The Ottoman & Cappadocia Chronicle
- AC Car
- 3 Stars Hotels
- Breakfast
- Available
Package Overview
Experience the captivating blend of empires and landscapes on this unforgettable 6-day journey. From the majestic domes and bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the otherworldly valleys of Cappadocia, this package offers a deep dive into Turkey's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, it combines guided explorations with moments of leisure.
Highlights
- Explore the historic heart of old Istanbul, visiting the iconic Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople.
- Cruise the majestic Bosphorus Strait, witnessing the city's stunning skyline and crossing between two continents in a single day.
- Experience the unique thrill of stepping from Asia into Europe by crossing the Bosphorus Bridge.
- Discover the surreal, lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, including the famous fairy chimneys in PaÅŸabaÄŸ (Monks Valley).
- Witness the ancient art of pottery-making in Avanos, a tradition dating back to the Hittites.
Itinerary
Your Turkish adventure begins as you arrive at Istanbul Airport, where our representative will greet you and ensure a comfortable transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you have the rest of the day at your leisure. Use this time to rest after your journey or venture out to get your first taste of this vibrant city, perhaps enjoying a stroll through your new neighbourhood before an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Today, you'll delve into the heart of history with a full-day tour of the Old City. Your journey begins in the Sultanahmet District, the historic core, where you'll marvel at the architectural wonder of Hagia Sophia (exterior view) and step inside the magnificent Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue Iznik tiles. Walk through the ancient Hippodrome, once the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, before a break for lunch (optional or on your own). Continue your exploration with an exterior visit to Topkapi Palace, the former seat of Ottoman power, and end your day at the legendary Grand Bazaar. Lose yourself in the maze of over 4,000 shops, a true cultural and shopping paradise, before returning to your hotel for the night.
Prepare for a day of discovery on both sides of the Bosphorus. Start with the historic City Walls and the Golden Horn, before experiencing the vibrant aromas of the Spice Bazaar. The highlight of the day is a relaxing Bosphorus Boat Trip, where you'll cruise past magnificent palaces, wooden villas, and fortresses. After lunch, you'll cross the Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side, a unique experience in itself. Visit the opulent Beylerbeyi Palace, a former summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, before ascending Çamlıca Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Your day concludes with some shopping time at the Bedesten, where you can explore traditional handicrafts and immerse yourself in the local culture before returning to your hotel.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the captivating region of Cappadocia. Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the heart of this lunar landscape. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and perhaps soak in the unique atmosphere of this extraordinary region, with an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Today's exploration showcases the very best of Cappadocia's surreal landscapes. Your "Red Tour" begins in Dervent Valley, famous for its almost Martian-like rock formations, before moving on to the fairy chimneys of PaÅŸabaÄŸ (Monks Valley). Continue to the charming town of Avanos, where you'll learn about its centuries-old pottery tradition and witness a workshop demonstration. After a local lunch, you'll explore the Zelve Open-Air Museum, a fascinating complex of rock-cut dwellings, churches, and monasteries with remarkable Byzantine frescoes. Your day ends with a visit to a carpet cooperative and a final panoramic view of the enchanting valleys, creating memories that will last a lifetime, before returning to your hotel for the night.
Enjoy a final breakfast in Cappadocia before your transfer to the airport. You will fly back to Istanbul to connect with your international departure flight, taking with you the unforgettable sights and sounds of Turkey.
Inclusions
- 5Nights Accommodation
- All Transfers
- Sightseeing
- Breakfast
- All tickets as per the itinerary
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