Istanbul – Cappadocia Culinary Tour

DAY 1: Istanbul

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel. Istanbul, also known historically as Byzantium and Constantinople, is the largest city in Turkey and the second largest city in the world. It is the only city that spans two continents, with the Bosphorus Strait dividing it into the European side and the Asian side. Besides its history, mosques, palaces, and bazaars, Istanbul is known for its lively nightlife. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2: Istanbul

After breakfast, you will embark on a full-day tour of Istanbul, which will include: the Topkapı Palace, residence of Ottoman sultans (excluding harem), the Hippodrome, site of chariot races, the Hagia Sophia Museum, decorated with ancient frescoes, the Blue Mosque, famous for its colorful ceramics, and the 3,000 shops of the Grand Bazaar. Later in afternoon you will return to the hotel for an educational seminar on Turkish Cuisine given by an expert. Dinner this evening is at a restaurant specializing in Ottoman Cuisine. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 3: Istanbul Turkish markets

Today you will visit Istanbul’s food markets, the traditional Fish Market of Beyoglu, the Besiktas vegetable market, and finally a modern supermarket, to become familiar with the ingredients of Turkish cuisine. Dinner this evening is at a Turkish Kebab Restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 4: Cappadocia

This morning, you’ll have a short flight to Kayseri. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel in Cappadocia. In the afternoon, you’ll have your first cooking class where you will learn how to cook Suzme Mercimek Corbasi-lentil soup- and Karniyarik- “split belly,” eggplant stuffed with minced meat, tomato, green pepper and parsley. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 5: Cappadocia

After breakfast, visit Göreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an underground city and open-air museum with medieval painted cave churches carved into the volcanic rock formations. Enjoy a bit of hiking through the Fairy Chimneys of gorgeous Paşabağı, also known as Monks' Valley, or Red Valley. In this afternoon’s cooking course, learn how to cook some of the traditional dishes of the area: stuffed wine leaves, Shakshuka, a cold starter made of eggplants and potatoes with a tomato sauce, and Comlek Kebab, a special local meat stew cooked in a pit-like oven. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 6: Cappadocia

Today you will learn the easy way of preparing perfect Turkish pastries (Gozleme with cheese, meat and vegetable) and puddings (Rice pudding). Before returning to the hotel, you are invited to a traditional wine tasting in the area. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 7: Departure

After breakfast you will be transferred to the Kayseri airport for your return flight home.

Tour Length:

10 Nights - 11 Days

Tour Highlights:

• Topkapı Palace and the Hagia Sophia Museum
• Grand Bazaar visit Seminar on Turkish Cuisine
• Dine at Ottoman Turkish Restaurant
• Famous food market in Istanbul
• Cooking classes in Cappadocia
• Open Air Museum of Göreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Hiking through Fairy Chimneys
• Local Wine Tasting

Note: The itinerary can be modified and tailored to the specific requirements and budget of your group.