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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
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
No rating

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

8 options

Things to see

Attractions and landmarks

8 places
Örme Dikilitaş
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Attraction

Örme Dikilitaş

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

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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
No rating

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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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

Historic Istanbul Introduction

Activity 1

Visit Hagia Sophia Museum

09:00 – 11:00

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with a rich history as a church and mosque.

Activity 2

Tour the Blue Mosque

11:15 – 12:15

Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and grand Ottoman architecture.

Activity 3

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

12:30 – 13:30

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs in a historic restaurant close to major attractions.

Activity 4

Explore the Basilica Cistern

13:45 – 15:00

Discover the ancient underground water reservoir with impressive columns and atmospheric lighting.

Activity 5

Walk around Sultanahmet Square

15:15 – 16:30

Leisurely stroll around the historic square, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and nearby landmarks.

2

Day 2

Istanbul's Markets and Culinary Experiences

Activity 1

Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque

15:45 – 16:15

Admire the exquisite Iznik tilework in this smaller but stunning Ottoman mosque near the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 2

Visit the Grand Bazaar

09:30 – 11:30

Shop and explore one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with thousands of shops.

Activity 3

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

12:00 – 13:30

Savor diverse traditional Turkish dishes from Anatolia at this renowned Kadıköy restaurant.

Activity 4

Explore Spice Bazaar

14:00 – 15:30

Discover colorful spices, sweets, and local delicacies at this lively Istanbul landmark.

Activity 5

Sunset at Galata Bridge

17:00 – 18:00

Enjoy views over the Bosphorus and Golden Horn while relaxing by the bridge during sunset.

3

Day 3

Palaces and Bosphorus Cruise

Activity 1

Visit Topkapi Palace

09:00 – 12:00

Explore the opulent palace of Ottoman sultans with its courtyards, treasury, and harem sections.

Activity 2

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

12:30 – 14:00

Taste Ottoman cuisine in a charming restaurant near Sultanahmet with authentic recipes.

Activity 3

Bosphorus Afternoon Cruise

15:00 – 17:00

Sail along the Bosphorus Strait to see Istanbul’s skyline, bridges, and waterfront palaces.

Activity 4

Visit Ortaköy Mosque and neighborhood

17:30 – 19:00

Explore the lively Ortaköy area, visit the picturesque mosque, and enjoy street food specialties.

4

Day 4

Travel to Cappadocia and Evening in Göreme

Activity 1

Morning flight to Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport

07:00 – 08:30

Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia region for a scenic and cultural experience.

Activity 2

Transfer to Göreme and check-in

09:30 – 10:30

Arrive at Göreme, the heart of Cappadocia, to your hotel with cave-style accommodations.

Activity 3

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

11:00 – 13:00

Explore ancient rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activity 4

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Cook

13:15 – 14:30

Enjoy local home-cooked specialties served in a cozy, authentic atmosphere in Göreme.

Activity 5

Evening stroll and dinner in Göreme town center

18:30 – 20:30

Relax and enjoy the charming town with dinner at a local cafe offering regional dishes.

5

Day 5

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon and Cappadocia Exploration

Activity 1

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

05:00 – 07:30

Experience the breathtaking views of Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and valleys from a balloon.

Activity 2

Breakfast at your hotel

08:00 – 09:00

Return to hotel for breakfast after balloon ride, fresh and local choices.

Activity 3

Visit Uchisar Castle

10:00 – 11:30

Climb the natural rock fortress for panoramic views of the Cappadocia region.

Activity 4

Explore Pasabag (Monks Valley)

12:00 – 13:30

See unique mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and ancient hermitages in this valley.

Activity 5

Lunch at Pumpkin Göreme Restaurant and Art Gallery

14:00 – 15:30

Enjoy a blend of local flavors in artistic ambience with seasonal ingredients.

6

Day 6

Cappadocia Natural and Cultural Sites

Activity 1

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

09:00 – 11:00

Explore one of the largest underground cities, with tunnels and rooms carved deep underground.

Activity 2

Lunch at Nazar Börek Cafe in Avanos

12:00 – 13:00

Taste delicious traditional pastries and Turkish tea in Avanos town.

Activity 3

Pottery Workshop in Avanos

13:30 – 15:00

Participate in a hands-on pottery workshop, a traditional craft of the region.

Activity 4

Visit Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)

15:30 – 17:00

Walk through the valley famous for naturally shaped rock formations resembling animals.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Leisure Time

Activity 1

Morning transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport

07:30 – 08:30

Travel back to the airport for flight to Istanbul.

Activity 2

Flight back to Istanbul

09:30 – 11:00

Morning flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul to conclude your trip.

Activity 3

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

12:30 – 14:00

Enjoy refined Turkish cuisine in Karaköy, Istanbul with a modern twist.

Activity 4

Leisure walk in Istiklal Street and Taksim Square

14:30 – 16:30

Explore the vibrant shopping and entertainment district for last-minute gifts and atmosphere.

Activity 5

Coffee at Mandabatmaz

16:45 – 17:30

Relax with some of the best Turkish coffee in a traditional café near Istiklal Street.