ITINERARY

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL

On arrival to Istanbul meeting at the exit gate of airport, transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 2: TOUR TO ANCIENT ISTANBUL – BYZANTINE AND OTTOMAN RELICS

Today will be very impressive with specific history, scenery and culture. Ancient Istanbul tour starts from the Sultan Ahmet, the heart of the “ancient city” from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia Sophia, Symbol of Christian history, one of the extraordinary examples of architecture, built as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, dedicated to the Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome was center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar is a massive shopping center and the largest “souk” in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jeweler, gold, souvenirs.Topkapi Palace was imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy. Overnight stay in Istanbul. (B, L)

Day 3: HALF DAY MORNING BOSPHORUS CRUISE

Another beautiful day is waiting for you. Bosphorus is separating Europe and Asia from each other. While you are in Bosphorus you can see both European and Asian sides of Istanbul with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential and luxurious apartments, Rumeli Fortress, Historical military base built by the Conqueror to control and protect Bosphorus. Free afternoon for leisure Overnight stay in Istanbul. (B)

Day 4: ISTANBUL CAPPADOCIA

Early in the morning transfer to airport for the flight to Nevsehir or Kayseri airport. On arrival you will be picked up and joined for Cappadocia full day tour. An impressive day will start with Dervent valley. Then we keep going on with Pasabag “fairy chimneys” where you can feel the mystic of fairy chimneys. We will break at Avanos, center of terracotta art. Ceramic dated back to the 3000 BC in the area and survived from to generations. A visit to ceramic & tile center to see how the ceramics made by hand. After lunch we visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Icons in Cappadocia. Soft rocks of Cappadocia from the clefts carved out to form stables, churches, monasteries. We will enjoy the day by taking a look to the Goreme Valley from next to the Uchisar Rock-Castle. (Optional Turkish Night (In the evening join for the Traditional Turkish night to see folk and belly dancer in the cave restaurant). (B, L)

Day 5: CAPPADOCIA ISTANBUL

OPTIONAL Hot Air Baloon ( 04:45 – 08 15)

Today will be another mystical day, we will start with a visit to the Red valley for a hiking and discover rock-cut churches and hike 5 km through the Valley of Gulludere. Then keep going on with a visit to Cavusin village. Ancient Cavusin was already abandoned several decades ago due to avalanches. Lunch will be a selection of Turkish Cuisine. In the afternoon drive to thePigeon Valley for panoramic view, Underground City, dated back to the Hittites then used by the early Christians. Underground city was specially carved to be used during the war time to save their lives as well as early Christians hide themselves from the Roman pressure, you can still see stables, kitchen, living room, bedroom and more. On the way back, visit the natural castles at Ortahisar. Transfer to airport for flight to Istanbul . arrive and transfer to your hotel. (B, L)

Day 6: ISTANBUL

Free time till transfer to airport or extend your holiday with one of our tour packages in turkey or pickup combined tours to Turkey, Greece and Egypt. (B) – Istanbul Cappadocia Tours

* Upgrade to 5-Star or Boutique Hotels available (rates on request)

Prices & Departure Dates

Daily, January 2 to December 15