Explore the Wonders of Istanbul and Cappadocia: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day Day 1: Istanbul Arrival

Istanbul, Turkey on April 5, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Begin your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi, renowned for its rich variety of cheeses, jams, and fresh bread.
TRY90, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Hagia Sophia

Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture now serving as a museum, showcasing its glorious mosaics and vast dome.
TRY200, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy delicious Turkish meatballs at Sultanahmet Köftecisi, famous for its hearty dishes and traditional atmosphere.
TRY90, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Topkapi Palace

Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, where you can view exquisite artifacts and lush gardens.
TRY200, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Savour an authentic Turkish dinner at Hamdi Restaurant, overlooking the Golden Horn and offering a selection of kebabs and mezes.
TRY150, 2 hours

Day Day 2: Istanbul Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on April 6, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Privato

Start your day at Cafe Privato, known for its delicious Turkish pastries and strong coffee.
TRY60, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Blue Mosque

Visit the stunning Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), famous for its blue tiles and majestic architecture, a must-see landmark in Istanbul.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Basilica Cistern

Explore the underground Basilica Cistern, an ancient water reservoir featuring stunning columns and a mystical atmosphere.
TRY150, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Khorasani Restaurant

Savour traditional dishes at Khorasani Restaurant, where the emphasis is on regional delicacies in a cosy setting.
TRY120, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Grand Bazaar

Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world, teeming with shops selling spices, textiles, and souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Asitane

Dine at Asitane, a restaurant that specializes in dishes inspired by the Ottoman Empire, offering a unique culinary experience.
TRY160, 2 hours

Day Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turkey on April 7, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Çınaraltı

Enjoy a serene breakfast by the Bosphorus at Çınaraltı, known for its fresh ingredients and traditional fare.
TRY70, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Spice Bazaar

Visit the historic Spice Bazaar, where colourful stalls offer a wide range of spices, teas, and sweets, providing a sensory experience.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a picturesque Bosphorus cruise, enjoying views of palaces and former Ottoman mansions lining the shores.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Yemek Araştırmaları

Taste exquisite local dishes at Yemek Araştırmaları, known for its focus on authentic Turkish cuisine.
TRY110, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Chora Church

Explore the Chora Church, famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, set in a serene location.
TRY100, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Finish your day with seafood at Balikci Sabahattin, known for its fresh fish and traditional meze selection.
TRY180, 2 hours

Day Day 4: Travel to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on April 8, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Rumist

Have breakfast at Cafe Rumist, a charming spot known for its delicious pancakes and inviting atmosphere.
TRY65, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Flight to Cappadocia

Take a morning flight to Cappadocia, where you will discover breathtaking landscapes filled with unique rock formations.
TRY800, 1 hour (flight)

12:00 PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Savour traditional Anatolian dishes in a cave setting at Topdeck Cave Restaurant, a unique dining experience.
TRY120, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to remarkable rock-cut churches adorned with frescoes.
TRY210, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Dibek Restaurant, renowned for its pottery kebab and traditional Turkish cuisine.
TRY140, 2 hours

Day Day 5: Outdoor Adventures

Cappadocia, Turkey on April 9, 2025

5:30 AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a magical sunrise hot air balloon ride, providing breathtaking views of Cappadocia's unique landscape of fairy chimneys.
TRY3000, 3 hours

9:30 AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Refuel with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh pastries and Turkish tea.
TRY70, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Hiking in Ihlara Valley

Embark on a scenic hike through Ihlara Valley, known for its lush scenery and rock-cut churches.
FREE, 3 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at Belisırma Restaurant

Stop for lunch at Belisırma Restaurant, located by the river in Ihlara Valley, serving fresh local food.
TRY120, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Avanos Pottery Workshop

Discover the art of pottery making in Avanos, participating in a workshop where you can create your own masterpiece.
TRY60, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Han Ciragan Restaurant

End your day with a traditional Turkish dinner at Han Ciragan, offering a variety of local dishes in a picturesque courtyard.
TRY150, 2 hours

Day Day 6: Natural Wonders

Cappadocia, Turkey on April 10, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pumpkin Goreme Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Pumpkin Goreme Restaurant, known for its warm hospitality and homemade goodies.
TRY80, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Explore the stunning fairy chimneys at Pasabag, an area famous for its unique rock formations and serene beauty.
TRY50, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tandır Restaurant

Savour local dishes at Tandır Restaurant, offering authentic flavours and a cosy atmosphere.
TRY130, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Uchisar Castle

Climb to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, for panoramic views of the stunning landscape.
TRY80, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Pigeon Valley

Walk through Pigeon Valley, known for its beautiful scenery and the unique pigeon houses carved into the rocks.
FREE, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Seten Restaurant

Dine at Seten Restaurant, set in a cave, offering traditional Cappadocian dishes prepared with a contemporary twist.
TRY140, 2 hours

Day Day 7: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on April 11, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Enjoy your last breakfast in Cappadocia at Topdeck Cave, relishing their signature dishes.
TRY110, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Flight back to Istanbul

Take an early flight back to Istanbul for your last day in the city.
TRY800, 1 hour (flight)

12:00 PM

Lunch at Selin Restaurant

Enjoy local Turkish fare at Selin Restaurant, known for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly service.
TRY130, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Shopping at Istiklal Avenue

Spend the afternoon shopping along Istiklal Avenue, famous for its boutiques and local crafts.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Mikla

Conclude your trip with a memorable dining experience at Mikla, offering breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and a creative menu.
TRY400, 2 hours