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Istanbul & Cappadocia
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
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysStarts
IstanbulEnds
IstanbulRange
PrivateTour Guide
Local guides for sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 14Minimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Any day of the yearHotel Rating
4 or 5 starCountries
TurkeyArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 4, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 1Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Turkey!
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.
Day 2 - Istanbul city tour
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).
Day 3 - Fly to Cappadocia
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.
Day 4 - Cave cities and rock castles
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.
Day 5 - Istanbul
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.
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Hotels
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.
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4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews