Istanbul & Cappadocia Uncovered

Wednesday 26th May

Today, our Turkish adventure begins.

Arriving in Istanbul, we’ll transfer to our accommodation in the heart of the city. This evening, we’ll have time to settle in, relax and get to know our fellow travellers.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Thursday 27th May

Our first full day in Istanbul takes us through centuries of history, beginning at the magnificent Hagia Sophia, renowned for being the largest cathedral in the world for almost 1,000 years. Inside, its impressive Byzantine dome and remarkable acoustics give a powerful sense of its scale. Having served as a cathedral for centuries before later becoming a mosque, its story reflects the different eras, cultures and faiths that have shaped the city, with our guide bringing its fascinating history to life.

From here, we’ll descend beneath the streets into the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, also known as the Sunken Palace. This enormous underground reservoir is supported by 336 ancient marble columns and once supplied water to the Byzantine palaces. Whilst exploring this subterranean wonder, you might encounter the famous carved Medusa heads gazing into the darkness!

The pace changes this afternoon as we enter the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Its maze of more than 60 covered streets is home to around 4,000 shops, filled with colourful carpets, silks, leather goods, jewellery and fragrant spices. With its barrel-vaulted passageways and skylights, the bazaar is a feast for the senses, from the lively sounds and enticing aromas to the cafés serving Turkish coffee and tea. With our guide helping us navigate the labyrinth, we’ll soak up the atmosphere and energy of this bustling marketplace.

This evening, we’ll come together for our first group dinner, enjoying delicious traditional Turkish cuisine.

Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Istanbul.

Friday 28th May

Today we uncover another side of Istanbul’s history as we explore two of its great Ottoman landmarks.

Our first stop is Topkapi Palace, the opulent home of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Within its sprawling complex, we’ll discover grand courtyards, lavish chambers and the former Harem, offering a fascinating glimpse into life at the heart of the Ottoman Empire. The palace also houses an extraordinary collection of Islamic relics and Ottoman treasures, including the famous 86-carat Spoonmaker Diamond and Emerald Dagger.

We then visit the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most recognisable buildings and the last great mosque of the classical Ottoman period. Its vast interior is adorned with more than 20,000 handcrafted Iznik tiles in beautiful shades of blue, while its cascading domes and soaring minarets have made it an enduring symbol of the city.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Continue exploring the city, pause for Turkish coffee in a traditional café, or perhaps experience a traditional Turkish hammam, where you can relax and be pampered using bathing rituals that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Istanbul.

Saturday 29th May

This morning starts at a leisurely pace before we head to the Spice Bazaar, where covered passageways are filled with the aromas of fragrant spices and herbal teas. Stalls offer an enticing array of dried fruits, nuts, Turkish delight, baklava and other local specialities, creating a feast of flavours and scents.

From here, we’ll board our private boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia. As we travel between the two continents, we’ll pass grand waterfront palaces, elegant mansions, mosques and historic fortresses, with neighbourhoods and fishing communities lining both shores. It’s a wonderful way to experience Istanbul from a completely different perspective.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Istanbul.

Sunday 30th May

Leaving Istanbul behind, we’ll fly to Kayseri and continue by road into the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia. Our first stop is Çavuşin, one of the region’s oldest settlements. With our local guide, we’ll wander through streets lined with stone and cave houses, visit the ancient Church of St John the Baptist and hear how local communities lived here for centuries. We’ll also join a local artisan for a tactile pottery experience, learning how Cappadocian clay has been shaped using traditional techniques for generations.

Later, we’ll explore Ortahisar, a historic village built around a towering natural rock castle. As we walk through its narrow streets and old town, we’ll discover how the castle and surrounding cave dwellings were once used as homes and places of protection. From here, we’ll make our way to the Red Valley for a gentle walk through its striking red and pink volcanic landscape. Along the way, our guide will reveal more about the valley’s geology, hidden cave churches and unusual rock formations. As daylight begins to soften, we’ll experience the sunset together over this remarkable landscape. A perfect end to our first day in Cappadocia.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Monday 31st May

Tuesday 1st June

Wednesday 2nd June

After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to Cappadocia and transfer to Kayseri Airport for our journey home, via Istanbul.

Breakfast included.

Visa Information: British citizens travelling on a full British citizen passport can visit Turkey visa-free for tourism or business for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you hold a passport from outside of the UK, check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements before travelling.

Passport Validity: You must have a passport with an expiry date at least 150 days after the date of arrival in Turkey. The passport must also have at least one blank page.