3-Day Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour Included Balloon Ride Camel Ride

Day 1: Semi-Private Tour to Old City (Sultanahmet District) of Istanbul / Flight to Cappadocia / Overnight at Cappadocia

1. Sultanahmet District
   10m
   We will pick you up from your hotel and embark on a small-group (up to 10 participants) walking tour exploring the highlights of Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul. Today’s tour includes visits to Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
2. German Fountain
   15m
   The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.
3. Hippodrome
   20m
   The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.
4. Blue Mosque
   Pass by
   The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its elegant six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. You’ll admire the mosque from the outside and learn about its history and architectural significance from your guide.
5. Sultanahmet Square
   10m
   After a short walk through Sultanahmet Square, you’ll continue to Hagia Sophia, the next stop on your tour.
6. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.
7. Basilica Cistern
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa head. The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, features stunning columns and a mysterious ambiance, reflecting the city's rich history and architectural brilliance. The cistern was known in Byzantium as thebasilica Cistern, Justinian was the founder of the largest underground cistern, built after the Nika Revolt in 532. A must-visit marvel.
8. TopkapI Palace
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Topkapi Palace Museum / Topkapı Sarayı More than just an Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans, it was the seat of the Supreme Executive and Judiciary Council for almost 400 years long. Topkapi Palace is a great monument of Oriental architecture which resembles the power of the Ottoman Empire.
9. Grand Bazaar
   1h
   Grand Bazaar / Kapalı Çarşı One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops with colorful products of ceramic, leather, rugs, carpets, handicrafts, clothes, silver, and gold.
10. Istanbul
    1h
    At the end of the tour, we will transfrer you to airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
11. Cappadocia
    1h
    Upon your arrival at Cappadocia Airport, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals terminal exit, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia, which is approximately an hour’s drive away. This tour offer you three different hotel options. These hotels are Yunak Evleri Hotel (De Luxe Category), Zeydem Suites Cave Hotel (Special Boutique Category), Misty Cave Hotel (Standard Category). You have right to select your desired hotel category from a range of available choices.

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Ride (Included) / Camel Ride (Included) / Overnight at Cappadocia

1. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Hot Air Balloon Ride (Included • Fixed Price Guarantee • No Last-Minute Price Increases) : Embark on an unforgettable hot air balloon adventure and experience Cappadocia's world-famous landscapes from a truly breathtaking perspective. We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the balloon site where you will have the opportunity to watch the balloon being prepared for your flight. The flight will be at sunrise time, where your pilot will climb to a comfortable altitude of about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. It is from this elevation that you will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below you. During certain segments of the flight our pilots are also capable of flying as low as 1 meter above the rock formations which will allow you perfect photo taking opportunities. Duration of total activity is approx 3 hours, and total duration of flight is approx 60 minutes. There will be a champagne celebration at end of the ride.
2. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Camel Ride / Afternoon (Included) : Join your guides during the safety briefing. Get to know your new camel friends and start the safari journey. Admire the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia as you ride into the Red and Rose Valleys. Afterwards, we will drop back you to your hotel. Standard Route of Safari : Red and Rose Valleys, Zindanonu Valley, Meskenler Valley. ** The route could be replaced to different routes if weather does not suitable on your experience date.

Day 3: Semi-Private Cappadocia Tour / Flight Back to Istanbul (Included Flight Tickets)

1. The Three Beauties (Uc Guzeller)
   15m
   Your expert local guide will meet you at your hotel reception before you set off on a carefully crafted journey through the wonders of Cappadocia. Designed through years of experience and guest feedback, this itinerary offers an immersive introduction to the region's rich history, culture, geology, and breathtaking landscapes. Admire Cappadocia's iconic trio of fairy chimneys, a natural landmark famous for its unique rock formations, stunning views, and the legends that surround it.
2. Goreme National Park
   Pass by
   Leaving the iconic Three Beauties behind, continue to Göreme National Park, where Cappadocia's world-famous valleys, fairy chimneys, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes await. Within this UNESCO-listed landscape, explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the historic Tokalı Church, renowned for their exceptional rock-cut architecture and beautifully preserved Byzantine frescoes.
3. Goreme Open Air Museum
   1h 15m · Admission ticket included
   The Göreme Open Air Museum is recognized as one of the earliest monasteries in Christian history. This rock-hewn settlement, where education was provided to spread Christianity, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, renowned for its fresco-covered churches and rock-hewn living spaces.
4. TokalI Church
   20m · Admission ticket included
   The Tokalı Church (Buckle Church) in the Göreme Open Air Museum is considered one of the most beautiful of the Cappadocian cave churches. Its interior boasts some of the most outstanding frescoes, notable for their theological and artistic significance. The church is part of a larger complex that includes four churches and a hermitage, all dating back to the 9th century. Once the most famous church in the region, it remains one of the most impressive churches in the area today.
5. 40m
   Ortahisar Castle, also known as the most spectacular fairy chimney of Cappadocia, is located in Ortahisar town of Nevşehir. Said to be one of the first multi-storey settlements in the world, this castle is surrounded by steep valleys on three sides. Its geography enabled the castle to be used for protection and shelter in ancient times. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns.) After a panoramic visit to this amazing rock castle, you will continue for Weaving is a significant aspect of Turkish culture, with roots that trace back to Central Asia. This ancient tradition is still alive in Cappadocia today. During our tour, we’ll take a brief visit to a cooperative where world-renowned Turkish carpets are crafted, offering you the chance to learn about the intricate details of this age-old art form.
6. Avanos Oren Yeri
   1h
   Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Avanos, where you'll have the opportunity to try "Testi Kebab," a traditional kebab unique to the Cappadocia region. (Vegetarian options are also available at the same restaurant.) Avanos is well-known for its charming old town with cobblestone streets and scenic river views. Formerly known as Venessa, the ancient city of Avanos overlooks the Kızılırmak (Red River), the longest river in Turkey, which separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. A notable historical feature of Avanos, still prominent today, is its earthenware pottery production, which remains a key economic activity in the town. The ceramic industry in this area, with its numerous pottery workshops, dates back to the Hittites, and the clay sourced from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has been used for centuries. You will have a short stop for get this experience during your tour.
7. Uchisar Castle
   20m
   Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area with beautiful views of the surrounding valley full of bizarre rock formations. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns. Instead, you will have a stop for a panoramic view of the rock castle.)
8. Devrent Valley
   20m
   This valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is home to numerous rock formations shaped like animals, predominantly in shades of red. One of the most common shapes found here is that of a camel.
9. Fairy Chimneys
   Pass by
   Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most obvious places to visit where these landforms are best seen and the common life of humankind and nature. On this tour, you will have seen many examples of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia.
10. 1h
    At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Cappadocia airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
11. 1h
    Upon your arrival at the airport in Istanbul, your driver will be waiting to meet you and transfer you to your hotel. *** The departure time for your return flight is between 8:00pm and 9:30pm, which means your flight will land in Istanbul approximately between 9:30pm and 10:45pm. This timing is ideal, allowing you to comfortably catch your return flight to Istanbul after your full-day guided tour of Cappadocia today.

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• To book your domestic flights, the supplier may kindly ask you to provide your passport details. Sharing this information will help ensure that your flight reservations can be arranged without any issues.
• Your domestic flight e-tickets will be emailed to you by the supplier three days before your departure. There is no need to print your tickets, as both the airline and the supplier accept digital copies.
• Each traveler is entitled to 15 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg of carry-on baggage on all domestic flights. If you expect to exceed the checked baggage allowance, please inform the supplier before your trip. Additional fees may apply for excess baggage.
• If you request any changes to your domestic flight(s) after the tickets have been issued, the supplier may ask you to cover the cost of the new flight ticket(s). Please note that once issued, domestic flight tickets are non-refundable and cannot be modified.
• ✔️ MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE FOR HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: All hot air balloon flights are subject to weather conditions and Civil Aviation Authority safety regulations. In the event that your balloon flight is canceled because of unfavorable weather, the supplier will provide a full refund for the balloon ride. Refunds are usually processed within the next day, ensuring a simple, transparent, and worry-free experience.
• ✔️ FIXED PRICE GUARANTEE FOR HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: Hot air balloon prices are dynamic and may change daily based on demand and weather-related cancellations. During periods of high demand, especially after weather cancellations, prices can increase by 30–40% and, in some cases, by as much as 70–80%. By booking today, you lock in your current price. Once your reservation is confirmed, your balloon ride price is guaranteed and will not increase, even if rates go up later. BOOK NOW WITH OUR FIXED PRICE GUARANTEE AND SAVE MONEY!
• ✔️ SEMI-PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS: The guided day tour(s) included in this package are operated with a maximum of 10 guests, offering a more exclusive alternative to standard group tours. With smaller groups, you'll enjoy a more personalized experience, greater comfort, and better opportunities to explore Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes and fascinating historical and cultural heritage.
• Accommodation is based on double or triple room occupancy. Room arrangements depend on the number of travelers: 2 guests will be accommodated in a double room, while 3 guests will stay in a triple room. For groups of 4 or more, accommodations will be arranged in a suitable combination of double and/or triple rooms. Solo travelers will be provided with a single room at no additional cost. A single room supplement may apply if travelers in a group of two or more request separate single rooms.
• Your hotel accommodation (Misty Cave Hotel, Zeydem Suites, or Yunak Evleri) is based on the package option selected during booking. Please select your preferred option carefully. If your chosen hotel is unavailable on your travel dates, the supplier reserves the right to substitute it with another hotel of comparable quality and standard.
• The Hot Air Balloon Ride will be operated in the Standard Category. This category offers an approximate flight duration of one hour, using baskets with a capacity of 20 to 28 passengers. The actual flight time may vary between 50–55 minutes or 65–70 minutes, depending on weather conditions prior to landing. Flight duration decisions are made by the pilot in accordance with the safety regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority. The total duration of the activity is approximately 3 hours.
• If you choose not to use any included service or decide not to participate in scheduled activities, guided tours, hot air balloon rides, airport transfers, or other included services, it will be regarded as a last-minute cancellation. Unfortunately, no refund can be issued for any unused services.
• As Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, it will be replaced by a visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum on these days.
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced by a visit to the Spice Market on these days
• The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are closed during the Eid holidays on March 09–11 and May 16–19, 2027.
• The guests aged 17 and under are not allowed to participate in the Camel ride due to safety measures.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.