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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 Sultanahmet

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 basilica and mosque.

Activity 2

Tour Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

11:15 – 12:15

Visit the stunning Blue Mosque known for its blue Iznik tiles and impressive architecture.

Activity 3

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

12:30 – 13:30

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs at this famous historic restaurant near Sultanahmet Square.

Activity 4

Visit Topkapı Palace

14:00 – 17:00

Discover the opulent palace of Ottoman sultans with its beautiful courtyards, treasury, and Harem section.

Activity 5

Evening walk and dinner at Seven Hills Restaurant

19:00 – 21:00

Dine with panoramic views of Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus from the rooftop restaurant.

2

Day 2

Istanbul's Bazaars and Culinary Delights

Activity 1

Explore the Grand Bazaar

09:00 – 11:00

Browse thousands of shops selling carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs in one of the world's oldest covered markets.

Activity 2

Visit Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)

11:15 – 12:15

Experience colorful spices, dried fruits, and Turkish delight in the historic Spice Bazaar.

Activity 3

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

12:30 – 14:00

Taste classic Ottoman dishes at the historic Pandeli Restaurant inside the Spice Bazaar area.

Activity 4

Boat tour on the Bosphorus

15:00 – 17:30

Sightsee Istanbul’s skyline and palaces along the Bosphorus Strait on a relaxing afternoon cruise.

Activity 5

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

19:00 – 21:00

Enjoy authentic Ottoman cuisine prepared from historical recipes near Chora Church.

3

Day 3

Istanbul - Old City Mosques and Museums

Activity 1

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

09:00 – 10:30

Explore the grand Ottoman mosque complex with breathtaking views over the Golden Horn.

Activity 2

Tour the Istanbul Archaeological Museums

11:00 – 13:00

Discover rich archaeological artifacts from ancient civilizations in three museums located in one complex.

Activity 3

Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin

13:15 – 14:45

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood.

Activity 4

Visit the Chora Church (Kariye Museum)

15:30 – 17:00

Admire exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes at this beautifully preserved medieval church.

Activity 5

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

19:30 – 21:30

Experience modern Turkish cuisine with stunning views over Istanbul’s skyline.

4

Day 4

Flight to Cappadocia and Initial Exploration

Activity 1

Morning flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir Airport

07:00 – 08:30

Fly early morning from Istanbul to Nevşehir to begin your Cappadocia adventure.

Activity 2

Check-in and relax at a cave hotel in Göreme

09:30 – 11:00

Stay in a traditional cave hotel offering authentic Cappadocia experience and comfort.

Activity 3

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

11:30 – 13:30

Explore rock-cut churches and the UNESCO World Heritage site displaying ancient frescoes.

Activity 4

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Cook

13:45 – 15:00

Savor local pottery kebabs and traditional dishes in a warm atmosphere.

Activity 5

Sunset viewpoint at Red Valley

17:30 – 19:00

Watch the sunset over the uniquely shaped fairy chimneys and red-colored rock formations.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon Ride and Valley Hikes

Activity 1

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

05:00 – 08:00

Float above Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes with a romantic sunrise balloon experience.

Activity 2

Breakfast at hotel

08:30 – 09:30

Relax and recharge with breakfast after the balloon flight.

Activity 3

Hike Love Valley

10:00 – 12:00

Enjoy a scenic hike through the valley famous for its unique natural rock formations.

Activity 4

Lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

12:30 – 14:00

Delight in traditional regional dishes with beautiful terrace views.

Activity 5

Visit Uchisar Castle

15:00 – 16:30

Climb to the top of Cappadocia’s highest point for panoramic views of the region.

6

Day 6

Cappadocia Underground City and Valley Tour

Activity 1

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

09:00 – 11:00

Explore the extensive ancient subterranean city used as a refuge by early Christians.

Activity 2

Lunch at Ziggy Café

12:00 – 13:30

Enjoy a mix of Turkish and international dishes in an artsy setting.

Activity 3

Visit Paşabağ (Monks Valley)

14:30 – 16:00

See the famous fairy chimneys with multiple rock caps and hermit caves.

Activity 4

Explore Devrent (Imagination) Valley

16:30 – 17:30

Walk through the valley known for animal-shaped rock formations.

Activity 5

Dinner at Seki Restaurant

19:00 – 21:00

Dine with views of volcanic landscapes offering refined Cappadocian cuisine.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Last-minute Shopping

Activity 1

Morning flight from Nevşehir to Istanbul

08:00 – 09:30

Fly back to Istanbul for your last day of exploration and shopping.

Activity 2

Visit Istiklal Street and Galata Tower

10:30 – 12:30

Stroll along this lively pedestrian street and visit the historic Galata Tower for city views.

Activity 3

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

13:00 – 14:30

Taste diverse and authentic Anatolian dishes in the vibrant Kadıköy market area.

Activity 4

Shopping at Kadıköy Market

14:30 – 16:30

Explore lively market stalls featuring local produce, street food, and crafts.

Activity 5

Farewell dinner at Neolokal

19:00 – 21:00

Enjoy contemporary Turkish cuisine emphasizing local ingredients and culture.