Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to the splendor that is Istanbul – home to the masterpieces of Byzantine and Ottoman art, culture, and history.  As you are driven to your hotel, enjoy views of Istanbul’s skyline along the Sea of Marmara before passing through the ancient city walls into old town. After checking in, take time to explore the neighborhood around your hotel and feel the vibrant pulse of the city. Your Turkish adventure is just beginning.

Istanbul
After enjoying a Turkish breakfast, meet with your tour guide. Today you will see the highlights of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Your first stop is the Hagia Sophia, which served as the cathedral of Constantinople for over 1,000 years.  Next, head underground to see the dramatically lit 6th century Basilica Cistern built by Emperor Justinian. Continue past the Blue Mosque to the nearby Hippodrome, which served as the center of Byzantine social life. The Hippodrome was used during Roman times for horse races, gladiator contests, and public celebrations. Step inside the Ibrahim Pasa Palace to see the extraordinary collections of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.  Following lunch at a historic Sultanahmet eatery that specializes in kofte (tasty flame-grilled meatballs), take a stroll through the less-touristy streets of Istanbul to a coffee shop to enjoy a rich Turkish coffee. Browse through the Spice Market to sample the different flavors of Turkey, from Turkish delight to varieties of olives and cheeses. Later, explore the blue tiles in the magical Rustempasa mosque, built by Sinan, architect for Suleyman the Magnificent.

Istanbul
Today’s tour begins with Topkapi Palace, from where Ottomans ruled over most of Europe and the Middle East. Admire the riches of the Treasury and the sultans’ private quarters in the Harem. Continue onto Eminonu to enjoy a fish sandwich – freshly caught and grilled and served from a boat near the shore. Walking past locals fishing off of the Galata Bridge, we proceed to Europe’s first metro which carries you to a whole new Istanbul. Climb up Galata Tower; in the 17th century, an Ottoman inspired by DaVinci ‘s drawings strapped on wings and flew over the Golden Horn to Topkapi Palace. Meet the modern face of Istanbul as you join the thousands of people on the pedestrian walkway of Istiklal Street.  Board your craft for an afternoon cruise between Europe and Asia along the Bosphorus Strait. Take advantage of the afternoon light to photograph palatial estates and Ottoman palaces along the water as you sail past the Bosphorus Bridge.  

Fly Istanbul - Cappadocia
An early morning transfer takes you from your hotel in Istanbul to meet your flight to Kayseri (Cappadocia), where you are greeted by your licensed tour guide. Your introduction to local culture begins with a drive from the airport through the farmlands of Kayseri with gorgeous views of Mount Erciyes. The lava that poured from this 12,851-foot mountain formed the spellbinding landscape of the Cappadocia Valley. Your first stop is a little known site of rock-cut churches and monasteries, in a natural setting near a typical Cappadocian village. A drive through potato fields and mesa mountains takes us to an obscure underground city to be explored by oil lamp with a local guide. Adventurous types (with appropriate footwear) can climb up through the tunnels using ancient footholds worn into the stone. Enjoy a drive on the back roads through unspoiled villages to a traditional lunch cooked in a tanduri oven. After lunch, transfer to tonight’s accommodations at one of our select hotels in Cappadocia.

• An incredible experience without the horde of tourists
• 6 Night accommodation with breakfast at a Select Room of your choice
• Exclusive Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Domestic Flights
• Air-conditioned vehicle with non-smoking private driver
• Entrance to all sites
• Guided tour at sites by licensed non-smoking private tour guide
• A la carte lunches with beverages
• Airport transfers in Istanbul and Cappadocia
• Complimentary bottled water throughout the tour
• Taxes