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Arrive
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Day 1 Istanbul
On the north side of the Galata Bridge, this spot is historic yet hip, brimming with cafés and galleries. Behind the hotel’s neo-classical façade sit utterly modern rooms – and on its rooftop, a superb bar and restaurant.
In the evening, venture out to explore the lively spice market. Traders have come here for hundreds of years, and it is one of the city’s largest bazaars. Steel yourself for tempting Turkish delight, sweets, fruit, nuts and a kaleidoscopic array of spices.
Overnight: 10 Karaköy
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Day 2 Istanbul
Meet your expert guide who will lead you on a tour of Istanbul’s most eminent sights, from the glittering Hagia Sophia and its 1,500-year history, to the underground Basilica Cisterna, this 6th-century complex will impress for its architectural splendour. The 15th-century Topkapı Palace once the realm of only the Ottoman sultans, has wonderful collection of imperial robes, kaftans and gold and silver adorned uniforms alongside the most beautiful Iznik tiles. Visit the sprawling Harem where the imperial family lived and the jewelled-filled Treasury.
Overnight: 10 Karaköy
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Day 3 Cruise the Bosphorus
Your guide will complete your historical education this morning, before you part ways for a two-hour private afternoon cruise of the Bosphorus. The river forms part of the boundary between Asia and Europe, lined with a handsome variety of architecture. Sit back and drift through the annals of time, interspersed with traditional Turkish snacks.
Overnight: 10 Karaköy
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Day 4 Cappadocia
Fly to the lunar landscape of Cappadocia in central Turkey, where over the course of thousands of years, Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasandağı sputtered lava and ashes creating immense “fairy chimney” rock spires across the mostly arid landscape. These were later carved into underground passages, caves and former sanctuaries. Spend the day exploring churches where early Christian Romans once lived – a thrilling encounter that evokes the wonders of ancient Turkey, the Silk Road and monastic life. Completely deserted, many still have frescoes and rock carvings of biblical scenes.
Your subterranean hotel is a short drive away and occupies an atmospheric realm of its own, millennia in the making. Argos in Cappadocia is a cave monastery restored to create seven mansions that house bare stone suites with private cave pools. With live music in its chimney domes, five kilometres of underground tunnels and a sublime traditional Turkish restaurant, a stay here is anything but primitive.
Overnight: Argos in Cappadocia
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Day 5 Hot air balloon over Cappadocia
Continue exploring today on foot, but brace yourself for a new perspective on a hot air balloon ride. This rocky, neutral desert landscape will leave an indelible mark as you view it from above, the sun hitting the rock spires just so and the breeze swirling ancient history all around.
Overnight: Argos in Cappadocia
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Day 6 Transfer for your flight home via Istanbul
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Depart
