Emirate City & Treasures of Anatolia

Breakfast at the hotel*. It's time to discover the immense history and incredible landscapes of Turkey! Transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Istanbul. 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.

*You will have the option to add late check-out in Dubai in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, head to the grandiose Suleymaniye Mosque, located on the third hill of Istanbul, boasting one of the most incredible panoramic views of the city. The mosque was designed by the imperial architect of great importance, Mimar Sinan, commissioned by ruler Suleiman the Magnificent, and built circa 1550.

After the visit, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore Istanbul at your own pace. Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, vibrant city life and eclectic architecture. To fully immerse yourself in the local culture and to ensure you discover the ins and outs of this intricate city, we recommend an optional full-day city tour of Istanbul* and/or a dinner show at the bosphorus!** 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!

** Optional Dinner Show on the Bosphorus: A great way to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner on a cruise that sails down the Bosphorus at night. See the illuminated suspension bridges of Istanbul as they twinkle in the evening light. Enjoy exciting dance shows (belly dance and dervish), Turkish music, a delicious dinner and two drinks per person.

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. Begin your journey to Cappadocia, famed for its unique geological formations, passing by the spectacular Salt Lake along the way. Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to start enjoying the landscapes of this magical region, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. If you want to contemplate an unforgettable sunset, we recommend our Optional Safari and Sunset tour* through the valleys of the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia. 

*Optional Jeep Safari and Sunset in Cappadocia: Immerse yourself in the Cappadocia landscape and enjoy a magical and exciting sunset as you tour through the deep valleys and extraordinary geography in a 4X4 jeep. 

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.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you see fit. Alternatively, take part in our optional visit to Kaimakli, the subway city** or an authentic Turkish night in Cappadocia***. 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 40 minutes 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.

** Optional Visit to Kaimakli, the Underground City: Visit the incredible Kaymakli, a maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth 20 km from the city of Nevsehir. Believed to have been built in the Hittite period, the widest of the underground cities in the region.

*** Optional Turkish Night in Cappadocia: A fun evening filled with typical dances from the different regions in Turkey, including the famous belly dance. Enjoy this colorful event and the party atmosphere as you take in the traditions of the area! Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) during the show.

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. Overnight stay in Istanbul. 

* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.