Fascinating Istanbul and Cappadocia

Information

Do you have little time to discover Turkey? Here is the program to visit the main tourist sites of the country. From Istanbul we will travel to Cappadocia by land passing by the Mausoleum of the Founder of the Republic in Ankara. On the way back we will patiently fly over the Ancient Constantinople after spending two nights in the magnificent region of hot air balloons and fairy chimneys.

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Tour Plan

• DAY 01: [-/-/-] ARRIVAL - ISTANBUL
  Welcome to Türkiye , a country with a unique history and culture, where you will experience an extraordinary holiday. A new world of experiences awaits you, where the differences of East and West are combined in one country. Arrival by international flight to the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST), inaugurated in April 2019 and today the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration and collecting your bags, you must go to our meeting point (check your voucher) where our team will meet you. Then we will meet our drivers and modern vehicles for your transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Free time to rest.
• DAY 02: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Departure for a panoramic tour of one of the oldest areas of the city where we will see the Roman Aqueduct, whose construction was completed under the reign of the Roman Emperor Valens in 368. We will continue to appreciate the Walls of Constantinople, which remind us of the times when they were seen as invincible, limiting access by land and sea to the so-called "Eis-tin Poli/ or Inner City", possibly from where Istanbul got its name. We will cross the Galata Bridge over the "Golden Horn" where we will have a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the Tower that gives the bridge its name and the Asian side. Then we will enter the Beyoglu district to appreciate the atmosphere of a modern metropolis with traces of classical European architecture at the gateway to the Middle East. This area is an open-air commercial and tourist center, full of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars around its famous pedestrian street with its nostalgic train. At the end of the visit, you will have free time. You will return to the hotel after the optional excursions have finished, depending on the schedule and meeting point. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek quarter in Fener and contemplate the magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Mosque of Suleymaniye the Magnificent, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and which has the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. We head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with special charm due to its color and aroma, the place par excellence to buy teas, herbs, nuts, typical sweets and of course spices; Culminating with a boat ride through the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, we will appreciate the wonderful views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas and the bridges that connect both sides of this city. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
• DAY 03: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Delve into the historic center of the city, where you can observe the variety of vestiges of the different empires that shaped present-day Istanbul: the imposing Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans and main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire; Hagia Sophia with its majestic Byzantine architecture and mix of Christian and Islamic religious elements; the Roman Hippodrome, center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years; the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and where haggling is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Accommodation. During the afternoon we will have the opportunity to take part in a special optional “ISTANBUL STREET GASTRONOMY”: This food tour is a unique experience walking through the streets of the most historic region of Istanbul in the heart of ancient Constantinople that invites diners to taste a selection of typical and traditional bites. With this food tour, we will visit the hidden treasures of Istanbulite flavor through a combination of textures and artistic presentations, participants have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the gastronomic diversity, while enjoying a feast for the senses. It is an opportunity to discover new flavors, ingredients and culinary techniques, appreciate the art and passion hidden behind each dish. A food tasting is a journey of discovery, a gastronomic adventure that delights the palate and creates memorable memories.
• DAY 04: [B/-/D] ISTANBUL - ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA
  Breakfast at the hotel and early departure to Ankara to visit the capital of Türkiye and the Mausoleum of the founder of the Republic. On the way to Cappadocia, we will contemplate the Salt Lake where we will make a stop for photographs in this spectacular place and then we will visit a Caravanserai, a lodging from the time of the Silk Road. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation. Optionally, you can take a direct flight to Cappadocia with a domestic flight, ask about the supplements.
• DAY 05: [B/-/-] CAPPADOCIA
  Breakfast. Today we will visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape, formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th century frescoes. Visit the stunning valleys of the region with their “otherworldly” landscapes. We will also appreciate the views of the symbols of the region's geological formations, the famous "Fairy Chimneys". We will stop to enjoy the incredible and extensive panoramic view of the Pigeon Valley, which owes its name to the numerous pigeons housed in the rocks, as in Cappadocia these animals have long been a source of food and fertilizer. We will visit an underground city in Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of our tour, we will visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces that are true treasures. We will then visit a gemstone and jewelry center with exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation. Optional programs in Cappadocia: “ TURKISH NIGHT” Presentation of folkloric dances in a typical cave with local drinks; “JEEP SAFARI” adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops to take the best photos; “BALLOON RIDE” early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.
• DAY 06: [B/-/-] CAPPADOCIA – FLIGHT – ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Departure to the airport for the return flight to Istanbul (not included in the price of the program - check the mandatory supplement). Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
• 7 DAY 07: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL – DEPARTURE
  Breakfast. Transfer to the Airport (IST) and return flight. End of our services.
  
  Important notes: The order of the itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to guide availability and monument closure days, always respecting the visits to be made. The order of the optional excursions between days 2 and 3 may also be changed. Closing days for visits: Sunday - Grand Bazaar | Tuesday - Topkapı Palace. Similar visits are offered in case of closure. Overnight stays in Istanbul are operated in two ways: 3 at the beginning + 1 at the end (as published) // or // 2 at the beginning + 2 at the end