Day 1| Arrival in Istanbul and leisure time
Upon arrival at the airport, you´ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and settling into your room, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Take this opportunity to explore the vibrant surroundings of your hotel, soak in the local atmosphere or simply relax and unwind in preparation for the exciting day ahead.

Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in İstanbul.

Day 2| Highlights of Istanbul
After breakfast, embark on a half-day guided tour of Istanbul´s historic heart. Highlights include an exterior visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia, followed by stops at the stunning Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome, where you´ll see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. The tour concludes at the bustling Grand covered Bazaar, a treasure trove of local crafts, textils and souvenirs. After that, we'll have lunch at a Turkish restaurant.

Then, we'll venture to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, a stunning representation of Ottoman imperial grandeur. Situated on the historic penninsula of Istanbul, the palace offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. As you stroll through the palace´s courtyards and gardens, you´ll learn about the Ottoman Empire´s history, its rulers and its lavish court life.

The highlights include the imperial treasury, where you´ll fins priceless artifacts such as the Tokapi Dagger and numerous dazzling jewels. You´ll also visit the Sacred Relics Room, which contains revered Islamic relics, including items believed to have belonged to the Prophet Muhammed. The palace´s exquisite tiles, decorative arts, and architecture showcase the fusionof Ottoman and Islamic design, with intricate craftsmanship and elegant interiors.

Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in İstanbul.
Included: Lunch

Day 3| Exploration through the heart of Istanbul
Get a bird's-eye view of the Golden Horn from the bus, the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of Şehir where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines. This area was home to Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-Muslim minorities. Then, as you drive along the traces of history in Balat, you'll get to see the incredible Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, the Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and the 22 km-long Byzantine City Walls, the strongest fortification of the Middle Ages!

After the scenic drive, your morning begins with a visit to the vibrant Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), one of Istanbul´smost colourful and aromatic markets. Wander through the lively stalls filled with exotic spices, herbs, Turkish delights, dried fruits and local handicrafts. The rich scents and bustling energy offer an unforgettable sensory experience.

Next, you´ll head to the Bosphorus for a scenic cruise along the strait that separates Europe and Asia. As you glide through the water, take in the breathtaking views of historic palaces, Ottoman mansions and charming villages lining both shores. A highlight of the cruise is the sight of the Rumeli Fortress, a mafnificent 15th-century structure built by Sultan Mehmed II before his conquest of Constantinople. The fortress, with its imposing towers and strategic location, stands as a powerful reminder of the city´s storied past. We will visit a leather showroom if time permits and the stop for lunch at a Turkish Restaurant.

Welcome to the awe-inspiring Dolmabahçe Palace, the opulent residence of the Ottoman Sultans! Built by the renowned architects Karabet and Nikogos Balyan, this magnificent complex spans an impressive 110,000 m². Once the bustling administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire, this palace is a true testament to the rich history and cultural splendour of Istanbul. The palace is home to an awe-inspiring collection of European antiquities, furniture and a whopping 4.5 tons chandelier. With 285 rooms and 46 halls, it's a true architectural marvel.

And just wait until you experience the Bosphorus Bridge, a unique opportunity to transition from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in the blink of an eye! On Camlıca Hill, you can experience the most breathtaking sunset and the widest bird's eye panoramic view of İstanbul from Marmara Sea to the Black Sea. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you soar high above the city, witnessing the majestic Bosphorus and Golden Horn from one of the highest and most appealing places of the city.

Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in Istanbul.
Included: Lunch

Day 4| Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia
We start the day early, check out of the hotel and depart for the airport to continue our adventure in Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey. Arriving in Ankara in the morning, we have some time to explore the city before visiting the Atatürk Mausoleum, built between 1944-1953 to honour the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and Revolution and founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In addition to the mausoleum, the complex consists of various structures and monuments, as well as a wooded area commonly known as the Peace Park.

We then head south through rolling Anatolian plains, dotted with small villages, farmlands and occasional rocky hills. As we approach Nevşehir, the landscape gradually transforms – flat terrain gives way to surreal rock formations and valleys carved by centuries of wind and water erosion. Entering Cappadocia, the scenery becomes truly magical. You´ll witness fairy chimneys, underground cities and ancient cave dwellings carved into soft volcanic rock. We make our way to our selected accommodation for the night where you can settle in, enjoy dinner and prepare for the day ahead.

Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in Cappadocia.
Included: Dinner.

Day 5| Exploring Cappadocia
We start the day with breakfast at the hotel, preparing us for an exciting day ahead of exploring all that Cappadocia has to offer. Our first stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches, frescoes and ancient monastic complexes nestled in the surreal landscape.
We then make our way to the highest point in Cappadocia for panoramic views. Walk through the quaint village of Uçhisar and learn about the troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock. Next, we visit Ortahisar, with a slightly less touristic charm, known for its stone castle and authentic village feel. Then, to Ürgüp to see the famous fairy chimneys. Enjoy the iconic, mushroom shaped rock formations and learn about their volcanic rock origins.
 
We will visit a local stone craft centre where you will see stones with traditional and imperial designs made from the Cappadocia´s volc