Short and sweet, this tour is perfect for those with limited time. See the best places of Turkey, the iconic sites of Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia. We guarantee you will be amazed at the rich history and the diverse landscapes to be found here.
The services of travel package begins with a guided walking tour through Istanbul’s historic old city. You’ll meet your licenced tour guide and embark on a semi-private tour, exploring the heart of Sultanahmet, the city’s ancient center. Today’s tour will be covering the visits to highlights of Sultanahmet District which Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, German Fauntain, Basilica of Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı). The meeting (departure) point of today’s tour is German Fountain at Sultanahmet District. The tour guide will be waiting you at there and then you will start your old city walking tour.
The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.
Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.
Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa head. The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, features stunning columns and a mysterious ambiance, reflecting the city's rich history and architectural brilliance. The cistern was known in Byzantium as thebasilica Cistern, Justinian was the founder of the largest underground cistern, built after the Nika Revolt in 532. A must-visit marvel.
At the end of the tour, you may continue to your hotel for meet with your driver who will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. The driver will pick you up the reception of your hotel fort hat airport transfer.
Upon your arrival at Cappadocia Airport, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal exit, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia, which is approximately an hour’s drive away. This tour offer you three different hotel options. These hotels are Yunak Evleri Hotel (De Luxe Category), Zeydem Suites Cave Hotel (Special Boutique Category), Misty Cave Hotel (Standard Category). You have right to select your desired hotel category from a range of available choices.
Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel to start this thoughtfully designed day trip to Cappadocia’s must-see attractions. The most of the tours are show you only panaromic views of the some valleys and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia because of the entrance fee costs. You won’t fully experience the history and geography of Cappadocia. After hundreds feedback from our guests we created this trip itinerary for the guests who concern and wonder the historical, cultural and architectural heritages of Cappadocia. Our semi-private daily tours, limited to a maximum of 10 guests per group, provide an in-depth exploration of Cappadocia’s ancient sites and breathtaking landscapes.
In a breathtaking landscape sculpted by erosion, Göreme National Park is home to rock-carved sanctuaries that showcase remarkable examples of Byzantine art from the post-Iconoclastic period. This tour will take you through the Göreme Open-Air Museum and Tokalı Church, two of the park's most iconic landmarks.
The Göreme Open Air Museum is recognized as one of the earliest monasteries in Christian history. This rock-hewn settlement, where education was provided to spread Christianity, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, renowned for its fresco-covered churches and rock-hewn living spaces.
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.
Ortahisar Castle, also known as the most spectacular fairy chimney of Cappadocia, is located in Ortahisar town of Nevşehir. Said to be one of the first multi-storey settlements in the world, this castle is surrounded by steep valleys on three sides. Its geography enabled the castle to be used for protection and shelter in ancient times. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns.) After a panoramic visit to this amazing rock castle, you will continue for Weaving is a significant aspect of Turkish culture, with roots that trace back to Central Asia. This ancient tradition is still alive in Cappadocia today. During our tour, we’ll take a brief visit to a cooperative where world-renowned Turkish carpets are crafted, offering you the chance to learn about the intricate details of this age-old art form.
Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Avanos, where you'll have the opportunity to try "Testi Kebab," a traditional kebab unique to the Cappadocia region. (Vegetarian options are also available at the same restaurant.) Avanos is well-known for its charming old town with cobblestone streets and scenic river views. Formerly known as Venessa, the ancient city of Avanos overlooks the Kızılırmak (Red River), the longest river in Turkey, which separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. A notable historical feature of Avanos, still prominent today, is its earthenware pottery production, which remains a key economic activity in the town. The ceramic industry in this area, with its numerous pottery workshops, dates back to the Hittites, and the clay sourced from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has been used for centuries. You will have a short stop for get this experience during your tour.
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. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns. Instead, you will have a stop for a panoramic view of the rock castle.)
This valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is home to numerous rock formations shaped like animals, predominantly in shades of red. One of the most common shapes found here is that of a camel.
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.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED) : Get ready for a wonderful experience unique to Cappadocia! We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the balloon site where you will have the opportunity to watch the balloon being prepared for your flight. The flight will be at sunrise time, where your pilot will climb to a comfortable altitude of about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. It is from this elevation that you will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below you. During certain segments of the flight our pilots are also capable of flying as low as 1 meter above the rock formations which will allow you perfect photo taking opportunities. Duration of total activity is approx 3 hours, and total duration of flight is approx 60 minutes. There will be a champagne celebration at end of the ride. Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia.
ATV Quad Bike Ride (INCLUDED): We will transfer you to the starting point of the ATV Quad Bike Ride, where you will enjoy a one-hour safari on your private ATV. This thrilling outdoor adventure will take you through the stunning paths of Cappadocia’s valleys, with stops for photo opportunities along the way. It will feel like you're driving on the moon, exploring the incredible terrain. The duration of the adventure will be approximately one hour.
At the end of the ride, you will be transferred back to your hotel for take your luggages and continue to Cappadocia airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Upon your arrival at the airport in Istanbul, your driver will be waiting to meet you and transfer you to your hotel. *** We do not recommend scheduling any other flight immediately after this return flight, as any potential delays on by the airline could put it at risk.
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If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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