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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
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 Sultanahmet Exploration

Activity 1

Hagia Sophia Visit

09:00 – 11:00

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

Activity 2

Blue Mosque Tour

11:15 – 12:15

Visit the Blue Mosque, famous 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 well-known local restaurant in the Sultanahmet area.

Activity 4

Topkapi Palace Visit

14:00 – 17:00

Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans and full of history, treasures and beautiful gardens.

Activity 5

Evening Stroll in Gülhane Park

17:15 – 18:00

Relax with a walk through the historic Gülhane Park, adjacent to Topkapi Palace, and enjoy views of the Bosphorus.

2

Day 2

Grand Bazaar and Spice Market Day

Activity 1

Grand Bazaar Shopping and Exploration

09:00 – 12:00

Wander through the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, perfect for souvenirs and local crafts.

Activity 2

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

12:30 – 14:00

Taste classic Ottoman and Turkish dishes at the historic Pandeli Restaurant inside the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 3

Spice Bazaar Visit

14:15 – 15:30

Experience the colors and aromas of the Spice Bazaar, explore stalls offering spices, sweets, teas and nuts.

Activity 4

Rustem Pasha Mosque Visit

15:45 – 16:30

Discover the beautiful tile work at Rustem Pasha Mosque, a hidden gem near the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 5

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

19:00 – 21:00

Enjoy dinner with views over the Golden Horn at Hamdi, specializing in kebabs and local flavors.

3

Day 3

Bosphorus and Asian Side Adventure

Activity 1

Bosphorus Cruise

09:00 – 11:30

Take a scenic Bosphorus cruise to admire Istanbul's skyline, palaces and bridges from the water.

Activity 2

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

12:30 – 14:00

Dine at Çiya on the Asian side, known for its diverse and authentic regional Turkish dishes.

Activity 3

Explore Kadıköy Market

14:15 – 16:00

Stroll through Kadıköy Market, enjoying vibrant street life, cafes, and shops on the Asian side.

Activity 4

Visit Maiden's Tower

16:30 – 18:00

Take a short boat trip to the Maiden's Tower, an iconic tower on a small islet with panoramic views.

Activity 5

Dinner at Viktor Levi Wine House

19:30 – 21:30

Enjoy a romantic dinner with Turkish wines and mezes in the lively Nevizade Street area.

4

Day 4

Travel to Cappadocia and Sunset View

Activity 1

Morning Flight to Nevşehir (Cappadocia)

08:00 – 09:30

Catch a morning flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir Airport, gateway to Cappadocia.

Activity 2

Check-in and Rest at a Cave Hotel

10:30 – 12:00

Arrive and check in to a charming cave hotel, experience authentic Cappadocian accommodation.

Activity 3

Lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

12:15 – 13:30

Enjoy regional specialties in a restaurant famous for its local flavors and beautiful terrace views.

Activity 4

Göreme Open-Air Museum Visit

14:00 – 16:00

Explore the UNESCO site of cave churches with ancient frescoes in the Göreme Open-Air Museum.

Activity 5

Sunset at Red Valley

17:30 – 19:00

Experience an unforgettable sunset watching the colorful rock formations at Red Valley.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon and Underground City

Activity 1

Hiking in Love Valley

15:00 – 17:00

Enjoy a scenic afternoon hike among the unique rock formations of Love Valley.

Activity 2

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

05:00 – 07:30

Begin your day with a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia’s surreal landscape at sunrise.

Activity 3

Breakfast at Hotel

08:00 – 09:00

Relax and enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel after the balloon ride.

Activity 4

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

10:30 – 12:30

Explore the fascinating multi-level underground city carved out by ancient inhabitants for protection.

Activity 5

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Restaurant

13:00 – 14:30

Dine on traditional pottery kebabs in a historic, cozy setting.

6

Day 6

Ihlara Valley and Village Culture

Activity 1

Day Trip to Ihlara Valley

08:00 – 12:30

Drive to Ihlara Valley and hike along the Melendiz River, visiting rock-cut churches and enjoying nature.

Activity 2

Lunch at Belisirma Village

12:45 – 14:00

Taste local village cuisine next to the river in the heart of Ihlara Valley.

Activity 3

Visit Selime Monastery

14:30 – 16:00

Explore the largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia with impressive ecclesiastical architecture.

Activity 4

Return to Göreme for Turkish Night Show

19:00 – 21:30

Enjoy an evening of traditional music, dance and local food at a cultural night show venue.

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 to conclude your Cappadocia adventure.

Activity 2

Leisure Afternoon at Istiklal Street

12:00 – 16:00

Spend your final afternoon wandering the bustling Istiklal Avenue, enjoying shops, cafes and street performances.

Activity 3

Coffee Break at Mandabatmaz

16:00 – 16:45

Experience one of Istanbul’s best traditional Turkish coffees in Beyoğlu district.

Activity 4

Farewell Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

19:30 – 22:00

Enjoy a romantic dinner with panoramic city views and innovative Turkish cuisine to end your trip memorably.