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Essential Turkey

8 Days / 7 Nights

Istanbul, Cappadocia

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue
Vast and diverse, Turkey is a country you could spend a lifetime exploring. That said, a week is enough to get a taste of some of Turkey's most fascinating destinations. Scented with spices and sugar, the dream of a city that is multicultural Istanbul is your first stop before you explore the charms of Ankara, the vibrant Turkish capital. End your one-week itinerary to Turkey gazing at Cappadocia's otherworldly rock formations as you glide through the sky in a hot air balloon. One of our team members in Turkey will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM card with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.
Route for Istanbul, Cappadocia tour

4 Nights in Istanbul

4 Nights in Istanbul

5 days in Istanbul
5 days in Istanbul

4 Nights in Istanbul

Istanbul is a sprawling city of 15+ million people that contains two continents and a wealth of history. From the Byzantines to the Ottoman Empire to the modern Turkish Republic, Istanbul has seen the churn of history throughout the centuries, and the remains of all these eras live alongside the ever-changing face of contemporary Turkey. The Hagia Sophia, formerly a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, and a Republic-era museum, before reverting recently to a mosque, is Istanbul’s most significant site, located in the heart of Sultanahmet. The hip districts of Beyoglu, Besiktas, and Kadikoy overflow with restaurants and cafes, and the central boulevard Istiklal Caddesi serves as the main artery for shopping, food, and nightlife in this buzzing city.

Istanbul is a sprawling city of 15+ million people that contains two continents and a wealth of history. From the Byzantines to the Ottoman Empire to the modern Turkish Republic, Istanbul has seen the churn of history throughout the centuries, and the remains of all these eras live alongside the ever-changing face of contemporary Turkey. The Hagia Sophia, formerly a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, and a Republic-era museum, before reverting recently to a mosque, is Istanbul’s most significant site, located in the heart of Sultanahmet. The hip districts of Beyoglu, Besiktas, and Kadikoy overflow with restaurants and cafes, and the central boulevard Istiklal Caddesi serves as the main artery for shopping, food, and nightlife in this buzzing city.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul

After your flight arrives at Istanbul Airport, a driver will meet you at the airport to bring you to your accommodation. The drive from the airport lasts around 50 minutes.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Istanbul

Highlights of Istanbul Full Day Private Walking Tour

The Best of Istanbul in a Day

Included in your vacation package price.

Today you are about to delve into the rich history of a city like no other, a city that sits at the crossroads of East and West, the enchanting Istanbul. During this 6-hour tour, you will visit top-rated attractions, such as the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Moreover, you will marvel at breathtaking views of the city from some of the best viewpoints in Istanbul. End the tour among locals in one of the world's most famous markets, the colorful and historic Grand Bazaar.


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 7 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Istanbul

Tasting Istanbul

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

At the crossroads of East and West, Istanbul is one of the most fascinating and diverse cities. With influences from the many different people that co-existed within the Ottoman Empire for centuries on end, Turkish food is equally diverse. Apart from world-renowned savory and sweet specialties, such as kebabs or baklava, Turkish cuisine features countless other delicious dishes. One of the best ways to get to know Istanbul is through the city's unique tastes during a 5-hour private tour that will take your tastebuds on an unparalleled culinary trip, focusing on the city's unique desserts but also some savory staples. Alternatively, join a small-group cooking class to learn how to prepare some staple Turkish specialties and bring your new skills back home with you, keeping Istanbul in your heart forever in the most delicious way.

Istanbul Small Group Cooking Class

Istanbul Small Group Cooking Class

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and tie on a cooking apron. During this 3-hour cooking class, you will learn how to prepare five delicious authentic Turkish recipes and then enjoy them for lunch or dinner in a traditional restaurant with a glass or two of local wine. This is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling cultural experiences you can enjoy in Istanbul.


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 3 hours

Sweet Tooth of Istanbul Private Walking Tour

Sweet Tooth of Istanbul Private Walking Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Experience the culinary delights and rich history of Istanbul on our signature food tour. This tour takes you on a journey through the city's diverse neighborhoods, including the Asian side, to sample the best pastries and desserts Istanbul has to offer.


This signature tours will take you to favorite desert spots of locals while still covering the history of the city and the lifestyle of its vibrant population. Join this unique excursion combined the history of the city with the tastes you will remember until eternity.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4-5 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Your Third Full Day in Istanbul

Get Lost inside of Grand Bazaar

Suggestion to explore on your own

Grand Bazaar is the oldest closed bazaar in the world from the 15th century and has been the heart of trade and commerce of Ottoman Empire for centuries. Today, it still one of the most beaten path of Istanbul, preserving the feature of being the shopping center of the city with 4000 shops scattered through 66 streets and small allies. From carpet to leather jackets, jewellers to gift shops, it still offers goods in huge variety and keep on charming people all around the world with its beauty. Make sure you spend enough time at to look around, negotiate on the prices with sellers and never use the same of 21 gates

Get Lost inside the Grand Bazaar

Take a Bosphorous Boat Tour

Suggestion to explore on your own

In order to understand the full scope of Istanbul, you should see it by water. Public Bosphorus tour boats leave regularly, heading up and back down the Bosphorus Strait and making regular stops in certain neighborhoods along the way. Istanbul is a city that was built and grew around the water, and the Bosphorus is the heart of the city. Floating up the Bosphorus lets you admire the wooden summer houses (called “yalı”) and beautiful neighborhoods that line the water.

Take a Bosphorous Boat Tour

Day 5

Day 5 - Traveling to Cappadocia by Airplane

To get from Istanbul to Cappadocia, the best option is to take a flight on a low-cost airline. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:


Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. If you prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flight is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

Cappadocia by Air
We also offer the following excursions in Istanbul

Backstreets of Istanbul Private Walking Tour
Moderate8 Hours
Bazaars and Inns of Ottoman Empire Half Day Private Tour
Light4 hours 30 minutes
Bosphorus Tour with a Private Yacht
Light2 hours
Cumalikizik and Bursa Private Full Day Tour
Moderate11 hours 30 minutes

3 Nights in Cappadocia

3 Nights in Cappadocia

4 days in Cappadocia
4 days in Cappadocia

3 Nights in Cappadocia

With a name drawn from the region’s ancient Christian history, Cappadocia combines stunning natural landscapes with a complex and still-visible history. Cave churches throughout the region boast still-colorful frescos and a shady respite from the Cappadocia sunshine. In Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, underground cities twist and turn in a knot of hidden hallways, preserved throughout hundreds of years. Above ground, the volcanic landscape seems to change every few miles, curling into stunning new rock formations and undulating hillsides around every turn. This is a perfect place to be in nature, with the quiet sounds of birdsong and wind filling the big open sky.

With a name drawn from the region’s ancient Christian history, Cappadocia combines stunning natural landscapes with a complex and still-visible history. Cave churches throughout the region boast still-colorful frescos and a shady respite from the Cappadocia sunshine. In Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, underground cities twist and turn in a knot of hidden hallways, preserved throughout hundreds of years. Above ground, the volcanic landscape seems to change every few miles, curling into stunning new rock formations and undulating hillsides around every turn. This is a perfect place to be in nature, with the quiet sounds of birdsong and wind filling the big open sky.

Day 5

Day 5 - Arrival in Cappadocia

Upon your arrival at Kayseri Airport, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation. The drive lasts about one hour.

Get to know Goreme

Suggestion to explore on your own

Goreme is the central city in the Cappadocia region, and because of that most of the notable restaurants and bars are clustered around its center. Take time to stroll the charming streets and check out the different restaurants and shops in Cappadocia’s busiest area. Once you get out of Goreme and begin to explore the region, you will be struck by the calm and quiet of the area. In Goreme, though, everything is bustling.

Get to know Goreme

Day 6

Day 6 - Your First Full Day in Cappadocia

Hot Air Balloon Group Tour

Hot Air Balloon Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

A magical hot air balloon flight is an incredible experience to cherish for life. If you've always dreamt of peacefully gliding over the otherworldly scenery of Cappadocia at sunrise, this group tour is what you need to render your trip to Turkey all the more memorable.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 -3 hours

Day 7

Day 7 - Your Second Full Day in Cappadocia

Sunset Off-Road Private Tour

Going Off-Road in Cappadocia

Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

Exploring the stunning scenery of Cappadocia from an open-top jeep is one of the most fascinating things to do while there, and this is why we recommend booking an off-road jeep safari during your trip to this unique region. With views of dramatic valleys and visits to traditional villages and impressive churches, Cappadocia offers the perfect setting for an off-road experience like no other.


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 2 hours

Day 8

Day 8 - Departure Day

Sadly your time in Turkey draws to a close, but you'll have left on a high note! We'll arrange for a driver to transfer you to Kayseri Airport for the first leg of your journey home.

We also offer the following excursions in Cappadocia

Cappadocia Full Day Hiking Private Tour
Strenuous7 hours
Cappadocia Full Day Private Green Tour
Strenuous7 hours
Cappadocia Full Day Private Red Tour
Moderate7 hours
Cappadocia Half Day Hiking Private Tour
Moderate4 hours

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Istanbul

4 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Istanbul Airport Transfer
Highlights of Istanbul - Old City Walk Private Tour
Istanbul Airport (IST) Private Transfer
Istanbul - Cappadocia (Kayseri) Flight (Non-Refundable)

Cappadocia

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Kayseri Airport (ASR) Private Transfer
Hot Air Balloon Group Tour
Kayseri Airport (ASR) Private Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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