Magik of istanbul & Cappadocia

Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, meet with your English-speaking assistant andUpon arrival at Istanbul airport, meet with your English-speaking assistant andtransfer to your hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, our itinerary begins with a visit to the Basilica of Hagia Sophia,Following breakfast, our itinerary begins with a visit to the Basilica of Hagia Sophia,also known as “Divine Wisdom”. This architectural masterpiece, initially erected byConstantine the Great and subsequently reconstructed by Justinian in the 6thcentury, is renowned for its imposing dome, which soars 55 meters above the groundwith a diameter of 31 meters. During the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into amosque, and minarets were added over time. Subsequently, we will proceed to theancient Hippodrome, a pivotal site from the Byzantine era that once served as thenucleus of civic activity, hosting chariot races, gladiator contests, and imperialcelebrations. Today, it features notable monuments such as the Obelisk ofTheodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Fountain of Wilhelm II. Our next stop willbe the Blue Mosque, constructed in 1609 under Sultan Ahmet. In an ambitiousattempt to rival the splendor of Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet commissioned itsconstruction with six minarets. In the afternoon, we will explore the Museum of SaintIrene, the first cathedral of Constantinople, located in the outer courtyard ofTopkapi Palace. Originally built by Constantine V in the 8th century, it wasrepurposed as an arsenal during the Ottoman period. Our tour will continue with avisit to the Topkapi Palace, including the Harem section. This opulent residence ofOttoman sultans for four centuries encompasses pavilions, kitchens, audiencechambers, the treasury, and a series of courtyards. Our final destination will be theGrand Bazaar, a vibrant market housing over 4,500 shops organized into specializedareas such as jewelry and clothing. The excursion ends here. Free time to explorethe bazaar.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for a half-day tour: Start the day with a visit to theBreakfast at the hotel. Departure for a half-day tour: Start the day with a visit to the Soliman Mosque, regarded as the most magnificent of Istanbul’s imperial mosques.Constructed between 1550 and 1557 by the renowned Ottoman architect Sinanduring the Golden Age of the Empire, this architectural masterpiece exemplifiesgrandeur and elegance. Next, we will proceed to the ancient walls of Constantinople at the Mevlana Gate, erected by Emperor Theodosius II in 413. Theseformidable walls, reaching several stories in height and varying in thickness fromthree to six meters, safeguarded the city against numerous invasions by the Huns,Bulgarians, Russians, Arabs, Goths, and Turks. The walls were breached only twice:once by the Crusaders in 1204 and again by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. Enjoy awalk through the former non-muslim districts of the Ottomans such as; Balat andFener. During this walk, partially you will be walking inside the amazing land walls ofByzantines & along the Golden Horn. This walk will be one of the highlights of theday to give you a very different & special feeling of the city. One of the oldestsynagogues of Istanbul, market of Balat and narrow streets with a beautifularchitecture of buildings will be a memorable part of it. Walk will finish at GreekOrthodox Patriarchate Church. Then drive to Eyup quarter to make a visit to a 15th century Mosque Eyup and take the cable car up to Pierre Loti hill for a great view of the Golden Horn. The excursion ends here. Free afternoon to explore the city or youthe Golden Horn. The excursion ends here. Free afternoon to explore the city or youcan take the optional "Bosphorus Cruise". Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a day at your leisure.

Half board. Transfer to airport to catch scheduled flight to Cappadocia. Arrival andHalf board. Transfer to airport to catch scheduled flight to Cappadocia. Arrival andtransfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Half board. Following breakfast, we will embark on an exploration of theHalf board. Following breakfast, we will embark on an exploration of theextraordinary region of Cappadocia, renowned for its natural wonders and culturalsignificance, including being the birthplace of Saint George. Our journey willcommence with a visit to Devrent Valley, also known as the “Valley of FairyChimneys.” Here, the wind and water erosion of volcanic rock has sculpted adramatic landscape of pinnacles, cones, and obelisks. Next, we will explore theunderground city of Ozkonak or a similar site, constructed by early Christiancommunities as a sanctuary from Arab invasions. Our itinerary includes a visit to theGöreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for itsimpressive collection of rock-carved churches, chapels, and monasteries adornedwith 11th-century frescoes.In the afternoon, we will undertake a panoramic tour ofUchisar village and the striking volcanic formations of Avcilar (the “Hunters”) andGüvercinlik (the “Pigeon Valley”). This area offers magnificent views of UchisarCastle, which stands atop a volcanic rock promontory with intricately carved tunnelsand windows. We will also visit a crafts workshop specializing in decorative arts andjewelry. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. In the evening, youhave the optional opportunity to attend a traditional Turkish folk dance show.

Optional: Experience a breathtaking hot air balloon ride at sunrise.Optional: Experience a breathtaking hot air balloon ride at sunrise.Half board. Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart to view the renowned“Three Beauties of Urgup,” where you can admire the distinctive mushroom-shapedrock formations and enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Urgup. Our journey willthen take us to the picturesque town of Ortahisar, distinguished by its castle, anotable geological formation standing 86 meters high, historically utilized as adwelling by the Hittites.In the afternoon, we will explore the Zelve Valley,characterized by its two canyons where Muslims and Christians coexisted until 1924.The right slopes are adorned with pink hues, while the left slopes are dominated bywhite. Our final visit will be to Cavusin Valley, renowned for its houses carved intothe hillside with elegantly decorated facades, showcasing timeless beauty. Finallywe will make a stop at a carpet and kilim workshop. Return to your hotel for dinnerand an overnight stay.

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport. End of our services.