Istanbul - Cappadocia - Mesopotamia

Tour Description
Included/Excluded
Tour Plan
Reviews

This journey is more than just an itinerary; it is an immersion into the very essence of Turkey—from the imperial splendor of Istanbul to the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia and the ancient mysticism of Mesopotamia.

You will witness majestic cathedrals and mosques, soar in a hot air balloon over “lunar” valleys, touch the ruins of cities over 10,000 years old, and savor the authentic flavors of Eastern gastronomy.

Included/Excluded

  • Licensed Russian-speaking guide services for 10 days
  • Lunches during the 10 days of excursions (+ 1 soft drink + tea)
  • Hotel breakfasts included
  • Full transportation throughout the tour, including hotel transfers
  • 12 nights of accommodation in 3-4* hotels
  • Entrance tickets to all museums and historical sites
  • Flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Dinners
  • Hot air balloon flight

Tour Plan

Day 1 — Welcome to Istanbul Arrival in Istanbul & Airport Meet-and-Greet
  • Transfer & Hotel Check-in: After settling into your hotel, the day is yours to rest.
  • Leisure Time: Take a stroll through the neighborhood and soak in the atmosphere of the world’s only metropolis spanning two continents.
  • Optional: A welcome dinner at a panoramic restaurant with a view of the Bosphorus is the perfect way to begin your journey.
Day 2 — The Majesty of Byzantium and the Ottomans Walking tour of Sultanahmet — the heart of Old Istanbul.
  • Schedule: Tour starts between 9:30–10:00 AM. Lunch will be arranged during the tour.
  • Hagia Sophia: A 6th-century Byzantine masterpiece, an architectural marvel and symbol of the transition from Christianity to Islam.
  • German Fountain: A neo-Byzantine style gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II, commemorating the alliances of the early 20th century.
  • Sultanahmet Square: The site of the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople.
  • Basilica Cistern: A mystical underground reservoir featuring 336 columns and the famous Medusa heads.
  • Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops.
  • Topkapi Palace: The primary residence of Ottoman Sultans for 400 years, filled with secrets, treasures, and history.
  • Optional Evening: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise – Enjoy dinner, a “Turkish Night” show with belly dancing, and live music with views of illuminated palaces and bridges.
Day 3 — The City on Two Continents "Heart of Istanbul" Tour — Exploring the European side beyond the Old City.
  • Schedule: Tour starts between 9:30–10:00 AM. Lunch will be arranged during the tour.
  • Taksim Square: The center of modern secular Istanbul and the gateway to Istiklal Avenue.
  • Taksim Mosque: A feat of modern architecture surrounded by deep history.
  • Istiklal Avenue: A famous pedestrian boulevard lined with boutiques, historic cafes, and street musicians.
  • Galata Tower: A medieval Genoese stone tower offering a 360-degree observation deck.
  • Galata Bridge: A symbolic link connecting the two shores of the Golden Horn.
  • Dolmabahçe Palace: A lavish 19th-century residence of the late Sultans, featuring Baroque and Rococo styles on the Bosphorus shore.
Day 4 — Flight to Cappadocia A New World: Between Rocks and Clouds
  • Morning Flight: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Nevşehir or Kayseri (Flight time confirmed upon booking).
  • Transfer & Hotel Check-in: Settle into your boutique or cave hotel.
  • Free Time: Depending on arrival time and weather, additional local walks or minor excursions can be arranged.
Day 5 — Hot Air Balloons & Northern Cappadocia Balloons, valleys, monasteries, and ancient open-air cities.

Optional: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon flight over the lunar-like landscapes.

10:00 AM — Day Tour Begins:

  • Love Valley: Famous for its unique and whimsical rock formations.
  • Pasabag (Monks Valley): A place of retreat for early Christian monks and hermits.
  • Zelve Open Air Museum: A vast ancient cave monastery complex.
  • Avanos: A town of master potters on the banks of the Red River (Kızılırmak).
  • Devrent (Imagination) Valley: Rock formations that resemble animal silhouettes and mythical figures.
  • Leather Center: A high-end leather goods center featuring a mini-fashion show.
  • Uchisar Castle: The highest point in Cappadocia, offering stunning panoramic views.
Day 6 — Underground Cities and Canyons Subterranean depths, valley treks, and village gastronomy.
  • Schedule: Departure at 10:00 AM. Lunch will be arranged during the tour.
  • Underground City: Explore one of the massive subterranean complexes where early Christians sought refuge (selection depends on tourist density).
  • Soganli Canyon: A tranquil region featuring un-restored ancient rock-cut churches.
  • Rock-cut Refectory: A unique architectural dining hall used by ancient Christian communities.
  • Lunch in an Apple Orchard: Enjoy authentic village cuisine in a secluded setting.
  • Sobesos: An archaeological site featuring Roman-era mosaics and baths.
  • Stone Workshop: Discover local onyx, tourmaline, and sultanite craftsmanship.
  • Ortahisar Panorama: A breathtaking view of the medieval fortress and traditional settlement.
  • Experience: Traditional Turkish coffee brewed on coals or local pistachio coffee.
Day 7 — Cappadocia’s Last Gems & Drive to Gaziantep Rose Valley, rock-cut temples, and the road to the Gastronomy Capital.
  • Schedule: Breakfast and hotel check-out. Departure time managed by your guide.
  • Ürgüp: The historical site where St. John the Russian lived.
  • Rose Valley: A scenic hike through rock trails and ancient cave churches.
  • Pigeon Valley: A viewpoint overlooking the valley famous for its ancient pigeon houses.
  • Gülşehir: Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist with its remarkably preserved frescoes.
  • Journey: Drive to Gaziantep (~7 hours). Evening check-in and overnight stay.
Day 8 — Mosaics and Mount Nemrut Antiquities, oriental bazaars, and a sunset at the peak of history.
  • Zeugma Mosaic Museum: Home to one of the world’s richest collections of Roman-era mosaics.
  • Gaziantep Fortress: A historic citadel situated on a hill in the city center.
  • Bedesten Bazaar: An ancient market filled with traditional crafts and local delicacies.
  • Cendere Bridge: A Roman engineering marvel still standing today.
  • Karakus Tumulus: The royal burial site for the women of the Commagene dynasty.
  • Sunset at Mount Nemrut: Ascent to the summit to see the giant statues and the mausoleum of King Antiochus I.
  • Overnight: Check-in and stay in Adıyaman.
Day 9 — The Euphrates, Halfeti, and Sanliurfa Cruises, submerged villages, biblical history, and Eastern magic.
  • Euphrates River Cruise: A scenic boat trip to see the sunken village of Halfeti and the Rumkale fortress from the water.
  • Harran: A 4,000-year-old city famous for its unique biblical “beehive” houses.
  • Cave of Abraham: The sacred site believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.
  • Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish): A site of religious pilgrimage associated with the story of Abraham.
  • Optional Evening: “Sira Night” dinner and show in the historic quarter. Overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 10 — Göbekli Tepe and Diyarbakir The world's oldest temple and the basalt city on the Tigris.
  • Göbekli Tepe: Visit the oldest temple complex in human history (12,000 years old).
  • St. Petyun Chaldean Church: A significant sanctuary of the Chaldean Christian community.
  • Diyarbakir Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): One of the oldest mosques in Anatolia.
  • Ten-Eyed Bridge: A historic bridge across the Tigris River from the Artuqid era.
  • Overnight: Check-in and stay in Diyarbakir.
Day 11 — Zerzevan and Midyat Garrison fortresses, Mithras cults, Telkari silver, and 4th-century monasteries.
  • Zerzevan Castle: A strategic Byzantine military garrison and border fort.
  • Temple of Mithras: An underground sanctuary for the mysterious Roman cult.
  • Midyat Guest House: A stunning example of traditional Mesopotamian stone architecture.
  • Telkari Workshop: Witness the delicate art of Mesopotamian silver filigree.
  • Mor Gabriel Monastery: The oldest surviving Syriac Orthodox monastery in the world (est. 397 AD).
  • Overnight: Stay in Midyat.
Day 12 — Dara and Ancient Mardin Roman ruins, spiritual retreats, and the golden heart of Mesopotamia.
  • Dara Ancient City: A Roman-era city featuring massive necropolises, cisterns, and aqueducts.
  • Deyrulzafaran Monastery: A 6th-century monastery that served as the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate.
  • Church of the Forty Martyrs (Mor Behnam): A 4th-century church with priceless historic icons and frescoes.
  • Mardin Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): The 12th-century spiritual center of the city.
  • Zinciriye & Kasimiye Madrasahs: Islamic schools showcasing the height of medieval stone masonry.
  • Overnight: Stay in Mardin.
Day 13 — Departure Farewells, transfers, and memories that last a lifetime.
  • Final Breakfast: Enjoy your last morning in Mesopotamia.
  • Transfer: Private transfer to Mardin Airport for your flight home.

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