8-Day Istanbul, Ankara and Cappadocia Discovery Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) at your scheduled time, you will be met by our representative at the international arrivals exit, holding a sign with our agency code for identification. Following a brief meet-and-greet, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to rest after your journey or explore the city independently.

Alternatively, you may choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus, which offers a delightful evening with dinner and live entertainment while cruising along the Bosphorus. Please note, this activity comes at an extra cost.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise – Fly from Istanbul to Ankara

After breakfast at around 8:30 am, you will join the Half-day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a drive to the pier in Eminönü, where you will have a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). Following this, you’ll board a shared boat and cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge, along with centuries-old mansions, citadels, and the stunning European and Asian shorelines.

At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel around 12:15 pm to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your evening flight to Ankara, which is approximately 1.5 hours in duration. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Ankara. After check-in, the rest of the evening is free to relax.

• Overnight in Ankara.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Best Western Plus Center Hotel OR Holiday Inn Ankara or similar (Standard quality).

Day 3: Ankara Tour – From Ankara to Cappadocia by Intercity Bus (299 km)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and depart at 9:00 am for a city tour of Ankara. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, dedicated to the founder of the Turkish Republic, and explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, home to artifacts spanning from the Paleolithic to Urartian periods.

After the tour, transfer to Ankara’s main bus station for a 4-hour intercity coach ride to Cappadocia (Göreme). Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is free at leisure.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Zula Cave Housel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 4: North Cappadocia Tour

For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an extra cost.

After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles.

Afterward, you will drive to the town of Avanos, known for its pottery and ceramics, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This museum offers an insightful look into the region’s monastic history, featuring carved caves and ancient churches.

Finally, before returning to your hotel, you will have about 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of Uchisar Castle from the outside, as entry to the interior of the castle is not permitted.

After the tour ends at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city at your own pace, or participate in optional activities.

For additional activities, you can choose a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through Cappadocia’s valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show, where you can witness the mesmerizing Sufi tradition. Alternatively, you may opt for a Turkish Night show with dinner, which includes traditional Turkish music, folk dances, and a delicious meal. All these activities are available at an extra cost.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Zula Cave Housel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: South Cappadocia Tour

After breakfast, at approximately 9:30 am, your tour guide will pick you up to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. The guide will provide a briefing on the day’s activities before starting with a visit to the Red Valley, where you’ll explore renowned rock-cut churches and enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, renowned for its historic houses and churches once home to Christian clergymen. Afterward, you’ll take a break for lunch around noon.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), known for its breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, you will explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the area at your own pace.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Zula Cave Housel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: Green Cappadocia Tour – Flight Back to Istanbul

After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to join the full-day Green Tour of Cappadocia. The day begins with a visit to Esentepe, where you’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Göreme. This viewpoint is perfect for capturing the enchanting landscape of the Göreme Valley and its fairy-tale-like scenery.

From there, the tour continues to the Derinkuyu Underground City, a remarkably well-preserved subterranean complex that dates back to the Hittites and was later used by early Christians. This ancient city, with its intricate network of tunnels, stables, kitchens, living spaces, and even chapels, offers a fascinating look into historical survival strategies.

Next, you’ll explore the Ihlara Valley, where you will embark on a scenic 4 km hike. This lush valley, with its stream and small ancient churches tucked into the cliffs, is a tranquil haven. After your hike, you will stop for lunch in Belisirma Village, a charming spot nestled by the river.

After lunch, the tour will take you to the 13th-century Selime Monastery, an impressive rock-cut monastery with stunning views over the surrounding landscape. The final stop of the tour will be at Yaprakhisar, famous for its breathtaking panoramic views and its use as a filming location for the “Star Wars” movie.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.

The tour will start with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that began as a cathedral, later served as a mosque, and is now a museum, showcasing centuries of history from both Christian and Islamic cultures.

Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This impressive building remains an active place of worship and a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other social events. Here, you’ll see important monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.

After visiting these key historical sites, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish cuisine and take a moment to relax.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the stunning Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.

The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, providing an exciting experience for both shoppers and culture enthusiasts.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether you choose to explore more of Istanbul on your own or simply relax.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• All transfers mentioned in the itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
• Domestic flight tickets (Istanbul to Ankara and Kayseri to Istanbul) as per the itinerary.
• Intercity bus ticket from Ankara to Cappadocia.
• 3 nights in Istanbul at a special-class or 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Ankara at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
• English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
• Entrance fees and visits as indicated in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International flight tickets.
• Visa to enter Turkey.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride (available at an additional cost).
• Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost).
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The itinerary order is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This is a regular group tour, but it can be arranged as a private tour upon request (additional cost applies).
• Regular group tours include shopping stops.
• Accommodation arrangement by group size:
  • 1 traveler: Single Room
  • 2 travelers: Double/Twin Room
  • 3 travelers: Triple Room
  • 4 travelers: Two Double/Twin Rooms
  • 5 travelers: One Double/Twin Room + One Triple Room
• Important Site Closures:
  • Blue Mosque is closed for visitation on Fridays due to religious prayers; only the outside area can be visited.
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı).
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
  • During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.