Semi-Private Tour to the 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 group members. 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 participants will view the Hippodrome and the German Fountain.

German Fountain - Situated at the entrance of Sultanahmet Square, the German Fountain immediately enchants visitors with its graceful architecture and fascinating history. Presented by German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1901 to mark his visit to Istanbul, this octagonal structure boasts a stunning neo-Byzantine design and a dome adorned with gleaming golden mosaics. Providing a tranquil spot amidst the bustling square, the fountain symbolizes the friendship between the Ottoman Empire and Germany.

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome invites visitors to experience the splendor of ancient Constantinople, once the vibrant center of social and sporting life in the Byzantine Empire. This expansive square, where thousands once gathered for exhilarating chariot races, now features notable 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 elegantly 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 ambiance enhanced by soft light filtering through its stained-glass windows. The harmony of domes, semi-domes, and intricate craftsmanship exemplifies the pinnacle of classical Ottoman architecture. Visitors depart with a sense of tranquility and admiration for the artistry that defines this sacred space.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - A masterpiece that has shaped the essence of Istanbul for over 1,400 years, Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage. Constructed in 537 as the grand basilica of the Byzantine Empire, its vast 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 - Enter 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 the guided tour, guests will 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 that will be unforgettable.

Grand Bazaar - Experience the vibrant essence of Istanbul at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, established 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. The guided visit helps guests 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 conclusion of the tour of Istanbul’s 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 - Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Istanbul and transported to the Sultanahmet area, where they will meet their guide and fellow group members. These semi-private tours accommodate a maximum of 10 participants, including the guest’s party.

Cappadocia Camel Tour - Camel Ride (INCLUDED): Join the guides during the safety briefing. Get acquainted with the camel companions and begin the safari journey. Admire the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia as the ride ventures into the Red and Rose Valleys. Afterwards, guests will be returned to their hotel. Standard Safari Route: Red and Rose Valleys, Zindanonu Valley, Meskenler Valley. ** The route may be altered to different paths if weather conditions are unsuitable on the experience date.

Northern Cappadocia Tour

Fairy Chimneys - Cappadocia is renowned for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most prominent sites to visit where these landforms are best observed and the harmonious coexistence of humankind and nature is evident. 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. Visitors will see all these rock-cut architectures during a panoramic visit.

Avanos Oren Yeri - Today’s lunch will be served in a local restaurant in Avanos, where guests will have the opportunity to try the “Testi Kebab,” a traditional kebab variety from 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 Turkey’s longest river, 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 town’s most significant economic activity. The ceramic trade in this district and its numerous 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 valley contains many animal-shaped rocks, mostly in red color. Some of the most frequent shapes resemble a camel.

• Transfers at the mentioned airports for domestic flights in the itinerary
• Hotel / Airport pick-up & drop-off services
• Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul to Denizli - Izmir to Istanbul (or Izmir to Cappadocia)
• Professional tour guide licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
• 1 night hotel accommodation including breakfast
• One way ferry ticket from Kos and Rhodes Islands to Turkey, if departing from these Greek Isles

• Dinner & drink
• Entrance fees (Your tour guide will have pre-paid tickets for you can skip the line.)

This two-day trip package offers a unique opportunity to explore the top two destinations in the western part of Turkey. Pamukkale is a stunning blend of natural beauty and rich history. The iconic white travertine pools of Pamukkale, formed by calcite deposits from hot springs, are a must-see. Believed to be the final resting place of Mary, mother of Jesus, the site at Bulbul Mountain near Ephesus has been a site of Christian pilgrimage since the 19th century. The Ephesus ruins are among the most impressive archaeological sites in Turkey and a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The travel package provides a great opportunity to link your travels in Western Turkey with Cappadocia, another key destination in the country. Additionally, this semi-private tour with a maximum of 10 travelers offers a more personalized experience while still enjoying the company of others. It strikes a balance between intimacy and group dynamics, enhancing the overall adventure.

• The package prices apply to accommodations in double or triple rooms. (with your family / friends) If you wish to add a single room to your booking, there may be an additional fee. However, solo travelers will not incur any extra charges, as they will automatically be assigned to single rooms.
• For your accommodation in Kusadasi during this trip, the pre-planned hotels are “Efe Boutique Hotel” - “Carina Boutique Hotel” - “Charisma De Luxe Hotel.” When booking, you can select either one. If these hotels do not have availability for standard or superior rooms on your travel dates, the local tour operator may substitute them with equivalent hotels.
• If you would like to connect this trip to Cappadocia instead of return to Istanbul, this option is available for all booking options. After you preferred flight from Izmir to Cappadocia, you will not have any right about the return flight to Istanbul. Also, the arrival airport transfer will be provided by the local tour operator in Cappadocia.
• If you would like to connect your Greece Travel from Kos and Rhodes Islands of Greece to this tip, this option is available for all booking options. After you preferred departure from Kos or Rhodes Islands, the local tour operator will provide you ferry tickets from these islands instead of flight from Istanbul to Denizli. The hotel pick up service is not available and not include for departures in these islands.
• The local tour operator will email your e-tickets for domestic flights six days prior to your departure. You won’t need to print the tickets for domestic flights. Your passport and the reservation number on the tickets will be sufficient for check-in.
• The local tour operator may request some passport details to book your flight tickets. If you do not provide the requested information, your domestic flight tickets may not be booked and you can not join to this tour. If you do not provide the requested information until 7 days prior to your trip or if you refuse to provide the requested information, you must cancel your reservation. If you do not cancel until 7 days before your departure date, the local tour operator will apply the cancellation and refund policies for this tour.
• You are allowed 15kg luggage + 8kg cabin bag per person for each domestic flight(s). If you need more luggage capacity, please let the local tour operator know. Additional charges may apply for exceeding the 15 kg luggage limit.
• If your return hotel is different than pick-up hotel, please inform that detail immediately. If you inform that detail after organised your flight tickets, the local tour operator can request extra cost because of the distances between the airports and some hotels. If you inform this type changes on service day (last day of your trip), the local tour operator do not accept this last minute amending and drop you to your pick-up hotel.
• The airport transfers in Istanbul are valid for between hotels (or airbnb addresses) and airports of Istanbul. If you would like add an extra stop during these transfer services (like take something from anywhere during transfer), the local tour operator can request extra cost.
• If your pick-up or drop-off point are located inside of the same airport with the departure / return airport, the local tour operator will not provide any hotel pick-up or drop-off services. This is about the traffic procedures of the airports.
• If you give up / cancel to any part of this trip, the local tour operator will apply the cancellation and refund policies for this tour, and you will not have ny refund rate.
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, the local tour operator can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
• All the information provided above forms part of the terms and conditions for this trip. You have been confirmed your acceptance of these when you book the trip.

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.