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ADVENTURE IN CAPPADOCIA

incredible-landscape-of-the-Göreme-valley-in-Cappadocia-Turkey

ADVENTURE IN CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia is one of Istanbul’s most historically diverse, and fantastically preserved regions. For thousands of years beginning with the Hittites, and continuing on to the ancient Christians, Cappadocia became a safe haven. Carving their homes, churches, and gathering places into the areas soft rock, these groups found solace in the natural beauty of Cappadocia. On this tour you will walk through an unfamiliar, lunar landscape created by thousands of year old Fairy Chimneys. In Monk’s Valley, Imagine monks living atop these same fairy chimneys. In Devrent Valley, known to locals as Imaginary Valley, watch as these natural rock formations take on the appearance of real and mythical animals! You will be led through underground cities, mountain top castles, and treated to local delicacies.

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Tour Length: 3 Days / 2 Nights

Tour Style: Comfort

Tour Theme: Small Group

  • A small group of no more than 20 guests, designed for those seeking new culture, meet new friends and inspiring travel experience.
  • Small Groups are locally escorted with tour guide manager to tell you stories of places you visit, introduce you to the culture and watch the clock for you.

Highlights:

  • Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Devrent Valley
  • Monk’s Valley
  • Kaymakli
  • Pigeon Valley
  • Rose Valley
  • Uchisar Castle

Advantages

  • Private tour with your own personal guide
  • Private transportation
  • Flexible Itinerary that are customised according to your interests
  • Luxury  hotels
  • Arrival & departure transfers between the airport and your hotel
  • Services of Citadel Tours Representative in Turkey
  • Around the clock support in each destination
  • Excellent knowledge and recommendations from our tour specialists

Day One: Cappadocia

A Citadel Tour Representative will meet you at at Kayseri Airport or your Cappadocia Hotel. Today you will visit The Goreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley, and Monk’s Valley. You will spend the night in Cappadocia

Day Two: Cappadocia

Today, you will drive to Kaymakli, followed by Pigeon Valley, then onto the Uchisar Castle, and Rose Valley behind Urgup. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day Three: Cappadocia

After breakfast, and checkout your driver will escort you to Kayseri Airport for your departure.

Day 1: Istanbul

Your one-of-a-kind trip to the ancient land of Turkey begins as soon as you arrive at Ataturk International Airport. A Citadel Tour representative will be waiting for you once you have claimed your bag at the Baggage Claim. They will meet you in the Arrival Hall and will escort you to your first Hotel. Istanbul is the heart of Turkey and a city built on two continents, Europe and Asia. The ancient city of Constantinople was once the largest city in Turkey. It stood as the capital founded by the emperor Constantine in 330 B.C. Centuries later, Istanbul is one of the most influential cities in ancient history. The streets of this city are surrounded in ancient architecture reflecting Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures. As your first day in this new land winds down, you will be amazed by the hustle and bustle of Istanbul’s vibrant bazaars.

No activities or meals are included on your first day. However, if you arrive early there are a few excursions around Istanbul you may be interested in. Please check the optional section.

Day 2: Istanbul

Today you will visit Topkapi Palace, the ancient residence of the mighty Ottoman Sultans. (B)

For this excursion, you will experience Istanbul like the locals: on foot! Istanbul is a constant flurry of activity, and the best way to observe it all is by foot. This walking tour will be led by a local historical expert. After enjoying your first breakfast, your walking tour guide will escort you to the marvelous Topkapi Palace. It served as the royal palace for the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries. The iconic Topkapi Palace offers you a glimpse into the life and wonder of the Sultans and their Harems. In this vast complex of pavilions, gardens, towers and monumental gates you will find spectacular vistas and hidden treasures of gold and silver. You may even have the opportunity to view the famous 85 karat Spoon Maker’s Diamond! Your guide will then escort you through the highlights of this magical palace. If you are lucky you may have the opportunity to visit the Harem palace for an additional fee.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Hagia Sofia museum and the famous Sultanahmet Mosque more commonly known as the Blue Mosque.

After finishing lunch, your guide will escort you through the incredible Hagia Sofia Museum. This magical location stands as a vibrant example of the pride and glory of Byzantine architecture. Since its construction in 537 AD, this structure has stood as one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica and famous for the massive dome that adorns the roof of this ancient structure. The Ottomans converted this building into a mosque in the mid 15th century. After visiting this marvel your guide will escort you to the fascinating “Blue Mosque.” This breath-taking temple gets its name from the striking blue tiles that adorn much of the interior. Before heading to the Grand Bazaar you will also visit the ancient Hippodrome; famous for its horse and chariot races. The building no longer stands however. Instead, the ancient Obelisk of Theodosius which was transported along the Nile stands in its place today.

Visit the famous Grand covered Bazaar

Afterwards, your tour guide will take you to visit the famous Covered Grand Bazaar. This bazaar stands as both the largest and oldest covered marketplace in the world. Here you will find a dazzling array of items such as furniture, carpets, jewelry and clothing. The market extends over more than 61 streets and boasts more than 4,000 shops. This massive spectacle attracts up to 400,000 visitors daily.

A private cruise on The Bosphorus River.

After you have wandered the Grand Bazaar and perhaps purchased a few souvenirs, you will enjoy a private cruise on The Bosphorus River! This river is the world’s most narrow strait used for international travel! After a busy day of visiting world famous historical landmarks and art historical masterpieces you can lay back and relax on a private Yacht. Over the course of this two hour cruise you will be treated to spectacular views of Istanbul, as well as the famous Bosphorus River. After the cruise you will be led back to your hotel.

Free evening to enjoy the nightlife of Istanbul.

The remainder of the day is free after such an exciting day.

Day 3: Istanbul -Cappadocia

Morning flight to Cappadocia. (B)

After checkout, you will catch the morning flight to Cappadocia in the ancient region of Anatolia. Here you will find the most incredible natural formations and rich history dating back to 3000 BC. You will spend your next two nights exploring this amazing city. Cappadocia means “Land of Beautiful Horses”. This majestic city has been the hub of many civilizations and served as a shelter for Christians who fled the Roman Empire during the Hittite period. Christian followers fled to houses and churches caved into the rock walls of this great city. Upon arrival you will check-in to the hotel and then explore some of the breathtaking sites of Cappadocia.

Afternoon drive to Zelve Open Air Museum.

Cappadocia is full of unbelievable history and amazing scenery. On this tour you will learn that Cappadocia is known as the land of “Fairy Chimneys.” You will enjoy familiarizing yourself with its ‘lunar-like’ landscape! This unique volcanic landscape took shape as a result of eroding layers of volcanic soil deposited many centuries ago. The combined eruptions of the Erciyes, Hasandag, and Gulludag volcanoes approximately 60 million years ago caused the resulting pillars and cones to be formed here. These unique structures will capture your intrigue and wonder and you will quickly discover why they are referred to as “Fairy Chimneys”.

The tour guide will escort you, by car, to The Zelve Open Air Museum which has the most beautiful and exotic fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Zelve is an important Christian center since it is the place where the first religious seminars for priests were held. The area is full of fantastic cave houses, pigeon houses, various chapels and walls still decorated with ancient frescos. A visit into into some of the living houses is possible. This tour will include visits to Devrent Valley, the Pasabag Valley.

You may spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Drive back to the hotel and the rest of the day is free. Consider visiting a Whirling Dervish Ritual.

Day 4: Cappadocia

Morning Optional Trip: Balloon Ride.

You may choose to begin your day with an optional balloon ride in the morning before your tour begins. Be sure to consider this once in a life-time opportunity to view the breathtaking volcanic valleys, Fairy Chimneys, and many caves surrounding the land of Cappadocia.

 

Explore the amazing lunar landscape of Cappadocia. (B)

After breakfast you will enjoy a full day experiencing the beauty of Cappadocia! The day starts with a visit to The Goreme Open-Air Museum. The Museum is an amazing small cave city that has been structured by carving the soft rocks. This museum is the product of a craftwork belonging to the Christians in Rome Period. The beautiful complex consists of numerous monasteries situated side by side.

Visit Kaymakli Unground City and Uchisar Castle.

Afterwards, your guide will escort you to Kaymakli Underground City, the largest underground city in Cappadocia. It is well protected and maintained, the whole site is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site. This splendid underground city was built around their homes for protection. There are secret tunnels connecting the houses of the underground city. When the city was attacked, they could use these private tunnels to navigate throughout the underground city. It could accommodate 6000 people!

You will conclude your day with a visit to Uchisar Castle. On top of the mountain, it has a panoramic view for the whole area!

Free evening to enjoy Cappadocia.

After the visit to Uchisar Castle, you may relax and enjoy a traditional Turkish Bath, or Hammam at your hotel. During a Turkish Bath, you will relax in a warm room, being continuously heated by hot, dry air. During the process, you are invited to move to an even warmer room before washing in cold water. A Turkish Bath traditionally involves a full body massage and a cooling off period in a cooler room.

Day 05: Cappadocia – Izmir – Sirince Village

Morning flight to Izmir. (B)

After breakfast and checkout you will catch a morning flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sirince Village, where you will check in. It is one of main hub cities to stay in while visiting the Ephesus site, located 85 km south of Izmir. The highlight of visiting Sirince will be your tour of the ancient city of Ephesus. It has been ranked among the most famous ancient cities in the world!

Visit the Sirince Village

Your guide will escort you on a wonderful tour to Sirince Village. It is a very rustic village where some of the houses have been restored to their former glory. Meanwhile, some have been allowed to hover on the edge of dilapidation. The village is famous for its wine and Greek white housing style. There are fantastic valleys to walk around with olive groves, peach gardens and vineyards. It is Turkey’s Tuscany. Your guide may have recommendations for one of the local restaurants for lunch.

Free evening to enjoy Sirince Village

After a beautiful day, the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Day 6: Sirince Village – Ephesus – Istanbul

Explore the amazing site of Ephesus. (B)

After breakfast your guide will escort you on a tour of Ephesus one of the most magnificent excavations in the world! Ephesus entered a period of extraordinary prosperity where it quickly became the most influential commercial city in Asia Minor. As well, it grew to be the second largest city under the Roman Empire. Your tour will include a trip to one of the most preserved structures on Curetes Street, The Temple of Hadrian. This structure was built before 138 A.D. by P.Quintilius and was dedicated to the late Emperor Hadrian. You will continue your visit with a trip to the marble Library of Celsus. It is easily one of the most beautiful structures in Ephesus. The library was built in 117 A.D. and stood as a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaneanus, former governor of the province of Asia. You will also enjoy the Great Theatre which was the largest in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats. St. Paul himself once preached here. You can then walk along the same path that Antony and Cleopatra would have once ridden in procession called Arcadian Way. Finally, you may choose to end your tour with a visit to Virgin Mary. It is recorded that Mary Magdalene lived out her days here following the crucifixion of Jesus. This location is a popular place of pilgrimage for Christians worldwide and has received an official sanction from the Vatican

Afternoon flight to Istanbul

After visiting the amazing sites of Ephesus, you will be driven back to the Izmir airport to catch your evening flight to Istanbul. This drive is about 90 km.

Arrive Istanbul and check in at your hotel

Upon arrival in Istanbul, a Citadel Tour representative will be waiting to escort you back to our hotel. The remaining time is free to enjoy last minute shopping in beautiful Istanbul.

Day 07: Istanbul

Tour ends after breakfast and transfer to airport (B)

Our representative will transfer you to the Istanbul Ataturk International Airport.

Inclusion:

  • Service of representatives
  • Arrival/Departure transfer
  • Accommodations as listed (4 star Boutique- hotel )
  • Transportation in private bus, as per itinerary
  • All transfers as listed, as per itinerary
  • All entrance fees as listed, as per itinerary
  • Tour guide at sites as listed, as per itinerary
  • Meals, as per itinerary

Transportation:

Fully air conditioned bus service

 

Meals:

2 Breakfasts

Exclusions:

  • International airfare, airport departure and taxes
  • Visa entry to Turkey
  • Extra meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees or any sites not listed in the itinerary
  • Items of personal nature
  • Any item not specified in the “Inclusions
  • Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
  • Any transfers not mentioned in the attached detailed itinerary
  • Any sightseeing not mentioned in the attached detailed itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Telephone calls
  • Personal Items

Visa & Passport

Most tourists require a visa to enter Turkey. As of April 10, 2014, Visas for Turkey will no longer be available upon arrival in Turkey. Travellers should obtain a Visa online, PRIOR to travel to Turkey through the Turkish government website: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/

We highly recommended that you check the required visa updates through the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country before your departure. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure-date from Turkey.

Visa

Do I need visa to Turkey

Turkey require a visa. As of April 10, 2014, Visas for Turkey will no longer be available upon arrival in Turkey. Travellers should obtain a Visa online, PRIOR to travel to Turkey through the Turkish government website:https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Please check the Turkish embassy for the updated changes before your tour.

Vaccinations

Will I need any vaccinations

We recommend that you talk to your local doctor or consult a travel health specialist.

Will we get sick

Standards of hygiene can sometimes be lower than at home but if you take a few basic precautions it is simple to keep you healthy while you are away. In most cases food is freshly prepared for you, however it will probably contain ingredients that you are not familiar with or may be prepared in a different way. This change in diet is one of the most common causes of upset stomachs. Therefore it is a good idea to treat food and drink with caution – at least in the first few days of your holiday. It is a good idea to avoid tap water (even for cleaning teeth), ice-creams and to beware of ice in drinks. Bottled water is widely available and you should drink plenty (much more than you probably would do at home). Finally, and most importantly, try to ensure that you keep your hands clean – especially before you eat. Antiseptic wet wipes or antiseptic hand gel (which you can use without water) are essential.

Insurance

Do I need insurance

Yes, It is mandatory to have travel insurance. Insurance policy needs to provide full medical cover for expenses through illness or accident during your holiday, including the cost of repatriation if necessary. Coverage for cancellation and interruption thus it is important to take out insurance at time of booking. Coverage for loss or theft of personal belongings.

Money

What’s the best way to take money with me

We’d recommend that you take some cash as foreign currency, ATM cards and credit cards that works international.

How much money will I need for meals and excursions

Every trip has different inclusions and please checks the trip details and it would give an idea how much you need.

Hotels

What are the hotels like

It depends on what type of trip style you are doing. We use 4 & 5 stars hotels between all our trip styles. The star rating based on what the country has to offer in terms of hotels and can’t be equated with western style. All the rooms have en-suite bathrooms with toilet plus shower or bath. Most of the hotels will have swimming pools and at-least one restaurant. We usually provide a list of all the hotels you are going to stay in but the final confirmation would be at booking time.
If you trip include camping, the accommodation would be very basic and basic facilities.

Responsible Travel

Do your tours take care of the locals and environment

Absolutely, we cannot operate and run tours without the help of the locals. We employ a high number of locals and we choose our partners overseas with care. We include in our tours visits to locals projects and offer all the support. We participate in humanitarian and environmental projects. You will have chance to visit this project during the tour. Please check our responsible travel project www.citadeltours.com

Packing

What should I pack? What should I bring

After you booked with us, we send you a packing list that you can consider.

Tour

What will the tour be like

Our tours are designed by experts who led successful tours in each country. They understood what could interest all out guests. Tours runs at a relaxed pace with a mixture of sightseeing and free time.

Couldn’t I do all this on my own

Yes, you probably could. However, it will take alot longer to organize the suitable accommodation and transportation for your trip. During your trip, you lose some of your precious time to figure out how to get to place or organize excursion. Also, the language barrier could be overwhelming and frustrating. We organize everything for you and make sure you have a good time. The money difference is not huge and could be cheaper to do organized tours rather than do it in your own.

How much free time is there

The beauty of picking one of our suggested itinerary or customize your own trip is the flexibility. You decide when you will have your free time and how long is your free time.

What’s the difference between all your trip styles

We provide three main core styles for travel and the differences represented in the hotels category, types of transportation, meals and excursions inclusions. Please visit our trip styles for more detailed in formations.

When should I book by

We usually recommend to book early. The availability is subject to change and usually is not guarantee if you tried to book last minute you find spaces available. Remember, we use trains and airplanes in our trip and this is always subject to availability.

What time should I arrive on Day 1 and when the tour starts

The tour officially stars day 1 at 3:00 pm.. Usually day 1 no activities and just for arrival. However, you requested special optional excursion to be done on day1. We will advice you at the time booking when you should be there.

Where’s the meeting point

This information will be in your trip details and should also be included on your travel documents.

Do I have a guide the whole time

Mostly our tours include the service of representative and local guide. However, they don’t escort you the whole time. The representatives always available in each city you visit and they take care of all the tour service. Guides are always escorting you at the sightseeing areas. Some of our tours include guides the whole time and also you can request to have a guide escort you the whole time with any tour with additional cost. The trip details of each tour will mention all the tour inclusions.

When will I be sent my travel vouchers

You will be sent all travel vouchers approximately three weeks before you departure.

I’m a vegetarian – will it be a problem

In most countries you won’t have a problem. At the time of booking, you could mentions that you are vegetarian and we do our best to accommodate your request.

Will we suffer from culture shock

Most travellers experience some level of culture shock. Although the chance to learn about new customs is a positive part of travel, strange or odd customs, sounds, tastes and smells can sometimes be overwhelming.

What will the toilets be like

Toilets vary depending upon where you are – Mostly will be western-style toilets. In very rare cases and camping will be of the squat variety.

Will there be somewhere to charge my camera

This is depending on where in the world you are travelling. Mostly there is electricity everywhere you go but you have to bring the right transformer for the country. This information is available at the country travel guide.

Are there porters to carry my luggage

Porters may be available some of the time, and we always do our best to make your trip as comfortable as possible.

What will the trains be like

This differs from country to country but, in nearly we are using first class trains and sleeper trains in our tours. Please don’t except that you are going to be like your home trains.

Does the price include international flights

The prices are shown in our website for land only. It doesn’t include international flights. If the tour has domestic flights, that would be included in the tour. Also, we can arrange your international flights.

What sort of transport will we be using

We use different type of transportation from adventure type to high-end. It all depends on the travel style.

Can I choose certain activities and places to visit

You have the flexibility to customize your trip before departure and we do our best to accommodate all your requests. During your tour, you still able to request other activities but it would be subject to availability and time. Also, it will be at your own cost.

How do I check the departure dates

It is all listed in each tour under dates and prices in the website. You can click on request this tour and fill the dates you desired. We usually take 2 business days to confirm the availability.

Are airport transfers included in the trip price

Transfers are included in all our tours prices.

What time can I check in

Generally, check in after 3:00 pm but if the rooms are available before, the hotels would check you in. If you arrived after midnight before the tour officially starts, you will require booking a pre accommodation.

Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour

Yes, we can arrange extra accommodation at our starting or ending hotels but it would be subject to availability.

Ramadan

Does Ramadan affect our tour

Ramadan is big celebration for the Muslims country. It is really good time to visit and experience the atmosphere. Usually the opening hours change during this time but it doesn’t really effect the tour 100 percent. The night time is most lively time. Shops and restaurants extend the opening hours to late time in the evening. Everything shut during the sunset time and opens after. Alcohol is hard to get hold of.

Tipping

Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget

Tipping is very common in the Middle Eastern counters. Regard the tours, tips are not included but we provide you with a break down sheet of a minimum guide line of how much you should tip during the tour. For the extra excursion that not part of your tours, usually the price includes the tips. At the restaurants that not part of your itinerary you will consider to tip.

To inquire about this tour, please select one of the available dates, enter your email address and one of our representatives will contact you within one business day.
We are looking forward to give you an unforgettable trip.

Interested to book this tour with us? please let us know your name and email and one of our representatives will contact you within one business day.
We are looking forward to give you an unforgettable trip.

Want to tweak this tour?

We can customize this tour just for you. Anything can be tailored!