Semi-Private Tour to the Historic Old City of Istanbul

Sultanahmet District - Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Istanbul and transported to the Sultanahmet area, where they will meet their guide and fellow tour participants. These semi-private tours accommodate a maximum of 10 participants, including the guest’s party.

Sultanahmet Square - The tour commences at Sultanahmet Square (Sultanahmet District), where visitors will explore the Hippodrome and the German Fountain.

German Fountain - Situated at the entrance of Sultanahmet Square, the German Fountain captivates with its elegant architecture and fascinating history. Presented by German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1901 to mark his visit to Istanbul, this octagonal structure boasts a striking neo-Byzantine design and a dome adorned with shimmering golden mosaics. It offers a tranquil spot amidst the bustling square, symbolizing the friendship between the Ottoman Empire and Germany.

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome invites visitors to experience the grandeur of ancient Constantinople, once the vibrant center of social and sporting life in the Byzantine Empire. This expansive square, where thousands once gathered for thrilling chariot races, now features remarkable monuments such as the Serpent Column, the Obelisk of Theodosius, and the Walled Obelisk. As visitors wander through the area, they can almost hear the echoes of cheering crowds and feel the pulse of centuries-old imperial ceremonies.

Sultanahmet - Following the visit to Sultanahmet Square, the tour continues with stops at the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

Blue Mosque - With its six slender minarets gracefully reaching into the sky, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic architectural marvels. Named for the exquisite blue İznik tiles that embellish 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 intricate 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.

Hagia Sophia 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.

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.

Kapali Carsi - 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.

İstanbul - At the end of the tour of Istanbul Old City, guests will be transferred to the airport for their flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, they will be transferred to their hotel in Cappadocia.

Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional) / Overnight in Cappadocia

Cappadocia Balloon Tours - Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED FOR SILVER, GOLD, AND DIAMOND PACKAGE OPTIONS – EXCLUDED FOR BRONZE PACKAGE OPTION): Prepare for a unique and unforgettable experience in Cappadocia! Guests will be picked up from their hotel and transferred to the balloon site, where they can watch the balloon being prepared for flight. The flight occurs at sunrise, with the pilot ascending to a comfortable altitude of approximately 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. From this height, guests will marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia below. During certain segments of the flight, pilots may also fly as low as 1 meter above the rock formations, providing 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 guests will receive a souvenir to remember this magnificent experience. Afterwards, they will be transferred back to their hotel.

Fairy Chimneys - Cappadocia is renowned for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most prominent places to visit where these landforms are best seen and the common life of humankind and nature. On this tour, guests will see many examples of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia, starting with the Three Beauties. Meet the most famous family of fairy chimneys: Three Beauties. These are the official symbol of both Urgup and Cappadocia.

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.

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.

Ortahisar - The entire town is dominated by the 90-meter-high (300 ft) rock-castle in the center of the town, known as Sivrikoya by the locals. It is an extraordinary example of the rock-cut architecture typical of the region and served as a refuge from attackers in Byzantine times. Guests will see all these rock-cut architectures by panoramic visit.

Avanos Oren Yeri - Today’s lunch service will be in a local restaurant in Avanos, where guests can try the “Testi Kebab,” a traditional kebab variety of the Cappadocia region of Turkey. (Vegetarian meals are also available at the same restaurant.) Avanos is a popular destination due to its charming old town with cobbled streets and views over the river. The old city of Avanos, known in ancient times as Venessa, overlooks the longest river in Turkey, the Kizilirmak (Red River), which also separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. The most famous historical feature of Avanos, still relevant and visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery; it is also the most significant economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak has always been used.

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 is no visit to the rock castle due to walking difficulties and safety risks. Guests will have a stop for a panoramic view of this rock castle.)

Devrent Valley - Also known as Imagination Valley, this area contains many animal-shaped rocks, mostly in red color. Some of the most frequent shapes resemble a camel.

Camel Ride

Cappadocia Camel Tour - Camel Ride (INCLUDED): Guests will join their guides for a safety briefing, get acquainted with their new camel friends, and begin the safari journey. They will admire the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia as they ride into the Red and Rose Valleys. Afterwards, they will be dropped back at their hotel. Standard Route of Safari: Red and Rose Valleys, Zindanonu Valley, Meskenler Valley. ** The route may be adjusted to different paths if the weather is unsuitable on the experience date.

Free-Day

Cappadocia - Guests will enjoy a free day in Cappadocia without any scheduled tours or activities. They can spend the day relaxing at their wonderful cave hotel or enjoying an optional activity of their choice. If they wish to add one or two extra activities, the tour operator will be happy to assist. There are plenty of short but incredible optional experiences available in Cappadocia 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 arrange any of these activities.

• Transfers at the mentioned airports for domestic flights in the itinerary
• Flight Tickets: Istanbul to Denizli - Izmir to Istanbul or Izmir to Cappadocia
• XX nights hotel accommodation including breakfast
• Hotel pick-up & drop-off services for each mentioned tours and transfers on itinerary
• Professional tour guide licensed by Ministry of Culture and Tourism

• Dinner & Drinks
• Entrance fees of the museums (Your guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line.)

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Turkey with this four-day personalized travel package, starting and ending in Istanbul by plane. Discover the Kaymakli Underground City, Devrent Valley, Goreme Open-Air Museum, Avanos, rock churches, and the distinctive landscapes and rock-cut houses of Cappadocia. Then, journey to the western part of Turkey for an unforgettable experience at the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. For an even more remarkable adventure, consider an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys.

• 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.
• The prices of package are valid for accommodation at the double or triple room. If you would like make reservation for single room(s), there could be supplement cost. There are not going to be any extra cost for single / solo travelers. This cost already accounted on price of these travelers.
• The pre-planned hotels are “Hagia Sophia Mansions in Istanbul” - “The Magnaura Palace in Istanbul” - “Zeynep Sultan Hotel in Istanbul” - “Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia” - “1811 Cave Boutique Hotel in Cappadocia” - “Sedirli Konak Boutique Hotel in Cappadocia” for your accommodation on this travel. You can choose any of them while booking. If preferred hotel by you is not available for standard/superior rooms on your travel dates, local tour operator can replace it with an equivalent hotel.
• The check-in time of hotels is 02.00pm, and you can not start use your room before this time. This is about the check-in & check-out policies of hotels. If your arrival flight will be landing to Istanbul-Turkey before that time , you have to add one night more hotel reservation to package, or wait at the reception of your hotel until 02.00pm for check-in to hotel.
• The differences between the package options are about the hotel categories. Tour(s), airport transfer(s) and flight ticket levels will be same for all options.
• The local tour operator will send e-tickets of your domestic flights at six days before your departure date. You will not need print out copies of the tickets for domestic flights. Your passport and reservation number on the tickets will be enough for check-in to plane.
• The local tour operator can request your some passport details for the bookings of your flight tickets.
• You will have 15kg luggage + 8kg hand bag quota per person for each domestic flight. If you will need more luggage capacity, please inform that to local tour operator. There could be some extra fee for luggage quotas more than 15kg. This is exactly about the policies of airline companies.
• If your pick-up or drop-off hotel is inside of airports (IST and SAW airports) local tour operator do not provide any pick-up / drop-off service on this trip package.
• Hot air ballooning is a fully weather-dependent activity and the Civil Aviation Authority determines whether the flight will be held. If your flight is cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, you are entitled to a partial refund. In such a case, your refund will be processed by the day after of that trip.
• The Standard Balloon Ride has an One-hour approximately flight duration with 20 to 28 people capacity basket. The flight duration could be 50-55 minutes or 65-70 minutes. This situation depend the weather conditions before landing, and pilots are decide to that within the safety rules of Civil Aviation Authority. Total activity duration is approximately 3 hours.
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
• This tour is not available for the bookings to children who are 17 years old and under.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.