6-Day Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour with Flights

6 Days

Group Size

15 - 20
Transportation

Airplane
Tour type

Group
Language

English
Best season

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct & Nov
Tour Starts in

Istanbul
Tour Ends in

Istanbul

Itinerary Overview

Discover the magic of Turkey on this 6-Day Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour, blending iconic heritage with stunning landscapes. Explore timeless wonders like Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, then cruise the Bosphorus for unforgettable skyline views. Fly to Cappadocia to marvel at Devrent Valley, Pasabag, and Zelve Open Air Museum, with an optional Cappadocia hot air balloon flight for breathtaking vistas. This small-group adventure offers comfort, culture, and captivating beauty—book today for the ultimate Turkish escape!

Trip Highlights

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – Byzantine masterpiece
Blue Mosque – Ottoman architectural gem
Topkapi Palace – Royal Ottoman residence
Grand Bazaar – Historic shopping maze
Bosphorus Cruise – Iconic city skyline views
Devrent Valley – Surreal fairy chimneys
Pasabag (Monks Valley) – Mushroom-shaped rocks
Zelve Open Air Museum – Ancient cave dwellings
Uchisar Castle – Panoramic Cappadocia view
Red Valley & Rose Valley – Scenic hiking trails

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Istanbul - Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW) at any time, our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals terminal, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure, whether you choose to relax at the hotel or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
2

Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks.

First, visit Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a masterpiece that served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing centuries of Christian and Islamic heritage.

Next, head to Blue Mosque, celebrated for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets, a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

Continue with a stop at Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social life. Here, admire the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain, each steeped in historical significance.

After these explorations, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant and savor traditional Turkish cuisine.

In the afternoon, discover Topkapi Palace Museum, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Walk through its grand courtyards and treasuries, and optionally visit the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan and his family.

Conclude your day at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Explore its lively atmosphere and browse through an array of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 PM. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore more of Istanbul at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
3

Bosphorus Cruise – Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri

After breakfast, at around 8:30 AM, you will join a Half-Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a transfer to the Eminönü Pier, where you’ll enjoy a brief visit to the historic Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar)—a vibrant marketplace known for its exotic aromas and colorful stalls.

Following your visit, you’ll board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia. As you sail, take in panoramic views of architectural gems such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, as well as Ottoman-era mansions, fortresses, and picturesque waterfront neighborhoods.

The cruise concludes around 12:15 PM, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your evening flight to Kayseri, with an approximate flight time of 1.5 hours.

Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in, the evening is free for you to relax or explore your surroundings. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
4

North Cappadocia Tour

For an optional early morning experience, you may book a Hot Air Balloon Ride to witness breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia’s valleys and rock formations. This activity is available at an additional cost and must be booked in advance.

After breakfast, at around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin a full-day North Cappadocia Tour. The tour begins with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its imaginative rock formations and fairy chimneys. Your next stop will be Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), where you'll see striking mushroom-shaped pinnacles that define the region's unique landscape.

The journey continues to the charming town of Avanos, known for its rich pottery tradition along the Kızılırmak River. Here, you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, an abandoned cave village that offers fascinating insight into Cappadocia’s monastic history.

Before concluding the tour, you’ll have a short stop near Uchisar for panoramic views and photo opportunities. Although entry to Uchisar Castle’s interior is not permitted, the viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

The tour ends around 4:00 PM, and you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or enjoy optional activities. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Optional Evening Activities (available at an additional cost):
– 2-hour ATV Tour
– 2-hour Horseback Riding Tour
– 1-hour Whirling Dervish Show
– Turkish Night Show with Dinner – featuring traditional music, folk dances, and a full Turkish meal.
Day
5

South Cappadocia Tour – Return flight from Kayseri to Istanbul

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

After breakfast at your hotel around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s activities.

Your tour will begin with a visit to the Red Valley, where you will explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Çavuşin Village, famous for its houses and churches of Christian clergymen.

We will take a break for lunch around noon.

After lunch, you will drive to the Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi).

In the afternoon, you will visit the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians lived.

After completing the tour at around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, depending on flight availability, for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day
6

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 PM). You will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will mark the end of our tour and services.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

All airport and hotel transfers mentioned in the itinerary (arrival and departure)
Domestic flight tickets as per the itinerary: Istanbul → Kayseri → Istanbul
3 nights’ accommodation in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star hotels with breakfast
2 nights’ accommodation in Cappadocia at a cave hotel with breakfast
Professional English-speaking guide during the tours
Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
Complimentary Wi-Fi at all hotels
Transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles
Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

International flight tickets
Visa to enter Turkey
Cappadocia hot air balloon ride
Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost)
Services not mentioned in the program
Dinners and drinks
Travel insurance (recommended)

IMPORTANT INFO:

The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
This is a regular group tour, but if requested, at additional cost, it can be provided as a private tour.
The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation.
For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation.
For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation.
For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. On tours operated on Fridays, you will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area. No visitation inside the Blue Mosque is allowed for tourists on Fridays.
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays; it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı).
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I make an online reservation?

After reviewing the detailed tour itinerary, you can make an online reservation by following these steps:

Select Your Tour Details:
- Go to the tour itinerary page.
- On the right side of the page, find the online booking form.
- Select the number of travelers and your desired tour start date.
Choose Extra Options (Add-Ons):
- Proceed to the next step to view available add-ons.
- Choose any extra options you wish to include in your tour package.
Provide Your Information & Passenger Details:
- Continue to the checkout page.
- Fill in the required personal details (name, email, phone number, etc.).
- Enter the passenger information using valid passport details.
- Click “Place Order” to submit the form and complete your reservation request.
Enter Your Visa or MasterCard Credit Card Information
- Please enter a valid Visa or MasterCard to complete your booking.
- The credit card used for payment must belong to one of the travelers who will be participating in the tour. This is required for verification and security purposes.
- Once the required 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your tour reservation will be confirmed via email within 24 hours.
- The remaining 70% balance must be paid in cash to our representative on the day you arrive in Istanbul. You will receive a receipt upon payment. If you prefer to pay the remaining balance by credit card, a 5% bank processing fee will be added to cover transaction costs.

How can we make payment?

The deposit or full-payment requirement, currency, balance due date and any disclosed payment-processing charge vary by booking and are stated on the current booking page and in the written confirmation before payment. Flight and bus tickets are issued only under the confirmed booking terms and, once issued, are non-refundable. If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

When will I receive confirmation after making a reservation?

Once your online reservation is received and the specified 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your domestic flight tickets will be confirmed. You will receive an email confirmation, including all the details, within 2-3 days.

Can I customize the tour itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. Please contact us in advance if you have specific requests or changes you'd like to make to the itinerary. Some changes may be subject to an additional fee.

Is airport transfer included in the tour price?

Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. Upon your arrival and departure, we provide complimentary transfers between the airport and your hotel.

What extra activities are popular in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia offers a variety of extra activities to enhance your experience, all available at an additional cost:

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique landscape. This unforgettable experience provides panoramic views of the fairy chimneys and valleys.
ATV Tour: Explore the rugged terrain and hidden trails on an exciting ATV (quad bike) tour. It’s a thrilling way to discover the area’s natural beauty off the beaten path.
Horseback Riding: Enjoy a peaceful horseback ride through the valleys and hills of Cappadocia. Known as the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” this activity offers a unique perspective of the region.
Whirling Dervish Show: In the evening, immerse yourself in Turkish culture by attending a traditional Whirling Dervish Show. Witness the mesmerizing Sema ceremony, a spiritual dance that has been performed for centuries.
Turkish Night Show with Dinner: Experience an authentic Turkish Night Show featuring traditional music, folk dances, and belly dancing performances. Enjoy a delicious dinner while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.
Turkish Bath (Hamam) Experience: Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath, a unique experience that combines steam, massage, and cleansing rituals.

These activities can be arranged upon request and are not included in the standard tour package. We recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.

What is the luggage allowance for domestic flights during the tour?

On domestic flights in Turkey, the luggage allowance is 15 kg (33 lbs) per person for checked baggage. For carry-on luggage, you are allowed one piece weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) per person. If your total luggage weight per person is within these limits, you should be fine.

Please note that any excess luggage weight over 15 kg for checked baggage will incur additional charges by the airlines. These extra charges are not included in the tour price and are your responsibility to pay directly to the airline at the time of check-in. We recommend packing accordingly to avoid any unexpected fees.

Your luggage is your own responsibility throughout the tour. Please ensure that you handle any issues related to overweight or excess baggage directly with the airlines.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

Will I travel with the same group and guide throughout the tour?

Our multi-day Turkey packages are regular group/shared tour arrangements, not fully escorted tours with one tour leader and the same guests from arrival to departure. Sightseeing tours are shared and usually operate with about 15-20 guests, but group size and participants may change by city or day as travelers join or leave different scheduled tours. Licensed English-speaking guides lead scheduled sightseeing visits only. Guides do not travel with guests on domestic flights, intercity buses, airport transfers, hotel transfers, or free-time periods unless this is specifically stated in the itinerary. For flights, buses, and transfers, guests are met by our driver or local representative at airports, bus terminals, or hotels and assisted with the planned transfer. One Nation Travel coordinates the full itinerary, hotels, domestic tickets, transfers, local guides, and support throughout the trip.