Istanbul & Cappadocia - Turkey’s Historic Gems

Fly from the UK to Istanbul, Turkey 

Arrive in the vibrant and historic city of Istanbul, where your tour manager will be on hand to welcome you and organise your transfer to the hotel. Once settled, embark on a walking tour through the city's atmospheric streets, taking in some of its most celebrated landmarks. Begin at the iconic Blue Mosque, admiring its towering domes and storied grounds, before tracing the outline of the ancient Roman Hippodrome at Sultanahmet Square. Continue to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece reflecting over 1,500 years of Byzantine and Ottoman history, before rounding off at the magnificent Topkapi Palace, where grand courtyards, ornate libraries and the legendary harem quarters offer a vivid glimpse into the opulence of the Ottoman Empire.

Today, discover why Istanbul is considered one of the world's most captivating cities. Begin with a descent into the extraordinary Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground chamber beneath the city's streets, where centuries-old brickwork and mysterious carved Medusa heads make for a truly atmospheric experience. Emerging back into the daylight, lose yourself in the vibrant Egyptian Bazaar, where heaped displays of aromatic spices and trays of Turkish delight bring the city's bustling trading heritage to life. Your final stop is the breathtaking Dolmabahçe Palace, a monument to Ottoman grandeur that has graced the Bosphorus waterfront for almost 200 years, its gilded interiors and sweeping gardens offering a fascinating glimpse into imperial life. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic journey along the Bosphorus before the evening is yours to savour at your own pace.

With a full day at leisure, the morning is entirely your own to spend however you choose. Whether you feel inspired to venture back into Istanbul's characterful neighbourhoods for further exploration, lose yourself in the colour and bustle of one of the city's vibrant bazaars, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere at your own pace, the day is yours to enjoy.

Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia 

Set out this morning for your first taste of Cappadocia's extraordinary landscapes on a scenic coach journey through the region's most spectacular sights. Begin at Pigeon Valley, where sweeping views over the iconic fairy chimneys and ancient carved dovecotes create an unforgettable introduction to the region. From here, explore the remarkable hollow rock cone of Uçhisar Castle before venturing into the UNESCO-listed Göreme National Park to discover cave dwellings and monastic structures at its captivating open-air museum. As the afternoon draws in, journey back towards Ürgüp with a charming stop in Avanos, a delightful riverside pottery village where traditional Anatolian craftsmanship has thrived for centuries.

Spend your final full day in Turkey exploring the charming town of Ürgüp, with its striking central rock stack and fascinating historical sites, before journeying to the picturesque village of Mustafapaşa for a leisurely stroll and a traditional Anatolian lunch. The afternoon takes you south to Kaymakli, where beneath an unassuming village surface lies a spectacular eight-storied underground city. Marvel at its ancient chapels, wine presses and labyrinthine stone tunnels before returning to the hotel for your final evening in Cappadocia.

Fly from Cappadocia to the UK