Tour the icons of Istanbul and Turkey’s enthralling Cappadocia region, a bizarre landscape of volcanically formed rock chimneys, houses carved out of sheer cliffs and sprawling underground cities.
Special Note:
Due to the amount of walking during the day tours, at times over uneven natural ground and /or steps, this program is not recommended for guests who have walking or mobility difficulties or for those guests who rely on a wheelchair or scooter. Guests also must be able to get in and out of the tour coaches with little to no assistance.
Any guests travelling with CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour. Oxygen concentrators (POC) are not permitted on the flight.
The below represents a sample itinerary. Sites visited in Istanbul will depend on flight times and the day of the week as each site has closure days. Every effort will be made to include as many sites as possible given the circumstances of your voyage date. Please refer to the emailed Final Cruise Documents that you will receive approximately 21 days before sailing for your actual itinerary based on these factors. Should there be closures, alternate sites may be substituted and should flight times not allow certain visits, they will either be removed or moved to another day in the program.
DAY 1
Disembark the ship in Istanbul, meet your guide and begin a drive through Istanbul to see some of its marquee attractions.
Stop for a visit of the phenomenal Blue Mosque. One of the few mosques with six minarets, the Blue Mosque was constructed in the early 17th century under the direction of Sultan Ahmet I, who was only 19 years old at the time. The exterior of the mosque is notable for its cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the central dome. Inside, the ceiling is lined with the 20,000 blue tiles for which the mosque is named.
You will also see the Hippodrome which is partially excavated to reveal some of the seats, columns, statues, and obelisks that were once part of this arena. Chariot races, coronations and parades all took place at the Hippodrome, which first appeared in 203 A.D. About 130 years later, Constantine the Great expanded and reshaped the arena so it could hold approximately 100,000 spectators.
Next you will visit the 15th Century Topkapi Palace, which was expanded under the reign of almost every sultan over the next 400 years. Today, it is a maze of lavishly decorated buildings and courtyards that reflect its most glorious years as the political center of the Ottoman Empire.
After lunch in the Sultanahmet area proceed to the airport for a flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for check in. Dinner is included before you retire for the evening.
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for a full-day, all-encompassing tour of the area. A scenic drive brings you to the Underground city. These troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hititte times. There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the widest one is Kaymakli Underground city, which consists of 8 floors below ground, only 4 of them are open to the public today. The Underground city has a massive living complex beneath the surface that includes churches, stables, wineries, and storage rooms.
Next, you will continue to Sinasos, a former Greek village, which was an important settlement and religious area between the 9th and 13th centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems and the remains of a monastery.
Following the visits, drive to Çavusin Village is a small, historic settlement located in the heart of Cappadocia, which can be found nestled between the towns of Avanos and Goreme, within a valley that has gradually widened over time Turkey. Locals still live in the rock-cut dwellings and stone houses. The village has variety of historical sites and churches such as ruins from the Christian monks and the Church of St. John the Baptist, which was carved into the rock in the 5th century.
After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy an orientation tour and visit to the town of Avanos village which is known for pottery making. The clay has a beautiful reddish hue and comes from the banks of the Kizilirmak River that flows through the town.
The day concludes back at your hotel where you will have dinner and the remainder of the evening at leisure.
DAY 3
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a full-day tour of Cappadocia where the landscape is stunningly surreal, almost lunar-like. Created by volcanic eruptions and shaped by thousands of years of erosion, the terrain features soaring fairy-tale rock chimneys and ancient dwellings carved out of the rocks. Few places on earth are so visually arresting.
Drive towards the town of Uchisar, whose natural rock citadel is the highest point in Cappadocia and visible from a great distance.
Then, it’s on to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which contains the best-preserved examples of cave churches such as Tokali Church. You will notice that the frescoes adorning the walls are still brightly colored, even after centuries of exposure. More usual rock formations await you near Derbent at the fairy chimneys at Urgup.
Next, visit Zelve-Pasabag, which was an important settlement and religious area between the ninth and thirteenth centuries. The now abandoned settlement is spread over three valleys, which also contain numerous pointed chimneys with large stems and the remains of a monastery.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant, visit the nearby Pigeon Valley, named for the thousands of pigeon houses that have been carved into rock cliffs since ancient times.
Following these visits, there will be a shopping opportunity before you return to your hotel for some time to freshen up before a lovely dinner outing. Drive to the Red Valley; one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful natural wonders with its surreal rock formations, pinkish-red colors, and ancient cave churches. Arriving just before sunset and with champagne in hand, watch all the colors blend together to create a spectacular landscape. This is truly the best place to end the day in Cappadocia. From there, you will proceed to Uçhisar for a delicious dinner in one of it’s local restaurants.
Following this spectacular evening, return to your hotel.
DAY 4
Depending on flight time, enjoy breakfast at the hotel or a breakfast box will be provided. Check out and transfer to the airport for a return flight to Istanbul.
Upon arriving in Istanbul, transfer to the Sultanahmet area for lunch. Continue with a tour of the Hagia Sophia, which was originally built as a church and later became a mosque. Today, the Hagia Sophia (meaning “Holy Wisdom”) is a museum containing phenomenal mosaics, Christian and Muslim religious art and remnants of the church that stood here until 532 A.D., when it was burned in a riot.
To conclude, you will have the opportunity to browse through the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, the largest and the oldest covered marketplace in the world. It contains more than 5,000 shops selling an absolutely amazing range of merchandise. Jewelry, carpets, antiques, old coins, furniture, prayer beads and copperware are only a few of the items in the bazaar, which has been operating since the 15th century.
From the Bazaar, proceed to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, dinner is on your own.
DAY 5
Following breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to the Istanbul International Airport for your return flight home based on the flight details provided. Should you have a late flight, luggage storage will be available at the hotel until your transfer time.
Land Program Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
DAY 1 – timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure
7:45am Disembark the ship in Istanbul
9:00am Visit the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome
10:00am Visit Topkapi Palace
12:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant
1:30pm Depart for the airport
2:30pm Arrive at the airport and check in
4:05pm Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (flight details TBA and subject to change)
5:35pm Arrival in Cappadocia, collect luggage
6:00pm Transfer to your hotel for check-in
7:00pm Dinner at the hotel and overnight
Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Depart for the underground city
9:30am Visit the underground city
10:30am Drive to and visit Sinasos Village
11:30am Drive to and Çavusin Village
1:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:45pm Orientation tour to Avanos town and shopping stop
5:45pm Return to your hotel for dinner
Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Drive to and visit Uchisar
10:00am Visit Göreme Open Air Museum including Tokali Church
12:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:00pm Visit to Zelve Pasha-bag Valley
3:00pm Photo Stop at Pigeon Valley
3:30pm Return to your hotel
6:00pm Sunset tour in the Red Valley with exclusive champagne service
7:00pm Dinner in a local restaurant
8:30pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4 timings subject to change depending on actual flight times which can change up to the time of departure
9:00am After breakfast depart for Cappadocia airport
Depending on flight time a breakfast box may be provided
10:00am Arrive at the airport and check-in
11:00am Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:35pm Arrive in Istanbul, collect luggage, proceed to lunch venue
2:00pm Lunch in a local restaurant
3:00pm Visit the Hagia Sophia
4:00pm Visit the Grand Bazaar
5:00pm Transfer to your hotel for check-in
Dinner on own
Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel or similar
Day 5
AM Breakfast at the hotel
12:00pm Check out time at the hotel
If you have a late flight, you may keep your luggage in the hotel’s storage room until needed. Your transfer to the airport will be arranged according to your flight time.
Extra nights:
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 5 of your program.
Transfers:
•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Closed days of attractions:
If an attraction is closed on one of the dates, an alternate site will be visited. Details will be provided in your final cruise documents to be received 21 days before sailing.
•Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
•Hagia Sophia is closed during prayer hours on Fridays
•Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Expected Weather:
Expect significant temperature differences between day and night in Cappadocia. Spring begins in March and lasts until May, and the average temperature for this season is approximately 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). This is also when the region gets most of its rainfall. However, the rain usually comes in short intervals and lasts on average for only two hours. Summer is between June and August.
Summers in Cappadocia are very hot, with daytime temperatures approaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). However, nighttime temperatures fall into the 20’s Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit). Autumn starts in September and ends in November and is the high season for Cappadocia travel. Average temperature at this time is in the 20's Celsius (in the 70’s Fahrenheit).
What to Bring:
Due to the uneven walking surfaces, sport shoes are highly recommended. Also, pack sunscreen, light comfortable clothing and shoes, and a light jacket for the evenings. Please ensure suitable clothing is worn in the mosques. Shoulders and legs should be covered.
Currency:
Turkish Lira (TL).
Electricity:
220 Volt AC/50 Hz throughout Turkey. We recommend you bring a travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required and an e-Visa is required for all U.S. Citizens entering Turkey. Please check with your local embassy for any further visa requirements for your nationality.
RSSC will require guest passport details within 75 days of sailing as hotels and airlines are requiring these details for reservations and ticketing. Please ensure the most up to date details are added to your booking before this time. Rooms and flight tickets will not be guaranteed without this information. Should you be waiting for new passport details, submit what you have and then provide new details once secured. Bring both passports with you for this journey for check in for flights.
Luggage:
It is recommended for time saving to bring only a carry-on to Cappadocia. Guests are permitted to bring 1 carry-on not to exceed 23x40x55 in size and 8kg (17 lbs) in weight and one personal item not to exceed 40x30x15 and 4kg (8 lbs) in weight. In your hand luggage, you can only carry liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers of no more than 100 milliliters. These containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag. Volume of this resealable plastic bag must not be more than 1 liter per passenger.
Your main luggage will be stored in a secure office in Istanbul until your return. Please make sure to label any luggage staying behind appropriately and remember to take all medications and documents with you.
Carriage of CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations):
1. Guests must provide in advance a picture of the CPAP equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
2. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
3. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
4. Personal oxygen concentrators are not permitted on the flights.
Accommodation:
Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel
Gümüssuyu Mahallesi, Asker Ocagi Caddesi No:1, 34437 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey
+90 212 368 44 44
Utopia Cave Hotel
Dua Yeri Mah. Istiklal 1 Sok. No: 6, 50400 Urgup, Nevsehir
Phone: +90 384 341 57 47
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen circumstances. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of travel. If guests are not notified prior to travel of any changes, then the hotels listed above will be used.
Program includes:
•1 night including breakfast at the Intercontinental Istanbul Hotel or similar (Club Level Room)
•3 nights at the Utopia Cave Hotel or similar (deluxe room)
•Airport transfers
•Porterage at the airport
•Service of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the program or local guide depending on the number of guests booked on the package.
•Service of an air-conditioned vehicle
•Entrance fees to the visited sites and museums
•Two lunches in Cappadocia with soft drinks
•4 lunches in Istanbul with soft drinks
•3 dinners with soft drinks
•Exclusive Sunset Champagne service at Red Valley in Cappadocia
•Domestic economy class flights per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes:
•Beverages with alcohol on the tours
•Gratuities for guides and drivers
•Personal expenses
•Any meals not listed above
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry
•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights
•Hot air balloon ride (guest may speak to their guide during the program regarding this option)
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Price: $2,199 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
