Arrival in Istanbul. Meeting in the international arrivals hall. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 09:30 to visit the must-see sights of the city of Istanbul. All visits can be done on foot. Visit the Hippodrome Square (the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, the German Fountain, and the Column of Constantine). Continue to Topkapı Palace, built in the 15th century and the residence of the first sultans of the Empire. Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known by tourists as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent tiles, and the great basilica of Hagia Sophia, which is now a mosque and carries a history shaped by the Byzantines, Romans, and Ottomans at every step. Also visit the Grand Bazaar, observing the dazzling displays of handicrafts and local souvenirs. Overnight in Istanbul.

Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 09:00 to begin the day’s visits in Istanbul. The day starts with a walk through the famous Spice Market, one of the city’s most traditional markets, known for its aromas, colors, and typical products. Next, enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, where you can admire magnificent views of the coastline, historic palaces, elegant residences, and the impressive bridges connecting the two continents across these historic waters. The tour continues with a visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, an elegant Ottoman residence located on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. Afterwards, proceed to Çamlıca Hill, one of the best viewpoints in the city, offering spectacular panoramic views of Istanbul. Finally, visit the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. At the end of the visits, transfer to Istanbul Airport to take the flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, in the Cappadocia region. Transfer and overnight at the hotel in Cappadocia.

**Hot air balloon flight (optional, 05:00–08:00). Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 10:00. Departure to visit the Imagination Valley (Devrent), where various rock formations resembling different animal figures can be observed, living up to its name. Continue to Paşabağ (Fairy Chimneys Valley), known for its impressive conical rock formations crowned with large “stone hats.” Afterwards, walk through the center of Avanos, a town famous for its pottery tradition. Later, stop for photographs in the village of **Çavuşin**, known for its ancient cave houses that are partially collapsed. The next visit will be to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, where numerous rock-cut churches with Byzantine Orthodox frescoes can be admired. There is also the possibility of visiting a traditional carpet workshop, where you can learn about the handmade production process and the weaving techniques used in the region.

Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception at 09:30. Departure to visit the underground city of Özkonak (or **Kaymaklı** or another similar one), used by the first Christians as a refuge to protect themselves from their enemies. Continue to the Göreme viewpoint, from where you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Cappadocia. Afterwards, stop to see the natural fortress of Uçhisar, the highest point in the region, where you can also find camels and optionally take a short camel ride. We will then visit the Love Valley, famous for its impressive rock formations. There will also be an opportunity to discover local handicrafts made from volcanic stones, which are used to create various decorative objects and jewelry. At the end of the tour, return to the hotel.