Cappadocia & Istanbul: A Boutique, Indulgent Girls’ Trip Through Türkiye
Let me take you on a trip through beautiful Türkiye! We’ll explore vibrant markets, take a hot air balloon over unforgettable landscapes, and indulge in lazy lunches in beautiful restaurants and tea or cocktails on rooftops with views of Istanbul. This trip is for women who love to discover new places, eat incredible food, and share the experience with like-minded people. My goal was to create the kind of experience you’ll talk about for years, that helps you fall in love with Turkish culture and food. We’ll start by exploring Istanbul’s palaces, mosques, and hidden cafés, then fly east to Cappadocia. Here, we’ll stay in a gorgeous boutique hotel surrounded by surreal rock formations and take a hot air balloon at sunrise before a full-day guided tour exploring cave churches, panoramic viewpoints, and hidden valleys.
Tour Highlights
- Welcome dinner with the group at a gorgeous restaurant in Istanbul
- Wander through Istanbul’s palaces, mosques and rooftop cafés including the incredible Basilica Cistern, and the Blue Mosque
- Explore the colourful lanes of the Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar
- Stay in a boutique spa hotel in Cappadocia
- Private tours to Devrent and Pasabag Valleys in Cappadocia
- Watch the city glow at sunset from a yacht on the Bosphorus on our final night, sailing between Europe and Asia
- Group dinner on the final night
- (Optional) See the sunrise from a hot air balloon drifting over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys — a view you’ll never forget!
- If a hot air balloon isn’t your thing, watch the hot air balloons from the rooftop terrace of our tour hotel over breakfast.
Price
💲 EUR 1,699 Early Bird (1,799 standard) (twin/double sharing)
💲 EUR 450 single supplement
Inclusions:
✅ 2 x air conditioned airport transfers on the start & end of the tour
✅ 6 nights accommodation in carefully selected boutique hotels (double/twin occupancy)
✅ Domestic return flights from Istanbul ↔ Cappadocia with airport transfers
✅ Guided Istanbul sightseeing (2 tours)
✅ Guided Cappadocia sightseeing (2 tours)
✅ Entry fees for all included sights mentioned in the itinerary
✅ Yacht cruise on the Bosphorus at sunset
✅ Licensed English-speaking guides
✅ Daily breakfast
✅ Turkish Lantern Making Class
✅ 3 lunches and 3 dinners (including a food tour!)
✅ Private rooms available at additional cost
✅ Private air-conditioned vehicles for sightseeing tours
Exclusions
✘ International flights to Türkiye
✘ Visa fees
✘ Transport to and from the European to Asian side of Istanbul. We will tap on with contactless cards as we can’t book tickets. It costs approx €1 each way. I will have extra contactless cards in case anyone’s debit card doesn’t support it.
✘ Hot Air Balloon (can be added after booking – around €200)
✘ Personal Travel insurance
✘ Tips for guides/drivers
✘ Alcoholic & soft drinks
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul & Welcome Dinner
We will kick off the tour with our welcome meal and get to know everyone. In Turkiye, people eat late so you have plenty of time to arrive. We will be meeting at reception at 7:30pm to go to the restaurant. If you arrive earlier, we will have a little pre-dinner cocktail nearby.
Our welcome dinner will take place at a gorgeous restaurant that specialises in Ottoman palace cuisine – the kind of luxurious, layered cooking once served to sultans. We’ll sample lots of dishes and toast to a wonderful trip together.
After dinner, we’ll take a relaxed evening stroll through the beautiful Galata area passing some of Istanbul’s most iconic streets at their most atmospheric. It’s a lovely way to experience the city once the daytime crowds fade!
Accommodation: The Galata Glory Hotel, Galata
Included meals: Welcome Group Dinner
Day 2: Guided Tour of Istanbul Old Town
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll explore Istanbul’s incredible mix of history and culture with our local guide in Sultanahmet! We will walk here by crossing the bridge over the Bosphorus from Galat. It’s a beautiful and scenic walk which takes about 20-25 minutes.
Sights we’ll visit include:
- Spice Market: Shop for Souvenirs, clothes, bags, spices and teas in this gorgeous market. Prices are much cheaper than the Grand Bazaar!
- The Blue Mosque: One of Istanbul’s most beautiful landmarks, this iconic mosque has thousands of blue tiles and elegant domes.
- Basilica Cistern: This is an ancient underground water storage system that was built in the 6th century. It’s famous for its architecture and its historical significance, and it’s really atmospheric inside.
- Grand Bazaar: We will then visit one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Our guide will show us how to shop & haggle, and tell us the general layout of the market. Then we will have time to explore. If you don’t want to shop, visit the tea and sweet stalls to try local treats, or visit one of the many coffee shops that serve delicious tea and coffee.
During the tour, we’ll stop for coffee at Şark Kahvesi, which has been serving Turkish coffee to customers since 1948. We’ll try baklava and local delicacies, and learn a lot of history about the city. We’ll also stop for lunch (included) at a great local restaurant. During this lunch, we will eat family-style and order some great dishes for the table to try. We’ll order a selection of dishes to share, with options to accommodate all dietary requirements and allergies (before the trip you tell us your food limitations and preferences, so that we can make sure you have food you can enjoy).
After the tour, there will be the option to hop on a tram to the colourful neighbourhood of Balat for dinner and exploring. This neighbourhood is famous for its colourful streets and houses, cute cafes and cobbled streets. It’s quite relaxed here compared to Sultanahmet- so we can take a stroll, get some food and gelato before heading back to the hotel.
Accommodation: The Galata Glory Hotel, Galata
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Lantern Making & A Trip To Asia!
After breakfast this morning, we’re doing something exciting – making our very own Turkish Mosaic Lanterns using colourful glass pieces in traditional patterns. These will make beautiful gift to bring home (or to keep for yourself!). They provide a gorgeous design pattern which you can follow, so even if you’re not crafty you can still create something gorgeous.
After our session, we will take a walk through Galata to see the tower and try the famous chocolate drizzled-cheesecake here!
Next, we’ll meet our guide for the day, who will take us on a tour through the Asian side of Istanbul. We will do a food tour, trying different dishes and learning the history of the area.
After our tour, we’ll take the boat back to Europe (it only takes around 30 mins). We can go get dinner nearby, and then head back to our hotel to pack for our flight the next day. This is a free evening, so you can prepare for the flight. However we are surrounded by gorgeous shops, restaurants and bars – so you can still explore if you are a quick packer.
Accommodation:The Galata Glory Hotel, Galata
Included meals: Breakfast, food tour
Day 4: Flight to Cappadocia & Afternoon Tour
This morning we’ll fly to Cappadocia and transfer to our boutique spa hotel. All flights and transfers are covered in the tour, and details will be provided after booking. We can leave anything we don’t want to bring with us in the hotel in Istanbul, so we can travel light.
We will be transferred directly to our hotel, the Heybe hotel in Goreme, to freshen up.
In the afternoon, we’ll take our first tour around Cappadocia! Our first stop is Devrent Valley, often called Imagination Valley, where centuries of wind and erosion have sculpted the soft volcanic rock into unusual shapes. The guide will point out the many natural formations that resemble animals and figures, making this a playful and photogenic introduction to Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys.
We’ll then continue to Pasabag Valley, also known as Monks Valley. This area is home to some of the region’s most impressive mushroom-shaped rock formations, as well as ancient caves once used by hermit monks seeking solitude. You’ll have time to walk among the chimneys, step inside some of the carved caves, and take in the unique atmosphere that makes Cappadocia unlike anywhere else.
From the valleys, we’ll travel to the riverside town of Avanos, a centre of pottery-making for thousands of years. Here, we’ll visit a local workshop to see how traditional ceramics are still shaped by hand using clay from the Red River. You’ll have the chance to try the pottery wheel yourself, or just browse the beautifully finished pieces.
After the tour, we will return to the hotel for a group dinner at sunset in a beautiful part of Cappadocia.
Accommodation: Heybe Hotel, Goreme
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Hot Air Balloon & Cappadocia Tour
We’ll start the day early for an optional hot air balloon ride (weather permitting) — one of the most unforgettable experiences in Cappadocia! This is an optional add-on to the tour, watching the sunrise from the air. If heights aren’t your thing, then our hotel has a gorgeous rooftop area where you can watch the balloons and sunrise for free! Hot Air Balloon bookings will be confirmed after you have booked the tour – so you have time to decide.
After our hot air balloon experience, we’ll set out on a full-day guided tour to explore panoramic viewpoints, and hidden valleys of Cappadocia before returning to our hotel in the evening.
Today’s tour takes us further out into Cappadocia’s countryside and shows a very different side of the region to the areas around Göreme. It’s a longer day with more driving, but the landscapes are greener and more open, and it gives a deeper sense of how people have lived here over centuries.
One of the main stops is an Underground City, where we’ll walk down through a series of underground rooms and tunnels carved beneath the ground. Our guide will explain how these spaces were used by local communities for shelter and storage, and what daily life underground would have looked like.
From there, we’ll visit Ihlara Valley, a long river valley with a completely different feel to the rocky landscapes Cappadocia is known for. We’ll take a gentle walk along the valley floor, following the river and passing rock-cut churches and cave dwellings along the way. It’s more of a scenic stroll than a hike, and a nice break from sightseeing in towns and villages.
Later in the day, we’ll stop at Selime Monastery, a large rock-cut complex at the end of the valley. It’s a bit raw and dramatic, and gives you a sense of how remote life here would have been. We’ll also make a viewpoint stop in Pigeon Valley on the way back toward Göreme, with views across the valley and fairy chimneys in the distance.
After a busy day of touring, you can have a relaxing evening in the hotel and visit the hotel spa. Or come for an optional group dinner at a really cool cave restaurant in the town.
Accommodation: Heybe Hotel, Goreme
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Return to Istanbul & Final Meal
We’ll have a second chance to take the hot air balloon flight, if weather affected flights the day before. After this, we’ll have breakfast and fly back to Istanbul. All transfers and flights are included in the tour price.
We’ll check back into our hotel and have a few free hours to freshen up before our final evening’s activities. Use this time to get food, explore, or pick up any souvenirs you haven’t bought yet.
This evening, we’ll take a sunset boat ride on the Bosphorus to see the sun go down while we’re on the water. We’ll board our yacht, and sail up to the second bridge of the Bosphorus from the European part of Bosphorus Strait. Canapés, snacks and some soft drinks are provided, wine and other alcoholic drinks are available to buy. Enjoy your drinks and snacks while you enjoy the panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities of Dolmabahce Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, the Rumeli Fortress, and many more local landmarks. We will end our Sunset Cruise with some picture opportunities of the old city at Kabatas pier.
When we leave the boat, we’ll go for our final meal at a beautiful restaurant nearby and say goodbye!
Accommodation: The Galata Glory Hotel, Galata
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Time to Say Goodbye!
After one final breakfast together, it’s time to say goodbye to Türkiye and head home. We’ve included two private airport transfers to Istanbul Airport, timed around the group’s flight schedules to accommodate everyone as smoothly as possible. We hope you leave with wonderful memories, new friendships, and plenty of stories to tell. Safe travels, and we hope to see you on another adventure soon!
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation Standards
Here are some photos of the tour hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the price?
All inclusions are listed in the “Cost” section. This tour includes boutique accommodation, daily breakfast, domestic flights with private airport transfers, guided tours in Istanbul and Cappadocia, and an evening Bosphorus cruise. Optional add-ons include the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, and a private room upgrade.
For international airport transfers, we will provide 2 airport transfers to and from the airport on the start and end days of the tour. One in the morning, one in the afternoon. When everyone is booking flights, we can discuss times and we will make sure that the transfers are timed to include the maximum guests. If you arrive early or leave later, we can arrange an additional paid transfer (although Uber is quite reasonable!)
What type of accommodation will we stay in?
We’ll stay in gorgeous boutique hotels in Istanbul and Cappadocia. In Istanbul, the hotel is centrally located which makes it perfect for sightseeing. Rooms are based on twin share, with a single supplement available for private rooms.
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included each day, lunch is included on 3 days, and dinner on 3 days. We’ll also include non-alcoholic drinks on the boat and a food tour in Asia. Other meals are optional so that you can experience Istanbul and Cappadocia’s incredible restaurants. We’ll share recommendations and plan a few group meals together at some of our favourite local spots.
How many people will be in the group?
This is a small women-only group trip, capped at 13 guests plus your host, Steph.
Is the hot air balloon included?
The balloon ride is optional, if you’re feeling brave enough to do it! It’s an incredible experience, so I highly recommend adding it. If you opt not to do the balloon experience, you can instead have breakfast on the rooftop of the hotel and watch the balloons float across the sky. Prices don’t get confirmed until close to the date, but expect to pay €200-300.
What will we see in Istanbul?
We’ll explore the highlights of Istanbul including Spice Market, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. You’ll also enjoy a sunset Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia, and have time to wander through cafés and markets in Sultanahmet. You will get a chance to spend an afternoon on the Asian side of the city sampling local foods.
What will we see in Cappadocia?
We’ll visit the stunning valleys of Devrent and Pasabag, explore Avanos pottery village, and see the region’s cave churches and fairy chimneys. For those who join the balloon flight, we’ll rise early to watch the sun light up the valleys from above.
What level of fitness is required?
This tour is relaxed and low-intensity. You should be comfortable walking for a few hours at a leisurely pace on sightseeing days, but there are no strenuous hikes or treks.
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
Some travellers to Turkey require an evisa, but many European visitors can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. We will advise you of the visa requirements for your passport after you book.
Is Turkey safe to visit?
Yes, Turkey is safe to visit in the regions we travel to. We work with trusted local partners and you’ll have private transport and licensed local guides throughout.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, restaurants and hotels can cater for dietary needs. Please let us know in advance so arrangements can be made.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is appreciated in Turkey, especially for guides and drivers.
What is the weather like?
September is one of the best months to visit Turkey – warm, sunny, and comfortable for sightseeing after the peak summer heat. It’s ideal for both Istanbul’s city exploration and Cappadocia’s outdoor experiences. Expect warm days and mild evenings in September, with average highs around 28°C in Istanbul and 27°C in Cappadocia. Layers are best, as Cappadocia mornings can be cool, especially if you’re up for a sunrise balloon ride.
What is the transport like?
All transport is private and comfortable – airport transfers, guided sightseeing in Istanbul and Cappadocia, and domestic flights between the two regions are included.
I’m a solo traveller, can I join?
Absolutely! Most of our guests travel solo. You’ll be paired with another solo traveller in a twin room unless you book a single supplement for your own private room.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory for this tour and must include medical cover for the duration of your trip.
What is the payment plan for the tour
You can book your spot with a 15% deposit. You will automatically be enrolled in the standard payment plan which is:
- 15% at booking
- 35% on 15th July 2026
- 50% on 17th August (final payment)
You can log into your website at any time to pay your installments, and will be sent a reminder email 7 days before the payment date. If you would like to customize the plan, please email us after booking and we can arrange this with you.
What is the cancellation policy for the tour?
We know plans can change, so we’ve kept our cancellation policy clear and fair:
- To secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit of 15% is required at the time of booking.
- Your final balance is due 6 weeks before departure.
If you need to cancel:
- 16+ weeks before your trip: You’ll lose your deposit.
- 13–15 weeks before your trip: 50% of your trip cost is non-refundable.
- 7– 12 weeks before your trip: 75% of your trip cost is non-refundable.
- Less than 6 weeks before your trip: Unfortunately, no refund can be given.
If we ever have to cancel (for example, if minimum numbers aren’t met), you’ll get a full refund or the option to transfer to another date. If you cancel and can replace your spot, please do let us know as we can transfer your costs over and refund you as much as we can manage once supplier cancellation / name change costs are taken into account. With this tour there are flights to book, so cancellations will involve fees for name changes.
