Embark on a unique nine-day expedition that bridges the gap between urban history and rural tradition. This immersive journey begins in the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul, where you will explore iconic landmarks such as the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the historic Hippodrome, before diving into the sensory delights of the Grand Spice Bazaar. From the bustling streets of the former Ottoman capital, you will travel deep into the Anatolian heartland to Tokat, a city renowned for its rich history and authentic culinary heritage.
The tour emphasizes an ecological and gastronomic connection to the land. In Tokat and the surrounding villages, you will participate in hands-on activities, including seasonal fruit picking, traditional cooking sessions with local villagers, and visits to scenic Lake Almus. You will experience the genuine warmth of Turkish hospitality as you learn to prepare regional specialties and witness the daily rhythms of farm life, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Central Anatolian landscape.
The final leg of your adventure takes you to Sivas, where you will explore ancient madrasahs and the Great Mosque of Divrigi, followed by the hot spring pools of Kangal, home of the famous Kangal shepherd dogs. The journey concludes in the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia. Here, you will wander through the Goreme Open Air Museum, explore the depths of the Ozkonak Underground City, and marvel at the iconic fairy chimneys of the Devrent and Love Valleys, ensuring a comprehensive experience of Turkeyโs historical, natural, and cultural treasures.
Accommodation covers one night in Istanbul, four nights in Tokat, one night in Sivas and two nights in a cave hotel in Cappadocia. The package includes seven breakfasts, seven lunches and eight dinners, among them Tokat kebab, the meals cooked with villagers and the pide you prepare yourself, plus guided tours on every day, entrance fees for the sites listed and hotel room taxes. Airport transfers are provided in Istanbul, Tokat and Kayseri, while the two domestic flights, Istanbul to Tokat and Kayseri to Istanbul, are paid separately.
| Tour type | Private ยท multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 Days 8 Nights |
| Price | From โฌ1,745 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 7 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours ยท TรRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day โ click a day to see every stop.
Upon arrival at the airport in Istanbul, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, allowing you to settle in and begin your exploration of this historic city. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast, we begin a guided city tour. We visit the Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman sultans, followed by the Blue Mosque, famous for its Iznik tiles. We then explore the ancient Hippodrome, featuring the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column. After lunch, we visit a leather fashion center and the aromatic Grand Spice Bazaar. In the afternoon, we transfer to Istanbul Airport for the domestic flight to Tokat (not included), where you will be transferred to your hotel for dinner.
Today is dedicated to discovering the historical treasures of Tokat. We will visit the local museum, the Ethnography Museum, and the cityโs traditional Turkish baths, along with the iconic downtown Clock Tower. You will also have time to browse local shops for reasonably priced souvenirs. For lunch, you will taste the famous Tokat Kebab, a regional delicacy. We return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Today offers a genuine glimpse into rural life. We will visit a local farm to harvest fresh produce such as onions and lettuce. You will participate in a traditional cooking session, learning to make pancakes before enjoying a meal prepared with the villagers. We will also spend time in a cherry orchard, where you can pick and enjoy fresh fruit directly from the branches, connecting with the local agricultural lifestyle.
We start the day at Lake Almus, one of Turkey's largest lakes, before heading to a local village to enjoy organic, farm-to-table food. You will have the chance to engage in folk dancing and observe traditional farming methods, including animal husbandry. We will spend time picking seasonal fruits and vegetables, followed by a hands-on experience where you will help prepare Turkish pide for dinner. We return to the hotel after this immersive day.
After breakfast, we travel to Sivas, a mountainous city rich in history. Our tour includes the Archaeology Museum, the Sifaiye Madrasah, the Double Minaret Madrasah, and the Buruciye Madrasah. We will also visit the Great Mosque, the Gendarme House, and the historic bridges of the city. After a local lunch, we continue to the Meydan Mosque, the Sems-i Sivasi Tomb, and the traditional caravanserais of Subaลฤฑ and Taลhan. Dinner and overnight in Sivas.
We drive to the district of Divrigi to visit the Great Mosque and Hospital, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. After exploring the local castle and historical mansions, we head to the town of Kangal. Here you visit the hot spring water pools, with time to relax in the water, and have the chance to see the Kangal dogs, the large livestock guardian breed named after the town. Afterward, we depart for a three-hour drive to Cappadocia, where you will check into your hotel for the night.
Our Cappadocia tour includes the well-preserved Ozkonak Underground City and the panoramic views from Uchisar Castle. We visit the Goreme Open Air Museum to see 10th-century frescoes and the abandoned cave dwellings of Cavusin. After lunch in Avanos, we visit a pottery workshop, the scenic Love Valley, and a traditional carpet weaving center. We also explore the rock formations of Devrent Valley, enjoy a wine tasting in Urgup, and see the Three Beauties fairy chimneys before returning to the hotel.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Kayseri for the domestic flight to Istanbul (not included), marking the end of your tour. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of the ecological, gastronomic, and historical wonders of Turkey.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category โ the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul โ Tokat โ Sivas โ Cappadocia โ Istanbul
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles โ the same fleet we use on your tour.
๐ฅ 54 Seats
๐ฅ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
๐ฅ 55 Seats
๐ฅ 54 Seats
๐ฅ 50 Seats
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๐ฅ 50 Seats
๐ฅ 46 Seats
๐ฅ 37+2 Seats
๐ฅ 37 Seats
๐ฅ 35 Seats
๐ฅ 16+1 Seats
๐ฅ 16+1 Seats
๐ฅ 12+1 Seats
๐ฅ 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route โ Istanbul, Tokat, Sivas, Cappadocia.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized โ from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!