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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
Merih Hotel
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Hotel

Merih Hotel

Merih Hotel, Alemdar Caddesi, 34110 Fatih, Turkey

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Dongyang Hotel
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Hotel

Dongyang Hotel

Dongyang Hotel, Alemdar Caddesi 7, 34110 Fatih, Turkey

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The Empress Theodora
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Hotel

The Empress Theodora

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

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Hotel Valide Sultan Konagi
No rating

Hotel

Hotel Valide Sultan Konagi

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

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Mavi Guesthouse
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Hotel

Mavi Guesthouse

Mavi Guesthouse, Kutlugün Sokağı, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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Best Island Hotel
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Hotel

Best Island Hotel

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

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Four Seasons Hotel
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Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel, Adliye Sokağı, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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The And Hotel
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Hotel

The And Hotel

The And Hotel, Yerebatan Caddesi, 34110 Fatih, 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 Fatih, Turkey

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Things to see

Attractions and landmarks

8 places
Yerebatan Sarnıcı
No rating

Attraction

Yerebatan Sarnıcı

Basilica Cistern (Exit), Yerebatan Caddesi 1, 34110 Fatih, Turkey

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Piskoposluk Sarayı
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Attraction

Piskoposluk Sarayı

Archeological Park, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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Mimar Sinan
No rating

Attraction

Mimar Sinan

Mimar Sinan, Alemdar Caddesi, 34110 Fatih, Turkey

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Hacı Beşir Ağa Çeşmesi
No rating

Attraction

Hacı Beşir Ağa Çeşmesi

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

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Milyon Taşı
No rating

Attraction

Milyon Taşı

Milion, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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Overlook over the East
No rating

Attraction

Overlook over the East

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

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Darphane-i Amire
No rating

Attraction

Darphane-i Amire

Imperial Mint, Osman Hamdibey Yokuşu Sokağı, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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вид на aya Sofia
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Attraction

вид на aya Sofia

вид на aya Sofia, Zeynepsultan Camii Sokağı, 34110 Fatih, 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 magnificent Hagia Sophia, a historic architectural masterpiece that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum.

Activity 2

Blue Mosque Tour

11:15 – 12:30

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue tiles and impressive domes.

Activity 3

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

12:45 – 14:00

Enjoy authentic Turkish meatballs at this well-known local restaurant.

Activity 4

Explore the Basilica Cistern

14:15 – 15:15

Discover the mysterious underground water reservoir built in the Byzantine era.

Activity 5

Evening stroll at Gülhane Park

17:00 – 18:30

Relax with a romantic walk in the historical Gülhane Park near Topkapi Palace.

2

Day 2

Grand Bazaar and Culinary Delights

Activity 1

Morning visit to Grand Bazaar

09:00 – 11:30

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

Activity 2

Spice Bazaar Shopping

11:45 – 13:00

Visit the colorful Spice Bazaar to taste and buy flavorful Turkish spices and sweets.

Activity 3

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

13:15 – 14:30

Experience traditional Ottoman cuisine at this historic restaurant inside the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 4

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

15:00 – 16:30

Admire the grand Ottoman architecture and peaceful atmosphere of this mosque.

Activity 5

Sunset at Galata Bridge

18:00 – 19:30

Enjoy a romantic sunset walk along Galata Bridge with views of the Bosphorus.

3

Day 3

Palaces and Bosphorus Cruise

Activity 1

Tour Topkapi Palace

09:00 – 12:00

Visit the lavish Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans, including its harem.

Activity 2

Lunch at Konyali Restaurant

12:15 – 13:45

Dine at the palace's historic restaurant offering traditional Turkish cuisine.

Activity 3

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

14:30 – 16:30

Explore the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace overlooking the Bosphorus Strait.

Activity 4

Evening Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

18:00 – 20:00

Enjoy a romantic boat cruise along the Bosphorus, viewing Istanbul’s illuminated skyline.

4

Day 4

Travel to Cappadocia and Local Exploration

Activity 1

Morning flight to Cappadocia

08:00 – 09:45

Fly from Istanbul to Nevşehir Airport in Cappadocia, approx. 1.5-hour flight.

Activity 2

Check-in and relax at cave hotel

10:30 – 12:00

Settle into a charming cave hotel in Göreme village for a unique stay experience.

Activity 3

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

12:30 – 15:00

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

Activity 4

Sunset viewpoint at Red Valley

17:30 – 19:30

Enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the Red Valley’s colorful rock formations.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon Ride and Underground City

Activity 1

Early morning hot air balloon flight

05:00 – 08:00

Experience a magical sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys.

Activity 2

Breakfast at hotel

08:30 – 09:30

Return to hotel for a hearty breakfast after an early start.

Activity 3

Explore Kaymakli Underground City

11:00 – 13:00

Visit this fascinating multi-level underground city carved out by ancient inhabitants.

Activity 4

Lunch at Ziggy Cafe

13:30 – 15:00

Enjoy delicious local dishes with views over Ürgüp’s old town.

Activity 5

Explore Pasabag (Monk’s Valley)

15:30 – 17:00

Walk among remarkable mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys unique to this area.

6

Day 6

Ihlara Valley Hike and Village Visit

Activity 1

Hike in Ihlara Valley

08:30 – 12:00

Enjoy a scenic 4-km hike along the Melendiz River surrounded by rock-cut churches.

Activity 2

Lunch at Belisirma Village

12:15 – 13:30

Have a riverside lunch featuring fresh trout in this charming local village.

Activity 3

Visit Selime Monastery

14:00 – 15:30

Explore the largest rock-cut monastery complex in Cappadocia with impressive views.

Activity 4

Return to Göreme and relax

16:30 – 19:00

Spend the evening resting and enjoying local cafes around Göreme.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Relaxed Day

Activity 1

Morning flight back to Istanbul

09:00 – 10:45

Fly from Nevşehir Airport back to Istanbul to conclude the trip.

Activity 2

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant

12:30 – 14:00

Enjoy traditional kebabs with views of the Golden Horn.

Activity 3

Visit the Chora Church

14:30 – 16:00

Admire beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in this historic church.

Activity 4

Evening coffee at Pierre Loti Cafe

16:30 – 18:00

Relax with coffee overlooking the city from this famous cafe on the Eyüp hill.