EXPLORE TURKEY IN LUXURY: ISTANBUL, CAPPADOCIA

EXPLORE TURKEY IN LUXURY: ISTANBUL, CAPPADOCIA

Istanbul, Cappadocia

Durations

6 Days

Difficulty

Balanced

Min Age

21

About this trip   

This is a packaged small group trip with a pre-arranged itinerary.  You will meet other like minded travelers on this trip when you reach your destination. You will have your own lodging and transportation with shared tour and dining experiences.

If you would like to experience this trip privately select "book this trip and customize it for me" in the trip interest form and our team will share the cost for custom travel planning. 

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Turkey’s rich history and vibrant culture with our expert-curated trip to the region. You’ll start in the iconic city of Istanbul, where East meets West in a stunning blend of ancient and modern. Explore breathtaking landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, while strolling through bustling bazaars filled with local treasures.

From Istanbul, dive deeper into Turkey’s fascinating past with visits to ancient ruins, awe-inspiring architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Along the way, you’ll experience authentic Turkish hospitality, savor incredible cuisine, and enjoy guided tours that bring the stories of Byzantine and Ottoman history to life. This trip is perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in culture, history, and unforgettable experiences. 

 

Trip highlights 

  • 3 Nights Luxury Accommodation in Istanbul
  • 3 Nights Luxury Accommodation in Cappadocia
  • Private Full Day Tour of Istanbul with an English-Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Private Half-Day tour of Goreme Open Air Museum with an English-Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Private Full Day Tour of Ephesus with an English-Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Airfare from Istanbul to Cappadocia
  • Airfare from Cappadocia to Istanbul
  • All Transfers and Luggage Handling within Turkey
  • All Transportation is Provided by Deluxe Air-Conditioned Private Vehicle

Accommodation options

  • The Peninsula Istanbul
  • Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
  • St. Regis Istanbul
  • Ritz-Carlton Istanbul
  • The Bank Hotel Istanbul
  • The Galata Istanbul Hotel-MGallery
  • Gezi Hotel Bosphorus

The best time to visit 

The best time to visit Turkey is during the spring months of April to June or the autumn months of September to October. During these periods, Turkey enjoys mild and pleasant weather, making it comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Additionally, these months fall outside the peak tourist season, resulting in fewer crowds at popular attractions and a more relaxed travel experience. 

In contrast, the summer months from July to August can be quite hot, especially in inland areas like Cappadocia, and attract a higher number of tourists, leading to crowded sites and higher accommodation prices. Winter months, from November to March, bring cooler temperatures and increased chances of rain or snow, which might affect travel plans and accessibility to certain attractions. Therefore, to enjoy comfortable weather and a more intimate experience at historical sites and natural wonders, spring and autumn are the most favorable times.


Starting at

Regular price$11,000.00
/

Ready to book

VIEW THE ITINERARY BELOW

This trip is designed to give you the best possible experience. We prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices. 

Welcome to Istanbul, a city also formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, and a metropolis where East meets West, creating a captivating mosaic of diverse influences. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your selected hotel. You have the afternoon at leisure, perfect for a relaxing walk or a chance to savor a gourmet dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, you will meet your guide and explore the historically significant sites in Istanbul. You will start with the Hippodrome and the remains of the giant arena that functioned as the site for sporting events and political activities of the old city in the Roman and Byzantine eras. From there, you will head to the Blue Mosque. Just opposite St. Sophia, this exquisite mosque built in the name of Sultan Ahmet is famous for its blue Iznik (Nicean) tiles and is unique for having six minarets.

You will also explore St. Sophia (the Church of Divine Wisdom) one of the greatest marvels of architecture. You will then continue to the Topkapi Palace, the former location of the Imperial offices and residence of Ottoman Sultans and now a magnificent museum exhibiting the imperial treasury, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy, and countless other artifacts.

Your last stop for the day will be the Grand Bazaar, a historical shopping center that ranks as the biggest souk in the world, with nearly 4000 shops featuring antiques, gold, carpets, and leatherwear.

Today you will explore some exquisite sites of Istanbul such as the Basilica Cistern, and the vibrant spice market, while your city experience will be perfectly completed with a relaxing Bosphorus tour. You will start with the exploration of Basilica Cistern constructed in 532 AD built by Justinian to hold the water supply for the Great Palace. Inside, you will be enchanted by a mesmerizing forest of 336 exquisite columns, among which are two columns adorned with the captivating heads of Medusa at their bases. Next, you will venture into the Spice Market, a bustling bazaar that has been a spice and herb haven for centuries. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, fragrant aromas, and lively energy of traders haggling over exotic spices, teas, and Turkish delights. Cap off your half-day adventure with a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus. Glide past historical landmarks, grand palaces, and quaint fishing villages that line the shores.

After breakfast and check-out, you will meet your driver and head to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Once you arrive, you will once again be met by your driver and start your journey to the selected hotel in Cappadocia. Afternoon and evening is at your leisure to soak up the views, local culture, and mouthwatering cuisine.

Get ready for the ultimate views of Goreme and the fairy chimneys with a fun hot air Balloon ride today. Your journey begins in the quiet pre-dawn hours, where the anticipation builds as you witness the inflation of the vibrant hot air balloons against the dark Cappadocian sky. Once you are in the air, you’ll be treated to an unparalleled bird's-eye view of Cappadocia's iconic fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations so get your camera ready!


After the hot air balloon ride, you will meet your guide at the hotel and continue your exploration of Cappadocia, but this time from ground level. visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that unfolds like an ancient open-air gallery. Explore the intricately carved rock-cut churches and monasteries that date back to the 10th, 11th, and 12th centuries. Marvel at the vibrant frescoes that adorn the interiors, depicting scenes from the Bible and providing a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious history of Cappadocia. From the historical marvels of the Goreme Open Air Museum, you will continue to the breathtaking landscapes of the Red Valley. Wander through the unique rock formations, chimneys, and fairy-tale-like landscapes that characterize this region.

You have the evening to spend at your leisure.

Today, you will descend into the depths of Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean complex crafted by early Christians to evade invaders, featuring living quarters, kitchens, and ventilation shafts across five levels. Conclude your day at a traditional stone house adorned with arched ceilings, Turkish textiles, and Cappadocia rugs. Prepare, cook, and savor an organic Turkish meal made from fresh ingredients, including eggs from house-grown chickens, honey from the beehives, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices grown in the garden. Embrace the essence of Cappadocian village life and Turkish culture.

After breakfast, you will meet your driver and head to Cappadocia airport and catch your flight to Istanbul from where you will then take your flight back home.

Included in your trip package 

  • Handpicked 5-star hotel
  • Daily breakfasts 
  • Superior dining in top-rated restaurants
  • Professional tour guide
  • Transfers between destinations
  • Entrance fees to museums & sightseeing

Excluded 

  • (international travelers) Visa processing fees
  • Passport fees
  • Meals outside of included dining
  • Personal shopping or incidental expenses
  • Personal travel upgrades
  • Transportation outside of the itinerary

Optional/add on's

  • Travel Insurance 

Location: This map is designed to highlight the location of this specific trip experience.

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