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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
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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

09:00 – 11:00

Explore the iconic former basilica and mosque, now a museum, featuring stunning Byzantine architecture and mosaics.

Activity 2

Tour the Blue Mosque

11:15 – 12:15

Tour the beautiful Sultan Ahmed Mosque with its blue İznik tiles and impressive interior.

Activity 3

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

12:30 – 13:30

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs at this famous local restaurant near the historic sites.

Activity 4

Visit Topkapi Palace

14:00 – 17:00

Discover the opulent palace of Ottoman sultans and its exquisite collections of treasures and relics.

Activity 5

Evening stroll and dinner at Sultanahmet Square

19:00 – 21:00

Relax in the square and dine at a nearby restaurant offering Turkish cuisine with views of illuminated landmarks.

2

Day 2

Bazaars and Bosphorus Views

Activity 1

Shop at the Grand Bazaar

09:00 – 11:30

Wander through one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets with thousands of shops selling carpets, spices, and souvenirs.

Activity 2

Visit Spice Bazaar

12:00 – 13:00

Experience the vibrant colors and aromas of the Spice Bazaar and try local delicacies.

Activity 3

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

13:15 – 14:30

Enjoy classic Ottoman dishes in a historic setting overlooking the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 4

Bosphorus Cruise

15:30 – 17:30

Take a scenic 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus to see Istanbul’s skyline, palaces, and bridges from the water.

Activity 5

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

20:00 – 22:00

Experience modern Turkish cuisine with panoramic views of Istanbul from this rooftop venue.

3

Day 3

Cultural Highlights and Contemporary Istanbul

Activity 1

Visit Suleymaniye Mosque

09:00 – 10:00

Explore the largest mosque in Istanbul, an architectural masterpiece with serene courtyards.

Activity 2

Visit Istanbul Archaeological Museums

10:30 – 12:30

Discover artifacts from ancient civilizations, including the famous Alexander Sarcophagus.

Activity 3

Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin

13:00 – 14:30

Enjoy fresh seafood in a charming historic house near the old city walls.

Activity 4

Explore Istiklal Street & Galata Tower

15:30 – 17:30

Walk along the lively pedestrian street and visit Galata Tower for panoramic city views.

Activity 5

Dinner at Neolokal

20:00 – 22:00

Savor innovative Turkish cuisine focusing on local ingredients in a modern setting.

4

Day 4

Travel to Cappadocia and Sunset View

Activity 1

Fly from Istanbul to Nevşehir Airport

08:00 – 09:30

Morning flight to Cappadocia, approximately 1.5 hours. Transfer to hotel.

Activity 2

Check-in and rest at Cave Hotel

10:30 – 12:00

Stay at an authentic cave hotel in Göreme for a unique experience.

Activity 3

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

13:00 – 15:00

Explore ancient rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes in this UNESCO site.

Activity 4

Sunset at Red Valley

17:00 – 19:00

Hike or drive to Red Valley and watch an unforgettable sunset over colorful rock formations.

Activity 5

Dinner at Seten Restaurant

19:30 – 21:00

Enjoy traditional Cappadocian dishes in a cozy ambiance in Göreme.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon and Underground Cities

Activity 1

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

05:00 – 07:30

Experience a magical hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique landscape at dawn.

Activity 2

Breakfast back at hotel

08:00 – 09:00

Relax with a leisurely breakfast after your balloon flight.

Activity 3

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

10:30 – 12:30

Explore this fascinating multi-level underground city used by early Christians for refuge.

Activity 4

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Cook

13:00 – 14:30

Enjoy homemade pottery kebab in a historic stone house in Göreme.

Activity 5

Visit Uchisar Castle

15:00 – 17:00

Climb to this natural rock fortress for panoramic views over Cappadocia.

6

Day 6

Valleys and Local Villages

Activity 1

Hiking in Ihlara Valley

08:00 – 12:00

Take a scenic hike through the lush valley with rock churches and tranquil river views.

Activity 2

Lunch at Belisirma Village

12:30 – 13:30

Sample local dishes by the Melendiz River in this charming village inside Ihlara Valley.

Activity 3

Visit Selime Monastery

14:00 – 15:30

Explore the largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia with its cathedral-sized chambers.

Activity 4

Relax at Avanos Town

16:30 – 18:00

Visit the pottery town on the Kızılırmak River to see artisans and browse local crafts.

Activity 5

Dinner at Uranos Sarikaya

19:00 – 21:00

Dine in a cave restaurant featuring traditional menu and folk performances.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Departure

Activity 1

Morning flight back to Istanbul

08:00 – 09:30

Fly from Nevşehir to Istanbul and transfer from the airport.

Activity 2

Brunch at Van Kahvaltı Evi

11:00 – 12:30

Enjoy a rich traditional Turkish breakfast in Istanbul’s Cihangir neighborhood.

Activity 3

Visit Chora Church (Kariye Museum)

13:00 – 14:30

Discover exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in this beautiful historical church.

Activity 4

Last minute shopping at Istiklal Avenue

15:00 – 17:00

Spend your final hours exploring shops and cafes on this famous pedestrian street.

Activity 5

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

18:30 – 20:00

Delight in Ottoman palace cuisine near Chora Museum before your departure.