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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

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Hotel turkoman
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Hotel

Hotel turkoman

Hotel turkoman, Terzihane 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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Hotel Ibrahim Pasha
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Hotel

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha, Terzihane Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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İbrahim Paşa Otel
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Hotel

İbrahim Paşa Otel

İbrahim Paşa Otel, Terzihane Sokağı 7, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Alzer
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Hotel

Alzer

Alzer, Asmalı Çeşme Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Hacibayram Hotel
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Hotel

Hacibayram Hotel

Hacibayram Hotel, Asmalı Çeşme Sokağı 4, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Lady Diana
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Hotel

Lady Diana

Lady Diana, Terzihane Sokağı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Hotel Arcadia Blue
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Hotel

Hotel Arcadia Blue

Hotel Arcadia Blue, İmran Öktem Caddesi 1, 34400 Istanbul, Turkey

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Where to eat

Recommended restaurants

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Things to see

Attractions and landmarks

8 places
Sultanahmet Meydanı
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Attraction

Sultanahmet Meydanı

Sultan Ahmed Square, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Theodosius Dikilitaşı
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Attraction

Theodosius Dikilitaşı

Obelisk of Theodosius, Sultan Ahmed Square, 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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Örme Dikilitaş
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Attraction

Örme Dikilitaş

The Walled Obelisk, Sultan Ahmed Square, 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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Istiklal Marsi
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Attraction

Istiklal Marsi

Istiklal Marsi, Molla Fenari Sokağı, 34110 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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Cevri Kalfa Çeşmesi
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Attraction

Cevri Kalfa Çeşmesi

Cevri Kalfa Çeşmesi, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey

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Day-by-day plan

Itinerary

1

Day 1

Exploring Historic Istanbul

Activity 1

Visit Hagia Sophia Museum

09:00 – 11:00

Start your trip by exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a monumental architectural masterpiece featuring stunning mosaics and a rich history as both a cathedral and mosque.

Activity 2

Tour Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

11:15 – 12:15

Admire the beautiful Blue Mosque known for its impressive six minarets and exquisite blue Iznik tiles inside.

Activity 3

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

12:30 – 14:00

Enjoy traditional Ottoman cuisine in the historic atmosphere of Pandeli Restaurant located inside the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 4

Explore the Grand Bazaar

14:30 – 17:00

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

2

Day 2

Mosques and Bosphorus Cruise

Activity 1

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

09:00 – 10:30

Discover the grand Süleymaniye Mosque, an architectural jewel with panoramic views over Istanbul.

Activity 2

Walk through Eminönü and Spice Bazaar

10:45 – 12:15

Browse spices, sweets, and local delicacies in the famous Spice Bazaar district.

Activity 3

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant

12:30 – 14:00

Dine on delicious Turkish kebabs with views of the Golden Horn.

Activity 4

Bosphorus Afternoon Cruise

15:00 – 17:30

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus, viewing Istanbul’s skyline and historic palaces from the water.

3

Day 3

Palaces and Cultural Districts

Activity 1

Visit Topkapi Palace

09:00 – 12:00

Explore the former Ottoman residence with imperial treasures and beautiful gardens overlooking the Bosphorus.

Activity 2

Lunch at Konyalı Restaurant

12:15 – 13:45

Taste traditional Ottoman dishes in the elegant setting within the palace grounds.

Activity 3

Stroll through Sultanahmet Square and Hippodrome

14:00 – 15:30

See historic monuments including the Obelisk of Theodosius and Serpent Column.

Activity 4

Visit Basilica Cistern

15:45 – 17:00

Discover the underground water reservoir with atmospheric lighting and Medusa head columns.

4

Day 4

Travel to Cappadocia and Sunset View

Activity 1

Flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir Cappadocia

08:00 – 09:30

Take a morning domestic flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir Airport, the gateway to Cappadocia.

Activity 2

Check-in and Rest in Göreme

10:30 – 12:00

Check into your hotel in Göreme and refresh before the afternoon activities.

Activity 3

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

12:30 – 14:30

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut churches with ancient frescoes.

Activity 4

Sunset at Red Valley

17:30 – 19:00

Enjoy panoramic sunset views over the colorful rock formations in Red Valley.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon and Underground Cities

Activity 1

Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride

05:00 – 08:00

Experience the iconic Cappadocia hot air balloon flight at sunrise with breathtaking aerial views of fairy chimneys and valleys.

Activity 2

Breakfast at Sultan Cave Suites Terrace

08:30 – 09:30

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with views of the balloons and surrounding landscape.

Activity 3

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

11:00 – 13:00

Discover this extensive underground city with tunnels, rooms, and ancient storage areas used historically for protection.

Activity 4

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Restaurant

13:30 – 15:00

Savor local Anatolian dishes served in a cozy cave setting.

6

Day 6

Valley Hiking and Avanos Exploration

Activity 1

Hike through Love Valley

09:00 – 11:00

Enjoy a scenic morning hike among the unique rock formations and natural beauty of Love Valley.

Activity 2

Pottery Workshop and Lunch in Avanos

12:00 – 14:00

Participate in a traditional pottery making session and have lunch by the Kızılırmak River in Avanos.

Activity 3

Visit Zelve Open-Air Museum

15:00 – 17:00

Explore the ancient cave dwellings and churches of the Zelve Valley, once a monastic retreat.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Departure

Activity 1

Morning Flight from Nevşehir to Istanbul

08:30 – 10:00

Take a morning flight back to Istanbul to conclude your Cappadocia adventure.

Activity 2

Visit the Chora Church (Kariye Museum)

11:30 – 13:00

Explore stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting religious scenes at this lesser-known gem in Istanbul.

Activity 3

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

13:30 – 15:00

Experience diverse and authentic Anatolian cuisine in Kadıköy district.