3 Days Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour
Immerse yourself in the contrasts of Turkey with this 3 Days Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour. Explore the legendary mosques, palaces, and bazaars of Istanbul, then fly to Cappadocia to walk among fairy chimneys and ancient underground cities. With perfectly organized flights, guided tours, and local expertise, this journey offers a seamless combination of culture, history, and natural beauty. Please note: Istanbul hotel accommodation is not included and it can be added at an extra cost.
- Discover two iconic Turkish regions in just 3 days
- Domestic flights and hotel in Cappadocia included
- Professional local guides at each destination
- Balanced itinerary of culture, history, and scenery
- Flexible for travelers arranging their own Istanbul hotel
What's Included
- Flight ticket: Istanbul ➝ Cappadocia ➝ Istanbul
- Airport transfers in Cappadocia and Istanbul
- Hotel accommodation: 1 night in Cappadocia
- Professional English-speaking guides during tours
- Full-day Istanbul Old City Tour
- Full-day Northern Cappadocia (Red) Tour
- Full-day Southern Cappadocia (Yellow) Tour
- Daily breakfast at Cappadocia hotel
- 3 lunches during tours
- All museum and site entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
What's Not Included
- Istanbul hotel accommodation
- Personal expenses
- Dinners
- Drinks during lunch
- Optional hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
3 Days Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour: From Imperial Glory to Fairy Chimneys
Important Note:
Istanbul hotel accommodation is not included in this package. If you would like us to arrange Istanbul hotel stays for you at an additional cost, please inform us during or before your reservation process.
Day 1 ─ Full-Day Istanbul City Tour
Hotel Pick-up around 08:30: After breakfast at your hotel in Istanbul, meet your guide at the lobby to start exploring the historical heart of the city.
Today’s Highlights: Byzantium & Ottoman Wonders
- Hagia Sophia: Step inside this architectural masterpiece, once a cathedral, later a mosque, and now a museum reflecting centuries of history and art.
- Hippodrome: Wander through the ancient arena where chariot races once thrilled Byzantine crowds, surrounded by monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius and Serpent Column.
- Blue Mosque: Marvel at the stunning blue-tiled interior and grand architecture of this 17th-century imperial mosque facing Hagia Sophia.
- Grand Covered Bazaar: Dive into the vibrant maze of one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, home to thousands of shops selling jewelry, spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
- Topkapi Palace: Discover the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans, filled with imperial collections, courtyards, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.
17:00 ─ After the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel or a central location in Istanbul.
Day 2 ─ Flight to Cappadocia ➝ Northern Cappadocia Red Tour
Early Morning: Pick-up from your Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. (Flight times may vary.)
Arrival: Upon landing at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, meet our team with your name sign and transfer to the Cappadocia tour starting point.
Today’s Highlights: Fairy Chimneys and Troglodyte Valleys
- Devrent Valley: Wander among whimsical rock formations shaped like animals and fantastic figures by natural erosion.
- Pasabag Valley Open Air Museum: Witness Cappadocia’s most iconic fairy chimneys where hermits lived in secluded caves centuries ago.
- Avanos & Pottery Workshop: Visit the pottery town of Avanos by the Red River, famous for traditional ceramic craftsmanship.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: Discover an abandoned cave village rich with churches, homes, and tunnels from early Christian times.
- Uchisar Castle & Panoramic View: Enjoy breathtaking views over Cappadocia from the top of a natural rock fortress.
17:00 ─ After the tour, you will be transferred to your Cappadocia hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3 ─ Southern Cappadocia Yellow Tour ➝ Flight Back to Istanbul
Hot Air Balloon Flight
The price of the hot air balloon flight is not included in this package. You can add it optionally if you want to experience the incredible sunrise view over Cappadocia.
Hot Air Balloon Watching
If you prefer to stay on the ground but still want to capture amazing photos of the balloons floating over the fairy chimneys, join our hot air balloon watching tour.
09:30 am ─ After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide for today’s Cappadocia Yellow Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Valleys, Churches, and Underground Wonders
- Red Valley: Hike through striking red rock formations peppered with hidden cave churches and monasteries.
- Gulludere Valley: A peaceful valley featuring ancient chapels carved into the pink-tinted cliffs, accessible via scenic walking paths.
- Cavusin Village: Explore an ancient Greek village featuring stone houses and churches perched dramatically on the rocks.
- Pigeon Valley: Witness the ingenious pigeon houses carved into cliffs used by locals for centuries to cultivate fields and exchange messages.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Venture underground into a hidden city complete with kitchens, living quarters, and defense tunnels used to protect early inhabitants from invasions.
17:00 ─ After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
Evening: Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, we will transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul.
- Domestic flights are scheduled based on best available timings; flight hours may vary depending on seasonal availability.
- Flights include 15 kg checked baggage + 8 kg cabin baggage per person. Additional baggage allowance can be purchased if needed.
- Istanbul hotel accommodation is not included in the package. It can be added at an extra cost, please request during or before booking.
- All airport-hotel-airport transfers in Cappadocia are included for your convenience.
- Entrance fees to all mentioned sites are covered.
Hotel Options
If you have a preferred hotel, please let us know during the reservation process. On the checkout page, you will see an "Additional Request" section where you can specify your preference.
However, please note that we will make the reservation at one of the hotels listed below or similar quality hotels based on availability.
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This tour was the perfect mix of city life and natural wonders! Istanbul's history blew me away, and Cappadocia felt like stepping into a dream. I’m so glad I booked it. Every detail was handled so smoothly.
Great experience from start to finish. The tours in both Istanbul and Cappadocia were great, and the guides were super knowledgeable. Highly recommended if you want to see the best of Turkey in just a few days.
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