Best of Turkey 6 Days Istanbul to Cappadocia by High Speed Train

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome and pick-up from Istanbul Airport.
1 stop
1
Upon your arrival, our professional and welcoming staff will meet you at the airport and escort you to your private vehicle. You will then be transferred comfortably to your hotel — approximately 40–45 minutes from Istanbul Airport or 55–60 minutes from Sabiha Gökçen Airport, depending on traffic conditions. After check-in, the rest of the day will be at your leisure, allowing you time to relax and recover from your journey.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Old Istanbul Tour
5 stops
2
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
The Story: Originally built as a cathedral in 537 AD, it was the largest church in Christendom for a thousand years before becoming a mosque. Pro Tip: To avoid long queues, it’s best to be here right at opening. Remember to dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered; women need a headscarf).
1 hour • Admission ticket included
3
Basilica Cistern
The Story: Descend 150 steps into the "Sunken Palace." This 6th-century reservoir held the city’s water. Don't Miss: The two mysterious Medusa Heads used as column bases at the very back.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
4
Blue Mosque
Hippodrome: Once a massive chariot-racing arena. Look for the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Famous for its six minarets and 20,000+ handmade Iznik tiles. Note: Closed to visitors during prayer times.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
5
TopkapI Palace
The Story: The residence of Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. Highlights: The Sacred Relics, the Imperial Council chamber, and the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus from the palace terraces. (Allow at least 2 hours here).
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
Grand Bazaar
The Experience: One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops. What to buy: Spices, Turkish delight (Lokum), ceramics, and high-quality leather or carpets.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Bosbborus Tour
5 stops
7
Dolmabahce Palace
The Story: Moving away from the medieval Topkapi, the Sultans built this 19th-century European-style palace. It’s famous for its massive crystal chandeliers and gold-leaf ceilings. Don't Miss: The Harem section and the room where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, passed away. Pro Tip: It’s located in Beşiktaş. Arrive early as there is a daily visitor limit.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
8
Bosphorus Cruise - Tours & Tickets
The Experience: Take a 1.5-hour public or private boat tour starting from Beşiktaş or Kabataş. Highlights: You’ll see the Rumeli Fortress, waterfront mansions (Yalıs), and the Bosphorus Bridge from the sea. It's the best way to see both Asia and Europe at once.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
9
Galata Tower
The Story: Built by the Genoese in 1348, this tower offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city. Activity: Walk up the narrow streets from Karaköy to the tower, passing through local designer shops and music stores.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
10
Istiklal Caddesi
The Experience: Walk from Galata to Istiklal Street. This 1.4 km pedestrian street is lined with 19th-century buildings, embassies, churches, and passages. Iconic Sight: The Red Nostalgic Tram that runs through the center of the street. Don't Miss: The Church of St. Anthony of Padua and the historic Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage).
2 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Taksim Square
Final Stop: End the day at Taksim Square, the symbol of modern Istanbul, and see the Republic Monument.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Istanbul to Konya By High Speed Train & Konya Tour
4 stops
12
Your journey begins with a comfortable high-speed train ride from Istanbul to Konya, offering a smooth and scenic travel experience across Anatolia. Enjoy breakfast at the train’s restaurant while admiring the Anatolian countryside, ensuring a relaxed and pleasant start to the day.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
13
Mevlana Muzesi
Explore the world-famous Mevlana Museum, the spiritual heart of Konya and the final resting place of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, founder of the Whirling Dervishes and one of the most influential spiritual leaders in history.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
14
Konya
Visit Alaaddin Hill, offering panoramic views of Konya, and explore the historic Alaaddin Mosque, one of the oldest and most important Seljuk mosques in Anatolia.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
15
Karatay Medresesi Museum
Discover outstanding examples of Seljuk architecture, exquisite tile art, and former Islamic educational centers that shaped Anatolia’s cultural heritage.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Catalhoyuk - Cppadocia Green Tour
5 stops
16
Catalhoyuk Neolithic City
Visit the UNESCO-listed Çatalhöyük Archaeological Site, one of the world’s oldest known human settlements, offering a fascinating insight into early human civilization and prehistoric life.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
17
Selime Monastery
Selime Monastery is the largest rock-cut monastery complex in Cappadocia, impressively carved into volcanic rock. Visitors will explore ancient chapels, monks’ living quarters, kitchens, and panoramic terraces. The site also offers stunning views over the surrounding valley and provides insight into monastic life during the early Christian period, all within a dramatic and otherworldly setting.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
18
Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley is a breathtaking natural canyon offering a peaceful walk surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic rock formations. During the visit, guests will walk along the Melendiz River, enjoy scenic riverside paths, and explore ancient rock-cut churches decorated with early Christian frescoes. The valley combines nature, history, and tranquility, making it one of Cappadocia’s most unique landscapes.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
19
Goreme Panorama
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Göreme, famous for its fairy chimneys, unique rock formations, and surreal landscapes.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
20
Avanos Pottery Workshop
Experience Cappadocia’s traditional pottery-making techniques in Avanos, where artisans have practiced this craft for thousands of years using the red clay of the Kızılırmak River.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Cappadocia Mix Tour
5 stops
21
Pasabag
Visit Pasabag, famous for its iconic mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and the hermit monk dwellings carved into the rocks.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
22
Devrent Valley
Explore the surreal landscape of Devrent Valley, where uniquely shaped rock formations resemble animals and mythical figures.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
23
Uchisar Castle
Stop at Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering spectacular panoramic views across the region.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
24
Pigeon Valley
Pigeon Valley is one of Cappadocia’s most picturesque valleys, famous for its unique rock formations and centuries-old pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. Guests can enjoy a scenic walk through the valley, taking in panoramic views of fairy chimneys, orchards, and distant villages. Along the way, visitors will see traditional pigeon lofts, which were historically used to collect guano for fertilizer, offering a fascinating glimpse into local life and culture. The valley’s serene atmosphere makes it perfect for photography, nature walks, and appreciating the region’s remarkable geological and cultural heritage.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
25
Kaymakli Underground City
Discover Kaymakli Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s largest underground settlements, revealing the fascinating underground life of ancient civilizations.
1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

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

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