Turkish Treasures: From Istanbul's Palaces to Cappadocia's Wonders

Day 2 Istanbul

Get set for a full-day tour of Byzantine and Ottoman relics as we explore Istanbul. Sultanahmet Square rests at the heart of the Old City and we start here with a visit to the Hippodrome - a historic chariot racing arena. You'll also get to tick off your landmark bucket list when we visit the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque with its many domes and hand-painted blue tiles. Next we'll discover the iconic Hagia Sophia. Once the largest Christian church in the world, it is now considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. A scrumptious Turkish lunch awaits at a local restaurant, before free time for shopping at the Egyptian and Grand Bazaars. The Grand Bazaar is a heady mix of spices and is alive with the hustle and bustle of people bartering over everything from war medals and pots to carpets and clothing, as well as fruit and leather goods. Explore as you wish by night, or join us on an excursion to a Turkish night club for a belly-dancing show. Meals included: B,L

Day 3 Istanbul at leisure

Today is free for you to explore this incredible city at your own pace. If you would like to join an optional excursion or two, we have a visit to the Topkapi Palace, which looks out over the Bosphorus, in the morning, followed by a leisurely Bosphorus cruise in the afternoon. This evening, we'll gather to say farewell to Istanbul at a restaurant in the 'Fishermans Village' of Kumkapi. Meals included: B,D

Day 4 Istanbul to Cappadocia

Today we embark on the next part of our tour, as we fly from Istanbul to the world famous Cappadocia region. Meals included: B,D

Day 5 Cappadocia

A full day exploration of Cappadocia is in store for you today but not before an optional Sunrise excursion to see the famous Hot-air balloons set off on their morning trips. After breakfast, the first stop is at the famous Devrent Valley with some of the most spectacular rock formations in Turkiye. Here the landscape has eroded naturally to form interesting shapes, including the well-known camel rock that stands at the front of the valley. The next stop is the Zelve-Pasabag valley where the iconic Fairy Chimneys dot the landscape. This is the perfect location for our guide to explain how the unique landscapes were formed as you can still see the newly forming fairy chimneys in various stages of erosion - many have caves and chapels or churches located inside. The Pasabag (or Monk's) Valley has a rich and fascinating history and offers plenty of opportunities for photos and fresh air while walking among the different rock formations. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant offering traditional dishes from the region. The next stop is the town of Avanos, located along the longest river in Turkey. This ancient city was the centre of the Hittite pottery-makers and today the same red and white clay from the surrounding hills is used to create the famous pottery. We can watch the artisan potters carrying on the traditions of their forefathers, using the same Hittite kick-wheel techniques that have been used for more than 4000 years. Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Goreme Open Air Museum. As we tour through the many rock-cut cave churches adorned with intricate paintings from the New Testament, your guide will explain the history of the churches and the impressive iconography in the murals. Our final location of the day is at the highest village in Cappadocia - the stunning Uchisar rock-castle fortress. With views across the region this incredible location is one of the most interesting ancient cities built into the rocks - Uchisar offers the perfect panorama to complete this full day.
Meals included: B,L,D

Day 6 Cappadocia

Another full day of exploration in Cappadocia awaits us today. Our first destination is the underground city of Ozkonak, an ancient city built into the northern slopes of Mt. Idis. This underground city is a marvel of ancient engineering techniques and creativity. Admire the rock-cut stables, wineries, chapels, and housing and appreciate the resourcefulness of the carvers to create fully functioning underground cities, which allowed these villagers to escape from marauders throughout the millennia. We rise above ground and continue on a light hike through the spectacular Red Valley. With well-marked trails, the walk through the valley winds among the many uniquely-coloured rock formations, old Roman-style vineyards and apple, apricot and quince orchards. The local farmers have made use of the terraced fields below the valley offering unique patterns among the hoodoos. Our walk ends in the ancient village of Cavusin with dramatic cliff-side dwellings and churches. We reward our walking efforts with a traditional Turkish lunch in the area. After lunch, we continue to the old Greek village of Sinasos - now called Mustafapasa. Prior to the founding of the current Republic of Turkiye, this area was home to many ethnic Greeks. Nearly 90 years ago, the largest population exchange in recorded history took place between Greece and Turkiye. The village retains the ancient Greek architecture as well as Greek Orthodox churches. With ornately carved and painted wooden doors, quaint two-storey houses with balconies and a lively village square - Sinasos is nestled into the picturesque Gomeda Valley. Join your fellow travellers later for a farewell dinner.
Meals included: B,L,D

Day 7 Departure

Today you say farewell to your fellow travelers as the tour comes to an end. Meals included: B