Turkey's Timeless Classics
- # History & Archaeology
- # Culture & Crafts
- # Adventure & Ballooning
About this trip
6 Nights | 3 Istanbul · 3 Cappadocia — imperial palaces, Byzantine churches and the surreal fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
Discover Turkey's two most iconic destinations in one unforgettable week — beginning in Istanbul, where the silhouettes of Byzantine domes and Ottoman minarets frame one of the world's great capitals, and continuing to Cappadocia, a surreal volcanic landscape where ancient cave churches, fairy chimneys and underground cities reveal the layers of human history carved into stone. With three nights in each location, your own private guide and driver throughout, and the freedom to tailor each day to your interests, this is the definitive introduction to Turkey — the journey that captures why travelers have been returning here for centuries.
Itinerary
Day 1 September 19 — Welcome to Istanbul
Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by your private driver and transferred directly to your hotel. The remainder of the day is left free to relax and recover from your international journey. In the evening, you will meet your private guide for a short orientation walk through the neighborhood surrounding your hotel, offering a relaxed first introduction to the city. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner, where you'll have the opportunity to sample authentic Turkish cuisine while discussing the exciting days ahead.
Optional activities
- Whirling Dervishes Ceremony – EUR85
Day 2 September 20 — Imperial Istanbul
- Istanbul
- Sultanahmet
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Blue Mosque
- Hippodrome of Constantinople
- Basilica Cistern
After breakfast, meet your private guide and begin exploring the heart of the former Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Your day starts with the magnificent Hagia Sophia, one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces, whose remarkable history spans nearly fifteen centuries as both cathedral and mosque.
Continue to the splendid Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans for almost four hundred years. Its lavish courtyards, imperial treasury, and breathtaking Bosphorus views provide a fascinating insight into the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
Next, visit the elegant Blue Mosque, famous for its six graceful minarets and thousands of hand-painted İznik tiles that decorate its interior.
Just outside the mosque lies the ancient Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople, where Roman chariot races entertained thousands of spectators.
Your final stop is the atmospheric Underground Cistern (Basilica Cistern), an extraordinary subterranean reservoir supported by hundreds of marble columns that create one of Istanbul's most mysterious and photogenic landmarks.
After the tour, return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 3 September 21 — Bosphorus & Ottoman Elegance
Meet your guide after breakfast for another unforgettable day discovering Istanbul from a different perspective.
Begin at the colorful Spice Market, where the aromas of saffron, cinnamon, Turkish delight, and countless local delicacies create one of the city's most vibrant shopping experiences.
From there, board your private motor yacht for an exclusive cruise along the legendary Bosphorus Strait. As you sail between Europe and Asia, you'll admire elegant waterfront mansions, magnificent palaces, historic fortresses, and the city's ever-changing skyline from the best possible viewpoint.
Following your cruise, visit the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, the last grand residence of the Ottoman sultans. Its crystal chandeliers, lavish ceremonial halls, and European-inspired architecture perfectly illustrate the empire's final glorious chapter.
The afternoon continues through the lively Taksim Square, followed by a leisurely walk along the charming streets of the Beyoğlu district. Finish the day exploring the historic Galata neighborhood, famous for its beautiful stone buildings, boutique shops, cafés, and the iconic Galata Tower that dominates the skyline.
Return to your hotel for your final evening in Istanbul.
Day 4 September 22 — Flight to Cappadocia
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia.
Upon arrival, your private driver will welcome you and transfer you to your boutique cave hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Cappadocia.
In the evening, guests who wish may attend an optional Whirling Dervishes Ceremony, held inside a beautifully restored historic Seljuk caravanserai. This spiritual performance offers a fascinating glimpse into the mystical traditions of Sufism and provides one of the region's most authentic cultural experiences.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5 September 23 — Cappadocia Highlights
- Cappadocia
- Göreme Open Air Museum
- Love Valley
- Paşabağ (Monks Valley)
- Avanos
- Özkonak Underground City
Early risers may choose to join an optional hot air balloon flight, widely considered one of the world's most spectacular ballooning experiences. Watching hundreds of colorful balloons drift above Cappadocia's surreal volcanic landscape at sunrise is truly unforgettable.
After breakfast and some time to relax, meet your private guide to begin exploring the region.
Your first visit is the remarkable Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring beautifully preserved rock-cut churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes dating back more than a thousand years.
Continue to the scenic Love Valley, famous for its dramatic fairy chimneys sculpted naturally by volcanic erosion over millions of years.
Explore the unique rock formations of Paşabağ (Monks Valley), where some of Cappadocia's most iconic fairy chimneys can be found.
Later, visit the charming riverside town of Avanos, renowned for its pottery tradition that dates back thousands of years thanks to the rich red clay collected from the nearby Red River (Kızılırmak).
Conclude the day with a fascinating visit to Özkonak Underground City, an impressive multi-level underground settlement where early Christians sought refuge during times of invasion.
Return to your hotel.
Optional activities
- Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise – EUR280
Day 6 September 24 — Hidden Valleys of Cappadocia
Meet your guide after breakfast for another full day exploring Cappadocia's breathtaking scenery.
Begin at Uçhisar Castle, the highest natural rock fortress in the region, offering spectacular panoramic views across Cappadocia's volcanic landscape.
Continue through the picturesque Pigeon Valley, named after the thousands of dovecotes carved into its cliffs that once supported local agriculture.
Visit the charming village of Ortahisar, dominated by its impressive rock castle that rises dramatically above traditional stone houses.
Enjoy a scenic walk through the colorful Red Valley, where vibrant mineral-rich rock formations create one of Cappadocia's most beautiful hiking areas.
Finish the day in the elegant town of Ürgüp, known for its beautifully restored stone mansions, boutique wineries, and relaxed atmosphere.
Return to your hotel for your final evening in Cappadocia.
Day 7 September 25 — Farewell Cappadocia
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning surrounded by Cappadocia's unique landscape before checking out of your hotel.
Your journey through Turkey's two most iconic destinations comes to an end today after experiencing the imperial grandeur of Istanbul and the extraordinary natural beauty of Cappadocia.
We hope this unforgettable adventure has left you with lasting memories and look forward to welcoming you back to discover even more of Turkey's remarkable regions.
Where this trip takes you
- Day 1 Istanbul City
- Day 1 Sultanahmet Other
- Day 2 Istanbul City
- Day 2 Sultanahmet Other
- Day 2 Hagia Sophia Museum
- Day 2 Topkapi Palace Museum
- Day 2 Blue Mosque Other
- Day 2 Hippodrome of Constantinople Ancient site
- Day 2 Basilica Cistern Ancient site
- Day 3 Istanbul City
- Day 3 Spice Market Other
- Day 3 Bosphorus Strait Natural wonder
- Day 3 Dolmabahçe Palace Museum
- Day 3 Taksim Square Other
- Day 3 Beyoğlu Town / village
- Day 3 Galata Tower Other
- Day 4 Cappadocia Natural wonder
- Day 5 Cappadocia Natural wonder
- Day 5 Göreme Open Air Museum Museum
- Day 5 Love Valley Natural wonder
- Day 5 Paşabağ (Monks Valley) Natural wonder
- Day 5 Avanos Town / village
- Day 5 Özkonak Underground City Ancient site
- Day 6 Cappadocia Natural wonder
- Day 6 Uçhisar Castle Ancient site
- Day 6 Pigeon Valley Natural wonder
- Day 6 Ortahisar Town / village
- Day 6 Red Valley Natural wonder
- Day 6 Ürgüp Town / village
Before you book you should know
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Is this trip right for you?
Our groups are capped at eight travellers, which is about a third of what the industry calls a small group. Eight people share one vehicle, one table at dinner and one guide's attention, and the day can change on the road without anybody being left behind. If you are looking for a coach, a fixed script and a microphone, this is not that.
Most days involve real walking, often on ground that was laid two thousand years before walking shoes: marble worn smooth, cobbles, uneven steps and long site paths with little shade. Bring shoes you can spend a morning in.
Some days move between regions and are largely a drive, with stops along the way. Summers are hot — well over 35°C inland — and winters are colder than most people expect, so layers, a hat and sunscreen earn their place in the bag whatever the month.
How demanding a particular trip is, is written on the trip itself: the physical rating in the header, and the day-by-day itinerary above.
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Rooms, and travelling on your own
Trip prices are per person, sharing a twin room. Each traveller picks their own room while booking, so a party can mix the three:
- Twin share — two single beds, shared with someone you are travelling with or with a traveller of the same gender.
- Travelling as a couple — one double room.
- Individual room — a room of your own, for a single supplement on top of the trip price. Availability is limited, and the supplement for a given date is shown next to the option when you book.
Solo travellers are welcome on every departure, and most of our groups have one or two aboard.
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Accommodation
The hotels named in an itinerary are a guideline rather than a guarantee. Where one is full, or has dropped below the standard we booked it for, we substitute a property of a similar standard in the same area — we would rather change the hotel than the trip.
Check-in is usually mid-afternoon. If you arrive early we will ask for the room, but no hotel can promise one before its own check-in time; luggage can normally be left at reception in the meantime. If you want the room from the night before, ask us and we will add the extra night to your booking.
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Passports, visas and insurance
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change without much notice, so the only reliable source is the official one: the government of the country you are travelling to, and your own foreign ministry's travel advice. Check both before you book a flight.
Many countries ask for a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, and for blank pages. It is worth looking at yours now rather than at the airport.
We ask every traveller to carry travel insurance covering medical treatment and repatriation, and we would strongly encourage cover for cancellation and for your luggage as well.
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Your departure is guaranteed — the day can change
Once a departure is on the calendar it runs. We do not cancel a trip for want of a minimum number of bookings, so a booked date is one you can plan flights and leave around.
What can move is the shape of a day. Museums and archaeological sites change their hours, roads close, weather turns, a local holiday lands in the middle of the week. Where that happens your guide reorders the day, or swaps a stop for one of the same weight, and tells you why. Changes to a booked itinerary are covered by our Booking Terms & Conditions.
Choose a departure date
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