Best 5 days in Turkey: Istanbul and Cappadocia

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Istanbul/ Transfer to hotel /Dinner Cruise tour
2 stops
1
Istanbul
Upon arrive in Istanbul we will meet you at the airport with your name and transfer to hotel in Old city location of Istanbul-Sultanahmet. Join our Bosphorus tour with dinner, music and dance show according to your arrival time in Istanbul. Pick up from hotel at 19:30 and return to hotel at 23:30
4 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Bosphorus Bridge
Cruise tour during dinner on the boat and full time dance show performance.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Old City day tour by walk
6 stops
3
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
**Hagia Sophia** Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a historic architectural marvel with a rich cultural and religious history. Originally built as a Christian cathedral in 537 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it served as the world's largest cathedral for nearly 1,000 years. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque, and later into a museum in 1935. In 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque. Known for its massive dome, stunning mosaics, and impressive size, Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited landmarks in Turkey.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
4
TopkapI Palace
Topkapi Palace, located in Istanbul, Turkey, was the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th century. The palace complex includes stunning courtyards, gardens, and halls, showcasing exquisite Ottoman architecture and artifacts. Key highlights include the Harem, the Treasury with its priceless jewels, and the Imperial Kitchens. The palace also houses sacred Islamic relics, including the Prophet Muhammad's belongings. Today, Topkapi Palace is a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the sultans and the rich history of the Ottoman Empire. **Harem, Topkapi Palace** The Harem at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul was the private living quarters for the sultan’s family, wives, concubines, and servants. Restricted to only select individuals, it was a key part of the palace, playing a significant role in Ottoman politics and succession.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
Blue Mosque
**Blue Mosque** The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is located in Istanbul, Turkey. Built between 1609 and 1616, it is famous for its stunning blue tiles that adorn the interior. The mosque features a large central dome, six minarets, and a beautiful courtyard, making it one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. It is an active place of worship and a popular tourist attraction, known for its impressive Ottoman architecture and serene atmosphere.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
6
Hippodrome
**Byzantium Hippodrome** The Byzantium Hippodrome, located in Istanbul, was an ancient chariot racing arena and one of the most important entertainment venues of the Byzantine Empire. Built by Emperor Septimius Severus in the 3rd century AD, it could hold up to 100,000 spectators. The Hippodrome was also a political and social hub, hosting public events and ceremonies. Today, only a few remnants remain, including the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column, but it still holds historical significance as a central gathering place in ancient Constantinople.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
7
Grand Bazaar
**Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)** The Grand Bazaar, or Kapalıçarşı, is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, located in Istanbul, Turkey. Established in the 15th century, it consists of over 4,000 shops spread across 61 streets. The Bazaar is a vibrant hub offering a wide variety of goods, including jewelry, textiles, spices, ceramics, and souvenirs. With its labyrinthine layout, it attracts both locals and tourists, offering a unique shopping experience and a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich cultural and commercial history.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
8
Basilica Cistern
**Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)** The Basilica Cistern, also known as Yerebatan Sarnıcı, is an ancient underground water reservoir located in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire, it was used to store water for the Great Palace of Constantinople. The cistern is known for its grand columns, some of which are adorned with Medusa head carvings. With its atmospheric lighting and serene reflection on the water, the Basilica Cistern is a popular tourist attraction and a remarkable example of Byzantine engineering.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Flight to Cappadocia and Southern Cappadocia day tour
6 stops
9
Uchisar Castle
**Uçhisar Castle** Uçhisar Castle, located in Cappadocia, Turkey, is the highest point in the region, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and fairy chimneys. The castle is a natural rock formation that has been carved into over centuries, with tunnels, chambers, and stairways inside. Historically, it served as a fortress for defense and was used by the local inhabitants for shelter. Today, Uçhisar Castle is a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can climb to the top for stunning views and explore the ancient cave dwellings.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
10
Kizilcukur Valley
**Kızılçukur Valley, Cappadocia** Kızılçukur Valley, located in Cappadocia, Turkey, is famous for its stunning red-colored rock formations, especially at sunset when the valley glows with vibrant hues. A 2-hour hike through the valley allows visitors to explore its unique landscapes, fairy chimneys, cave churches, and scenic views. The valley is also known for its peaceful atmosphere, offering a great opportunity to enjoy Cappadocia's natural beauty while trekking through the surreal terrain. It is a popular spot for both nature lovers and photographers.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Cavusin Village
Cavuşin this village is one of the ancient settlements in the early period of Christian having the oldest church of the region dating back to the 3rd century. It was exactly settled like a big town where you see lots of cave rooms used as living rooms, sleeping rooms, kitchens, wineries, etc. All these are waiting for you to explore where cave houses collapsed because of a landslide in 1960 which has a gorgeous view
1 hour • Admission ticket free
12
Love Valley
**Love Valley, Cappadocia** Love Valley, located in Cappadocia, Turkey, is famous for its unique, phallic-shaped rock formations, created by centuries of erosion. The valley offers stunning views of these towering, fairy chimney-like structures, making it a popular spot for hiking, photography, and hot air balloon rides. The landscape is also dotted with caves and ancient dwellings carved into the rocks. Love Valley’s surreal scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the must-see natural wonders in Cappadocia.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
13
Derinkuyu YeraltI Sehri
**Derinkuyu Underground City** Derinkuyu Underground City, located in Cappadocia, Turkey, is one of the largest and deepest underground cities in the region. It was carved out of soft volcanic rock and could house up to 20,000 people. The city, dating back to the 8th century BCE, was used for protection against invasions and featured multi-level tunnels, rooms, kitchens, ventilation shafts, and a church. The underground city is a remarkable example of ancient engineering, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity of its builders.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
14
Pigeon Valley
**Pigeon Valley, Göreme** Pigeon Valley, located near Göreme in Cappadocia, Turkey, is known for its unique landscape of fairy chimneys and ancient pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rock. The valley got its name due to the many pigeon lofts built into the rocks, where locals once raised pigeons for their eggs and droppings, used as fertilizer. The area is popular for hiking, offering stunning views of the valley's natural beauty and nearby cave dwellings. It’s a peaceful spot for nature lovers and photographers to explore the surreal landscape of Cappadocia.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Optional Hot Air Balloon ride tour/ Northern Cappadocia day tour / Flight back to Istanbul
6 stops
15
Goreme Panorama
**Göreme Panorama** Göreme Panorama, located in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey, offers breathtaking views of the unique landscape of fairy chimneys, rock formations, and cave dwellings. It provides a sweeping vista of the Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where visitors can see ancient rock-cut churches and dwellings carved into volcanic rock. The spot is popular for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the landscape is illuminated in beautiful colors. It's a must-visit location for anyone exploring the stunning region of Cappadocia.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
16
Goreme Open-Air Museum
**Göreme Open-Air Museum** The Göreme Open-Air Museum, located in Cappadocia, Turkey, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries. The site dates back to the 10th century and was once a religious center for Byzantine monks. The museum features stunning frescoes depicting biblical scenes, many of which are remarkably well-preserved. Visitors can explore the rock-hewn structures and learn about the early Christian communities that lived in the region. The unique cave architecture and artistic heritage make it a must-see destination in Cappadocia.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
17
Avanos Pottery Workshop
**Avanos** Avanos is a charming town in Cappadocia, Turkey, known for its rich pottery tradition and scenic location along the Kızılırmak River. The town has been a center for pottery and ceramic arts for thousands of years, with many workshops still operating today. Avanos is also famous for its historical sites, including ancient cave dwellings and a beautiful old town. Visitors can enjoy watching pottery demonstrations, stroll along the river, and explore the local culture and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
18
Devrent Valley
**Devrent Valley** Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is a unique natural wonder in Cappadocia, Turkey. Famous for its surreal rock formations, the valley is often compared to a natural sculpture garden. The distinctive rock shapes resemble various animals and objects, making it a popular spot for visitors to use their imagination. While there are no historical ruins in the valley, the striking landscape offers excellent opportunities for photography and exploring the whimsical, otherworldly scenery.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
19
Pasabag
**Paşabağ (Monk’s Valley), Ürgüp** Paşabağ, located near Ürgüp in Cappadocia, Turkey, is famous for its unique fairy chimneys, tall, conical rock formations with distinctive mushroom-like caps. The valley is named after the monks who once sought solitude in the cave dwellings carved into these rock formations. Paşabağ offers a peaceful and scenic environment for visitors to explore its natural beauty and ancient cave homes. It's a popular site for photography and hiking, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region's geological and cultural history.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
20
The Three Beauties (Uc Guzeller)
**Üçgüzeller, Ürgüp** Üçgüzeller (Three Beauties) is a famous landmark near Ürgüp in Cappadocia, Turkey, known for its iconic fairy chimneys. The site features three tall, cone-shaped rock formations with caps, which are said to resemble the figure of a woman, symbolizing the region's unique geological beauty. According to local legend, the formations represent three beautiful sisters turned into stone. The Üçgüzeller is a popular tourist destination for photography and a great spot to witness the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Free day & time and transfer to Airport (optional extra Accommodation possible)
1 stop
21
Grand Bazaar
Free day or time in Istanbul and transfer to airport 4 hour before then your flight. (optional extra Accommodation possible)
4 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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