Hot-air balloons over Cappadocia

Istanbul & Cappadocia 5 Nights (5 Nights / 6 Days)

Experience the best of Turkey with this classic 5 Nights / 6 Days group tour (SIC) pairing the imperial grandeur of Istanbul with the lunar fairy-chimney landscapes of Cappadocia.

Commence in Istanbul with a celebratory Bosphorus dinner cruise featuring live cultural performances, followed by a guided immersion into the historic Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of Sultanahmet—including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Fly into Central Anatolia to explore the valleys of Cappadocia, visiting subterranean chambers at Ozkonak Underground City, open-air rock-cut sanctuaries at Zelve, troglodyte caves in Cavusin, and panoramic viewpoints across Goreme, Pasabag, and Uchisar Castle.

Tour Overview

  • Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days
  • Tour Style: Seat-In-Coach (SIC) Group Tour / Culture & Landscapes
  • Destinations Covered: Istanbul & Cappadocia
  • Gateway Airports: Istanbul (IST/SAW) & Kayseri (ASR) / Nevsehir (NAV)

Detailed Day-Wise Itinerary

Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul.
Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in; the rest of the day is at leisure.
In the evening, pickup from the hotel for a scenic Bosphorus Dinner Cruise (shared boat excursion).
Savor gourmet foods with panoramic views of the strait separating Europe and Asia, gliding past Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Ortakoy, Rumeli Fortress, Fatih Bridge, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Maiden’s Tower.
Enjoy live entertainment featuring Whirling Dervishes, Turkish Gypsy Dance, Caucasian Dance, Belly Dancer Group Show, Turkish Folk Dance, Rhythm Show, and a professional DJ performance.
Transfer back to the hotel.
Meals: Dinner.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Commence a guided historical tour through the heart of Old Istanbul:
• The Hippodrome: Historic sporting and political arena of the Byzantine Empire.
• Topkapi Palace: The primary residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Sultans.
• St. Sophia (Hagia Sophia): World-renowned architectural marvel of the Byzantine era.
• The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Famed for its iconic minarets and blue Iznik tiled interior.
• Grand Bazaar: One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets featuring thousands of vibrant artisan shops.
After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
According to your flight schedule, transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir.
Arrive in Kayseri or Nevsehir airport; meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Remainder of the day is at leisure to relax.
Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Cappadocia.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for a guided full-day Cappadocia tour:
• Devrent (Imagination Valley): Admire lunar landscapes with rock formations sculpted like animal figures.
• Zelve Open Air Museum: Walk through an ancient monastery complex carved into rock faces.
• Pasabag (Monks Valley): Marvel at remarkable mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys with multiple caps.
• Cavusin Village: Explore an ancient troglodyte village with rock-cut dwellings and chapels.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon artisan craft tour showcasing the ancient arts of Turkey—carpet weaving, leather manufacturing, and jewelry craftsmanship—guided to ensure a relaxed, unhurried shopping experience.
Transfer back to the hotel; free evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Cappadocia.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for your second full-day tour in Cappadocia:
• Ozkonak Underground City: Descend into multi-level subterranean chambers, ventilation shafts, stone doors, and storage rooms once used as ancient refugee shelters.
• Goreme Panorama: Take in breathtaking panoramic views over the volcanic formations of Goreme Valley.
• Pigeon Valley: View ancient dovecotes carved into sheer cliff faces.
• Uchisar Castle: Outside photo stop and viewing of the highest volcanic rock citadel in the region.
Transfer back to your hotel; free evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Cappadocia.

Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
According to your flight time, transfer to Kayseri (or Nevsehir) airport for your flight to Istanbul to connect with your next destination.
Tour concludes with wonderful memories of Turkey.
Meals: Breakfast.

Sightseeing Highlights

The Blue Mosque Istanbul
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Topkapi Palace Istanbul
Topkapi Palace, Istanbul
Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys
Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys
Hot-air Balloons over Cappadocia
Hot-air Balloons over Cappadocia

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

Package Inclusions

  • Airport arrival and departure road transfers in Istanbul and Cappadocia.
  • 02 Nights accommodation in Istanbul with daily breakfast.
  • 03 Nights accommodation in Cappadocia with daily breakfast.
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with dinner and cultural entertainment program.
  • Guided full-day Istanbul Old City tour with entrance fees.
  • 2 Guided full-day Cappadocia valley and heritage tours with entrance fees.
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary: 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 1 Dinner.
  • Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing and airport transfers.
  • Licensed English-speaking professional tour guides.

Package Exclusions

  • Domestic air tickets (Istanbul – Cappadocia – Istanbul) and international flights.
  • Optional early morning Cappadocia hot-air balloon flight.
  • Turkey tourist visa fees.
  • Dinners and beverages not listed in the meal plan.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and hotel mini-bars.
  • Tipping and gratuities for guides and drivers.
  • Comprehensive travel, medical, and baggage insurance.

Important Travel Guidelines

  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Operated on a shared cruiser with group transfers.
  • Sacred Site Dress Code: Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is mandatory when entering the Blue Mosque and active worship areas.
  • Underground City Exploration: Ozkonak Underground City includes low corridors and stairs; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
  • Check-in Times: Standard hotel check-in time is from 14:00 hrs and check-out is prior to 12:00 noon.