Tour overview

Enjoy first class service and guided transportation through the historical and picturesque sites of Istanbul and the underground cities of Cappadoccia This an exquisite tour for you with all the bells and whistles. There are no long bus rides just domestic flights getting you to your destination comfortable and relaxed.

Highlights

• Hippodrome , SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE , The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque , Bosphorus Cruise , Cappadocia Hor Air Ballooning ,Cappadocia Road Trip with Underground City and Goreme Open Air Museum Tour, Ozkonak Underground City , Love Valley , Devrent Valley , Three Beauties

Itinerary

 Day 1: Istanbul – Arrival Day

Meeting with your greeter at Istanbul International Airport and transfer to the hotel between 08:00 and 22:00. You can relax or explore the region by yourself for the rest of the day. Overnight in Istanbul

Please Note: If you are coming from a different airport and the mentioned timings above, please contact us.

VISITED PLACES

 Day 2: Istanbul Road Trip & Istanbul City Tour

The Istanbul city tour will start at the Old City after the delicious breakfast. Hippodrome is the main rota that was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 1985 and the living heritage of both Byzantines and Ottomans can be seen. Around Sultanahmet, The German Fountain –which was gifted by German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898-, the Obelisk of Theodosius – nearly 3,500 years old, was brought to the Hippodrome by Theodosius from the Temple of Karnak about in 390– can be seen. Serpent Column –considered that it was at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi before– and the Column of Constantine that was brought from Apollon temple in Rome are other highlighted sites of the tour.

The next stop is the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Its breathtaking design is the synthesis of 200-year-old of Ottoman mosque architecture with Byzantine church architecture. The mosque is reflecting majesty and grandeur concepts through its architectural features and its green, white Iznik tiles are fascinating with the blue ornaments of the dome.

Hagia Sophia Mosque which is referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World” is another amazing site that is more than 1,500 years old. The light creates a fascinating atmosphere while flowing inside from the dome windows, combining a colorful, mystic view when it reaches the mosaics on the wall. The lunch break will be around at 13:00 before shopping in Asıl Efendi where all kinds of authentic gifts can be found such as Turkish tastes, Turkish coffee, exotic spices, herbs, and handicrafts. The tour ends with a hotel transfer.

Please Note: Please do not forget to carry a headscarf with you for the visit to religious places such as Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosque.

VISITED PLACES

 Day 3: Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Flight to Capadocia

An amazing Bosporus Boat tour will be waiting for you after breakfast. On the shoreline, you will witness the imposing view of old wooden villas, palaces, fortresses, and small fishing villages. The Ottoman palaces Dolmabahçe, Yıldız, Çırağan, and Beylerbeyi will admire you by their elegant architecture with a warm welcome. Ortaköy with its iconic view and Rumeli Fortress which is a well-designed military architecture will be next. After a lunch break in a Turkish restaurant the Grand Spiece Bazaar where you can find authentic goods such as Turkish tastes, Turkish coffee, exotic spices, herbs, and handicrafts.

The tour ends with transportation to İstanbul Airport for a domestic flight to Cappadocia. Next check in to the hotel, have dinner, and overnight in Cappadocia.

VISITED PLACES

 Day 4: Cappadocia Road Trip with Underground City and Goreme Open Air Museum Tour

A new day, new destinations… The day starts with an Ozkonak Underground city visit that was built in Idis Mountain where volcanic granite-made tuff layers are quite dense and the galleries are connected by tunnels. The Goreme Open Air Museum will be the following destination that can be said that it is the heart of Cappadocia. The region was Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site in 1985 and it hides the churches of Durmuş Kadir, Yusuf Koç, El Nazar, Saklı, Meryem Ana (Virgin Mary) Kılıçlar, Tokalı, and Dark churches. Plus Convent of Monks and Nuns, Chapel of St Basil, and St. Barbara can be seen either with lots of captivating church interior paintings that have reached today. With a few minutes’ walk, Cavusin will be waiting for you and you can explore The Christians who created living spaces for themselves in the fairy chimneys of those fleeing the oppression of the Romans. Lunch will be in Avanos which is the home of pottery dating way back to the Hittites. There will be a workshop visit and shopping chances here that can’t be missed. Love Valley and Devrent Valley that you can see the symbols of Cappadocia Three Beauties. This tour will end approximately at 18.00 and overnight in Cappadocia.

Please Note: Our guests who are wishing to experience the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour will be picked up from the hotel at about 05:30 by sunrise. On the Hot Air Balloon, the sunrise over splendid fairy chimneys and valleys can be watched. The flight will last about 1 hour and end with a champagne celebration on the land.

VISITED PLACES

 Day 5: Cappadocia to Istanbul – End of the Tour

After breakfast, you will have free time in Cappadocia. This remarkable tour ends with departing for Kayseri airport for a domestic flight to Istanbul and home next. Until we meet on another exceptional travel hope the best for you. Thanks for traveling with TravelShop Booking.