-Itinerary
*Day 1: Istanbul
%Today, you will gather with the other participants in the lobby of the hotel where we will be staying for the next two nights. Our meeting time is set for 11:00 AM. Your tour guide will meet you in the hotel’s lobby at this time to commence your day trip. Today's excursion will take you through the historic old town area of Istanbul.
You will begin your journey at the Hippodrome area, where you will have the opportunity to view several significant historical landmarks: the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, the Blue Mosque, and the Hagia Sophia. Please note that if you wish to enter the Hagia Sophia, you will need to purchase an additional ticket as entrance fees are not included in this tour.
After exploring the old town area, your guide will lead you to the world-famous Grand Bazaar and the nearby Egyptian Market. These bustling marketplaces are perfect for experiencing the vibrant culture of Istanbul and for doing some shopping. Once you have completed your visit to the markets, you will return to the hotel. There, you will have time to relax and prepare for the following day’s walking tour.
*Day 2: Istanbul
%After breakfast, you will meet with your guide at 10:00 AM and begin your day by heading to the other side of the Golden Horn to Taksim Square. From here, you will stroll down İstiklal Avenue, one of Istanbul's most iconic spots, famous for its nostalgic tram. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to try Istanbul's renowned steamed burgers (non-veg) and the famous Beyoğlu Chocolates.
At the end of İstiklal Avenue, you'll reach the Galata Tower area, another iconic landmark. Please note that if you wish to climb the Galata Tower, you will need to purchase an additional ticket as entrance fees are not included in this tour.
After visiting Galata Tower, you will walk down the hill to Karaköy, passing over the Galata Bridge to reach Eminönü. Here, if you haven't had lunch yet, you can sample the famous fish sandwich, often paired with pickle juice (note: it can be quite salty and is not to everyone's taste).
From Eminönü, you will head to the Balat Neighborhood, known for its iconic colorful houses. After exploring Balat, you will return to the hotel to relax, have dinner, and bid farewell to your tour guide in Istanbul.
*Day 3: Istanbul to Cappadocia
%Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, wait for the transfer bus to pick you up for your flight to Cappadocia. Please note that you will not have a tour guide accompanying you today.
The transfer bus will collect you from the hotel and take you directly to the airport. Upon arrival at the airport, check in your luggage and proceed to the gate specified on your boarding pass. Although it is rare, you should check the gate number on the airport monitors as it may change.
Board your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival at Kayseri Airport, a transfer bus will be waiting at the exit to take you to your hotel in Cappadocia.
After checking in to your hotel, where you will be staying for the next five nights, enjoy some free time to relax and unwind.
In the evening, participate in the yoga session at the hotel followed by a delightful dinner.
*Day 4: Cappadocia
%Your first morning in Cappadocia offers a unique opportunity to witness the fascinating scenery of hot air balloons dancing in the sky. You may choose to wake up early to enjoy this view or even take a ride in one of the balloons (this is optional).
Begin your day with a morning yoga session followed by a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, you will embark on a day hike through one of Cappadocia's picturesque valleys with your new local guide.
Following the valley hike, you will visit a local resident's home to experience cooking some of the signature dishes of Turkish cuisine. After this culinary adventure, the tour bus will take you back to the hotel for some relaxation.
If you still feel energetic, you can choose to participate in one of the many optional activities we can arrange for you. End your day with a sunset yoga session at the hotel, followed by dinner and a well-deserved rest.
*Day 5: Cappadocia
%Begin your day with a refreshing morning yoga session followed by a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, you will board the tour bus and head to the designated valley for today's hike, accompanied by your tour guide.
Following your daily hike, you will have the opportunity to visit Avanos, famously known as the pottery town. Pottery making in Avanos has been a tradition passed down for approximately 4000 years, dating back to the ancient Hittite Civilization. During your visit, you will explore one of the renowned pottery factories, where you can witness the art of shaping pottery on the wheel and even try your hand at it, if conditions permit.
If you are looking for a memorable souvenir, Avanos' pottery offerings are a must-see. After the factory visit, you will return to the hotel to rest and participate in the sunset yoga session.
Alternatively, you can choose to engage in one of the optional activities available during your free time.
*Day 6: Cappadocia
%Today is a free day, allowing you to relax and enjoy the serenity at the hotel after the morning yoga session and breakfast. However, if you wish to explore more of Cappadocia, we strongly advise you to take a special optional tour that covers some of the iconic sites in the region.
This optional tour includes visits to the famous Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to see these renowned destinations and enjoy lunch at a restaurant by the river flowing through Ihlara Valley.
For those who prefer different activities, we offer a variety of optional activities to help you spend your time in the best way possible. After your day's adventures, you will return to the hotel for a sunset yoga session, followed by dinner.
*Day 7: Cappadocia
%Today is your last full day to efficiently explore Cappadocia, as you will fly back to Istanbul the next day. Begin your day with a morning yoga session followed by a delightful breakfast. After breakfast, you will embark on a day hike with your tour guide. Also you will have the chance to visit a carpet factory today. The Turkish carpets are famous all around the world for various reasons and you will hear the reason from the first hand here.
The Göreme Open Air Museum is a must-see. If you wish to visit it today, please inform your guide. The tour bus can either drop you off at the museum, or if the whole group wishes to visit, your tour guide can accompany you. Please note that the entrance ticket to the museum is not included in the tour.
After finishing the sightseeing for the day, you will return to the hotel for some relaxation until the evening yoga session and dinner. Alternatively, you can choose to participate in one of the optional activities we offer, such as the Turkish Night Dance Show for dinner, if you haven't experienced it yet.
*Day 8: Cappadocia to Istanbul
%Today, you will fly back to Istanbul. After breakfast, the transfer bus will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Kayseri Airport. The airport is small, so you will have easy time finding the gate.
You will then take your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our journey together will come to an end.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change