FASCINATING ISTANBUL & CAPPADOCIA 2025-26

Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival at Istanbul International Airport (IST), you will go through immigration and collect your luggage. Then, head to our meeting point located at Gate 8 in the arrivals area. A representative will be waiting to assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time. We suggest taking the afternoon to explore the surroundings of your hotel or savor a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant. Get ready for an exciting adventure in this vibrant city! Accommodation.

Enjoy a free day to explore Istanbul at your own pace. We recommend the optional excursion “Gems of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus with Lunch.” The tour will begin with a visit to the historic Jewish quarter of Balat and the Greek neighborhood of Fener, where you can admire views of the Golden Horn. You will continue to St. George's Cathedral, the main seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, and then visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, famous for its impressive dome designed by Mimar Sinan. Next, you will explore the Spice Bazaar, a vibrant place filled with colors and aromas, perfect for purchasing teas, herbs, nuts, and spices. To conclude the day, enjoy a boat cruise on the Bosphorus, taking in views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, and the bridges connecting Europe and Asia. After the tour, you will return to the hotel for your accommodation.

Note: The order of excursions may vary depending on operational conditions, such as the number of participants, weather, traffic, or closure days of the monuments.

Today you will have a free day, but you can also opt for the optional excursion “Gems of Constantinople,” which includes lunch at a traditional restaurant. You will set out to explore the historic district of the city, where you can observe remnants of the various empires that have shaped Istanbul.

You will begin at the Roman Hippodrome, the center of social life in Constantinople, where you can see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik. From there, enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel built in 537 that has served as a church, mosque, and museum, highlighting its enormous dome, one of the largest in the world. The excursion will continue at the majestic Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, where you will stroll through the beautiful gardens, kitchens, and royal treasure rooms, as well as discover the enigmatic Harem, known for its luxurious decoration. Afterward, visit the Church of Aya Irini, a Byzantine church that never became a mosque, and conclude the tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where bargaining is a tradition. After the tour, you will return to the hotel for your accommodation.

Departure to Ankara. In the capital of Turkey, you will enjoy a panoramic visit that includes the impressive Atatürk Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of the Republic. During the journey to Cappadocia, you will make a stop at the Salt Lake, a spectacular spot ideal for photography. You will also visit a Caravanserai, an ancient lodging from the Silk Road era, where you can learn more about the history of this important trade route. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you will enjoy dinner at the hotel and accommodation.

Depart to explore the fascinating region of Cappadocia, famous for its unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. You will start the visit at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks, decorated with 13th-century frescoes.

Next, you will tour the impressive valleys of the region, where you can admire the iconic "Fairy Chimneys" and enjoy panoramic views of the valleys with spectacular geological formations. Following this, you will visit one of Cappadocia's underground cities, an amazing engineering achievement built by ancient communities for protection against historical attacks.

At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces, as well as a gemstone center known for its exclusive regional jewelry designs. Return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

Optional Programs in Cappadocia:

• Turkish Night: Folk dance performances in a traditional cave with local drinks.
• Jeep Safari: Adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops for the best photos.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

Depart for the airport to take your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Istanbul International Airport (IST) for your departure flight. (Flight not included).