4 Days Istanbul & Cappadocia Trip - Including Hot Air Balloon Ride
Overview
About
Day 4: Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cappadocia and Visit the Underground City
What you'll do
Meeting and pickup
What is included?
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not wheelchair accessible
What is not included?
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- The prices of package are valid for accommodation at the double or triple room. If you would like make reservation for single room(s), there could be supplement cost. There are not going to be any extra cost for single / solo travelers. This cost already accounted on price of these travelers.
- If the hotels which offered by local tour operator on the tour details are not available for standard/superior rooms on your travel dates, the local tour operator can replace it with an equivalent hotel. The local tour operator will inform you that detail max next 72 hours after your booking.
- You will not need print out copies of the tickets of domestic flights. Your passport, and reservation number on the tickets will be enough for check-in to plane. Local tour operator will send e-tickets of your domestic flights at six days before of your departure date.
- You will have 15kg luggage + 8kg hand bag quota per person for each domestic flight. If you will need more luggage capacity, please inform that to local tour operator. There could be some extra fee for luggage quotas more than 15kg. This is exactly about the policies of airline companies.
- Hot air ballooning is a fully weather-dependent activity and the Civil Aviation Authority determines whether the flight will be held. If your flight is cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, you are entitled to a partial refund. In such a case, your refund will be processed by the day after of that trip. The refund rate is going to be difference between options of "... with balloon ride" and "... without balloon ride"
- The Standard Balloon Ride has an One-hour approximately flight duration with 20 to 28 people capacity basket. The flight duration could be 50-55 minutes or 65-70 minutes. This situation depend the weather conditions before landing. Total activity duration is approximately 3 hours.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- The children who 5 years old and under are not allowed to balloon tours.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Meet your host
Itinerary
Istanbul Half-day Tours Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do
Explore the full itinerary for 4 Days Istanbul & Cappadocia Trip - Including Hot Air Balloon Ride in Istanbul, Turkey. This half-day tours experience includes 10 stops over 2 days. Duration: 48 hours. Activity level: Extreme.
Here is the starting point
Istanbul Old City tour
The services of travel package begins with a guided walking tour through Istanbul’s historic Old City. You’ll meet your licenced tour guide and embark on a semi-private tour, exploring the heart of Sultanahmet, the city’s ancient center. The meeting (departure) point of today’s tour is German Fountain at Sultanahmet District. The tour guide will be waiting you at there and then you will start your old city walking tour.
Sultanahmet District
Today’s tour will be covering the visits to highlights of Sultanahmet District which Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, German Fauntain, Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). The tour guide will provide you details about the Sultanahmet District at the beginning of tour.
German Fountain
The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi) is more than the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans; it also served as the center of executive and judicial power for nearly 400 years. This architectural masterpiece stands as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s grandeur and influence. A stunning example of Oriental design, the palace showcases the empire's wealth and authority. Please note that visits to the Harem section are not included. *** The Topkapi Palace is closed to visits on each Tuesday. That’s why, this visit will be replaced with Istanbul Archaeological Museum, if your experience date is Tuesday.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar, known as Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, nestled in the heart of Istanbul. Established in the 15th century, this vast marketplace spans over 60 streets and alleys, housing more than 4,000 shops and stalls. Bursting with energy and color, the bazaar offers an incredible variety of goods, from jewelry, carpets, and textiles to ceramics, spices, leather products, and traditional Turkish handicrafts. It’s a dream destination for those seeking unique souvenirs and gifts. The Grand Bazaar’s architecture is equally captivating, featuring a maze-like layout, vaulted ceilings, and vibrant displays. Strolling through its winding pathways allows visitors to soak up Istanbul’s rich history and culture while engaging with friendly local merchants.
Istanbul
At the conclusion of the tour, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and then transfer to airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
Cappadocia
When you arrive at Cappadocia airport, your driver will meet you at the arrivals terminal exit, holding a sign with your name. From there, you’ll be transported to your hotel in Cappadocia, which is about an hour’s drive away.
