Journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia

starting from$
  • Turkey Tour
  • Skip the Line

Start a journey through Istanbul’s rich history and vibrant culture, exploring iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, before immersing yourself in the modern energy of Taksim Square. Then, venture to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, discovering ancient wonders and unique rock formations amidst its captivating scenery. From historic sites to natural wonders, experience the best of Turkey’s heritage and beauty on this unforgettable adventure.


Overview

Day 1: Istanbul Old Town Exploration Embark on a journey through Istanbul's rich history and diverse culture.

  • Hagia Sophia: Witness the layers of history at this iconic basilica-turned-museum.
  • Blue Mosque: Marvel at the intricate blue tiles of this architectural masterpiece.
  • Topkapi Palace: Step into the world of Ottoman sultans at this historical palace.
  • Hippodrome: Explore the ancient chariot racing track, a hub of social life in Constantinople.
  • Grand Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of one of the world's oldest covered markets.

Day 2: Traditional Istanbul Experience Delve into the heart of Istanbul's traditional charm and local flavors.

  • Süleymaniye Mosque: Visit one of Istanbul's largest imperial mosques.
  • Spice Bazaar: Engage your senses in the colorful array of spices and sweets.
  • Theodosius Cistern: Discover the hidden depths of Istanbul's underground water reservoir.
  • Balat and Fener Old Greek Town: Wander through picturesque Greek neighborhoods.
  • Red School (exterior): Admire the architectural beauty of this historic school.

Day 3: Modern Istanbul & Transfer to Cappadocia Experience the contrasts of old and new Istanbul before heading to Cappadocia.

  • Pierre Loti Panorama View & Cafe: Take in panoramic vistas of the city while relaxing.
  • Eyüp Town and Eyüp Mosque: Explore the historic neighborhood and visit the mosque.
  • City Walls of Constantinople: Trace the ancient fortifications of the old city.
  • Second Oldest Funicular: Ride from the old town to the modern Pera district.
  • Istiklal Avenue: Wander through the lively street filled with cultural attractions.
  • Galata Tower & Taksim Square: Marvel at historic landmarks before ending the tour in bustling Taksim Square.

Transfer to Cappadocia: Depart Istanbul and embark on a journey to the enchanting region of Cappadocia, known for its unique landscapes, history, and culture.

Day 1 & 2: Cappadocia Exploration Embark on an adventure through the captivating landscapes and cultural treasures of Cappadocia.

  • Göreme Open Air Museum: Explore rock-cut churches and monasteries.
  • Red and Rose Valley: Hike amidst fairy chimneys and unique rock formations.
  • Love Valley & Pigeon Valley: Discover scenic vistas and distinctive rock formations.
  • Panorama Viewpoint & Avanos Pottery Town: Take in panoramic views and visit a pottery town.
  • Cavuşin Village & Uçhisar Castle: Explore ancient villages and a rock-cut castle.
  • Kaymaklı Underground City: Descend into the depths of an ancient underground city.
  • İhlara Valley & Ürgüp Town: Hike through picturesque landscapes and visit a charming town.
  • Pottery Kebap Tasting & Hasan’s House: Indulge in local cuisine and hospitality.
  • Paşabağ Valley & Devrent: Explore valleys with unique rock formations.

Full Description

Start a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Istanbul and Cappadocia. In Istanbul's Old Town, immerse yourself in centuries of history as you explore iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Experience the traditional charm of the city in Balat and Fener Old Greek Town while indulging in the vibrant atmosphere of the Spice Bazaar. Transition to modern Istanbul with visits to Pierre Loti Panorama View, Eyüp Town, and Istiklal Avenue, before ending in bustling Taksim Square. Then, venture to the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, where surreal rock formations and ancient wonders await. From the Göreme Open Air Museum to the depths of Kaymaklı Underground City, each day unveils new adventures and cultural treasures. Explore valleys, villages, and historic sites, savoring the unique flavors and hospitality of both regions. With a seamless blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, this journey promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Turkey.


Tour Plan

Istanbul Day 1

  • Hagia Sophia: Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a former Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, later an Ottoman imperial mosque, and now a museum.
  • Blue Mosque: Visit the stunning Blue Mosque, known for its impressive architecture and blue tiles.
  • Topkapi Palace: Discover the historical Topkapi Palace, a former palace of Ottoman sultans.
  • Hippodrome: Explore the ancient Hippodrome, a chariot racing track and a social center in Constantinople.
  • Grand Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.

(this tour mainly covers the old town of Istanbul and the must-see parts with a lot of history and a mosaic of cultures and religions)

Istanbul Day 2

  • Süleymaniye Mosque: Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, an Ottoman imperial mosque and one of the largest in Istanbul.
  • Spice Bazaar: Explore the Spice Bazaar, a colorful market filled with spices, sweets, and various goods.
  • Theodosius Cistern: Discover the historical Theodosius Cistern, an underground water reservoir.
  • Balat and Fener Old Greek Town: Explore the charming old Greek neighborhoods of Balat and Fener.
  • Red School (from outside): Admire the exterior of the Red School, a historic building and an active school.

(In this tour you would be experiencing the traditional shopping area with thousands of spices and sweets and some way of experiencing the local way of socializing in old coffee shops and seeing the Greek part of the town which is unique and picturesque)

Istanbul Day 3

  • Pierre Loti Panorama View & Cafe: Enjoy a panoramic view of the city and relax.
  • Eyüp Town and Eyüp Mosque: Explore the historic Eyüp Town and visit the Eyüp Mosque.
  • City Walls of Constantinople: Discover the ancient city walls of Constantinople.
  • Second Oldest Funicular: Take a ride on the second oldest funicular from the old town to Pera (new city).
  • Istiklal Avenue, Flower, and European Passages: Stroll down the vibrant Istiklal Avenue and explore the unique passages.
  • Galata Tower: is a joyful and historic area (we will see from the outside).
  • Taksim Square: Visit the iconic Taksim Square.

(This day the tour would start with seeing a conservative neighborhood and one of the nicest hills of Istanbul and then continue at the heart of the modern part of the city with unlimited attractions of music, art, and modern culture, a neighborhood that never sleeps 24 hours)

This tour ends in Taksim Square; then you will be picked up to be transferred to IST Airport for your Cappadocia tour.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a very unique and special place. İt has a lot to offer. Culture, history, landscape, food and more. One of the best activities in Cappadocia is to hike through the Red and Rose Valleys. You can explore the very unique flora and fauna. You can see the endemic plants here and along with that, you will explore fairy chimneys, and big geological rocks all have different formations and were used in the past as dwelling places, and places to worship. There are many churches carved out into these two, three-storey huge rocks. And you will enjoy local sunflower seeds, and orange juice in the middle of nowhere.

Cappadocia Day 1

Morning:

  • Göreme Open Air Museum: Explore the unique rock-cut churches and monasteries in Göreme.
  • Red and Rose Valley: Enjoy a hike through the stunning landscapes with fairy chimneys and unique rock formations.
  • Love Valley: Discover the valley known for its distinctive phallic-shaped rock formations.
  • Pigeon Valley: Explore the scenic beauty of Pigeon Valley.

Daytime:

  • Panorama Viewpoint: Take in a panoramic view of the Cappadocian landscape.
  • Avanos Pottery Town and Red River: Visit the town famous for pottery and the nearby Red River.
  • Pottery Factory Visiting: Learn about the traditional art of pottery.

Afternoon:

  • Cavuşin Village: Explore the ancient village with unique rock formations.
  • Uçhisar Castle: Visit the rock-cut castle for panoramic views.
  • Handicraft Center Visiting: Discover local craftsmanship.

Cappadocia Day 2

Early Morning:

  • Hot Air Ballooning: (Optional, not included in the plan) Experience a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia.
  • Breakfast: Enjoy a post-balloon ride breakfast.

Daytime:

  • Kaymaklı Underground City: Explore the depths of the underground city.
  • Precious Stone Factory Visiting: Learn about Turkish precious stones.
  • Ihlara Valley: Hike through this picturesque valley, (it's like Loire Valley in France).
  • Ürgüp Town: Visit the charming town of Ürgüp.

Afternoon/Evening:

  • Pottery Kebap Tasting: Enjoy local cuisine with a tasting of Pottery Kebap.
  • Hasan’s House and Viewpoint: Experience the hospitality of Hasan's house and enjoy a viewpoint.
  • Paşabağ Valley: Explore the valley with unique mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
  • Devrent: Visit Devrent for more captivating rock formations.

Inclusions

  • Private guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Tea/coffee
  • Public transportation
  • Domestic flight tickets
  • Gratitudes
  • Accomodation

Notes

The tour has optional activities upon request:

  • Turkish hamam experience in Istanbul
  • Dinner cruise in Istanbul
  • Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia (225 EUR per person)
  • Quad biking in Cappadocia (50 EUR per person)
  • Turkish night show in Cappadocia (50 EUR per person)

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