5 Nights City Excursions at Istanbul and Cappadocia

5 Nights City Excursions at Istanbul and Cappadocia

The perfect excursion in Turkey; we begin highlights of the Cappadocia tour with the magical Istanbul.

Enjoy the highlights of Old City of Constantinople, next visit Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square and Bosphorus Cruise sailing before heading to Cappadocia

Istanbul - Cappadocia - Istanbul

Day 1 -: Istanbul                                                                                                            (MOB)

Arrive to Istanbul International Airport, after custom and clearance, meet and greet with your transfer assistance at the airport, (ETA: ….) transfer to your hotel for Check in and overnight.

Day 2 -: Istanbul                                                                                                             (B)

After Breakfast at your hotel meet with your local official guide and your comprehensive Old City tour starts. Our full day tour includes sightseeing outstanding Byzantine and Ottoman edifices and monuments which takes place in the ancient city centre. Our journey begins with the heartland of the archaic Constantinople, The Hippodrome dating back to early 3rd century AD, which functioned as the recreational and ceremonial hub of the city as well as hosting the chariot races. We will be taking a closer look at the picturesque antiquities such as the Egyptian Obelisk, The Serpentine Column and The Walled Obelisk, which once adorned the arena, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II symbolizing the alliance and amity between the German and the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century. Next, we step into the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque for its adagial tiles mainly in blue and turquoise. Besides seeing the striking decorative elements, it is worth hearing the rumours about its six minarets and the construction phase of the mosque. Our next spot is the unequivocally one of the most renowned landmarks of Istanbul, The Hagia Sofia. Having been destructed twice by two insurrections in the capital of the Empire, The Hagia Sofia found another chance to resurrect in 532 AD. Justinian I commissioned two virtuosos, Isidorus of Miletos and Anthemius of Tralles, in an attempt to rebuild the revered church. The outcome of their work along with the admirable mosaics and resplendent dome was so awe-inspiring that people believed the new Hagia Sofia was by “divine intervention”. This stately edifice was converted into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople by Mehmet II, the victorious Ottoman Sultan. Although it has been used as a mosque for centuries -except a break from 1934 to 2020-, the opulent mosaics and Christian relics can still be seen except the praying hours. After Lunch break in Sultanahmet area, in the afternoon our next point in the itinerary is the Topkapı Palace which was both the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of the Sultan until the second half of the 19th century. Consisting of four large courtyards and numerous premises, the palace both reflects the sense of art of the Ottomans in different eras and accommodates various mini museums in which objects used by Ottomans Sultans, Islamic relics and prominent pieces like The Dagger of Topkapı (Topkapı Hançeri) and Spoonmaker’s diamond (Kaşıkçı Elması) will be feast for the eyes.

After this in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace there is The Church of Hagia Eirene (“Divine Peace”) is a Byzantine church located within in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace. After Hagia Eirene built by Constantine burned down, it was rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century and extensively rebuilt by the Iconoclast emperor Constantine V in the 8th century, when its apse was decorated by a simple mosaic cross. After functioning as an arsenal or armoury for centuries in the Ottoman era, it became the first museum of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. Hagia Eirene, which was also known as the “Old Church”, served as the cathedral of Constantinople until the inauguration of Hagia Sophia in 360.

In the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene, a church known to have been built even before Hagia Sophia, is located. The church was partly damaged by the earthquake in the midst of the 8th century and repaired. After the conquest of the City by Mehmet II, unlike most of the churches in the city, it was never converted into a mosque. Instead, was used as an arsenal of the Topkapı place. Later in the 19th century when the lapsed warfare materials were discovered, the church was commenced to be used as a museum of antique warfare.

After visiting the Hagia Irene, proceed to visit The Basilica Cistern which was known to have been built to replace a church destroyed during Nika Revolt in 532 AD. The Basilica Cistern with an estimated capacity of 100000 tons of water was aimed to supply water for the Byzantine palaces and the premises in the environs. Sunk in to oblivion in Ottoman times, the structure is now a tourist attraction with its brick walls, 336 columns, upside down Medusa heads used as pedestals and a mystical ambiance. Finally, return back to your hotel for Overnight.

Day 3 -: Istanbul                                                                                                             (B)

DOLMABAHCE PALACE, BOSPHORUS CRUISE GALATA TOWER & TAKSIM SQUARE DAILY CITY TOUR

*After Breakfast depart from hotel for Full Walking Day Tour Started with an unforgettable Bosphorus Cruise Excursion starts between two continents, Europe and Asia. The cruise takes you Journey on the watercourse separating two continents, Europe and Asia, offers ravishing sceneries and an opportunity to view distinguished late Ottoman era waterfront mansions- called Yalı- and palaces like Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi. Sipping a glass of tea or coffee in the breeze of Bosphorous along with history and impressive nature will be a never-forgotten experience in your memories.

*After Disembark from the Boat proceed to visit The Dolmabahce Palace Increasing westernization efforts of the Ottoman Empire in the midst of the 19th century induced the sense of art and architecture of the era, too. Correspondingly, reflects the characteristics of the epoch with its gardens, elements of different European artistic movements on the facade and exceptional interior design. Dolmabahçe Palace has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world. The famous Crystal Staircase has the shape of a double horseshoe and is built of Baccarat crystal, brass and mahogany. Having witnessed a series of events in the late history of the Ottomans and early days of the new Republic today strikes its visitors by sumptuously decorated rooms and saloons with admirable objects like huge crystal chandeliers, famous Hereke carpets and clocks.  Thereafter Free Time will be given at Garden of Dolmabahce Palace from the best point of view Bosphourus and Istanbul. Today you will have rare chance to visit The famous Turkish Leather Outlet Store & join Light Fashion Show, here you will have rare chance for shopping with Special offered rates.

*After some Free Time for Lunch by your own arrangements, in the afternoon proceed to visit unique Historical Rustem Pasa Mosque, The Mosque dating back to 1563 was named after its grantor Rüstem Pasha, who was both the grand vizier and the son in law of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, also known as Soluman the Magnificient. As it is located nearby the commercial port of that day, it has rather smaller sizes compared to imperial mosques. However, the edifice stands out for the quality of the engravings and tiles decorating both internal walls and the facade of the mosque.  Enroute will visit the Historical Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) Built in the early 17th century in order to provide funding for the maintenance expenses of Yeni Camii (Mosque), the Spice bazaar was renowned for the goods imported from İndia and Egypt. Still, Spice Bazaar enthrals people by Turkish delights with different flavours and the emanating aromas of the herbs and spices – saffron, cinnamon, linden and numerous others- sold in the complex.  

*Our tour continuing with Galata Pera District by Funicular riding from Karakoy to Galata & Pera District, here sights to see the Historical Galata Tower, Known to have been made of wood in the 6th century for the first time, Galata Tower took its current form in the 14th century. While the tower was used as a part of the defence system of the district before Ottomans, following the conquest of the city it served for different purposes; a prison, an observatory house and later a fire observatory house. It is also narrated to be the high-rise where Hezarfen Çelebi accomplished the very first flight attempt with a tool resembling bird wings to the Asian Side of the city. Today, the tower grants its visitors an astonishing scenery of Golden Horn and the district.

*Thereafter walkthrough to Taksim Square & Istiklal Street. As the need for more settlement areas arose in the 19th century in the capital of the Empire, Pera and Beyoğlu districts were zoned for construction. Mostly inhabited by Christian minorities in the city, newly-born neighbourhood soon became an attraction centre with the westernized life style and modern buildings. Today, Istiklal street, the main street in Beyoğlu which stretches about 1.3kms, still attracts both locals and tourists with its celebrated cafes, restaurants, hans and 24 hour vibrant atmosphere. After the Tour return back to your hotel for Overnight.

Day 4 -: Istanbul è Domestic Flight to Cappadocia                                       (B & L)

After breakfast at your hotel transfer to Istanbul Airport Domestic Terminal for your morning flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival Cappadocia Start Full Day Tour with the highlights of the Cappadocia tour;

Today your first stop is Esentepe Hill for Panaromic Phototstop. Next continue the trip with sights to see the Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy-chimneys. Next Drive to Pasabagi (Monk's Valley) to see the most interesting mushroomshaped pinnacles.

After Lunch will be served at Local Restaurant by your Own Arrangement

In the afternoon followed by a Photo Stopfoots of the Uchisar Castle. Later visit Be amazed at its history at the Goreme Open Air Museum Open Air Museum in Goreme where the remains of rockcut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. After this proceed to Ortahisar Castle for photo stop. Next enjoy lovely view of the Pasabag Fairy Chimneys, Finaly return back to your hotel for Dinner and Overnight.

Day 5: Cappadocia                                                                                                        (B & D)

Today Early Morning Optionaly If you would, you may join Hot Air Balooning over the Charming Landscape during sun rise is this morning time.

Following the Breakfast at hotel, today get the rare chance to experience the beauty and work of Turkey’s Handmade Crafts through the Turkish Carpet Weaving Course. Following this, enjoy with hike through the Rose Valley with visits to the churches. Afterwards visit to the old Christian village of Cavusin.

After Lunch will be served at Local Restaurant by your Own Arrangement

Continue the journey to Avanos Village followed by the famous Local Pottery shows allowing ample time for shopping in the afternoon. Your Tour will be continue with a visit to Underground City of Kaymakli and will learn how and why they built such a place! To experience it, you will go down 50-80 feet!

After this proceed to Soganli Valley, very relaxing walkthrough in the valley of Byzantine period rock tombs, Next Sights to see the Sobesos is a Roman Bath from the 5th century with mosaics and graves from Byzantine Empire Period. Finaly return back to your hotel for Dinner and Overnight.

(Optionaly: Today Evening you may join Traditional Turkish Folkloric Night Show at Cave Night Club)

Optionaly: You may join Jeep Safari Adventure Along the Fairychimneys

Day 6: Cappadocia                                                                                                                   (B)

After Brakfast, free time untill Check out time and Transfer to the airport in Kayseri or Nevsehir . for your connection flight to back home.

INCLUDED :

·         Transportation by AC Coach over 2015 year throughout the tour.

·         Hotel Accomodation proposed as in above mentioned itinerary Four Stars Category Hotels

ð  ISTANBUL : YASMAK SULTAN HOTEL or Similar Category hotels 4*

ð  CAPPADOCIA : BURCU KAYA HOTEL or Smilar Categor Stone Hotels

·         Professional English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese or Mandarin Chineese Speaking Guidince Services provided throughout the tour ( from arrival to Departure )

·         Museum Enterence fees as mentioned in itinerary

·         Porterage in out at Hotels & Airports

·         Water during the meals ( Breakfast and Dinner)

·         2 x 0,500 ml Miniral Water On Board Coach Through the Itinerary for Per Person Per Day

·         Parking Fees

·         All Taxes of services within the itinerary

EXCLUDE :

·         SWAP PCR TEST 48 Hours Before your Flight to Back Home.

(USD 30 /PP Additionaly)

·         All Tippings Guide and Driver

·         Bellydance in Cappadocia Cave Club with Unlimited Local Drinks

·         Hot Air Baloon Flight Experience (Optional)

·         Meals as per itinerary  (Lunches)

·         Domestic or International Air Fares

·         Personel Expensens

·         Which is not mentioned clearly above itinerary

Prices quoted are valid till 30 October 2023. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in USD Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates.