Embark on a culturally rich 7-day journey through Turkey’s most iconic destinations — Istanbul and Cappadocia. This expertly guided itinerary is designed for cruise guests seeking a seamless, immersive experience after their voyage. You will explore imperial history, architectural wonders, vibrant markets, and surreal landscapes, all while enjoying personalized service, flexible pacing, and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Important Notice: All international and domestic flights are not included in this program. Guests must book and pay for their own flights directly. For Cappadocia, the nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). As an alternative, guests may also fly into Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR), which is approximately one hour’s drive from Cappadocia. To ensure smooth coordination of transfers, we kindly request that you share your confirmed flight details with us in advance.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Galata or Sarayburnu Cruise Ports, you will be greeted by our team holding a personalized sign with your name and our company logo for easy recognition. You will be transferred to your hotel, Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul (or similar accommodation). Please share your arrival date and time with us in advance to ensure a smooth pick-up schedule. The rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimate. You may choose to stroll through nearby neighborhoods or enjoy a Turkish tea at a rooftop café overlooking the city.
Day 2 – Ottoman & Byzantine Heritage Tour
After breakfast, our local guide will meet you at the hotel lobby holding a personalized sign with your name and our company logo for easy recognition. Begin your journey through Istanbul’s historic peninsula. Visit Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, housing sacred relics and imperial treasures. Continue to Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that served as a church, mosque, and now a museum. Explore the Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel built in the 6th century. Admire the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and stunning Iznik tiles. Walk through the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine public life, and end at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops. Then, transfer to your hotel for relaxing time.
Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise & Colorful Neighborhoods
After breakfast, you will meet your guide at the hotel lobby and start with a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, a 19th-century European-style residence of Ottoman royalty. Then, enjoy a private yacht cruise on the Bosphorus, sipping champagne as you glide between Europe and Asia with views of palaces, mansions, and minarets. Visit the Spice Bazaar, a sensory explosion of aromas and colors. Continue to Balat, a historic Jewish and Greek neighborhood known for its pastel-colored houses, art galleries, and film sets. After your tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for relaxing time.
Day 4 – Asian Istanbul & Modern Icons
After breakfast, you will meet your guide at the hotel lobby. You will drive and cross to the Asian side of Istanbul and ascend Çamlıca Hill for panoramic views of the Bosphorus and city skyline. Visit Üsküdar Pier and photograph the romantic Maiden’s Tower, a legendary structure on a tiny islet. Stroll through Kuzguncuk, a charming district with tree-lined streets, artisan cafés, and synagogues. Return to the European side for a walking tour of Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul. Continue to Galata Tower for an outside visit and photo stop. Optional shopping time available. After your tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for relaxing time.
Day 5 – Flight to Cappadocia & Orientation Tour
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your independently booked domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our local guide holding a personalized sign with your name and our company logo for easy recognition and lead an orientation tour through the region’s surreal landscapes. Discover fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and panoramic viewpoints before checking into your Utopia Cave Hotel (or similar accommodation). The rest of the day is for relaxation.
Day 6– Optional Hot Air Balloon & Valley Wonders
Begin your day with an early morning optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes. This experience is not automatically included in the program; guests who wish to join may select and pay for it during the checkout process, after which it will be added to their package. As the sun rises, you will float above dramatic valleys, fairy chimneys, and ancient rock formations, capturing breathtaking views and unforgettable photographs. After the flight, return to your hotel for a leisurely breakfast.
Then, you will visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut churches with frescoes dating back to the 10th century. Explore Paşabağ Valley, known for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, and Pigeon Valley, named for its dovecotes carved into the cliffs. Enjoy panoramic views from Uçhisar Fortress and Esentepe Valley, perfect for photography.
Day 7 – Underground City & Departure
After breakfast and hotel check-out, you will visit Kaymaklı Underground City, a multi-level subterranean refuge used by early Christians to escape persecution. Continue with a walking tour through Red Valley, famous for its crimson-hued rocks and hidden churches (optional panoramic view available). Conclude with a stop at Love Valley, known for its unique rock formations, before your transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul Airport. International flights must also be arranged independently by each guest.
Important Notes:
- Secure Your Spot – Limited Availability: This exclusive journey requires advance booking to secure accommodations, a private yacht, balloon tour, tour guides, transportations and necessary permits. We recommend booking as early as possible to guarantee availability. Pricing listed is subject to change due to unexpected cost increases related to transportation, land arrangements, or currency fluctuations. Cancellations received 7 days or less prior to the scheduled tour date will incur a 100% cancellation fee, and no refund will be issued.
- Flights Not Included: Guests must book and pay for their own international and domestic flights directly. Please share your confirmed flight details with us in advance.
- Visa Reminder: Guests from the US, UK, Australia, and most European countries must check Turkiye’s visa rules before travel. Many nationalities qualify for visa-free entry or can apply for an e-Visa at evisa. Visa arrangements are the guest’s responsibility. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Türkiye.
- Physical Activity & Accessibility: Participants should be prepared to walk 2–3 km per day and navigate various surfaces including cobblestones, inclines, sand, gravel, and natural paths. Occasional stair climbing may be required.
- Mosque Dress Code: When visiting mosques such as the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, guests must dress modestly: shoulders and knees must be covered, with long pants or skirts required. Women must wear a headscarf. Shoes must be removed before entry.
- Itinerary Changes: The tour itinerary may be adjusted due to operational reasons. Your guide will keep you informed and updated throughout the journey.
- Local Cuisine & Allergies: Breakfast is included at your hotel before each tour. During the day, your guide can recommend restaurants based on your preferences or dietary needs. Please discuss any allergies or restrictions directly with your guide.
- Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Suggested range: €5–€10 per guest per day for guides, and €2–€5 for drivers.
- Official Currency: The official currency in Türkiye is the Turkish Lira (TRY). US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), and British Pounds (GBP) are widely accepted. Small change may be given in Turkish Lira. ATMs support major international cards and offer competitive exchange rates.