Istanbul & Cappadocia Highlights

5 days · 5 suggested stays

Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul, visit Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. (overnight: Istanbul)

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

Day 2 — Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, then fly to Cappadocia. (overnight: Istanbul)

Topkapi Palace
Ottoman sultans' imperial palace.
Basilica Cistern
Underground water reservoir with Medusa heads.
Flight to Cappadocia
Fly Istanbul to Nevşehir/Kayseri.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Authentic cave hotel in Göreme.

Day 3 — Göreme Open Air Museum and Uchisar Castle. (overnight: Cappadocia)

Göreme Open Air Museum
Rock-cut churches with frescoes.
Uchisar Castle
Volcanic rock fortress with views.
Pigeon Valley
Scenic hiking trail through valleys.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Continue stay in Göreme cave hotel.

Day 4 — Derinkuyu Underground City and Avanos pottery. (overnight: Cappadocia)

Derinkuyu Underground City
Ancient multi-level underground city.
Avanos Pottery
Watch traditional ceramic making.
Goreme Sunset Point
Viewpoint for sunset over valleys.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Final night in Göreme cave hotel.

Day 5 — Departure from Cappadocia. (overnight: Cappadocia)

Zelve Open Air Museum
Abandoned valley with cave dwellings.
Kaymakli Underground City
Another impressive underground city.
Transfer to Airport
Drive to Nevşehir or Kayseri airport.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Check-out and departure.

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