Highlights in Istanbul

Hagia Sofia

Part of Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage skyline, Hagia Sofia (Ayasofya) is not only a stunning building, but also provides a unique insight into the city’s Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history.  Built by Justinian I as a church it was converted to a Mosque under Ottoman rule.  In 1935, Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, decreed that it should be a museum. The immense size of the building and it’s vast dome are breath-taking and it’s adorned throughout with stunning frescoes and mosaics. More info on official site.

Blue Mosque

Officially called the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Blue Mosque got it’s nickname due to interior, which is clad in thousands of blue Iznik tiles, matched only by some spectacular stained glass.  The exterior of the building is no less impressive.  Built in the 1600s, it was the first Mosque with six minarets and the numerous domes seem to cascade down into green gardens that surround it.

Topkapı Palace

Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for most of their 600- year reign.  The vast complex is perched overlooking the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. Stroll through beautifully landscaped courtyards and see some of the fortunes amassed by the Ottomans during their reign, as well as arms and traditional dress. Visit the official website for more information.

Bosphorus Tour

The strait that splits Istanbul between Europe and Asia has always been of great strategic and commercial importance.  Running from the Black Sea in the north to the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul grew on the shores of the Bosphorus and it’s an integral part of the city’s history.  A boat tour the Bosphorus is not only a lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon, but gives you insight into how the city has been shaped by the waters that surround it.  We also offer private boat tours.

Beyoğlu

This district north of the Golden Horn has been inhabited for thousands of years, but the history here mixes with the modern bustling metropolis.  The 14th century Galata Tower is just a stone’s throw from Cicek Passage, home to many fish and meze restaurants popular with for a night out in Turkey. This area is also a cultural and artistic hub, with the wonderful Pera Museum and SALT, as well as numerous other art galleries and museums.

Highlights in Cappadocia

Fairy Chimneys

Fairy chimneys are the symbol of Cappadocia. These odd rock formations are the result of soft rock being eroded over time and revealing only the hard rock that gives the region its current landscape. The diversity of the size and shape of these rocks is simply exceptional.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Cappadocia is known to be one of the best places in the world for balloon rides. Its otherworldly rock formations, known as fairy chimneys, and a breathtaking landscape makes a hot air balloon trip an unforgettable experience. Watching the sunrise over colourful valleys is a highlight you will be telling your friends about for years.

You can go for 1 hour or 1.5 hour rides. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can take a private balloon ride.

Goreme Open Air Museum

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Goreme Open Air Museum is an amazing complex  of well preserved rock carved churches. This Byzantine settlement is a must-see place in Cappadocia. The Nunnery, St Barbara Church, Dark Church and Snake Church are just a few of the most impressive churches you will find inside the museum.

Ihlara Valley

Ihlara Valley carves the rocky landscape right down the middle to create a lush green oasis. Once home to eighty thousand inhabitants, thousands of cave dwellings and around a hundred rock carved churches this 100 metre deep gorge doesn’t offer only a trek in a beautiful green valley but also a trip back in time.

Underground Cities

These incredible underground cities were created by the locals to hide from the invaders passing through Cappadocia and date back all the way to the Hittites in 1600 BC, though were expanded thereafter.  There are 36 underground cities in the region, the largest of which is Kaymakli and the deepest Derinkuyu, which goes down an unbelievable 7 floors. In 2014, a new underground city was discovered and it’s believed that this new city may be the largest underground city not only in the region, but in the world.

Other Things to Do / See

In Istanbul

Basilica Cistern - A 6th century underground cistern near Topkapi Palace.
Grand Bazaar - It’s chaotic but that’s part of the fun.  Don’t forget to haggle!
Spice Bazaar - Smaller but often busier than the Grand Bazaar, this is the place to get your spices and teas.  
Kariye Museum - A Byzantine church with some remarkably well-preserved mosaics.
Gastronomy Tour - Discover the full range of Turkish cuisine and some of the culinary highlights of the city.
Crossing the Bosphorus - Take a boat across the Bosphorus at sunset to get the best view of the Istanbul skyline.
Kadikoy - Istanbul’s alternative neighbourhood is home to some great restaurants.
Princes’ Islands - Stroll or cycle round green and peaceful islands, just a short boat ride from Istanbul.
Sile - The Black Sea coast of Istanbul shows a different face of the city. 
Pierre Loti - A hilltop with a view down the Golden Horn, favoured by and named after the French writer.
Istanbul Modern - This fantastic art gallery display modern and contemporary Turkish art. One of the city’s best.
Golden Horn - Experience the hustle and bustle of the ports of Karakoy and Eminonu.
Turkish Cooking Classes - Learn how to cook amazing Turkish food.

In Cappadocia

Zelve Open Air Museum - An empty cave town with churches.
Uchisar - A natural rock citadel and the highest point in Cappadocia.
Ortahisar - A roman rock-cut castle.
Avanos - Centre of pottery making since the Hittites.
Cavusin Old Village - The biggest cave church is located here.
Pasabag - Monks valley.
Devrent Valley – Imagination valley where you can see animal shaped fairy chimneys.
Hiking Tours - Discover the region’s amazing landscape on foot.
Bike Tours - Cycling around the amazing fairy chimneys is a great way to explore the region.
Quad-bike Riding - A great alternative for adrenaline lovers.
Horseback Riding - Sunset horse riding in Cappadocia is an amazing experience.
Whirling Dervishes - Sema ceremonies represent an inner journey. Rumi’s inspiration.
Traditional Cooking Classes - Learn how to cook amazing Central Anatolian dishes
Lunch at a Village Home - ..or just sample amazing Central Anatolian dishes.

In this 6 nights, 7 days tour you will get a chance to discover the essential sites of Istanbul and Cappadocia, two of the main symbols of Turkey.

Daily Highlights

Day 1

A boat tour of the gorgeous Bosphorus.

Day 2

Discover the Old Town where you can see Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Basilica Cistern.

Day 3

Discover new Istanbul with a visit to Istanbul Modern and a night experience in Beyoglu, Taksim.

Day 4

Transfer to Cappadocia.

A visit to Goreme Open Air Museum.

Optional bike ride, horse ride or quad-bike ride in the stunning landscape of Cappadocia.

Day 5

A grand tour of the region with visits to Kaymakli underground city and Ihlara Valley.

Day 6

Hot air balloon ride.

Optional jeep safari.

Day 7

Transfer to airport.

Hotels, Transfers and Guides

You will be staying at some of the highest rated hotels of Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Private transfers will be arranged and expert guides will be assisting you in every step of your tour.

Prices

All of our tours are tailor-made so prices will depend on your preferences. Please ask.

You can combine this tour with another tour. See the multi-centre tours tab for more details.

In this 13-night, 14-day tour you’ll explore both old Istanbul with its amazing history and the new Istanbul with its modern new face. Follow this with a trip to the land of fairy chimneys, Cappadocia, with its extraordinary landscape and traditional way of life.

Daily Highlights

Day 1

A boat tour of the gorgeous Bosphorus.

Day 2

Discover the Old Town Part I: visit the magnificent Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque.

Day 3

Discover new Istanbul with a visit to Istanbul Modern and a night experience in Beyoglu, Taksim.

Day 4

A relaxing day in the stunning Princes’ Islands with a view over the water to Istanbul.

Day 5

Discover the Old Town Part II: visit Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.

Day 6

Experience the hustle and bustle of the Golden Horn and enjoy the great view of the city from Pierre Loti.

Day 7

A visit to Dolmabahce Palace and quarters of Pera and Galata.

Day 8

Transfer to Cappadocia.

A light activity after settling in at your hotel.

Day 9

A visit to Goreme Open Air Museum.

Optional bike ride, horse ride or quad-bike ride in the stunning landscape of Cappadocia.

Day 10

Hot air balloon ride.

Explore Cavusin village.

Day 11

A grand tour of the region with visits to Kaymakli underground city and Ihlara Valley.

Day 12

Traditional Cappadocia: Village lunch at a local’s home and whirling dervishes in the evening.

Day 13

Discover Uchisar.

A visit to Devrent Valley.

Day 14

Transfer to airport.

Hotels, Transfers and Guides

You will be staying at some of the highest rated hotels of Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Private transfers will be arranged and expert guides will be assisting you in every step of your tour.

Prices

All of our tours are tailor-made so prices will depend on your preferences. Please ask.

You can combine this tour with another tour. See the multi-centre tours tab for more details.

Why not combine this tour with another one of our tours to get a proper Turkey experience?

ISTANBUL, EPHESUS, CAPPADOCIA

GULET CRUISE & TOUR

Best Time to Visit - Both locations are fairly hot in the summer months and pleasant in spring and autumn. So April to June and September to the end of November would be good months to do this tour. If you’d like to see the spectacular views of Cappadocia under a blanket of snow then winter is a good option too.

What to Pack - Summer months are hot so light clothing is recommended. There may be odd showers outside summer so make sure you bring an umbrella or a raincoat. Even in warm months, a jumper or warm clothing is advised for the hot air balloon ride.