Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Arrive into Istanbul. Transfer from the airport and check in to your hotel. You will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant city.
Day 2 – Istanbul Old City Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Today we explore the magnificent sights of Istanbul's historic peninsula:
- Hagia Sophia: The 4th largest church in the world, dating back to the 4th century and selected as the 2nd best engineering structure of human history by the BBC.
- Blue Mosque: Famous for its Ottoman architecture, featuring over 20,000 İznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets.
- Hippodrome: The center of Byzantine entertainment (noted historically for the Nika Revolt).
- Grand Covered Bazaar: One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 58 covered streets and 4,000+ shops specializing in jewelry, pottery, spices, and carpets (includes a handmade Turkish carpet demonstration).
Optional Museum (50€ additional cost per person): Topkapi Palace – The great palace of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries, housing crystal, silver, porcelain, imperial treasury jewels, and the Holy Mantle.
Day 3 – Istanbul to Cappadocia Breakfast & Dinner Included
After breakfast, travel to Cappadocia by bus (approx. 8 hours road journey). Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at the hotel and overnight in Cappadocia.
Important Note (Regular Option): For the regular option, there is no road transfer to Cappadocia; you must take a flight from SAW or IST airport (approx. 90€–100€ per person with 20 kg baggage allowance).
Day 4 – Cappadocia Underground City & Göreme Open Air Museum Breakfast & Dinner Included
Optional Activity: Hot Air Balloon Tour (Ask & Sell) – Watch a unique sunrise from 300 meters above the ground, riding through fairy chimneys and valleys.
Explore the fascinating landscapes and historical sites of Cappadocia:
- Özkonak Underground City: One of the best-preserved underground cities in Cappadocia.
- Göreme Open Air Museum: The heart of Cappadocia, famous for 10th-century frescoes depicting the life of Jesus Christ and monks.
- Çavuşin: An abandoned village featuring old cave Greek houses.
- Avanos: Lunch stop and a visit to a traditional pottery workshop.
- Love Valley: A hidden valley featuring unique, scenic rock formations.
- Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): Natural rock formations resembling animals.
- Three Beauties: The iconic three fairy chimneys with hats, symbolizing Cappadocia.
The tour concludes around 18:00 with a return transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5 – Departure from Cappadocia Breakfast Included
Your adventure with Grandoria concludes after breakfast. Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your return flight. Wishing you a pleasant journey!