Semi-Private Tour to Old City (Sultanahmet District) of Istanbul – Flight to Cappadocia – Overnight at Cappadocia

Istanbul Old City Tour - The travel package services commence with a guided walking tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City. Participants will meet their licensed tour guide and embark on a semi-private tour, exploring the heart of Sultanahmet, the city’s ancient center. The meeting (departure) point for today’s tour is the German Fountain in the Sultanahmet District. The tour guide will be waiting there, and then the old city walking tour will begin.

Sultanahmet District - Today’s tour will cover visits to the highlights of the Sultanahmet District, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, German Fountain, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). The tour guide will provide details about the Sultanahmet District at the start of the tour.

German Fountain - The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.

Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi) is more than the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans; it also served as the center of executive and judicial power for nearly 400 years. This architectural masterpiece stands as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s grandeur and influence. A stunning example of Oriental design, the palace showcases the empire’s wealth and authority. Please note that visits to the Harem section are not included. * The Topkapi Palace is closed to visits on each Tuesday. That’s why, this visit will be replaced with Istanbul Archaeological Museum, if your experience date is Tuesday.

Kapali Carsi - The Grand Bazaar, known as Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, nestled in the heart of Istanbul. Established in the 15th century, this vast marketplace spans over 60 streets and alleys, housing more than 4,000 shops and stalls. Bursting with energy and color, the bazaar offers an incredible variety of goods, from jewelry, carpets, and textiles to ceramics, spices, leather products, and traditional Turkish handicrafts. It’s a dream destination for those seeking unique souvenirs and gifts. The Grand Bazaar’s architecture is equally captivating, featuring a maze-like layout, vaulted ceilings, and vibrant displays. Strolling through its winding pathways allows visitors to soak up Istanbul’s rich history and culture while engaging with friendly local merchants.

Istanbul - At the conclusion of the tour, a driver will pick participants up from their hotel and transfer them to the airport for their flight to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - Upon arrival at Cappadocia airport, a driver will meet participants at the arrivals terminal exit, holding a sign with their name. From there, they will be transported to their hotel in Cappadocia, which is about an hour’s drive away.

Guided Tour to Ephesus and Its Surroundings - Flight from Izmir to Cappadocia - Overnight at Cappadocia

Kuşadası - After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the tour guide will pick participants up around 09:00 AM for a full-day tour to Ephesus and its surroundings. * At the end of the tour, participants will be directly transferred to Izmir Airport for their flight to Cappadocia.

Kusadasi Gazi Begendi Park - Before driving to the Ephesus area, there will be a stop at Gazi Begendi Park (Hill) for participants to take photos of the amazing Kusadasi Bay.

Ancient City of Ephesus - The first visit will be to the Ephesus Ancient City. Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in the ancient world and is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. The Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are other highlights. Participants will see the Celcus Library, Temple of Hadrian, Fountain of Trajan, Odeon, Agora, Fountain of Domitian, Hercule Gate, Grand Theater, Nike, Ancient Toilets, and more during the tour of this ancient city.

The Temple of Artemis - The next stop of the tour will be at the Temple of Artemis, which was first built during the Archaic period and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Selcuk - There will be a stop at a traditional Turkish restaurant for lunch. Today’s lunch is included during the guided tour. After lunch, participants will experience a traditional handcraft cooperative to receive a lecture about the special arts of Turkish villagers.

Sirince - This pretty old Orthodox village, 12 km away from Ephesus and 30 km from Kusadasi, was once called Cirkince (“ugly”). Indeed, its inhabitants gave it this name on purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor share the beauty of their village. However, over the years, visitors realized that the village was not ugly at all and called it Sirince (“pretty”). As the village is located on the top of a mountain, participants will enjoy the impressive views of vineyards and peach trees along the way. They will find wines made from apples, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, melons, watermelons, cherries, and many other sorts of fruits.

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - At the end of the tour, participants will be transferred to Izmir airport for their flight to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - Upon arrival at Cappadocia airport, another driver will meet participants at the exit gate of the arrival terminal and transfer them to their hotel in Cappadocia.

• Transfers at the mentioned airports for domestic flights in the itinerary
• Flight Tickets: Istanbul to Denizli - Izmir to Istanbul or Izmir to Cappadocia
• XX nights hotel accommodation including breakfast
• Hotel pick-up & drop-off services for each mentioned tour and transfer on itinerary
• Professional tour guide licensed by Ministry of Culture and Tourism

• Dinner & Drinks
• Entrance fees of the museums (Your guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line.)

This package tour, spanning three days, gives you the opportunity to explore Turkey’s two most well-known locales: Cappadocia and Ephesus. You’ll get to have distinctive experiences such as an ATV Quad Bike Safari and horseback riding through the valleys of Cappadocia. The package includes two-night stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia, comprehensive guided tours in both the regions, most meals, museum tickets, round-trip transportation, airport shuttle services, and domestic flights. As an optional add-on, consider embarking on a sunrise hot air balloon journey over the ‘fairy chimneys’ for a truly remarkable experience.

• Hotel drop-off (return to Istanbul) timing : The departure time of return flight is between 08.00pm and 09.00pm from Cappadocia. That’s meaning, your return flight will be landing Istanbul airport or Istanbul SAW airport between 09.30pm and 10.30pm. After you arrived Istanbul, local tour operator will transfer you to your drop-opff point. If you will do this tour post-cruise, the drop-off point will be your hotel in Istanbul center for this transfer. If you will do this tour pre-cruise, the drop-off point will be Istanbul Galataport (Cruise Port) for this transfer.
• The prices of package are valid for accommodation at the double or triple room. If you would like make reservation for single room(s), there could be supplement cost. There are not going to be any extra cost for single / solo travelers. This cost already accounted on price of these travelers.
• The pre-planned hotels are “Hagia Sophia Mansions in Istanbul” - “The Magnaura Palace in Istanbul” - “Zeynep Sultan Hotel in Istanbul” - “Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia” - “1811 Cave Boutique Hotel in Cappadocia” - “Sedirli Konak Boutique Hotel in Cappadocia” for your accommodation on this travel. You can choose any of them while booking. If preferred hotel by you is not available for standard/superior rooms on your travel dates, local tour operator can replace it with an equivalent hotel.
• The check-in time of hotels is 02.00pm, and you can not start use your room before this time. This is about the check-in & check-out policies of hotels. If your arrival flight will be landing to Istanbul-Turkey before that time , you have to add one night more hotel reservation to package, or wait at the reception of your hotel until 02.00pm for check-in to hotel.
• The differences between the package options are about the hotel categories. Tour(s), airport transfer(s) and flight ticket levels will be same for all options.
• The local tour operator will send e-tickets of your domestic flights at six days before your departure date. You will not need print out copies of the tickets for domestic flights. Your passport and reservation number on the tickets will be enough for check-in to plane.
• The local tour operator can request your some passport details for the bookings of your flight tickets.
• You will have 15kg luggage + 8kg hand bag quota per person for each domestic flight. If you will need more luggage capacity, please inform that to local tour operator. There could be some extra fee for luggage quotas more than 15kg. This is exactly about the policies of airline companies.
• If your pick-up or drop-off hotel is inside of airports (IST and SAW airports) local tour operator do not provide any pick-up / drop-off service on this trip package.
• Hot air ballooning is a fully weather-dependent activity and the Civil Aviation Authority determines whether the flight will be held. If your flight is cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, you are entitled to a partial refund. In such a case, your refund will be processed by the day after of that trip. Your refund rate will be the difference between options of “included balloon ride” and “excluded balloon ride” for the cancellations of the hot air balloon ride.
• The Standard Balloon Ride has an One-hour approximately flight duration with 20 to 28 people capacity basket. The flight duration could be 50-55 minutes or 65-70 minutes. This situation depend the weather conditions before landing, and pilots are decide to that within the safety rules of Civil Aviation Authority. Total activity duration is approximately 3 hours.
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
• The children who 5 years old and under are not allowed to balloon tours.
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, local tour operator can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.