Istanbul & Cappadocia Highlights

5 days · 5 suggested stays

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

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Luxury stay in the historic heart of Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia
Visit the iconic Byzantine cathedral.
Blue Mosque
Stunning blue-tiled interior mosque.
Topkapi Palace
Ottoman sultans' lavish palace complex.

Day 2 — Bosphorus cruise and flight to Cappadocia (overnight: Istanbul)

Bosphorus Cruise
Scenic boat tour between Europe and Asia.
Flight to Cappadocia
Domestic flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Traditional cave hotel in Göreme.
Goreme Sunset Point
Panoramic views of fairy chimneys.

Day 3 — Hot air balloon and underground cities (overnight: Cappadocia)

Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sunrise flight over Cappadocia valleys.
Göreme Open Air Museum
Ancient rock-cut churches with frescoes.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Massive subterranean city carved in rock.
Uchisar Castle
Highest point in Göreme with panoramic views.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

Day 4 — Valleys hike and Avanos pottery (overnight: Cappadocia)

Rose Valley
Scenic hiking trail through pink rock formations.
Avanos
Town famous for traditional pottery making.
Zelve Open Air Museum
Abandoned valley monastery complex.
Pasabag Monks Valley
Famous multi-headed fairy chimney peaks.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

Day 5 — Final sights and departure (overnight: Cappadocia)

Pigeon Valley
Tunnel-filled valley with great views.
Flight to Istanbul
Return domestic flight to Istanbul.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Relax at your Istanbul hotel.
Grand Bazaar
Historic covered market with shops.

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