Istanbul & Cappadocia

Overview

Seven days that pair the energy of Istanbul with the quiet wonder of Cappadocia. Begin on the Bosphorus, where Ottoman palaces line the water and the Grand Bazaar hums with trade. Then fly inland to a landscape of fairy chimneys, cave hotels and hot-air balloons at dawn. Flights from Cairo, four-star hotels and an Arabic-speaking guide are included, with private transfers at every stage.

Indicative programme — final itinerary and price confirmed on request.

Highlights

• Bosphorus cruise between the European and Asian shores
• Sultanahmet: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace
• The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar
• Göreme Open-Air Museum and the Kaymaklı underground city
• Optional hot-air balloon flight over the Cappadocian valleys at sunrise

Day by day

1. Day1

   Arrival in Istanbul

   Fly from Cairo to Istanbul. Meet and assist on arrival, then private transfer to your hotel. The evening is free to wander Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue.

2. Day2

   The Old City

   A full day in Sultanahmet: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome and Topkapı Palace with its Ottoman treasury. The tour ends in the Grand Bazaar, a covered maze of several thousand shops.

3. Day3

   The Bosphorus and the Asian side

   Cruise the Bosphorus past Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress and the Bosphorus Bridge. Visit the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, then cross to the Asian side for the view from Çamlıca Hill. Evening at leisure.

4. Day4

   Fly to Cappadocia

   Morning domestic flight to Cappadocia. From the airport, visit Uçhisar Castle, Pigeon Valley and the village of Göreme. Check in to a cave-style hotel and dine at the hotel.

5. Day5

   Valleys and balloons

   An optional hot-air balloon flight before dawn for those who wish. Then tour the Göreme Open-Air Museum with its rock-cut churches, Devrent Valley, Paşabağ and a pottery workshop in Avanos.

6. Day6

   Underground city and return to Istanbul

   Explore the Kaymaklı underground city and the green Ihlara Valley. Afternoon flight back to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure.

7. Day7

   Departure

   A free morning for last-minute shopping, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo.