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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

Estimated price

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Things to see

Attractions and landmarks

8 places
вид на aya Sofia
No rating

Attraction

вид на aya Sofia

вид на aya Sofia, Zeynepsultan Camii Sokağı, 34110 Fatih, Turkey

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Yerebatan Sarnıcı
No rating

Attraction

Yerebatan Sarnıcı

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

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Piskoposluk Sarayı
No rating

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
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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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Day-by-day plan

Itinerary

1

Day 1

Historic Sultanahmet District Exploration

Activity 1

Visit Hagia Sophia Museum

09:00 – 11:00

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

Activity 2

Tour Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

11:15 – 12:15

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

Activity 3

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

12:30 – 13:30

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs at this renowned restaurant near Sultanahmet Square.

Activity 4

Explore Topkapi Palace

14:00 – 17:00

Discover the former residence of Ottoman sultans and see treasures, relics, and beautiful gardens.

2

Day 2

Grand Bazaar and Spice Market Delight

Activity 1

Shopping and Exploring Grand Bazaar

09:30 – 12:00

Wander through one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, filled with shops selling everything from spices to jewelry.

Activity 2

Visit Süleymaniye Mosque

12:30 – 13:30

Explore the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, an Ottoman imperial mosque with breathtaking views over the city.

Activity 3

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

13:40 – 15:00

Dine in this historic eatery inside the Spice Bazaar offering traditional Ottoman cuisine.

Activity 4

Explore Spice Bazaar

15:15 – 16:30

Enjoy the vibrant scents and colors of the Spice Bazaar and shop for local delicacies.

3

Day 3

Bosphorus Cruise and Modern Istanbul

Activity 1

Bosphorus Strait Sightseeing Cruise

09:30 – 11:00

Relax on a scenic boat cruise along the Bosphorus, observing the city's landmarks and palaces from the water.

Activity 2

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

11:30 – 13:00

Tour the luxurious 19th-century Ottoman palace with rich interiors and the crystal staircase.

Activity 3

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

13:30 – 15:00

Taste authentic regional Turkish dishes in Kadıköy market area on the Asian side.

Activity 4

Stroll around Istiklal Avenue and Galata Tower

15:30 – 17:30

Walk the bustling pedestrian street and climb the medieval Galata Tower for panoramic views.

4

Day 4

Travel to Cappadocia and Introductory Walk

Activity 1

Flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir

08:00 – 09:30

Morning domestic flight to Nevşehir Airport in Cappadocia region.

Activity 2

Check-in at Cave Hotel in Göreme

10:30 – 11:30

Settle into a unique cave hotel and relax before starting to explore.

Activity 3

Göreme Open Air Museum visit

12:00 – 14:00

Explore ancient rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activity 4

Dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

19:00 – 20:30

Enjoy delicious traditional Cappadocian dishes in a charming setting.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon Ride and Valleys Hiking

Activity 1

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

05:00 – 07:00

Experience breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s landscape from a hot air balloon at sunrise.

Activity 2

Breakfast at hotel

07:30 – 08:30

Refresh and enjoy breakfast after the balloon ride.

Activity 3

Hike through Love Valley and Rose Valley

09:00 – 13:00

Take a scenic hike through two of Cappadocia’s most beautiful valleys, known for unique rock formations.

Activity 4

Lunch at Pumpkin Goreme Restaurant

13:30 – 14:30

Savor fresh, homemade Turkish food in a cozy atmosphere.

Activity 5

Relax and explore Göreme town

15:00 – 17:00

Leisure time to shop and stroll in Göreme’s quaint town center.

6

Day 6

Underground City and Uçhisar Castle

Activity 1

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

09:00 – 11:30

Explore an ancient multi-level underground city used by early Christians as a refuge.

Activity 2

Lunch at Ziggy's Shop and Cafe

12:30 – 14:00

Enjoy a blend of Turkish and international cuisine with great views.

Activity 3

Tour Uçhisar Castle

14:30 – 16:00

Climb the natural rock fortress with panoramic views over Cappadocia.

Activity 4

Dinner at Millocal Restaurant

19:00 – 20:30

Dine at an upscale spot offering modern Turkish dishes and local wines.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Farewell Dinner

Activity 1

Flight from Nevşehir to Istanbul

08:30 – 10:00

Morning flight back to Istanbul for final shopping and sightseeing.

Activity 2

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant near Eminönü

12:00 – 13:30

Indulge in delicious kebabs and traditional Turkish dishes with Bosphorus views.

Activity 3

Visit Chora Church (Kariye Museum)

14:00 – 15:30

Marvel at exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in this lesser-known gem.

Activity 4

Farewell dinner at Mikla Restaurant

19:30 – 21:30

Enjoy fine dining with stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline, merging Turkish and Scandinavian cuisine.