
Turkey Unfolded: Istanbul and Cappadocia
The trip in a nutshell
This tour will take you from the ancient capital of Turkey, the beautiful Istanbul, right to the heart of the country to discover the region of Cappadocia and its incredible landscapes. We'll see Göreme National Park and its unique rock sites from the ground but also from a hot air balloon! We'll also explore the colourful city of Istanbul, experiencing this hub of cultures and traditions. We'll see it all, from the Blue Mosque to the beautiful Hagia Sophia, and from the Grand Bazaar to the fiery sunsets over the Strait of Istanbul. Get packing! We can't wait to show you around!
Trip type
360º - it's our great classic that allows you to discover the destination in all its aspects. We recommend packing a backpack rather than a suitcase as there will be lots of moving around.
Physical rating
LOW - this itinerary is easy-going and any extra sports or activities are entirely optional.
Entry requirements
Please visit your country's official government website to find out the necessary requirements for entering the country of destination.
Arrival and departure
This trip will begin and end in Istanbul. Aim to arrive on the first day by 5pm - on the last day you are free to leave whenever!
Group
5 WeRoaders
What's included
7 nights accommodation in shared rooms with a private bathroom
All Breakfasts
Local English-speaking guide from day 2 to day 6
Airport transfer on day 2
Domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri on day 2
Minivan with driver and a local guide in Cappadocia
Domestic flight from Kayseri to Istanbul on day 5
Transfer from airport to hotel on day 5
Guided tour to Özkonak underground city in Cappadocia on day 4
Travel Coordinator services
Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
Itinerary
Welcome to Turkey!
Check-in: our adventure starts in Istanbul
Roundtrip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs.
Check-in to your hotel in Istanbul and get hyped for your welcome meeting! Let's get this tour started with a stroll along the buzzing streets of Istanbul and the famous bazaar. Time to discover some of the most iconic local products on offer and then head towards the seafront, basking in the sun and waiting for our very first Turkish sunset.
Included: overnight stay, breakfast
Not included: airport transfer, food and drinks
Cappadocia: the Göreme National Park
Welcome to Cappadocia!
It's time to head off on our adventures, but don't worry, we'll be back in Istanbul at the end of our tour. This morning we are off on a domestic flight to Kayseri. This city is right in the heart of magical Cappadocia. Positioned along important commercial routes, its strategic location is the main reason why it has often been historically occupied. Once we get there you'll see how these invasions have influenced the culture and story of this land. The town of Göreme is our destination which is situated amongst unique rock formations called "fairy chimneys". After a quick lunch (potentially an authentic shish kebab), we're off to see the epic Göreme National Park.
Göreme National Park
This national park boasts stunning rock formations, shaped by multiple volcanic eruptions, as well as wind and water erosion. It became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985. The peri bacalari (fairy chimneys) and the kalelar (castles) are the result of natural phenomena, but the Open Air Museum is a clear example of how men have also contributed to the landscape. Here in fact, we can admire the remains of Byzantine culture in the churches, chapels and monasteries carved in the rocks. The most famous one is undoubtedly Karanlik Kilise, with its many paintings still intact today.
After a glorious day in the national park, it's time for our dinner! This will be the perfect opportunity to taste some of the local delicacies as well as getting to know your travel buddies, surrounded by stunning views over the valley below.
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, airport transfer, domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri, minivan with private driver, local guide
Money Pot: other local transport, petrol and admission fees
Not included: food and drinks
Sunrise in the Göreme Valley
Sunrise from a hot air balloon!
Rise and shine, WeRoaders! We are getting up before dawn but it's gonna be so worth it because we are going on a hot air balloon ride! Picture this: Göreme Valley below us, the peaceful morning air and the sun rising, literally in front of us. Bask in the peace and beauty of this experience. What a way to start the day! This afternoon it's time to visit Göreme Valley, and gain a whole new perspective on these charming landscapes. The day started at dawn so why not stay until dusk and watch a lovely sunset over the valley?
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, minivan with driver, local guide
Money Pot: admission fees
Not included: food and drinks
Hot air balloon rides are not included and are subject to availability (the excursions might be fully booked or unavailable for causes which may not be foreseen or under WeRoad’s control, i.e. climate conditions, national holidays, strikes, etc.)
Ihlara Valley and Özkonak Underground City
Above… and underground!
The morning will be entirely dedicated to the exploration of the beautiful Ihlara Valley. This canyon is a gorgeous example of both natural and man-made wonders, from the carved rocks to the many churches. We'll decide which ones to visit and spend the day finding the cutest hidden corners to photograph. We can also enjoy a lovely horse ride around the valley if we fancy it.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Özkonak Underground City. There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the widest one is Özkonak. The inhabitants of the region still use the most convenient places in the tunnels as cellars, storage areas and stables, which they access through their courtyards. While the underground city consists of 8 floors below ground, only 4 of them are open to the public today, in which the spaces are organized around ventilation shafts.
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, minivan with driver, local guide, guided visit of Özkonak
Money Pot: admission fees
Not included: food and drinks
Istanbul: the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
The Blue Mosque
It's time to say goodbye to Cappadocia… we are catching a domestic flight back to where it all began. Istanbul here we come! The city has had different names in the past, and it served as an imperial capital for the Roman, Latin, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. These various historical influences all contributed to the shaping of this wonderful city, from its bubbling culture to its remarkable architecture. After lunch, it's time to visit the Blue Mosque: the name comes from the hand painted blue tiles adorning the interior walls. Get your cameras ready, you won't be disappointed. After all, it is one of the most photogenic spots in the city!
Churches, mosques and bazaars!
Later in the day we are heading to Hagia Sophia, a wonderful example of Byzantine architecture. The former Church was one of the most iconic holy places for Christians, up until the 15th century when it was converted into a Mosque. We won't spoil too much about this place, but once inside, be sure to look up at the dome! Let's top it all off with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the old market where you can find all sorts of things, from food to souvenirs. Don't forget to taste some freshly squeezed pomegranate juice and to try some amazing street food. For our first night in Istanbul we have plenty to choose from… how about a lovely dinner overlooking the strait of Istanbul?
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, domestic flight from Kayseri to Istanbul, hotel transfer, local guide
Money Pot: admission fees
Not included: food and drinks
History lessons in Istanbul
The ancient Royal palaces
Our day starts with a bang: it's time to visit the Topkapı Palace, which served as the main residence of the Ottoman sultans during the 15th and 16th centuries. The palaces have hundreds of rooms but only the main ones are open to the public. Let's take some time to explore them all!
After, it's time to head underground again. We are going to visit the Basilica Cistern, to witness its perfectly symmetrical architecture. A quick lunch (street food, maybe) and then we can visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, the largest in Turkey. It was built as the new residence of the sultan, to replicate the modern style, luxury and comfort of European Palaces.
If Royal Palaces aren't your cup of tea, then perhaps a free afternoon around the city could be a good option; it's really up to you to decide! Tonight will be another opportunity to savour some more Turkish delicacies and then we're off to the heart of Istanbul 's nightlife - İstiklal Avenue!
Included: overnight stay, breakfast, local guide
Money Pot: local transport and admission fees
Not included: food and drinks
Istanbul's unknown neighbourhoods
Istanbul off the beaten track
It's our last day in this beautiful city, but we can't leave without having explored its most authentic side. Put your trainers on because this morning we're off to discover the less known neighbourhoods of Istanbul. Colourful wooden houses, narrow lanes, cobbled streets and the smell of freshly baked bread… don't you just picture yourself right there already?
If you don't fancy going for a walk there's another way to learn more about Turkey - with a cooking class of course! The afternoon will be free for you to choose what to do, but we highly recommend you try an authentic hammam (Turkish bath). We meet up again in the evening for one last sunset and of course, our farewell dinner!
Included: overnight stay, breakfast
Money Pot: local transport and admission fees
Not included: food and drinks
Goobye Turkey
Check-out and goodbyes
We have to say goodbye: see you on your next WeRoad adventure!
Not included: airport transfer, food and drinks
End of services The itinerary may undergo some variations that differ from what is stated above. These variations may not be foreseen or dependent on WeRoad’s control, i.e. climate conditions, national holidays, strikes, etc.





Info to know
Staff
Our trips are led by a Travel Coordinator who has been specifically trained by us to lead group travels to ensure you have the best time. A WhatsApp group with all travel participants will be created two weeks prior to departure by your Travel Coordinator.
Luggage
Backpacks are mandatory to allow easy transfers - we recommend a 45L backpack for our trips.
Local culture
During Ramadan, from February 28th, 2025 to March 29th, 2025, our itinerary may be adjusted due to changes in the opening hours of public places. We'll rely on packed lunches and dine in private areas during the day, as part of our commitment to respecting local traditions and immersing ourselves more deeply in the culture.
Program Change
For departures starting from January 1, 2025, the tour includes: 2 nights in Istanbul, 3 nights in Cappadocia, 2 more nights in Istanbul, and support from a local guide for 4 days.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Round-trip flights are not included in any of our trips because we like to give you autonomy and flexibility: you can choose the airline you want to fly with, the departure airport that suits you best, and how many and which stops you want to make.
Since flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: if possible, you can arrive at your destination a few days earlier or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
This is the question of all questions, and here’s the answer, broken down into points!
The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all tour participants and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
It is used to streamline paymentsfor extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do and to guarantee flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
You’ll find the amount of the money pot on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the money pot’ – how do you get there? Look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money pot? Click here’, and you’ll find the details.
The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
It is used exclusively for group expenses that ALL participants decide to take part in.
It is estimated based on the experiences of other groups but can vary depending on the needs of the group itself. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
If not all of the money pot is used, the difference will be returned to all participants at the end of the trip in equal amounts.
The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the money pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
If you pay in advance part of the money pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded in case of trip cancellation.
We offer several payment methods to meet all needs:
1. Credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
2. Installment payments for certain countries only
If you choose the deposit and balance option, you can pay the balance from your MyWeRoad Personal Area via bank transfer.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
In general, we always choose local accommodations, avoiding large hotel chains, because we love to experience the culture of the place and, whenever possible, contribute to the local economy. Typically, our accommodations are hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and hostels run by local entrepreneurs, with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
For our Collection trips, which are our premium category, the accommodations are always 4 or 5-star or carefully selected boutique hotels.
The list of accommodations for your trip will be shared with you by your Travel Coordinator between 5 and 3 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
If you're wondering why WeRoad trips have a money pot, we’re assuming you already know what it is. If not, or if you have any doubts, we invite you to read all the information here!
Let’s quickly recap: The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all tour participants and managed by your Travel Coordinator. It’s used to speed up payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do and to guarantee flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
But let’s get to the point: why the money pot? First of all: it gives us a lot of flexibility. In all WeRoad trips you will have a bunch of Must See/Must Do activities already included - these are experiences, places or activities that simply cannot be missed! Any extra activities is decided by the group, why? Because each group is unique and may have particular wants or desires and the Money Pot allows each group to customise their trip to make it perfect for their requirements!
It also helps us speed up payments – imagine being in the subway in New York City, one by one purchasing the ticket...a nightmare right? Thanks to the Money Pot, the Travel Coordinator can simply purchase the tickets for everyone making the entire processes smoother! Any leftover money will be returned at the end of the trip and split equally amongst all participants.
In some destinations, buying goods or services on site is more economical as you are able to negotiate the price - places like Morocco, or South East Asia, bargaining is part of the culture. As such, our Travel Coordinators will be able to secure the best deal for all participants.
The amount of the money pot is specified in each trip – look for this button
which will take you to a detailed breakdown for each trip, like this:
WeRoad is not authorised to provide this information due to privacy reasons.
However, there is a solution - you can connect with your travel buddies by joining our Facebook group. Look for a post related to your trip, or ask the group admins for help in connecting with your future travel companions!
If a Travel Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you're interested in, you can easily find their introduction post in the group via the website: in the tour list, click on 'Ask the coordinator', or in the trip details page, in the coordinator section, click on 'Ask [coordinator's name] for information on this trip in our Facebook group'. For both cases, see the screenshots below!
Tour List
Trip details page
In all our groups, the Travel Coordinator and participants speak English – knowing how to speak and understand English is therefore a fundamental requirement to participate in our trips.
On average the groups are made up of 6-15 people, with a minimum of 3/4 participants and a maximum of 15.
All our travellers are in theirs 20s, 30s and 40s. If you're very curios to know the age range of the group for a tour you're interested in, you can contact us by WhatsApp at +447716573700
Regarding the male-female ratio, this is not guaranteed and varies trip by trip.
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator is an experienced and skilled traveller and will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will be available for any eventuality and will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary (transports, timings, accommodations, meeting points, etc.), so you can enjoy the trip without any worries!
You will have the chance to get to know them when the WhatsApp group is created approximately 2 weeks before departure - this will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Coordinator assigned, you can contact them before booking – their details will be specified in the schedule or on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your Personal Area, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, in all our trips you will share a room with other same-sex travellers, and the bathroom will either be private or shared only with fellow participants of the trip. The rooms we select can be doubles, triples, quadruples, or multi-bed (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
There are never dorms with people outside the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodations like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
During the booking process, you can also choose to opt for a mixed room: in this case, if needed, only those who have agreed to this option may share a room with travellers of a different sex. If you are booking for multiple people together and select this option, the room will not be exclusive to your group but may be shared with other travellers in the group.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'Once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you, even if you no longer travel with us.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. We can also meet up for a dinner or a trek together at one of the events organised by our coordinators around the world!