Jewels of Istanbul & Cappadocia

After breakfast at the hotel, departure at 08:00 for a guided exploration of Istanbul’s historic center. The route includes the Blue Mosque, known for its distinctive six minarets and İznik tile decoration, as well as the Hippodrome, once the venue for Roman chariot races.

The program continues with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets with thousands of shops. Depending on the day of the week, the Grand Bazaar may be replaced by a visit to a handicraft store.

You will then proceed to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, where you will see the Imperial Treasury, the Baghdad Kiosk, the Imperial Armory, and courtyards of the palace complex. The visit also includes the museum collections featuring historical jewels, ceramics, and Ottoman artifacts.

The tour concludes with a visit to Hagia Sophia, the former Church of the Divine Wisdom and one of the most important landmarks of Istanbul. After the excursion, return transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at the hotel, departure at 08:00 for a half-day excursion starting at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. The program continues with a Bosphorus cruise, offering views of Istanbul’s shoreline, including mosques, castles, traditional villages, waterfront mansions, and Ottoman-era architecture along the strait separating Europe and Asia.

The route also includes a drive along the Bosphorus past Rumeli Fortress (exterior view only), built during the Ottoman period.

After the morning tour, return to the hotel. In the afternoon, at approximately 15:00, transfer to Istanbul Airport for a flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

An optional hot air balloon flight over the valleys of Cappadocia is available early in the morning at an additional cost and must be confirmed at the time of booking. The experience includes a sunrise flight over the region’s rock formations and valleys, followed by a landing celebration and a flight certificate before returning to the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and begin the main tour of the day with a visit to one of Cappadocia’s valleys, where you will walk among orchards, vineyards, fairy chimneys, and rock-carved dwellings. The route continues through the valley landscapes, followed by Cappadocia Panorama Point and Pigeon Valley, known for its rock-cut pigeon houses.

The program then includes a visit to an Underground City, historically used as a refuge during invasions, and continues to Ortahisar Castle.

After the tour, return transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

This final day in Cappadocia is dedicated to some of the region’s most recognizable natural and cultural attractions. The journey starts at Uchisar Castle before continuing through Love Valley towards Cavusin. In Avanos, discover the area’s long-standing pottery tradition and its importance to local craftsmanship.

The route then leads to the Fairy Chimneys (Mushrooms Valley), followed by Devrent Valley and the Cappadocia Open Air Museum, one of the region’s most important cultural heritage sites.

Following the tour, transfer to Cappadocia Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel or preferred location in the city. Please note that accommodation in Istanbul on this night is not included.