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 the old city walking tour will begin.

Sultanahmet District - Today’s tour will include visits to the highlights of the Sultanahmet District, such as 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, opposite 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, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and then transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.

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

Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED) -

Cappadocia Balloon Tours - Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED): Prepare for a wonderful experience unique to Cappadocia! You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the balloon site where you will have the opportunity to watch the balloon being prepared for your flight. The flight will be at sunrise, where your pilot will climb to a comfortable altitude of about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. It is from this elevation that you will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below you. During certain segments of the flight, our pilots are also capable of flying as low as 1 meter above the rock formations, allowing perfect photo opportunities. The total activity duration is approximately 3 hours, and the flight duration is approximately 60 minutes. There will be a champagne celebration at the end of the flight. At the conclusion of the balloon ride, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia.

• Transfers at the mentioned airports for domestic flights in the itinerary
• Domestic Flight Tickets: Istanbul to Denizli - Izmir to Istanbul (or Izmir to Cappadocia)
• Option to connect this trip to Cappadocia
• Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off Services in Istanbul, Kusadasi, Cappadocia
• 2 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast
• Professional tour guide licensed by Ministry of Culture and Tourism

• Dinner & Drink
• Entrance Fees (Your tour guide will have pre-paid tickets for you can skip the line.)

Cappadocia is Turkey’s second most visited locale following Istanbul and this tour package provides the opportunity to explore this fascinating location in a span of 3-days. You will get to see prominent underground towns in Cappadocia, the Devrent Valley, and the Pigeon Valley near Uchisar, as well as gain insights into ancient murals at the Open Air Museum in Goreme and view the unique landscape at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Goreme National Park. Additionally, you will experience the lunar-like topography of Cappadocia via hot air balloon ride, navigate the valleys of Cappadocia on your ATV quad bike and stay for two nights in a stylish cave boutique hotel in Cappadocia. This package also includes two full-day sightseeing trips to Cappadocia’s main attractions, round-trip air travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia, and airport transfers.

• The package prices are valid for accommodation in double or triple rooms. If you would like to add single room accommodation to your booking, there may be an additional cost. However, there will be no extra charges for single/solo travelers, as they will already be accommodated in single rooms.
• For your accommodation in Kusadasi during this trip, the pre-planned hotels are “Efe Boutique Hotel” and “Charisma De Luxe Hotel.” When booking, you can select either one. If these hotels do not have availability for standard or superior rooms on your travel dates, the local tour operator may substitute them with equivalent hotels.
• If you would like to connect this trip to Cappadocia instead of return to Istanbul, this option is available to you. If you want to benefit from this opportunity, you have to book the option of “Gold Package”. After you prefered flight from Izmir to Cappadocia, there will not be right about return flight to Istanbul. Also, the arrival airport transfer will be provided by the local tour operator in Cappadocia.
• The local tour operator will email your e-tickets for domestic flights three days prior to your departure. You won’t need to print the tickets for domestic flights. Your passport and the reservation number on the tickets will be sufficient for check-in.
• The local tour operator may need some passport details to book your flight tickets. If you do not provide the requested information, your domestic flight tickets may not be booked.
• You are allowed 15kg luggage + 8kg cabin bag per person for each domestic flight(s). If you need more luggage capacity, please let the local tour operator know. Additional charges may apply for exceeding the 15 kg luggage limit.
• If your return hotel is different than pick-up hotel, please inform that detail immediately. If you inform that detail after organised your flight tickets, the local tour operator can request extra cost because of the distances between the airports and some hotels. If you inform this type changes on service day (last day of your trip), the local tour operator do not accept this last minute amending and drop you to your pick-up hotel.
• If your pick-up or drop-off hotels are located inside the IST or SAW airports, the local tour operator will not provide any hotel pick-up or drop-off services. This is about the traffic procedures of the airports.
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, the local tour operator can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.