For Cruisers : Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour - Camel Safari,Balloon Ride

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Semi-Private Tour to Old City of Istanbul
10 stops
1
Sultanahmet District
We will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer you to the Sultanahmet area, where you will meet your guide and the other group participants. Our tours are semi-private, with a maximum of 10 participants, including you and your party.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Sultanahmet Square
Your tour will begin in Sultanahmet Square (Sultanahmet District), where you will see the Hippodrome and the German Fountain.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
German Fountain
Located at the entrance of Sultanahmet Square, the German Fountain immediately captivates visitors with its elegant architecture and intriguing history. Gifted by German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1901 to commemorate his visit to Istanbul, this octagonal structure features a striking neo-Byzantine design and a dome decorated with shimmering golden mosaics. Offering a peaceful corner amid the lively square, the fountain stands as a symbol of friendship between the Ottoman Empire and Germany.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome invites travelers to step into the grandeur of ancient Constantinople, once the beating heart of social and sporting life in the Byzantine Empire. This vast square, where thousands once gathered to watch thrilling chariot races, now hosts remarkable monuments such as the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Walled Obelisk. As visitors stroll through the area, they can almost hear the echoes of cheering crowds and feel the pulse of centuries-old imperial ceremonies.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
5
Sultanahmet
After visiting Sultanahmet Square, the tour will continue with visits to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Blue Mosque
With its six slender minarets rising gracefully into the sky, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic architectural treasures. Named after the exquisite blue İznik tiles that adorn its interior, the mosque offers a serene atmosphere enhanced by soft light filtering through its stained-glass windows. The harmony of domes, semi-domes, and detailed craftsmanship showcases the pinnacle of classical Ottoman architecture. Visitors leave with a sense of peace and admiration for the artistry that defines this sacred space.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
7
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
A masterpiece that has shaped the soul of Istanbul for over 1,400 years, Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to the city's layered heritage. Built in 537 as the grand basilica of the Byzantine Empire, its immense dome, intricate mosaics, and ingenious engineering continue to inspire awe. Having served as a church, a mosque, and a museum over the centuries, Hagia Sophia embodies the rich cultural fusion of civilizations. Every visitor is drawn into its profound atmosphere, where history seems to whisper from the walls.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
8
TopkapI Palace
Step into the heart of the Ottoman Empire at Topkapı Palace, the grand residence of sultans for nearly four centuries since its construction in the mid-15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. This magnificent complex, overlooking the Bosphorus, brings history to life with its opulent courtyards, exquisite tiles, and legendary treasures, including sacred relics and the world-famous Imperial Treasury. During our guided tour, you’ll discover stories of power, intrigue, and royal ceremony that shaped an empire. Topkapı Palace is not just a museum—it’s a journey into a world of grandeur you’ll never forget.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
9
Grand Bazaar
Experience the vibrant soul of Istanbul at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, founded in the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II. With more than 4,000 shops spread across a maze of colorful streets, the bazaar offers everything from handcrafted jewelry and carpets to spices, ceramics, and unique souvenirs. Our guided visit helps you explore the best corners of this historic marketplace, meet local artisans, and enjoy an authentic shopping experience full of culture, energy, and unforgettable discoveries.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
10
İstanbul
At the end of the tour of Istanbul Old City, we will transfer you toairport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon your arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional) / Overnight at Cappadocia
8 stops
11
Cappadocia Balloon Tours
Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED FOR SILVER, GOLD, AND DIAMOND PACKAGE OPTIONS – EXCLUDED FOR BRONZE PACKAGE OPTION) : Get ready for a unique and unforgettable experience in Cappadocia! We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the balloon site, where you can watch the balloon being prepared for your flight. The flight takes place at sunrise, with your pilot climbing to a comfortable altitude of approximately 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. From this height, you will marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia below. During certain segments of the flight, our pilots may also fly as low as 1 meter above the rock formations, giving you perfect opportunities for photos. The total activity lasts approximately 3 hours, with the flight itself lasting around 60 minutes. At the end of the flight, there will be a champagne celebration, and you will receive a souvenir to remember this magnificent experience. Afterwards, we will transfer you back to your hotel.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Fairy Chimneys
Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most obvious places to visit where these landforms are best seen and the common life of humankind and nature. On this tour, you will have seen many examples of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia and the first off them will be Three Beauties. Meet the most famous family of fairy chimneys: Three beauties. These are the official symbol of both Urgup and Cappadocia.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
13
Goreme Open-Air Museum
The Goreme Open-Air Museum features an extensive monastic complex carved directly into the soft volcanic rock, including ancient churches, kitchens, wineries, storerooms, and living spaces once inhabited by Anatolian Christians. With its unique architectural details and beautifully preserved frescoes, the site offers a vivid window into early Christian life in Cappadocia. Its cultural and historical significance has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
14
TokalI Church
The Tokalı Church (Buckle Church) in the Göreme Open Air Museum is considered one of the most beautiful of the Cappadocian cave churches. Its interior boasts some of the most outstanding frescoes, notable for their theological and artistic significance. The church is part of a larger complex that includes four churches and a hermitage, all dating back to the 9th century. Once the most famous church in the region, it remains one of the most impressive churches in the area today.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included
15
Ortahisar
The entire town is dominated by the 90-metre-high (300 ft) rock-castle in the centre of the town, which is called Sivrikoya by the inhabitants. It is an extraordinary example of the rock-cut architecture which is typical of the region and served as a refuge from attackers in Byzantine times. You will see all these rock-cut architecture by panoramic visit.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
16
Avanos Oren Yeri
Today’s lunch service will be in a local restaurant at the Avanos, and you will have chance for test the "Testi Kebab" which is a traditional kebab variety of the Cappadocia region of Turkey. (Also, vegetarian meals are available in same restaurant.) Avanos is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river. The old city of Avanos, whose name in ancient times was Venessa, overlooks the longest river of Turkey, the Kizilirmak (Red River), which also separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. The most famous historical feature of Avanos, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery; it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak has always been used.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
17
Uchisar Castle
Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area with beautiful views of the surrounding valley full of bizarre rock formations. (There are no any visit to rock castle because of the walking difficulties and safety risks on there. You will have a stop for panoramic view to this rock castle.)
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
18
Devrent Valley
Which is also known as Imagination Valley. Valley contains many animal shaped rocks which are mostly in red colour. Some of the most frequent shapes is like Camel.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Camel Ride
1 stop
19
Cappadocia Camel Tour
Camel Ride (INCLUDED) : Join your guides during the safety briefing. Get to know your new camel friends and start the safari journey. Admire the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia as you ride into the Red and Rose Valleys. Afterwards, we will drop back you to your hotel. Standard Route of Safari : Red and Rose Valleys, Zindanonu Valley, Meskenler Valley. ** The route could be replaced to different routes if weather does not suitable on your experience date.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Free-Day
1 stop
20
Cappadocia
Today, you will have a free day in Cappadocia without any scheduled tours or activities. You can spend the day relaxing at your amazing cave hotel or enjoying an optional activity of your choice. If you would like to add one or two extra activities, the tour operator will be happy to assist you. There are plenty of short but incredible optional experiences you can enjoy in Cappadocia, available at an additional cost. Some examples include a camel ride, ATV/quad bike tour, horseback riding, a cooking class, and, of course, a traditional Turkish bath. The tour operator can help you arrange any of these activities.

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Hotel drop-off (return to Istanbul) timing : The departure time of return flight is between 08.00pm and 09.00pm from Cappadocia. That's meaning, your return flight will be landing Istanbul airport or Istanbul SAW airport between 09.30pm and 10.30pm. After you arrived Istanbul, local tour operator will transfer you to your drop-opff point. If you will do this tour post-cruise, the drop-off point will be your hotel in Istanbul center for this transfer. If you will do this tour pre-cruise, the drop-off point will be Istanbul Galataport (Cruise Port) for this transfer.

Tags