Istanbul & Cappadocia

  • Destination
    Istanbul and Cappadocia
  • Ways to Travel
    Guided Group
  • Group Size
    5 - 16
  • Activity Level
    1 out of 7 - Easy
  • Duration
    9 Days
  • Trip Code
    IST15

    • Itinerary

    1. Day 1 - Adventure begins in Istanbul

      Arrive in the transcontinental city of Istanbul, an enthralling cultural powerhouse packed with history, architecture and incredible cuisine.

    2. Day 2 - Time travel through the history of Istanbul on a tour of the Old City

      Say merhaba to your tour leader and fellow travellers this morning, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

      Then we join our tour leader on an exploration of the Old City, a great introduction to the rich history of Istanbul.

      Our tour takes us to some of the great city landmarks, starting at Topkapı Palace. It was the administrative palace of the Ottoman empire between the 15th and 19th century, where sultans and their court lived and governed in an opulent setting.

    3. Day 3 - Uncover the wonders of the Ottoman empire

      Today is dedicated to the Ottoman empire. Our tour starts at the Suleymaniye Mosque, which was built between 1550 and 1557 by Mimar Sinan, known as the greatest Ottoman architect of the classical period. It’s a masterpiece with four minarets rising from each corner of the courtyard; inside, the mihrab (a praying niche showing the direction to Mecca) and mimber (pulpit) are made of finely carved white marble, and there are fine stained-glass windows.

      Continue to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world – a labyrinth of streets and passages with more than 4,000 shops.

    4. Day 4 - Marvel at Dolmabahce Palace • Dive into street food and fascinating neighbourhoods

      Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Istanbul today. After breakfast, we take the tram to the 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace. Its scenic spot on the waterfront is matched by the impressive architecture, which blends baroque, neoclassical and rococo styles.

      After, take the funicular to the Taksim district, where we sample street food and stroll along Istiklal Street to admire its historic passages. Then, leave the bustling pedestrian street to explore the shops and restaurants of the Pera and Cihangir neighbourhoods.

      Along the way, we see churches on Pera Street and the Galata Tower (entrance not included). Our travels take us across Galata Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn in the heart of Istanbul.

    5. Day 5 - Transfer to Cappadocia

      There are no activities planned today so you are free to arrive in Cappadocia at any time. In the evening, our guide holds a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.

    6. Day 6 - Trek through Akvadi (White Valley); visit Uchisar citadel, the highest point in Cappadocia

      Today’s trek takes us through the Akvadi. Eroded over time, this fascinating valley presents curious rock formations and fairytale chimneys that wouldn’t look out of place in a Salvador Dalí painting. If we are lucky, we may spot wildlife such as the beautiful hoopoe (with its distinctive call) or a Eurasian fox along the way. After approximately three hours of walking, we arrive at Uchisar village, where we take lunch in a local restaurant before climbing the citadel embedded into the rock above. From here, we are rewarded with a spectacular view of the surreal landscape. In the afternoon, we follow a path that leads us to the Guvercinlik (or Pigeon Valley), where pigeons are encouraged to roost so the local people can collect their droppings to use as fertiliser. We then continue to the town of Goreme.

    7. Day 7 - Optional balloon ride; walk to Zemi Valley and through Gomeda Valley; afternoon to explore Mustafapaşa

      This morning is our chance to take part in the most iconic activity in Cappadocia – an optional early morning hot-air balloon ride – then we have a short transfer before we start our trek in Zemi Valley. The path leads us through orchards and mesmerising tunnels to a panoramic viewpoint, where we meet our bus and drive to Ayvalı. In the afternoon, we have a short walk through the Gomeda Valley from Ayvalı to Mustafapaşa village, where we stop for tea in a cafe. Mustafapaşa used to be one of the richest towns in Anatolia until the 1924 population exchange, which forced the Greeks living in Turkey to move to Greece and vice versa. You can spot the Greek influence in some of the architecture. In the afternoon, there is time to explore this village before returning to our hotel.

    8. Day 8 - End Cappadocia, transfer to Istanbul

      Our last day takes us through the Zindanonu Valley and up onto a viewpoint of the town of Goreme and the Goreme Open-Air Museum. The Goreme Valley itself holds some of the finest collections of painted cave churches in the region. Around 1000 CE to 1200 CE, orthodox monks carved places of worship from the soft volcanic stone and decorated them with elaborate Byzantine frescoes, many of which are still intact today. The late afternoon is then free to unwind after a truly memorable week.

    9. Day 9 - Adventure ends in Istanbul

      You’ve witnessed the grand landmarks of the Ottoman empire, explored the largest covered market in the world, and experienced the best of Istanbul; but now it’s time for the adventure to end and begin your return journey home.