From Cappadocia to the UAE
Turkey & United Arab Emirates in 15 Days • 13 Nights in Destination
James
Travel crafter
An unforgettable journey through Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, explore Istanbul and Cappadocia, and United Arab Emirates
Itinerary
Discover Turkey, from the labyrinthine bazaars of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Cruise along the Bosphorus and visit the cave-dwellings of the Goreme Valley. Head to Dubai and marvel at its mix of modernity and tradition. Upgrade your stay to the 5-star beachfront Habtoor Grand Resort, with its outdoor pool, spa and exclusive restaurants.
It's time to discover the immense history and incredible landscapes of Turkey! Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport ready to catch a flight to Istanbul.* Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Arrive in the bustling melting-pot of Istanbul, once the capital of Turkey and a city of immense history, wonderful culture and delicious cuisine. Transfer to your hotel, get settled and, if time allows, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring this historic, lively city. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a day to explore Istanbul at your own pace. Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, colourful city life and eclectic architecture. To make sure you see all the top sights, we recommend an optional full-day city tour!* Overnight stay in Istanbul.
* Optional Full-Day Istanbul City Tour: See the most emblematic sights in Istanbul, beginning with the incredible Hagia Sophia Basilica and the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Sultanahmet before continuing with a tour of the outside of the iconic Blue Mosque and the historic Hippodrome. End the afternoon at the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops!
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a boat trip on the Bosphorus Channel, which runs through the heart of the city, marking the border between Europe and Asia. Appreciate captivating views of the old palaces of the Sultans and traditional riverside houses as you view the city from a different perspective. Disembark and head to the famous Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans and filled with exotic aromas. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of Istanbul at your own pace. We recommend an optional excursion to the Anatolian side of the city to see its more important sights and discover more of Istanbul!* Overnight stay in Istanbul.
* Optional Half-Day Anatolian Istanbul Excursion with Lunch: Explore the Anatolian part of the city! This stunning region is home to some of the country's most beautiful architecture and waterfront attractions. From the iconic Beylerbeyi Palace to the murals adorning the winding streets, you'll be awestruck by the variety and beauty of the sights. Wander the city streets up Camlica Hill, located in the underrated Üsküdar district. Take in the stunning panoramic views from the highest point and soak up the bustling atmosphere from the city below. With its rich history and vibrant culture, the Anatolian part of Istanbul is an unforgettable destination. Enjoy lunch included.
Breakfast at the hotel. Why not start the day with an unforgettable optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia*. Mid-morning, discover the fascinating region of Cappadocia, whose landscape was formed by the erosion of soft layers of lava and ash from ancient volcanic eruptions over 3 million years ago! Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, an incredible Byzantine monastic complex with beautiful frescoes. Next, explore the Valleys of Avcilar, Pasabagi and Güvercinlik, where the so-called "Fairy Chimneys" are located. End the day with a visit to local carpet workshops. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
* Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight: Float over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique viewpoint on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight. Enjoy panoramic sunrise views and celebrate with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a personalized flight certificate. Minimum age limit for children: 6 years old.
Note: The optional hot air balloon flight depends on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot take place, it will be refunded upon return.
Breakfast at the hotel. You're returning to Istanbul today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the city. Arrive in Istanbul, transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Dive into Turkish cuisine, go shopping in the bazaars or enjoy some last-minute sightseeing! Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your adventure today as you head to Dubai! At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Dubai. Touch down in Dubai and transfer to the hotel. Once you've settled in the remainder of the day is free at your leisure to get to know the sights and sounds of Dubai.
Breakfast at the hotel. Get to know the city as you set off on a half-day tour of Dubai. * Begin in the historic area of Bastakia, home to old merchant houses, cafes, and restaurants. Board an Abra Water Taxi and cruise along the waterways of Dubai Creek before disembarking and explore the Spice Souk and Gold Bazaars, the most famous in the world. Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. We recommend an optional Dhow Cruise and Dinner this evening.** Overnight stay in Dubai.
* Please note: this excursion operates on Friday afternoons and Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday mornings only.
** Optional Dhow Cruise and Dinner: Take a traditional Dhow Cruise along Dubai Creek and enjoy spectacular views of the skyscrapers and Dubai's illuminated skyline as you enjoy dinner on board.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying a shopping spree in Dubai's fabulous malls or relaxing at your leisure on the beach. We recommend an optional tour of the city's modern attractions.* In the late afternoon, take a luxury 4x4 desert excursion and enjoy an unforgettable barbecue dinner in a traditional Bedouin camp under the starry night sky with authentic Bedouin entertainment, belly dancing (except during the month of Ramadan) and traditional music. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Dubai.
* Optional Half-Day Modern Dubai Tour: Visit the most emblematic sights in the city starting at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional arabian bazaar and popular marketplace where you can find typical hand-made crafts. Next, travel to the man-made palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah to see the amazing Atlantis Hotel before heading back to the city on the monorail. Afterwards, explore glittering Dubai Marina, a man-made canal city and one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Dubai and end the trip in the Burj Khalifa area (entrance not included) and back to the hotel. Please note: this optional excursion operates on Mondays and Fridays only. You will have the option to be dropped off at the Dubai Mall for some shopping and return to the hotel on your own.
After breakfast at the hotel, set off to Abu Dhabi, the immense capital of the United Arab Emirates, located to the south of Dubai. * On arrival, enjoy a comprehensive city tour to get to know the most emblematic sights of this Emirate metropolis. Start at the immense Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an icon of the city and one of the largest mosques on earth. Clad in marble, it's a dazzling example of Islamic architecture. Afterwards, head to Al Bateen to see the Royal Palaces before driving along the spectacular Corniche, past gleaming mosques and elegant high-rises. See the impressive artificial Lulu Island and take a photo stop at the Breakwater for panoramic views of the city. Pass by the outside of the Emirates Palace Hotel and explore the luxurious interior of the Presidential Palace: Qasr al Watan. Stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant before exploring the cultural delights of the Louvre Museum, an incredible art and civilisation museum. After an action-packed day, return to Dubai. Overnight stay in Dubai.
* Please note: this excursion operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays only.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free to discover this modern Emirati metropolis at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and a symbol of the city of 828 meters and 160 floors. Since its inauguration in 2010, it offers the best views of the desert and the city. Underneath is the largest shopping centre in the world, the Dubai Mall where 1200 stores of all kinds are located. A shopping paradise! As night falls, we recommend an optional dinner overlooking the Dubai Fountains.* Overnight stay in Dubai.
* Optional Dinner at Dubai Fountains: Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at a restaurant overlooking the musical fountains of Dubai. The Dubai Fountains are one of the largest and most complex fountains in the world, situated on a 30-acre lake surrounding the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa. Enjoy dinner as you watch the dancing musical fountains.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure in Dubai. Why not take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful flower beds of Dubai Miracle Garden, head to Jumeriah Beach or soak up the view from the top of the Burj Khalifa! Alternatively, we recommend an optional half-day excursion to the Emirates of Sharjah and Ajman.* Overnight stay in Dubai.
* Optional Sharjah & Ajman Half-Day Excursion: Get to know the Emirate states of Sharjah and Ajman, to the north of Dubai. Explore the handicraft stalls at the Blue Souk and pass by Faisal Mosque. Explore the authentic Al Arsha Souk, home to an array of unique Islamic arts and discover the history of the Emirates at the Ajman Museum. After lunch at a traditional restaurant, return to Dubai. Please note: this excursion operates on Thursdays only.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, shopping, sunbathing or exploring the delights of Dubai. Why not discover the sea life at the Dubai Aquarium or enjoy a fun-filled day at the Aquaventure Waterpark. Alternatively, we recommend an optional excursion to Fujairah, on the UAE's East Coast.* Overnight stay in Dubai.
* Optional Full-Day Fujairah Excursion: Set off to Fujairah, another of the United Arab Emirate states. Stop at the local market, at the foot of the Hajar Mountains and visit Masafi, home to a natural water source. Enjoy captivating views of the huge Wadis and head to the coast for a dip in the Indian Ocean. Lunch on the beach before passing through traditional fishing villages to visit Bidaya Mosque, the oldest in the UAE, and Fujairah Fort. Please note: this excursion operates on Saturdays and Sundays only.
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bring your time in beautiful Dubai to a close. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.
15 days trip including flights*
14 days and 13 nights in destination
1
LON - IST
2
LON - IST
Istanbul
3
Istanbul
4
Istanbul
5
Cappadocia
6
Cappadocia
7
Istanbul
8
Dubai
9
Dubai
10
Dubai
11
Dubai
12
Dubai
13
Dubai
14
Dubai
15
DXB - LON
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Accommodation: 13 Nights
*In case the advertised hotels are not available they will be replaced by one of these alternative hotels with the same quality: Clarion Hotel Golden Horn, Delta Hotels by Marriott Istanbul Kagithane, Doubletree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa, Elite World Business, La Quinta by Wyndham Istanbul Gunesli, Lionel Hotel, Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Golden Horn, Ramada Encore by Wyndham Istanbul Bayrampasa, Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul Tekstilkent.
Included activities
Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar Visit
Enjoy a boat trip on the Bosphorus Channel, which runs through the heart of the city, marking the border between Europe and Asia. Appreciate the views of Istanbul's old palaces and traditional riverside houses before heading to the famous Spice Bazaar.
Full-Day Highlights of Cappadocia Excursion
Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, home to rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes. Next, explore the Valleys of Avcilar, Pasabagi and Güvercinlik, where the "Fairy Chimneys" are located. End the day with a visit to a local artisan workshop.
Half-Day Classic Dubai Tour
Visit the Bastakia neighbourhood, home to old merchant houses and cafes, and learn about Dubai's history at the Dubai Museum. Take a traditional river taxi, known as an 'Abra' across Dubai Creek to the aromatic souks of Old Dubai.
What's included: Transfer, guide, museum entrance, Abra water taxi
4x4 Desert Safari Excursion
Take an exciting 4x4 excursion into the Dubai desert to enjoy an unforgettable barbecue dinner in a traditional Bedouin camp with authentic Bedouin entertainment, belly dancing (except during the month of Ramadan) and traditional music!
What's included: 4x4 transport, buffet dinner, traditional entertainment
Available Activities
Full-Day Istanbul City Tour
Begin with a visit to the Santa Sophia Basilica and Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing with a tour of the outside of the iconic Blue Mosque and the historic Hippodrome.
What's included: Guide, entrance tickets to the sites mentioned, round-trip transfers.
Half-Day Anatolian Istanbul Excursion with Lunch
Explore the Anatolian side of Istanbul including its Beylerbeyi Palace overlooking the Bosphorus Bridge, Camlica Hill and the district of Üsküdar. Lunch included.
What's included: Guide, lunch, entrance tickets to the sites mentioned, round-trip transfers
Ballooning in Cappadocia
Enjoy an exciting 40-minute hot air balloon flight and float over the Cappadocia ‘Fairy Chimneys’, including a toast and flight certificate after landing.
What's included: Transfer to take the hot air balloon included, 40 minutes hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia.
Dhow Cruise and Dinner - English
Take a traditional Dhow Cruise along Dubai Creek and enjoy spectacular views of the skyscrapers and Dubai's illuminated skyline as you enjoy dinner on board.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
- International flights: UK/Ireland - Istanbul, Istanbul - Dubai, Dubai - UK/Ireland.
- Internal flights: Istanbul - Cappadocia - Istanbul. *more information
- 13 nights hotel accommodation in Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 13 breakfasts & 3 dinners & 1 lunch.
- Some transfers included.**more information
- Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide. ***more informationSee itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Active tour with a comprehensive schedule of activities. ****more information
- Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul.
- ATOL protection.
- Guide/s during the excursions.
- 4x4 desert excursion in Dubai.
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase
Not included
Tourist Tax in Dubai *, Visas, drinks, tips, entrance fees, and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
* Tourist Tax in Dubai: 20 AED (approx. €6) per room per night (paid directly to the hotel).
Turkey: In case your flight is arriving/taking off from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International Airport, transfers are not included and you could add them for an extra cost during the booking process.
Mandatory tips of $40 per person (for Guides, drivers, porters and waiters) are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay in Turkey.
Please note that passengers arriving to Turkey from January 15th 2023 onwards must make a tourism tax payment of $5 per person at entry into the country. This payment is imposed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and is mandatory for all passengers entering their country.
Any hotel mentioned in the offer, whether the main one or an alternative, is as likely as each other to be confirmed. You will find your final hotel confirmation on your updated trip summary 7 days before departure.
* Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" or delivered to you on arrival at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservation process.
The maximum baggage weight for the Cappadocia – Istanbul flight is 15KG.
** All transfers are included during your trip, with the exception of airport transfers to/from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International Airport (1.5 hrs from Istanbul) which you may add at the next stage of the booking.
*** The order of the excursions and visits may vary, depending on the schedule of the internal flights, traffic and other logistical reasons. The planned visits will be carried out in any case.
*** This is a fast-paced itinerary that includes a comprehensive number of sights and activities in order to give you the most complete experience of Turkey! You can expect several early morning departures and a full daily schedule of activities.
Turkey: The order of the itinerary is determined based on the days you travel to Cappadocia, which are Tuesday and Friday. Therefore, the 4 nights in Istanbul are distributed accordingly.
Mandatory tips of $40 per person (for Guides, drivers, porters and waiters) are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay for during this tour. Tipping for the rest of the trip is optional, but keep in mind that tipping is an important part of Turkish culture and that it is commonplace for service providers to ask for tips. In these cases, it is up to your personal discretion whether to tip or not.
Please note that passengers arriving to Turkey from January 15th 2023 onwards must make a tourism tax payment of $5 per person at entry into the country. This payment is imposed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and is mandatory for all passengers entering their country.
Payments at destination with credit or debit cards may be subject to commission and fluctuations in currency exchange. We recommend making all payments in cash.
- Entry requirementsPassport with a minimum of 6 months validity.
- VisaNo visa is required.
- CurrencyTurkish Lira
- LanguageTurkish
- Electricity230 V 50 Hz
- HealthVaccines recommended: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/news/408/hepatitis-a-vaccine-recommendations-for-turkey-updated
- Time zoneUTC + 02:00.
- Tourist Office websitehttps://www.goturkeytourism.com/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
Children: 2 - 11 years.
Triple room: In general, triple rooms will have a double bed/ two single beds and a rollaway or sofa bed.
The extra bed in hotels are fold-out style and smaller in size than a standard single bed. Triple rooms are not bigger or more spacious only because they are occupied by 3 people.
Turkey: The order of the itinerary is determined based on the days you travel to Cappadocia, which are Tuesday and Friday. Therefore, the 4 nights in Istanbul are distributed accordingly.
Note: In case your flight is arriving/taking off from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International Airport, transfers are not included and you could add them for an extra cost during the booking process.
Payments at destination with credit or debit cards may be subject to commission and fluctuations in currency exchange. We recommend making all payments in cash.
Any hotel mentioned in the offer, whether the main one or an alternative, is as likely as each other to be confirmed. You will find your final hotel confirmation on your updated trip summary 7 days before departure.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +44 20 8068 3176 or via our contact form.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Exoticca Travel Stories
Creating unforgettable memories, one traveller at a time
We really enjoyed our Turkey trip: my first.
We were swimming in the Sea at Lara Beach, Antalya on 1st December and it was great with views all around.
