Popular 6 Days Max 8 People
Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour Package
Turkey's two most iconic destinations in a compact 6-day private tour. Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Bosphorus cruise — then fly to Cappadocia for valleys, underground cities, and a cave hotel stay.
Price from: $1,990 per person
Availability: All Year
Route: Istanbul → Cappadocia
Max group size: 8 people
Tour Highlights
- Istanbul and Cappadocia — Turkey's two most iconic destinations in 6 days
- Private guide and vehicle — your pace, your schedule, maximum 8 people
- Cave hotel stay in Cappadocia — rooms carved into natural volcanic rock
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul
- Göreme Open Air Museum, underground cities, and fairy chimney valleys in Cappadocia
- Domestic flight included — 90 minutes Istanbul to Cappadocia, no long drives
- Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia
- Ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time
Six days between Turkey's two most recognisable destinations. Istanbul holds one of the world's densest concentrations of history: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Bosphorus strait separating Europe from Asia. Cappadocia was formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruption, then shaped over centuries by Christian communities who carved churches, monasteries, and entire underground cities into the soft volcanic rock.
This itinerary connects both in the most direct way — two days in Istanbul with a private guide, then a domestic flight to Kayseri for Cappadocia. Cave hotel stay included. Optional sunrise hot air balloon available throughout the year. Maximum 8 people, all entrance fees included.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul Welcome / Arrival
- Airport welcome and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet, within walking distance of the Hippodrome.
- Afternoon free to explore at your own pace — the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar waterfront are all nearby.
- Overnight: 5-Star Holiday Inn Istanbul City.
Day 2 Istanbul Historic Treasures
- Topkapi Palace: the seat of Ottoman power for 400 years — the Imperial Harem, the Treasury, and the Sacred Relics.
- Hagia Sophia: 1,500 years of continuous history as Byzantine cathedral, Ottoman mosque, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome with its Egyptian Obelisk, and the Grand Bazaar with 4,000 shops across 61 covered streets.
- Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: 5-Star Holiday Inn Istanbul City.
Day 3 Cappadocia Welcome / Arrival
- Morning domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri — approximately 90 minutes, included in tour price.
- Transfer to cave hotel and settle in — your first view of the fairy chimneys and volcanic landscape.
- Meals: Dinner | Overnight: MDC Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
Day 4 Cappadocia'S Underground Marvels
- Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı underground city: carved up to 10 storeys into the volcanic tuff — a fully self-contained refuge with stables, wine cellars, and churches for up to 20,000 people.
- Uçhisar: the highest natural rock fortress in Cappadocia — panoramic views across the valleys towards Mount Erciyes (3,916 m).
- Ortahisar: a quieter rock fortress village with cave dwellings still in use within living memory.
- Traditional carpet weaving demonstration — a craft practised in Cappadocia for over 2,000 years.
- 220 km | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: MDC Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
Day 5 Cappadocia'S Hidden Valleys
- Optional sunrise hot air balloon: 1 hour over the fairy chimneys at dawn — 180–280 EUR per person, not included in tour price.
- Göreme Open Air Museum: 10th–13th century cave churches with intact Byzantine frescoes — the Dark Church, the Snake Church, and the Apple Church.
- Paşabağ (Monks Valley): mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys with 5th-century hermit monks' cells carved into the caps.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: an entire troglodyte community of cave dwellings abandoned in 1952 — three valleys of rock-carved homes, mills, and chapels.
- Avanos pottery workshops beside the Kızılırmak River — red clay ceramics made here for 4,000 years.
- 40 km | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: MDC Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
Day 6 Return To Istanbul
- Morning domestic flight to Istanbul — included in tour price.
- Hotel transfer and free afternoon — the Grand Bazaar or a Bosphorus cruise are easy options.
- Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: 5-Star Holiday Inn Istanbul City.
Day 7 Departure From Istanbul
- Breakfast and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your international flight.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Optional Activities
| Activity | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia Price varies by season and operator. Book through us for the best experience. | 180 – 280 EUR | 1 hour |
| Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Cappadocia | $50 USD | 1.5 hours |
2026 Departure Dates
April 3–8
April 10–15
April 17–22
May 1–6
May 8–13
May 15–20
June 5–10
June 19–24
September 4–9
September 18–23
October 9–14
October 23–28
What's Included
- Domestic flights
- Fast track museum pass to all sites in Turkey
- 5 nights hotel accommodation
- 5 breakfast, 4 lunch, 4 dinner
- Private tour guide
- All entrance fees
- All transportation in latest model private tour van
Price Excludes
- — Gratitude for guide and driver
- — Any private expenses
Cancellation Policy
60+
Days before
Full Refund
100% returned
30–60
Days before
50% Refund
Half returned
0–30
Days before
Credit Only
No cash refund
We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and curtailment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the hot air balloon included in the price?
The hot air balloon is an optional extra, not included in the base tour price. It costs approximately 180–280 EUR per person depending on the season and operator. We strongly recommend it — the sunrise flight over Cappadocia's valleys is one of the most memorable experiences in Turkey. We arrange it directly through trusted operators.
How do we get from Istanbul to Cappadocia?
By domestic flight — approximately 90 minutes. The flight is included in the tour price. You depart Istanbul in the morning and arrive in Cappadocia in time for lunch and your first afternoon excursion.
Do you recommend a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul?
Yes — but we recommend a morning or afternoon cruise, not a dinner cruise. The daytime Bosphorus cruise gives you full visibility of both the European and Asian shores, Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ottoman fortresses, and the two suspension bridges. Dinner cruises prioritise entertainment over scenery. The daytime experience is far more rewarding.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Turkey?
Yes — this is our shortest tour and an ideal introduction to Turkey for those with limited time. It combines the two most visited destinations in the country with a comfortable pace and no wasted travel days.
What is the group size?
Maximum 8 people. Private groups can be just 2 people. This means your guide can focus entirely on your questions and adjust the pace on the day.
Can this tour be extended?
Yes. We can add Ephesus, Pamukkale, Gallipoli, or Göbekli Tepe to create a longer custom itinerary. Contact us and we'll build a program around your dates.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Full refund if you cancel 60 or more days before departure. 50% refund if you cancel 30–60 days before. Credit only for cancellations under 30 days. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
What Our Travellers Say
"From the moment we booked the tour, Fazli communicated with us about our arrival flight and interests. Upon arrival in Turkey he was waiting at the airport and everything that followed was smooth, personal, and professionally arranged."
— Nancy Villicana
"One highlight was the unusual landscape of Cappadocia and the early morning balloon ride over its unique formations."
— Timothy Alan H
Reviews sourced from TripAdvisor. Read all reviews →