Turkey Highlights: Istanbul & Cappadocia

5 days · 5 suggested stays

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

Hagia Sophia
Iconic Byzantine cathedral turned mosque.
Blue Mosque
Famous Ottoman mosque with blue tiles.
Grand Bazaar
Massive covered market with spices and goods.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Comfortable stay in the heart of old town.

Day 2 — Istanbul palaces and transfer to Cappadocia (overnight: Istanbul)

Topkapi Palace
Ottoman sultans' palace with harem views.
Basilica Cistern
Underground water reservoir with Medusa heads.
Flight to Cappadocia
Domestic flight to Nevşehir or Kayseri.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — More hotels
Authentic cave hotel in Göreme.

Day 3 — Cappadocia valleys and underground cities (overnight: Cappadocia)

Göreme Open Air Museum
Ancient rock-cut churches and monasteries.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Massive subterranean city carved into rock.
Pigeon Valley
Scenic hiking trail through rock formations.
Goreme Sunset Point
Panoramic view of valleys at sunset.
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

Day 4 — Hot air balloon and Uchisar Castle (overnight: Cappadocia)

Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sunrise flight over fairy chimneys.
Uchisar Castle
Highest point in Göreme with panoramic views.
Avanos Town
Traditional pottery village on the river.
Red Valley Hike
Stunning red rock formations at sunset.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

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

Ortahisar Castle
Volcanic rock castle with wine cellars.
Zelve Open Air Museum
Three valleys merged into one monastery complex.
Transfer to Airport
Private transfer to Nevşehir airport.
Pasabag Monks Valley
Famous mushroom-shaped rock formations.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

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