Arrival Istanbul Airport

The guest will be collected from Istanbul Airport and transferred to the hotel. No activities are planned for this day. The guide will meet the guest the next day at 09:30 AM.

240 min

Ottoman-Byzantine Walking Tour

At 09:30 AM, the guide will pick up the guest for a full-day walking tour focused on Ottoman and Byzantine history. Highlights include the Blue Mosque, noted for its blue interior tiles, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which was a horse racing track and social center in the Byzantine capital.

420 min

Blue Mosque and Hippodrome

The Blue Mosque has blue tiles decorating its interior walls. The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a horse racing venue that served as the sporting and social center of the Byzantine capital, the largest city in Europe at that time.

30 min

Hippodrome Square Features

This area was the site of chariot races during the Roman Empire. It contains the Egyptian Column from the Byzantine period. The German Fountain is located at the corner of the square.

90 min

Hippodrome Square

This square was the location of chariot races during the Roman Empire. It features the Egyptian Column dating back to the Byzantine Empire. The German Fountain now marks the cornerstone of the square.

Hagia Sophia

Constructed in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, this site was important in both Christian and Islamic traditions. Following the Ottoman conquest, the bells, altar, iconoclastic images, and sacrificial vessels were taken away, and numerous mosaics were covered with plaster to transform the church into a mosque, later a museum, and currently it serves again as a mosque. Situated in Istanbul's Old City, it is a major stop on Istanbul tours. Since it is no longer designated as a museum, tour guides do not have priority for skipping lines. Visitors might face security checks and waiting times; to minimize queues, departures at 8:30am or 9:00am are advised.

30 min

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar ranks among the world's biggest and oldest enclosed markets, featuring more than 4,000 shops. It presents a diverse range of colorful items such as ceramics, leather products, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothing, silver, and gold.

60 min

Byzantine Cisterns

The Byzantine Cistern served as water storage during the Byzantine Empire, providing clean drinking water to the city's residents, especially during sieges. Binbirdirek and Serefiye Cisterns are available to visit upon arrangement with the tour guide on the day.

60 min

Drive-by Istanbul Sites

Drive-by.

60 min

Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar

Also called Mısır Çarşısı, the Egyptian Bazaar is the location to buy fresh spices, nuts, honeycomb, Turkish delight, dried figs, caviar, and aged hard Turkish cheese.

Drive-by Istanbul Sites

Drive-by.

120 min

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace is noted for its luxury decoration including chandeliers, rugs, crystals, and ceramic fireplaces. Located on the Bosphorus, it contains furnishings, paintings, and porcelains made specifically for the palace.

60 min

Taksim Square Free Time

Taksim is a central area in Istanbul originally named for its role in distributing water to the city's neighborhoods. It includes historical sites combined with modern elements. The area features busy commercial markets around Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, attracting tourists, shoppers, and visitors.

60 min

Transfer to Istanbul Airport and Flight

Transfer to Istanbul airport to board a flight to Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided in Cappadocia.

Transfer to Cappadocia Hotel

Transfer to the hotel in Cappadocia.

60 min

Cappadocia Red Tour Sightseeing

Begin the day with visits to Goreme Open-Air Museum, featuring frescoed rock churches and chapels. Visit Uchisar village, known for its unusual natural and man-made formations. Explore Pasabag Valley, known for its fairy chimneys. Visit Dervend Valley to see various imaginative rock formations. Stop at Avanos Pottery Village on the Kizilirmak River to observe traditional pottery making. End with a visit to Love Valley, a unique valley in central Cappadocia.

420 min

Optional Hot Air Balloon and Morning Tour

Pick up starts around 05:00 am for an optional hot air balloon sunrise experience, followed by a champagne toast upon landing. Return to the hotel and after approximately one hour, begin the tour following hotel check-out around 09:30 am.

Goreme Open-Air Museum

This outdoor museum contains remains of many churches carved into Cappadocia stone. Notable are the numerous well-preserved frescoes visible within the various structures.

60 min

Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is the highest point in the region and was historically the most populated area for observing enemies. The top of the citadel offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

30 min

Pasabaglari (Monks Valley)

Pasabaglari contains numerous fairy chimneys with several stems and caps, a formation found only in this region. One three-headed chimney includes a hermit's shelter and a chapel honoring St. Simeon.

60 min

Devrent Valley Walk

Devrent Valley contains various fairy chimney types, including capped, cone-shaped, mushroom-like pillars, and pointed rocks. These formations resulted from erosion by volcanoes, rivers, wind, and floodwaters. A walk through the valley is included.

60 min

Three Beauties Viewpoint

The Three Beauties viewpoint overlooks Urgup town, known for its wine factories, vineyards, and apricot gardens, offering notable views.

Transfer to Cappadocia Hotel

Transfer to the hotel in Cappadocia.

30 min

Cappadocia Blue Tour and Flight to Izmir

Meet at the hotel lobby in the morning for the Blue Tour. Visit Rose Valley for trekking and rock-cut churches. Stop in Cavusin, an old Greek village with Christian houses and churches. After lunch, visit Ortahisar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle, featuring storage caves. In the afternoon, explore Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City, used by early Christians. On the return, visit panoramic Pigeon Valley, known for pigeon manure used in vineyards. Optionally taste Cappadocia wine at a local winery. The tour ends around 17:30 with transfer to the airport for a 20:30 flight to Izmir for the next part of the tour to Ephesus.

60 min

Rose Valley Trekking and Rock Churches

Explore Rose Valley by hiking through the valley to see its rock-cut churches. The valley is known for trekking in Cappadocia. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village recognized for its Christian houses and churches.

30 min