Magnificent Turkey: An 8-Day Cultural Journey

Day 1: Istanbul Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring olives, cheese, honey, and fresh bread in a local setting.
Located in the Cihangir neighbourhood, easily reachable by tram or taxi.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the stunning architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, which has stood testimony to centuries of history.
It’s a short walk from the breakfast spot, taking around 10 minutes.
TRY200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savour delicious meatballs and rice at this iconic restaurant near Hagia Sophia.
A 5-minute walk back towards Sultanahmet Square.
TRY100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Dive into the opulent history of the Ottoman Empire as you stroll through the courtyards and gardens of Topkapi Palace.
Just a 15-minute walk from the lunch spot.
TRY300, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Enjoy dinner with a panoramic view of the Old City and the Bosphorus while trying local delicacies.
Head to the Taksim area by taxi (about 15 minutes).
TRY350, 2 hours
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Day 2: Istanbul Insights

Istanbul, Turkey

8:30AM

Breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu

Indulge in a hearty Turkish breakfast with a variety of egg dishes and fresh fruits.
Get there by tram to Eminönü (30 minutes).
TRY120, 1 hour

10:00AM

Basilica Cistern Tour

Uncover the fascinating history of the Basilica Cistern, a marvel of Byzantine architecture.
Located about 15 minutes walk from breakfast.
TRY300, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Enjoy a seafood lunch in a charming atmosphere, perfect for a taste of the local catch.
A short 10-minute walk from the Basilica Cistern.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Grand Bazaar

Get lost in the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for handicrafts, spices, and textiles.
A 15-minute walk from lunch.
Free to enter, spend as you wish., 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Savour authentic kebabs and other traditional dishes with a view of the golden horn.
Take a short taxi ride (10 minutes) to get there.
TRY250, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cappadocia's Wonders

Cappadocia, Turkey

6:00AM

Flight to Cappadocia

Rise early for your short flight to Cappadocia, where breathtaking landscapes await.
Transfer to the airport via taxi (1 hour).
TRY600 (flight price), 1 hour flight

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kelebek Café

Refuel with a hearty breakfast featuring local pastries and fresh fruit before starting your adventure.
Located close to your hotel in Göreme.
TRY120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the breathtaking views of fairy chimneys and valleys from the sky.
Pick-up from your hotel included.
TRY1,200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

Wander through rock-cut churches and stunning frescoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A short taxi ride from the balloon landing point.
TRY200, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Dine in a unique cave setting and enjoy delicious local dishes like testi kebab.
Walking distance from the museum.
TRY180, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Stroll among the fascinating fairy chimneys and the serene atmosphere of Monks Valley.
Short taxi ride from lunch (10 minutes).
TRY100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ziggy’s Shoppe & Cafe

Enjoy delectable mezes and rustic local dishes in a cosy environment.
Back to your hotel area via taxi (15 minutes).
TRY220, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cappadocia Adventures

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cappadocia Cuisine

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast to fuel your adventures ahead.
Located in Göreme, just a short walk from most hotels.
TRY130, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

Discover the fascinating depths of the largest underground city in Cappadocia, filled with history.
A guided tour is recommended; travel by minibus (30 minutes).
TRY150, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Seki Restaurant

Indulge in traditional Anatolian dishes accompanied by a stunning vineyard view.
Returning to Göreme takes about 30 minutes.
TRY250, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Ihlara Valley Hike

Take a scenic hike through the beautiful Ihlara Valley, surrounded by nature and ancient churches.
Travel by minibus (1 hour) to the start of the hike.
TRY100, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy an authentic pottery kebab and traditional mezes in a lovely courtyard setting.
Head back to Göreme by minibus (1 hour).
TRY230, 2 hours
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Day 5: Pamukkale's Beauty

Pamukkale, Turkey

7:00AM

Bus to Pamukkale

Travel to Pamukkale, known for its stunning travertine terraces, on a comfortable bus.
Departure from Göreme bus station (meeting time 6:30AM).
TRY250, 8 hours

3:00PM

Check into Hotel

Get settled into your hotel and refresh after your journey.
A range of hotels available near travertine terraces.
TRY1,200 (for 2 nights), 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Pamukkale Travertines

Walk barefoot on the travertine terraces and enjoy the therapeutic hot springs.
Short walk from your hotel (about 10 minutes).
TRY150, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at White House Restaurant

Relish delicious Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
A 10-minute walk from the travertines.
TRY200, 2 hours
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Day 6: Ancient Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a sleek breakfast buffet at your hotel before setting off for the day.
Conveniently located within your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bus to Ephesus

Travel to Ephesus, renowned for its impressive ruins.
Typically a 1-hour bus ride from Pamukkale.
TRY100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Ephesus Ruins

Discover the ancient cities of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
Located just outside of Selçuk, reachable by taxi (20 minutes).
TRY300, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Phoenicia

Experience a wonderful lunch infused with local flavours at this highly rated restaurant.
Near the Ephesus ruins, just a short taxi ride away.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Selçuk Castle

Climb up to the Selçuk Castle for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
A brief walk from the restaurant, approximately 10 minutes.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ristorante Selçuk

Feast on fresh seafood and regional dishes at an excellent family-run establishment.
Return to Selçuk (taxi ride, 10 minutes).
TRY220, 2 hours
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Day 7: Charming Bodrum

Bodrum, Turkey

8:00AM

Bus to Bodrum

Take a refreshing bus ride to the charming coastal town of Bodrum.
Line from Selçuk usually takes about 2.5 hours.
TRY150, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel by the stunning Aegean Sea.
Most beach hotels are located close to the marina.
TRY1,500 (for 2 nights), 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Sarnıç Restaurant

Savour fresh fish and mezes in a relaxed, elegant setting.
Elaborate décor and ambiance located within walking distance.
TRY220, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Bodrum Castle

Explore the rich history and archaeological finds at this well-preserved castle.
A pleasant 10-minute walk along the waterfront.
TRY250, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kocadon Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Turkish dishes in a lovely courtyard setting, perfect for a relaxing evening.
A short walk back to the marina area.
TRY300, 2 hours
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Day 8: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a last breakfast of fresh pastries and coffee in Bodrum.
In your hotel restaurant, easy access before departure.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Istanbul

Catch a quick flight back to Istanbul to conclude your incredible journey.
Transfer to the airport via taxi (30 minutes).
TRY600 (flight price), 1 hour flight

12:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli

Delight in authentic Turkish dishes in the Spice Bazaar, surrounded by vibrant aromas.
Close to the Spice Bazaar, walking distance from the airport taxi drop-off.
TRY250, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Galata Tower

Visit Galata Tower for sweeping views of Istanbul and an insight into its history.
Take the tram to Karaköy, easy access from the restaurant.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Final Dinner at Mikla

End your journey with a gourmet dinner boasting stunning skyline views of Istanbul.
A short taxi ride to the rooftop restaurant.
TRY500, 2 hours
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