8-Day Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour by Plane | Small Group

Tour Style: Small Group | Duration: 8 Days – 7 Nights | Departures: All year round, Guaranteed

Highlights: Istanbul, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Avanos, Göreme, Uçhisar, Monks Valley, Fairy Chimneys, Ihlara Valley

DAY 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure to relax and explore the surroundings.
Overnight: Istanbul

DAY 2 – Istanbul Old City Tour (B/L)

08:30: Pick-up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet District.
Highlights include:

• Hagia Sophia: Marvel at the largest cathedral of Byzantium, converted to a mosque in 1453, now a museum showcasing layers of history.

• Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque (Blue Mosque): Admire Istanbul’s only mosque with six minarets, built by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga in the 17th century.

• Hippodrome: Discover the center of sport and politics in the Eastern Roman Empire.

• Grand Covered Bazaar: Shop for carpets, jewelry, leather goods, and souvenirs in one of the world’s most famous bazaars.

• Topkapi Palace: Explore the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for 400 years (Harem & Treasury not included).

Return to your hotel for leisure time in the evening.
Overnight: Istanbul

DAY 3 – Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise & Istanbul to Cappadocia (B)

08:30: Hotel pick-up for a half-day tour across two continents.
Highlights include:

• Spice Bazaar: Enjoy mystical aromas and browse spices, fruits, nuts, and local delicacies.

• Bosphorus Cruise: Glide along the strait separating Europe and Asia, passing marble palaces, Ottoman villas, and modern waterfront residences.

• Bosphorus Bridge: Cross from Asia to Europe in just two minutes!

Evening: Domestic flight to Kayseri, transfer to Cappadocia.
Overnight: Cappadocia

DAY 4 – Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys Tour (B/L)

09:30: Start your full-day tour of Cappadocia’s iconic landscapes.
Highlights include:

• Devrent Valley: Explore whimsical fairy chimneys and natural rock formations.

• Love Valley: See the famous three-headed fairy chimneys amidst stunning scenery.

• Avanos: Visit a traditional pottery workshop using local Red River clay, a craft dating back 5,000 years.

• Uçhisar: Climb the highest point in Cappadocia for panoramic views of the region and Erciyes Mountain.

Return to your hotel for the night.
Overnight: Cappadocia

DAY 5 – Rose Valley & Mazıköy Underground City (B/L)

09:30: Full-day tour of South Cappadocia.
Highlights include:

• Kızılçukur (Red Valley): Admire stunning rock formations and hidden rock-carved churches.

• Çavuşin Village: Visit one of the oldest settlements in the region and explore St. John the Baptist Church.

• Mazıköy Underground City: Discover one of Cappadocia’s deepest subterranean cities with eight floors (partial access).

• Pigeon Houses: See the famous dovecotes carved into the rocks.

Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight: Cappadocia

DAY 6 – Derinkuyu Underground City & Ihlara Valley (B/L)

09:00: Tour one of Cappadocia’s largest underground cities, a refuge for early Christians.

• Explore Ihlara Valley with a 4 km hike along rock-cut churches and monasteries.

• Visit Selime Monastery and the 13th-century caravanserai on the ancient Silk Road.

After the tour, collect luggage from your hotel and transfer to Kayseri Airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
Overnight: Istanbul

DAY 7 – Princes’ Islands Tour (B/L)

08:30: Depart from the European side, crossing the Bosphorus via the first bridge and driving through Kadıköy to Bostancı.

• Embark on a boat to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands.

• Explore historical landmarks including Aya Yorgi Church & Monastery and Ayios Dimitrios Church.

• Free time to enjoy the car-free island by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle.

Return to Istanbul for overnight stay.
Overnight: Istanbul

DAY 8 – Departure from Istanbul (B)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Istanbul Atatürk Airport for your flight. End of tour services.

Optional Extension: Add extra nights in Istanbul to explore more of the city at leisure.

Tour Inclusions

• Hotel pick-up & drop-off

• Domestic flights (Istanbul ↔ Cappadocia)

• 7 Nights accommodation with breakfast

• 2 Full-Day Istanbul Tours

• 1 Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise (without lunch)

• 3 Full-Day Cappadocia Tours

• All meals mentioned (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)

• Professional English-speaking guide

• Air-conditioned transportation on local tours

• Entrance fees as per itinerary

• Local taxes, service charges, and tour insurance

Not Included

• Drinks, personal expenses, and tips

• Optional tours (highly recommended):

  • Hot-Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia: €295 per adult

  • Hot-Air Balloon Watching Photo Tour by Taxi: €60

  • Whirling Dervishes Show: €40

  • Turkish Night Show: €80

  • Turkish Bath (Hamam): €80

  • Horse Riding: €60

  • ATV/Quad: €55

Souvenirs & Traditional Crafts

• Carpets & Kilims: Handmade using natural dyes in Cappadocia.

• Ceramics & Pottery: Famous traditional designs from Avanos.

• Onyx & Semi-Precious Stones: Jewelry crafted with local stones and gold.

• Leather Goods: High-quality, handcrafted leather products.

• Spices: Unique flavors at Istanbul’s Spice Market.