Romantic Türkiye: Istanbul to Cappadocia

The Hilton Istanbul Bomonti is a 5-star deluxe property with modern amenties, upscale and spacious rooms and public areas. The hotel is the largest hotel in Istanbul with 829 rooms and 34 floors. In addition to the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the property offers a spa, 24 hour fitness center, rooftop bar and several dining areas. The highlight of the hotel is its location across from Bomontiada, a former historic beer factory turned into a large open-air complex full of restaurants, shops, an art gallery and concert hall. The property is also near Taksim Square (2km) and Dolmabahce Palace (4km).

Drive to old town and visit Hippodrome Square, the scene of Chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life. Then visit Blue Mosque, built in early 17th century and known as Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration with blue Iznik tiles. Continue to St. Sophia Museum, the world's largest church for many centuries and today is the fourth largest one. After lunch visit Topkapi Palace, built by Sultan Mehmet II after the conquest of Istanbul in 15th century. The palace housed the sultans and their exotic entourage until mid-19th century. After having served as a mosque for 481 years, the building become a museum in 1934 by the order of Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Today the museum displays priceless collections of the imperial treasury, numerous pieces of Chinese porcelain, traditional costumes of the sultans and their families. Last stop will be at famous historical Grand Bazaar, the largest "souk" covered oriental shopping mall in the world, where you will find 4,400 shops under one roof where each trade has its own street.

Our final stop, Hagia Eirene, the Church of the Holy Peace, is one of the few churches in Istanbul that was never converted into a mosque, as it was used as an arsenal until the 19th century. Hagia Eirene reputedly stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple and has the distinction of being the first church built in Byzantium as it was converted into the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. From there, we visit Gulhane Park, once a part of the outer gardens of Topkapi Palace, where the Edict of Gulhane, a declaration of rights and liberties that played an essential role in the modernization of the Ottoman Empire. After the proclaimation of the Republic, Gulhane Park was for many years home to the Istanbul Zoo.

On this shared half day tour, you will drive to the pier in Eminonu for a short visit to historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). This bazaar was built in 1664 as a part of Yeni Mosque complex situated nearby and is named Egyptian Bazaar because spices and herbs brought from or via Egypt were sold in it. Then, board a regular boat for the cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia connecting Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. During the Byzantine and early Ottoman days, there was little settlement on both sides of the Bosphorus but as of the 18th century, it became the favorite place for the sultans and their entourage where they built their kiosks and waterside residence.

Cappadocia Cave Resort is a 5-star hotel situated in picturesque Nevsehir, set on a hill overlooking Guvercinlik Valley and boasts astonishing views of Cappadocia. Featuring traditional interior designs with stone-based architecture and elegant rooms. Within 4km from Goreme which has the greatest outdoor museum of the world and just a 10-minute walk from Uchisar Kalesi (Uchisar Castle).

On this private tour, you will start with a visit to Uchisar Rock-Castle (the highest point in the region). Uchisar looks like a maze of carved rooms, venturing inside, you will be able to reach the highest point of the castle and enjoy the best views of the Pigeon Valley. The Pigeon Valley is a 6km valley connecting both the towns of Uchisar and Goreme, popular for trekking or long walks. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum which consists of steep cliffs and many hidden churches dating from second half of 9th century. Then visit Pasabag, also know as Valley of the Monks, it is one of the most popular areas in Goreme with its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and rocks. Continue to visit the villages of Avanos. It is a small town famous for its pottery. It is built along the banks of Kizilirmak (Hayls River), the longest river originated and ending within the borders of Turkey with 842 miles of length. Those who want may also enjoy famous "testi kebab" as well, the traditional kebab in the Cappadocia region.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Swissotel the Bosphorus is a 5-star luxury hotel right in the centre of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus. Tastefully decorated, combining the warmth of a Turkish culture and contemporary Alphine design. Featuring an award-winning Purovel Spa & Sport with luxurious holistic spa treatments from all over the world. The hotel has a convenient access to all the main historical attractions, designer shops, exclusive bars and restaurants, all within a 13 minute walk.