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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

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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 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

Exploring Historic Sultanahmet in Istanbul

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 – 12:30

Visit the beautiful and historic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famously known as the Blue Mosque for its stunning blue tiles.

Activity 3

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

12:45 – 14:00

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs in a popular local restaurant near Sultanahmet Square.

Activity 4

Browse the Basilica Cistern

14:15 – 15:30

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

Activity 5

Evening stroll at Hippodrome of Constantinople

16:00 – 17:30

Relax in the historic Hippodrome Square with its ancient monuments and vibrant local atmosphere.

2

Day 2

Bazaar and Culinary Delights of Istanbul

Activity 1

Shopping at the Grand Bazaar

09:00 – 11:30

Explore one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, filled with shops selling carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs.

Activity 2

Visit Spice Bazaar

12:00 – 13:30

Experience the colorful and fragrant Spice Bazaar, famous for its spices, Turkish delight, and nuts.

Activity 3

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

13:45 – 15:00

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

Activity 4

Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque

15:15 – 16:00

Admire the exquisite Iznik tilework in this small yet stunning mosque near the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 5

Sunset Bosphorus Cruise

17:00 – 19:00

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, viewing Istanbul's skyline and bridges at sunset.

3

Day 3

Palaces and Modern Istanbul Experience

Activity 1

Visit Topkapi Palace Museum

09:00 – 12:00

Explore the former royal residence rich with Ottoman treasures, courtyards, and stunning views over the Bosphorus.

Activity 2

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

12:30 – 13:45

Enjoy a meal at the renowned Pandeli Restaurant located inside the Spice Bazaar, known for its traditional Turkish dishes.

Activity 3

Explore Istiklal Street and Taksim Square

14:30 – 17:00

Walk along Istanbul's lively pedestrian avenue filled with shops, cafes, and street performers, ending at Taksim Square.

Activity 4

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

19:00 – 21:30

Dine at a rooftop restaurant offering contemporary Turkish cuisine with panoramic views of the city.

4

Day 4

Travel to Cappadocia – Arrival and Sunset Views

Activity 1

Flight from Istanbul to Nevsehir Airport

08:00 – 09:30

Take a morning domestic flight to Nevsehir, the gateway to Cappadocia.

Activity 2

Check-in and Rest at Cave Hotel

10:30 – 12:00

Settle into a unique cave hotel in Göreme, blending traditional architecture with modern comfort.

Activity 3

Lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

12:30 – 14:00

Taste regional dishes in a cozy restaurant with traditional ambiance.

Activity 4

Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum

14:30 – 17:00

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes.

Activity 5

Sunset at Red Valley

18:00 – 19:30

Enjoy a spectacular sunset overlooking the unique rock formations of Red Valley.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon and Underground City

Activity 1

Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia

05:00 – 07:30

Experience an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon flight over mesmerizing fairy chimneys and valleys.

Activity 2

Breakfast back at the hotel

08:00 – 09:00

Relax and enjoy breakfast after the early morning adventure.

Activity 3

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

10:30 – 12:30

Explore the fascinating multi-level underground city once used as a shelter by early Christians.

Activity 4

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Cook

13:00 – 14:30

Dine in a restaurant known for local specialties served in a traditional setting.

Activity 5

Explore Pasabag (Monks Valley)

15:00 – 17:00

Walk among the famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and learn about the area's history.

6

Day 6

Cultural and Nature Day in Cappadocia

Activity 1

Hiking in Ihlara Valley

08:00 – 12:00

Enjoy a scenic hike through the lush Ihlara Valley along the Melendiz River, spotting ancient cave churches.

Activity 2

Lunch at Belisirma Village

12:30 – 14:00

Taste local dishes by the river in this peaceful village inside the valley.

Activity 3

Visit Selime Monastery

14:30 – 16:00

Explore the largest rock-cut monastery of Cappadocia with impressive cave architecture.

Activity 4

Relax at the hotel or local hamam

17:00 – 19:00

Unwind with a traditional Turkish bath experience or leisure time at the hotel.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Departure

Activity 1

Morning flight from Nevsehir to Istanbul

09:00 – 10:30

Fly back to Istanbul for your departure or onward journey.

Activity 2

Brunch at Van Kahvaltı Evi

11:30 – 13:00

Experience an authentic Turkish breakfast with diverse local cheeses, eggs, and specialty items.

Activity 3

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

13:30 – 15:00

Tour one of the grandest Ottoman mosques with stunning architecture and panoramic views.

Activity 4

Final souvenir shopping at Arasta Bazaar

15:15 – 16:30

Shop for last-minute gifts and souvenirs in this charming market near the Blue Mosque.