5-Day Cultural and Natural Highlights Tour of Istanbul and Cappadocia, Turkey

Day 1: Istanbul Historic Sights

Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sultan Hostel Cafe

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Sultan Hostel’s on-site cafe, which offers affordable and authentic options.
TRY60, 1h0m

9:00am

Topkapi Palace

Tour the opulent former Ottoman palace that houses imperial treasures and exquisite architecture, open from 9am to 6pm.
TRY320, 2h30m

11:45am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore the iconic Byzantine structure, former church and mosque, renowned for its magnificent dome and mosaics, open 9am-7pm.
TRY300, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy famous Turkish meatballs in this historic eatery close to the main sites for an authentic lunch experience.
TRY90, 1h

2:30pm

Blue Mosque

Visit the stunning Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known for its blue Iznik tiles and impressive architecture; open until sunset.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Dolmabahce Palace

Travel to the Bosphorus shore to see the lavish 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace open till 5pm, featuring European-style interiors.
TRY250, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner near Taksim at Mimi Restaurant

Dine on contemporary Turkish cuisine in the Taksim area, a short tram ride from Dolmabahce Palace.
TRY150, 1h30m

8:00pm

Accommodation Check-in: Cheers Hostel

Stay at Cheers Hostel located in Sultanahmet, offering good value and comfortable dorms, ideal for easy access to sites.
TRY200 per night, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Galata and Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul, Turkey on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cheers Hostel

Enjoy the hostel’s breakfast options to fuel your day exploring the city.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Galata Tower

Climb the medieval Galata Tower for panoramic views over Istanbul, open 9am to 7pm.
TRY175, 1h

10:30am

Explore Istiklal Street and nearby historic shops

Walk along the lively Istiklal Avenue, famous for shops, cafes, and street performers located just below Galata Tower.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Çiçek Pasajı

Savour meze and seafood in this historic arcade near Taksim Square.
TRY120, 1h

2:00pm

Free Afternoon for rest and exploration

Enjoy leisure time to relax or explore local cafes and neighbourhoods near your hostel.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

Board a Bosphorus cruise with dinner included, experiencing Istanbul’s iconic skyline by night; cruises typically run 4:30pm to 8:30pm.
TRY500, 4h

9:00pm

Return to Cheers Hostel

Rest well after a delightful evening on the water.
N/A, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Cappadocia & Underground City

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 4, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at Cheers Hostel

Have a quick and energising breakfast, preparing for travel day.
Included, 1h

7:30am

Flight to Nevşehir Airport (Cappadocia)

Take an early morning domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, flight lasts about 1h 20m.
TRY700, 1h20m

9:30am

Check In: Cappadocia Cave Hostel

Stay at Cappadocia Cave Hostel, central and budget-friendly with authentic cave room experiences.
TRY220 per night, N/A

10:30am

Derinkuyu Underground City

Discover the fascinating underground city, a multi-level ancient refuge open from 8am to 7pm.
TRY150, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sofra Restaurant, Nevşehir

Eat traditional Anatolian dishes in a friendly local setting.
TRY100, 1h

2:30pm

Green Valley Hiking

Take a scenic hike through the relaxing and leafy Green Valley, a great spot for nature lovers.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Hostel and rest

Relax and refresh at your hostel before dinner.
Free, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Pumpkin Restaurant

Enjoy a cosy dinner known for its seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
TRY180, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cappadocia Exploration and Hot Air Balloon Ride

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 5, 2025

4:30am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a magical sunrise hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys and valleys, with photo stops; rides start early and last around 1h.
TRY2000, 3h including prep and transfer

8:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Have a much-needed breakfast after ballooning, served at the hostel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Visit famous rock-cut churches and monasteries decorated with frescoes, site open 8am-7pm.
TRY175, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nazar Börek Cafe

Enjoy traditional börek pastries and fresh tea in a quaint café.
TRY90, 1h

1:30pm

Red Valley Trek

Explore beautiful Red Valley renowned for its stunning red-coloured rock formations and sunset views.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Hostel and rest

Relax from a full day of hiking and exploring.
Free, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Dibek Traditional Restaurant

Savour authentic Cappadocian dishes served in a charming old house.
TRY160, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to Istanbul & Departure

Istanbul to Airport, Turkey on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy your final Turkish breakfast at Cappadocia Cave Hostel before travel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Nevşehir Airport

Transfer to the airport to catch your return flight to Istanbul.
TRY150 Taxi, 1h

10:30am

Flight to Istanbul

Fly back to Istanbul's airport, flight time approx 1h 20m.
TRY700, 1h20m

12:00pm

Lunch at Istanbul Airport – Local cuisine

Grab a bite at one of the airport's many restaurants featuring Turkish dishes.
TRY100, 1h

1:30pm

Optional Short Visit to Airport Shopping and Art

Relax in the airport lounge or explore Turkish artisanal shops while waiting for your flight.
Free, 4h30m

6:00pm

Departure from Istanbul Airport

Conclude your memorable Turkish adventure with your departure flight in the evening.
N/A, N/A
View Hotel Availability