Top Turkey Vacation Package: Istanbul and Cappadocia

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a full-day city tour. The morning features an exterior visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, followed by exploration of the vast Topkapi Palace complex (closed Tuesdays), the residence of the sultans from 1478 to 1856. This monumental complex is composed of pavilions, gardens, and scattered courtyards, located in the historic district near the entrance of the Golden Horn, and a visit to the famous Blue Mosque with its six minarets. After lunch, the afternoon includes the ancient Roman Hippodrome and free time at the Grand Bazaar. (closed Sundays and religious holidays) before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Your day tour begins with a delicious breakfast, then a visit to the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), located in the historic Eminönü district, an ideal place to buy spices, dried fruits, teas, and a variety of Turkish delights. Then, you take a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait aboard a regular boat, sailing between the Asian and European shores of Istanbul. During the journey, you will admire iconic landmarks such as the Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces, as well as the Rumeli Fortress, among others. We will then continue to the historic neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, perfect for wandering through their romantic cobblestone streets. Here, you’ll find charming themed cafés and have the chance to take photos of the famous colorful houses. This area is well-known as a filming location for many Turkish TV series, offering treasures full of history and glimpses into everyday Turkish life. Your tour will include an exterior visit to the magnificent Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. Stephen, notable for being constructed entirely of cast iron. You will also see the Church of the Orthodox Patriarchate located in the Balat district. To conclude the day, you will visit the famous Pierre Loti Café, a legendary spot once favored by the French writer Pierre Loti, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Golden Horn, before transferring back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After an early checkout, you will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul to embark on your flight to Kayseri Airport. Continuing your Istanbul & Cappadocia tour, you will first visit the UNESCO-recognized Göreme Open Air Museum, a medieval monastic complex. You will then continue to the Ortahisar Panorama for a wonderful view featuring a natural castle, stone houses, and mosques. A short drive will take you to Pasabagi (Valley of the Monks) to see its conical fairy chimney columns. After lunch at a local restaurant in Avanos on the banks of the Kızılırmak River, you will see famous Turkish handicrafts, make a stop at the strangely formed Devrent Valley, enjoy the beautiful view over Ürgüp from the Valley of Three Beauties, and visit the Göreme Panorama stop south of Göreme before returning to the hotel for dinner. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Optional Excursions in Cappadocia

• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Early morning departure to admire one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes from the air.
• Jeep Safari: Off-road adventure through the valleys and landscapes of Cappadocia, with panoramic stops and unforgettable views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you will begin a full-day exploration of South Cappadocia, starting with a 4 km hike through the scenic Red and Rose Valley. Following lunch at a restaurant near Pigeon Valley, the tour proceeds to the Valley of Love (historically known as White Valley) to admire its elegantly shaped fairy chimneys. Next, you will descend into the multi-level underground city of Serhatli (or Özkonak), a refuge used by early Christians in the 6th and 7th centuries, with another lunch included at a local restaurant. The afternoon continues with visits to the ancient village of Çavuşin for panoramic views and the Uçhisar rock castle for excellent photo opportunities. The day concludes with a demonstration at a traditional carpet workshop and a stop at an onyx and jewelry workshop before your transfer to Cappadocia airport for the flight to Istanbul and onward hotel transfer.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Istanbul International Airport for final departure and the End of Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour
Meals: Breakfast.