A Taste of Turkey - Exotic Istanbul & Magical Cappadocia
Includes excursions in Istanbul & Cappadocia
May 30 - June 7, 2028
8 nights
$3,299 USD per person based on double occupancy
ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE – walking up to 2 miles a day & may include steps and inclines
Experience the history, culture, and breathtaking beauty of Turkey on this unforgettable 8-day journey. Spend four nights exploring the timeless treasures of Istanbul, where East meets West, followed by four nights in the magical landscapes of Cappadocia.
Step back in time as you wander through centuries of history in Istanbul, discover magnificent architecture, vibrant bazaars, and ancient landmarks. Continue your adventure in Cappadocia, a region renowned for its extraordinary volcanic landscape, iconic fairy chimneys, and fascinating cave homes carved into the rock. Your package includes 8 nights of double-occupancy accommodations, four full days of guided sightseeing, a memorable riverboat welcome dinner, and round-trip airfare between Istanbul and Cappadocia, allowing you to experience two of Turkey's most remarkable destinations with ease.
From the bustling streets and rich cultural heritage of Istanbul to the surreal valleys, fairy chimneys, and famous cave dwellings of Cappadocia, this tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural wonder. Whether you're exploring the stunning landscapes, every day brings a new and unforgettable experience visiting ancient sites, sampling authentic Turkish cuisine, or admiring the unique architecture.
Deposit is $100.00 USD per person to hold seats. Once I receive enough participants, I will notify you and another non-refundable deposit of $1,549.50 USD per person will be due immediately. Final payment of $1,649.50 USD per person will be due by July 1, 2027. All deposits are non-refundable, as pricing is based on group rates. Seats are extremely limited and will be available on a first-come, first-deposit-received basis. In the event that I do not receive enough participants by Septmenber 30, 2026, I will refund the $100.00 deposits. YOU MUST SCROLL TO THE 2028 CALENDAR and select MAY 30, 2028 on the next screen to make your reservation.
MONDAY, MAY 29, 2028
TRAVEL DAY
Fly to Istanbul
TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2028
ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL
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Meet and greet in hotel lobby with Brian and other tour group members
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Group dinner
Arrive and make your way from the airport to the hotel in Old Town Istanbul, by cab at your own expense. There will be an opportunity to meet Brian and your fellow travelers in the hotel lobby in the evening at a meet and greet. We will then walk as a group to a local Turkish restaurant for dinner (meal included - beverages not included).
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2028
ISTANBUL HIGHLIGHTS PART 1
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Hagia Sophia
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Basilica Cistern
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Blue Mosque
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Grand Bazaar
Meet your local guide at the hotel and begin a fascinating walking tour through the heart of historic Istanbul. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as both a cathedral and a mosque for centuries. Descend into the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground reservoir supported by hundreds of marble columns, before admiring the elegant Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and beautiful blue İznik tile interior.
Enjoy a lunch break at your leisure (own expense) before continuing to the world-famous Grand Bazaar. With over 4,000 shops, this historic marketplace offers the perfect opportunity to browse handcrafted goods, Turkish textiles, jewelry, spices, ceramics, and souvenirs while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of one of the oldest covered markets in the world.
THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2028
ISTANBUL HIGHLIGHTS PART 2
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Topkapi Palace
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Bospherous Dinner cruise with show
Meet your local guide at the hotel and enjoy a short walk to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Explore its ornate courtyards, imperial chambers, and priceless collections while learning about the palace's rich history and its role as the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire. Following your guided visit, enjoy free time to explore the surrounding area and have lunch at your leisure (own expense).
In the evening, meet Brian at the river for a memorable Bosphorus dinner cruise. Sail between Europe and Asia while taking in spectacular views of Istanbul's illuminated skyline, historic palaces, grand mosques, and elegant waterfront mansions. Enjoy a delicious Turkish dinner and live entertainment as you cruise along one of the world's most iconic waterways, creating the perfect ending to your day in Istanbul.
FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2028
FREE DAY IN ISTANBUL
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Spend this day sleeping in late or explore more of Istanbul on your own.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2028
FLY TO CAPPEDOCHIA
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Transfer from hotel to airport (included)
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Fly to Cappadochia (flight included)
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Transfer to cave hotel (included)
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Turkish lamp making class
We will leave Istanbul behind and journey to the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia. After an early morning hotel pickup, we'll transfer to the Istanbul airport and board our flight to one of Turkey's most captivating regions. Upon arrival, we'll head to our charming cave hotel, where ancient architecture meets modern comfort. After checking in and taking some time to relax, we'll set out on foot to a local artisan workshop for a truly authentic cultural experience.
At a traditional Turkish mosaic lamp workshop, you'll learn the centuries-old art of lamp making as skilled craftsmen guide you through the design process. Choose from a vibrant selection of colorful glass pieces to create your own unique Turkish lamp—a beautiful keepsake that will remind you of your unforgettable journey through Cappadocia for years to come.
SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2028
SUNRISE HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE & MORE
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Transfer from hotel to balloon launch site
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Hot air balloon ride above Capaddochia
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Outdoor museums
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Visit fairy chimneys
Start your day with an unforgettable adventure as you're picked up from your hotel before sunrise and transported to the hot air balloon launch site. Watch as the colorful balloons inflate against the dawn sky before climbing aboard for a breathtaking sunrise flight over the spectacular landscapes of Cappadocia. Soar above dramatic valleys, ancient rock formations, and the region's world-famous fairy chimneys as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the unique terrain below.
After your magical balloon experience, enjoy a delicious breakfast (at your own expense) before meeting your knowledgeable local guide for a fascinating tour of Cappadocia's remarkable outdoor museums. Explore centuries-old rock-cut churches adorned with ancient frescoes, learn about the region's rich history, and get an up-close look at the iconic fairy chimneys that have made Cappadocia one of Turkey's most extraordinary destinations. This unforgettable day combines adventure, culture, history, and breathtaking scenery into an experience you'll treasure forever.
MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2028
SUNRISE CAMEL RIDE & FAIRY CHIMNEYS
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Transfer from hotel to camle site
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Sunrise camel ride
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Visit fairly chimneys
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Pigeon Valley
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Visit and underground city
Rise before dawn for a memorable adventure as you're picked up from your hotel and taken to the camels. Set out on a peaceful camel ride across Cappadocia's unique landscape just as the first light of day illuminates the rock formations. As the sun climbs above the horizon, watch the sky come alive with colorful hot air balloons floating overhead, creating an unforgettable start to your day.
Return to your hotel for breakfast (at your own expense) before meeting your local guide to continue exploring the region's extraordinary scenery and rich history. Visit one of Cappadocia's towering fairy chimneys, a massive rock formation often called a "castle" because of its impressive size and commanding presence. Continue to scenic Pigeon Valley, where you'll pause to admire sweeping views and the ancient pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. Enjoy free time for lunch at a local café or restaurant of your choice.
After lunch, venture beneath the surface to explore one of Cappadocia's remarkable underground cities. Wander through a maze of tunnels, living quarters, storage rooms, and communal spaces while learning how generations of people carved these subterranean refuges into the soft volcanic rock for protection and daily life. After a fascinating day of discovery, return to your hotel with lasting memories of Cappadocia's natural beauty and remarkable heritage.
TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2028
FREE DAY IN CAPPADOCHIA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2028
FLY TO ISTANBUL
The amazing journey with Brian comes to an end. We will fly as a group back to Istanbul where the trip comes to an end. Fly home or continue your adventure on your own.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
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Local currency is the Turkish Lira
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Pack weather-appropriate clothing, umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes or boots
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Pack a European electric power adapter
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NOTE* because this trip is in 2028 some things cannot be reserved yet. This trip is based on the current exchange rate of $1 USD = 47.20 Turkish Lira. If this rate changes, you may be responsible for a supplement.
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Consider packing:
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Cash (Lira)
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Portable battery – access to outlets for recharging cannot be guaranteed when we are on our excursions
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EXCLUSIONS
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Flights to/from Istabul
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Food and beverages, except where noted.
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Entrance fees for historic/cultural sites, except where noted.
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Gratuities
TESTIMONIALS
We’ve had the best time with Brian Travels. If you’re looking for someone to setup all your tours he’s the best! You should follow him he has some amazing pictures of places he’s traveled to and if you get to chance to travel with him definitely sign up for his tours!
JESSIE V.
We fell in love with Brian within the first 20 seconds. His excursions were well planned extremely well executed, even when monkey wrenches were thrown into the mix. Brian is professional, funny and full of energy that is just infectious! My suggestion book with him book early because the word is out that he is the bomb!! That is, as long as you’re not taking a seat away from me!
ALICIA G.
As novice international travelers, booking excursions with Brian Travels was one of the best decisions my husband and I made. Brian took the time to meet with us, and answer questions we had before we ever left home. We felt confident and secure in knowing that his tours would be intimate, fun and cover a lot of what we wanted to see. If you are looking for a great adventure with great people, do not hesitate to book with Brian Travels.