Istanbul Old City tour

The services of travel package begins with a guided walking tour through Istanbul’s historic Old City. You’ll meet your licenced tour guide and embark on a semi-private tour, exploring the heart of Sultanahmet, the city’s ancient center. The meeting (departure) point of today’s tour is German Fountain at Sultanahmet District. The tour guide will be waiting you at there and then you will start your old city walking tour.

Sultanahmet District

Today’s tour will be covering the visits to highlights of Sultanahmet District which Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, German Fauntain, Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). The tour guide will provide you details about the Sultanahmet District at the beginning of tour.

German Fountain

The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.

Hippodrome

The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.

TopkapI Palace

Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi) is more than the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans; it also served as the center of executive and judicial power for nearly 400 years. This architectural masterpiece stands as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s grandeur and influence. A stunning example of Oriental design, the palace showcases the empire's wealth and authority. Please note that visits to the Harem section are not included. *** The Topkapi Palace is closed to visits on each Tuesday. That’s why, this visit will be replaced with Istanbul Archaeological Museum, if your experience date is Tuesday.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar, known as Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, nestled in the heart of Istanbul. Established in the 15th century, this vast marketplace spans over 60 streets and alleys, housing more than 4,000 shops and stalls. Bursting with energy and color, the bazaar offers an incredible variety of goods, from jewelry, carpets, and textiles to ceramics, spices, leather products, and traditional Turkish handicrafts. It’s a dream destination for those seeking unique souvenirs and gifts. The Grand Bazaar’s architecture is equally captivating, featuring a maze-like layout, vaulted ceilings, and vibrant displays. Strolling through its winding pathways allows visitors to soak up Istanbul’s rich history and culture while engaging with friendly local merchants.

At the conclusion of the tour, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and then transfer to airport for your flight to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia

When you arrive at Cappadocia airport, your driver will meet you at the arrivals terminal exit, holding a sign with your name. From there, you’ll be transported to your hotel in Cappadocia, which is about an hour’s drive away.

Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED FOR ALL OPTIONS EXCEPT THE OPTION OF “BRONZE PACKAGE”) : Get ready for a wonderful experience unique to Cappadocia! We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the balloon site where you will have the opportunity to watch the balloon being prepared for your flight. The flight will be at sunrise time, where your pilot will climb to a comfortable altitude of about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. It is from this elevation that you will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below you. During certain segments of the flight our pilots are also capable of flying as low as 1 meter above the rock formations which will allow you perfect photo taking opportunities. Duration of total activity is approx 3 hours, and total duration of flight is approx 60 minutes. There will be a champagne celebration at end of the flight. At the conclusion of the balloon ride, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia.

Keslik Monastery

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin this carefully planned day trip to the key attractions of Cappadocia. Keslik Monastery is an extensive cave monastery complex, home to two churches, a grand refectory hall, a sacred spring, and numerous cave rooms. Set amidst a serene garden landscape, it is the largest monastery in Cappadocia. Over its 2,000-year history, the site has undergone various transformations: originally a burial ground during pre-Christian Roman times, later a thriving communal monastery in the Byzantine era, and now a notable tourist destination in modern Turkey.

Sobesos Ancient City

Sobesos Ancient City was accidentally discovered in 2002 and offers a glimpse into Cappadocia's rich history. Unearthed during a three-year archaeological excavation, the site revealed numerous intricate motifs intricately crafted on colored stones. Notably, the floor mosaics stand out with their captivating geometric patterns.

Uchisar

Uchisar is a town known for hosting some of the finest restaurants in Cappadocia. These establishments are quiet and offer an authentic, non-touristic dining experience. Today, you’ll enjoy lunch at one of these exceptional restaurants.

Pigeon Valley

Located in the town of Uchisar, this spot offers one of the best panoramic views of the region. It is also home to numerous pigeon houses built by the area's ancient inhabitants. If you wish, you can also visit a renowned onyx stone factory in the region.

Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli, one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia, spans 8 levels. However, like many other underground cities, not all of its floors are accessible to tourists. The first level was specifically designed for animals, allowing them to move freely. Corridors connect the churches and other living areas, separated from the stables. Kaymakli Underground City is home to remarkable sections such as storage rooms, kitchens, cemeteries, a communal area, and a copper workshop. It is believed that hidden underground tunnels remain within the city, still waiting to be fully explored.

Cappadocia

At the conclusion of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia.

Urgup

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel to begin this carefully planned day trip to the key attractions of Cappadocia. The most of the tours are show you only panaromic views of the some valleys and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia because of the entrance fee costs. You won’t fully experience the history and geography of Cappadocia. After hundreds feedback from our guests we created this trip itinerary for the guests who concern and wonder the historical, cultural and architectural heritages of Cappadocia. Our semi-private daily tours (guaranteed for max 10 guests each group) present you ancient and extraordinary geographical spots of Cappadocia district.

Goreme National Park

In a stunning landscape shaped entirely by erosion, Göreme National Park and its surroundings feature rock-carved sanctuaries that serve as extraordinary examples of Byzantine art from the post-Iconoclastic period. During this tour, you will explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum and Tokalı Church, two of the top highlights in this national park.

Goreme Open-Air Museum

The Göreme Open Air Museum is recognized as one of the earliest monasteries in Christian history. This rock-hewn settlement, where education was provided to spread Christianity, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, renowned for its fresco-covered churches and rock-hewn living spaces.

TokalI Church

The Tokalı Church (Buckle Church) in the Göreme Open Air Museum is considered one of the most beautiful of the Cappadocian cave churches. Its interior boasts some of the most outstanding frescoes, notable for their theological and artistic significance. The church is part of a larger complex that includes four churches and a hermitage, all dating back to the 9th century. Once the most famous church in the region, it remains one of the most impressive churches in the area today.

Ortahisar

Ortahisar Castle, also known as the most spectacular fairy chimney of Cappadocia, is located in Ortahisar town of Nevşehir. Said to be one of the first multi-storey settlements in the world, this castle is surrounded by steep valleys on three sides. Its geography enabled the castle to be used for protection and shelter in ancient times. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns.) After a panoramic visit to this amazing rock castle, you will continue for Weaving is a significant aspect of Turkish culture, with roots that trace back to Central Asia. This ancient tradition is still alive in Cappadocia today. During our tour, we’ll take a brief visit to a cooperative where world-renowned Turkish carpets are crafted, offering you the chance to learn about the intricate details of this age-old art form.

Avanos Oren Yeri

Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Avanos, where you'll have the opportunity to try "Testi Kebab," a traditional kebab unique to the Cappadocia region. (Vegetarian options are also available at the same restaurant.) Avanos is well-known for its charming old town with cobblestone streets and scenic river views. Formerly known as Venessa, the ancient city of Avanos overlooks the Kızılırmak (Red River), the longest river in Turkey, which separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. A notable historical feature of Avanos, still prominent today, is its earthenware pottery production, which remains a key economic activity in the town. The ceramic industry in this area, with its numerous pottery workshops, dates back to the Hittites, and the clay sourced from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has been used for centuries. You will have a short stop for get this experience during your tour.

Uchisar Castle

Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area with beautiful views of the surrounding valley full of bizarre rock formations. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns. Instead, you will have a stop for a panoramic view of the rock castle.)

Devrent Valley

This valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is home to numerous rock formations shaped like animals, predominantly in shades of red. One of the most common shapes found here is that of a camel.

Fairy Chimneys

Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most obvious places to visit where these landforms are best seen and the common life of humankind and nature. On this tour, you will have seen many examples of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia

At the conclusion of the tour, you will be transferred to Cappadocia airport for your flight back to Istanbul.

When you arrive to airport in Istanbul, the driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. *** The departure time for your return flight is between 8:00pm and 9:30pm, which means your flight will land in Istanbul approximately between 9:30pm and 10:45pm. This timing is ideal, allowing you to comfortably catch your return flight to Istanbul after your full-day guided tour of Cappadocia today. We do not suggest you connect your international flight from this tour if you have. There could be a risk about miss your international flight if return flight delay by airline company of this return flight.