Full Program

7th March 2026 – Saturday

14:00 – Check-in at Pullman Hotel, Istanbul

8th March 2026 – Sunday | Arrival in Cappadocia & Day Tour

05:00 – Check-out from the hotel for flight to Kayseri
08:00 – After individual check-in at Turkish Airlines counters at Istanbul Airport Domestic Terminal, we take the Istanbul–Kayseri flight. Upon arrival at Kayseri Airport, we will meet our guide and driver and begin our journey to Avanos.

Our magical tour through Cappadocia — the Land of Beautiful Horses — begins with the breathtaking landscapes of this fairytale region. First stop is Paşabağ Valley, famous for its iconic three-headed fairy chimneys. We then continue to Devrent (Dream) Valley, known for its surreal rock formations that inspire imagination.

After an optional lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the historical Zelve Valleys, rich in traces of monastic life. Then, we head to Özkonak Underground City, a remarkable multi-layered settlement built for defensive purposes. Our last stop is Çavuşin Village, known for its fascinating rock-cut structures.

At the end of the day, we transfer to our hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Cappadocia is located at high altitude, so we kindly recommend you bring warm clothes and coats.

Meals:
Lunch: Selected local restaurant (Extra)
Dinner: Not included in the tour fee (Extra)

9th March 2026 – Monday | Göreme & Surroundings

Today's Highlights: Göreme Open-Air Museum, Onyx Stone Workshop, Pottery Workshop, Ortahisar Panorama, Red Valley Sunset, Optional Balloon & Safari Tours

Guests may optionally join Hot Air Balloon Flights, Balloon View Tour, Jeep Safari, ATV Tour or Horseback Safari before the main tour (Extra). Our guide will provide detailed information.

After breakfast, we start with a visit to the Onyx Workshop where precious stones are crafted. We then head to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rock-cut churches and vivid frescoes.

Following an optional lunch, we explore a traditional Pottery Workshop in Avanos, located along the Kızılırmak River. In the afternoon, we visit Uçhisar Castle base, enjoy panoramic views at Ortahisar, and finish the day with the magical sunset of Red Valley (Kızılçukur).

Meals:
Breakfast: Included (Open buffet at the hotel)
Lunch: Selected local restaurant (Extra)
Dinner: Not included in the tour fee (Extra)

10th March 2026 – Tuesday | Culture, Nature & Return

Today's Highlights: Leather Workshop, Uçhisar, Pigeon Valley, Mustafapaşa (Sinassos), Three Beauties, Wine Factory, Kayseri City Tour, Hunat Hatun Complex

After breakfast, we start the day with a visit to a Leather Workshop where we explore high- quality handcrafted leather goods (optional shopping). Then we will visit Pigeon Valley in Uçhisar, the highest point in Cappadocia.

We stop by a venue offering tastings of milk-roasted pumpkin seeds and other regional specialties — a chance to shop for unique local products. We will continue to Mustafapaşa (formerly Sinassos), a charming town known for Greek-style civil architecture and famous for the filming of the TV series “Asmalı Konak.” We'll enjoy a tea/coffee break in its historical square.

Next, we travel through Ürgüp to visit a Wine Factory where wines are aged in cellars carved into volcanic rock — another shopping opportunity. We then head to the iconic Three Beauties (Üçgüzeller), some of the most photogenic fairy chimneys in all of Cappadocia.

In Kayseri, we take a brief city tour including City Square, Clock Tower, City Walls, Inner Castle, Sahabiye Madrasa, and the Hunat Hatun Complex. After free time for shopping, we transfer to the airport for our Kayseri–Istanbul flight.

We will arrive Pullman Hotel around 23:30 and after a little rest, you can join the opening milonga of the TanGO TO İstanbul Festival.

Meals:
Breakfast: Included (Open buffet at the hotel)
Lunch: Selected local restaurant (Extra)
Dinner: Free time in Kayseri (Extra)

11th of March 2026 - Wednesday 09:00-17:00
TOPKAPI PALACE & HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM & BLUE MOSQUE TOUR

We will visit the Hippodrome, the ancient entertainment venue built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 AD. See three monuments remaining from the original building, including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Column of Constantine. Then, we move on to the Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque, located next to it. We tour the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the only mosque with a total of six minarets, with our guide explaining the details. Pause to admire the panoramic views of modern Istanbul from the mosque’s courtyard before wandering through the ancient streets.

Then, we will move on to Topkapı Palace. Explore the magnificent palace complex, a world unto itself, featuring a series of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards where the empire’s elite resided. Stroll through the terraced gardens outside and take in panoramic views of the iconic Golden Horn. As you stroll through the palace’s corridors, imagine the grandeur of the reigning Sultans, once inhabiting its countless rooms, surrounded by their extended families and servants. Enter the enigmatic Harem, where, under the Queen Mother’s rule, hundreds of women and family members resided alongside a legion of eunuchs, each fulfilling their own role. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship that adorns the Harem, from cabinet doors decorated with mother-of- pearl and tortoiseshell to exquisite Iznik tiles adorned with floral motifs and Quranic verses; this is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans.

Then we move on to the Hagia Sophia Museum. Discover the remarkable evolution of this structure from a Greek Orthodox cathedral to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul. Marvel at the harmonious blend of mosque and church architecture, with its grand domes, soaring minarets, and exquisite mosaics. Continue your journey to Hagia Sophia, where you’ll learn about ornate Iznik tiles, the iconic Virgin Mary mosaic, and the tradition of sultans being buried in its courtyard.

After your return from the old city tour, you can participate in Wednesday Gran Milonga and enjoy until the morning.

12th of March 2026 - Thursday 09:00-17:00

Today we reserved 3 open classes for you and the program is like this;
JM 7236 (Juan-Manuela): Simple social steps for easy flow in the pista
LT 7246 (Los Totis): Moving Together; Feeling the same at the same time, connecting with the energy of the movements
GS 7256 (Giampiero-Amanda): Extreme dynamic changes: how to switch from maximum speed to slow motion

13th of March 2026 - Friday 10:00-16:00
GRAND BAZAAR & BASILICA CISTERN TOUR

Take a guided tour of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the ultimate meeting point of East and West. Explore the diverse shops and artisan workshops, learn about the Bazaar’s history, and see its 600-year heritage brought to life through fascinating stories. From spice merchants and sword makers to silk merchants and pilgrims, experience the true essence of cultural exchange and history. Gain a local perspective from your knowledgeable guide and avoid the tourist traps for a truly authentic experience.

Entering the Grand Bazaar through the small gates on the Coppersmiths’ Market side, you’ll pass through the second-hand bookstores, tombs, the labyrinthine streets, and inner courtyards of the bazaar. We will visit the Zincirli Inn, Merchants’ Street, passing through the rows of rooms, exploring the Silversmiths’ Market, exiting the Mahmutpaşa Gate, visiting, in that order, Abud Efendi, Büyük Yeni Han (with an insatiable view of Istanbul from the domes on the roof of Büyük Yeni Han), visiting the famous Orient Han (Little China), where Chinese and Eastern goods are exhibited, walking to the inns and workshops around Rüstem Paşa in Tahtakale, the Grand Bazaar and Eminönü, Kapanlar, Kumkapı, Unkapanı, Divanyolu, Çorlulu Ali Paşa Madrasa, and Hookah Shops.

Then we will move on to the Basilica Cistern. Descend underground to explore the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an ancient Byzantine water reservoir supported by hundreds of marble columns and reflected in its still, sparkling waters. Discover the mysterious Medusa heads hidden in the shadows – one of the city’s most intriguing secrets. This structure, also known as the Basilica Cistern, was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to meet the city’s water needs. Built between 527 and 565, this massive underground cistern, featuring 336 columns with 9- meter-high, has a water storage capacity of 80,000 tons. After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, it began to be used as a storage facility rather than a water source. The primary reason for this was the belief that stagnant water was undesirable according to Islamic belief. Over time, the structure was subject to various restorations and strengthening, and finally reopened to the public in July 2022. The Basilica Cistern, which has hosted countless exhibitions, shows, movies and events, and has hosted dozens of celebrities, is a must-see.

After your return from the old city tour, you can participate in Friday Gran Milonga and enjoy until the morning.

14th of March 2026 - Saturday 11:00-16:00
Bosphorus Boat Trip

Are you looking for an extraordinary cruise experience that will make your trip to Istanbul even more memorable? If so, we have the perfect cruise for you!

During your 2-hour and 30-minute Bosphorus cruise, you’ll be free to roam between decks to capture the best photos of Istanbul’s attractions. Our experienced guide will share the history of what you see along the way; the Bosphorus has a storied history, and our guides know fun facts you won’t find in tourist guidebooks. See why this is one of the best Istanbul city sightseeing tours. Discover the sights and history of Istanbul from the water on this Bosphorus cruise.

Enjoy imperial elegance and unparalleled panoramic views of both Asian and European sides of Istanbul, beautifully illuminated, as you cruise the Bosphorus on our boat. Pass under the two suspension bridges connecting Europe and Asia, and savor picturesque views of both continents, including Topkapi Palace, the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Leander Tower, and Istanbul’s most luxurious districts, Ortaköy and Bebek. Take photos of the city skyline and hear from your guide about the blend of cultures that exist at this meeting point between Europe and Asia.

The Bosphorus, which separates two continents, has always been crucial to life in Istanbul. Once a major channel through which formidable armies passed, the Bosphorus now serves more peaceful functions. Exploring this important trade route is a must-do for travelers. Marvel at the thick walls of the medieval Rumeli Hisarı.

Istanbul is a beautiful city with its own unique characteristics. This Bosphorus cruise introduces you to Istanbul from a different perspective. On this half-day tour, you’ll explore the beautiful city by boat.

After your return from the boat trip, you can participate in Saturday Gala Milonga, watch the Show all maestros and enjoy until the morning.

15th of March 2026 - Sunday

12:00
Check out from the Hotel and hope to see you next year in our 19th edition of TanGO TO İstanbul. The dates are 9-16th of March 2027.