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Istanbul and Cappadocia, Turkey Trip

Istanbul, Turkey

Duration

7 days

Budget

$2,500

Travelers

2

Trip type

Couple

Interests

historyfoodmosquesbazaarshot air balloons

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Trip location

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Where to stay

Recommended hotels

8 options
Merih Hotel
No rating

Hotel

Merih Hotel

Merih Hotel, Alemdar Caddesi, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey

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Dongyang Hotel
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Hotel

Dongyang Hotel

Dongyang Hotel, Alemdar Caddesi 7, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey

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The Empress Theodora
No rating

Hotel

The Empress Theodora

The Empress Theodora, Alemdar Caddesi 22, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Hotel Valide Sultan Konagi
No rating

Hotel

Hotel Valide Sultan Konagi

Hotel Valide Sultan Konagi, Kutlugün Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Mavi Guesthouse
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Hotel

Mavi Guesthouse

Mavi Guesthouse, Kutlugün Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Best Island Hotel
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Hotel

Best Island Hotel

Best Island Hotel, Kutlugün Sokağı 5, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Four Seasons Hotel
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Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel, Adliye Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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The And Hotel
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Hotel

The And Hotel

The And Hotel, Yerebatan Caddesi, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey

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Where to eat

Recommended restaurants

8 options
Efezade Restaurant Cafe Turkish Delight
No rating

Restaurant

Efezade Restaurant Cafe Turkish Delight

Efezade Restaurant Cafe Turkish Delight, Alemdar Caddesi, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey

Estimated price

Price unavailable

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Things to see

Attractions and landmarks

8 places
Piskoposluk Sarayı
No rating

Attraction

Piskoposluk Sarayı

Archeological Park, İshakpaşa Caddesi, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Mimar Sinan
No rating

Attraction

Mimar Sinan

Mimar Sinan, Alemdar Caddesi, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey

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Hacı Beşir Ağa Çeşmesi
No rating

Attraction

Hacı Beşir Ağa Çeşmesi

Hacı Beşir Ağa Çeşmesi, Yerebatan Caddesi, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey

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Milyon Taşı
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Attraction

Milyon Taşı

Milion, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Overlook over the East
No rating

Attraction

Overlook over the East

Overlook over the East, İshakpaşa Caddesi, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Darphane-i Amire
No rating

Attraction

Darphane-i Amire

Imperial Mint, Caferiye Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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вид на aya Sofia
No rating

Attraction

вид на aya Sofia

вид на aya Sofia, Zeynepsultan Camii Sokağı, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey

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Cevri Kalfa Çeşmesi
No rating

Attraction

Cevri Kalfa Çeşmesi

Cevri Kalfa Çeşmesi, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Day-by-day plan

Itinerary

1

Day 1

Historic Istanbul Exploration

Activity 1

Visit Hagia Sophia

09:00 – 11:00

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of Istanbul's rich history.

Activity 2

Tour Blue Mosque

11:15 – 12:30

Discover the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its beautiful blue tiles and impressive domes.

Activity 3

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

13:00 – 14:30

Enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine at the historic Pandeli Restaurant located in the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 4

Explore the Grand Bazaar

15:00 – 17:00

Wander through one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, perfect for shopping and experiencing local culture.

2

Day 2

Topkapi Palace and Bosphorus Views

Activity 1

Visit Topkapi Palace

09:00 – 12:00

Tour the opulent Topkapi Palace, former home of Ottoman sultans, to see its treasures and beautiful courtyards.

Activity 2

Lunch at Köfteci Arnavut

12:30 – 14:00

Taste delicious traditional Turkish meatballs at Köfteci Arnavut near the historical Sultanahmet area.

Activity 3

Bosphorus Cruise

15:00 – 17:00

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, taking in views of Istanbul’s skyline and historic sites from the water.

3

Day 3

Cultural Immersion and Asian Side

Activity 1

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

09:00 – 10:30

Explore the grand Süleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architect Sinan with panoramic city views.

Activity 2

Walk through Spice Bazaar

10:45 – 11:45

Stroll through the vibrant Spice Bazaar and sample aromatic spices, teas, and Turkish delight.

Activity 3

Ferry to Kadıköy

12:00 – 12:30

Take a ferry ride to Istanbul's Asian side to explore the lively Kadıköy district with its cafes and shops.

Activity 4

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

12:45 – 14:00

Enjoy diverse Anatolian dishes at Çiya Sofrası, renowned for authentic regional specialties.

Activity 5

Explore Moda Neighborhood

14:15 – 16:00

Walk through the charming Moda neighborhood near the coast, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

4

Day 4

Travel to Cappadocia and Initial Exploration

Activity 1

Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri

08:00 – 09:30

Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri Airport to reach Cappadocia region.

Activity 2

Transfer to Göreme and Check-in

10:30 – 11:30

Transfer by car from Kayseri Airport to Göreme and check into the hotel.

Activity 3

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

12:00 – 14:00

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut churches and frescoes reflecting ancient Christian heritage.

Activity 4

Dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

19:00 – 20:30

Dine on regional Cappadocian specialties in a cozy atmosphere.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon Ride and Valleys Tour

Activity 1

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

05:00 – 08:00

Experience a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia’s unique rock formations and valleys.

Activity 2

Breakfast at Hotel

08:30 – 09:30

Enjoy a well-deserved breakfast after the balloon ride.

Activity 3

Tour of Love Valley and Pasabag (Monks Valley)

10:00 – 12:30

Hike and explore the scenic Love Valley with its fairy chimneys and visit Pasabag known for mushroom-shaped rock formations.

Activity 4

Lunch at Nazar Börek Cafe

13:00 – 14:00

Taste traditional Turkish pastries and gozleme at this charming café.

Activity 5

Visit Uchisar Castle

14:30 – 16:00

Climb to the top of Uchisar Castle for panoramic views of Cappadocia.

6

Day 6

Underground Cities and Ihlara Valley

Activity 1

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

09:00 – 11:00

Explore the fascinating multi-level Derinkuyu underground city that once sheltered thousands.

Activity 2

Drive to Ihlara Valley

11:30 – 12:30

Travel to Ihlara Valley, known for its canyon and rock-cut churches along the hiking path.

Activity 3

Hike and Lunch in Ihlara Village

12:30 – 15:00

Take a relaxing hike through the valley and enjoy lunch beside the Melendiz River in Ihlara Village.

Activity 4

Return to Göreme

15:00 – 16:30

Head back to Göreme for a restful evening.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Farewell Dinner

Activity 1

Morning Flight from Kayseri to Istanbul

08:00 – 09:30

Fly back to Istanbul from Kayseri Airport to conclude the Cappadocia visit.

Activity 2

Free Afternoon for Shopping or Relaxation

12:00 – 16:00

Spend the afternoon at leisure or shopping in Istanbul’s Istiklal Avenue or Taksim Square areas.

Activity 3

Farewell Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

19:00 – 21:30

Enjoy a romantic dinner with modern Turkish cuisine and panoramic views of Istanbul at Mikla.