Your generated trip

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
No rating

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
No rating

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
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

Exploring Historic Istanbul

Activity 1

Visit Hagia Sophia Museum

09:00 – 11:00

Explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Byzantine architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Activity 2

Tour Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

11:15 – 12:30

Visit the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles and impressive architecture.

Activity 3

Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin

13:00 – 14:30

Enjoy traditional Turkish seafood in a charming historic setting near Sultanahmet.

Activity 4

Explore Basilica Cistern

15:00 – 16:00

Discover the ancient underground water reservoir with its forest of columns and mystical ambiance.

Activity 5

Visit Topkapi Palace

16:30 – 18:30

Tour the opulent palace of Ottoman sultans with its exquisite architecture and treasures.

2

Day 2

Bazaars and Culinary Delights

Activity 1

Grand Bazaar Shopping and Exploration

09:00 – 11:30

Roam through one of the world’s largest covered markets full of shops selling carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs.

Activity 2

Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque

11:45 – 12:30

See this elegant mosque known for its exquisite Iznik tile work tucked near the spice bazaar.

Activity 3

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

13:30 – 15:00

Savor diverse traditional Anatolian dishes at a famed restaurant in Kadıköy market area.

Activity 4

Explore Spice Bazaar

15:30 – 16:30

Experience the aromas and colors of Turkey’s spices, teas, and delights at this famous market.

Activity 5

Sunset Bosphorus Cruise

17:00 – 19:00

Relax on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait to admire Istanbul’s skyline and bridges at sunset.

3

Day 3

Cultural Heritage and Art

Activity 1

Visit Istanbul Archaeological Museums

09:00 – 11:30

Explore impressive artifacts from ancient civilizations including Troy, Mesopotamia, and the Ottoman era.

Activity 2

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

12:00 – 13:30

Dine at this historic eatery inside the Spice Bazaar serving classic Ottoman recipes.

Activity 3

Tour Süleymaniye Mosque

14:00 – 15:30

Visit one of Istanbul’s grandest Ottoman mosques with fantastic views over the Golden Horn.

Activity 4

Explore Balat District

16:00 – 18:00

Walk through colorful streets and historic Christian and Jewish heritage neighborhoods.

4

Day 4

Travel to Cappadocia

Activity 1

Morning flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir

08:00 – 09:30

Fly from Istanbul Airport to Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport to reach Cappadocia region.

Activity 2

Check-in and relax at hotel in Göreme

10:30 – 12:00

Settle into your accommodation in the heart of Cappadocia with stunning views of fairy chimneys.

Activity 3

Lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

12:30 – 14:00

Enjoy local Cappadocian dishes in a cozy setting with terrace views.

Activity 4

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

14:30 – 16:30

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

Activity 5

Sunset at Red Valley

17:30 – 19:00

Watch the vibrant colors transform the unique landscape at sunset from Red Valley viewpoint.

5

Day 5

Hot Air Balloon Adventure and Regional Exploration

Activity 1

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

05:00 – 07:30

Experience breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s valleys and rock formations from a hot air balloon.

Activity 2

Breakfast at hotel

08:30 – 09:30

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast following your balloon ride.

Activity 3

Tour Derinkuyu Underground City

10:30 – 12:30

Discover the vast underground city once used for refuge by ancient inhabitants.

Activity 4

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Cook

13:30 – 15:00

Try pottery kebab and other regional specialties in a traditional Cappadocian house.

Activity 5

Visit Uchisar Castle

15:30 – 17:00

Climb to the top of this natural rock fortress for panoramic views across Cappadocia.

6

Day 6

Nature and Local Village Life

Activity 1

Hike Ihlara Valley

08:30 – 12:30

Enjoy a scenic walk through a canyon with rock-cut churches and a river running through.

Activity 2

Lunch at Belisırma Village

12:45 – 14:00

Have lunch in a riverside restaurant in the small village inside Ihlara Valley.

Activity 3

Visit Selime Monastery

14:30 – 16:00

Explore this impressive rock-cut monastery complex at the end of Ihlara Valley.

Activity 4

Return to Göreme and relax

17:00 – 19:00

Spend the evening enjoying the hotel amenities or strolling Göreme village.

7

Day 7

Return to Istanbul and Final Exploration

Activity 1

Morning transfer to Nevşehir Airport

06:30 – 07:30

Travel from hotel to airport for flight back to Istanbul.

Activity 2

Flight to Istanbul

08:30 – 10:00

Fly back from Nevşehir to Istanbul Airport.

Activity 3

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant (if missed) or Hamdi Restaurant

12:00 – 13:30

Taste classic Istanbul flavors with views of the Golden Horn at Hamdi Restaurant near the Spice Bazaar.

Activity 4

Visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum

14:00 – 16:00

Explore contemporary Turkish and international art in a waterfront setting.

Activity 5

Evening stroll and dinner at Karaköy Lokantası

18:00 – 20:00

Enjoy delicious mezes and seafood in a trendy restaurant in Karaköy neighborhood.