique Hotel

Accommodation Standard

4 Star

Prices & Dates

'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. Please note that guided sightseeing is on a shared basis, if you wish to upgrade to private sightseeing this can be arranged for a supplement.

Departs daily, subject to availability. When choosing your travel dates please bear in mind that Hagia Sofia is closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

2024
Twin/Double
24 Nov - 28 Nov
€1,815
25 Nov - 29 Nov
€1,815
26 Nov - 30 Nov
€1,815
27 Nov - 1 Dec
€1,815
28 Nov - 2 Dec
€1,815
29 Nov - 3 Dec
€1,815
30 Nov - 4 Dec
€1,815
1 Dec - 5 Dec
€1,815
2025
Twin/Double
1 Jan - 5 Jan
€1,815
2 Jan - 6 Jan
€1,815
3 Jan - 7 Jan
€1,815
4 Jan - 8 Jan
€1,815
5 Jan - 9 Jan
€1,815
6 Jan - 10 Jan
€1,815
7 Jan - 11 Jan
€1,815
8 Jan - 12 Jan
€1,815
2026
Twin/Double
1 Jan - 5 Jan
€1,815

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