Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Exploring Istanbul and Cappadocia in 5 Days

Viewed by 67 travelers

Day 1: Discovering Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural marvel that has a rich history dating back to the Byzantine Empire.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Afterwards, immerse yourself in the opulence of Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, filled with beautiful courtyards and priceless treasures.
60 TRY, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious Turkish meal at Pandeli Restaurant located within the Spice Bazaar, offering a variety of traditional dishes.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shop at Grand Bazaar

Spend the afternoon browsing through the labyrinthine alleys of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Free entry, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

End your day with a delightful dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar, offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus and delicious international cuisine.
100 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 2: Cruising the Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a relaxing Bosphorus cruise to admire the beauty of Istanbul from the water, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Maiden's Tower and Dolmabahçe Palace.
50 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy, known for its authentic Turkish cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Blue Mosque

Explore the stunning interior of the Blue Mosque, adorned with intricate blue tiles and grand architecture, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
Free entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shop at Istiklal Street

Spend the evening strolling along Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Mikla, a renowned restaurant offering modern Turkish cuisine with breathtaking views of the city skyline.
150 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 3: Last Day in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Visit the Spice Bazaar

Start your day at the vibrant Spice Bazaar, where you can immerse yourself in the exotic scents and flavours of various spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Walk through Gulhane Park

Take a leisurely stroll through Gulhane Park, a serene oasis in the heart of Istanbul, offering beautiful greenery and historic structures.
Free entry, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch with a view at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its traditional Turkish cuisine and panoramic vistas of the city and the Golden Horn.
80 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Explore the mysterious underground world of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient reservoir with impressive columns and mystical ambiance.
20 TRY, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

End your day with a seafood dinner at Balikci Sabahattin, a charming restaurant known for its fresh catch of the day and traditional dishes.
100 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 4: Exploring Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

9:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the magical sunrise over Cappadocia with a hot air balloon ride, offering panoramic views of the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys.
250 EUR, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Goreme Open-Air Museum

Discover the ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes of the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Cappadocia's rich history.
45 TRY, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Anatolian meal at Dibek Restaurant, located in a charming cave setting, offering a taste of local Cappadocian cuisine.
60 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Visit Pasabag, also known as Monks Valley, to see unique fairy chimneys and rock formations, perfect for exploring and taking photos.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ziggy's Shoppe & Cafe

Enjoy a cosy dinner at Ziggy's Shoppe & Cafe, a charming spot offering a mix of international and Turkish cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
80 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 5: Farewell to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

9:00AM

Hike in Rose Valley

Embark on a scenic hike in Rose Valley, known for its stunning rock formations, fairy chimneys, and rose-tinted hues during sunrise.
Free entry, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal at Topdeck Cave Restaurant, offering panoramic views of Cappadocia's landscapes and traditional Turkish dishes.
70 TRY, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Uchisar Castle

Explore the ancient Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering breathtaking views of the valley and unique rock formations.
10 TRY, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping in Avanos

Spend the afternoon exploring the pottery town of Avanos, where you can watch local artisans create traditional pottery and shop for unique souvenirs.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Old Greek House

End your journey with a memorable dinner at Old Greek House, a charming restaurant serving authentic Turkish cuisine in a historic setting.
100 TRY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cappadocia
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About istanbul and cappadocia

Best Turkey Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your istanbul and cappadocia Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go