This 8-day Turkish vacation showcases the two most romantic sites in the country: Istanbul and Cappadocia. It features deluxe accommodations and private tours.
Your journey begins in Istanbul, the Turkish capital and the only national centre to straddle two continents. The city was known as Constantinople during antiquity and has long been one of the world’s greatest centres of art and culture. A classic tour of the city will take you to some of its many highlights from throughout the ages. Start at Hippodrome Square to see where chariots used to race for massive crowds during Byzantine times. Continue to the religious and cultural monuments of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, before closing out your tour at the Grand Bazaar, where you can barter for all manner of goods in one of the world’s great open-air marketplaces. The next day, see the city from the waters of the Bosphorus, which divides the continents of Asia and Europe. You’ll visit the Spice Market and close at the Bosphorus Bridge, built in 1973 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the republic.
Fly to Cappadocia, the fairy tale region of rock chimneys and caves that resembles the surface of the moon. A tour through the region will showcase its magical landscape. Start at Uchisar Rock-Castle, a fortification at the highest point in the region which offers excellent views over the valley. Continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum to see the steep cliffs and rock-carved churches dating to the 9th century. Swing by Pasabag, known as the Valley of the Monks due to the small rock homes where monks would study and live, and admire the fairy chimneys and rocks that define the region. The next day is at leisure to enjoy the magical landscape. If you want an experience you’ll never forget, book a hot air balloon ride over the valley and enjoy the views of the rocks from high above.
Fly back to Istanbul for one more night in the capital before heading to the airport the following day and returning home.
