Cappadocia – Istanbul

Cappadocia – Istanbul — Fairy Chimneys and Timeless City Treasures

Discover two of Turkey’s most captivating destinations on a 5-day private journey. Explore Cappadocia’s rock-cut churches, fairy chimneys and underground passages, with a cave hotel stay adding to the experience. Fly to Istanbul to discover its historic Old City, colourful neighbourhoods and lively bazaars, and enjoy a private boat cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia.

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Starts: Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport
Ends: Istanbul Airport
Tour style: Private Tour
Route: Cappadocia → Istanbul
Overnight stays: 2 nights in Cappadocia and 2 nights in Istanbul

Tour Highlights

• Explore Cappadocia’s rock-cut heritage — visit Göreme Open-Air Museum and Kaymaklı Underground City.
• Discover fairy chimneys and valleys — see Paşabağ, Devrent Valley, the Three Beauties and Pigeon Valley.
• Experience local character — visit Avanos, Uçhisar Castle and a traditional carpet workshop.
• Stay in a cave hotel — enjoy Cappadocia’s distinctive atmosphere, with balloon-view opportunities when flights operate.
• Explore Istanbul’s Old City — visit the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, with exterior photo stops at Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace.
• Cruise the Bosphorus by private boat — admire palaces, waterfront mansions and the shores of two continents.
• Discover Istanbul’s neighbourhoods — explore Ortaköy, Fener and Balat, the bazaars and the Taksim area.

Private Tour Prices

Valid for travel: 15 November 2026 – 14 March 2027

Room basis: Twin / Double Room-Sharing

Single room supplement: $270.00 per person

Prices are quoted in USD per person. Final pricing is subject to availability and confirmation for your travel dates.

Planning a private journey?
Send us your travel dates and group size using the enquiry form for a personalised quote.

Day 1 — Arrival in Cappadocia — Churches, Valleys and Avanos

Meet your local guide on arrival at Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport and travel into Cappadocia. Begin at Göreme Open-Air Museum, exploring its rock-cut churches and surviving frescoes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue to Paşabağ, also known as Monks Valley, to discover its distinctive fairy chimneys. Visit Avanos on the banks of the Kızılırmak River, then enjoy a photo stop at Devrent Valley, where unusual rock formations invite the imagination.

After dinner, transfer to your cave hotel for your first overnight stay. Your planned accommodation offers hot-air balloon views when flights operate and conditions allow.

Overnight: Cappadocia — cave hotel
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 2 — Full-Day Cappadocia — Underground City and Panoramic Views

You may begin the morning with an optional hot-air balloon ride, subject to weather, operating conditions and availability. After breakfast, explore Kaymaklı Underground City, with its passages, chambers, storage areas and communal spaces.

After lunch, stop at the Three Beauties fairy chimneys for photographs. Visit Uçhisar Castle and the surrounding village, then take in the scenery at Pigeon Valley. Visit a carpet workshop to learn about traditional Turkish hand weaving before dinner and transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight: Cappadocia — cave hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional activity: Hot-air balloon ride (additional cost)

Day 3 — Flight to Istanbul and the Historic Old City

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Meet your local team on arrival and continue towards the historic city centre. Enjoy a photo stop at Galata Bridge, with views towards the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

Visit the Blue Mosque and discover the former Hippodrome, including the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column and German Fountain. Enjoy exterior photo stops at Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace; interior visits to these two landmarks are not scheduled in this itinerary.

Spend free time browsing the Grand Bazaar before transferring to your hotel in the Taksim Square area. The evening is at leisure, with dinner at your own arrangements.

Overnight: Istanbul — Taksim area
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 4 — Private Bosphorus Cruise and Istanbul’s Neighbourhoods

After breakfast, enjoy a Bosphorus cruise by private boat, taking in views of waterfront palaces, historic mansions and the European and Asian shores. Continue to Ortaköy for time to explore its waterfront and shopping streets, with the opportunity to try its famous kumpir, a generously filled baked potato.

After lunch at a fish restaurant, explore the Spice Market and continue to Fener and Balat, known for their colourful houses, historic streets and diverse religious heritage. See the Phanar Greek Orthodox School and enjoy an exterior photo stop at Galata Tower.

See the historic Tünel funicular before a walking tour of the Taksim and İstiklal Avenue area, including a visit to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Transfer back to your hotel. Dinner is at your own arrangements.

Overnight: Istanbul — Taksim area
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 5 — Istanbul — Leisure Time and Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and free time at leisure, depending on your departure schedule. At the arranged time, transfer to the airport for your onward flight, bringing your Cappadocia – Istanbul journey to a close.

Tour ends: Istanbul Airport
Meals: Breakfast

Before You Travel

Day 1 sightseeing requires a suitably timed arrival in Kayseri or Nevşehir. The Day 3 domestic flight should allow time for the planned Istanbul visits. Traffic, flight schedules, site opening hours and religious services may affect the order of visits. Bazaar visits are subject to opening days. Hot-air balloon flights are optional and depend on weather and operating approval; balloon views cannot be guaranteed. Final hotel selections, flight arrangements, admission fees and the full list of included services will be confirmed in your personalised proposal.

Plan Your Cappadocia – Istanbul Journey

Send us your preferred dates and number of travellers using the booking enquiry form. We will help you plan your Cappadocia – Istanbul journey and provide a personalised proposal.