6 Days Cappadocia and Istanbul

Day 1: Upon arriving in Cappadocia, you will be greeted by your tour guide who will accompany you throughout the trip. On the first day, you will embark on the Red Tour, which covers the highlights of the region. The tour usually starts in the morning, and you'll be picked up from your accommodation in a comfortable vehicle. The Red Tour takes you to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where you can explore ancient rock-cut churches adorned with intricate frescoes. Next, you'll visit the fairy-tale-like rock formations in Devrent Valley and the picturesque town of Avanos, known for its pottery. The tour continues to Pasabag, also called the Monks Valley, with its unique mushroom-shaped rock formations. Finally, you'll visit the natural fortress of Uchisar, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After a full day of exploration, you'll be dropped off at your hotel to relax and prepare for the next day's adventure. Day 2 Rise early in the morning for an unforgettable experience—the Hot Air Balloon Tour. You'll be picked up from your hotel before sunrise and driven to the launch site. As the hot air balloon takes off, you'll witness the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia from above, with its surreal rock formations, valleys, and fairy chimneys illuminated by the morning light. This magical journey typically lasts around one hour, and upon landing, you'll enjoy a champagne toast to commemorate the experience. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel for breakfast and a short rest.After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the ATV base. A professional guide will provide a safety briefing and instructions before you embark on an exhilarating journey through Cappadocia's off-road trails. Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you drive through valleys, hills, and scenic routes while witnessing the stunning sunset views. The ATV ride typically lasts a couple of hours and ends with a transfer back to your hotel. Day 3 it's time for the Green Tour. This tour will take you to the lesser-known but equally stunning destinations of Cappadocia. You'll explore the underground city of Derinkuyu, marvel at the Ihlara Valley's lush greenery and visit the Selime Monastery, an impressive rock-cut complex. Along the way, you'll also have the opportunity to sample local cuisine at a traditional village. The Green Tour provides a deeper insight into the unique landscapes and historical sites of Cappadocia. After the tour, you'll have free time to relax or explore the local markets and shops at your leisure.In the evening, get ready to immerse yourself in Turkish culture during a Turkish Night experience. You'll be treated to a traditional dinner accompanied by live Turkish music and dance performances. Enjoy mesmerizing belly dance shows, folk dances, and live music while savoring delicious Turkish cuisine. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn about local traditions, music, and dance styles. Day 4 The Istanbul Highlights Tour is a popular way to explore some of the city's most famous landmarks and attractions. It typically takes around a full day to complete and is usually led by an experienced guide who can provide detailed information about the places you visit.you'll head to the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. This magnificent palace complex includes multiple buildings and courtyards, including the Harem, where the sultan's family lived. Next, you'll visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here, you'll find a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with shops selling everything from traditional Turkish carpets and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. Day 5 The Basilica Cistern Tour is a popular way to explore one of Istanbul's most impressive underground attractions. The Basilica Cistern, also known as the Yerebatan Cistern, is an ancient underground water reservoir that was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. During the tour, you'll descend a flight of stairs to enter the cistern, which is illuminated by soft lighting that adds to its mysterious atmosphere. You'll walk along a raised platform that runs between the columns, allowing you to see the water below and admire the ornate carvings on the columns and arches. Day 6 The Istanbul Guided Food Tour is a popular way to experience the city's rich culinary culture and sample some of its most delicious and unique dishes. The tour is typically led by a local guide who is knowledgeable about the city's food scene and can provide insights into the history and culture behind each dish. Some of the foods you might sample on the tour include Turkish meze (small plates), kebabs, baklava, Turkish coffee, and Turkish delight. You'll also have the chance to try some lesser-known dishes and ingredients, such as simit (a sesame-crusted bread), midye dolma (stuffed mussels), and kokorec (grilled lamb intestines).