Cappadocia and Istanbul Vacation - 5 Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival to Cappadocia
   Estimated time - 1 hour 30 mins flight from Istanbul to Kayseri
   Distance - 75 km from Kayseri Airport to Cappadocia

   Upon arriving at Kayseri Airport, transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia. Take a stroll around the area to appreciate its stunning landscape of fairy chimneys and enjoy the sunset view.

2. Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Ride, Goreme Open-Air Museum, Pasabagli Valley
   Estimated time - 2 hours
   Distance - 30 km from Pasabagi Monks Valley to Goreme Open-Air Museum

   Start your day with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's unique landscape. Visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, home to early Christian churches and stunning frescoes. Lastly, spend the rest of the day exploring the picturesque Pasabagli valley.

3. Day 3: Avanos, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle
   Estimated time - 1 hour
   Distance - 10 km from Pigeon Valley to Uchisar Castle

   Begin your day by visiting the pottery-making town of Avanos and watch a live demonstration of the craft. Next, take a walk through Pigeon Valley and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding rock formations. Finally, head to Uchisar Castle to take in the breathtaking panoramic view overlooking Cappadocia.

4. Day 4: Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia
   Estimated time - 2 hour 20 min flight from Kayseri to Istanbul
   Distance - 25 km from Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia

   Say goodbye to the beautiful Cappadocia and catch your flight to Istanbul. After arrival, take a taxi or public transportation to your hotel and start your Istanbul tour. Visit the majestic Blue Mosque and appreciate its intricate interior design. Afterwards, head to the grand Hagia Sophia, a museum boasting stunning Byzantine architecture and decorated mosaics.

5. Day 5: Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus River Cruise
   Estimated time - 2 hours
   Distance - 8 km from Grand Bazaar to Bosphorus Cruise dock

   On your final day in Istanbul, visit the Topkapi Palace and explore its grandeur of Ottoman-era architecture and decor. Afterward, visit the world-famous Grand Bazaar and enjoy the experience of bargaining and shopping for souvenirs and local products. End your tour with a breathtaking Bosphorus river cruise and enjoy stunning views of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Goreme Open-Air Museum (2 hours, 20 TL)
• Avanos pottery-making demonstration (1 hour, Free)
• Bosphorus river cruise (2 hours, 50 TL)
• Grand Bazaar (2 hours, Free)
• Topkapi Palace (2 hours, 30 TL)
• Blue Mosque (1 hour, Free)
• Hagia Sophia (1 hour, 40 TL)
• Total Estimated Costs: 140 TL (approx. $20)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can explore other sites such as the Basilica Cistern, Dolmabahce Palace, and the Spice Bazaar. For those who have less time, it's recommended to omit the Bosphorus River Cruise or Grand Bazaar from the itinerary.