Start the day with a visit to the Blue Mosque also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, with its stunning six minarets and blue Iznik tiles. After this, head to the Hagia Sophia Museum, one of the most visited sites in Istanbul, formerly a church turned into a mosque and now a museum. To end the day, visit the Topkapi Palace which served as the residence for Ottoman sultans for hundreds of years and take in the Ottoman history and stunning views.
Start the day early for a flight to the beautiful region of Cappadocia. Begin your tour by exploring the remarkable Göreme National Park and its stunning rock formations. Next, visit the Üçhisar Castle, to view the beautiful panoramas of Cappadocia below. Finish the day with a visit to the Underground City of Kaymakli, a UNESCO-listed and unique underground town thought to have been constructed in the 8th century.
Start the day by experiencing the stunning thermal pools at Pamukkale Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site formed by hot springs and travertine terraces. Next, visit the Red Water and Karakus Thermal Springs known for their healing properties. Finish the day by exploring the Hierapolis Roman Ruins, including the Necropolis and the Arch of Domitian.
End the trip with a Bosphorus Cruise and enjoy the stunning views of the city from the sea. Along the way, take in the beauty of the Galata Tower, the Maiden Tower, and the Dolmabahce Palace. To complete the day, visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, and experience Istanbul's bustling market culture.
For this itinerary, we recommend flying to Cappadocia and then driving to Pamukkale. We suggest pre-booking airport transfers for traveling to and from the airport. For traveling within the cities, using public transportation is recommended as it is cost-effective and convenient.
Estimated travel costs: Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia: 1200 TRY, Car Rental from Cappadocia to Pamukkale: 330 TRY, Public Transportation within cities: 50 TRY
If you have additional time, consider visiting the Chora Church Museum, Basilica Cistern, or taking a Turkish bath. For those with less time, consider skipping the hot springs in Pamukkale or reducing your stay by one day. Don't forget to try traditional Turkish cuisine like pide, baklava, and kebab.
Istanbul has two major international airports, the Istanbul Airport (IST) and the Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The Istanbul Airport is located 30 km from the city center while the Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is located 50 km from the city center.