10 Day Turkey Cultural & Nature Tour: Cappadocia – Istanbul – Rize – Trabzon

Welcome to the Land of Fairy Chimneys!

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your TravelShopBooking representative holding a personalized name sign.

Enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia — Hera Cave Suites or a similar boutique cave-style property that reflects the region's unique charm.

After check-in, unwind and take time to recover from your journey.

You’re free to explore the surroundings or simply relax in the mystical ambiance of Cappadocia. Overnight stay in Cappadocia

Capture Sunrise Magic & Discover Northern Cappadocia

Rise early for a special transfer to the Hot Air Balloon site—not for the ride, but to capture stunning sunrise photos of balloons drifting over Cappadocia’s surreal landscape.

Return to the hotel and enjoy a rich Turkish breakfast.

Embark on a full-day Cappadocia Red Tour, exploring the region's iconic northern wonders:

- Göreme Open Air Museum – UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut churches and frescoes

- Paşabağ (Monks Valley) – Fairy chimneys and volcanic formations

- Devrent Valley – Imaginative shapes in the “Imagination Valley”

- Uçhisar Castle Panorama – Panoramic view of Cappadocia’s heart

- Avanos Pottery Workshop – Hands-on demonstration of ancient clay techniques

Enjoy a traditional Anatolian lunch at a local restaurant

Overnight stay in Cappadocia

Underground Cities & Natural Wonders – From Cappadocia to Istanbul

· Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your cave hotel before setting off on the full-day South Cappadocia Tour.

Explore the captivating southern highlights of the region:

- Kaymakli Underground City – Mysterious multi-level tunnels used by ancient civilizations

- Pigeon Valley – Scenic valley filled with dovecotes carved into the rock

- Red Valley – Known for its vibrant volcanic rock formations and sunset colors

- Çavuşin Village – An old Greek village with rock-cut dwellings and churches

· Local lunch included at a traditional Turkish restaurant

· In the evening, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your domestic flight

· Flight: Arrival at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

· Meet and transfer to your hotel in the historic center — Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel or a similar centrally located property

· Overnight in Istanbul

Explore the Timeless Treasures of Byzantium & Ottoman Empires

· After breakfast at the hotel, set off on a guided full-day historical city tour of Istanbul’s Old Town — a living museum of empires past and present.

Your tour includes skip-the-line entrance tickets and guided commentary at the following highlights:

o Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – Once a church, mosque, and museum, now a symbol of Istanbul’s spiritual heritage

o Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – Known for its six minarets and exquisite blue İznik tiles

o Hippodrome of Constantinople – Ancient chariot-racing arena with monuments like the German Fountain, Serpent Column, and Obelisk of Theodosius

o Basilica Cistern – Underground marvel with 336 columns and a mysterious Medusa head

o Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market) – Vibrant covered market with exotic spices, teas, and souvenirs

· Overnight stay in Istanbul

Escape to Nature & Heritage in Turkey’s First Capital

Start the day with breakfast at your hotel in Istanbul

Depart for a full-day guided excursion to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and a green oasis nestled beneath Uludağ Mountain

Highlights of the tour include:

- Scenic Cable Car Ride to Uludağ Mountain – enjoy breathtaking views of forests and cityscapes

- Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii) – An architectural masterpiece with intricate tilework

- Silk Bazaar (Koza Han) – A historic marketplace ideal for shopping local textiles and souvenirs

- Asian-style lunch served at a traditional restaurant

Return to Istanbul in the evening by road and ferry

Overnight stay in Istanbul

Leisure in the City & Nighttime Magic on the Bosphorus

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a free day to explore Istanbul at your own pace — stroll through historic neighborhoods, shop in the Grand Bazaar, relax in a Turkish hammam, or visit modern malls and cafes

In the evening, prepare for a memorable experience:

- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Cruise between Europe and Asia while admiring illuminated landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and seaside mansions

Enjoy a delicious Asian-style menu with soft drinks included

Be entertained by live Turkish folk dance, music, belly dancing, and cultural performances

Round-trip hotel transfers included

Overnight stay in Istanbul

From City Vibes to Mountain Calm in the Black Sea Region

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Rize

Upon arrival at Rize–Artvin Airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in the highlands

Check in to Megza Bungalow (Dikkaya) or a similar tranquil accommodation surrounded by the lush green nature of the Çamlıhemşin region

Relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you settle into the peaceful rhythm of the Eastern Black Sea

Overnight stay in Rize

Scenic Lakes, Tea Culture & Highland Beauty

· Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Rize

· Depart for a full-day guided group tour to Uzungöl, one of the most iconic and picturesque spots in the Eastern Black Sea region

Highlights of the day:

o Explore lush forests and mountain roads as you travel to the heart of the Pontic Alps

o Uzungöl Lake – Stroll along the peaceful lakeside and enjoy panoramic views surrounded by pine-covered slopes

o Tea-tasting experience – Visit a local tea factory or garden to learn about Turkey’s world-famous Rize tea and enjoy a tasting session

o Lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional Black Sea cuisine

· Return to your hotel in the evening

· Overnight stay in Rize

Sacred Sites, Mountain Views & Village Charm

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a full-day cultural and nature tour exploring the spiritual heart of the Eastern Black Sea region

Tour highlights include:

Sumela Monastery – Marvel at this 4th-century Greek Orthodox monastery dramatically perched on a cliffside in Altındere National Park

Panoramic mountain and forest views during your scenic ascent through the national park

Cave visit near the monastery, offering insight into ancient local religious life

Hamsiköy Village – Famous for its traditional rice pudding (sütlaç) and serene rural setting nestled in the hills

Lunch included at a local mountain-view restaurant featuring Black Sea cuisine

Return to your hotel in Rize by evening

Overnight stay in Rize

Farewell to the Black Sea – Until Next Time!

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and complete check-out procedures

Private transfer from your hotel in Rize to Trabzon Airport for your onward flight

We hope you had a memorable journey through the cultural, historical, and natural wonders of Turkey ✨ End of Tour – Thank you for choosing TravelShopBooking! ✨