Cappadocia & Istanbul for New Year’s Eve

Arrival at Ankara Airport and meeting with the local guide. Departure for Cappadocia, arrival at the hotel and check-in. Dinner and overnight stay.

Culture

30%

Nature

40%

History

30%

Party

10%

In the morning, enjoy the possibility of admiring Cappadocia illuminated by the first light of dawn with an optional hot-air balloon excursion, available at an additional cost and subject to availability. The excursion is also weather-dependent and may be cancelled even a few hours before departure in the event of unfavourable weather conditions. Breakfast at the hotel follows.

We will begin the day exploring Cappadocia, a unique region where extraordinary natural wonders meet a rich historical and cultural heritage. Our itinerary takes us to the fascinating Devrent Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Fairy Chimneys”, where wind and water erosion have shaped the volcanic rock into a spectacular landscape of pinnacles, cones and remarkable rock formations.

We will continue with a visit to the underground city of Özkonak or a similar site, built by Christian communities to protect themselves from enemy incursions. We will then stop at a traditional carpet and kilim workshop, where we can discover the ancient craftsmanship of Turkish weaving.

Next, we will visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, an extraordinary complex of churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the rock and decorated with frescoes dating back to the 11th century. The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch during the excursion.

In the afternoon, we will admire the spectacular volcanic landscapes of Avcılar, the “Valley of the Hunters”, and Güvercinlik, the “Valley of the Pigeons”. We will stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Uçhisar Castle, an impressive tuff-rock formation shaped by erosion and characterised by numerous tunnels and openings. We will conclude the day with a visit to a workshop specialising in the craftsmanship of precious stones, gold and silver.

Return to the hotel and free time to get ready for the evening celebrations. In the evening, enjoy an included New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at the hotel, raising a toast to the arrival of the New Year in the magical atmosphere of Cappadocia.

Nature

10%

Relax

20%

Adventure

10%

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for the flight to Istanbul. Lunch at leisure.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, check-in and free time to relax or begin exploring the city independently.

In the afternoon, departure towards the Golden Horn and embarkation for a fascinating Bosphorus Cruise, offering the opportunity to admire Istanbul from a unique perspective, between Europe and Asia.

At the end of the cruise, transfer to a traditional local restaurant for a fish-based dinner. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Culture

70%

Nature

10%

History

60%

Prima colazione in albergo e partenza per la visita “Imperiale” di Istanbul, alla scoperta dei luoghi più rappresentativi della storia della città.

Inizieremo dall’antico Ippodromo, cuore della vita pubblica durante l’epoca bizantina e sede delle celebri corse delle bighe, dove ammireremo i suoi storici obelischi. Proseguiremo con la visita della Moschea del Sultano Ahmet, conosciuta come Moschea Blu, uno dei simboli più iconici di Istanbul.

A seguire, visiteremo la suggestiva Basilica Cisterna, costruita nel 532 sotto il regno dell’imperatore Giustiniano I, durante uno dei periodi di maggiore splendore dell’Impero Romano d’Oriente. Pranzo in un ristorante locale.

Nel pomeriggio, visita del maestoso Palazzo Imperiale di Topkapi, esclusa la sezione dell’Harem, che fu la residenza dei sultani ottomani per quasi quattro secoli. Le sue splendide architetture, decorazioni e collezioni testimoniano ancora oggi la potenza e la magnificenza dell’Impero Ottomano.

Proseguimento con la visita esterna della Chiesa di Santa Sofia, oggi moschea, capolavoro dell’architettura bizantina (ingresso escluso). Concluderemo la giornata con del tempo libero per immergersi nell’atmosfera del Grand Bazaar, uno dei mercati coperti più grandi e affascinanti del mondo.

Rientro in albergo, cena e pernottamento.

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for the return flight.