One Week Budget-Friendly Historical and Relaxing Tour of Turkey

Day 1: Historical Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a rich traditional Turkish breakfast featuring cheeses, olives, tomatoes, and fresh bread to energise your day.
TRY60, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this magnificent former basilica and mosque, now a museum, showcasing an essential piece of Byzantine and Ottoman history.
TRY100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Taste authentic Turkish meatballs in a historic eatery beloved by locals, located near major landmarks.
TRY50, 1h

1:30pm

Blue Mosque

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque with its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture, an active place of worship open to visitors.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Topkapi Palace

Delve into Ottoman history while exploring the palace complex, its ornate rooms, treasury, and divine views over the Bosphorus.
TRY120, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Balikci Sabahattin

Relax with fresh seafood dishes in an atmospheric restaurant near the historic district.
TRY120, 1.5h
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Day 2: Istanbul Markets & Leisure

Istanbul, Turkey on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Privato

Start your day with delicious Turkish pastries and strong coffee in a cosy café near the Galata Tower.
TRY50, 1h

9:30am

Grand Bazaar

Get lost in one of the world's largest covered markets with thousands of shops selling carpets, ceramics, spices and more.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine at this historic eatery inside the spice bazaar famous for traditional Turkish cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.
TRY80, 1h

1:30pm

Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait, viewing Istanbul’s skyline, palaces, and bridges from the water.
TRY100, 2h

4:00pm

Leisure time at Sultanahmet Park

Unwind in the green space with views of major historical landmarks, perfect for a pleasant stroll or rest.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Indulge in the best baklava and traditional Turkish desserts for a sweet end to your evening.
TRY40, 1h
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Day 3: Cappadocia Adventure

Göreme, Turkey on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a light and nutritious breakfast before your morning transfer flight to Cappadocia.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Flight Istanbul to Nevşehir

Fly approximately 1.5 hours to Cappadocia, the region famous for its remarkable rock formations.
TRY300, 1.5h

11:00am

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 10th century.
TRY100, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Seten Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Cappadocian dishes set in a charming ambience with views over the valleys.
TRY80, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Kaymakli Underground City

Descend into one of the largest underground cities used historically as shelter from invasions.
TRY80, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dibek Restaurant

Try the local pottery kebab and relax in a traditional Turkish dining setting.
TRY90, 1.5h
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Day 4: Cappadocia Relaxation & Sightseeing

Göreme, Turkey on May 18, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the iconic sunrise balloon ride over Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes (book in advance).
TRY600, 3h

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast after your balloon adventure, featuring local produce.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb the natural rock fortress for panoramic views of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and valleys.
TRY50, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nazar Börek Café

Relax with savoury börek and local tea in a charming setting.
TRY50, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at a Turkish Hammam

Unwind with a traditional steam bath and massage to rejuvenate after days of exploration.
TRY150, 2h

5:00pm

Evening at leisure

Enjoy quiet time to explore local shops or the scenic village streets on your own.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Dine in a unique cave setting with excellent traditional dishes served with local wine.
TRY100, 1.5h
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Day 5: Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Pamukkale, Turkey on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a filling breakfast before departing Cappadocia.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Pamukkale by bus

Enjoy a scenic 9-hour overnight bus ride or consider an early morning flight and transfer.
TRY150, 9h

6:30pm

Dinner at White Heaven Restaurant

Sample local Turkish fare close to the thermal pools for a relaxing evening meal.
TRY70, 1h
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Day 6: Pamukkale & Hierapolis

Pamukkale, Turkey on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Visit Pamukkale Travertine Pools

Explore the stunning white terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters, perfect for relaxing barefoot walks.
TRY100, 2h

10:30am

Hierapolis Ancient City

Walk through the ancient ruins of this Roman spa city with its amphitheatre, temples, and extensive necropolis.
Included with Pamukkale ticket, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kayas Wine House

Enjoy Turkish cuisine and local wine with views of the travertines.
TRY80, 1h

2:30pm

Relax in Thermal Spas

Soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools for a restorative afternoon.
TRY80, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at the hotel

Have a quiet dinner enjoying local flavours at your accommodation.
Included or TRY60, 1h
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Day 7: Ephesus & Departure

Selçuk, Turkey on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before the day’s sightseeing.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ephesus

Drive about 3 hours to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean region.
TRY30 for bus/local travel, 3h

11:30am

Explore Ephesus Ancient City

Wander through the ruins including the Great Theatre, Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis.
TRY100, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Artemis Restaurant

Taste traditional Turkish cuisine close to the archaeological site.
TRY60, 1h

4:00pm

Head to Izmir Airport or Overnight stay

Return to Izmir for departure or overnight stay depending on flight times.
TRY50 for transport, 1h
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