5-Day Cultural and Historical Journey Through Turkey

Day 1: Istanbul Highlights

Istanbul, Turkey on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Çınaraltı Cafe

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with fresh cheeses, olives, eggs, and strong Turkish tea in this charming café near the Bosphorus. Open 7am-11am.
TRY80, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture and cultural significance, offering stunning mosaics and a rich history. Open daily 9am-5pm.
TRY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savour classic Turkish meatballs (köfte) at this popular local restaurant close to the Blue Mosque. Open 11am-9pm.
TRY100, 1h

1:30pm

Blue Mosque visit

Visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture. Free entry but donations welcome. Open 9am-7pm; closed during prayer times.
FREE, 1h

3:00pm

Topkapi Palace Tour

Discover the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, with exquisite collections of art and artifacts. Open 9am-6pm.
TRY250, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Dine on fresh seafood specialties in a traditional setting located in the Sultanahmet area. Open 6pm-11pm.
TRY350, 1.5h
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Day 2: Istanbul Modern & Markets

Istanbul, Turkey on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with an authentic and hearty Turkish breakfast in a cosy atmosphere in Cihangir. Open 8am-2pm.
TRY90, 1h

9:30am

Visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Explore contemporary Turkish art and rotating exhibitions at Istanbul Modern, situated by the Bosphorus. Open 10am-6pm, closed Mondays.
TRY120, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Enjoy traditional Turkish meze and main dishes in a stylish setting in the Karaköy district. Open 12pm-11pm.
TRY150, 1h

1:30pm

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, ideal for souvenirs and local crafts. Open 9am-7pm, closed Sundays.
FREE, 2h

4:00pm

Spice Bazaar Visit

Immerse yourself in the colours and scents of the Spice Bazaar, perfect for tasting and buying spices, teas, and sweets. Open 9am-7pm.
FREE, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse

Indulge in premium steaks and Turkish specialities at this famous restaurant known worldwide. Open 6pm-12am.
TRY500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Cappadocia Adventure

Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey on April 23, 2025

6:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon flight over the surreal Cappadocian landscapes. Usually starts early around 5:30-6am, lasts 1-2 hours. Book in advance.
TRY2500, 2h

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Safak

Enjoy fresh Turkish and international breakfast fare in the heart of Göreme. Open 7am-4pm.
TRY70, 1h

10:00am

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut churches and stunning frescoes dating back to the Byzantine period. Open 8am-7pm.
TRY150, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nazar Börek Café

Try traditional gözleme and börek in a relaxed atmosphere. Open 10am-6pm.
TRY50, 1h

2:00pm

Hike in Red Valley

Enjoy a scenic hike through the Red Valley’s stunning rock formations and colourful sunset views. Open all day, no cost.
FREE, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Seten Restaurant

Dine on exquisite traditional Cappadocian dishes in a beautiful setting with terrace views. Open 6pm-11pm.
TRY250, 1.5h
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Day 4: Cappadocia Underground & Villages

Ürgüp & Avanos, Cappadocia, Turkey on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ziggy Café, Ürgüp

Relax with a modern Turkish breakfast accompanied by local wines at this charming café. Open 8am-11am.
TRY90, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

Discover one of Cappadocia’s largest underground cities used as a refuge in ancient times. Open 8am-7pm.
TRY100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bizim Ev Restaurant, Avanos

Enjoy traditional Anatolian dishes in a welcoming local restaurant in the pottery town of Avanos. Open 12pm-8pm.
TRY130, 1h

1:30pm

Pottery Workshop in Avanos

Participate in a pottery-making workshop and create your own souvenir in this town famous for its terracotta pottery. Duration around 1.5 hours.
TRY120, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top of this natural rock fortress for panoramic views over Cappadocia. Open 8am-7pm.
TRY50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lil’a Restaurant, Ürgüp

Experience gourmet Turkish cuisine with a modern twist in an elegant atmosphere. Open 6pm-11pm.
TRY300, 1.5h
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Day 5: Ephesus & Izmir

Selçuk & Izmir, Turkey on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel in Cappadocia

Fuel up with a quick continental breakfast before departure. Typically served from 6:30am.
Included in hotel stay, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel Flight to Izmir and Transfer to Selçuk

Take a morning flight to Izmir, then transfer to the town of Selçuk near Ephesus. Travel time approx 2.5 hours including transfer.
TRY500 (flight approx), 3h

11:30am

Visit Ancient City of Ephesus

Explore one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, known for the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Open 8am-7pm.
TRY150, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Artemis Restaurant, Selçuk

Enjoy fresh Aegean seafood dishes close to the Ephesus site. Open 12pm-9pm.
TRY130, 1h

4:00pm

Visit House of Virgin Mary

A peaceful pilgrimage site believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by lovely gardens. Open 8am-7pm.
TRY30, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Izmir and Dinner at Deniz Restaurant

Have dinner in Izmir’s waterfront at this well-regarded spot serving delicious meze and seafood. Open 6pm-11pm.
TRY200, 1.5h
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