9 Days Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour
Wander through the heart of empires and the dreams of nature with our 9 Days Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour. From the bustling bazaars and grand mosques of Istanbul to the magical valleys and underground cities of Cappadocia, every moment brings a new discovery. Designed with the perfect balance of guided experiences and free days, this journey invites you to explore Turkey at your own rhythm; comfortably, authentically, and fully immersed.
- Perfect mix of structured tours and free days to explor
- All domestic flights, hotels, and guided tours included
- Expert local guides bring history and landscapes to life
- Comfortable travel with all transfers arranged
- Opportunity to join optional activities like hot air balloon rides
What's Included
- Flight tickets: Istanbul ➝ Cappadocia ➝ Istanbul
- All airport-hotel-airport transfers in Istanbul and Cappadocia
- Hotel accommodation: 6 nights in Istanbul, 2 nights in Cappadocia
- Professional English-speaking licensed tour guides
- Full-day Istanbul Old City Tour
- Full-day Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour
- Full-day Northern Cappadocia (Red) Tour
- Full-day Southern Cappadocia (Yellow) Tour
- Daily breakfasts at hotels
- Lunches during guided tours
- All entrance fees mentioned in the program
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Dinners
- Drinks during lunch
- Optional hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia
9 Days Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour: History, Culture, and Dreamscapes
Day 1 ─ Arrival in Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
Arrival: Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), meet our team at the exit gate holding a name sign.
Transfer: Transfer to your hotel in Istanbul for check-in.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2 ─ Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour
08:30 am ─ After breakfast, meet your guide to begin exploring Istanbul’s magnificent historical landmarks.
Today’s Highlights: Istanbul’s Timeless Treasures
- Hagia Sophia: An architectural masterpiece that has witnessed centuries as a cathedral, mosque, and museum.
- Hippodrome: The heart of Byzantine public life, once home to grand chariot races and political gatherings.
- Blue Mosque: Known for its impressive domes and stunning blue İznik tiles.
- Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest covered markets in the world with thousands of colorful shops.
- Topkapi Palace: The opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, filled with relics, jewels, and imperial secrets.
17:00 ─ Return to your hotel after the tour.
Day 3 ─ Free Day in Istanbul (Optional Tours Available)
After breakfast, enjoy a full free day in Istanbul.
Optional tours are available: the Princes’ Islands tour or Bosphorus sunset cruises.
Day 4 ─ Full-Day Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour
08:30 am ─ After breakfast, meet your guide and begin your full-day exploration by sea and land.
Today’s Highlights: Europe and Asia in One Day
- Spice Bazaar: Wander through the aromatic stalls of this historic marketplace.
- Bosphorus Cruise: Sail along the Bosphorus Strait, passing iconic palaces, bridges, and waterside mansions.
- Lunch Break: Enjoy a Turkish lunch at a charming local restaurant.
- Cross the Bosphorus Bridge: Move seamlessly between Europe and Asia within minutes.
- Çamlıca Hill: Take in breathtaking panoramic views over the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline.
- Beylerbeyi Palace: Visit this stunning Ottoman summer palace on the Asian shore.
17:00 – 17:30 ─ Return to your hotel after the tour.
Day 5 ─ Free Day in Istanbul ➝ Flight to Cappadocia
Morning: After breakfast, enjoy your free morning and afternoon in Istanbul.
12:00: Check-out from your hotel. You will be picked up and transferred to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
Flight: Depart for Cappadocia (flight times may vary based on availability).
Arrival: Upon arrival, meet our team and transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 6 ─ Northern Cappadocia Red Tour
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, meet your guide to start your Cappadocia adventure.
Today’s Highlights: Sculpted Valleys and Ancient Traditions
- Devrent Valley: Walk among natural rock formations resembling animals and figures.
- Pasabag Valley Open Air Museum: Discover fairy chimneys once inhabited by hermits and monks.
- Avanos & Pottery Workshop: Witness traditional pottery craftsmanship along the Red River.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: Explore an abandoned village carved into volcanic rock.
- Uchisar Castle: Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views across Cappadocia.
17:00 ─ Return to your hotel.
Day 7 ─ Southern Cappadocia Yellow Tour ➝ Flight to Istanbul
09:30 am ─ After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide for today’s Yellow Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Hidden Churches and Rock Valleys
- Red Valley: Hike through stunning red-colored formations and hidden rock-cut churches.
- Gulludere Valley: Discover beautiful chapels and serene walking paths.
- Cavusin Village: Visit a picturesque village known for its historic rock houses.
- Pigeon Valley: Admire countless dovecotes carved into the cliffs.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Explore ancient subterranean passages and rooms hidden deep underground.
17:00 ─ Transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport.
Evening: Flight to Istanbul.
Arrival: Upon arrival, transfer to your Istanbul hotel.
Day 8 ─ Free Day in Istanbul (Optional Tours Available)
After breakfast, enjoy a full free day for personal exploration, shopping, or joining optional tours.
Day 9 ─ Transfer to Airport ➝ Fly Home
After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your international departure flight. Tour ends.
- All hotel stays in Istanbul and Cappadocia are included in the package.
- Domestic flights are arranged according to best seasonal availability; flight times are subject to change.
- Flight tickets include 15 kg checked baggage + 8 kg cabin baggage per traveler. Extra baggage allowance can be purchased at online check-in.
- Optional hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are available; early reservation is highly recommended due to limited capacity.
- All hotel-airport and tour area transfers are fully organized for maximum comfort.
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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