Turkish Delights: 10-Day Adventure & Cultural Immersion in Turkey

Day 1: Exploring Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 3, 2024

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the iconic Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural marvel that has served as a church and mosque.
Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet Square, easily accessible by tram. It takes around 30 minutes to get there.
40 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Topkapi Palace

Immerse yourself in Ottoman history at the Topkapi Palace, home to sultans for centuries and filled with opulent rooms and treasures.
Topkapi Palace is a short walk from Hagia Sophia. It takes around 15 minutes to walk there.
60 TRY, 2 hours

2:00PM

Grand Bazaar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, perfect for souvenir shopping.
The Grand Bazaar is a 20-minute walk from Topkapi Palace. It takes around 20 minutes to walk there.
Free to enter, shopping costs vary, 2 hours
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Day 2: Culinary Delights of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 4, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, known for its delicious spread of cheeses, olives, and pastries.
Van Kahvalti Evi is located in the Cihangir neighborhood. You can take a taxi or tram to get there in about 20 minutes.
30 TRY, 1 hour

12:00PM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise to enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline and iconic landmarks from the water.
Head to the Eminonu Pier to catch a Bosphorus cruise boat. It takes around 30 minutes to get there from Cihangir.
50 TRY, 2 hours

3:00PM

Istiklal Street

Walk down Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue lined with shops, cafes, and street performers, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Istiklal Street is easily accessible by tram or taxi from Eminonu. It takes around 20 minutes to get there.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historic Wonders of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 5, 2024

9:00AM

Blue Mosque

Begin your day at the Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture, a symbol of Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque is located near Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet Square. It takes around 5 minutes to walk there.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Spice Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Spice Bazaar, a sensory delight filled with spices, sweets, and Turkish delights, perfect for food enthusiasts.
The Spice Bazaar is a short walk from the Blue Mosque. It takes around 10 minutes to walk there.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Turkish cuisine with a modern twist.
Ciya Sofrasi is located in Kadikoy. You can take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy, which takes around 20 minutes.
100 TRY, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discovering Cappadocia's Magic

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 6, 2024

8:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Start your day with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, a bucket-list experience.
Hot air balloon rides usually depart early in the morning from various launch sites in Cappadocia. Transportation will be provided by the tour company.
400 USD, 2 hours

11:00AM

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Explore the ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes at the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Goreme Open-Air Museum is a short drive from the balloon landing site. You can take a taxi or shuttle there, which takes around 15 minutes.
30 TRY, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at Dibek Restaurant, known for its authentic Cappadocian dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Dibek Restaurant is located in Goreme town center, within walking distance from the museum. It takes around 5 minutes to walk there.
80 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 5: Cultural Exploration in Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 7, 2024

9:00AM

Hiking in Rose Valley

Embark on a scenic hike in Rose Valley, known for its stunning rock formations, ancient churches, and panoramic views.
Rose Valley is located near Goreme. You can take a taxi or join a guided tour to reach the starting point, which takes around 20 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ziggy Cafe

Savor a delicious lunch with a view at Ziggy Cafe, a charming spot overlooking the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
Ziggy Cafe is located in Uchisar. You can take a taxi or shuttle from Rose Valley, which takes around 15 minutes.
70 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Kaymakli Underground City

Descend into the depths of Kaymakli Underground City, a fascinating subterranean complex carved out of soft volcanic rock.
Kaymakli Underground City is a short drive from Uchisar. You can take a taxi or shuttle there, which takes around 10 minutes.
25 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 6: Relaxing Day in Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey on June 8, 2024

9:00AM

Pamukkale Travertines

Spend the morning marveling at the surreal terraces of Pamukkale, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down the mountainside.
Pamukkale Travertines are located near the town of Denizli. You can take a taxi or shuttle from your accommodation, which takes around 30 minutes.
60 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Hierapolis Ancient City

Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, an archaeological site atop Pamukkale with well-preserved theaters, temples, and baths.
Hierapolis is adjacent to the travertines. It takes around 10 minutes to walk there from Pamukkale Travertines.
35 TRY, 2 hours

3:00PM

Cleopatra's Pool

Relax and rejuvenate in Cleopatra's Pool, a thermal Roman pool within Hierapolis believed to have healing properties.
Cleopatra's Pool is within the Hierapolis complex. It takes around 10 minutes to walk there from the ancient city ruins.
50 TRY, 1 hour
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Day 7: Historical Marvels of Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey on June 9, 2024

9:00AM

Ephesus Ancient City

Step back in time at Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the Mediterranean with iconic structures like the Library of Celsus.
Ephesus is located near the town of Selcuk. You can take a taxi or shuttle from your accommodation, which takes around 20 minutes.
50 TRY, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ejder Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Ejder Restaurant, offering authentic dishes and a serene garden setting near Ephesus.
Ejder Restaurant is located in Selcuk town center. It takes around 10 minutes to walk there from Ephesus Ancient City.
70 TRY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit House of Virgin Mary

Explore the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary.
The House of the Virgin Mary is a short drive from Ephesus. You can take a taxi or shuttle there, which takes around 15 minutes.
35 TRY, 1 hour
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