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Discovering Turkey in 5 Days

Viewed by 58 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Begin your day by exploring the stunning Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of architecture that has served as a church and mosque.
Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet Square, easily accessible by tram or taxi from most areas in Istanbul. It takes around 30 minutes to get there.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Topkapi Palace

Continue to the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, and marvel at its beautiful courtyards and exhibits.
Topkapi Palace is a short walk from Hagia Sophia. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there.
60 TRY, 2-3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Enjoy a delicious Turkish meal at Karakoy Gulluoglu, known for its savory pastries and baklava.
Karakoy Gulluoglu is a 20-minute drive from Topkapi Palace. You can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app.
50 TRY, 1 hour

3:30PM

Grand Bazaar

Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
The Grand Bazaar is within walking distance from Karakoy Gulluoglu. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
Free to explore, shopping costs vary, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

End your day with a rooftop dinner at Mikla Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the city and delicious Turkish cuisine.
Mikla Restaurant is a 15-minute drive from the Grand Bazaar. You can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: More of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Start your day with a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise, where you can enjoy the scenic views of Istanbul's skyline and waterfront.
Head to the Eminonu or Kabatas waterfront to catch a Bosphorus Cruise boat. It takes about 15 minutes to get there by taxi.
25 TRY, 2 hours

11:30AM

Dolmabahce Palace

Visit the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's power and grandeur.
Dolmabahce Palace is a short drive from the Bosphorus Cruise starting point. It takes around 20 minutes to reach.
40 TRY, 2-3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Indulge in authentic Turkish flavors at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant offering a variety of traditional dishes.
Ciya Sofrasi is located in Kadikoy, a 30-minute ferry ride from Eminonu. Take a taxi to the ferry terminal.
60 TRY, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Istiklal Street

Stroll along vibrant Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue lined with shops, cafes, and street performances.
Istiklal Street is easily accessible by public transport from Kadikoy. Take a ferry back to Eminonu and then a tram to Istiklal Street.
Free to explore, shopping costs vary, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Enjoy a sophisticated dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar, offering a blend of Turkish and international cuisine with stunning views.
Sunset Grill & Bar is a 20-minute drive from Istiklal Street. You can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app.
200 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Magical Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Start your day with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
Most hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia depart early in the morning from the town of Goreme. It takes about 20 minutes to get there by taxi.
600 TRY, 1 hour

10:00AM

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Explore the ancient cave churches and frescoes at the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open-Air Museum, a fascinating historical site.
The Goreme Open-Air Museum is within walking distance from the hot air balloon ride meeting point in Goreme.
45 TRY, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Savor a traditional Turkish meal at Dibek Restaurant, known for its authentic Cappadocian cuisine.
Dibek Restaurant is a 10-minute walk from the Goreme Open-Air Museum.
50 TRY, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hiking in Rose Valley

Embark on a scenic hike through Rose Valley, admiring the stunning rock formations and lush landscapes of Cappadocia.
Rose Valley is a short drive from Goreme. You can take a taxi or join a guided tour.
Free, 2-3 hours

5:30PM

Sunset at Red Valley

Witness the magical sunset at Red Valley, known for its vibrant hues and panoramic views over the Cappadocian landscape.
Red Valley is a 15-minute drive from Rose Valley. You can take a taxi or rent a car for flexibility.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: More of Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

9:00AM

Derinkuyu Underground City

Explore the fascinating underground city of Derinkuyu, a remarkable subterranean complex carved out of soft volcanic rock.
Derinkuyu Underground City is located about a 40-minute drive from Goreme. You can hire a private driver or join a guided tour.
35 TRY, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Old Greek House

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Old Greek House, a charming restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and local specialties.
Old Greek House is a short walk from Derinkuyu Underground City.
40 TRY, 1 hour

1:30PM

Pottery Workshop in Avanos

Visit a pottery workshop in Avanos and try your hand at traditional Cappadocian pottery-making techniques.
Avanos is a 20-minute drive from Derinkuyu. You can take a taxi or use local transport.
Free to visit, pottery prices vary if you choose to create your own, 1-2 hours

4:00PM

Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top of Uchisar Castle for panoramic views of Cappadocia's surreal landscapes and fairy chimneys.
Uchisar Castle is a short drive from Avanos. You can take a taxi or rent a car for flexibility.
10 TRY, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sakli Konak

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Sakli Konak, a charming restaurant offering delicious Turkish dishes in a traditional setting.
Sakli Konak is a 15-minute drive from Uchisar Castle. You can take a taxi or use local transport.
80 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Relaxing in Antalya

Antalya, Turkey

9:00AM

Old Town (Kaleici)

Discover the charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings of Antalya's Old Town, also known as Kaleici.
Kaleici is a 20-minute drive from Antalya Airport. You can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Antalya Museum

Explore the Antalya Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and exhibits showcasing Turkey's rich history.
The Antalya Museum is a short drive from Kaleici. You can take a taxi or use local transport.
40 TRY, 2-3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Seraser Restaurant, offering a mix of Turkish and international cuisine in an elegant setting.
Seraser Restaurant is located within Kaleici, a short walk from the Antalya Museum.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Konyaalti Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of Konyaalti Beach, one of Antalya's popular beaches with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Konyaalti Beach is a 15-minute drive from Kaleici. You can take a taxi or use local transport.
Free, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Vanilla Lounge

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Vanilla Lounge, a stylish restaurant overlooking the sea, offering a mix of Turkish and international dishes.
Vanilla Lounge is a 10-minute drive from Konyaalti Beach. You can take a taxi or use local transport.
120 TRY, 2 hours
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