Cappadocia Istanbul Tour

Cappadocia Istanbul Tour is a historical tour in Central Anatolia, in Turkey. In the time of Herodotus, the Cappadocians were reported as occupying the whole region from Mount Taurus to the vicinity of the Black Sea. The name was traditionally used in Christian sources throughout history and is still widely used as an international tourism concept to define a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage.

Day 1
Starting off with a short domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri with your guide, followed by a small coach/bus ride you will reach the very heart of the most fascinating region of Turkey. Cappadocia will thrill you with its unique landscapes. Checking in your Cave hotel Yunak Houses, a unique cave hotel that combines houses and cave dwellings of the Hittite, Roman and Byzantine Periods with the luxurious comfort of the 21st Century. Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2
Enjoy a rich Turkish breakfast before starting your sightseeing of this wonderland.
The famous fairy chimneys and fantastic colorful shapes of the landscape make this region a natural wonder of the world.

Waking up to the awesome views of rock formations, visit the Devrent Valley, which has various types of fairy chimneys. Then you will visit Pasa Baglari (Monk’s Valley) where you will see many fairy chimneys with multi stems and caps, this style is unique to this area. After your visit to Pasa Bag, you will continue to Avanos,which is known for the pottery a craft dating back to Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsman comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River. Lunch in a local restaurant.

Following lunch you will proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum. You will see the churches, chapels and monasteries carved in to the fairy Chimneys from the 10th to the 13 centuries, decorated with Byzantine frescoes. Visit the Uchisar Castle, the highest point in the region. Today, this hill provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. Dinner at locals favorite Somine Restaurant tonight.

Day 3
Following breakfast, we check out from our hotel and start the day visiting the Red Valley. After hiking in this valley, you will have a rest in Cavusin village which is one of the old Greek villages in Cappadocia.  This village is famous for the houses and churches of the Christian clergymen.  At this point you will stop and have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon you will visit the Kayamakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement composed of troglodytic cave dwellings. On the way back you will visit Pigeon Valley. Continue to the Kayseri Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival to the great metropol, your guide will check you in to your hotel.

Highly recommended Optional Activity: This morning you may enjoy an unforgettable memory of Cappadocia: Hot air ballooning over the nature-formed valleys. You will much appreciate the tranquility of your morning over the colorful valleys and rock formations, gliding in your balloon.

Day 4
Following breakfast drive to the Historical Peninsula (Constantinople ) and The Blue Mosque, introduction to the world famous Iznik tiles of the 16th CC. We will also visit Topkapi Museum. Harem Quarters Tour within palace grounds. Coffee break and short briefing on “Eating habits of the Royals”. Lunch at Matbah Restaurant – famous with its specialties prepared from the Topkapi Palace recipes. Afternoon visit to Hagia Sophia Museum, the oldest cathedral of European history from the 6th CC. Late afternoon drive to Nisantasi, famous brands, fashion designers and art galleries favourite location. Dinner at Suada Fish Restaurant.

Day 5
After breakfast cross over the Galata Bridge to the Egyptian Spice Market. Have an idea of this mind blowing trade of centuries. Visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, the prettiest in the city, have a real Turkish Coffee before taking our private motor yacht to cruise along the Bosphorus. Afternoon spared for leisurely time at the 500 years old Grand Bazaar. Following introduction to the genuine articles of this world known bazaar, free time to shop and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Day 6 – Departure Day
Departure day. Transfer to the Istanbul airport related to your flight schedule.

All transfers upon arrival and at departure.

5 nights HB accommodation in hotels mentioned in itinerary. Welcome and Farewell dinners organized as venues outside hotels, other meals open buffet in hotels.

4 organized group lunchesand 4 dinners at hotels.

All entrance fees to the museums and sites named in itinerary.

All domestic flights and related transfers to/from hotels.

English speaking professional guidance throughout the tour.

Travel & Health insurance.

Local (VAT) and additional taxes.