Turkey Highlights: Istanbul & Cappadocia

5 days · 5 suggested stays

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

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Comfortable stay in the heart of historic Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia
Iconic Byzantine masterpiece with stunning dome.
Blue Mosque
Famous Ottoman mosque with blue Iznik tiles.
Grand Bazaar
Massive covered market with spices and crafts.

Day 2 — Istanbul sights then fly to Cappadocia (overnight: Istanbul)

Topkapi Palace
Ottoman sultans' palace with treasury views.
Flight to Cappadocia
Domestic flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Traditional cave hotel in Göreme with views.
Goreme Sunset Point
Panoramic view of fairy chimneys at dusk.

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

Göreme Open Air Museum
Ancient rock-cut churches with frescoes.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Massive multi-level underground shelter city.
Love Valley Hike
Scenic valley walk among phallic rock formations.
Avanos Town
Traditional pottery village on the river.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

Day 4 — Valley hike and sunset views (overnight: Cappadocia)

Red Valley Hike
Stunning red-hued rock formations and valleys.
Zelve Open Air Museum
Three interconnected valleys with cave homes.
Goreme Sunset Point
Best panoramic view of the sunset.
Devrent Valley
Imagination Valley with unique rock shapes.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

Day 5 — Morning stroll and departure (overnight: Istanbul)

Pasabag Monks Valley
Fairy chimneys shaped like monk hats.
Return Flight to Istanbul
Fly back to Istanbul for departure.
Basilica Cistern
Underground water reservoir with Medusa heads.
Spice Bazaar
Colorful spice market near Galata Bridge.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

Planning a trip? Get a free day-by-day itinerary.
Plan yours with AI →

LocalHotels