Istanbul and Cappadocia
Duration: 6 Days
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ISTANBUL
Welcome to Turkey! The land of culture, faith and mystery! Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure and explore the hidden treasures of this magnificent city!
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DAY 2: FULL DAY ISTANBUL TOUR
Our journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul - its three names span more than 2600 years, nearly 1600 of them as the capital of two of the greatest empires the world has known, Byzantine and Ottoman. We visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Free time in Grand bazaar with its 3,500 shops!
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DAY 3: FULL DAY ISTANBUL TOUR
After breakfast, visit Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. Later enjoy a cruise on the Bosporus, a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and small fishing villages. In the afternoon, visit Underground cistern, the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul.
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DAY 4: ISTANBUL - CAPPADOCIA TOUR
Transfer to Istanbul airport for early morning flight to Cappadocia. Arrive in Kayseri airport, store your luggage at the hotel and start your private tour. We first visit the popular Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup and then we head on to Pigeon Valley. Pigeons have always been important for Cappadocian people. They carved houses to keep them in specific areas. You will see that the pigeons’ homes are very similar to the locals’! Then, we descend into the center of the earth in the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest and deepest of 200 others in Cappadocia. Hotel accommodation provided in a cave hotel.
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DAY 5: CAPPADOCIA TOUR – ISTANBUL
The second day of our private Cappadocia tour starts with a drive to Devrent Valley. You can walk through this lunar landscape where different rocky formations can be seen. After visiting the fairy chimneys at Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valley, we drive further to Avanos Town, which is famous for its tile and pottery workshops. Our next stop is Goreme Open Air Museum and then we drive to the Uchisar Rock Castle, which is the most dominant point, giving us a breathtaking panorama. We end the day visiting Esentepe Windy Hill for a panoramic view and photos. Transfer to the airport for flight back to Istanbul.
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DAY 6: DEPARTURE
After breakfast check out from the hotel and private transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight back home. Your trip ends here, but we hope that we have inspired you to select Aristotle Travel for your next vacation!
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