Turkish Delight: Istanbul & Cappadocia Adventures with Sarah Toyin
Your TourHero
Hi I’m Sarah, I’m a travel lover with a huge desire for learning about new places and cultures. Turkey has been on my travel list for some time and now I get to explore it with you! I've created this itinerary to travel with like-minded people who are also excited about taking this trip to Turkey too!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Jun 1 - Jun 5, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6
Transportation
Van, plane
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
25 - 40
Travel interest
Females-only, exploring, sightseeing, history & culture
Fellow Travelers
Sarah
Vimbainashe
Mary
Mercy
PreciousYour Local Guide
Tour Altinkum Travel was founded in 2006 with a mission to represent the historical and cultural values of Turkey in the best and most effective way through high-end service. Their passion is to make everyone’s dream holiday real by creating personalized travel experiences. TAT’s success lies in its commitment to running events with professionalism and expertise, and working with specialists, travel guides, and travel specialist partners who are highly experienced in their own branches and industry. If you are looking for custom trips, day tours, biblical journeys, and luxe accommodations in Turkey, TAT is the company to call!
Turkey is an incredible country with ancient history, divine architecture, and delicious gastronomy. Sample it all on this five-day, females-only journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia where you’ll enjoy various guided tours with a private, local expert, immersive experiences, and an iconic hot air balloon ride over the expansive rock landscape. Don’t miss out on this cultural getaway where you can learn about Turkey’s vibrant history and see all the major landmarks along the way.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
Hi I’m Sarah, I’m a travel lover with a huge desire for learning about new places and cultures. Turkey has been on my travel list for some time and now I get to explore it with you! I've created this itinerary to travel with like-minded people who are also excited about taking this trip to Turkey too!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Jun 1 - Jun 5, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6
Transportation
Van, plane
Turkey is an incredible country with ancient history, divine architecture, and delicious gastronomy. Sample it all on this five-day, females-only journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia where you’ll enjoy various guided tours with a private, local expert, immersive experiences, and an iconic hot air balloon ride over the expansive rock landscape. Don’t miss out on this cultural getaway where you can learn about Turkey’s vibrant history and see all the major landmarks along the way.
Timeline
- Day 1 · Istanbul
- Arrive in Istanbul
- Transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at Erboy Hotel Istanbul (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Istanbul
- Breakfast
- Full-day guided tour of Istanbul (lunch included)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · Istanbul & Cappadocia
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer from accommodation to airport
- Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia
- Full-day guided tour of Cappadocia (lunch included)
- Check-in at Cappa Rossa Cave Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · Cappadocia
- Breakfast
- Sunrise hot air balloon ride
- Visit the Underground Cities of Cappadocia (lunch included)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Departure or stay for three extra nights in Antalya (add-on)
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer from accommodation to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey – an ancient city filled with culture, history, art, and stellar gastronomy
Welcome to Istanbul, the first stop on your Turkish journey through the country’s expansive physical and historic landscapes. From Roman to Byzantine, you’ll find the relics of many empires scattered throughout the land. Every step you take around this majestic city will be filled with detailed architecture and stories that span centuries and rulers. Not only will you find a melding of cultural impacts within the architecture, but the food in Turkey tells a similar story of various time periods and leaders. You’ll find Asian and Italian classics, kabobs, and much more throughout the streets and in fine-dining establishments. Upon arrival, take your private transfer to your hotel, freshen up, and enjoy the vibrant city life in downtown Istanbul. From your hotel, you’re walking distance to the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and much more. Grab a steller meal with the group and toast to an incredible journey together!
Day 2
Discover the hidden wonders of Istanbul on a full-day guided tour
Good morning, travelers! After breakfast, you’ll meet your private, local guide for a full-day tour of Istanbul which will cover all the major landmarks and historical events of the country. You’ll start your day exploring Hagia Sophia, the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. It’s the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China! Next, your guide will take you to Topkapi Palace, which was the imperial residence of the Sultan and the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire. You’ll continue on to the Hippodrome, built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD. From here, you’ll venture to the famous Blue Mosque, which was built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616 AD. Lastly, you’ll stop at the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace known throughout the world. The plaza features 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops! As the tour ends, your guide will take you back to your hotel where you can enjoy your final night in Istanbul with your group. Grab some food and prepare for tomorrow’s adventure!
Day 3
Fly to Cappadocia and enjoy a full-day tour of the region
We’ll start the day rather early with a private transfer from your hotel to the airport to catch your flight to the iconic region of Cappadocia. This area of Turkey is known for its “fairy chimney” rock formations, canyon houses, and rock-face churches. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide and driven to the town of Göreme to explore the many rock-cut churches from the second half of the 9th century with colorful frescoes decorating the walls. From here, you’ll be taken to Devrent Valley, famous for its animal-shaped rocks. You’ll continue on to Paşabaği where you'll marvel at the famous fairy chimneys, later stopping for a traditional Turkish lunch in Avanos. You’ll even get a chance to try your hand at making some pottery with local experts! Next, you’ll head to Göreme Panorama for the best views of the fairy chimneys. You’ll have time to stop and take all the social-media worthy pictures. You’ll finish up the tour in Uçhisar, which features the highest natural rock castle in the world. Upon completion, your driver will take you to your posh cave hotel to rest and relax.
Day 4
Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia then visit the area’s ancient underground city
Rise and shine, adventure seekers! What a day we have in store! After an early breakfast, you’ll get to be a part of picture history as you soar over the rocky landscape in a hot air balloon. As the sun rises, you’ll float high above the beautiful terrain, marveling at the picturesque vistas will balloons and fairy chimneys all around. After your flight, you’ll get back on the road, where your driver will whisk you away to Rose Valley to see the pink sandstone cliffs. From here, you’ll head to Çavuşin, a village known for its rock-cut churches. Next, you’ll visit Pigeon Valley to see the manmade dovecotes (pigeon houses) that have been carved into the soft volcanic tuff. You’ll have time to walk through this gorgeous area and soak in the views. Up next is a tour of the Kaymakli Underground City where 15,000 Christians once took refuge until the end of the 7th century AD. Explore the bedrooms, church, food storage rooms, and more with your expert guide who will share the history and legends of this architectural masterpiece. You’ll finish up the tour in Ortahisar, famous for its friendly inhabitants, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets and lovely churches, as well as the castle-like rock formation after which the town is named. Once the tour is finished, your driver will take you back to the hotel, so you can enjoy one final night in this divine country.
Day 5
Say goodbye to Turkey or keep the fun going and continue on to Antalya (add-on)
Who can believe this Turkish adventure has come to an end? You’ve wandered through the cities and visited all the iconic landmarks. We hope you had a great time! After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and head to the airport to catch your flight back to Istanbul. However, you also have the option of extending your trip by traveling to the beautiful resort city of Antalya. (See add-ons below.) No matter where you end up next, we hope you enjoyed your trip. Safe travels!
Accommodation
Erboy Hotel Istanbul (or similar according to availability)
The Erboy Hotel in Istanbul was established in 1987, housing local and worldly travelers alike. Today, the property has been completely rebuilt and refurbished, offering a prime location, unparalleled hospitality, and comfortable accommodations. On site, enjoy the rooftop bar and restaurant, delicious daily breakfast, Wi-Fi, 24/7 guest support, and modern rooms with all the amenities you crave while you’re away from home. Room type: Double rooms.
Cappa Rossa Cave Hotel (or similar according to availability)
Cappa Rossa is a 150-year-old boutique hotel with only 6 rooms for maximum comfort and luxury. This posh accommodation is situated in Ürgüp, only a few minutes from the city-center in a prime location to explore Cappadocia. The rooms feature beautiful stone walls, plush bedding, mini-bar, and stylish en suites to make you feel right at home. On site, you’ll find a quaint restaurant overlooking the stellar landscape with free morning breakfast and free Wi-Fi to stay connected. Room type: Double rooms.
Included
- 2 nights at Erboy Hotel Istanbul (or similar)
- 2 nights at Cappa Rossa Cave Hotel in Cappadocia (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodations (double rooms)
- Return economy domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (baggage allowance of 15kg + 8kg handluggage (1 piece)
- Private airport/excursion transfers with AC
- All breakfasts and most lunches
- Hot air balloon ride
- Admission fees for all sightseeings mentioned in the itinerary
- English-speaking guide throughout the trip
Not included
- International flights
- Return flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
- All dinners
- Beverages (with included meals)
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- Optional add-ons
- Tips for guides & drivers (optional)
Available add-on
Upgrade to a single room throughout your five-day getaway
Looking for more privacy on your Turkish vacation? If so, upgrade to a single room in Istanbul and Cappadocia where you can unwind at the end of each day in a private setting.
Price: GBP 129
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Trip extension: spend three nights in Antalya
Add four extra days to your Turkish getaway with a trip to Antalya, a Turkish resort city featuring yacht-filled harbors and gorgeous beaches. You’ll fly from Cappadocia to Antalya, and enjoy free time here to do as you please! This add-on includes three nights at Afflon Hotels Loft City (double occupancy) with free breakfast, airport transfers, and flight from Cappadocia. Note: For the flight from Antalya to Istanbul, Antalya flight baggage allowance is 15kg for checked bags and 8kg for carry-on hand luggage (1 piece only).
Price: GBP 139.50
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Upgrade to a single room in Antalya - three night extension
If you’re choosing to extend your trip with the three-night Antalya add-on, you can also upgrade to a single room! Add this upgrade to your Antalya package to ensure you are comfortable during your stay.
Price: GBP 61.50
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Airport transfer from Afflon City Hotel to Antalya Airport
Book your one-way departure transfer from Afflon City Hotel in Antalya to the airport.
Price: GBP 28.50
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One-way domestic flight: Antalya to Istanbul
Book your one-way flight from Antalya to Istanbul.
Price: GBP 44.60
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Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- Add-on: Airport transfer - Unsplash: Rolando Garrido
- Add-on: Domestic flight from Antalya to Istanbul - Unsplash: Emanu
- Erboy Hotel Istanbul - Erboy Hotel Istanbul
- Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey. This vibrant city features incredible history, stellar art, and delicious cuisine. - Unsplash:
- Walk around Old Town or head to Taksim Square, known for its boutique shops and delicious food options. - Unsplash: Aram Sabah
- On your tour, you'll visit the iconic Blue Mosque that once housed the Sultan Ahmet Camii. - Unsplash: Adli Wahid
- You'll spend time exploring Topkapi Palace, an expansive property that features incredibly ornate detailing. - Unsplash:
- Your last stop is at the Grand Bazaar, featuring over 4,000 shops! Leave room in that suitcase for souvenirs! - Unsplash: Dana
- You'll start your tour with a trip to Hagia Sophia, officially known as the Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. - Unsplash: Adli Wahid
- This morning, take an iconic hot air balloon ride over the majestic landscape of Cappadocia. - Unsplash: canmandawe
- Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you'll head to the town of Göreme to explore the ancient landscape. - Unsplash: Maria Darii
- This is the place to admire those famous fairy chimneys! - Unsplash: alevision.co
- Your guide will also take you to Devrent Valley to see the chimneys shaped like animals. - Unsplash: Caglar tas
- You'll stop in Avanos for an authentic Turkish lunch and try your hand at making pottery with the locals. - Unsplash: A. DK
- Rose Valley: an incredible area that gets its name from the pink hues in the sandstone. - Unsplash: Alexandra Tran
- One of the highlights of today's tour will be a trip to the Kaymakli Underground City, where you can walk through the caverns and learn its ancient history. - Wikimedia Commons
- Spend a few extra nights in Turkey in the gorgeous resort town of Antalya. - Pexels: esrageziyor
- Upgrade to single rooms during your stay in Turkey for extra comfort and more privacy. - Recital Hotel
- Add-on: Single room in Antalya - Booking.com
- Welcome to the Cappa Rossa Cave Hotel, your home in Cappadocia. - Cappa Rossa Cave Hotel
- Enjoy delicious meals while you marvel at the surrounding landscape. - Cappa Rossa Cave Hotel
- You'll be surrounded by stone walls and cozy furnishings in this luxe hotel. - Cappa Rossa Cave Hotel