8-Day Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Antalya

Day 1: Arrival and Old City Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on March 12, 2025

8:00AM

Arrival in Istanbul

Land at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Sultanahmet district.

Included in travel package, 1 hour

9:30AM

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa 1864

Start your day with traditional Turkish pastries and tea at this historic patisserie.

TRY 150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this iconic former cathedral and mosque, now a museum showcasing Byzantine architecture.

TRY 200, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Visit Blue Mosque

Admire the stunning blue tiles and six minarets of this active mosque.

Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy authentic Turkish meatballs and traditional sides at this renowned eatery.

TRY 200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, including the Harem and Treasury.

TRY 320, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Descend into this ancient underground water reservoir with its atmospheric columns.

TRY 100, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Savor fresh seafood dishes in a charming, historic setting.

TRY 400, 1.5 hours

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Modern Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on March 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mado

Enjoy a variety of Turkish breakfast items and pastries with Bosphorus views.

TRY 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a scenic boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait, viewing palaces and bridges.

TRY 200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Taste modern Turkish cuisine in a stylish setting in the Karaköy district.

TRY 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Galata Tower

Climb this medieval stone tower for panoramic views of Istanbul.

TRY 100, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Istiklal Street

Stroll along this bustling avenue filled with shops, cafes, and historic sites.

Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Tour the lavish 19th-century palace that served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.

TRY 300, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Mikla

Experience contemporary Turkish fine dining with stunning city views.

TRY 600, 2 hours

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Cappadocia and Göreme Exploration

Cappadocia, Turkey on March 14, 2025

7:00AM

Flight to Cappadocia

Depart from Istanbul to Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport, then transfer to Göreme.

Included in travel package, 3 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Café Safak

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local specialties in Göreme.

TRY 150, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

Explore rock-cut churches and monasteries adorned with frescoes.

TRY 150, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Dine in a cave setting, savoring traditional Anatolian dishes.

TRY 200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Walk among unique fairy chimney formations and learn about their history.

Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Devrent Valley

Discover imaginative rock formations resembling various animals and objects.

Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Seten Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion of traditional and modern Turkish cuisine with panoramic views.

TRY 300, 1.5 hours

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hot Air Balloon and Underground City

Cappadocia, Turkey on March 15, 2025

5:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a sunrise flight over Cappadocia's unique landscapes.

TRY 2,000, 3 hours

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Return to your hotel for a relaxing breakfast after the balloon ride.

Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kaymaklı Underground City

Explore the extensive subterranean city used by early Christians for refuge.

TRY 100, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Hike in Ihlara Valley

Enjoy a scenic hike through the valley with rock-cut churches and a river.

Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Belisirma Village

Dine by the river, tasting local dishes in a picturesque setting.

TRY 200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Selime Monastery

Explore the largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia with impressive views.

TRY 50, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to Göreme

Head back to your hotel to relax before dinner.

Included in travel package, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Dibek Restaurant

Experience traditional pottery kebab and other local specialties.

TRY 250, 1.5 hours

View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Pamukkale and Thermal Pools

Pamukkale, Turkey on March 16, 2025

7:00AM

Flight to Denizli

Depart from Cappadocia to Denizli Airport, then transfer to Pamukkale.

Included in travel package, 3 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at White House Restaurant & Café

Enjoy a Turkish breakfast with views of the travertine terraces.

TRY 150, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Pamukkale Travertines

Walk on the white calcium terraces and bathe in the thermal pools.

TRY 200, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Kayas Restaurant

Taste local dishes in a cozy atmosphere near the travertines.

TRY 200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Hierapolis Ancient City

Discover the ruins of the ancient spa city, including the theater and necropolis.

Included in Pamukkale ticket, 2 hours

5:00PM

Swim in Cleopatra's Pool

Relax in the antique pool with submerged Roman columns.

TRY 100, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Lamuko's Lokanta

Enjoy a mix of Turkish and international cuisine in a friendly setting.

TRY 250, 1.5 hours

View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Ephesus and Ancient City Tour

Ephesus, Turkey on March 17, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Ephesus

Depart from Pamukkale to Ephesus by private vehicle.

Included in travel package, 3 hours

10:30AM

Breakfast at Selçuk Pidecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish flatbreads and tea in Selçuk.

TRY 150, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Ephesus Ancient City

Explore the well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater.

TRY 200, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ejder Restaurant

Taste local Aegean cuisine in a family-run establishment.

TRY 200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit House of Virgin Mary

Tour the believed final residence of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site.

TRY 100, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Temple of Artemis

See the remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Agora Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood and mezes in a charming garden setting.

TRY 300, 1.5 hours

View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Antalya and Old Town Exploration

Antalya, Turkey on March 18, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Antalya

Depart from Ephesus to Antalya by private vehicle.

Included in travel package, 5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 7 Mehmet

Enjoy a variety of Turkish dishes with panoramic views of Antalya.

TRY 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Kaleiçi (Old Town)

Wander through narrow streets filled with historic Ottoman-era houses and shops.

Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Antalya Museum

Discover artifacts from the region's rich history, including Roman and Byzantine periods.

TRY 100, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Konyaaltı Beach

Enjoy the Mediterranean coastline and perhaps a seaside café.

Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant

Experience gourmet Turkish and international cuisine in an elegant setting.

TRY 400, 2 hours

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Day 8: Perge and Aspendos Tour, Departure

Antalya, Turkey on March 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vanilla Lounge

Start your day with a delicious breakfast in the heart of Kaleiçi.

TRY 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Perge Ancient City

Explore the ruins of this ancient city, including the stadium and theater.

TRY 100, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Aspendos Theater

See one of the best-preserved Roman theaters, still used for performances today.

TRY 100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Köfteci Yusuf

Enjoy famous Turkish meatballs and traditional sides.

TRY 200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to Antalya

Head back to Antalya to prepare for departure.

Included in travel package, 1 hour

4:00PM

Transfer to Antalya Airport

Depart for your onward journey or return home.

Included in travel package, 1 hour

View Hotel Availability