Classic Turkey Package with Cappadocia

Thanks for booking our 8-day Turkey Cappadocia tours! Upon your landing at Istanbul Airport, our local representative will pick you up, holding a sign with your name on it, and transfer you to the hotel. There is no sightseeing arrangements during the rest time of the day and you may explore this world-renowned historical and cultural city on your own.

► Free Time Suggestions:
About a 10-minute walk northwest of the hotel, you will find Cagaloglu Hamam, a Turkish bath with a history over 300 years. Enjoy a dip there to relieve the fatigue from the long flight. Keep walking northward for about 10 minutes, you will reach Hodjapasha Art & Culture Center, where you can appreciate Sufi whirling dervishes, originally a religious ritual, as well as listen to the music made by the traditional instrument Ney. The show runs from 19:00 to 20:00 for USD 30 per person, and reservations for the performance can be made on the official website a few days in advance.

► Insider Tips:
a. Telecom: Turkcell sim card has the best signal coverage and offers a tourist package of 20GB data with 200 minutes of talk time, typically costing around TL 600-1000 (USD 18-29). Buy it at the specialty store with a valid passport, and ask the store staff or guide to help you activate it.
b. Money: The most common payment options in Turkey are Master Card, VISA, and Lira cash. However, to prevent needless losses, double-check the amount after swiping the card. Exchange a small amount of liras before traveling for emergency use. The exchange rate is around 1 US dollar for every 34 liras (as of 2024). Skip exchanging at hotels and airports as their rates are typically lower. It is preferable to use a credit or debit card to withdraw cash from ATMs with a fee-free sign. Alternatively, go to Change Office like Doviz to get a better exchange rate.
c. Safety: Istanbul, while a vibrant city, is known for its occasional scams. Under the guise of chatting, someone may invite you to a tea shop or bar, swiftly place order, depart, and leave you with a hefty bill. Someone may pose as a police and demand an unnecessary fine from you. Besides, when taking a taxi, drivers may increase the price at will or deliberately detour. Thus, be wary of strangers in your free time, and use Uber or Bitaksi that offer clear pricing instead of hailing a car on the street.

Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

Today we will discover the historical area of Istanbul, which has been included into the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. As the capital of the Roman (27 BC-1453 AD), Byzantine (395-1453) and Ottoman (1299-1923) Empires, it preserves many ancient buildings. After breakfast, our guide will firstly accompany you to visit the Hagia Sophia. It was the most outstanding church in Byzantine Era built 1,500 years ago, and later used as a mosque in Ottoman Era. In 1935, it was changed into a museum for better protection of the building, the precious frescoes and other treasures inside. When visiting, wear clothes covering your knees and shoulders. Headscarves are a must for women. Or dress appropriately with the help of the rental service at the entry.

★ Enjoy Priority Access to Hagia Sophia
Skip the lines and enter this iconic landmark with our pre-booked tickets. Our expert guide will skillfully navigate you through the crowds of rush hour, ensuring a seamless and efficient visit.

Then, we will visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square). Three famous structures: Column of Constantine, Obelisk of Theodosius, and Serpent Column may draw your attention while you stand here. They are older than 6,000 years combined! We will next go to the Blue Mosque, so named because more than 20,000 blue and white Iznik tiles adorn its interior walls. The 260 windows with multicolored glass inlay, superb rugs, and Arabic calligraphies and paintings are among other noteworthy features.

In the afternoon, you’ll be led to visit the Topkapi Palace, which is home to Ottoman sultans for more than 400 years. Different from other European royal palaces in pure architectural style, it is a grand example of style blending. In addition, many treasures are displayed here to show you the opulent lifestyle of the royal family. We’ll visit the Basilica Cistern instead when the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday.

★ Exclusive Entry to the Harem of Topkapi Palace
Witness the real Harem life of the Ottoman Empire with our all-inclusive tickets. Immerse yourself in the lavish surroundings, adorned with exquisite tiles and intricate carvings.

The last stop will be the bustling Grand Bazaar, an ancient indoor bazaar with 4,000 shops and a wide variety of goods where you can shop for featured souvenirs like various spices, beautifully packaged dessert, Turkish coffee and black tea, Devil’s Eye fridge magnets or key chains (to keep away evil spirits), and handmade soaps. We will visit the Beyazit Square instead when the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday. At the end of the day, the guide will escort you back to the hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant: Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant
Have dinner at the Grand Bazaar, or dine at a restaurant near the hotel. Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant is a good choice, which is located a 10-minute walk southeast of your hotel and costs about TL 1,000 (USD 30) per person. It provides a wide variety of authentic Ottoman food, as if you are at a royal feast. Grilled shrimps, Turkish-style ravioli and grilled eggplant with cheese and minced meat are just a few of the options available on their large menu. Not to be missed is also an inventive cantaloupe dish with grilled meat that has a unique texture and a refreshing taste.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

After having breakfast in the hotel, the guide will accompany you to enjoy a two-hour cruise on Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia and serves as a corridor where history and cultures collide. Many historical gems await your admiration along the route, including the Golden Horn, Bosphorus Bridge, and Dolmabahçe Palace. After boarding, seats on the left side are advised for a superior perspective of the European side. Our guide’s wonderful narration and the occasional visit of seagulls will add extra charm to your experience.

Then you’ll be escorted to the airport to take a 1-hour flight to Izmir. Upon landing, our local driver will pick you up and then transfer you to the hotel in Kusadasi, a seaside town where you will stay for two nights. After arrival, embrace the tranquility of sea and harbor in the oceanfront hotel or visit the El Heykeli sculptures by the sea. For a more leisurely escape, stroll five minutes north to the beach, where you can bask in the gentle sea breeze on the cozy lounge chairs. Nearby cafes, bars, and restaurants offer a variety of culinary experiences. In addition, the hotel has a spa, sauna and outdoor pool, so you’ll be well-rested and full of energy for tomorrow’s discoveries.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, Kusadasi (4 stars) or similar

After a hearty breakfast in the hotel, you’ll set off with our guide and the driver to visit the Ephesus Ancient City, which was built in the 10th century BC and occupied more than 800 hectares. It is one of the largest and best preserved Greco-Roman style cities in the world, with a heyday population of half a million, far exceeding that of Pompeii, an Italian ancient city that vanished due to volcanic eruptions. The Ephesus Ancient City declined as a result of a great earthquake and port siltation, but left behind rich remnants like the Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, Baths of Varius, and Grand Theater for your appreciation. It is also mentioned in the Bible, adding to its value.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Artemis. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt many times, surpassing its former scale each time. Ultimately, the temple consisted of more than 120 columns, creating a magnificent scale of 137 meters in length, 69 meters in width, and 18 meters in height. Exquisite reliefs made of copper, silver, gold and ivory adorned its interior and exterior, earning it one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Now only one column remains, but you can visualize its grandeur through the reliefs above and the model in the next stop, the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Then you will be led to the House of the Virgin Mary. A statue of the Virgin Mary sits in this serene environment, attracting hundreds of travelers each year to worship and pay homage. A wishing wall stands outside, embellished with pieces of cloth that represent the wishes of those seeking good fortune.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, Kusadasi (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, our trip will be extended to Cappadocia. The driver will escort you to the airport on time to board the flight to Cappadocia. Since direct flights are not available every day, we will arrange you to transfer in Istanbul in that case. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, our local driver will pick you up and transfer you to a cave hotel.

★ A Unique Overnight Adventure in a Cave Hotel
Our carefully chosen cave hotel provides a lovely patio where you can get an initial overview of Cappadocia’s amazing landscape. And it will be much more fantastic in the morning! You’ll feel like stepping into a fairytale as you witness the hot air balloons drifting above the natural caves.

► Recommended Activity: Hot Air Balloon
One of the top things to do in Cappadocia is experiencing a hot air balloon ride. If you want to try it, please book a seat early enough because they are limited. Of course, we will be glad to help you with the reservation; just let us know in advance. Here are some tips for your reference:
1. Dress casually and avoid skirts and high heels. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants will effectively shield you from the hot air flow during ignition;
2. Hot air balloon rides offer two flights a day. To maximize your experience, consider waking up early to take the first ride. You’ll witness the breathtaking sunrise and 100 hot air balloons floating simultaneously;
3. Pay close attention to the pre-flight instructions and ensure that you fully comprehend them;
4. It is not advised to engage in this activity if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

After having breakfast at the cave hotel, our guide will accompany you to explore Northern Cappadocia. The first stop will be the Goreme Open Air Museum. It is rich in human and natural creations, which is why UNESCO lists it as both global cultural and natural heritage. As you walk along, you will be surrounded by a myriad of rock formations. Even more attractive are the cave dwellings carved out of these rocks by ancient inhabitants. With our guide’s insightful explanation, you will gain a vivid picture of their different uses.

★ Special Entry to the Dark Church
Our all-inclusive tickets grant you a privileged entry to the Dark Church, a hidden gem within the Goreme Open Air Museum. Here, you’ll be enchanted by the finest preserved murals, narrating biblical tales and with vibrant colors.

Then move on to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley). Get ready to be captivated by abundant fairy chimneys in the region. You may find their darker tops contrasting the lighter stone columns below, and this is why fairy chimneys are also called “mushroom stones”. In the afternoon, we will continue the trip to Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), providing you with various lifelike animal-shaped volcanic stone cones formed by nature. Today’s last stop will be Love Valley, where you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Cappadocia under the sunset. In the end, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.

► Portrait Shooting Skills in Love Valley
1. Side light at sunset will highlight your face while intricate light and shadow effects enhance visual richness;
2. Backlighting will create a distinct silhouette of your profile, bringing a striking contrast to make your photos more appealing;
3. Using a wide-angle lens for low-angle shots helps to capture a broader panoramic view and effectively showcases you as the prominent figure against the backdrop.

► Recommended Restaurant: CANCAN Cafe and Restaurant
The restaurant is a 15-minute walk northeast of your hotel and costs around TL 400-500 (USD 12-15) per person. Never let its simple appearance deceive you. Start with the wide variety of free appetizers and you will be surprised at their delicious taste. The main courses, Crock Pot Lamb and Mixed Grills, are not to be missed, both freshly made, and you can even smell the aroma from the grill as you wait.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

Today, we will continue to explore the southern part of Cappadocia, beginning with the Cavusin Village. The Greeks had lived there in the past. We’ll visit Cappadocia’s oldest church in the village, Great Basilica (St. John the Baptist Chapel), and admire its stunning domed ceiling and murals. Next, embark on a 2-hour hiking through the Rose Valley. Led by our experienced guide, walk through the red rock area and stop by a series of fascinating cave churches along the way. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of drinking water. Then continue to visit the Red Valley. Stroll through and you will find the vast vineyards paint a vibrant picture against the valley’s red backdrop. After that, we will visit the Uchisar Castle, a strategic fortress without walls and suspension bridges. It was originally a 60-meter-high rock that locals carved into a complex cave system as a defense against invaders. From its summit, you can see Cappadocia’s unique moon-like landform.

The last stop is the highlight of our visit today - Kaymakli Underground City. Prepare to be amazed by a complete underground society here. Our guide will lead you through these labyrinthine caves, unveiling how ancient Christians lived in this extreme environment and used scarce resources to create such a wonderful living space. The third-floor kitchen could be the most significant space in the underground city. It was the central hub for feeding all the residents, and meals were prepared once a day here to reduce smoke emission and avoid drawing attention. Maybe you’ll be attracted by the spice-grinding stone here, which was unexpectedly used to forge metals later.
► Note: Some passages may require bending or squatting, so please proceed with caution based on your abilities. Additionally, temperatures may drop as we go deeper, so a light jacket is essential.

Today’s guided sightseeing will end here. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight back to Istanbul. Upon your arrival, our driver in Istanbul will pick you up and escort you to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

Today our driver will transfer you to the airport according to the take-off time of your departure flight. Our service in Turkey will end here. Hope you would have a pleasant time with us and wish you all the best!

► For Your Information:
If your flight departs in the late afternoon or evening, take a 15-minute taxi ride from your hotel to visit the Pera Palace Hotel. It is the first European-style luxury hotel in Turkey, originally built to accommodate affluent guests arriving in Istanbul by the Orient Express. Now it’s more like a small museum, retaining Istanbul’s first elevator as well as an exquisite sedan chair used to carry dignitaries. Pictures of prominent guests from the past, including Queen Elizabeth and director Alfred Hitchcock, are displayed throughout its restaurant. Numerous authors and painters have found inspiration here as well, such as Agatha Christie, who wrote part of her well-known novel Murder on the Orient Express in this hotel.

If you want to extend your trip to other destinations in Turkey such as Pamukkale and Antalya, or continue to explore other countries in Asia and Europe, please contact us to customize your itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast