April 9 – April 15, 2024
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Hot Air Balloon, Cave Hotel stay, Kaymakli Underground City, Devrent Valley, Rose Valley, etc!
| Room Type | Non-Refundable Deposit | 2nd Pmt euros | Final Pmt euros | Optional Hot Air Balloon est. 250-350 euro | TOTAL |
| Double Occ | $1000 | $413 eur | $562 eur | Additional, can be prepaid | Total* |
| Single Room | $1000 | $575 eur | $675 eur | Total* | |
Price: $1826 based on double occupancy, single supplement extra.
Deposit: $1000 payable now, to hold your spot. Balances due 30 days prior to departure. Hot Air Balloon ride is optional and priced extra.
Prices do not include international flights. Plan your arrival into (IST) airport code, any time on April 9.
To book, contact Sherry Mila sherry.kumar@travelclubsinternational.com for instructions.
ITINERARY:
Day 1 – April 09th 2024, Tue: Arriving Istanbul
Merhaba! After arriving in Istanbul, a driver will meet you in the arrivals hall of the airport, hold your name sign and we will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 – April 10th 2024, Wed: Istanbul Old City Walking Tour (Breakfast)
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Breakfast at the hotel. After you meet with your guide at the lobby, you will begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century AD and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is also famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child. Next, we visit the Blue Mosque which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.
In the afternoon we continue our tour at Topkapi Palace, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivaled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. It also possesses numerous Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, many of which were gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest feature of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees; it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire.
After the tour you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 – April 11th 2024, Thu: Taksim – İstiklal Str. – Galata Tower (Breakfast)
To get a different perspective on Istanbul make sure to visit the vibrant New Town Beyoglu district with its hip neighborhoods Karaköy,Cihangir,Istıklal Str and Galata. Our easy to follow walking tour will lead you by beautiful palaces, grand shopping avenues, and bustling back streets. In many ways New Town has become somewhat of the hip soul of Istanbul. The antique shops of Cihangir once where the famous author Orhan Pamuk lived.Taksim Square has long been the center for peaceful demonstrations and the neighborhood seems to have a life of its own,we can also visit art galleries and the churches. There are a ton of other great sights to visit along Independence Avenue and French Street. We will go up to Galata Tower, the symbol of Istanbul to observe the 360 view of Istanbul.
After the tour we will be back to our hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4 – April 12th 2024, Fri: Spice Bazaar & Bosphorus Cruise Tour – Flight to Cappadocia (Breakfast)
Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise
In the morning we begin with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colorful, bustling attractions. Next, we travel the Golden Horn on our way to an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and Rumeli Hisari, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy on this tour are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans’ fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.
After the tour we will transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Fly Cappadocia. After arriving Cappadocia we will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Flight Info Istanbul to Cappadocia departs at 18:15pm and arrives at 19:35pm
Day 5 – April 13th 2024, Sat: Balloon Ride & Cappadocia South Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
Optional Sunrise Balloon Tour (Please ask for a price and availability): Flying in a hot air balloon is an amazing and unforgettable experience which you will never forget. Very early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to our balloon site. You will be welcomed with a light breakfast while you are registering for your flight. After meeting at the balloon site, you will be watching how we prepare our balloons for your adventure. After getting on the air, you will be seeing beautiful sunrise upon Cappadocia. You will be thrilled with the scale of colors and shapes. We will be ascending up to 3000 feet and then almost you will be able touch fairy chimneys. After landing we will celebrate our flight with champagne toast (or soft drink) and your pilot will be presenting your flight certificates. After deflation balloons you will be transported to your launch site and continue to your day.
After breakfast in your hotel, you will be picked up for your full day guided tour of Cappadocia’s southern region.
Kaymakli Underground City, Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, Ortahisar Castle
First, we visit to Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock- cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having time for lunch visit Ortahisar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle in style, where storage caves can also be observed. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back visit to panoramic Pigeon Valley where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery.
After the tour you will be back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 6 – April 14th 2024, Sun: Cappadocia North Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
Goreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley, Avanos
First, we visit to Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. Thereafter visit to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church is excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Thereafter time to take photos in the neighboring valleys before going back to the hotels.
After the tour we will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 7 – April 15th 2024, Mon: Flight to Istanbul
At a given time you will be transferred to Cappadocia airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport continue to the International terminal. Turkey Insiders team says so long and looks forward to being your host again until next time on travel pleasure for other destinations. GuleGule.
Flight Info: Istanbul to Cappadocia departs at 08:40am and arrives at 10:10am
NOTE:
* Since all daily tours involve some walking, we highly recommend that you wear comfortable low-heeled shoes and casual clothes.
a) Walking shoes are recommended.
b) Sunglasses and hats are recommended. In the event of inclement weather, please bring a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella.
c) Cameras, video cameras and binoculars are recommended, though there will be parts inside of some museums/churches/mosques where it is forbidden to use any of the ones mentioned.
d) Visit to holy places of worship such as churches, monasteries, mosques, synagogues bare shoulders and shorts are not permitted, nor shoes in mosques. Please bring a head scarf, and dress conservatively.
e) Tips for tour guide and driver: I will collect your tips in an envelope for our private bus driver and our tour guide. Suggested tip is $10/day for guide, $5/day for driver. So, please bring cash of $70 for guide and $35 for our driver, and I will distribute at the end of our group tour. You are responsible for tipping any porters, or for any extra services yourself.
f) Cash: Though credit cards are accepted, please bring cash for group dinners, incidentals, or any meals that are not included in the itinerary. Evenings are your free time, so you can dine by yourself, or join other travelers.
TOUR AND BOOKING CONTACT:
Sherry Mila: sherry.kumar@TravelClubsInternational.com