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Istanbul and Cappadocia in 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
Blue Ottoman Hotel
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Hotel

Blue Ottoman Hotel

Blue Ottoman Hotel, Tavukhane Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Hotel Sultan Hill
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Hotel

Hotel Sultan Hill

Hotel Sultan Hill, Tavukhane Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Sultan Ahmet Palace
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Hotel

Sultan Ahmet Palace

Sultan Ahmet Palace, Torun Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Yunus Emre Hotel
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Hotel

Yunus Emre Hotel

Yunus Emre Hotel & Hostel, Şifa Hamamı Sokağı 14, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Blue House Hotel
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Hotel

Blue House Hotel

Blue House Hotel, Torun Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Sarnıç Hotel
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Hotel

Sarnıç Hotel

Sarnıç Hotel, Şifa Hamamı Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Optimist hotel
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Hotel

Optimist hotel

Optimist hotel, Atmeydanı Caddesi, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Nobel Hostel
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Hotel

Nobel Hostel

Nobel Hostel, Mimar Mehmet Ağa Caddesi, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Where to eat

Recommended restaurants

8 options
Serbethane Cafe & Restaurant
No rating

turkish

Serbethane Cafe & Restaurant

Serbethane Cafe & Restaurant, Arasta Çarşısı Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Sultanhmet terrace restaurant
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Restaurant

Sultanhmet terrace restaurant

Sultanhmet terrace restaurant, Mimar Mehmet Ağa Caddesi, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Things to see

Attractions and landmarks

8 places
Theodosius Dikilitaşı
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Attraction

Theodosius Dikilitaşı

Obelisk of Theodosius, Sultan Ahmed Square, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Ottomania Oriental Rugs Gallery
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Attraction

Ottomania Oriental Rugs Gallery

Ottomania Oriental Rugs Gallery, Tavukhane Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Sultanahmet Meydanı
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Attraction

Sultanahmet Meydanı

Sultanahmet Meydanı, Sultan Ahmed Square, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Örme Dikilitaş
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Attraction

Örme Dikilitaş

The Walled Obelisk, Sultan Ahmed Square, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Nakkaş Sarnıcı
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Attraction

Nakkaş Sarnıcı

Cistern Nakkas, Nakilbent Sokağı 13, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Magnaura Sarayı
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Attraction

Magnaura Sarayı

Magnaura Sarayı, Kutlugün Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Antiochos Sarayı'nın Kalıntıları
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Attraction

Antiochos Sarayı'nın Kalıntıları

Antiochos Sarayı'nın Kalıntıları, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Lausos Sarayı'nın Kalıntıları
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Attraction

Lausos Sarayı'nın Kalıntıları

Lausos Sarayı'nın Kalıntıları, Doktor Eminpaşa Sokağı, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey

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Day-by-day plan

Itinerary

1

Day 1

Historic Istanbul and the Blue Mosque

Activity 1

Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)

09:00 – 10:30

Explore the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive Ottoman architecture.

Activity 2

Tour Hagia Sophia Museum

11:00 – 12:30

Discover the rich history of Hagia Sophia, a magnificent basilica turned mosque and now a museum with incredible mosaics and architecture.

Activity 3

Lunch at Seven Hills Restaurant

13:00 – 14:30

Enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine with a panoramic view of the Bosphorus and the city skyline.

Activity 4

Stroll through the Hippodrome

15:00 – 16:00

Visit the historic Hippodrome square with its ancient obelisks and sculptures, a center of Byzantine chariot races.

2

Day 2

Grand Bazaar and Culinary Experience

Activity 1

Shop at the Grand Bazaar

09:00 – 11:30

Explore one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, perfect for souvenirs, textiles, and local crafts.

Activity 2

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

12:00 – 13:30

Savor traditional Ottoman dishes in an elegant historic restaurant inside the Spice Bazaar area.

Activity 3

Visit the Spice Bazaar

14:00 – 15:30

Discover the vibrant spices, teas, and sweets of Istanbul in this colorful market near the waterfront.

Activity 4

Evening Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

19:00 – 21:30

Enjoy a romantic dinner cruise on the Bosphorus, admiring illuminated palaces and city landmarks from the water.

3

Day 3

Topkapi Palace and Istanbul Modern Art

Activity 1

Tour Topkapi Palace

09:00 – 12:00

Explore the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans with its treasures, courtyards, and Harem section.

Activity 2

Lunch at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi

12:30 – 13:30

Try famous Turkish meatballs (köfte) at this historic restaurant near Sultanahmet.

Activity 3

Explore Istanbul Modern Art Museum

14:30 – 16:30

Visit Istanbul's premier modern art museum showcasing contemporary Turkish and international artists.

Activity 4

Walk along Istiklal Avenue

17:00 – 18:30

Stroll the bustling pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and historical sites in Beyoğlu district.

4

Day 4

Fly to Cappadocia and Göreme Exploration

Activity 1

Morning flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport

07:30 – 09:00

Travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia region by plane, approximately 1.5 hours flight.

Activity 2

Transfer to Göreme and check-in

09:30 – 10:30

Arrive in Göreme town, the heart of Cappadocia, and settle into your cave hotel accommodation.

Activity 3

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

11:00 – 13:00

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes dating back to Byzantine era.

Activity 4

Lunch at Pumpkin Göreme Restaurant and Art Gallery

13:30 – 14:30

Enjoy delicious local dishes in a cozy atmosphere with handcrafted arts around.

Activity 5

Explore Love Valley

15:00 – 17:00

Take a gentle hike through Love Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimney rock formations.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon Ride and Underground City

Activity 1

Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride

05:00 – 07:30

Experience a breathtaking sunrise over Cappadocia’s unique landscape in a hot air balloon flight.

Activity 2

Breakfast at hotel

08:00 – 09:00

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at your hotel after the balloon ride.

Activity 3

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

10:00 – 12:00

Explore the fascinating ancient underground city used as a refuge by early Christians, with tunnels and rooms carved into the earth.

Activity 4

Lunch at Sedef Restaurant

12:30 – 13:30

Taste local Cappadocian specialties in this charming restaurant in Göreme.

Activity 5

Visit Uchisar Castle

14:00 – 16:00

Climb up the highest point in Cappadocia for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and fairy chimneys.

6

Day 6

Valleys Hiking and Turkish Night Show

Activity 1

Hiking in Red and Rose Valleys

09:00 – 13:00

Enjoy a scenic hike through the colorful Red and Rose Valleys with striking rock formations and sunset views.

Activity 2

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Cook

13:30 – 14:30

Dine on authentic handmade Turkish dishes like pottery kebabs in a traditional setting.

Activity 3

Rest and relax at hotel

15:00 – 17:30

Take some time to rest and enjoy the amenities of your cave hotel after hiking.

Activity 4

Attend a Turkish Night Show

20:00 – 22:30

Experience Turkish culture with folk dances, music, and traditional performances along with dinner.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Departure

Activity 1

Morning flight back to Istanbul

08:00 – 09:30

Transfer to airport in Cappadocia for flight to Istanbul, prepare for departure.

Activity 2

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

11:30 – 13:30

Tour the sumptuous Dolmabahçe Palace, the 19th-century Ottoman administrative center, located near the Bosphorus.

Activity 3

Farewell lunch at Çiya Sofrası

14:00 – 15:30

Enjoy a delicious farewell lunch featuring regional Turkish specialties in the Kadıköy district.

Activity 4

Last minute shopping in Kadıköy Market

15:45 – 17:00

Explore lively Kadıköy Market for unique local products and souvenirs before heading to the airport.