7-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Turkey

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast with cheeses, olives, honey, and fresh bread in this popular local spot open from 8:00am.
TRY70, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore this iconic Byzantine architectural masterpiece built in 537 AD, famous for its massive dome and mosaics, open 9am to 7pm.
TRY100, 2h0m

11:30am

Tour the Blue Mosque

Just steps from Hagia Sophia, see the stunning blue tiles of this functioning mosque, open 8:30am to 6:30pm except during prayers.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savour traditional Turkish meatballs (köfte) at this legendary Istanbul restaurant known for authentic local flavours.
TRY90, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Topkapi Palace

Discover the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans featuring beautiful courtyards and the treasury, open 9am to 6pm.
TRY150, 2h30m

4:45pm

Walk through the Grand Bazaar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of the largest covered markets in the world, open until 7pm for unique shopping.
Free, 1h15m

7:30pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Dine on freshly caught seafood in a charming setting close to the old city, open 7pm to 11pm.
TRY200, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Istanbul Modern Culture

Istanbul, Turkey on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu

Indulge in a delicious breakfast of menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs) and breads at this popular local cafe, open from 8am.
TRY60, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Explore contemporary Turkish art alongside international exhibits in this museum open from 10am to 6pm.
TRY85, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Enjoy classic Turkish dishes with a modern twist in a stylish setting, open for lunch 12pm to 3pm.
TRY130, 1h0m

1:30pm

Cruise Bosphorus Strait

Take a scenic 2-hour boat tour along the Bosphorus to see Istanbul’s skyline and palaces from the water, tours run 10am to sunset.
TRY120, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Spice Bazaar

Stroll through the aromatic Spice Bazaar, filled with spices, sweets, and souvenirs, open until 7pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mikla

Experience innovative Anatolian cuisine with panoramic city views, open 7pm to 11pm. Reservation recommended.
TRY350, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Istanbul

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet included at your hotel before travel.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Fly Istanbul to Nevşehir

Catch a morning flight from Istanbul Airport to Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (about 1h 20m).
TRY500, 1h20m

11:00am

Transfer to Göreme

Private transfer or shuttle bus to Göreme town in Cappadocia (approx. 40 minutes).
TRY50, 0h40m

12:00pm

Lunch at Seten Restaurant

Taste local Cappadocian specialities in a cave setting, open 12pm to 10pm.
TRY120, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

Discover ancient rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes, open 8am to 7pm.
TRY100, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Pasabag Fairy Chimneys

Walk among the famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, an iconic Cappadocia landscape.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dibek Traditional Restaurant

Delight in traditional pottery kebab and regional dishes in an atmospheric setting, open 7pm to 10pm.
TRY130, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey on May 16, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a breathtaking sunrise flight over Cappadocia’s landscape; tours start early and last about 1h 15m.
TRY2100, 2h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax with a late breakfast back at your hotel after your early balloon adventure.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

Explore the fascinating multi-level underground city that sheltered thousands, open 8am to 7pm.
TRY90, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ziggy Cafe

Enjoy delicious mezze and local dishes with valley views in Ürgüp, open 12pm to 9pm.
TRY110, 1h0m

2:00pm

Hike Red Valley

Take a scenic 2-3 hour hike through colourful rock formations and hidden churches.
Free, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Seki Restaurant

Savour modern Turkish cuisine with spectacular sunset views at Argos Hotel, open 7pm to 10pm.
TRY180, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Pamukkale Thermal Wonders

Pamukkale, Turkey on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Pamukkale

Private transfer or rental car driving approx 7 hours from Cappadocia to Pamukkale.
TRY600, 7h0m

3:30pm

Visit Pamukkale Travertine Terraces

Walk barefoot on the stunning white calcium terraces and bathe in warm thermal pools, open 8am to 8pm.
TRY120, 2h0m

6:00pm

Explore Hierapolis Ancient City

Tour the ruins of the ancient spa city including the Roman theatre, open 8am to 8pm.
TRY120, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kayas Wine House

Dine in a cosy restaurant with local wines and Turkish dishes, open 7pm to 10pm.
TRY130, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before traveling.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Ephesus

Travel approximately 3.5 hours by car or shuttle from Pamukkale to Ephesus area.
TRY300, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Artemis Restaurant

Enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine near the Ephesus site, open 12pm to 5pm.
TRY120, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Ephesus Ancient City

Visit one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, open 8am to 7pm.
TRY150, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit House of Virgin Mary

See this revered pilgrimage site nearby, open 8am to 7pm.
TRY50, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Sirince Köy Sofrası

Relish traditional Aegean cuisine in the quaint village of Şirince, open 7pm to 10pm.
TRY130, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Relax in Izmir

Izmir, Turkey on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Şirince

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before departure to Izmir.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Izmir

Short 1-hour drive to Izmir, Turkey’s vibrant Aegean city.
TRY100, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Kadifekale Castle

Explore this historic hilltop fortress offering panoramic views over Izmir, open 9am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Deniz Restaurant

Savour fresh seafood along the waterfront, open 12pm to 4pm.
TRY140, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll through Kemeraltı Market

Experience local life with shops, cafes and bazaars at one of Izmir’s oldest markets, open until 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Alsancak waterfront

Enjoy a leisurely walk or coffee at this popular seaside promenade with cafes and people-watching.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Topçu Kebap

Conclude your trip with Izmir’s famous kofte in a welcoming atmosphere, open 7pm to 10pm.
TRY110, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability