The best of Istanbul and Cappadocia

Mornings in Istanbul begin with freshly baked simit and Turkish tea as the call to prayer echoes between the minarets. You wander the ornate pavilions of Topkapi, stroll the fragrant markets and watch the Bosphorus turn from gold to inky black at sunset. But then you trade the hustle and bustle for the quiet, otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia. You'll sleep in a carved cave hotel, float in a hot air balloon above rock formations found nowhere else in the world and discover hidden monasteries and ancient cities. This is no standard tour, this is Turkey as you've never experienced it before.

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Today you will fly to Istanbul where you will be met by a driver to take you to your hotel.

Day 2: Private tour of Istanbul

Together with a private guide you will dive into the fascinating history of Istanbul. Your morning begins at the Topkapi Palace, the former heart of the Ottoman Empire. Wander through the ornate pavilions, fragrant gardens and shady courtyards as you catch a glimpse of the opulence in which the sultans lived. Then admire the Hagia Sophia, once the largest church in the world, later a mosque and now a monument of Byzantine splendor. The Blue Mosque, with its iconic minarets and ornate Iznik tiles, is your next stop. In the afternoon, visit the Hippodrome, once the beating heart of Byzantine Istanbul, and descend into the mysterious Basilica Cisterne, where rows of marble columns reflect in the water. The day ends in the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of winding alleyways filled with hand-woven carpets, fragrant spices and dazzling handicrafts - the place to sample the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Day 3: Culinary walk & private cruise on the Bosphorus

The morning is free to explore Istanbul at your own pace. Wander the alleys of Balat, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, where colorful wooden houses and hip cafes alternate. Art lovers can get inspired on Istiklal Avenue, a lively boulevard full of boutiques, music stores and art galleries. For panoramic views, climb Galata Tower or immerse yourself in the grandeur of Dolmabahçe Palace, with its marble halls and gilded chandeliers on the banks of the Bosphorus. In the afternoon, a private cruise on the Bosphorus awaits, where you will experience Istanbul from a different perspective. As the skyline stands out against the water, glide past centuries-old palaces, elegant Ottoman mansions and atmospheric neighborhoods where the city follows its daily rhythm. End the day in style with dinner at a rooftop restaurant along the Bosphorus as the sun colors the city in warm hues.

Day 4: The highlights of Cappadocia

After breakfast, take a domestic flight up to Kayseri. Your private driver will be waiting for you and take you to Cappadocia. On the way, you will already make your first visit to the Devrent Valley, where you will see some of the most surreal and uniquely shaped rock formations in the world. These formations, known as "fairy chimneys," are the result of centuries of erosion and volcanic activity. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Then drive up to Pasabagi, where you will discover some of the best-preserved and most striking examples of Cappadocia's ancient rock dwellings and churches. And of course, no visit to Cappadocia is complete without the beautiful scenery and enchanting valleys the region is known for. We will take you on a scenic drive through the winding roads and breathtaking landscapes that make Cappadocia such a unique and special place. Stay at one of the "cave" hotels with unique cave rooms carved into the soft stone landscape or another hotel of your choice.

Day 5: Unprecedented places in Cappadocia

Early in the morning take a balloon ride over Cappadocia. There is simply no better way to experience Cappadocia than from high altitude, as you float silently over the landscape and the sun slowly rises. Today the program includes some undiscovered spots. You will visit the Keslik Monastery, a cave monastery complex with two churches and an idyllic garden. Then you drive to the ancient city of Sobesos, which was discovered by chance in 2002. The city dates from the 4th century and its boundaries have not yet been established. Have lunch in a local family restaurant. In the afternoon visit the underground city of Mazı. The valley and plateau are surrounded by many rock cemeteries and churches from the Byzantine period. There are four different entrances made to descend into the 8-level underground city. You will make one last stop in the charming town of Avanos, known for its traditional pottery and ceramics. You will have a chance to see artisans at work and try your hand at baking pots yourself.

Day 6: Return home.

The trip is sadly over. Today you will return home. A driver will take you to Kayseri airport where you will take a domestic flight to Istanbul. From Istanbul you will fly back home.