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.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
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
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 | Breakfast, Lunch
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.
On an afternoon tour of this remarkable region, take in 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 and visit the incredible open-air museum at Goreme, where you will explore some of the centuries-old rock-cut cave churches and other settlements. Before returning to your hotel there will be a visit to a traditional carpet manufacturing factory.
Overnight: Cappadocia | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, there's a hike through the Rose Valley to see some more of the region's famous rock-cut cave churches. You'll also take in the old Christian cave village of Cavusin, the Pigeon Valley, and Kaymakli Underground City. This huge settlement is connected by a warren of more than 100 tunnels. The final stop on today's tour is the towering rock castle of Ortahisar, which dominates the landscape and the town of the same name.
There's a transfer to the airport for your included flight back to Istanbul.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast, Lunch
Istanbul
Today your touring arrangements come to an end after breakfast. There's an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
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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.
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.
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreAt a Glance
