8-Day Istanbul Adventure Itinerary

  • Day 1: Explore Sultanahmet Square
    30 minutes (13.5 km) from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

    Start your adventure by exploring the heart of Istanbul, Sultanahmet Square. Visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace Museum for a glimpse into the city's history and culture. Don't miss out on the Grand Bazaar for some shopping and indulging in the local cuisine.

  • Day 2: Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
    1 hour and 30 minutes (760 km) through a domestic flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport

    If adventure is what you seek, experience a once in a lifetime hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscape of Cappadocia. Watch the sunrise from above the fairy chimneys and the valleys below for a truly magical experience.

  • Day 3: Paragliding over Ölüdeniz Beach
    1 hour and 25 minutes (480 km) through a domestic flight from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport

    Experience a thrilling adventure by paragliding over the beautiful Ölüdeniz beach in Fethiye. The view from above is breathtaking and a great way to satiate your hunger for exploration.

  • Day 4: Scuba Diving in Kaş
    3 hours and 50 minutes (197 km) drive from Ölüdeniz beach

    Indulge in the underwater world by embarking on a scuba diving adventure in Kaş. This coastal paradise has crystal clear waters where you can explore the depth of the Mediterranean sea and witness exotic marine life.

  • Day 5: Zipline over Koprulu Canyon
    3 hours and 10 minutes (209 km) drive from Kaş

    If you want some adrenaline rush, zipline over Koprulu Canyon in Antalya. The view from the top is mesmerizing, and this activity will surely get your heart racing.

  • Day 6: Trekking in Mount Ararat
    2 hours and 15 minutes (237 km) drive from Koprulu Canyon

    Embark on a trekking adventure in Mount Ararat and witness the stunning beauty of the highest peak of Turkey. This mountain is surrounded by breath-taking landscapes and is an excellent destination for adventure seekers.

  • Day 7: Visit Pamukkale
    3 hours and 45 minutes (268 km) from Mount Ararat

    Enjoy a scenic drive to Pamukkale and witness the beautiful calcium terraces with hot springs that are believed to have healing properties. Don't miss out on visiting the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis for an encounter with history.

  • Day 8: Return to Istanbul
    1 hour and 15 minutes (60.5 km) from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

    Wrap up your adventure trip by visiting any missed-out spots you want to see before returning to Istanbul for your flight home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hagia Sophia (2 hours, £8)
  • Blue Mosque (1 hour, Free)
  • Topkapi Palace Museum (3 hours, £12)
  • Grand Bazaar (2-3 hours, varies)
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride (1 hour, £150)
  • Paragliding in Ölüdeniz Beach (1 hour, £80)
  • Scuba Diving in Kaş (3 hours, £90)
  • Zipline over Koprulu Canyon (30 minutes, £30)
  • Trekking in Mount Ararat (5 hours, Free)
  • Pamukkale (2 hours, £10)
  • Domestic Flights (Price varies)
  • Accommodation (Price varies)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £370-500

Transportation

Transportation during the trip is mainly through domestic flights, hired cars or taxis for long distances, and walking tours for sightseeing. Ensure you book domestic flights as early as possible to avoid price surges.

Useful Tips

For travelers with more time, there are countless other adventure activities in Turkey's other regions, including rafting in Dalaman, Kiteboarding in Akyaka, and skiing in Mount Palandöken. For travelers with less time, you can cut the trip short and reduce the number of activities you want to engage in.

Airports

Istanbul is served by two international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Istanbul Airport is located on the European side, 35 km northwest of the city center, while Sabiha Gökçen Airport is located on the Asian side, 45 km southeast of the city center.

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