8-Day Istanbul and Cappadocia Itinerary

1. Day 1: Istanbul Grand Bazaar
   45 minutes (21.8 km) from Ataturk International Airport

   Shop for unique souvenirs at one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world.

2. Day 2: Hagia Sophia
   25 minutes (5.9 km) from Grand Bazaar

   Marvel at the impressive architecture of this former Christian patriarchal basilica, later an Imperial Ottoman mosque.

3. Day 3: Sultan Ahmed Mosque
   5 minutes (230m) from Hagia Sophia

   Experience the tranquility of Turkey's most impressive mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque.

4. Day 4: Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
   5 hours (730 km) from Sultan Ahmed Mosque

   Enjoy an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon ride over the unique landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.

5. Day 5: Göreme Open Air Museum
   9 minutes (3.8 km) from the hot air balloon launch site

   Explore countless rock-carved churches and chapels decorated with 11th-century frescoes.

6. Day 6: Derinkuyu Underground Cities
   35 minutes (30.6 km) from Göreme Open Air Museum

   Descend into an underground city used by early Christians to escape persecution from the Romans.

7. Day 7: Uchisar Castle
   7 minutes (3.4 km) from Derinkuyu Underground Cities

   Climb up to the highest point in Cappadocia for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and fairy chimneys.

8. Day 8: Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise
   1 hour 50 minutes (13.5 km + ferry ride) from Uchisar Castle

   Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait and take in views of picturesque Istanbul landmarks, including the Maiden's Tower and Rumeli Fortress.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Grand Bazaar (2-3 hours, free admission)
• Hagia Sophia (1-2 hours, ₺100)
• Sultan Ahmed Mosque (1-2 hours, free admission)
• Hot Air Balloon Ride (1-2 hours, ₺1000-2000)
• Göreme Open Air Museum (2-3 hours, ₺100)
• Derinkuyu Underground Cities (1-2 hours, ₺50)
• Uchisar Castle (1-2 hours, free admission)
• Bosphorus Cruise (2-3 hours, ₺25-₺50)
Total Estimated Costs: ₺1325-₺2125

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Topkapı Palace or the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, or a hike in the Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia. If you have less time, skip the Bosphorus Cruise or the Derinkuyu Underground Cities. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes.