7-Day Immersive Turkey Travel Itinerary: From Istanbul to Cappadocia and Beyond

Day 1: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on April 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with a variety of cheeses, olives, honey, and fresh bread; opens at 8 AM.
TRY150, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the iconic Byzantine masterpiece renowned for its stunning dome and mosaics; open 9 AM-7 PM.
TRY220, 1h30m

11:30am

Blue Mosque

Admire the exquisite tilework of this historic mosque, conveniently close to Hagia Sophia; open 8:30 AM-6:30 PM.
Free, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savor classic Turkish meatballs served hot in the heart of Sultanahmet, a popular and historic eatery; open until 9 PM.
TRY100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Topkapi Palace

Visit the opulent palace of the Ottoman sultans, featuring exquisite treasures and expansive gardens; open 9 AM-6 PM.
TRY300, 2h0m

4:30pm

Grand Bazaar

Experience one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, perfect for souvenir shopping; open 9 AM-7 PM.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Dine on delectable kebabs with a view of the Golden Horn; open until 11 PM.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 2: Istanbul Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on April 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu

Start your day with a hearty Turkish breakfast known for its traditional flavors; open 7 AM-10 PM.
TRY130, 1h0m

9:45am

Basilica Cistern

Discover the underground Byzantine water reservoir with impressive columns and atmospheric lighting; open 9 AM-5:30 PM.
TRY150, 1h0m

11:00am

Spice Bazaar

Stroll through the vibrant market offering spices, sweets, and local goods; open 9 AM-7 PM.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Experience Ottoman-style cuisine in this historic bazaar restaurant; open 11 AM-8 PM.
TRY200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Dolmabahçe Palace

Tour the lavish 19th-century palace featuring exquisite interiors and Bosphorus views; open 9 AM-4 PM (closed Mondays).
TRY300, 2h0m

5:00pm

Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise along the Bosphorus to take in Istanbul’s skyline; various operators run until around 7 PM.
TRY250, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Savor delicious mezes and seafood in a cozy atmosphere; open until 11 PM.
TRY270, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Istanbul to Cappadocia

Istanbul to Göreme, Turkey on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a quick and delicious breakfast before your flight to Cappadocia.
TRY100, 1h0m

9:00am

Flight Istanbul to Nevşehir or Kayseri

Take a morning flight (~1h20m) to the nearest airport for Cappadocia; flights frequent and operated by Turkish Airlines or Pegasus.
TRY600, 1h20m

11:00am

Transfer to Göreme

Travel from airport to Göreme town (40-60 minutes), check into hotel, and refresh.
TRY150, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Seten Restaurant

Experience authentic Cappadocian dishes with views of the unique landscape; open 12 PM-10 PM.
TRY200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Göreme Open Air Museum

Explore UNESCO-listed rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes; open 8 AM-7 PM.
TRY300, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore Göreme Town

Walk around Göreme’s charming streets, visit local shops, and enjoy the scenery.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dibek

Enjoy traditional pottery kebab in a cozy cave restaurant; open until 10 PM.
TRY220, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cappadocia Adventures

Göreme, Turkey on April 22, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Witness sunrise over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys from a hot air balloon; tours start around 5 AM and last 1 hour.
TRY3000, 3h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Refuel with a hearty breakfast after the balloon ride.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb the natural rock fortress for panoramic views of Cappadocia; open 8 AM-7 PM.
TRY150, 1h0m

11:30am

Pigeon Valley Hike

Hike through picturesque valleys filled with pigeon houses and scenic views.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Enjoy homemade Turkish dishes in an authentic cave setting; open 12 PM-10 PM.
TRY220, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

Tour the vast subterranean city used historically for refuge; open 8 AM-7 PM.
TRY200, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax and shop in Göreme

Return to town to shop local handicrafts or relax before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pumpkin Goreme Restaurant and Art Gallery

Indulge in seasonal dishes with a creative twist, open till 10 PM.
TRY250, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cappadocia to Antalya Coast

Göreme to Antalya, Turkey on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a local breakfast before departure.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport

Travel around 1 hour to airport to catch flight to Antalya.
TRY150, 1h0m

11:00am

Flight to Antalya

One hour flight to Antalya, Southern Turkey’s Mediterranean gem.
TRY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Transfer to hotel and check-in

Head to your hotel near the coast and settle in.
TRY100, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant

Enjoy a blend of traditional and modern Turkish cuisine in a charming setting; open 12 PM-11 PM.
TRY280, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi)

Walk cobble-stoned streets with Ottoman architecture, historic gates, and marina views.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Visit Hadrian's Gate

See the ancient Roman gate marking the entrance to the old city.
Free, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at 7 Mehmet

Savor Mediterranean seafood and local specialties with sea views; open until 11 PM.
TRY300, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax in Antalya

Antalya, Turkey on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with sea views.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Düden Waterfalls

Explore the beautiful waterfalls just outside Antalya, perfect for nature photography;
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vanilla Lounge

Taste modern Mediterranean flavors with an elegant ambiance; open 12 PM-11 PM.
TRY220, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax on Konyaaltı Beach

Spend the afternoon sunbathing, swimming, or walking along this famous beach.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Antalya Museum

Delve into rich archaeological and city history; open 8:30 AM-5:30 PM.
TRY80, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lara Balık Evi

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes at a local favorite with a cozy atmosphere.
TRY250, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Antalya Departure

Antalya, Turkey on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and morning stroll

Have breakfast at the hotel and take a final stroll along the marina or old town.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Preparations and checkout

Conclude your trip by checking out and preparing for your onward travel.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Transfer to Antalya Airport

Head to the airport for flight home or next destination.
TRY100, 0h45m
View Hotel Availability