4 Nights Itinerary Coverage: Istanbul - Cappadocia
On arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to hotel. No activities planned for the day. However, you can head out to city on foot and explore the various shops and cafés. Overnight in Istanbul.
After a leisurely breakfast, join our selected tour guide for sightseeing this historical city. Visit the home of the Ottoman Sultans of the past, the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at the incredible architecture and opulent décor of this historical sight completed in 1478 with numerous rooms and chambers. Next, we visit to the most impressive structure in Istanbul known as ‘Hagia Sohpia’ dominates the Golden Hour’s skyline and a must visit when you are in Istanbul. Listen the fascinating stories about this wonder from your guide and explore the stunning mosaics work in the majestic complex. Next, we proceed to Basilica Cistern, largest among the underground cisterns in Istanbul and excellent example of underground water storage. Marvel at Medusa Heads as you stroll through the dim colonnades.
Next, we stop at Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Mosque and one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. Head insider the complex and be amazed at the glorious interior which is an example of brilliant planning and materials used. Marvel at the famous blue tiles that earned the mosque its name. Head towards Hippodrome, was a public place for gathering and many events, it also depicts how was the early civic life centuries ago.
You will have option to visit Rustem Pasa Mosque, an architectural treasure tucked away from the main sites. The intricate work of Iznik Tiles covered the entire walls, mihrab and mimbar as well. You can have dinner at one of the local restaurants in city and you will be transferred back to hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
On Day 4, of your Turkey Tour Package, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for flight to Cappadocia. On arrival, you will be greeted by driver and transferred to hotel.
After freshen up meet your driver and guide for a thrilling experience in Devrent Valley which is full of unique rock formations that resembles to many animals and humanlike shapes. Take a guided walk of this amazing valley and learn why it is called ‘Imagination Valley’ holds it space in places to see in Cappadocia. Next, we visit Pasabagi Valley or Monks Valley situated between Avanos and Goreme dotted with the ubiquitous fairy chimneys.
We will drive towards the town of Avanos famous for its beautiful pottery making. Have lunch at a local restaurant followed by drive to open air museum of Goreme, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular historic sites in Cappadocia. You will find marvelous rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes carved on rocky surroundings. Guide will explain about architecture as you stroll around this mystical landscape. Next, we visit the finest example of a historic cave home is the Uchisar Castle located on the top of the hill with unmatched panoramic views of Cappadocia. Head towards Pigeon Valley, a beautiful valley close to Uchisar earned its name from the countless manmade pigeon homes carved into the soft tufa since ancient times. After spending some time here and many photographs we return to hotel by evening. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Best way to experience Cappadocia is from a hot-air balloon. Early this morning, our driver will pick you up from hotel and transfer you to launch site to board the flight for a beautiful sunrise of your lifetime. Enjoy light complimentary breakfast before take-off. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon ride is an amazing experience that takes you to its rock cut formations and ancient Byzantine era. Dozens of balloons life up above the horizon to spot nature’s best fairy tale with serene surroundings.
Land gently after an hour and enjoy a glass of nonalcoholic champagne followed by transfer to hotel by our driver.
After freshen up join your tour guide and driver for a historic exploration of Cappadocia. Start with exploration of historical Ortahisar Citadel, which is one of the first multi-story structures in the world famous for its unique architecture. Get back in ancient times when visiting this historical castle offers splendid views of famous fairy chimneys and magnificent Mount Erciyes in the background. Ahead to Cappadocia’s famous underground settlements known as Derinkuyu or Kaymakali. It is an incredible feat of engineering which gives clues about the lifestyle of people in ancient world. Go underground and learn the history from your guide about this labyrinth dating back to 1200BC. Your next stop is Cavusin a small quaint village in outskirts was inhabited by Christian orthodox families until the mid-20th century. Visit the churches and rocky settlements and see the peculiar troglodyte settlements.
Enjoy lunch at the selected restaurant before driven to Red Valley, one of the best places to watch sunrise and sunset in Cappadocia. Imagine being on a different planet as the red colored tuff rocks present a different terrain in front of you. Visit a local vineyard and learn about the process and enjoy leisure time before we transfer you back to hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Cappadocia Airport to board your flight back to Istanbul. From Istanbul Airport, you can catch your onward flight back to home.
