Europe / asia
We meet at Malta International Airport at 08:00 for Turkish Airlines flight TK1370, departing at 10:25, arriving in Istanbul at 14:00. Transfer by coach to Gonen Hotel (4-star) located in Istanbul’s most popular district, Beyoglu, near Taksim Square. Room check-in. Later, we go for a short walk with the tour leader.
After buffet breakfast, we offer a fascinating excursion. We start with a visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace — undoubtedly a must-see in Istanbul for its exquisite beauty.
Next, we visit the Underground Cistern, an impressive ancient structure beneath the city.
Later, we embark on a Bosphorus Cruise (optional, ticket not included) where we sail between Europe and Asia, seeing both continents. We’ll also view the Marmara Sea, which connects to the Black Sea.
Buffet breakfast followed by the Istanbul Historical City Tour. Accompanied by a local guide, we explore the old part of Istanbul including the Hagia Sophia, originally built in the 16th century by architect Mehmet, and the famous Blue Mosque, known for its decorative blue tiles.
We also visit the Hippodrome, where we see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.
Lunch is included.
We then stop for photos outside the Topkapi Palace, once the grand residence of the Ottoman sultans (15th–19th century). Inside, we view collections of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, the Jewels of the Imperial Treasury, the Holy Mantle, and relics of Prophet Mohammed.
Our final stop is the bustling Spice Market. We return to the hotel.
Breakfast. Today, we take a day trip to the romantic city of Bursa. With a local guide, we visit the city’s highlights, followed by lunch (not included).
We then take the cable car (ticket not included) to Uludag Ski Centre, with free time to enjoy the snowy views. Return to Istanbul in the evening.
After breakfast, transfer by coach to the airport for our domestic flight to Cappadocia.
We take flight TK2004, departing at 11:25 and arriving at Nevşehir Airport at 12:45.
After a panoramic tour, we transfer to the city center of Nevşehir and check in at the Altinoz Hotel (4-star).
Dinner at the hotel.
(Optional: Early morning hot air balloon ride for an unforgettable experience.)
Today we explore more of beautiful Cappadocia, starting with the Goreme Open-Air Museum, known for its ancient rock-cut cave churches with stunning frescoes.
Lunch in a traditional Turkish restaurant, then we continue to Uchisar Castle, which offers sweeping views of the region.
Return to the hotel. Dinner and free time.
After breakfast, we continue our adventure with a visit to the Derinkuyu Underground City Museum, one of the most beautiful and popular underground cities in Cappadocia.
Lunch in a Turkish restaurant, followed by a visit to Pigeon Valley, where we admire the breathtaking natural scenery.
Dinner at the hotel and free time.
Breakfast followed by some free time. Then transfer to Nevşehir Airport to fly back to Malta via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
We arrive in Malta on flight TK1371 at 18:25.
