Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Cappadocia and Istanbul From Cave Churches to the Blue Mosque
Turkey – Cappadocia – Istanbul
In Cappadocia, the landscape borders on the surreal. Soft volcanic rock has been sculpted by time into valleys, pinnacles and the famous ‘fairy chimneys’. Entire communities have carved homes, churches and hidden sanctuaries directly into the stone. It’s ancient and quietly otherworldly, a place where days unfold among frescoed caves and winding canyons.
Then there’s Istanbul: restless, layered and impossible to pin down, it stretches across continents and centuries. Domes and minarets fill the skyline, ferries crisscross the Bosphorus and neighbourhoods can shift from historic to contemporary in a matter of streets. One moment you’re tracing the legacy of empires; the next you’re caught up in the rhythm of modern city life – markets, meyhanes (traditional bars or restaurants), galleries and all.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Following your international flight to Nevsehir – usually via Istanbul and averaging between six to seven hours – pick up your hire car and drive less than an hour to the contemporary Cappadocian town of Urgup. Settle into your hotel, give your legs a good stretch and enjoy a quiet meal, ready for your adventure to start.
This morning, set out on a private tour through some of Cappadocia’s most surreal landscapes. Start at Ihlara Canyon, carved by the Melendiz River with cliffs rising nearly 500ft high. Byzantine monks carved shelters and decorated churches into the rock, each site revealing its own style and story.
From here, continue to the cave village of Selime, then on to Guzelyurt, which still echoes the memory of Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, a defender of classical culture. Pause at scenic Lake Nar before exploring the 13th-century Agzikara Han, a well-preserved medieval Turkic caravanserai (a fortified roadside inn). It was built along the Silk Road, the 4,000-mile network of ancient trading routes.
Round off your tour with a stroll past the mineral-streaked formations of Rose Valley and Devrent Valley, known for their otherworldly landscapes. With ‘fairy chimneys’ and distinctive rock formations popping up around every corner, it’s hard not to snap photo after photo.
Expect a four to five-hour drive between sites, giving you time to take in the views at a relaxed pace.
This morning, you’ll explore the historic town of Urgup, where Hittites, Romans and Byzantines have left their mark. Stone houses from the late 19th century hint at the town’s mixed Turkish and Greek heritage, and the surrounding region is a stronghold of Turkish viticulture (the process of grape-growing), perfect for an unexpected wine tasting.
Later, drive a short distance toward Goreme and Uchisar, passing three famous ‘fairy chimneys’ said to represent Greco-Roman goddesses. Along the way, early Christian churches reveal centuries of devotional art, their painted interiors still remarkably vibrant today.
For those keen to pick up the pace, a private cycling excursion through the valleys of Goreme, Zelve and Gulludere offers a more intimate way to experience the ‘fairy chimneys’, cave dwellings and rock-carved churches. Your guide will point out the highlights and hidden corners along the route.
After fuelling up on breakfast, head back to Nevsehir Airport, return your hire car and board your hour-and-a-half flight to Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to Karakoy, one of the city’s oldest and most historic districts, where you’ll spend the next three nights.
The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Wander, relax or soak up the first sights and sounds of this bustling city. If you prefer to follow your nose, must-try street-food snacks include simit (sesame bread) and midye dolma (stuffed mussels).
Rise and shine, you have a full day of exploring ahead. Meet your private local guide, ready to reveal the city to you as only a resident can. Start with a quick chat – your questions and expectations will shape the day’s plan. Then hit the streets together, adopting Istanbul’s rhythm.
Wander from fragrant food stalls and treasure-filled boutiques to relaxing hammams and hidden courtyards, asking for recommendations and restaurant suggestions along the way. In just a few hours, you’ll probably feel a little like a local, armed with insider tips and stories to guide the rest of your stay.
This morning, enjoy a private visit to the home of Hayati, a renowned Turkish chef and tuck into a three-course meal inspired by the season and local markets. Chat, laugh and enjoy the delicious food as you experience a taste of authentic life in Istanbul.
Keen to stretch your legs after your hearty meal? Continue city sightseeing with a private guide who can lead you through Istanbul’s layers of history. From the Byzantine Cistern of Philoxenos and the Hagia Sophia to the lively Greek-Armenian quarter of Kumkapi, there’s plenty to discover. The famed Blue Mosque is also a must-visit, with its – you guessed it – brilliant blue interior.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. After a final breakfast this morning, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight. Settle in for the four-hour flight back to the UK, with a camera roll full of memories to keep you entertained on the journey home.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
CYCLE IN CAPPADOCIA
Pedal through the valleys of Goreme, Zelve and Gulludere, where cave churches and honeycombed rock formations pop up around every bend. Be sure to slow down and soak it all in, pausing for photo-worthy views. Along the way, a private guide will share stories and local insights, bringing these extraordinary landscapes to life.
ISTANBUL, FROM BYZANTIUM TO THE OTTOMAN
With a private guide, trace the layers of Istanbul’s past, from Byzantine ingenuity to Ottoman grandeur. Begin beneath the city in an ancient cistern, then emerge among the landmarks of Sultanahmet with mosques, monuments and centuries of history all set within a few streets. The day unfolds through changing neighbourhoods, finishing in Kumkapi, where the mood softens over seafood and the easy rhythm of local life. 
Why visit Turkey with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Turkey
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
