For Cruisers: 5 Days Istanbul & Cappadocia Trip - Including Hot Air Balloon Ride
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If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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About this experience
See the ancient highlights in Ephesus and admire the geological wonderland in Cappadocia on this memorable three-day tour of Turkey´s most impressive sights. Stroll beautifully arranged ancient streets and visit fascinating ruins and museums, get closer to history and culture, indulge in delicious foods and enjoy panoramic views during this fascinating round-trip tour. ATV Quad Bike Safari experience, full-day guided tours in Cappadocia & Ephesus, domestic flights, airport transfers and hotel bookings are all included.
Available options
Gold Package
Accommodation: The Magnaura Palace Hotel in Istanbul - 1811 Cave Hotel in Cappadocia (Stay at Cave Room in Cappadocia)<br/>Hot Air Balloon Ride: INCLUDED<br/>Money Back Guarantee: If your balloon ride is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will be refunded cost of balloon ride.<br/>Tour Language: The daily tour(s) will be organised with professional licenced English-speaking guides.<br/>Pickup included
Silver Package
Accommodation: Zeynep Sultan Hotel in Istanbul - Sedirli Konak Hotel in Cappadocia (Stay at Stone Room in Cappadocia)<br/>Hot Air Balloon Ride: INCLUDED<br/>Money Back Guarantee: If your balloon ride is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will be refunded cost of balloon ride.<br/>Tour Language: The daily tour(s) will be organised with professional licenced English-speaking guides.<br/>Pickup included
Diamond Package
Accommodation: Hagia Sofia Mansions in Istanbul - Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia (Stay at Cave Room in Cappadocia)<br/>Hot Air Balloon Ride: INCLUDED<br/>Money Back Guarantee: If your balloon ride is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will be refunded cost of balloon ride.<br/>Tour Language: The daily tour(s) will be organised with professional licenced English-speaking guides.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Transfers at the mentioned airports for domestic flights in the itinerary
Flight Tickets : Istanbul to Denizli - Izmir to Istanbul or Izmir to Cappadocia
XX nights hotel accommodation including breakfast
Hotel pick-up & drop-off services for each mentioned tours and transfers on itinerary
Professional tour guide who licenced by Ministry of Culture and Tourism
What's not included
Dinner & Drinks
Entrance fees of the museums (Your guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line.)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Hotel drop-off (return to Istanbul) timing : The departure time of return flight is between 08.00pm and 09.00pm from Cappadocia. That's meaning, your return flight will be landing Istanbul airport or Istanbul SAW airport between 09.30pm and 10.30pm. After you arrived Istanbul, local tour operator will transfer you to your drop-opff point. If you will do this tour post-cruise, the drop-off point will be your hotel in Istanbul center for this transfer. If you will do this tour pre-cruise, the drop-off point will be Istanbul Galataport (Cruise Port) for this transfer.
The prices of package are valid for accommodation at the double or triple room. If you would like make reservation for single room(s), there could be supplement cost. There are not going to be any extra cost for single / solo travelers. This cost already accounted on price of these travelers.
The pre-planned hotels are "Hagia Sophia Mansions in Istanbul" - "The Magnaura Palace in Istanbul" - "Zeynep Sultan Hotel in Istanbul" - "Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia" - "1811 Cave Boutique Hotel in Cappadocia" - "Sedirli Konak Boutique Hotel in Cappadocia" for your accommodation on this travel. You can choose any of them while booking. If preferred hotel by you is not available for standard/superior rooms on your travel dates, local tour operator can replace it with an equivalent hotel.
The check-in time of hotels is 02.00pm, and you can not start use your room before this time. This is about the check-in & check-out policies of hotels. If your arrival flight will be landing to Istanbul-Turkey before that time , you have to add one night more hotel reservation to package, or wait at the reception of your hotel until 02.00pm for check-in to hotel.
The differences between the package options are about the hotel categories. Tour(s), airport transfer(s) and flight ticket levels will be same for all options.
The local tour operator will send e-tickets of your domestic flights at six days before your departure date. You will not need print out copies of the tickets for domestic flights. Your passport and reservation number on the tickets will be enough for check-in to plane.
The local tour operator can request your some passport details for the bookings of your flight tickets.
You will have 15kg luggage + 8kg hand bag quota per person for each domestic flight. If you will need more luggage capacity, please inform that to local tour operator. There could be some extra fee for luggage quotas more than 15kg. This is exactly about the policies of airline companies.
If your pick-up or drop-off hotel is inside of airports (IST and SAW airports) local tour operator do not provide any pick-up / drop-off service on this trip package.
Hot air ballooning is a fully weather-dependent activity and the Civil Aviation Authority determines whether the flight will be held. If your flight is cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, you are entitled to a partial refund. In such a case, your refund will be processed by the day after of that trip.
The Standard Balloon Ride has an One-hour approximately flight duration with 20 to 28 people capacity basket. The flight duration could be 50-55 minutes or 65-70 minutes. This situation depend the weather conditions before landing, and pilots are decide to that within the safety rules of Civil Aviation Authority. Total activity duration is approximately 3 hours.
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
This tour is not available for the bookings to children who are 5 years old and under.
Important notes
Tour guide will give the entrance tickets to the guests before entry to the museums and ancient ruins and religious places.
About Turkey
Turkey, a transcontinental country, bridges Europe and Asia, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the serene beaches of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, Turkey is a destination that caters to a wide range of interests.
Top Attractions
Hagia Sophia
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sophia has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum. Its massive dome and stunning mosaics are a testament to its historical significance.
Historical/Religious
2-3 hours
Moderate (around 1000 TRY or 150 USD)
Ephesus
One of the most well-preserved ancient cities, Ephesus features impressive ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
Historical
Half-day to full day
Moderate (around 150 TRY or 25 USD)
Cappadocia
Known for its unique rock formations and underground cities, Cappadocia offers hot air balloon rides, hiking, and cave dwellings.
Nature/Adventure
2-3 days
Moderate to Expensive (depending on activities)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kebabs
Grilled or skewered meats, often seasoned with spices and served with bread, rice, or vegetables.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be made with various types of meat or vegetarian options.
Meze
A selection of small dishes, often including dips like hummus, baba ganoush, and various salads.
Appetizer
Can be vegetarian or vegan, depending on the specific dishes.
Baklava
A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey or syrup.
Dessert
Contains nuts and sugar, can be made with various types of nuts.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Cappadocia
Paragliding in Oludeniz
Skiing in Uludağ
Hammam (Turkish bath)
Beach relaxation in Antalya
Yoga retreats in Fethiye
Visiting museums and historical sites
Attending traditional music and dance performances
Best Time to Visit
April to May, September to November
These months offer pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The tourist crowds are manageable, and the prices are relatively lower compared to the summer peak season.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Turkish
- Widely spoken: English, German, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
Turkey is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, scams, and occasional political protests can occur. Stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
Getting there
By air
- Istanbul Airport • 35 km from Istanbul city center
- Sabiha Gökçen International Airport • 32 km from Istanbul city center
By train
Istanbul Sirkeci Station, Istanbul Haydarpaşa Station
By bus
Istanbul Bus Terminal (Otogar), Ankara Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system in Istanbul is efficient and covers major attractions. Other cities have smaller metro networks.
Taxis
Available • Apps: BiTaksi, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Sultanahmet
Beşiktaş
Kadıköy
Day trips
Princes' Islands
15-20 km from Istanbul • Half day to full day
A group of islands known for their peaceful atmosphere, historic mansions, and horse-drawn carriages. Perfect for a relaxing escape from the city.
Bursa
100 km from Istanbul • Full day
Known as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa offers a rich history, beautiful mosques, and the famous Uludağ mountain for outdoor activities.
Troy
300 km from Istanbul • Full day
The ancient city of Troy, famous for the Trojan War and its archaeological significance. The site features the iconic Trojan Horse and well-preserved ruins.
Festivals
Istanbul Biennial • September to November (every two years)
Ephesus International Festival • May to June
International Izmir Short Film Festival • April
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Turkish phrases to enhance your interaction with locals
- Use the Istanbulkart for discounted public transportation fares in Istanbul
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Bargain politely when shopping at bazaars and markets
- Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
