Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul to Cappadocia
Land at Istanbul airport and catch a domestic flight headed to Kayseri. From there, a transfer takes you to your hotel in Cappadocia for the night. This gets you settled in one of Turkey's most distinctive regions, known for its unusual rock formations and cave dwellings.
- Day 2
Cappadocia
The day starts early with an optional sunrise hot air balloon flight if you choose to do it, floating above Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape. After that, you'll work with a professional guide to see the region's natural formations and historical sites. The route includes Goreme Open-Air Museum with its carved churches, Cavusin Village's old settlement, Pasabag Valley's fairy chimneys, and Devrent Valley. You'll also walk through Avanos Town and finish at Esentepe Panoramic Viewpoint to catch sunset colors. Later that evening, fly back to Istanbul and get settled at your new hotel there.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site with 10th-12th-century cave churches and Byzantine frescoes)
- Explore Cavusin Village (old Greek-style village with cave houses)
- Visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) with fairy chimneys
- Explore Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) with sculpted rock formations
- Visit Avanos Town with pottery demonstration
- Sunset viewing at Esentepe Panoramic Viewpoint overlooking Goreme Valley
Optional Activities
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia
- Pottery wheel experience at Avanos Town
Landmarks/POIs Goreme Open-Air Museum Cavusin Village Pasabag Valley Devrent Valley Avanos Town Esentepe Panoramic Viewpoint - Day 3
Istanbul
Spend the day in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district exploring centuries of history. Start at the Hippodrome and its ancient monuments, then head to the Blue Mosque to see its distinctive interior tilework. Next, tour Topkapi Palace, the former home of Ottoman sultans with its elaborate courtyards and rooms. After lunch, walk to Hagia Sophia, an architectural landmark that's shifted purposes multiple times throughout history. Wrap up at the Grand Bazaar, a massive covered marketplace where you can browse carpets, leather goods, jewelry, and other items.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit the Hippodrome with ancient monuments (Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, Column of Constantine)
- Visit the Blue Mosque with its impressive courtyard and minarets
- Tour Topkapi Palace (museum housing Muslim world's holiest relics including the cloak and sword of Prophet Mohammed)
- Visit the Hagia Sophia (4th-century basilica and architectural gem)
- Explore the Grand Bazaar (largest and oldest covered marketplace in the world)
Landmarks/POIs Hippodrome Obelisk of Theodosius Serpentine Column Column of Constantine Blue Mosque Topkapi Palace Hagia Sophia Grand Bazaar - Day 4
Istanbul Departure
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll get transferred to the airport. This is where your tour services end and your journey wraps up.
