Kuala Lumpur to Turkey: 9 Days of Adventure from Istanbul to Cappadocia

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring fresh bread, olives, cheese, and menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes), perfect for energizing your travels.
Take a quick metro ride to the Besiktas area.
TL 50, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Hagia Sophia

Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture rich in history and stunning mosaics.
Walk across Sultanahmet Square.
TL 200, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a fine meal at Matbah, serving Ottoman cuisine with beautiful views of the Topkapi Palace.
Short walk from Hagia Sophia.
TL 150, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Topkapi Palace Tour

Discover the secrets of the Ottoman Sultans as you explore the breathtaking grounds and extravagant rooms of Topkapi Palace.
Located adjacent to Matbah.
TL 300, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Visit the Basilica Cistern

Experience the haunting beauty of the underground Basilica Cistern with its eerie atmosphere and magnificent columns.
A short walk from Topkapi Palace.
TL 250, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, where you can hone your haggling skills and pick up some unique souvenirs.
Walk to the Bazaar; it's a close by attraction.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Savor a delicious dinner with a view of the Golden Horn, featuring kebabs and baklava that will complete your first day spectacularly.
Easy tram ride to Eminonu.
TL 200, 1.5 hours

8:30 PM

Evening Stroll by Galata Bridge

Conclude your day with a tranquil stroll across Galata Bridge, immersing in the beauty of Istanbul as the lights twinkle at night.
A short walk from Hamdi Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Asian Area Exploration

Kadikoy, Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Çiya Sofrası

Enjoy a delightful breakfast featuring some of the best local specialties from the Anatolian region.
Take the ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy.
TL 60, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Kadikoy Market

Dive into the vibrant Kadikoy Market, sampling fresh produce, local cheeses, and street food delights.
Walk around Kadikoy.
Free (excludes food costs), 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Yanyali Fehmi

Indulge in a hearty meal of authentic Turkish dishes in this renowned restaurant popular with locals.
Walking distance from the market.
TL 120, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Relax at Moda Park

Stroll to Moda Park, where you can relax by the seaside and maybe even enjoy a cup of tea at a coastal cafe.
Short walk from Yanyali Fehmi.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Haydarpaşa Terminal

Admire the impressive architecture of Haydarpaşa Terminal, a beautiful symbol of Istanbul's rail heritage.
Take a bus from Moda Park.
Free, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Evening Ferry Cruise on Bosphorus

Take an evening ferry cruise on the Bosphorus, where you can enjoy incredible views of both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul.
Head back to Kadikoy Ferry Terminal.
TL 150, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Beyti Restaurant

Conclude your day with a family dinner at Beyti, known for its impeccable service and exquisite meat dishes.
Return to the European side via ferry.
TL 300, 2 hours

9:00 PM

Nightlife at Istiklal Street

Experience the vibrant nightlife along Istiklal Street, filled with shops, bars, and lively street performances.
Take tram to Taksim Square.
Free (excludes spending), 2 hours
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Day 3: Bursa Day Trip

Bursa, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on your Bursa exploration.
Get to the ferry terminal for the ride to Bursa.
Included in your stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Ferry to Bursa

Travel across the waters to Bursa, famous for being the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Ferry from Istanbul to Bursa.
TL 80, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit the Great Mosque (Ulu Camii)

Explore the stunning architecture of the Great Mosque, a stunning example of early Ottoman architecture.
Walk to the mosque from the ferry terminal.
Free, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Lunch at Pidecioglu

Enjoy traditional Turkish pide (flatbread) at Pidecioglu, known for its crispy, fresh versions.
Take a short ride or walk.
TL 120, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Cable Car to Uludağ Mountain

Take a scenic cable car ride up to Uludağ Mountain for breathtaking views and potential hiking opportunities.
Cable car station is nearby.
TL 250, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Explore the Silk Market (Koza Han)

Wander through this historic silk market, enjoying the architecture and shopping for unique silk items.
Return by cable car and walk to the market.
Free (excludes shopping costs), 1 hour

5:00 PM

Ferry back to Istanbul

Return to Istanbul with a ferry, reflecting on a day filled with cultural experiences.
Back to the ferry terminal.
TL 80, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Asmalı Cavit

Savor a delicious Turkish dinner at Asmalı Cavit, known for its fresh mezes and fish dishes.
Short walk from the ferry terminal.
TL 250, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00 AM

Break at Hotel in Istanbul

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking a bus to Cappadocia.
Transportation to bus station.
Included in your stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Cappadocia

Take a bus to Cappadocia; enjoy the scenic landscapes on your journey.
Bus transfers are arranged by your hotel or book online.
TL 300, 8 hours

5:00 PM

Check-in at Goreme Guesthouse

Settle into your cozy accommodation in Goreme, a perfect base for exploring Cappadocia.
On arrival to Cappadocia.
TL 500 (for two nights), 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Experience delightful local cuisine in an atmospheric cave setting, a unique and memorable dining experience.
Short walk from guesthouse.
TL 250, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Sunset View at Red Valley

Watch the stunning sunset from Red Valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cappadocia.
Arrange a local taxi or book a tour.
TL 100, 2 hours
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