Experience the grandeur of the ancient city in the Sultanahmet District. Marvel at the imposing architecture of the Hagia Sophia Museum (09:00-19:00), gaze at the symmetry of the Blue Mosque (09:00-19:00), admire the Byzantine art and mosaic work in the Basilica Cistern (09:00-21:00), and visit the Topkapi Palace Museum (09:00-17:00) to appreciate the opulence of the Ottoman Empire.
Experience the beauty of Istanbul from the Bosphorus Strait. Take a luxury cruise ship trip (13:00-16:00) to see the iconic landmarks such as the Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahce Palace, and Galata Tower from the water. Enjoy the panoramic view of the city while having lunch on board. After the cruise, visit the Spice Bazaar (08:00-19:00) to indulge in the aromatic Turkish spices and local sweets.
Immerse yourself in the unique rocky landscape of the Cappadocia region. Take a hot air balloon ride (05:00-08:00) to see the sunrise over the fairy chimneys and valleys. Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum (08:00-18:00) to see the ancient cave churches and frescoes. Explore the underground cities such as Kaymakli Underground City (08:00-17:00) and Derinkuyu Underground City (08:00-17:00) to see the intricate engineering of the ancient inhabitants.
Relax in the warm mineral waters of the Pamukkale Travertine Terraces (06:00-00:00). Marvel at the gleaming white travertine terraces and the turquoise-coloured pools. Visit the Hierapolis Antient City (08:30-18:00) which is a UNESCO World Heritage site to explore the ancient theatre, necropolis, and the Cleopatra Pool.
For transportation within Istanbul, it is recommended to hire a private car or use taxi services for maximum comfort and convenience. For the trip from Istanbul to Cappadocia, it is recommended to take a domestic flight from Istanbul Atatürk Airport to Kayseri Airport. From Kayseri Airport, it is a 1-hour drive to Cappadocia. For the trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale, it is recommended to hire a private car or take a shuttle bus service.
The estimated total cost for transportation is around 3300 TRY.
If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul to experience the vibrant Turkish market culture. You can also spend more time exploring the villages and valleys in Cappadocia to see more of the unique landscape. If you have less time, you can skip the Pamukkale and Hierapolis sites and spend more time exploring Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) is the main airport in Istanbul and is located 24 km southwest of the city centre. It is the largest airport in Turkey and provides various international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus service to the city centre. Kayseri Airport (ASR) is the nearest airport to Cappadocia and is located 75 km from Goreme. It provides domestic flights to and from Istanbul and other major cities in Turkey.