Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in, relax, or head out and explore at your own pace.

Meals N/A

Explore Istanbul’s most iconic sites — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern — before diving into the bustling Spice Bazaar and ferrying to the Asian side for street food tastings in Kadıköy. Enjoy Turkish sweets, savoury snacks, and a tea by the sea in Moda.

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch

Glide along the Bosphorus on a private cruise and take in the skyline that connects Europe and Asia. Explore Rustem Pasha Mosque and revisit the Spice Bazaar. Enjoy a seafood lunch under Galata Bridge. Option to unwind in a traditional hammam in the afternoon.

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch

Morning flight to Cappadocia. After lunch, discover panoramic Esentepe, Uchisar Castle, Göreme Open Air Museum, and Ortahisar Castle. You’ll stay in handpicked boutique hotels — including the charming Zula Cave House, a traditional cave hotel in Cappadocia with modern comforts.

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch

Start the day with an adrenaline-filled ATV ride at dawn, cruising past fairy chimneys and lunar landscapes. Later, visit Pigeon Valley, Red Valley, an underground city, and Çavuşin village. Wrap up with a traditional pottery workshop in Avanos.

Meals- Breakfast

Rise early for your bucket-list moment- a sunrise hot air balloon flight floating above Cappadocia’s dreamlike terrain. Late morning, learn to cook authentic Turkish dishes using traditional tandir methods in a local village house. Optional: Attend a Whirling Dervish ceremony in the evening.

Meals- Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast before your transfer to the airport. Time to say goodbye — or maybe, “see you again.”

Meals- Breakfast

Included:

• 6 nights’ accommodation (local cave-style stays)

• Daily breakfast

• Hot air balloon ride (Cappadocia)

• Airport transfers in Istanbul & Cappadocia

• Domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia

• Full-day Istanbul city tour with food tastings

• Half-day Bosphorus cruise with lunch

• Cappadocia North & South tours

• ATV ride at sunrise

• Cooking class with lunch

• All entrance fees

• Professional, English-speaking local guides

• Private vehicle transport throughout

Not Included:

• International flights to/from Turkey

• Personal travel insurance (required)

• Tips for guides and drivers

• Optional activities (e.g., Turkish Hammam, Whirling Dervish ceremony)

• Single room supplement (£250)

• Lunches and dinners not specified

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You don’t need to be an athlete, but a basic level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience. Expect city walking tours, some uneven terrain in Cappadocia, and early mornings for sunrise activities. Most guests of average fitness manage comfortably.

Is the hot air balloon ride really included?

Yes — it’s 100% included in your trip price. This is a true bucket list highlight and we’ve made sure it’s part of every itinerary, with no surprise supplements.

Can solo travellers join?

Absolutely. Around half our travellers come solo. You can book a twin share (same-gender pairing) or upgrade to a single room for a supplement. It’s a great trip for meeting like-minded people.

What’s the food like?

Incredible! You’ll try everything from market street food in Istanbul to homemade tandır-style meals in a village cooking class. Vegetarian options are widely available — just let us know your preferences in advance.

When’s the best time to go?

We run this trip in spring and autumn — when the weather is ideal for exploring. Temperatures range from 15–25°C, and the crowds are lower than in peak summer. Our school holiday dates are perfect for teachers and those looking to travel in half-term.

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

UK travellers currently do not need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.

How much spending money should I bring?

Most days include meals or experiences, so your main spending will be for dinners, souvenirs, and optional extras. We recommend budgeting £150–£200 for the week, depending on your preferences.