Semi-Private Tour to Old City (Sultanahmet District) of Istanbul

Sultanahmet Square - The travel package services commence with a guided walking tour through Istanbul’s historic old city. Participants will meet their licensed tour guide and embark on a semi-private tour, exploring the heart of Sultanahmet, the city’s ancient center. Today’s tour will cover visits to the highlights of the Sultanahmet District, including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome, and German Fountain. The meeting (departure) point for today’s tour is the German Fountain in the Sultanahmet District. The tour guide will be waiting there, and then the old city walking tour will begin.

German Fountain - The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Visit the Hagia Sophia and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.

Topkapi Palace - The Topkapi Palace is a grand and historically significant palace located in Istanbul. It served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The palace complex is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful courtyards, and extensive collections of art, manuscripts, and other treasures. The Topkapi Palace consists of several interconnected courtyards and buildings, including the Imperial Harem, where the sultan’s family resided. The palace also houses the Treasury, which contains an impressive collection of priceless jewels, including the famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond and Topkapi Dagger. Today, the Topkapi Palace is a popular museum and a major tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans and the rich history of the empire. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its magnificent grounds and learn about its fascinating past.

Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Camii, was constructed in the early 1600s for Sultan Ahmet I of the Ottoman Empire. It stands as a stunning architectural masterpiece, boasting remarkable proportions that are surprisingly delicate for a structure of such immense scale.

Grand Bazaar - The bazaar is a vibrant and bustling place, offering a wide array of goods, including jewelry, carpets, textiles, ceramics, spices, leather goods, and traditional Turkish crafts. It’s a paradise for shoppers looking for unique souvenirs and gifts. The architecture of the Grand Bazaar is a sight to behold, with its labyrinthine layout, vaulted ceilings, and colorful displays. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Istanbul as they wander through the maze of shops and interact with local merchants.

Sultanahmet District - At the end of the tour, the tour guide will depart. Participants may return to their hotel for evening plans or continue to explore this fascinating historical area on their own.

Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia – Camel Ride (Included) - Accommodation at Cappadocia

Istanbul - The Cappadocia part of the travel will start with an airport transfer for the flight to the Cappadocia district in the early morning. The driver will pick up participants from the reception of their hotel (or Airbnb, as long as parking is available). From there, they will be taken to the airport for the flight to Cappadocia. The flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia will take approximately one and a half hours. Once arriving at Cappadocia Airport, another driver will be waiting at the arrivals terminal exit, holding a sign with the participant’s name. From there, they will be transferred to their hotel in Cappadocia, located about an hour’s drive away.

Cappadocia Camel Tour - Camel Ride (INCLUDED): After being picked up from the hotel, participants will meet their guides for a safety briefing and have the chance to get to know their camel companions before starting the journey. As they travel through the stunning Red and Rose Valleys, they will be immersed in the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia. Standard Route: Red and Rose Valleys, Zindanonu Valley, Meskenler Valley. **Please note, if weather conditions are unfavorable on the day of the ride, the route may be adjusted to an alternative path.

Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional) - Semi-Private Cappadocia Tour with Underground City – Accommodation at Cappadocia

Cappadocia Balloon Tours - Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED FOR OPTIONS OF “SILVER PACKAGE & DIAMOND PACKAGE”): Get ready for a wonderful experience unique to Cappadocia! Participants will be picked up from their hotel and transferred to the balloon site where they will have the opportunity to watch the balloon being prepared for the flight. The flight will be at sunrise, where the pilot will climb to a comfortable altitude of about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. It is from this elevation that participants will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below. During certain segments of the flight, pilots are also capable of flying as low as 1 meter above the rock formations, allowing perfect photo-taking opportunities. The duration of the total activity is approximately 3 hours, and the total duration of the flight is approximately 60 minutes. There will be a champagne celebration at the end of the ride. Afterwards, participants will be transferred back to their hotel in Cappadocia.

Urgup - The tour guide will meet participants at their hotel to begin this carefully crafted day trip to Cappadocia’s top attractions. While most tours only offer panoramic views of some of the valleys and fairy chimneys, they often don’t give a full understanding of Cappadocia’s rich history and geography. After receiving hundreds of valuable guest feedback, this itinerary was designed for those eager to explore the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of the region. The semi-private daily tours, limited to a maximum of 10 guests per group, provide a deeper dive into Cappadocia’s ancient landmarks and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Kaymakli Underground City - Kaymakli, one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, spans 8 levels. However, like many other underground cities, not all of its floors are accessible to tourists. The first level was specifically designed for animals, allowing them to move freely. Corridors connect the churches and other living areas, separated from the stables. Kaymakli Underground City is home to remarkable sections such as storage rooms, kitchens, cemeteries, a communal area, and a copper workshop. It is believed that hidden underground tunnels remain within the city, still waiting to be fully explored.

Goreme National Park - Set in a stunning landscape shaped by erosion, Göreme National Park is home to rock-hewn sanctuaries that feature exceptional examples of Byzantine art from the post-Iconoclastic era. This tour will guide participants through the Göreme Open-Air Museum and Tokalı Church, two of the park’s most renowned landmarks.

Goreme Open-Air Museum - The Göreme Open Air Museum is recognized as one of the earliest monasteries in Christian history. This rock-hewn settlement, where education was provided to spread Christianity, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, renowned for its fresco-covered churches and rock-hewn living spaces.

TokalI Church - The Tokalı Church (Buckle Church) in the Göreme Open Air Museum is considered one of the most beautiful of the Cappadocian cave churches. Its interior boasts some of the most outstanding frescoes, notable for their theological and artistic significance. The church is part of a larger complex that includes four churches and a hermitage, all dating back to the 9th century. Once the most famous church in the region, it remains one of the most impressive churches in the area today.

Ortahisar - Before stopping for a complimentary lunch at a traditional local restaurant, participants will continue to explore the significance of weaving in Turkish culture, with roots tracing back to Central Asia. This ancient tradition is still alive in Cappadocia today. During the tour, there will be a brief visit to a cooperative where world-renowned Turkish carpets are crafted, offering the chance to learn about the intricate details of this age-old art form.

Cappadocia - Lunch will be served by the famous Cappadocia ceramics at a traditional local restaurant in Cappadocia, where participants will have the opportunity to try delicious tastes from Turkish cuisine. (Vegetarian options are also available at the same restaurant.) The ceramic industry in this area, with its numerous pottery workshops, dates back to the Hittites, and the clay sourced from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has been used for centuries. There may be a short stop to experience hand-made potteries.

Uchisar Castle - Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area with beautiful views of the surrounding valley full of bizarre rock formations. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns. Instead, there will be a stop for a panoramic view of the rock castle.)

Pigeon Valley - Located in the town of Uchisar, this spot offers one of the best panoramic views of the region. It is also home to numerous pigeon houses built by the area’s ancient inhabitants. If desired, participants can also visit a renowned onyx stone factory in the region.

Fairy Chimneys - Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most obvious places to visit where these landforms are best seen and the common life of humankind and nature. On this tour, participants will see many examples of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - At the end of the tour, participants will be transferred back to their hotel in Cappadocia.

Flight Back To Istanbul

Cappadocia - Participants will be transferred to Cappadocia airport for their flight back to Istanbul.

İstanbul - Upon arrival at the airport in Istanbul, the driver will be there to greet participants and transfer them to their hotel.
* Once this trip package is booked, please share your preferred return flight timing (morning or afternoon) with the local tour operator. If this information is not provided, the local tour operator may book the return flight for any time of the day.

• 1-night stay with breakfast at cave boutique hotel in Cappadocia
• Transfers at the mentioned airports for domestic flights in the itinerary
• 1 full-day tour by professional tour guides licensed by Ministry of Culture and Tourism
• Lunch
• Round-trip flight tickets from Istanbul to Cappadocia
• Breakfast
• Hotel / Airport pick-up & drop-off services mentioned in itinerary
• Hot Air Balloon Ride, ATV Quad Bike Ride

• Dinner & Drinks
• Entrance fees (Tour guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip lines at museums mentioned itinerary)

Looking for a getaway to Turkey’s top-rated spot? Consider this three-day tour package that begins and concludes in Istanbul. Relish in the area’s historic significance, come for a natural hike, and experience an underground exploration. This deal includes return flight tickets from Istanbul to Cappadocia, a thrilling hot air balloon ride, horse riding, two nights’ stay at a unique cave hotel, two whole day guided excursions, and airport transportation.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.