Istanbul & Cappadocia: Empires and Fairy Chimneys
7 days · 4 suggested stays
Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul and explore the Sultanahmet old city: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia
Iconic 6th-century Byzantine cathedral turned mosque and museum
Blue Mosque
Stunning Sultanahmet mosque famed for blue Iznik tiles
Grand Bazaar
Vast covered market with thousands of shops and lanes
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Central boutique hotel in the heart of old Istanbul
Day 2 — Dive into Ottoman imperial life at Topkapi Palace, then the Basilica Cistern and Spice Bazaar.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Topkapi Palace
Grand Ottoman sultans' palace with harem and treasury
Basilica Cistern
Atmospheric ancient underground water reservoir
Spice Bazaar
Fragrant Egyptian bazaar of spices, sweets and teas
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Central boutique hotel in the heart of old Istanbul
Day 3 — Cruise the Bosphorus, admire Suleymaniye Mosque and take in views from Galata Tower.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Bosphorus Cruise
Scenic ferry between Europe and Asia along the strait
Suleymaniye Mosque
Masterpiece mosque by architect Sinan on a hilltop
Galata Tower
Medieval stone tower with sweeping city viewpoints
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Central boutique hotel in the heart of old Istanbul
Day 4 — Fly to Cappadocia and enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon over the fairy chimneys.
(overnight: Cappadocia)
Flight Istanbul to Cappadocia
Domestic flight to Nevsehir or Kayseri airport
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sunrise balloon flight over Cappadocia's valleys
Goreme Open Air Museum
Rock-cut churches and frescoes in a monastic valley
Day 5 — Explore Cappadocia's underground city and hike the scenic Red Valley at sunset.
(overnight: Cappadocia)
Underground City Visit
Explore Derinkuyu or Kaymakli's multi-level caves
Red Valley Sunset Hike
Guided walk through rose-hued rock valleys
Day 6 — Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Uchisar castle and tasting local Anatolian cuisine.
(overnight: Cappadocia)
Uchisar Castle Viewpoint
Highest point in Cappadocia with panoramic views
Anatolian Food Tasting
Sample manti, testi kebab and local breakfast spreads
Day 7 — Fly back to Istanbul for a final afternoon of shopping and departure.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Flight Cappadocia to Istanbul
Domestic flight back to Istanbul
Istiklal Avenue
Lively pedestrian street with shops, cafes and trams
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Central boutique hotel in the heart of old Istanbul
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