ISTANBUL CAPPADOCIA TOUR

 

 

5 Nights / 6 Days ISTANBUL / CAPPADOCIA TOUR

 

Day 01
Arrive in Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Pick up service at airport. Transfer to hotel Afternoon tour to ; Bosphorus Cruise on private boat enjoying the straits of both Europe and Asia with a possibility to photograph the unique beauties of the Bosphorus.Rumeli Fortress (from the boat - no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture. Golden Horn (from the bus), the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of İstanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines. The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslim minorities. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and 22 kms. long Byzantine City Walls, strongest fortification of the middle age. Cable car (teleferique) to Pierre Loti Coffee House.

 

Day 02
Tour of “Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir. (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request) Lunch at a Turkish Restaurant. Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program)Sultan Tombs, there are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia.The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.(B,L).

 

Day 03
Check out from hotel and transfer to Ataturk Airport . Arrive in Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport. Visit to Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. Thereafter visit Pasabagi (Monk's Valley) with multiple stems and caps, peculiar to this area. After visiting Pasabagi, drive to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak river, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church is excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Thereafter time to take photos in the neighboring valleys before going back to the hotels (B,L,D)

 

Day 04
Optional balloon tour. Meet at the hotel lobby in the morning and visit to Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock- cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having time for lunch visit Ortahısar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle in style, where storage caves can also be observed. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City where early christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back visit to panoramic Pıgeon Valley where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the wineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery (B,L,D).

 

Day 05
Meet at the hotel lobby in the morning and drive to Ihlara Valley, created from the ashes of the volcanic Mt. Hasan. After hiking through the valley, which is watered with Melendiz River by Belisirma, proceed to Selime with hollowed out citadel and churches where fairy chimneys rest on the steep hillside. Stop at Yaprakhisar village to take photos. In the afternoon, visit to Derinkuyu Underground Village where dwellings with stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches and wineries were used as refuges for the Christian communities. Overnight in Cappadocia (B,L,D)

 

Day 06
After breakfast transfer to the airport in Kayseri or Nevsehir (B)

 

Inclusions
2 nights accomodation in Istanbul BB
3 nights accomodation in Cappadocia HB
Airport transfers are on SIC basis
Tours are as per the itinerary
Entrance fees to the mentioned sights
English speaking guidance
Local lunch during full day tour

 

Exclusions
Airfare (Istanbul-Kayseri & Kayseri-Istanbul)
Visa
Portorages
Personel expenses
Meals If not mentioned in the itinerary
(B:Breakfast /L:Lunch /D:Dinner)
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary