Comprehensive 5-Night Turkey Tour: Istanbul and Cappadocia Highlights

Day 1: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Saat Kulesi Cafe

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast near Sultanahmet including cheeses, olives, and fresh bread. Opens from 7:30am.
TRY 60, 1h

9:00am

Visit to Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore the historic Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel and museum open 9am-7pm showcasing Byzantine and Ottoman history.
TRY 100, 2h

11:30am

Blue Mosque

Tour the exquisite Blue Mosque, famous for its blue İznik tiles, open from 9am-7pm with free entry though donations welcomed.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs and sides at this historic eatery near the Blue Mosque.
TRY 85, 1h

2:00pm

Topkapi Palace Visit

Discover the opulent palace of Ottoman sultans, featuring beautiful courtyards and the Harem section open 9am-6:45pm.
TRY 150, 3h

5:15pm

Dolmabahce Palace

Travel to the European side by taxi to visit this lavish 19th-century palace showcasing Ottoman modernization, open until 6pm.
TRY 120, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Circassian Restaurant

Sample authentic Turkish and Circassian cuisine with live folk music near Taksim Square.
TRY 130, 1.5h

9:00pm

Accommodation Check-in at Four Seasons Sultanahmet

Experience luxury in the heart of historic Istanbul, steps from major landmarks.
TRY 3000 per night, Overnight

Day 2: Bosphorus & Cultural Night

Istanbul, Turkey on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a sumptuous hotel buffet breakfast to start your day refreshed.
Included in accommodation, 1h

9:15am

Galata Tower Visit

Climb the medieval Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline, open 9am-7pm.
TRY 70, 1h

10:30am

Walk through Istiklal Street

Explore Istanbul’s famed pedestrian street with boutiques, cafes, and historic architecture.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Meze by Lemon Tree

Enjoy a variety of fresh meze dishes with modern twists on traditional recipes.
TRY 90, 1h

1:30pm

Bosphorus Afternoon Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise (3pm to 6pm) to admire Istanbul from the water.
TRY 150, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner & Whirling Dervishes Show at Hodjapasha

Experience traditional Sufi dance and Turkish cuisine in a historic caravanserai setting. Show times typically 8pm.
TRY 220, 2h

10:00pm

Return to hotel

Relax overnight at Four Seasons Sultanahmet.
Included, Overnight

Day 3: Travel to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 4, 2025

6:00am

Early Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri Airport

Take a 1.5-hour morning flight to Kayseri, the gateway to Cappadocia.
TRY 400, 1.5h

8:00am

Breakfast in Kayseri Airport cafe

Quick Turkish breakfast before transfer to Cappadocia.
TRY 50, 30m

9:00am

Transfer to Goreme and Check-in at Museum Hotel

Stay at a luxury cave hotel offering unique Cappadocian experience.
TRY 3500 per night, 30m

10:00am

Open Air Museum Visit

Explore rock-cut churches and frescoes at Goreme Open Air Museum, open 8am-7pm.
TRY 150, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Dine in a cozy cave setting with authentic Anatolian dishes.
TRY 100, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Red Valley and Green Valley

Take a scenic hike through these famous valleys known for stunning rock formations and colours.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lil’a Restaurant

Taste gourmet Turkish cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere.
TRY 180, 1.5h

8:00pm

Rest and overnight at Museum Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing evening in your cave accommodation.
Included, Overnight

Day 4: Cappadocia Balloon & Underground

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 5, 2025

4:30am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the magical sunrise balloon flight over Cappadocia landscapes. Book early as slots fill quickly.
TRY 2500, 3h

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Return for a hearty breakfast after your flight.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Underground City

Tour the fascinating Kaymakli or Derinkuyu underground city open 8am-7pm, showcasing ancient subterranean living.
TRY 120, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nazar Borek & Cafe

Enjoy delicious börek and Turkish coffees in a friendly local spot.
TRY 70, 1h

1:30pm

Hot Air Balloon Photography Spot visit

Visit panoramic viewpoints for photos of balloons and valleys; free and open access.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Late Afternoon Pickup for Flight to Istanbul

Transfer to Kayseri Airport for evening flight back to Istanbul.
Included in transfer, 1h

6:00pm

Flight from Kayseri to Istanbul

Return flight to Istanbul to conclude Cappadocia exploration.
TRY 400, 1.5h

8:00pm

Accommodation at Sirkeci Mansion

Relax with a night near historic Sultanahmet district.
TRY 1000 per night, Overnight

8:30pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Savour traditional kebabs overlooking the Golden Horn.
TRY 120, 1.5h

Day 5: Departure Day

Istanbul, Turkey on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final Turkish breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Free morning for shopping or short sightseeing

Visit souvenir shops near Sultanahmet or relax at your hotel before departure.
Varies, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy one last meal of classic Turkish meatballs near hotel prior to leaving the city centre.
TRY 80, 1h

2:00pm

Transfer to Istanbul Airport

Private transfer to airport for your flight out.
TRY 150, 1h