Istanbul and Cappadocia, World Heritage treasures
Eight days combining imperial Istanbul and the tuff landscapes of Cappadocia, as a private tailor-made tour.
This tour brings together two unforgettable faces of Turkey. In Istanbul you explore the historic peninsula on foot, from Hagia Sophia to Topkapı Palace, then glide along the Bosphorus and wander through the Grand Bazaar. A flight to Kayseri then opens Cappadocia: valleys of fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, underground cities and easy trails through landscapes sculpted by time. An accessible programme, ideal for a first discovery of the country.
CODE AA-IST-01
8 days · Level 1/5
Price depends on group size and season: a detailed, no-obligation quote on request.
- Istanbul's historic peninsula: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı
- A Bosphorus boat ride, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar
- Göreme Open Air Museum and the Red Valley
- The underground city of Derinkuyu and Ihlara Valley
- Zelve and Paşabağları valleys, a pottery workshop in Avanos
Day-by-day itinerary
Istanbul – arrival
On arrival at Istanbul International Airport, our representative greets you and takes you to your hotel in the Sultanahmet or Sirkeci district, in the heart of the old city. No meals are planned today: the evening is free to settle in and get your bearings.
Istanbul, the historic peninsula
A day on foot in the historic district: Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque, known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. You finish with a traditional Turkish tea before returning to the hotel. Breakfast is included; other meals of the day are not included.
The Bosphorus, the Cistern and the Grand Bazaar
A ride on a public Bosphorus boat shows you Topkapı Palace, the Maiden's Tower and Dolmabahçe Palace from the water. You then descend into the Basilica Cistern and happily lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar, followed by a Turkish coffee. Breakfast included; overnight in Istanbul.
Istanbul – Cappadocia
Transfer to Istanbul airport, then a flight to Kayseri (domestic flight not included, can be booked on request) and the road to Cappadocia. A first easy walk from Çavuşin village to the Monks' Valley of Paşabağları. Visit of the Zelve monastic valley, then Avanos, where a pottery workshop lets you try the wheel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included; overnight in Cappadocia.
Cappadocia: Uçhisar, Göreme and the Red Valley
If you wish, an optional hot-air balloon flight before sunrise. The day takes you to Uçhisar citadel, a vast natural viewpoint, the Göreme Open Air Museum and the Red Valley. Another option: a hamam late in the afternoon. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included; overnight in Cappadocia.
Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley and Selime
Departure for the underground city of Derinkuyu, then an easy walk through Ihlara Valley to Belisırma village, where you have lunch. You continue to Selime Monastery and, in the late afternoon, stop at Güzelyurt on the way back. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included; overnight in Cappadocia.
Göreme and Ürgüp
A last, freer day in Cappadocia: you discover Göreme village and then the small town of Ürgüp, with time for shops, cafés and tea at your leisure. Optionally, an evening Turkish show with a dervish ceremony, folk dances and oriental dance. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included; overnight in Cappadocia.
Kayseri – departure
Transfer from your Cappadocia hotel to Kayseri airport, where the tour ends. Breakfast is included. We can extend your stay or arrange the rest of your trip in Turkey if you wish.
Included / Not included
What’s included
- Transfers and transport by private vehicle to the sites in the programme
- Arrival transfer at Istanbul airport (day 1), hotel-to-Istanbul-airport transfer (day 4) and departure transfer from Cappadocia to Kayseri airport
- French-speaking or English-speaking guide depending on availability, to be confirmed on request
- Hotel accommodation, standard double or twin room
- Board as per the programme (7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Bosphorus boat ride on a public boat
What’s not included
- Entrance fees to sites and museums (budget to plan for, detailed in the quotation)
- International and domestic flights, including the Istanbul–Kayseri flight on day 4
- Travel insurance
- Additional transport and transfers not in the programme, including extra arrival or departure transfers
- Optional activities
- Meals not mentioned in the programme
- Drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water, tea and coffee)
- Personal expenses
- Extra nights, single-room supplements and accommodation upgrades
- Personal equipment
- Tips
Related
- Discover Turkey, from Cappadocia to Ephesus
- Istanbul
- Cappadocia
- All hiking routes in Turkey
- Practical route guide