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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 Fatih, Turkey

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Optimist hotel
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Hotel

Optimist hotel

Optimist hotel, Atmeydanı Caddesi, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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Hotel Ibrahim Pasha
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Hotel

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha, Terzihane Sokağı, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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İbrahim Paşa Otel
No rating

Hotel

İbrahim Paşa Otel

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

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Alzer
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Hotel

Alzer

Alzer, Asmalı Çeşme Sokağı, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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Hacibayram Hotel
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Hotel

Hacibayram Hotel

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

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Lady Diana
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Hotel

Lady Diana

Lady Diana, Terzihane Sokağı, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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Hotel Arcadia Blue
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Hotel

Hotel Arcadia Blue

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

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Where to eat

Recommended restaurants

8 options

Things to see

Attractions and landmarks

8 places
Sultanahmet Meydanı
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Attraction

Sultanahmet Meydanı

Sultan Ahmed Square, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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Theodosius Dikilitaşı
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Attraction

Theodosius Dikilitaşı

Obelisk of Theodosius, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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Yılanlı Sütun
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Attraction

Yılanlı Sütun

Serpent Column, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34122 Fatih, 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 Fatih, Turkey

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Örme Dikilitaş
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Attraction

Örme Dikilitaş

The Walled Obelisk, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34122 Fatih, 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 Fatih, Turkey

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Sultan Ahmet Türbesi
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Attraction

Sultan Ahmet Türbesi

Tomb of Sultan Ahmed I, Sultanahmet Meydanı, 34122 Fatih, Turkey

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Istiklal Marsi
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Attraction

Istiklal Marsi

Istiklal Marsi, Molla Fenari Sokağı, 34110 Fatih, Turkey

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Day-by-day plan

Itinerary

1

Day 1

Historic Istanbul Introduction

Activity 1

Visit Hagia Sophia

09:00 – 11:00

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

Activity 2

Tour Blue Mosque

11:15 – 12:15

Visit the famous Sultan Ahmed Mosque with its stunning blue tiles and magnificent architecture.

Activity 3

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

12:30 – 13:30

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs at a historic restaurant near the Blue Mosque.

Activity 4

Explore Topkapi Palace

14:00 – 17:00

Discover the opulent home of Ottoman sultans with its treasures and beautiful courtyards.

Activity 5

Stroll in Gulhane Park

17:15 – 18:00

Relax in the historic park adjacent to Topkapi Palace, perfect for a peaceful walk.

2

Day 2

Istanbul Markets and Bosphorus Views

Activity 1

Tour Grand Bazaar

09:00 – 11:30

Shop and explore one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with a variety of goods.

Activity 2

Visit Spice Bazaar

11:45 – 13:00

Discover exotic spices, sweets, and local delicacies in this vibrant market near the waterfront.

Activity 3

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant

13:15 – 14:45

Enjoy traditional Turkish kebabs with views of the Golden Horn.

Activity 4

Bosphorus Cruise

15:30 – 17:30

Relax on a scenic 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus, seeing Istanbul’s landmarks from the water.

Activity 5

Evening walk in Ortaköy

18:00 – 19:30

Stroll around the lively Ortaköy neighborhood, famous for its mosque and street food.

3

Day 3

Historic and Religious Sites

Activity 1

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

09:00 – 10:30

Explore one of Istanbul’s grandest mosques with panoramic city views.

Activity 2

Discover the Basilica Cistern

11:00 – 12:00

Walk through the ancient underground water reservoir with impressive columns and ambiance.

Activity 3

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

12:15 – 13:30

Savor classic Ottoman cuisine in this historic restaurant inside the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 4

Visit Chora Church

14:30 – 16:00

Admire exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in this beautiful church museum.

Activity 5

Sunset at Pierre Loti Café

17:00 – 18:00

Relax at this hilltop café with panoramic views of the Golden Horn at sunset.

4

Day 4

Travel and Arrival in Cappadocia

Activity 1

Flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir Airport

08:00 – 09:30

Morning flight to Cappadocia region, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes flight time.

Activity 2

Transfer to Göreme

10:30 – 11:15

Private transfer to Göreme town, the heart of Cappadocia, about 45 minutes drive.

Activity 3

Check-in and Relax at Hotel

11:30 – 13:30

Settle into a cave hotel experience in Göreme and enjoy amenities.

Activity 4

Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum

14:00 – 16:30

Visit the UNESCO-listed site featuring rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes.

Activity 5

Dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

19:00 – 20:30

Enjoy traditional Anatolian dishes in a cozy setting with local flavors.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon and Red Valley

Activity 1

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

05:00 – 08:00

Experience breathtaking views of Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and landscapes from above.

Activity 2

Breakfast at Hotel

08:30 – 09:30

Relax and enjoy breakfast after the balloon ride.

Activity 3

Hike through Red Valley

10:00 – 13:00

Explore the colorful Red Valley on a scenic hike amidst stunning rock formations.

Activity 4

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Restaurant

13:30 – 14:30

Taste local Cappadocian specialties in a traditional setting in Göreme.

Activity 5

Visit Uchisar Castle

15:30 – 17:00

Climb to the top of this natural rock fortress for panoramic views of the area.

6

Day 6

Underground City and Ihlara Valley

Activity 1

Tour Kaymakli Underground City

09:00 – 11:00

Explore the fascinating multi-level underground city used historically for protection.

Activity 2

Drive to Ihlara Valley

11:30 – 12:30

Scenic 1 hour drive to Ihlara Valley, known for its gorge and rock-cut churches.

Activity 3

Hike Ihlara Valley

12:30 – 15:30

Walk along the Melendiz River and visit ancient churches carved into the cliffs.

Activity 4

Lunch at Belisirma Village

15:45 – 16:45

Enjoy local dishes at a riverside restaurant in a traditional village setting.

Activity 5

Return to Göreme and Rest

17:30 – 19:00

Return drive to Göreme and rest at hotel or enjoy the town atmosphere.

7

Day 7

Departure from Cappadocia

Activity 1

Breakfast at Hotel

08:00 – 09:00

Have a final breakfast in Cappadocia and pack for departure.

Activity 2

Visit Pigeon Valley Viewpoint

09:30 – 10:30

Quick stop to admire the panoramic views of pigeon houses carved in cliffs.

Activity 3

Transfer to Nevşehir Airport

11:00 – 12:00

Private transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Activity 4

Flight back to Istanbul or onward flight

13:00 – 14:30

Flight from Nevşehir to Istanbul or onward destination.