OCTOBER 26 to NOVEMBER 1, 2021
ISTANBUL · CAPPADOCIA
From $3980
View our All Gay Venice Simplon Orient Express Train Journey, November 2-4, 2021
October 26
Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to hotel for accommodation at Swiss Hotel The Bosphorus Welcome dinner with wine at a special restaurant with superb views of the Old City adorned with domes and minarets.
Accommodations: Swiss Hotel The Bosphorus
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner Event
October 27
Breakfast included at our hotel.
Private tour of Istanbul’s ancient architectural masterpieces including the ancient Roman Hippodrome Square (where many chariot races were run hundreds of years ago), Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616 known as the “Blue Mosque” because of the sapphire hue that pervades its decorations), Topkapi Palace (home of the sultans of Turkey), Saint Sophia (built in 360 AD, Hagia Sophia is the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque), Cisterns (lying under Istanbul, built in the 6th century), and Grand Bazaar (one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, built in 1455).
Dinner on your own to experience Istanbul night life.
Accommodations: Swiss Hotel The Bosphorus
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
October 28
Breakfast included at our hotel.
Privately guided tour of Istanbul including opulent Dolmabahce Palace (home of the last sultan), the colorful Spice Market, Church of Chora (famed for gold gilded mosaics), Pera Palace Hotel (famed for being the host hotel of the Orient Express train guests) for high tea, Walk and explore Galata and Beyoglu pedestrian to breathe in 19th century feel of Constantinople.
Evening private motor yacht cruise on Bosphorus including wine to go with the stunning views followed by a seafood feast accompanied with more delicious wine.
Accommodations: Swiss Hotel The Bosphorus
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
October 29
Breakfast included at our hotel.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your early morning flight to Konya (named Iconium and Latin and dating back to the Bible days).
En route visit Konya, famed for being the hometown of Whirling Dervishes and the Mevlana Mausoleum (the home base for the order of Dervishes). In Konya we will also visit the Tile Medrese, a theological school dating back to around 1265. Continue to fabled Cappadocia and check in to Tafoni Houses Cave Hotel
Welcome dinner paired wine at Tafoni Caves
After dinner, visit 13th century caravan seraglio to experience a special live Whirling Dervishes performance.
Accommodations: Tafoni Houses Cave Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
October 30
Early morning hot air ballooning and return to hotel for breakfast, included at our hotel.
Private tour of magical Cappadocia, famous for its unique rock formations and otherworldly landscapes that remind us of a set of a Star Wars movie, including Kaymakli Underground City, Pigeons’ Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum of Byzantine Cave Churches, Weaving Center of Cappadocia, Pasha Bag Valley famed for its apartment looking hermitages.
Depart from hotel for a special sunset experience where we will enjoy the enchanting views of the Cappadocia landscape while enjoying a wine & cheese reception.
Dine out at a famed tavern style restaurant, known for its appetizers and good wine.
Accommodations: Tafoni Houses Cave Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
October 31
Breakfast included at our hotel.
Private tour of Cappadocia including Three Beauties (also known as three Graces, the brilliant three naturally formed “fairy chimneys” located on Urgüp), Sinassos (also knowns as Mustafapaşa, home to some of the region's loveliest examples of typical Greek stone carved–mansion architecture), Camel’s Valley (home to natural rock formations resembling animals such as a camel, snake, seal, and dolphin), and Avanos town famed for pottery studios.
Early Evening Until Next Time dinner at one of the best restaurants in town.
Accommodations: Tafoni Houses Cave Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and “Until Next Time” Dinner
November 1
Breakfast included at our hotel.
Early morning transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Istanbul that will connect to your international flight home or to Venice for our All Gay Venice Simplon Orient Express Train Journey, November 2-4, 2021.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Gay Friendly, Luxury Accommodations
The Swissotel the Bosphorus - Istanbul
This five-star luxury hotel right in the center of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus. Nestled within 65 acres of historical gardens with world-class shopping and vibrant nightlife nearby, guest rooms and suites feature state-of-the-art technology and exclusive amenities.
The award-winning Purovel Spa & Sport offers luxurious holistic spa treatments from all over the world.
Tafoni Houses (Caves) - Cappacodia
With its unique location in Ortahisar Village, literally meaning Middle Fortress, Tafoni Houses offers the discerning traveler convenience of being minutes away from major sites as well as proposing an ambience of seclusion and tranquility. Having thirteen spacious suites that are hosted in ancient cave dwellings, accommodation at Tafoni Houses expresses finesse and elegance accessorized by objets d’art and art deco furniture.
With its spacious outdoor terraces and lush landscaping, Tafoni Houses offers the aura of a private club where guests can enjoy socially inviting ambiences, or else, they may prefer to disappear for an intimate getaway.Whether the call is for a relaxing massage treatment in your cave or a sip of cocktail while watching the starlit skies with vintage telescopes, at Tafoni Houses you will “Unveil Il Canto di Cappadocia”.
Air: International and domestic airfare not included.
Passports: Your valid passport should have at least two blank visa pages and should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the country you are visiting.
Note: Passport pages titled "Endorsement Pages" are not visa pages.
While Zoom Vacations will assist when possible, please note that passport, visa, and vaccination requirements vary from country to country and are the sole responsibility of the traveler. If you are a US resident, you may click here for more information on passport, visa, and vaccination requirements for various countries.
*Land only Introductory rate, based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change. Need a roommate? Zoom Vacations® is happy to match you with someone, at no additional charge. Or, you may pay a single supplement and go as a single.
Please read Terms and Conditions prior to booking.
For more information on entry and exit requirements, see here.
