Istanbul, Trabzon & Cappadocia

Your Beautiful Tales of Turkey Tour starts here, we will collect you on arrival in Istanbul from the airport and transfer you to your hotel so that you can get settled in and relax.

Overnight in Istanbul

After breakfast, meet your professional local guide at the hotel and begin your walking tour through Istanbul’s historic Old City.

Visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the magnificent Blue Mosque, and the iconic Hagia Sophia. Continue to the colourful Grand Bazaar and explore the aromatic Spice Bazaar, filled with spices, Turkish delights, teas, dried fruits, and local products.
 
An optional visit to the Basilica Cistern can also be arranged. The entrance fee is not included.
 
Highlights
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Optional Basilica Cistern

Overnight in Istanbul.

Important Notes:
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays due to prayers; we are unable to enter

OPTIONAL TOUR: BOSPHORUS DINNER CRUISE
In the evening, we will drive you to the water's edge for an evening that will show you some amazing places. You will enjoy great food and also some fantastic traditional Turkish entertainment.
The mighty waterway of the Bosphorus Strait, which cuts the city into two sides, Europe and Asia, and as you sail along the city's banks, you will pass under the iconic Bosphorus Bridge and also sail by incredible ancient buildings such as Kucuksu Palace and Rumeli Fortress. The night's entertainment will take you on a journey across Turkey with Belly Dancing, Folk Dancers, and some stirring music played on traditional instruments. Your meal will be a great introduction to the food of this country, with classics such as Baklava, mezzes, and Turkish coffee; all you have to do is relax and enjoy the ride.

After breakfast, meet your professional guide at the hotel and visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries.
 
Explore the palace courtyards, imperial chambers, historical collections, and panoramic views over the Bosphorus.
 
After the palace visit, enjoy a scenic two-hour Bosphorus Cruise between Europe and Asia. Along the way, admire Istanbul’s waterfront palaces, mosques, fortresses, traditional Ottoman mansions, and spectacular skyline.
 
Highlights
Topkapi Palace
Golden Horn
Galata Tower
Dolmabahce Palace
Cıragan Palace
Ortakoy Mosque
Bosphorus Bridge
Rumeli Fortress
European and Asian shores

Important Notes:
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays

Overnight in Istanbul

We will pick you up at a pre-arranged time and go directly to the airport to catch a domestic flight to Trabzon in the Black Sea region of Turkey.

Trabzon City Tour
This is a beautiful city full of history and some amazing architecture. Trabzon's original name was recorded as Trebizond in 756 BC. This northern area of Turkey is famed for its tea plantations. Ataturk’s Pavilion is here; this was the holiday destination for the first president and also where he died, making it an important place in the hearts of most Turks. The pavilion is well preserved with original furniture, and the gardens are beautiful and offer amazing views over the city. We will then go on to visit some incredible mosques such as Yavuz Sultan Mosque, Iskender Pasa Mosque, and Fatih Mosque.

Another place of worship we will visit whilst here is Kaymakli Monastery, an original Armenian church. The sister museum of the great Hagia Sophia of Istanbul is also here: Trabzon’s Hagia Sofia, once a Greek church, now converted to a mosque; today the building is a museum.  We will also visit the beautiful Zagnos Bridge it is a historical monument. The origins of the bridge are Roman; however, the bridge we see today was added to and renovated.

Overnight Stay in Trabzon.

Today's tour takes you to Uzungol Lake a protected area with a fantastic town on the lakeside, here modern life blends sympathetically with nature. There are many walking trails to be found here with great views of the mountains in the distance. It is one of the most beautiful regions in Turkey.

Overnight in Trabzon

Today, you will travel to Cappadocia. You will head to the airport for a Domestic flight to Kayseri. On arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia

Overnight in Cappadocia

North Cappadocia Tour
You will enjoy a fantastic day in this spectacular region and soak up the sights all around. Today you will be picked up from your accommodation, then travel on to visit some of the oldest settlements in the North Cappadocia region. You will visit the Three Beauties, Open Air Museum, and the Devrent Valley. Along with visiting Avanos, well noted for its handicraft industry, especially pottery. Monks Valley is also one of the best areas for a panoramic view of this area Goreme Esentepe.

Overnight accommodation at a cave hotel in Cappadocia

 - Evening -  
OPTIONAL TOUR: TURKISH NIGHT SHOW & DINNER.
Tonight's tour is a special evening organized so that you experience Turkish Culture and Traditions and have a great night out. You will be picked up from your hotel in the evening and taken to a cave restaurant in the heart of Cappadocia, for a night you will always remember. (This is an extra part of the tour not included in the itinerary price and will cost extra).

Overnight in Cappadocia

- Early Morning - 
OPTIONAL TOUR: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
This activity is a must in Cappadocia it is the perfect way to start the day by seeing the impressive views of this landscape from above. Finishing off with a celebratory glass of Champagne (This Hot Air Balloon Flight is not included in the price of your tour and comes at an extra cost).

South Cappadocia Tour
Showcasing not only some of the most impressive scenery of the region but also highlighting one of the underground cities of Cappadocia. Your tour guide will show you the sites, which include Meskendir Valley, Rose Valley, Red Valley, Cavusin Village, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle Panorama, and Love Valley 

Overnight in Cappadocia

Transport to Kayseri Airport, where you will catch your flight to your home or onward to your next destination.

We hope that your Beautiful Tales of Turkey tour has shown you many of the wonders of Turkey and has inspired you to come back again. We wish you a safe journey home.