Ladies 10-Day ‘Bazaars to Balloons’ Turkish Tour
Embrace the unique natural beauty, culture and traditions of Türkiye
Why we love this tour – and why you should too
Türkiye is one of those destinations that seems to have a little bit of everything: extraordinary history, fabulous food, colourful bazaars, wonderful shopping, fascinating neighbourhoods, warm hospitality and some of the most remarkable landscapes in the world.
Our Ladies Essence of Türkiye – From Bazaars to Balloons journey offers far more than the usual sightseeing programme.
We spend five nights in Istanbul so we can enjoy the city at a comfortable pace, then fly to magical Cappadocia for fairy chimneys, underground cities, hidden valleys, local wine, pottery and a home-cooking experience with a village family.
And for those who have always dreamed of it, there is the opportunity to take an optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Cappadocia.
This is Türkiye the StoryScape way! Culture, food, creativity, connection, a touch of adventure and enough free time to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
Fast Facts
Includes
9 nights’ hotel accommodation
English-speaking local guide
Return domestic flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia
Private air-conditioned transportation
Private airport transfers where indicated
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Entrance fees to included attractions
Parking, local taxes and highway charges
Water as specified
Hotel porterage and local restaurant tips where included
Excludes
International flights, travel insurance, visa costs and tourism tax
Balloon Flight in Cappadocia.
Beverages, tips and anything not specified in the itinerary
Early check-in and late check-out at the hotel
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and drinks
Tour details
Duration: 10 days
Group size: Maximum 12
Destinations: Istanbul and Cappadocia, Türkiye
Istanbul: 5 nights plus the final night
Cappadocia: 3 nights
We choose our hotels primarily for their location and comfort; all are 4-star. These are examples of the hotels we selected and will be based on availability.
Hotels in Istanbul
Point Hotel Taksim
Ramada by Wyndham Istanbul Taksim
Titanic City by Taksim
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham
Nex Hotel & Spa Istanbul
Radisson Blu Istanbul
Lasagrada Hotel Istanbul
Park Dedeman Şişli
Holiday Inn Istanbul
Hotel in Cappadocia
Alp Stone Hotel
Day 1 — Welcome to Istanbul
- Upon arrival, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel located in Istanbul. Check-in will be available after 14:00. Free Time in Istanbul.
- Settle in and enjoy your first relaxed moments in the city that connects Europe and Asia.
- Tonight, we enjoy a welcome dinner together.
Included: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 — Istanbul Old City
Blue Mosque & Hippodrome
- Begin the journey through Istanbul’s historic heart with the magnificent Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome, where Byzantine and Ottoman history come together.
Photo Break in front of Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Discover one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, reflecting centuries of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history and the unique cultural layers of the city.
Topkapı Palace
- Step inside the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans and explore its courtyards, treasures and the fascinating private world of the Harem.
Basilica Cistern
- Descend beneath the streets of Istanbul into this atmospheric underground water reservoir, famous for its columns, reflections and mysterious ambience.
Spice Bazaar
- Step into Istanbul’s vibrant Spice Bazaar, where colorful spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits and traditional delicacies fill the historic market stalls. Enjoy the lively atmosphere while discovering the rich flavors, aromas and culinary traditions of Türkiye.
Meals included: Breakfast & lunch
Day 3 — Istanbul Old City
- Turkish Leather Store
Visit a renowned Turkish leather store and discover Türkiye’s long tradition of fine leather craftsmanship. Browse a selection of high-quality leather garments and accessories while learning about traditional techniques and contemporary designs
- Turkish Coffee & Fortune Telling Experience
Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee while discovering the playful art of fortune telling. A fun and intimate experience that combines local culture, conversation and a touch of mystery.
- Taksim Square & Istiklal Street
Experience one of Istanbul’s most lively neighbourhoods, combining historic buildings, cafés, local shops and the energy of modern Istanbul.
- Galata Tower Area
Walk through the charming streets around Galata, discovering a more intimate side of Istanbul with independent boutiques, cafés and historic architecture.
- Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop
Create your own traditional Turkish mosaic lamp while learning about one of Türkiye’s most colourful handicrafts. A hands-on experience that allows guests to take a personal piece of Istanbul home with them.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 — Free Day In Istanbul
Today is all about you! After exploring Istanbul together, you’ll have a full day to wander, shop, relax, and experience the city at your own pace.
Perhaps you’ll get lost among the colourful stalls of the Grand Bazaar, sip Turkish coffee overlooking the Bosphorus, browse little boutiques and local shops, visit a museum, or simply find a beautiful café and watch Istanbul go by.
There’s no set itinerary today, you choose your adventure. Whether you want to explore, shop until you drop, indulge in a traditional Turkish hammam, enjoy a leisurely lunch or simply take some time for yourself, this is your day to do exactly what feels good.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 — Istanbul Asian Side
- Bosphorus Boat Tour
End the day on the Bosphorus, while sailing between Europe and Asia.
- Çamlıca Hill
Enjoy one of Istanbul’s finest panoramic views, stretching across the Bosphorus and the city from Europe to Asia.
- Kadıköy & Moda – Local Food Experience
Cross to Istanbul’s Asian side and discover Kadıköy through its food. Explore local markets, traditional flavours, bakeries and neighbourhood cafés while experiencing the area like a local.
- Kuzguncuk Area
Discover the charming Bosphorus-side neighbourhood of Kuzguncuk, known for its colourful historic houses, quiet streets and multicultural heritage. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the neighbourhood, discovering its local cafés, small shops and authentic Istanbul atmosphere.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 — Cappadocia with a short domestic flight
- Camel Rock Valley: Discover Cappadocia’s surreal volcanic landscape and its naturally sculpted rock formations, shaped over thousands of years by wind and erosion.
- Paşabağ (Monks Valley): Walk among some of Cappadocia’s most distinctive fairy chimneys and learn about the region’s unique geological and spiritual heritage.
- Hands in the Clay – Avanos Pottery Experience: Visit a local ceramic workshop and discover Cappadocia’s traditional craftsmanship. Guests can see artisans at work and experience the connection between local clay, culture and creativity.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 — Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon – Optional (Own Account)
Just after sunrise, rise above Cappadocia and watch the valleys, fairy chimneys, and hundreds of colourful balloons slowly emerge in the morning light. One of Türkiye’s most unforgettable bucket-list experiences.
- Underground City: Descend beneath Cappadocia’s surface and explore the remarkable underground cities carved into soft volcanic rock, once used as refuges by local communities.
- Pigeon Valley & Uçhisar Castle – Photo Stop: Take in the dramatic scenery of Pigeon Valley and discover the small pigeon houses carved into the rocks, an unusual part of Cappadocia’s agricultural history.
- Traditional Turkish Carpet Experience
Discover the artistry behind Turkish carpets, from natural materials and traditional weaving techniques to the stories and symbolism found within their patterns.
- Göreme Valley Photo Stop: Explore one of Cappadocia’s most beautiful landscapes, surrounded by fairy chimneys, caves and valleys that showcase the region’s extraordinary natural character.
- Cappadocia Wine Experience – Local Winery & Cave Cellar Tasting: Discover Cappadocia’s unique wine culture with a visit to a local winery and its atmospheric cave cellar. Taste a selection of regional wines while learning about the area’s ancient winemaking traditions and distinctive volcanic terroir.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8 — Cappadocia
- Cappadocia 4×4 Off the Beaten Path – hidden valleys experience
Leave the main tourist routes behind and explore Cappadocia’s lesser-known valleys and landscapes by 4×4. Escape the Cappadocia crowds and enjoy a closer-to-nature experience, beyond the usual sightseeing route. This is not a hectic experience, and 4x4s are used as there are no real roads.
- A Day in a Cappadocian Home – We’ll be guests in a real village home and hold a cooking workshop together
Step into local life with a visit to a traditional village home. Guests meet their hosts, prepare local dishes together and share a homemade meal — creating a genuine and personal connection with Cappadocia.
- Turkish Night & Belly Dance Experience with Drinks – Optional (Own Account)
Enjoy an evening celebrating Turkish music, traditional entertainment, accompanied by local drinks in a lively and social atmosphere.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9 — Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
- After breakfast, we will travel to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. The day is free for last-minute shopping or relaxing.
- Farewell Dinner
Enjoy your final evening celebrating Turkish music, food, and traditional entertainment, with local drinks in a lively, social atmosphere. - After dinner, you will be taken back to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast & dinner
Day 10 — Departure from Istanbul — End of Tour
- Breakfast at your own leisure
- Free time in the morning (flight departure time dependent)
- Private transfer to the airport
Tekrar görüşene kadar – Until we meet again!