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Istanbul and Cappadocia, 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
No rating

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
No rating

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 Exploration

Activity 1

Visit Hagia Sophia Museum

09:00 – 11:00

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a symbol of Istanbul's rich history.

Activity 2

Tour the Blue Mosque

11:15 – 12:15

Marvel at the stunning blue tiles and unique architecture of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque.

Activity 3

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

12:30 – 13:30

Taste traditional Turkish meatballs at this renowned historic restaurant near the Blue Mosque.

Activity 4

Visit Basilica Cistern

13:45 – 14:45

Discover the fascinating underground Basilica Cistern, an ancient water reservoir with atmospheric lighting.

Activity 5

Explore the Grand Bazaar

15:00 – 17:00

Stroll through one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops.

2

Day 2

Ottoman Palaces and Bosphorus Cruise

Activity 1

Visit Topkapi Palace

09:00 – 12:00

Tour the lavish abode of Ottoman sultans and admire its beautiful courtyards and treasury collections.

Activity 2

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

12:15 – 13:45

Enjoy classic Ottoman cuisine at Pandeli, a historic restaurant inside the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 3

Explore Spice Bazaar

14:00 – 15:00

Browse colorful stalls filled with spices, sweets, teas, and souvenirs.

Activity 4

Bosphorus Sunset Cruise

17:00 – 19:00

Relax on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait with stunning views of Istanbul's skyline.

3

Day 3

Cultural Neighborhoods and Culinary Delights

Activity 1

Walk through Galata District

09:00 – 11:00

Visit the historic Galata Tower and wander the charming streets filled with cafes and shops.

Activity 2

Coffee Break at Mandabatmaz

11:15 – 11:45

Taste one of Istanbul’s best traditional Turkish coffees at this popular café near Istiklal Street.

Activity 3

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

12:00 – 13:30

Savor diverse regional Anatolian dishes at this celebrated local restaurant in Kadıköy.

Activity 4

Explore Kadıköy Market

13:30 – 15:00

Experience the lively local market on the Asian side with fresh produce and street food.

Activity 5

Return to European Side and Dinner at Mikla

19:00 – 21:00

Have dinner with panoramic views and modern Turkish cuisine at Mikla rooftop restaurant.

4

Day 4

Travel to Cappadocia and Initial Exploration

Activity 1

Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri

07:00 – 08:30

Morning flight to Kayseri to start your Cappadocia adventure. Approx 1.5 hours flight.

Activity 2

Transfer to Göreme and Check-in

09:30 – 10:30

Travel from Kayseri airport to Göreme, the heart of Cappadocia, and settle into your hotel.

Activity 3

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

11:00 – 13:00

Explore fascinating rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activity 4

Lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

13:15 – 14:30

Enjoy traditional Cappadocian dishes in an atmospheric restaurant in Göreme.

Activity 5

Sunset at Red Valley

17:30 – 19:00

Watch the spectacular sunset over the colorful rock formations and valleys of Cappadocia.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon Ride and Underground City

Activity 1

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

05:00 – 07:30

Experience a breathtaking sunrise flight over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and valleys.

Activity 2

Breakfast at Hotel

08:00 – 09:00

Enjoy a well-deserved breakfast after your balloon adventure.

Activity 3

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

10:30 – 12:30

Explore the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, a fascinating ancient refuge.

Activity 4

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Restaurant

13:00 – 14:30

Dine on home-cooked local specialties in a cozy traditional setting in Göreme.

Activity 5

Hike through Ihlara Valley

15:30 – 18:00

Take a scenic walk along the Melendiz River in a lush valley with rock churches and nature.

6

Day 6

Cappadocia Villages and Artisans

Activity 1

Visit Uchisar Castle

09:00 – 10:30

Climb the natural rock fortress for panoramic views over Cappadocia’s landscape.

Activity 2

Explore Avanos Pottery Workshops

11:00 – 12:30

Visit Avanos town and try your hand at traditional pottery making by the Kızılırmak River.

Activity 3

Lunch at Avanos Chez Galip

12:45 – 14:00

Enjoy lunch and watch master potter demonstrations at this iconic restaurant and workshop.

Activity 4

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

14:30 – 16:00

See the striking fairy chimneys with multiple rock caps and learn about hermit monks.

Activity 5

Dinner at Seki Restaurant at Argos in Cappadocia

19:00 – 21:00

Relish upscale Turkish dishes with spectacular views at this luxury boutique hotel restaurant.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Final Day

Activity 1

Morning flight from Kayseri to Istanbul

08:00 – 09:30

Fly back to Istanbul for your final day in Turkey.

Activity 2

Brunch at Van Kahvaltı Evi

11:00 – 12:30

Indulge in a hearty traditional Turkish breakfast from the Van region in Cihangir.

Activity 3

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

13:00 – 14:00

Explore one of Istanbul's grandest Ottoman mosques with beautiful architecture and views.

Activity 4

Shopping and tea break at Çınaraltı Tea Garden

15:00 – 16:30

Relax by the Bosphorus in Emirgan Park’s historic tea garden and enjoy local tea and simit.

Activity 5

Farewell dinner at Neolokal

19:00 – 21:00

Savor modern interpretations of traditional Turkish dishes in a stylish setting.