Magical regions in Türkiye: Cappadocia and Istanbul

Early March 2026, Ernst was traveling to Türkiye, together with a group of travel specialists. A dedicated FAM trip organized by our trusted partner Marveltour. Their goal: experience this amazing destination beyond the expected, first-hand, in a way their clients would do. Curious? Read all about Ernst’s adventures, and travel to Türkiye with him: 

“I’m taking you along on an incredible five-day FAM trip to one of the most magical regions in Türkiye: Cappadocia and Istanbul. This trip was organized together with our trusted partner Marveltour for a dedicated group of ten independent travel advisors from Travel Counsellors. 

And let me tell you… it exceeded every expectation.”

Day 1 – Arrival in magical Cappadocia

Our trip to Türkiye started early in Amsterdam, where our group of ten independent Travel Counsellors advisors gathered for a journey organized together with our partner Marveltour. After a smooth flight from Amsterdam to Istanbul, we continued with a domestic flight to Nevşehir Airport in Cappadocia. From there, it was about a 30-minute transfer to the spectacular Exedra Hotel. And what an arrival it was.

The Exedra Hotel is literally carved into the mountains, with luxurious cave-style rooms built into the rock formations that Cappadocia is famous for. Every room is different, combining authentic cave architecture with modern comfort and elegant design.

But the most magical part of our arrival was the weather. As we reached the hotel, a snowstorm rolled across the valley, covering the already surreal landscape in white. Cappadocia already feels like another planet with its fairy chimneys and rock formations, but seeing it in the snow made the moment even more special. After checking into our cave rooms and taking in the views, we settled in for the evening, excited for the adventures ahead.

Day 2 – Hidden cities and ancient art of Cappadocia

The second day started with an extraordinary breakfast, served in a chapel carved deep into the mountain beneath the hotel. Fresh breads, cheeses, olives, fruits, eggs and honey in this unique setting almost felt surreal. When we stepped outside, we discovered that the snowstorm from the night before had left a thin layer of snow covering the valleys, creating a magical landscape.

Pigeon Valley and the underground city Uchisar
Our first stop of the day: Pigeon Valley, one of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia. The valley gets its name from the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the rocks centuries ago. Farmers used pigeon droppings as fertilizer for their vineyards and crops. Next, we visited one of the most fascinating places in Cappadocia: the underground city of Uchisar. Early Christians built these underground cities to hide from Roman persecution. Entire communities lived beneath the earth for safety. The city was originally carved eight floors deep, although today visitors can explore four levels.

At times of danger, up to 5,000 people could take refuge underground. The complex included living areas, kitchens, storage rooms, ventilation shafts, stables, even churches, and secret tunnels connecting underground cities. Standing inside these narrow tunnels brings history to life.

Byzantine frescoes in Göreme Open Air Museum
For lunch we visited Bizim Ev Restaurant, an authentic Turkish restaurant full of atmosphere, rich flavours and warm hospitality. Our highlight: the house specialty kebab stew, slow cooked in a clay pot. In the afternoon we continued to Vanessa Seramik Pottery, where master craftsmen demonstrated the traditional Cappadocia pottery techniques on their spinning wheels. Mesmerizing.

Our final stop of the day was the famous Göreme Open Air Museum, one of the most important cultural sites in the region. The soft volcanic rock allowed people to carve entire churches, monasteries and homes into the cliffs. Inside many of these rock churches you can still see stunning Byzantine frescoes dating back to the post-iconoclastic period. Dinner that evening took place at the Avantgarde Refined Boutique Hotel, home to a restaurant awarded a Bib Gourmand for its excellent cuisine and great value. The perfect ending to a day full of discoveries.

Day 3 – The Cappadocia bucket list experience

Day three started very early. At 5:00 AM, we left the hotel in the dark to head to the balloon launch site. Cappadocia is world-famous for its hot air balloon flights, and this was something everyone had been looking forward to. Watching the balloons inflate in the early morning darkness is already impressive. Giant flames light up the balloons as they slowly take shape. Then suddenly, one by one, they lift off. Within minutes, around 100 balloons filled the sky above the valleys of Cappadocia. Floating above the fairy chimneys while the sun slowly rises over the snowy landscape is something words can hardly describe and absolutely breathtaking. This is without a doubt a true bucket list experience.

Cappadocian hospitality at the cave village
Next, we visited a traditional Chimney House, where we were welcomed by a local Turkish family. A unique opportunity to see how people still live in these cave-style homes and to experience authentic Cappadocian hospitality. The day continued with visits to Pasabag Valley, famous for its spectacular fairy chimneys, and the historic cave village of Zelve. Lunch was served at Cappa Custo, another fantastic local restaurant.

Later in the afternoon we headed back to the airport for our flight to Istanbul, where the second part of our journey began. In Istanbul we checked into the Moxy Hotel, a relatively new and stylish hotel located in the city center. Dinner that evening was at Barboon by Atlas Balık, a beautiful fish restaurant located directly on the Bosporus, next to the water, with views of boats sailing between Europe and Asia.

Day 4 – Discovering the historic heart of Istanbul

The fourth day was dedicated to exploring the rich history of Istanbul. We started at the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life, before visiting the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and stunning interior. Next we experienced the Hagia Sophia, one of the most extraordinary buildings in the world. Over the centuries it has served as a church, mosque, museum and mosque again. Walking inside is like stepping into a living history book.
Lunch took place at a panoramic restaurant overlooking the old city, offering incredible views of Istanbul’s skyline.

Topkapi Palace and Pera Palace Hotel
In the afternoon we visited the Basilica Cistern, an enormous underground water reservoir supported by hundreds of ancient columns. The dim lighting and reflections in the water create a truly atmospheric setting. Next was the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman sultans and the political center of the empire. In the evening we had dinner at the legendary Pera Palace Hotel, famous for hosting passengers off the Orient Express and welcoming many notable guests over the years. Author Agatha Christie even stayed here and reportedly wrote parts of Murder on the Orient Express during her time in this hotel. The building still features its original historic elevator and beautifully preserved interiors.

Day 5 – Istanbul from a different perspective

Our final day began with a visit to the brand-new Marveltour office. The team welcomed us with a delicious Turkish coffee table filled with local specialties. During their presentation they showed how diverse Türkiye is as a destination, offering everything from cultural journeys and beach holidays to luxury experiences and unique tailor-made programs. Afterwards we enjoyed one of the most spectacular experiences of the trip: a private yacht cruise on the Bosporus. For two hours we sailed between Europe and Asia, passing palaces, mosques and historic waterfront mansions. Seeing Istanbul from the water is one of the best ways to experience the city.

Feeling like James Bond at Grand Bazaar’s rooftops
Lunch was at Beyaz Inci, a traditional fish restaurant located under the Galata Bridge. While enjoying lunch you can literally watch the fishermen at the bridge, pulling fresh fish out of the water above you. In the afternoon we explored the colourful Balat district, with its vibrant houses, artistic cafés and charming streets. 

Later we visited the Grand Bazaar, including a very special rooftop tour. If you remember the James Bond film Skyfall, there’s a famous scene where Bond rides his motorcycle across the rooftops of the Grand Bazaar. While motorcycles aren’t allowed, you can actually walk across those rooftops. And just at that moment something magical happened. From four different directions, the call to prayer echoed across the city from surrounding minarets. Standing above the historic bazaar while hearing that sound was unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Türkiye: a destination that has it all
We had our final dinner at Nomads Restaurant, located on the top floor with spectacular views over the city. The evening included an energetic Turkish belly dance show, and before long everyone was dancing and celebrating the end of an incredible journey and a fantastic Türkiye FAM trip with Marveltour.

Five days filled with culture, history, breathtaking landscapes, incredible food and unforgettable experiences. Cappadocia and Istanbul together create a destination that has everything.