Istanbul & Cappadocia Explorer Tour

Breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day Istanbul tour.

We begin our tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia*. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. Next we visit the Blue Mosque, The Hippodrome and The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.

After the lunch we begin our tour at Topkapı Palace, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapı Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world.We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest feature of Topkapı Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees; it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. Last but by no means least, we visit the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, completed in 1563.. The large quantities of exquisite Iznik tiles, arranged in a wide variety of beautiful floral and geometric designs, as well as the spacious central courtyard, make this mosque a must-see Istanbul attraction.

Early morning you will be transferred to the airport from your hotel in Istanbul by private car and driver. You will take a direct flight from Istanbul to Kayseri, which is about 1 hour.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia, then join the tour starting with visits to Devrent and Pasabagi valleys, to see the amazing fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.

Then head to Avanos, which is a famous pottery town. Observe the potters at work using kick wheels, the technique which has remained unchanged for generations. Also on the agenda is the Goreme Open Air Museum, home of the world’s most important Byzantine cave churches and the best-preserved cave wall paintings and frescoes.

Finally, visit Uchisar castle, the highest point of the region, which has a fabulous panoramic view over Cappadocia.

Meal Plan: Lunch

As an optional activity you may choose to take a hot air balloon ride and have a complete view of Cappadocia.

Enjoy a full day tour in Capadoccia and visit the Ortahisar, a natural citadel carved in rocks. Then visit the subterrenean city of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, established in the 7th century by Christians fleeing persecution, in which a visitor is able to descend several levels underground. You will be driven to Cavusin Valley to see the troglodyte dwellings where people lived until the mid 20th century. After lunch a visit to the Red Valley and Wine House, Cappadocia is famous for its fertile vineyards due to the mineral-laden volcanic soil of the area.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

You will be transferred to the airport for a direct flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul. The flight duration is around 1 hour. Arrive at Istanbul airport. Upon arrival you will meet your driver at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your international flight. End of services.

Meal Plan: Breakfast
The tour ends with the last night accommodation in Istanbul. Further arrangements can be provided upon request.