Unique Turkey: Istanbul and Cappadocia

Arrival at Istanbul International Airport. After immigration formalities and luggage collection, a representative will be waiting to accompany us to our transportation. Transfer to the Adamar Hotel for the welcome dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, our guide will pick us up at the hotel for the Bosphorus and Sultanahmet district excursion. We will start exploring the city by visiting the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market). Then, we will cruise the Bosphorus on a boat. During the journey between Europe and Asia, we will enjoy the great beauty of Istanbul's forests, its palaces, and the yali (wooden mansions built on both shores). Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit the Sultanahmet district, including the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, unique among all Ottoman mosques with its 6 minarets, and the splendid 6th-century Basilica of Hagia Sophia. Return to the hotel, rest of the day free, and overnight at the hotel.  

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for the Historic Istanbul excursion. During this tour, we will visit the Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire (entrance to the Harem Room is not included). Next, we will visit the Grand Bazaar*, a building that houses more than 4,000 shops inside. We will have free time to discover local crafts and do some shopping. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will take a panoramic tour of the city, passing through the most important neighborhoods of the historic and modern parts, including a walk along the pedestrian street of İstiklal. At the agreed time, transfer to the airport to take the domestic flight to Cappadocia. Arrival in Cappadocia (either in Kayseri or Nevsehir, to be confirmed at the time of booking) and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will dedicate the day to visiting this fantastic region, unique in the world. The Goreme Valley, with its rock-cut churches and paintings from the 10th and 11th centuries. We will continue the visit to the troglodyte village of Uçhisar, visit Avcilar with its spectacular views, and tour the Derbent Valley, with its curious natural rock formations. We will have time to visit handicraft workshops for carpets and onyx (semi-precious stones). Return to the hotel, dinner at the hotel, and overnight. ******** OPTIONAL BALLOON EXCURSION ******** At dawn, the possibility of participating in a hot air balloon excursion, a unique experience, over the rock formations, fairy chimneys, natural formations, lunar landscapes.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we will visit the Kizilcukur Valley, where we will do some light trekking. We will continue to the typical village of Cavusin. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the underground city of Kaymakli, built by Christian communities to protect themselves from Arab attacks. The underground city preserves stables, a church, large common rooms, a meeting room, and small family rooms. After the tour, transfer to Cappadocia airport to take the domestic flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, rest of the day free, and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from the hotel to the Asian side of the city, crossing the Bosphorus intercontinental bridge. We will start our tour with the visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, built in white marble by Sultan Abdülaziz in the 19th century. It has a magnificent garden with magnolias. The palace was used as a summer residence for the sultans and as a guest house for foreign dignitaries. Upon returning to the European side, we will continue to visit the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan). After lunch, departure to the Eyup district, the most revered Muslim sanctuary in Istanbul, after Mecca and Jerusalem, the third most sacred place of pilgrimage in the Islamic world. On top of the hill above the cemetery is the famous Pierre Loti café. The café has a stunning view of the Golden Horn. In the afternoon, transfer to the Old City to experience a Turkish bath. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel (if flight schedule and transfer time permit) and transfer to the airport.