Istanbul & Cappadocia

ABOUT THE DESTINATION:

Istanbul is a perfect destination for a city break or a weekend getaway, offering a unique mix of history, culture, gastronomy and stunning scenery — all at a budget-friendly price. As the only city in the world located on two continents, it combines the best of Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. The historic heart of the city is on the European side, especially in Sultanahmet and Taksim, where many of the main sights and best accommodation options are located.

The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the historic city walls. The impressive Topkapi Palace, once home to the Ottoman sultans, is another must-see. Exploring the Asian side is quick and easy by metro, or you can take a scenic ferry across the Bosphorus, enjoying views of the Maiden’s Tower and the Princes’ Islands along the way. With vibrant markets, excellent food and rich cultural heritage, Istanbul is an unforgettable and affordable choice for a short city weekend.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION: Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Anatolia, largely in the Nevşehir, Kayseri, Kırşehir, Aksaray, and Niğde Provinces in Turkey. According to Herodotus,[1] in the time of the Ionian Revolt (499 BCE) the Cappadocians were reported as occupying a region from Mount Taurus to the vicinity of the Euxine (Black Sea). Cappadocia, in this sense, was bounded in the south by the chain of the Taurus Mountains that separate it from Cilicia, to the east by the upper Euphrates, to the north by Pontus, and to the west by Lycaonia and eastern Galatia.[2] The name, traditionally used in Christian sources throughout history,[citation needed] continues in use as an international tourism concept to define a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage.