best of istanbul and cappadocia tour itinerary

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BEST OF ISTANBUL AND CAPPADOCIA Itinerary for 9 Days ~ Tour Code: PTT34155

Available on any day, all year round!

As an itinerary designer at Precise Tours we believe travelling means freedom and all of our guests must to have flexibility with the tours they book with us. So, we designed the Best Of Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour itinerary to offer flexibility of choosing a hotel suit your budget, a guide speaking your language and transportation via your favorite vehicle.

FULL ITINERARY DAY 1: Meetup at Airport and Arrival Transfer A guide from Precise Tours will be ready at airport before your arrival in Istanbul and transfer you to the Victory Hotel. After checking into your hotel, you're free to explore the city, shop or relax. Overnight. DAY 2: Full Day Tour to Old City Sultanahmet and Historic Attractions Early morning meet up at your hotel lobby and go for the basic highlights of the old city, in historic peninsula of Sultanahmet. The first of the seven hills on the promontory has been the most important and dynamic part of the city in all ages. The place where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Guided visit to to Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Covered Bazaar and then have a break for lunch in a charming restaurant. After lunch, we continue with the Topkapi Palace and Little Hagia Sophia Museum. The tour ends around 5.30pm with a transfer back to your hotel. Overnight. DAY 3: Full Day Tour to Istanbul’s Two Continents and Boat Trip on the Bosphorus Today’s tour with your local guide includes views of the sumptuous palaces of European shore to magnificent views from the Asian side. First we drive to Spice Market passing through Golden Horn, the arm of the Bosporus and a natural harbor of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of Istanbul. Then we embark on a ferry for a memorable cruise experience along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from Asia. Have a short break for lunch and drive across the Bosphorus Bridge to the Camlica Hill, to get most beautiful view from the highest hill in Istanbul. Later, driving back to the European side of Istanbul and visit to the Dolmabahce Palace, the Imperial Residence of the last six Sultans. Returning back to the hotel at around 6.00pm. This evening we will have an overnight bus trip to Cappadocia, the bus trip will take about 7 hours. Please pack your luggage and leave it to the baggage room on the lobby after you had your breakfast in the morning.



DAY 4: Istanbul to Cappadocia and Full Day Tour of Esentepe, Uchisar, Cavusin and Urgup 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. We complete the tour with a visit to the Uchisar Rock-Castle which has the numerous hollowed-out containers, rock tombs, and a large water cistern all welcome you as silent witnesses to history and human life giving you a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. Return transfer to hotel and overnight in Cappadocia. DAY 5: Full Day Cappadocia Tour to Kaymakli Underground City, Red Valley and Cavusin Pick up from your hotel and visit to Red valley, explore the famous rock- cut churches and hike 5 km through the Gulludere valley. 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 Kaymakli 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. On the way back to the hotel we will visit the natural castles at Ortahisar. Overnight in Cappadocia. DAY 6: Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride and Return Transfer to Istanbul. Today, very early in the morning you can have an optional Hot Air Balloon experience over the sky in Cappadocia. Then, drive back to Istanbul. We will have short breaks on beautiful restaurants on the way back to Istanbul. Check in upon arrival and Overnight Istanbul.



DAY 7: Full Day Tour to the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul T his morning, your guide will take you away from the hustle and bustle of city noise and traffic. S/he will meet up with you and drive to the Eminonu Harbor. Our main destination is Buyukada, the largest of the island chain, but we will pass by four other islands on the way. All are famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation and ornate Ottoman houses, and on all of them cars are banned. The preferred means of transportation is the charming horse-drawn carriage known as the phaeton, which we will use on our circular tour of Buyukada, passing elegant mansions draped in brilliant purple bougainvillea. You will feel as though you have stepped back into a more leisured and gracious age, almost expecting grand 19th century ladies and gentlemen to come strolling down to the waterfront on an afternoon promenade. Lunch will be served at one of the many excellent traditional fish-restaurants on the waterfront, gazing across the water at the Asian shore of Istanbul, so close though it feels worlds away. Evening return to Istanbul at 5.00pm and transfer to the hotel. Overnight. DAY 8: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and 1001 Nights Show Enjoy your free day and discover more of the city at your own pace. As an insider from the Precise Tours, we suggest a visit to Taksim, a walk on the most crowded Istiklal street and a shopping on local way... Then you maybe can get a clue about how it can receive nearly 2-3 million visitors on a single day. Later, you may take a break at one of the tea gardens in Gulhane Park. The park is amazing place to unwind after a long tiring day of walking and sightseeing. After completing your self-guided discovery, you may get ready for dinner with an unforgettable experience of 1001 Nights and Turkish Show in Istanbul. We will pick you up at around 8.30pm and let you experience the magical atmosphere of the Istanbul nights by having a Dinner & Show on the Bosporus Cruise! Enjoy the breathtaking view over the two continents and get chance to taste the flavor of the Orient! The boat sails up the fabulous Bosporus, passing under the famous suspension bridges which connect both continents and taking in the spectacular views of the Ottoman Era summer palaces, waterside mansions and more modern houses which lies on both sides of the water. DAY 9: Return Transfer to Airport and Farewell. Today your tour ends with a return transfer to airport. You may check out before 12.00pm and leave your stuff to the luggage room if your plane, bus or train departs later than the hotel check out time. We will pick you up at least 2 hours before your flight, bus or train departure time. We hope you enjoyed touring with Precise Tours, have a safe trip!



Accommodation

Victory Hotel Old City Istanbul: www.victoryhotelistanbul.com

Kayakapi Cave Hotel Cappadocia: www.kayakapi.com

Troya Hotel Beyoglu Istanbul: www.hoteltroya.com Travel Package Includes;

8 night accommodation on 4 star and Cave hotels.

8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 8 Dinners.

Arrival and departure transfers from/to Ataturk Airport.

Licensed professional and Italian Speaking Tour Guide.

All tours, ground transfers, entrance fees and options you’ve booked with this package.

Transportation with fully equipped, air-conditioned and non-smoking cars.

Local taxes and service fees. Travel Package Excludes;

Suggested optional activities.

Tips for driver and guide. Important Notice;

The regular group tours may include short stop for shopping possibilities.

This is a guaranteed departure tour and available all year round.

Guests must be able to walk approximately 2 miles over uneven and cobblestone surfaces. Comfortable shoes, a hat and plenty of sunscreen are recommended as shade is limited the order of the tour itinerary may vary in order to avoid congestion. Guests should watch their step at all times in order to avoid injuries.

Reservation;

To make your reservation, please call us or send an email or visit our website at www.precisetours.com

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