Solo Traveller prices available on request
Independent Holiday with Small Group/Regular Sightseeing
7 Days ex Istanbul
Departs Daily
Istanbul Old City (3) | Cappadocia (3)
Discover the magic of Turkey on this immersive journey combining the vibrant energy of Istanbul with the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. From grand palaces and ancient mosques to underground cities and fairy-tale valleys, this itinerary blends rich history, cultural experiences, and breathtaking scenery. With guided touring alongside free time to explore at your own pace, it offers a well-balanced and memorable introduction to two of Turkey’s most iconic destinations.
Highlights:
- 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
- Explore the iconic landmarks of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar
- Step into the world of the Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace
- Discover the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, including fairy chimneys and underground cities
- Optional hot air balloon experience at sunrise over Cappadocia’s extraordinary scenery
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival you will be met in the arrivals area by a representative of our local operator then transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the Old City where accommodation is reserved for three nights. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Istanbul (BL)
Today join a small group tour of Istanbul. Begin your morning at Topkapi Palace, marvelling at its treasures and imagining the Sultan's life. Your journey continues with a stroll through the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to over 5,000 shops offering everything from rugs to lamps. Lunch invites you to savour authentic Turkish cuisine at a cozy local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Hippodrome, once Istanbul's social hub, followed by the stunning Blue Mosque adorned with hand-painted tiles, and the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of architecture. Istanbul's charm will captivate you instantly.
Note: Topkapi Palace closed Tuesdays | Grand Bazaar closed Sundays
Day 3: Istanbul (B)
Day at leisure or optional Istanbul experiences.
Optional (supplement applies):
* Spice Market and Bosphorus cruise
* Turkish Bath Experience
* Whirling Dervishes Show
* Turkish Bath Experience
* Whirling Dervishes Show
Day 4: Istanbul – Cappadocia (B)
This morning depart Ottoman influenced Istanbul. You will be transferred by private vehicle to Istanbul Airport for your flight to the natural wonderland of Cappadocia. On arrival you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Be captivated with surreal landscapes, fairy chimneys and cave dwellings as you check into your cave style hotel in these otherworldly surroundings. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 5: Cappadocia (BL)
After breakfast at your hotel, depart on a fairy day trip which you may remember for the rest of your life. The tour starts with a visit to Goreme Open Air Museum where you can see the world’s most important Byzantine cave churches. Goreme Open Air Museum is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your next stop will be Pashabagi also called the Monks Valley because Christian hermits chose to locate hermit cells and churches in these three-headed pinnacles. The last stop before lunch will be Devrent Valley, also known as "Imagination Valley", this is the most surreal-looking landscape. After lunch continue to Avanos and Urgup which are the towns of traditional pottery art, thus you will visit one of the family workshops in Avanos to learn about the pottery and have a kick-wheel-pottery demonstration. You will have the chance to try your pottery skills. At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel.
Day 6: Cappadocia (BL)
Optional Excursion (supplement applies): Early morning Balloon ride
Early morning pick before sunrise so as not to miss the best time of the day on the sky and transferred to launch site. Have a light breakfast while your pilots check the weather conditions and decide on the best launch site. After the balloon is checked for all safety regulations and prepared for the flight you will be given the safety briefing, the crew will help you to get into the basket and when everybody is comfortable and happy this lifetime experience will take off. Once in the sky you will be amazed by the unique landscape, the combination of natural beauty and the deep and complex history. Besides seeing and feeling it, you will fall in love with this beauty. At the end of a fantastic 1-hour flight you will celebrate this memorable experience with champagne which is actually a ballooning tradition; since the Montgolfier brothers made the first flight in 1873 and celebrated a successful landing with champagne. You will be delivered your personalised commemorative flight certificate and transfer to your hotel around 8:00 – 8:30 am.
After breakfast depart from your hotel on the South Cappadocia Tour. The first stop is Uchisar Castle where you will have a complete view of Uchisar valley. General information about Cappadocia is provided at the first stop. Continue to the Underground City, one of the best preserved and the deepest underground cities in Cappadocia. Go for a hike at the Love Valley and Rose Valley which gets its name from the rose-coloured rock formations and at the end of the walk visit Cavusin Village. Upon completion of the tour, transfer to your hotel.
Day 7: Cappadocia - Istanbul (B)
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Own arrangements on arrival.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
- 6-nights' hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- 3 lunches
- Arrival and departure airport transfers by private vehicle
- Economy class domestic flights Istanbul/Kayseri & Kayseri/Izmir
- Sightseeing tours with professional English-speaking guides (small group or regular tours)
- Entrance fees
- Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the following (or similar):
Istanbul Old City
First Class: Celal Sultan Hotel or Erboy
Deluxe Class: Vogue Supreme or Sura Hagia Sophia
Cappadocia
First Class: Hera Cave Suites or Imperial Cave Hotel
Deluxe Class: Kayakapi or Kelebek Cave Hotel
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
