Istanbul & Cappadocia Highlights

5 days · 5 suggested stays

Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul and explore Sultanahmet (overnight: Istanbul)

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Central hotel near major sights.
Hagia Sophia
Iconic Byzantine cathedral-mosque.
Blue Mosque
Famous Ottoman blue-tiled mosque.
Grand Bazaar
Massive covered market with spices.

Day 2 — Istanbul palaces and Bosphorus cruise (overnight: Istanbul)

Topkapi Palace
Ottoman sultans' royal residence.
Basilica Cistern
Underground water reservoir with Medusa heads.
Bosphorus Cruise
Scenic boat tour between continents.
Dinner in Sultanahmet
Traditional Turkish cuisine.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

Day 3 — Fly to Cappadocia and sunset valley hike (overnight: Cappadocia)

Flight to Cappadocia
Domestic flight from Istanbul.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Authentic cave hotel in Goreme.
Göreme Open Air Museum
Ancient rock-cut churches.
Goreme Sunset Point
Panoramic view of fairy chimneys.

Day 4 — Hot air balloon and underground cities (overnight: Cappadocia)

Uchisar Castle
Highest point in Cappadocia.
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Sunrise flight over valleys.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Massive ancient underground shelter.
Rose Valley Hike
Scenic hike through red-hued rocks.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

Day 5 — Avanos pottery and departure (overnight: Istanbul)

Avanos Pottery Workshop
Traditional ceramic making demo.
Return Flight to Istanbul
Fly back to Istanbul for departure.
Spice Bazaar
Colorful spice and souvenir market.
Istiklal Avenue
Lively pedestrian street with shops.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

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