DAY 1
Arrival in Istanbul where our transfer from the airport to the hotel will be waiting for you. The hotel is in the Sultanahmet Area which is close to all the famous sights.If your arrival time is earlier in the day we can make a walk in the Sultanahmet area and visit the Grand Bazar.In the evening we will have dinner in a roof top restaurant which boasts a stunning view to all of Istanbul lit up at night.
DAY 2
A full day, guided tour of the historical area taking in some of the most famous places in Istanbul.We visit the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome. Our lunch stop is a local "esnaf lokantasi", a restaurant that serves homemade lunch to the local people, a real taste of culture and in the evening we will have dinner in a fish restaurant on the Galata Bridge all lit up with spectacular views of the sparkling skyline and a fantastic ambience.
DAY 3
We start the day in the Eminönü Area where we explore the Egyptian Bazar, known as the spice market, and the quaint narrow streets selling all kinds of local goods. Continuing along to the harbour we take a boat trip on The Bosphorus getting off on the Asian side and taking a walk ‘off of the tourist track’ to the ‘local Istanbul’ to explore the culture here. Back on the boat to ferry across to the European side we return to the hotel for a short rest before we visit the Taksim Area where you will find the Taksim square, Istiklal street and Galata Tower.We will have dinner in a local "meyhane", the Turkish tavernas where the locals meet for long meals, drinks and sometimes live folk music. These restaurants are the best places to try the famous Turkish ‘meze’ starters and the Raki, the traditional local drink made from anise.
DAY 4
Free time for shopping or to visit other museums in the Sultanahmet area before lunch. After lunch transfer to the airport. We arrive in Cappadocia before sunset and enjoy the view over the area from one of the best viewpoints before we drive to our cave hotel. We will enjoy a homemade meal in the hotel.
DAY 5
Rise and shine to a traditional Turkish breakfast then on to the full day's activities in Cappadocia with your guide and minibus. We have included all the important sights of interest for a full day.
Starting with a visit to the UNESCO listed Goreme Open Air Museum where ruins of houses, churches and monasteries from the 4th Century are carved into the soft volcanic rock. On to visit the ancient cave village of Cavuşin and Paşabag, named the Monks Valley, home to some of the most photogenic fairy chimneys.
Enjoy the beautiful town of Avanos situated by the Red River. Here you can stroll the streets and enjoy the old buildings or visit one of the many local pottery workshops.
Finish your day admiring the superb panoramic view from Uchisar Castle, Cappadocia’s highest point.
DAY 6
Get a good breakfast for today’s trekking as we will cover approx 12 km exploring the Red Valley, Rose Valley, Meskendere, Çavuşin and Paşabağlar. Trekking is the best way to experience the unique nature and history of Cappadocia where millions of visitors come each year to feel the wonder and see what some say is the 8th wonder of the world. (if you find 12 km trekking too long you may finish after 6 km)
After the trek you can either have free time or you can join us when we visit Ürgüp and the most famous wine maker of the area for free wine tasting.
DAY 7
After breakfast we begin our day with a visit to an underground city which is in Mazi Village. This underground city has got totally 8 floors and is easily available for everyone to participate in the tour of this spectacular underground marvel.
After this visit we will continue to Soğanli Valley. Here we make a short walk approx 5 km, in the stunning surroundings. Soganli is one of the more interesting valleys in Cappadocia as it has historical value and gorgeous landscape. There are pigeon houses carved into the rock fairy chimneys, ancient churches and an abandoned village to explore.
On the way back to Göreme we will visit an old Greek village Sinasos or Mustafapaşa. This is a beautiful village which is steeped in Greek Orthodox history, specifically dating back to the Ottoman years, before the Turkish War of Independence in the early 20th century when Turks and Greeks lived side by side in harmony.
DAY 8
Breakfast in the hotel and transfer to the airport. If you have a late departure there is a possibility for trekking before you leave.
PRICE: Ask for price
Minimum 4 people maximum 12 (can be arranged for less than 4 people - ask for price)
INCLUDES: Transportation, entrances, guiding, 3 star hotel in Istanbul (BB) and cave hotel in Cappadocia (HB), flight from istanbul to Cappadocia and insurance
NOT INCLUDED: Lunches, Dinners in Istanbul, extra activities in Cappadocia, drinks and flights to Istanbul and back from Cappadocia.
NOTES: Bring sun protection and good walking shoes.
Our trips are ‘shopping free’. We will not make you waste time in shops selling carpets, gold or leather