How to Plan Your Istanbul and Cappadocia 5-Day Tour

Are you planning a trip to Turkey and looking for an exciting and hassle-free tour experience? Look no further than the Istanbul and Cappadocia 5-day tour package! This tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through two of Turkey’s most iconic destinations, with domestic flights included for maximum convenience. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your Istanbul and Cappadocia tour to make the most out of your trip.

Overview

The Istanbul and Cappadocia 5-day tour is a comprehensive package that covers all the must-see sights and activities in Istanbul and Cappadocia. The tour includes domestic flights, hotel accommodation, transportation, meals, and a professional English-speaking guide. Here’s a breakdown of what the tour includes:

What’s Included:

– 4 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels
– Domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia and back
– Lunch (4)
– Dinner (2)
– Breakfast (3)
– Gratuities
– Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
– Professional English-speaking guide
– Entrance fees to all attractions

Please note that all drinks and other extras are not included in the tour price.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel in Istanbul’s central areas, such as Taksim, Sultanahmet, and the old city. The pickup time is at 8:30 AM, so make sure you’re ready and waiting in the lobby of your hotel.

What To Expect

On the first two days of the tour, you’ll explore the highlights of Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. You’ll also have a Bosphorus cruise to enjoy the stunning views of Istanbul from the water.

Then, on the third day, you’ll take a domestic flight to Cappadocia, where you’ll spend the next two days exploring the region’s otherworldly landscape of fairy chimneys, valleys, and underground cities. You’ll have guided tours of Goreme Open-air Museum, Pasabag Valley, Avanos, and Kaymakli Underground City, among others. You’ll also have an optional hot air balloon ride over the stunning Cappadocian landscape.

Additional Info

– Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
– The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
– Strollers are accessible.
– Infants must sit on laps.
– Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level.
– This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

How to Book the Tour

To book this Istanbul and Cappadocia tour, simply visit the official tour page on Viator.com by clicking here. Once you’re on the page, select your preferred travel dates, the number of travelers, and make the payment. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your tour and pickup location.

With this guide, you have all the information you need to plan your Istanbul and Cappadocia 5-day tour. This package is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to explore the highlights of two of Turkey’s most stunning locations without worrying about the logistics of transportation, accommodation, and sightseeing. So book the tour today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Turkey!

An Insider’s Guide: How to Plan Your Istanbul and Cappadocia 5-Day Tour

Istanbul and Cappadocia are two of the most-visited destinations in Turkey. Istanbul, the former capital city of both the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire, is a bustling metropolis that showcases the perfect blend of Western and Eastern cultures. On the other hand, Cappadocia is a region of exceptional natural beautiful landscapes and unique geological formations. In this insider’s guide, we will provide you with a five-day itinerary, cultural and historical experiences, local attractions, dining spots, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for your Istanbul and Cappadocia tour.

Day 1: Istanbul

Begin your first day in Istanbul by visiting the iconic Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the magnificence of its architecture, intricate carvings, and ancient mosaics. Next, visit the Topkapi Palace, which served as the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years and presents a great insight into the history of the Ottoman Empire.

Head over to Sultanahmet, also known as Turkey’s cultural center, and discover Istanbul’s captivating Islamic art at the Blue Mosque. Follow it with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, a maze of over 3,000 shops and stalls offering everything from traditional textiles and jewelry to spices and souvenirs.

In the evening, relax and dine at a traditional Turkish restaurant with live music, located at a rooftop venue with an incredible view of the city.

Day 2: Istanbul

Start your second day in Istanbul with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, where you’ll be intoxicated by the aromas of various spices, herbs, and other food products. Next on our list is the Bosporus Cruise that takes you through the magnificent Bosporus Strait. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the city from the waters with commentary along the way.

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Beyoglu and Istiklal Street, which features a lively mix of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shopping opportunities.

In the evening, visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum that features contemporary Turkish art, and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the waterside restaurants along the Bosporus.

Day 3: Istanbul to Cappadocia

After an early breakfast, take a short flight to Cappadocia, where you can explore the unique landscape of fairy chimneys, underground cities, and ancient cave dwellings.

Begin your tour of Cappadocia by visiting the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with churches and dwellings carved into the rock. Next, take a hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscape of Cappadocia.

In the afternoon, explore the unique rock formations, valleys, and caves of Pasabag, Zelve, and Devrent. At sunset, trek through the Rose Valley to view Cappadocia’s famous rock formations in vibrant shades of pink, orange, and red.

Day 4: Cappadocia

Start your fourth day in Cappadocia with a visit to the Derinkuyu underground city, which is an ancient city constructed by early Christians for protection against Arab invasions.

Next, visit the town of Avanos, known for its pottery art, where you can take a class from local artisans and make your very own pottery.

In the evening, sample the local wine at one of Cappadocia’s vineyards dating back to Roman times.

Day 5: Cappadocia to Istanbul

Before departing Cappadocia, visit the Uchisar Castle, which offers panoramic views of the region. Walk through Pigeon Valley that used to be home to thousands of pigeons in ancient times.

Fly back to Istanbul to explore some off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Suleymaniye Hamam, a local Turkish bathhouse featuring historical architecture. Take a stroll through Istanbul’s Asian side, which is less crowded, offering more peaceful and authentic experiences.

In the evening, attend a Whirling Dervish Show, which is a traditional Turkish spiritual ritual performed in the ancient Sufi tradition.

In conclusion, with the above guide, you’ll have an unforgettable trip to Turkey, exploring the best of Istanbul and Cappadocia. From endless cultural experiences to natural wonders, mouth-watering food, historical richness, and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Turkey offers something of everything.