Cappadocia is a land of fairytale rock chimneys, cavernous underground cities, vineyards  fruit orchards, and centuries-old Christian monasteries and churches. Stay in an extraordinary cave residence, carved deep into the mountain. Istanbul was built on two continents and still stands today stands between two worlds.  This magnificent city boasts 2500 years of history, ancient palaces, exotic markets, museums, street vendors, gold and silver boutiques and fantastic restaurants.

Overview of days 1-4:  Cappadocia, land of fairytale rock chimneys, cavernous underground cities and Turkish carpets, vineyards and fruit orchards, and centuries-old Christian monasteries and churches. Stay in an extraordinary cave residence, carved deep into the mountain. Experience this, and much more, as a cave dweller yourself on this tour to Cappadocia. 

Overview of days 4-7, Istanbul: History goes back 2500 years in Istanbul, but is alive as never before! Built on 2 continents, Istanbul (the former capital of the Byzantine Empire) today stands between two worlds. It is the city belonging to both Europe and Asia. This is why it offers so much more than mosques. There are ancient palaces, exotic markets, splendid museums, street vendors, gold and silver boutiques and fantastic restaurants.

Cave Residence: Masterful examples of fairytale cave-hotels in Ürgüp's Cavern Hill. Our guest rooms are designed with your comfort in mind and provide a relaxing atmosphere. Some come with a private terrace carved into a nook of the cliff and a gorgeous view over the Cappadocian dreamscape. The interiors are fitted to a high standard with a complete array of modern conveniences to ensure that you enjoy your stay.

Day 1: Flight via Istanbul to Kayseri and transfer by bus to Cappadocia, known as "the 8th Wonder of the World”. Check in at the wonderful and extraordinary cave residence.

Day 2: After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you by the formations and geology, which make Cappadocia a colorful paradise. Tour the Göreme Open-air Museum (which is in the World Heritage List of UNESCO) with its soft stone cliffs, churches and cloisters. Local gastronomic specialties in restaurants nearby will delight your senses, as your eyes glance at the shops and vendors of the region. Pasabag, formerly Monk's valley was instrumental in the early age of Christianity, and has one of the world's first monasteries, Saint Basil. Red Valley, known for its beautiful views and mythical landscape will be the last stop for the day.

Day 3: Visit the local carpet factory and discover the history and tradition of Turkish carpets. At Üchisar Castle guests see the beautiful views and rock formations from the highest point of the region. Visit Avanos, famous for the red clays (potteries) before you adventure at the Underground City, built in the late Hittite era and used as a monastery in Christian times. Take a break at the jewel and semi-prescious stones factory in Göreme. 

Day 4: After breakfast, transfer to the Kayseri airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival your guide will take you to a four-star hotel in the old city of Istanbul. After check-in there may be some time to explore the city on your own or relax and enjoy the hotel ambience. 

Day 5: After breakfast, depart for the city sightseeing tour. First stop will be at the Topkapi Palace, a city-like complex with buildings and annexes dating back to 633 B.C. See the famous Imperial Treasury, and most valuable collections of porcelain in the world, along with the infamous harem of the Sultans. Continue on to Istanbul's most famous land mark, the Hagia Sophia. Built in 537 A.D., it is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, rich with mosaics and a total of twelve different varieties of marble pillars and coverings. Afterwards visit the Blue Mosque, whose name derives from the extensive blue-tiled interior decoration. In front of the Blue Mosque is the site of the ancient Hippodrome, once the scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life. After seeing the antique ruins, use your free time strolling through the Grand Bazaar until returning to the hotel.

Day 6: This day, you will be visiting the Dolmabahce Palace on the banks of the Bosphorus. This museum was one of the last homes to pre-democratic Turkish rulers. Afterwards Süleymaniye Mosque, perhaps the most grand and superb example of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul is on your schedule. It stands as a tribute not only to the greatest ruler of the Ottoman Empire, but also to its finest architect, Sinan. Built between 1550 and 1557, the second largest mosque in Istanbul remains the crown jewel of Sinan's lifelong service to Süleyman. Spice Bazaar and shopping in the City Center is also on the agenda for today. Free time for dinner and evening activities.

Day 7: After breakfast, check out at the hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight.