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

Sultanahmet District - The travel package services commence with a guided walking tour through Istanbul’s historic old city. Guests will meet their licensed tour guide and embark on a semi-private tour, exploring the heart of Sultanahmet, the city’s ancient center. Today’s tour will cover visits to the highlights of the Sultanahmet District, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı), Hippodrome, and German Fountain. 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.

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.

Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Camii, was constructed in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I of the Ottoman Empire. It stands as a stunning architectural masterpiece, boasting remarkable proportions that are surprisingly delicate for a structure of such immense scale.

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.

Basilica Cistern - Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa head. The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, features stunning columns and a mysterious ambiance, reflecting the city’s rich history and architectural brilliance. The cistern was known in Byzantium as the Basilica Cistern, Justinian was the founder of the largest underground cistern, built after the Nika Revolt in 532. A must-visit marvel.

Istanbul - At the end of the tour, guests may continue to their hotel to meet their driver, who will transfer them to the airport for their flight to Cappadocia. The driver will pick them up at the reception of their hotel for that airport transfer.

Cappadocia - Upon arrival at Cappadocia Airport, the driver will be waiting at the arrivals terminal exit, holding a sign with the guest’s name. Guests will then be transferred to their hotel in Cappadocia, which is approximately an hour’s drive away.

– Accommodation at Cappadocia

Cappadocia Balloon Tours - Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED): Get ready for a wonderful experience unique to Cappadocia! Guests will be picked up from their hotel and transferred to the balloon site where they will have the opportunity to watch the balloon being prepared for the flight. The flight will be at sunrise, where the pilot will climb to a comfortable altitude of about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. It is from this elevation that guests will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below. During certain segments of the flight, 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 total 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, guests will be transferred back to their hotel in Cappadocia.

Ürgüp - The tour guide will pick guests up from their hotel to begin this carefully planned day trip to the key attractions of Cappadocia. Most tours only show panoramic views of some valleys and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia due to entrance fee costs. Guests won’t fully experience the history and geography of Cappadocia. After hundreds of feedback from guests, this trip itinerary was created for those who are concerned and curious about the historical, cultural, and architectural heritages of Cappadocia. The semi-private daily tours (guaranteed for a maximum of 10 guests per group) present ancient and extraordinary geographical spots of the Cappadocia district.

Goreme National Park - In a stunning landscape shaped entirely by erosion, Göreme National Park and its surroundings feature rock-carved sanctuaries that serve as extraordinary examples of Byzantine art from the post-Iconoclastic period. During this tour, guests will explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum and Tokalı Church, two of the top highlights in this national park.

Goreme Open-Air Museum - The Göreme Open Air Museum is recognized as one of the earliest monasteries in Christian history. This rock-hewn settlement, where education was provided to spread Christianity, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, renowned for its fresco-covered churches and rock-hewn living spaces.

TokalI Church - The Tokalı Church (Buckle Church) in the Göreme Open Air Museum is considered one of the most beautiful of the Cappadocian cave churches. Its interior boasts some of the most outstanding frescoes, notable for their theological and artistic significance. The church is part of a larger complex that includes four churches and a hermitage, all dating back to the 9th century. Once the most famous church in the region, it remains one of the most impressive churches in the area today.

Ortahisar - Ortahisar Castle, also known as the most spectacular fairy chimney of Cappadocia, is located in Ortahisar town of Nevşehir. Said to be one of the first multi-storey settlements in the world, this castle is surrounded by steep valleys on three sides. Its geography enabled the castle to be used for protection and shelter in ancient times. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns.) After a panoramic visit to this amazing rock castle, guests will continue to learn about weaving, a significant aspect of Turkish culture, with roots that trace back to Central Asia. This ancient tradition is still alive in Cappadocia today. During the tour, there will be a brief visit to a cooperative where world-renowned Turkish carpets are crafted, offering the chance to learn about the intricate details of this age-old art form.

Avanos Oren Yeri - Today’s lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Avanos, where guests will have the opportunity to try “Testi Kebab,” a traditional kebab unique to the Cappadocia region. (Vegetarian options are also available at the same restaurant.) Avanos is well-known for its charming old town with cobblestone streets and scenic river views. Formerly known as Venessa, the ancient city of Avanos overlooks the Kızılırmak (Red River), the longest river in Turkey, which separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. A notable historical feature of Avanos, still prominent today, is its earthenware pottery production, which remains a key economic activity in the town. The ceramic industry in this area, with its numerous pottery workshops, dates back to the Hittites, and the clay sourced from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has been used for centuries. There will be a short stop to experience this during the tour.

Uchisar Castle - Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area with beautiful views of the surrounding valley full of bizarre rock formations. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns. Instead, there will be a stop for a panoramic view of the rock castle.)

Devrent Valley - This valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is home to numerous rock formations shaped like animals, predominantly in shades of red. One of the most common shapes found here is that of a camel.

Fairy Chimneys - Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most obvious places to visit where these landforms are best seen and the common life of humankind and nature. On this tour, guests will see many examples of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - At the conclusion of the tour, guests will be transferred back to their hotel in Cappadocia.

Guided Day Trip - Flight Back to Istanbul

Keslik Monastery - The tour guide will pick guests up from their hotel to begin this carefully planned day trip to the key attractions of Cappadocia. Keslik Monastery is an extensive cave monastery complex, home to two churches, a grand refectory hall, a sacred spring, and numerous cave rooms. Set amidst a serene garden landscape, it is the largest monastery in Cappadocia. Over its 2,000-year history, the site has undergone various transformations: originally a burial ground during pre-Christian Roman times, later a thriving communal monastery in the Byzantine era, and now a notable tourist destination in modern Turkey.

Sobesos Ancient City - Sobesos Ancient City was accidentally discovered in 2002 and offers a glimpse into Cappadocia’s rich history. Unearthed during a three-year archaeological excavation, the site revealed numerous intricate motifs intricately crafted on colored stones. Notably, the floor mosaics stand out with their captivating geometric patterns.

Uchisar - Uchisar is a town known for hosting some of the finest restaurants in Cappadocia. These establishments are quiet and offer an authentic, non-touristic dining experience. Today, guests will enjoy lunch at one of these exceptional restaurants.

Pigeon Valley - Located in the town of Uchisar, this spot offers one of the best panoramic views of the region. It is also home to numerous pigeon houses built by the area’s ancient inhabitants. If desired, guests can also visit a renowned onyx stone factory in the region.

Kaymakli Underground City - Kaymakli, one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, spans 8 levels. However, like many other underground cities, not all of its floors are accessible to tourists. The first level was specifically designed for animals, allowing them to move freely. Corridors connect the churches and other living areas, separated from the stables. Kaymakli Underground City is home to remarkable sections such as storage rooms, kitchens, cemeteries, a communal area, and a copper workshop. It is believed that hidden underground tunnels remain within the city, still waiting to be fully explored.

Cappadocia - At the conclusion of the tour, guests will be transferred to Cappadocia airport for their flight back to Istanbul.

İstanbul - Upon arrival at the airport in Istanbul, the driver will meet guests and transfer them to their hotel. * The departure time for the return flight is between 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm, which means the flight will land in Istanbul approximately between 9:30 pm and 10:45 pm. This timing is ideal, allowing guests to comfortably catch their return flight to Istanbul after their full-day guided tour of Cappadocia today. It is not recommended to connect an international flight from this tour if there is one. There could be a risk of missing the international flight if the return flight is delayed by the airline company.

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

• Dinner & Drinks

Embark on a 3-day trip to Cappadocia, departing from Istanbul with return flights included. This travel package begins and concludes at your Istanbul hotel, encompassing 2 comprehensive day-tours to Cappadocia’s top attractions, a two-night stay at a unique cave boutique hotel in Cappadocia, round-trip domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia, and transportation to and from the airport. Remember to include a discounted hot air balloon ride when making your reservation for an even more memorable adventure.

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.