The route begins where two continents meet. You walk through the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, then visit Rustem Pasa Mosque and the Spice Bazaar before a Bosphorus boat trip.
Tour Overview
Istanbul & Cappadocia, Unhurried
The 6 days Istanbul and Cappadocia tour is a complete Turkey tour package for travellers who want the two most famous destinations in the country in one well-paced journey. Over six days and five nights you combine Istanbul, the former capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, with Cappadocia, the volcanic landscape of fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches and underground cities. It is one of the most popular ways to see Turkey in a week, and the route is built so that you spend your time exploring rather than travelling.
In Istanbul you visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Roman Hippodrome, shop in the Grand Bazaar, admire the Iznik tiles of Rustem Pasa Mosque, smell the Spice Bazaar and take a scenic Bosphorus boat trip between Europe and Asia. A short domestic flight then carries you to Cappadocia, where two full days take you through Devrent Valley, Pasabag, Avanos, the Goreme Open-Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Red Valley, Cavusin Village, Pigeon Valley and the Ozkonak Underground City.
By choosing only two regions instead of three or four, each one gets two full days: a noticeably more relaxed pace than our multi-region Turkey tours, ideal for travelers who would rather go deep on fewer places than skim the surface of many. You can join a small group tour or arrange a private tour exclusively for your party, and the programme can be customized to your dates, interests and budget.
Accommodation is your choice of selected 3, 4 or 5-star hotels, boutique hotels or a Cappadocia cave hotel, with breakfast included. The package includes two domestic flights, airport transfers, all entrance fees, lunches as listed, air-conditioned transport and licensed English-speaking guides. An early-morning Cappadocia hot air balloon ride and an Istanbul Dinner Cruise can be added as optional extras. Whether you are planning a first trip to Turkey, a honeymoon or a cultural break with family or friends, this 6-day itinerary gives you the best of Istanbul and Cappadocia at a fair, all-inclusive price.
Your choice of hotel. Stay in selected 3, 4 or 5-star hotels, boutique hotels, or cave hotels, breakfast included. Join a small group or arrange a private tour exclusively for your party.
Why this route works
Istanbul gives you Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks within a few kilometres of each other, plus the water of the Bosphorus. Cappadocia then gives you an entirely different planet: valleys of fairy chimneys, cave churches and cities dug underground.
A short domestic flight connects the two, so you spend your time exploring rather than on the road.
Why choose this tour
- Two full days in each region, unhurried
- Bosphorus boat trip included
- Optional Cappadocia balloon flight
- 2 domestic flights included
- Licensed English-speaking guides throughout
- On sale from $1,195 per person
Duration
6 Days
5 nights
Style
Private or Small Group
your choice
Flights
2 Domestic
included
Price
from $1,195
per person, on sale
Your route
Two Regions, One Seamless Journey
Your route links Istanbul and Cappadocia with a domestic flight, giving each region genuine time rather than a rushed overnight stop.
Istanbul · 2 nights
Flight · Day 3
Cappadocia · 3 nights
After your Istanbul morning, a transfer takes you to the airport for the short flight to Cappadocia. Two domestic flight tickets per person are included in the tour price.
A North Tour and a South Tour take you through fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, hidden valleys and the Ozkonak Underground City, with an optional sunrise balloon flight to crown the stay.
6-Day Istanbul & Cappadocia Itinerary at a Glance
If you are planning a 6-day Turkey itinerary, this Istanbul and Cappadocia tour is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a week in the country. The order of the stops matters as much as the sights themselves. You begin in Istanbul with two nights, so that any jet lag fades while you see the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. On the third day the Rustem Pasa Mosque, the Spice Bazaar and a Bosphorus boat trip add Iznik tiles, spices and the water of the strait to your Istanbul experience.
Day 3: fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia
After the Bosphorus you transfer to the airport and take a domestic flight to Cappadocia. The landscape changes completely: instead of domes and minarets you find fairy chimneys, honey-coloured valleys and hotels carved into the rock. This is the ideal moment to book an optional hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia for the following sunrise.
Days 4 and 5: North and South Cappadocia
The North Cappadocia tour visits Devrent Valley, Pasabag (Monk's Valley), the pottery town of Avanos, the Goreme Open-Air Museum and Uchisar Castle. The South Cappadocia tour adds a 5 km hike through the Gulludere Valley and Red Valley, Cavusin Village, Pigeon Valley and, in the afternoon, the Ozkonak Underground City. Together the two days show the best of Cappadocia's geology, Byzantine history and local life.
Day 6: departure
After breakfast a transfer takes you to the airport for your flight home. Because the tour uses only two regions, every day has a clear theme and you never feel rushed. The programme can be run as a private Istanbul and Cappadocia tour or as a small group departure, and hotels range from 3-star to 5-star, boutique and cave hotels. Below you will find every day with its full list of places to visit.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Six days, two regions and two domestic flights. Tap any day to see what you will visit, where you sleep and what is included. Timings may be adjusted for traffic, weather and opening hours.
1
Welcome to Istanbul! A friendly driver greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel.
Private airport transfer
Your driver meets you on arrival and takes you straight to your hotel, so you can settle in and rest before the sightseeing begins.
Optional Dinner Cruise
Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to join our optional Dinner Cruise tour on the Bosphorus.
A light first day, so you start the tour rested.
Airport transfer Dinner Cruise is optional
2
After breakfast, a comprehensive guided walking tour of the unique city straddling two continents.
Places you will visit today
Topkapi Palace Hagia Sophia Blue Mosque Hippodrome Grand Bazaar
Topkapi Palace
The grandeur of the historic Ottoman residence of the sultans.
Hagia Sophia
One of the world's most significant structures. Interior access is not included.
Blue Mosque
The Sultanahmet landmark, famous for its six minarets and tiled interior.
Hippodrome
The historic site of ancient chariot races.
Grand Bazaar
One of the world's largest and oldest covered markets.
A full walking day through the heart of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul.
Licensed guide & entrances Hagia Sophia interior not included
3
A morning of Istanbul's hidden gems, then an afternoon flight into the fairy-chimney landscapes of Cappadocia.
Places you will visit today
Rustem Pasa Mosque Spice Bazaar Bosphorus Boat Trip Beylerbeyi Palace (from the boat)
Rustem Pasa Mosque
A 16th-century gem in Eminonu, known for its stunning Iznik tilework and designed by the architect Mimar Sinan.
Spice Bazaar
One of Istanbul's oldest markets, open on Sundays.
Bosphorus boat trip
Cruise between Europe and Asia past landmarks like Beylerbeyi Palace and charming waterfront villas.
Beylerbeyi Palace
On the Asian shore, this 19th-century Ottoman palace is passed during the Bosphorus boat trip and is best photographed from the water.
Flight to Cappadocia
After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
Water, markets and a flight: the perfect bridge between your two destinations.
Domestic flight included Bosphorus boat trip
4
Experience the otherworldly beauty of Cappadocia. You can enhance your day with an optional early-morning hot air balloon ride; ask your tour advisor for pricing and booking details.
Places you will visit today
Devrent Valley Pasabag (Monk's Valley) Avanos Goreme Open-Air Museum Uchisar Castle
Devrent Valley
Surreal fairy chimneys sculpted by wind and water.
Pasabag (Monk's Valley)
Mushroom-shaped rock formations.
Avanos
A town known for its pottery and riverside views.
Goreme Open-Air Museum
Ancient rock-cut churches.
Uchisar Castle
A natural fortress with panoramic views to close the day.
Sunset over the valleys from Uchisar is the perfect ending.
Guided North Cappadocia tour Balloon flight is optional
5
A full day exploring the southern valleys and one of Cappadocia's underground cities.
Places you will visit today
Red Valley Gulludere Valley Hike Cavusin Village Pigeon Valley Ozkonak Underground City
Red Valley
Rock-cut churches, with a 5 km hike through the scenic Gulludere Valley.
Gulludere Valley hike
A scenic 5 km walk through the valley, linking Red Valley with the rest of the day's stops.
Cavusin Village
Once home to Christian clergy.
Pigeon Valley
Famous for its cliff-carved pigeon houses.
Ozkonak Underground City
In the afternoon, a historic refuge for early Christians hidden beneath the surface.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the valley hike.
Lunch included Guide & transport
6
Following breakfast, the tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Airport transfer
A comfortable transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Thank you for travelling with The History Travel. We hope to welcome you back.
Topic Highlights
What You'll See
Rustem Pasa Mosque & Spice Bazaar
A 16th-century Mimar Sinan gem with Iznik tiles, beside one of Istanbul's oldest markets.
Bosphorus Boat Trip
Cruise between Europe and Asia, past Beylerbeyi Palace and waterfront villas.
Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia
The Ottoman sultans' residence and one of the world's most significant structures.
Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys
Devrent Valley, Pasabag and the Goreme Open-Air Museum.
Ozkonak Underground City
A historic refuge for early Christians, hidden beneath the surface.
Uchisar Castle
A natural rock fortress with panoramic views of the region.
Best for:
First-time visitors History lovers Couples Photographers Private travellers Small groups
Destination Guides
Two Regions, Eighteen Places, One Journey
Read ahead about every place on the route: what it is, why it earns its stop and when you will see it. Nine places in Istanbul and nine in Cappadocia cover the full programme of your 6 days.
Days 1–3 · Istanbul
Istanbul: The City That Ruled Three Empires
Istanbul was the capital of Rome, Byzantium and the Ottomans, and it still behaves like a capital: loud, layered and impossible to rush. Two nights give you time to walk the Hippodrome where chariots raced, stand beneath Justinian's dome and cross the courtyards of Topkapi Palace.
Then the city softens: bazaars to browse, Iznik tiles to admire and a Bosphorus cruise that slides past palaces and waterfront villas.
- 2 nights
- Guided walking day
- Bosphorus boat trip
2 NightsRoman · Byzantine · Ottoman
Day 2
Topkapi Palace
For some four centuries Topkapi was the home and seat of government of the Ottoman sultans. Its courtyards, pavilions, Harem and treasury overlook the point where the Bosphorus meets the Golden Horn.
Why it matters: the best single place to understand Ottoman court life.
Day 2
Hagia Sophia
Built in the sixth century under Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia has a vast dome that astonished the medieval world and has served as church, mosque and museum. Interior access is not included in the tour.
Why it matters: one of the world's most significant buildings.
Day 2
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, completed in 1616, is known for its six minarets, cascading domes and thousands of blue Iznik tiles that give it its popular name.
Why it matters: the defining silhouette of Istanbul's Old City.
Day 2
Hippodrome
The Roman and Byzantine racecourse of Constantinople once held tens of thousands of spectators at chariot races. Today an Egyptian obelisk and the Serpent Column still stand along its line.
Why it matters: it shows the Roman layer beneath Ottoman Istanbul.
Day 2
Grand Bazaar
One of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, with more than sixty streets of jewellery, ceramics, carpets, lamps and textiles under painted vaults.
Why it matters: living commerce that has barely changed in centuries.
Day 3
Rustem Pasa Mosque
A small 16th-century mosque in Eminonu designed by the architect Mimar Sinan, covered inside with some of the finest Iznik tilework in the city.
Why it matters: a quiet jewel away from the crowds.
Day 3
Spice Bazaar
One of Istanbul's oldest markets, filled with spices, dried fruit, nuts, teas and Turkish delight in an L-shaped stone hall.
Why it matters: the best place to taste and buy local flavours.
Day 3
Bosphorus Boat Trip
A cruise on the strait that separates Europe from Asia, passing palaces, fortresses, wooden waterfront villas and two great suspension bridges.
Why it matters: Istanbul seen from the water, with both continents in view.
Day 3
Beylerbeyi Palace
A 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, passed during the boat trip, with a white marble facade right on the water.
Why it matters: a picture-perfect view of imperial summer life.
Days 3–6 · Cappadocia
Cappadocia: Fairy Chimneys and Hidden Valleys
Cappadocia is a landscape shaped by ancient volcanoes and carved by people. Erosion sculpted fairy chimneys and honey-coloured valleys, and early Christians dug churches, monasteries and whole cities into the soft rock.
Your North and South tours cover the headline sights and the quieter corners, and an optional sunrise balloon flight shows it all from above.
- 3 nights
- Optional balloon flight
- Cave hotels available
3 NightsValleys · Churches · Underground city
Day 4
Devrent Valley
Also called Imagination Valley, it is filled with fairy chimneys that visitors read as camels, seals and other shapes shaped by wind and rain.
Why it matters: the classic Cappadocia landscape in one valley.
Day 4
Pasabag (Monk's Valley)
Famous for its mushroom-shaped, multi-headed fairy chimneys, where early Christian hermits carved their dwellings into the rock.
Why it matters: the most photographed rock formations in the region.
Day 4
Avanos
A town on the Kizilirmak river with a pottery tradition that goes back centuries. Workshops show how clay from the riverbed becomes ceramics.
Why it matters: a living craft, and a break from rock and valley.
Day 4
Goreme Open-Air Museum
A monastic complex of rock-cut churches and chapels decorated with Byzantine frescoes, and part of the UNESCO-listed Goreme National Park.
Why it matters: the heart of Cappadocia's Christian heritage.
Day 4
Uchisar Castle
A giant natural rock fortress riddled with rooms and tunnels that rises above the surrounding landscape and gives panoramic views of the region.
Why it matters: the best viewpoint to close the day.
Day 5
Red Valley
A valley of rose-coloured rock that glows at sunset, with cave churches and a 5 km hike through the Gulludere Valley.
Why it matters: the most scenic walk of the tour.
Day 5
Cavusin Village
An old village at the foot of a rock face, once home to Christian clergy, with abandoned cave houses and early churches.
Why it matters: a window into daily life in historic Cappadocia.
Day 5
Pigeon Valley
A valley whose cliffs are dotted with carved pigeon houses, once used to collect droppings as fertiliser for local vineyards and fields.
Why it matters: shows how people adapted to this landscape.
Day 5
Ozkonak Underground City
A multi-level underground refuge dug into the soft volcanic rock, used by early Christians, with narrow tunnels, storage rooms and rolling stone doors.
Why it matters: a hidden city beneath the surface.
Photo Gallery
A Glimpse of the Journey
Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour
CappadociaCappadocia Valleys Where You'll Stay
Accommodation: 5 Nights, Breakfast Included
Your route runs Istanbul, then Cappadocia: two sets of nights that give each region genuine time.
Istanbul: 2 Nights
Your base for the Old City tour and the Bosphorus, breakfast included.
Cappadocia: 3 Nights
For the North and South Cappadocia tours, breakfast included.
Cave hotel tip: choose 3, 4 or 5-star hotels, boutique hotels, or cave hotels and tell us your preference when you enquire or reserve.
Services
What Is Included and Not Included
Included in the price
- 5 nights accommodation B&B at your choice of 3-4-5★ hotels
- All sightseeing tours in the program
- 5 hotel breakfasts, 4 local restaurant lunches per person
- 2 domestic flight tickets per person
- English-speaking guides licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- Transport in new, air-conditioned vehicles
- All airport transfers throughout the trip
- All parking fees, ferry tolls and petrol
- All entrance fees and taxes
Not included
- International airfare to Turkey
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Hagia Sophia interior access
- Optional extras: hot air balloon ride, Dinner Cruise
Travel Recommendations
The History Travel Tips for Your 6 Days in Turkey
Practical suggestions based on the route and the pace of the itinerary.
First time in Turkey?
This two-region route is a classic introduction: imperial Istanbul followed by the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia.
Balloon flight
An early-morning balloon ride is optional. Ask your tour advisor for pricing and book early, as flights depend on the weather.
Photography lovers
Plan for Uchisar Castle views, the valleys of Cappadocia and the Bosphorus from the water.
History lovers
The route is a timeline: Roman and Byzantine Istanbul, Ottoman palaces, and Cappadocia's cave churches and underground city.
Choose the right shoes
Cobbles in Istanbul and a 5 km valley hike in Cappadocia call for broken-in, comfortable walking shoes.
Try a cave hotel
Cappadocia is the place to sleep in a rock-carved room. Tell us your hotel preference when you enquire or reserve.
What to pack
Comfortable shoes and clothes
Sunscreen and hats
Sunglasses
Camera or smartphone
Reusable water bottle
Passport and booking confirmation
Light jacket for cool Cappadocia mornings
Small change and a card
Modest clothing for mosques
Lightweight day bag
Good to know: a moderate amount of walking is involved at both destinations. Your confirmation is received at the time of booking.
Guest Reviews
5 Stars Excellent Service · The History Travel
5.0
★★★★★
33 reviews on TripAdvisor
Guest reviews of The History Travel on TripAdvisor, excerpted. Read all reviews on TripAdvisor.
Travellers who book Istanbul, Cappadocia and multi-day Turkey tours with The History Travel regularly mention the same things: a personalised itinerary, knowledgeable licensed English-speaking guides, comfortable transport and hotels, and an owner who stays in touch from the first message until the flight home. Here is what some of them wrote on TripAdvisor.
5.0 on TripAdvisor Knowledgeable guides Quality hotels & transport Personal service
H
★★★★★
Top Tour Operator in Turkey
“We bought a 7-day Cappadocia vacation package from The History Travel Istanbul as a thank you gift for my girlfriend and her family. Our tour was incredibly entertaining and enjoyable, and Mr. Sebahattin and his staff delivered an absolutely amazing service. I want to sincerely thank Sebahattin and the entire staff of The History Travel for their fantastic service. I would adore returning to Turkey and using this company's services.”
S
★★★★★
Excellence holiday in Turkey with family
“We had heard about the beauties of Turkey from friends who had visited, and then we booked a 10-day family package tour with Mr. Sebahattin, owner of History Travel, which was recommended by friends. He was very friendly and very knowledgeable. All the service was very well organized. We liked our tour very much. I recommend Mr. Sebahattin and The History Travel Agency to everybody.”
N
★★★★★
A thrilling visit to a glorious country
“Our visit to turkey was filled with incredible experiences and long lasting memories. Mr Sebahattin was very helpful throughout our planning stages and in the process created a personalised itinerary that fit our needs. The English speaking guides organised by him were very knowledgeable and friendly. The transport and the hotels provided were also of top quality and we were very pleased with the service.”
D
★★★★★
Fantastic services 5* rating for Cappadocia tour
“Our tour organizer Mr. Sebahattin was very professional in his services. He came down to our Airbnb to meet us in day 1. Organised our superb Cappadocia tour. Our tour guide in Cappadocia Mr. Mustafa was very friendly and professional. Since our hot air balloon was cancelled due to bad weather Mr. Sebahattin came back to our Airbnb to return the money. He kept in constant touch through WhatsApp until we boarded the flight out of Istanbul.”
D
★★★★★
Explore Istanbul through History Travel
“The History Travel Agency is a professional one with exemplary tour itinerary. Mr Sebahattin Selam from the Agency remained in constant touch with us starting our departure from India till we landed back home. He took care of minute details. Like we are vegetarians and were worried about the food. History Travel had organised exceptional vegetarian continental lunch for us. Our guide Mr Mehmet Nehir is an exceptional person with a very calm composure.”
B
★★★★★
Family tour to Turkey
“We had a wonderful family trip to Turkey. Mr Sebahettin of The History Tours planned and organised it. He knows Turkey well, provided detailed itinerary unlike other travel agents. All domestic bookings, transfers, guides, day trips were organised by him. He kept in touch throughout the trip for updates. Highly recommend him for any travel to Turkey.”
FAQ
Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations
Book Your Istanbul & Cappadocia Tour
TOUR CODE: KNY-604
$1,195
per person · on sale (was $1,295)
- 2 domestic flights included
- Licensed English-speaking guides
- 5 nights B&B
- 4 local lunches included
- All entrance fees and taxes
- 40% deposit, balance on arrival
Prefer to talk? Call or WhatsApp:
+90 212 000 0000
+90 212 000 0000
Have questions, or not ready to reserve yet? Send us a message and we'll reply within a few hours.
Reserving requires a 40% deposit; the balance is payable on arrival.
Deposit & Balance
Reserving requires a 40% deposit; the balance is payable on arrival. A confirmation is received at the time of booking.