Cappadocia – Konya – Istanbul
October 16–22, 2022
Meeting place of the Eastern and Western worlds, Turkey has always been a land of contrasts.
On this 7-day tour, discover Central Anatolia and the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons dot the skyline and dwellings are cut into the cliffs.
You will also visit Konya and explore Istanbul’s highlights, including the majestic Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
Itinerary
Morning flight from Athens to Istanbul to connect onto your flight to Kayseri. Proceed to Cappadocia and discover Urgup's Fairy Chimneys, a surreal landscape of towering rock pinnacles. Continue to Uchisar Rock Castle for the panoramic view of the valley. (D)
Optional hot air balloon tour to enjoy the magnificent view of the valleys and the region (not included in tour cost). After breakfast, discover the lunar landscape of Cappadocia; see the Devrent Valley's unique fairy chimneys and the mushroom-shaped pinnacles of the Pasabag Monks Valley. Lunch in the pottery town of Avanos.
This afternoon, explore the Goreme Open Air Museum, a splendid cluster of rock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries with frescoes and paintings dating from the 10th to the 13th century. Then descend to the "centre of the earth” at Kaymakli Underground City, a large subterranean city built by Early Christians.
Optional Turkish dinner party with folkloric dances. (B,D)
Depart Cappadocia and proceed to Konya. On the way, stop at the 13th-century Seljukian Sultanhan Caravanserai.
After arrival in Konya, visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, a mystic poet who was a firm believer in the virtues of music and dance as a means of connecting with God. Then proceed to Karatay Theological School, known for its beautiful tilings and mosaic decorations. (B,D)
Transfer to Konya Airport for your morning flight to Istanbul. On arrival, enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus, the waterway separting Europe and Asia offering beautiful views of palaces, ornate timber mansions and parks on both shores.
This afternoon, explore the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar; the air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and more. (B,D)
Full day tour of Istanbul, ancient capital of both the Byzantine and the Ottoman empires. Stroll through the exquisite Topkapi Palace, former residence of the Ottoman sultans and explore Hagia Sophia, one of the most widely regarded examples of Byzantine architecture. After viewing the hippodrome, visit the Blue Mosque, the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I, which dominates Istanbul's skyline with its elegant composition of ascending domes and six slender soaring minarets.
Time at leisure to browse the legendary Grand Bazaar. (B,D)
Morning visit to the lavish Dolmabahce Palace, set in well-tended gardens. Then head to the lively Galata neighbourhood and see Galata Tower, built by the Genoese in 1303. Stroll along the famous Istiklal Street and visit the beautiful neo-Gothic St. Antoine Church. Celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight(s) home. (B)