Fascinating Istanbul & Cappadocia from US$611

Description

A journey that begins in a vibrant metropolis, where East and West intertwine in a mosaic of history, art, and modern life. There, mosques with majestic domes, sultans' palaces, and bazaars filled with aromas and colors combine with a cosmopolitan energy that never sleeps.

The tour continues to a magical region of otherworldly landscapes: endless valleys, rock formations known as "fairy chimneys," and ancient underground cities that seem straight out of a fairy tale. Here, the experience of watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon becomes an unforgettable memory.

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6Nights

2Destinations

6Planned accommodations

Visiting

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Trip summary

2 Adults

Nights 6

This idea includes

Destinations 2

Accommodations 6

DAY 1 • ISTANBUL

Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival at Istanbul International Airport (IST), you will go through immigration and collect your luggage. Then, head to our meeting point located at Gate 8 in the arrivals area. A representative will be waiting to assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time. We suggest taking the afternoon to explore the surroundings of your hotel or savor a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant. Get ready for an exciting adventure in this vibrant city! Accommodation.

DAY 2 • ISTANBUL

Enjoy a free day to explore Istanbul at your own pace. We recommend the optional excursion “Gems of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus with Lunch.” The tour will begin with a visit to the historic Jewish quarter of Balat and the Greek neighborhood of Fener, where you can admire views of the Golden Horn. You will continue to St. George's Cathedral, the main seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, and then visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, famous for its impressive dome designed by Mimar Sinan. Next, you will explore the Spice Bazaar, a vibrant place filled with colors and aromas, perfect for purchasing teas, herbs, nuts, and spices. To conclude the day, enjoy a boat cruise on the Bosphorus, taking in views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, and the bridges connecting Europe and Asia. After the tour, you will return to the hotel for your accommodation.

Note: The order of excursions may vary depending on operational conditions, such as the number of participants, weather, traffic, or closure days of the monuments.

DAY 3 • ISTANBUL

Today you will have a free day, but you can also opt for the optional excursion “Gems of Constantinople,” which includes lunch at a traditional restaurant. You will set out to explore the historic district of the city, where you can observe remnants of the various empires that have shaped Istanbul.

You will begin at the Roman Hippodrome, the center of social life in Constantinople, where you can see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik. From there, enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel built in 537 that has served as a church, mosque, and museum, highlighting its enormous dome, one of the largest in the world. The excursion will continue at the majestic Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, where you will stroll through the beautiful gardens, kitchens, and royal treasure rooms, as well as discover the enigmatic Harem, known for its luxurious decoration. Afterward, visit the Church of Aya Irini, a Byzantine church that never became a mosque, and conclude the tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where bargaining is a tradition. After the tour, you will return to the hotel for your accommodation.

DAY 4 • ISTANBUL – ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA

Departure to Ankara. In the capital of Turkey, you will enjoy a panoramic visit that includes the impressive Atatürk Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of the Republic. During the journey to Cappadocia, you will make a stop at the Salt Lake, a spectacular spot ideal for photography. You will also visit a Caravanserai, an ancient lodging from the Silk Road era, where you can learn more about the history of this important trade route. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you will enjoy dinner at the hotel and accommodation.

DAY 5 • CAPPADOCIA

Depart to explore the fascinating region of Cappadocia, famous for its unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. You will start the visit at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks, decorated with 13th-century frescoes.

Next, you will tour the impressive valleys of the region, where you can admire the iconic "Fairy Chimneys" and enjoy panoramic views of the valleys with spectacular geological formations. Following this, you will visit one of Cappadocia's underground cities, an amazing engineering achievement built by ancient communities for protection against historical attacks.

At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces, as well as a gemstone center known for its exclusive regional jewelry designs. Return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

Optional Programs in Cappadocia:

Turkish Night: Folk dance performances in a traditional cave with local drinks.
Jeep Safari: Adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops for the best photos.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

DAY 6 • CAPPADOCIA - ISTANBUL

Depart for the airport to take your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

DAY 7 • ISTANBUL

At the scheduled time, transfer to Istanbul International Airport (IST) for your departure flight. (Flight not included).

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Guide languages

Spanish

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul

Day 3: Istanbul

Day 4: Istanbul, Cappadocia

Day 5: Cappadocia

Day 6: Cappadocia, Istanbul

Day 7: Istanbul

Included

4 nights' accommodation in Istanbul in the selected category.
2 nights' accommodation in Cappadocia.
Daily breakfast, 2 dinners.
English-speaking guide.
Entrance fees and visits as per the program.
In/out transfers by air-conditioned car on a regular basis.
Departure transfer in Cappadocia.
Arrival transfer in Istanbul.
All services on a regular basis.
Medical assistance card for adults up to age 70 with USD 40,000 coverage for illness or accident (seniors aged 71 to 84 and 85 and older must pay a supplement for medical assistance and cannot purchase the cancellation upgrade. Consult your advisor).

Excluded

Tips for the guide, driver, etc. - suggested USD 5 per person per day.
International flights
Domestic flights Cappadocia – Istanbul (approximate net fare per person USD 280) // 15kg luggage policy
Personal expenses.
Services not specified in the "price includes" section.
Optional excursions.
Hotel surcharges for early check-in or late check-out.
Beverages with included meals.
Accommodation tax per person, depending on category, payable directly at the destination.
Platinum Category - USD 15
Gold Category - USD 25

Photo gallery

8 photos

Possible accommodations

4 accommodations

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul Gonen Hotel

8.3

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Istanbul, Turkey

Clarion Hotel Istanbul Mahmutbey

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Istanbul, Turkey

Dedeman Istanbul

7.8

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Cappadocia, Turkey

Signature Hotels & Spa

8.3

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IMPORTANT NOTES

RATES:

Triple accommodation will be provided with the addition of an extra portable bed, as hotels rarely have rooms with three beds in Turkey.
If arrival or departure flight information is not received up to 7 days prior to the tour, transfer service cannot be guaranteed.
Passport information must be received up to 25 days prior to arrival. Availability on the train or flight cannot be guaranteed, and additional charges will apply.
For departures on the night of December 31st, a New Year's Eve dinner supplement (USD 250) will apply.
For arrivals and/or departures other than those scheduled in the tour, transfers are not included in the package price. The same applies to extra nights. In both cases, for the convenience of passengers, additional transfers may be arranged. Prices are based on Istanbul Airport (IST). Transfers from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) will be charged an additional fee. This applies even if you arrive on the indicated dates of each tour. For situations other than those mentioned above, please consult us.
Dates subject to change due to local holidays: April 30, 2027; May 14 and 17, 2027; December 31, 2027; and February 25 and 28, 2028.

CHILDREN'S RATE:

Children share the same room with their parents without an additional bed (maximum two adults + one child)

• Ages 0–1.99, free.

• Ages 2–5.99, 50% discount with an extra bed, subject to hotel availability.

• Ages 6–11.99, 25% discount with an extra bed.

HOTELS:

This is a list of the most frequently used hotels on this tour. This list is for information purposes only; passengers may stay in similar or alternative establishments in the same category.

TRIP NOTES

Final documentation is submitted 8 days before departure.
The itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to guide availability and monument closure dates, always respecting the scheduled visits.
The order of optional excursions can also be changed between days 2 and 3. Days of closure: Sundays - Grand Bazaar | Tuesdays - Topkapı Palace. Similar tours are offered or the order of the day is changed in case of closure. Overnight stays in Istanbul are operated in two ways: 3 at the beginning + 1 at the end (as advertised) // or // 2 at the beginning + 2 at the end. If the Grand Bazaar is closed, the Spice Bazaar will be visited.

PAYMENT TERMS

Initial deposit $125.00 NON-REFUNDABLE

120 days before the start of the trip: 50% payment of the contracted program fee

90 days before the start of the trip: 80% payment of the contracted program fee

60 days before the start of the trip: 100% payment of the contracted program fee