Istanbul, Ankara & Cappadocia Explorer

Arrive at Istanbul Airport, where our representative will greet you and assist with a private transfer to your hotel. After check-in, relax and freshen up. In the evening, embark on a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, gliding between two continents under the illuminated skyline. Admire Ottoman palaces, modern mansions, and suspension bridges while enjoying a cultural show with folk dances, music, and belly dancing. Savor authentic Turkish cuisine before returning to your hotel around midnight. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, set out for a guided exploration of Istanbul’s Old City. Visit Hagia Sophia, an architectural wonder blending Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, followed by the stunning Blue Mosque with its six minarets and Iznik tiles. Continue to the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once a grand sports arena, before pausing for lunch. In the afternoon, tour Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, where relics and treasures are displayed. End with a shopping experience at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest markets. Evening return to hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the station/airport for your journey to Ankara, Turkey’s capital. Upon arrival, visit Anıtkabir, the impressive Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. Continue to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, showcasing Neolithic, Hittite, and Phrygian artifacts that reveal the region’s deep history. Walk through the Citadel area and old quarters, offering panoramic city views. After lunch, explore Ankara’s modern districts for a contrast of tradition and progress. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Ankara.

Enjoy breakfast, then embark on a scenic drive to Cappadocia, passing through the Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü), one of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world. Stop en route for photos and lunch before continuing to this surreal region of fairy chimneys. On arrival, check into your cave-style hotel and relax. In the evening, enjoy leisure time wandering local markets or opt for a Turkish Night Show in a cave restaurant, featuring folk dances and traditional music. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.

(Optional: Hot Air Balloon ride at sunrise, weather permitting). After breakfast, begin your North Cappadocia tour. Visit Devrent Valley, famous for rock formations resembling animals, and Pasabag (Monk’s Valley), where remarkable fairy chimneys stand tall. Continue to Avanos, a pottery town where artisans demonstrate their ancient techniques. After lunch, explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site with cave churches adorned in frescoes. Conclude at Uchisar Castle, Cappadocia’s natural fortress offering panoramic views. Return by evening for dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, discover the wonders of South Cappadocia. Explore the Red Valley, renowned for its colorful rock formations and hiking paths. Continue to Cavusin Village, one of the oldest settlements, known for rock-cut dwellings. After lunch, descend into the Kaymakli Underground City, where early Christians once sought refuge. Later, visit the scenic Pigeon Valley, named for its dovecotes carved into cliffs. Capture breathtaking views and return to your hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Enjoy your final Turkish breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kayseri/Nevşehir Airport for your flight to Istanbul to connect with your onward journey. Carry home unforgettable memories of Istanbul’s heritage, Ankara’s modern pride, and Cappadocia’s magical landscapes.