Jan
min : 2°C
max : 7°C
We Love —
- Set off for a fascinating tour of Turkey - the land where east meets west. Start in Istanbul for a city experience before heading to Cappadocia to witness some incredible rock formations.
- This is a unique private tour that will enable you to absorb the essence of the country with the aid of your guide in blissful privacy.
- Stay in some hospitable hotels along the way and enjoy the ease of included flights and transfers!
Book Now, Pay Later —
Booking 90 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
Your Destinations —
Istanbul is a city of contrasts, a vibrant modern city with an enchanting historic past. Set in a stunning location surrounded by water, the narrow strait of the Bosphorus and the serene Sea of Marmara, separating Europe from Asia, Istanbul has a foot in each. The Bosphorus divides the city into two sides, Asian and European, linked by two magnificent bridges. The European side itself is divided by the Golden Horn, which roughly divides the historic old town of Istanbul, from the modern city.
The Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and The Grand Bazaar are all within a 30 minute walk of each other. It's easy to get around on foot or by tram, which provides a regular service to the pedestrianised main street. If you have a little longer to spend in Istanbul, we would recommend that you set aside some time to visit The Princes Islands. The tranquil atmosphere makes a pleasant contrast to the city itself. Easily reached by ferry or hydrofoil, Buyuk Ada is the most popular with visitors. No cars are allowed but you can take a horse and carriage to visit the Monastery of St. George. The Heart of modern Istanbul is Taksim Square and the surrounding streets, with their excellent restaurants and lively bars have a real cosmopolitan feel.
Cappadocia is a stunning area of other-world rock formations, subterranean churches and underground dwellings, the scale of which is overwhelming. Cappadocia was a refuge for early Christians, who escaped persecution by living and worshipping underground. There are an estimated 3000 rock churches in the region, not all of which are open to the public, the existence of which was discovered by chance in 1907 by a French Jesuit scholar, who was travelling through the area. Some of the most impressive of the churches are located in the Goreme Open Air Museum, which, for the most past, date from 9th and 11th centuries and have stunning wall paintings.
The village of Goreme itself is at the heart of the area's tourist industry, and many of its villagers still live in cave dwellings, some of which have been converted into pensions and boutique hotels. Surrounding the area are the amazing rock formations known evocatively as Peri Bacalari or 'Fairy Chimneys'. Located on the west of Nigde, the stunning Ihlara Vadisi, a gorge which is 10 km long and some 80 meters wide. Popular for trekking, about 12 of its 60 churches are open to the public including the impressive Egritas Church. There are hundreds of underground cities in the region. Two of the most impressive are Kaymakli, which has 8 levels, and Derinkuyu, which reaches down to 55 metres. They were used by Christians fleeing persecution in the 7th century, who created a self-sufficient environment underground including bedrooms. Kitchens and storage rooms. To get away from the crowds visit the picturesque Soganli Valley, with its many houses, tombs and churches, displaying excellent examples of Byzantine paintings.
Your Itinerary —
Arrival in Istanbul, the city that brings two continents : Europe and Asia. Transfer to your hotel. Brief orientation followed by a free day to enjoy at your own leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2 ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel proceed for a full day tour which takes you through splendid attraction of Istanbul. Visit St. Sophia, the magnificent Byzantine church of all times, mosque during Ottomans and museum today. Byzantine Hippodrome, the former center for sportive and political activities of Constantinople. Obelisk of Theodosius from Egypt, the Serpentine Column and the German Fountain. The Blue Mosque, a magnificent 17th century mosque famous with its six minarets and 25.000 pieces of Blue Iznik tiles decorating the interior. Following a lunch break in the old town, you will visit Topkapi Palace, the former Imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was once ruled. Today the 15th century Palace displaying the imperial treasury, 3rd richest Chinese and Japanese porcelain collection of the world and other collections scattered in 3 courtyards and vast gardens overlooking the Golden Horn and Bosphorus. Continue to enjoy shopping at Grand Bazaar with its more than 4.000 tiny shops, 58 streets, and alleys is said is the oldest largest indoor bazaar in the world.
Overnight at the hotel.
* St. Sophia is closed on Monday, replaced with St. Chora Church.
* Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday
DAY 3 ISTANBUL
Day at leisure.
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for onward flight. Arrival to Cappadocia and meet our representative at the Airport. Quick photo stop close to Mount Erciyes. Visit to Karabaş, Yılanlı and Kubbeli Churches and 45 mins free time in the area. Visit to Şahinefendi Village, old Greek Village Sinasos. Transfer and check-in to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the famous 'Fairy Chimneys' in Urgup and Ortahisar Castle.
DAY 5 CAPPADOCIA
Pick up from hotel. Visit to Pigeon Valley, Derinkuyu underground city and Ihlara Valley. Visit the Yaprakhisar village and Selimiye Monastery before returning back to your hotel
DAY 6 CAPPADOCIA
Visit the Goreme open-air museum, Pasabağ fairy chimneys. Avanos pottery demonstration centre and shop. Return to the hotel for free time in the afternoon.
DAY 7 CAPPADOCIA
Transfer to Kayseri airport for onward flight
Your Hotels —
2 Adults
Hotel Amira Istanbul 4*
Hotel Amira Istanbul is a boutique hotel situated at the heart of Istanbul. Nearby you'll find the Hagia Sophia, the magnificent Blue Mosque, the mystic Basilica Cistern, the imperial Topkapi Palace and the colorful Grand Bazaar.
Amira Hotel houses 32 spacious rooms featuring comfortable visco mattresses, local touches like ottoman style hand-made ceiling paintings and high-tech amenities. Along with its cordial guest services, Amira Hotel offers a rich, complimentary buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi access, a business corner with featuring an iMac, and a wellness centre that includes a gym, jacuzzi, sauna and massage treatments.
A fine small inn of comfortable cave rooms hewn from the golden stone, with stunning views of the Cappadocian landscape, and the warmest welcome you'll receive in Turkey. Today Esbelli Evi boasts 10 spacious suites and four standard guest rooms, some in caves and some traditional arched rooms of cut stone, as well as several pleasant stone terraces with panoramic views of the Cappadocian countryside and the town of Ürgüp.
Rooms here feature king-size beds and comfortable bedside reading lamps, semi-private or private sunny sitting area just outside the rooms, free Wi-Fi and modern bathrooms with walk-in showers.
Your Journey —
Flights: Included with Pegasus, 20kg of check-in luggage and 7kg of hand luggage
Outbound
Depart London Stansted 12:00
Arrive Istanbul 17:45
Depart Istanbul 08:10
Arrive Kayseri 09:35
Inbound
Depart Kayseri 05:45 or 13:55
Arrive Istanbul 07:10 or 15:20
Depart Istanbul 09:05 or 13:10
Arrive London Stansted 11:10/11:05 or 23:25
Transfers: Private transfers are included in this offer
Please note: flight details are given as a guide only and may change. We will however notify you in advance if flights are more than 2 hours outside the time range given. Flights are non-changeable and non-refundable at time of booking.
