Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour 3

06 Nights | 07 Days

PACKAGE COST:

3 Star Hotels 

AED 3,399/- PER PERSON – 1 Double Sharing

4 Star Hotels 

AED 3,799/- PER PERSON – 1 Double Sharing

5 Star Hotels 

AED 4,899/- PER PERSON – 1 Double Sharing

Note: Validity 20 December 2024

Day 01 – Arrival to Istanbul & Transfer to Hotel

Arrive in Istanbul. Located in the Marmara region of Turkey, Istanbul is the world's most gorgeous and mysterious city. Check out the beauty, the great culture, the colourful lifestyle, the harmony of opposites and everything this amazing city has to offer. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be welcomed by our local representative and transferred to your hotel located in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 02 – Full Day Istanbul City Tour

After breakfast, our representatives will pick you up from your hotel lobby and transfer to old city of Istanbul. First visit will be Hippodrome, The center of sport activities with its four monuments: The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Then visit “The Blue Mosque” The most famous mosque of Istanbul which is known as the Blue Mosque as well because of its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Next stop will be The Hagıa Sophıa Grand Mosque. This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the Great, in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time. After Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar (Covered Market) In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4000 shops with each trade having its own area; the goldsmiths’ street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as hand painted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyxware and meerschaum pipers. The last stop will be Hagıa Irene Church. Built during the same period (4th century) as its neighbour the Hagia Sophia. The name Hagia Irene Church means ‘’Godly’’ or ‘’Holy Wisdom’’ in Greek. After the conquest of Istanbul, it was incorporated into the grounds of Topkapı Palace and like many other churches was converted into a mosque. However, there were no major changes made to the building’s structure. Topkapı Palace The great palace of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing an exquisite collection of precious gems, jewellery thrones of sultans, costumes worn by the sultans and their families; miniatures, the Holy Mantle; Chamber of Sacred Relics. After tour, you will be drop off to your hotels.

Day 03 – Full Day Bosphorous Cruise

After breakfast, our representatives will pick you up from your hotel lobby and transfer to Peninsula of Istanbul. First visit will be city walls the first breach of the walls was by the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the second by the cannons and troops of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. Then drıve by bus to golden horn. As a natural and extremely secure harbor, the Golden Horn has played an important role in the development of Istanbul. The inlet separates the European shore into two. It is approximately 8 km long, and the widest part is the entrance from the Bosphorus. Two streams drain into this inlet at its far end. Then visit Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar). The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. Join a boat trip on the Bosphorus. An amazing cruise between the two continents, Europe, and Asia, along the Bosphorus by the Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces, wooden villas, and mansions up to the Rumeli Fortress. View The Rumeli Fortress (from the sea). Istanbul had been besieged many times before Mehmet the Conqueror took the city in 1453, but it managed to defend itself with the help of the Roman city walls. Bosphorus Bridge Unique chance to step from one continent (Asia) to another (Europe). Beylerbeyi Palace The summer residence of Ottoman Sultans with its original furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian side. Çamlica Hill one of the highest points in Istanbul. At the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the beautiful gardens, landscape in traditional style, as you sip your drinks in a cafeteria.

Day 04 – Transfer to Istanbul Airport for flight (on own) to Cappadocia

After breakfast at the hotel, check out process and transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your flight (on own) to Cappadocia. Upon arrival to Kayseri Airport (ASR) or Nevsehir Airport (NAV), transfer to your hotel for check in process. Rest of the day will be free at leisure for relax. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 05 – Full Day Cappadocia North Tour

Our first real encounter with Cappadocia almost Martian landscape is in the Dervent valley. We visit Pasabag’s “fairy chimneys”, where the voice of the wind harmonizes with songs of the fairies. From here we pause at Avanos center of terracotta art which is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river and is its production of earthenware pottery, it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has always been used. A visit to ceramic & tile center to see how the ceramics made by hand. After lunch we visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. People of Goreme, at the heart of the Cappadocia Region, realized that these soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches, monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post iconoclastic period. These frescoes are a unique artistic achievement from this period. You visit a carpet cooperative, where you'll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. We complete the tour with a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia.

Day 06 – Full Day Cappadocia South Tour

Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Depart from your hotel to visit red valley through Cavusin and explore the famous rock- cut churches and hike 2 km. Then visit Cavusin village. Old Cavusin was abandoned several decades ago due to avalanches. The current village of Cavusin is located on the road. Old Cavusin, with its rock-cut dwellings and stone houses, had several hermitages. After lunch drive to the Pigeon Valley. In the afternoon visit Underground City, where early Christians lived in fear and faith. The houses in the village are constructed around the nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city, which is one of the most interesting underground settlements in Cappadocia. The underground city was originally carved out as eight floors; however, four floors are available to visit. In wartime about 5000 people can refuge in. The tunnels are still used today as storage areas, stables, and cellars.

Day 07 – Departure 

After breakfast at the hotel, check out process and transfer to Kayseri Airport (ASR) or Nevsehir Airport (NAV) for your flight back to onward destination via Istanbul.

(Standard check out time is 12:00 pm)

Inclusions

• 3 Nights’ accommodation at Istanbul in selected Hotel Category
• 3 Nights’ accommodation at Cappadocia in selected Hotel Category
• All Airport Transfers mentioned in the Itinerary on Private Basis
• Daily Buffet Breakfast at Hotel (except on day of arrival)
• Return Airport Transfers on PVT Basis
• 6 Open Buffet Breakfasts
• Full Day Istanbul City Tour with Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Obelisk, Sultanahmet, Old Bazaar
• Full Day Bosphorous Cruise & Two Continents Tour
• Full Day Cappadocia North Tour with Goreme Open Air Museum, Dervent Valley, Pasabag, Avanos
• Full Day Cappadocia South Tour with Underground City, Red Valley, Cavusin, Ortahisar & Pigeon Valley
• English Speaking Tour Guide during Tours
• All Entrance Fees mentioned in the itinerary.
• Transportation mentioned in the itinerary.

Exclusions

• Domestic Airfares
• Visa Cost for Turkey
• Anything which is not specified under Inclusions.
• Travel Insurance
• Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc.
• Guide & Entrance fees during sightseeing or any other item not specified in inclusions.
• Any revision in air fares, increase in taxes or fuel surcharge, ROE, leading to increase in surface transportation and land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to departure.
• Any Surcharges if applicable due to peak season or any other event
• Rates are subject to availability & are subject to change depending on season, surcharge, exhibitions, fairs etc.
• Local Taxes & VAT
• Rates are not valid during New Year Period 21st Dec 23 to 10th Jan 24

Terms & Conditions

·     All Prices are in UAE AED and subject to change without prior notice.

·     Price quoted are subject to availability at time of confirmation, we are currently not holding any blocking against the sent quotation.

·     Booking confirmations are subject to availability.

·     All Hotels Rooms are subject to availability.

·     We are not holding any reservations of air seats, hotel rooms, conference rooms etc. Final availability status will only be known when we request for bookings.

·     Holiday Surcharge will be additional if applicable.

·     Any overstay expenses due to delay or change or cancellation in flight will be on the guests own & Akbar Holidays will not be held liable for such expenses however we will provide best possible assistance.