Welcome to Istanbul, the city of dreams! Upon your arrival at the airport, TSG will be ready and waiting to transport you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you please, whether that means meeting up with your tour companions, taking it easy and unwinding, or embarking on one of our optional tours to discover the city. Overnight in Istanbul.

Full-Day Istanbul City Tour
(Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Begin your day with a delicious Turkish breakfast before embarking on an unforgettable tour of Istanbul's Old City.

Morning Tour Highlights:

Hippodrome:
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the Hippodrome is a living testament to the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Explore its key landmarks:

• The German Fountain: Gifted by German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898.
• The Obelisk of Theodosius: Over 3,500 years old, brought from the Temple of Karnak by Emperor Theodosius in 390.
• Serpent Column: Originally from the Temple of Apollo in Delphi.
• Column of Constantine: Imported from the Apollon Temple in Rome.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque):
A stunning blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles. The mosques green and white Iznik tiles, paired with the blue embellishments of the dome, make it a true masterpiece.

Hagia Sophia Mosque:
Known as the 8th Wonder of the World, this 1,500-year-old marvel captures light through its dome windows, creating a magical atmosphere as it illuminates the intricate mosaics.

Lunch Break:

Enjoy a delightful Turkish meal at a local restaurant around 1:00 PM.

Afternoon:

• Grand Bazaar:
  Dive into the bustling atmosphere of one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Discover exotic spices, Turkish delights, baklava, nuts, coffee, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Bosporus Boat Tour and Transfer to Cappadocia
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

Begin your day with a hearty Turkish breakfast before embarking on an enchanting Bosporus Boat Tour.

Morning Highlights:

• Bosporus Boat Tour:
  Cruise along the Bosporus Strait and take in the scenic views of Istanbul's shoreline. Witness a captivating blend of history and beauty as you pass by:
  • Old Wooden Villas: Traditional Ottoman-era homes lining the shores.
  • Palaces and Fortresses:
    • Dolmabahce Palace
    • Yildiz Palace
    • Ciragan Palace
    • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • Ortaky: Admire its iconic mosque and picturesque surroundings.
  • Rumeli Fortress: A striking example of Ottoman military architecture.

Afternoon Highlights:

Lunch Break:
Enjoy a delicious meal at a traditional Turkish restaurant.

Grand Spice Bazaar:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the bazaar, known for its authentic Turkish goods, including:

• Turkish delights and baklava
• Fresh coffee and exotic spices
• Handicrafts and other unique souvenirs

Evening Transfer:

• After the tour, you'll be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia.
• Upon arrival in Cappadocia, check in to your hotel, enjoy a delightful dinner, and rest for the night.

Explore the Wonders of Cappadocia
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)

A day of exploration and history begins as you uncover the unique treasures of Cappadocia.

Morning Highlights:

Ozkonak Underground City:
Begin your journey with a visit to this ancient marvel nestled in Idis Mountain. Built within volcanic granite tuff, the underground city features interconnected galleries and tunnels, showcasing the ingenuity of its creators.

Goreme Open Air Museum:
Explore the heart of Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. This open-air museum houses:

• Rock-carved churches such as Durmu? Kadir, Yusuf Ko, El Nazar, Sakl?, Meryem Ana (Virgin Mary), K?l?lar, Tokal?, and the Dark Church.
• The Convent of Monks and Nuns, Chapel of St. Basil, and St. Barbara.
• Stunning frescoes and interior paintings that have endured through centuries.

Cavusin:
Visit the old village of Cavusin, where early Christians created living spaces in fairy chimneys to escape Roman persecution.

Lunch:

Savor a delightful lunch in Avanos, a town renowned for its pottery heritage dating back to the Hittite era. Enjoy a pottery workshop and take advantage of shopping opportunities.

Afternoon Highlights:

Love Valley:
Marvel at the breathtaking landscape and unique rock formations symbolic of Cappadocia's charm.

Devrent Valley:
Discover the fascinating natural sculptures of the valley, including the famous "Three Beauties," a trio of iconic fairy chimneys.

The day's tour concludes around 6:00 PM. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Optional Experience:
Guests wishing to experience the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour will be picked up from the hotel around 5:30 AM to witness the sunrise over the fairy chimneys and valleys. The 1-hour flight includes a champagne celebration upon landing. Please coordinate with your guide for registration and additional details.

Farewell and Departure
(Breakfast Included)

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments from your five-day journey. This morning is the perfect time to bid farewell to your fellow travelers and exchange memories of your shared adventure.