7-Day Comprehensive Turkey Tour: Istanbul to Cappadocia and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival and History

Istanbul, Turkey on May 20, 2025

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your centrally located Istanbul hotel to rest after arrival and prepare for exploration.
Currency0, 1h0m

5:30pm

Hagia Sophia Museum

Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture with stunning mosaics and rich history; open until 7:00pm.
TRY100, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Enjoy authentic seafood dishes in a classic Istanbul setting, known for its fresh fish and mezes; opens until 10:00pm.
TRY250, 1h30m
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Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

Istanbul, Turkey on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast, featuring diverse cheeses, olives, and honey in a cozy café open from 8:00am.
TRY80, 1h0m

9:30am

Topkapi Palace

Explore the former palace of Ottoman sultans with its treasures, harem, and beautiful gardens; opens at 9:00am and closes at 6:00pm.
TRY150, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savor traditional Turkish meatballs at this historic and affordable restaurant near key sights; open until 10:00pm.
TRY60, 1h0m

2:00pm

Sultanahmet Square & Blue Mosque

Visit the Blue Mosque with its stunning blue tiles, open for visitors until 7:00pm, and enjoy the lively historic square around it.
Currency0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Grand Bazaar

Wander through one of the world's oldest covered markets, ideal for souvenirs and local crafts; closes at 7:00pm.
Currency0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Nusr-Et Steakhouse

Indulge in premium Turkish steaks at this world-famous restaurant, opening until midnight.
TRY300, 2h0m
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Day 3: Ancient Ruins

Selçuk, Turkey on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ephesus

Take a morning flight or drive from Istanbul to Izmir, then transfer to Selçuk to visit the ancient site of Ephesus.
TRY400, 4h0m

11:30am

Visit Ephesus Ruins

Explore one of the best-preserved ancient cities with stunning ruins like the Library of Celsus; open until 7:00pm.
TRY120, 3h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Selçuk Agora Restaurant

Enjoy local Aegean cuisine near the ancient site, with fresh seafood and olive oil specialties.
TRY90, 1h0m

4:30pm

Temple of Artemis

Visit the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a short distance from Ephesus.
TRY50, 1h0m

6:00pm

Overnight in Selçuk

Check into a local guesthouse or hotel to rest for the next day's journey.
Currency0, Overnight
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Day 4: Thermal Pools

Pamukkale, Turkey on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Pamukkale

Drive from Selçuk to Pamukkale, famous for its white terraces and hot springs, about 3 hours away.
TRY150, 3h0m

11:30am

Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Experience bathing in the natural thermal terraces formed by calcium deposits; open until 7:00pm.
TRY90, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Kayas Restaurant

Dine with views of the travertines, enjoying traditional Turkish dishes and fresh local ingredients.
TRY80, 1h0m

3:30pm

Hierapolis Ancient City

Explore this nearby ancient spa city with well-preserved ruins and a large Roman theater; open until 7:00pm.
TRY100, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mehmet Kavalcıoğlu Restaurant

Enjoy a meal serving local specialties in Pamukkale town.
TRY90, 1h0m
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Day 5: Balloon and Formations

Cappadocia, Turkey on May 24, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Begin early with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys and valleys of Cappadocia; rides last about 1 hour.
TRY1700, 2h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

After the balloon ride, enjoy a hearty breakfast at your Cappadocia hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Göreme Open Air Museum

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut churches with ancient frescoes; open until 7:00pm.
TRY100, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Seten Restaurant

Taste regional Anatolian dishes in a charming cave setting in Göreme.
TRY120, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Pasabag and Devrent Valleys

Walk among the famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and surreal lunar landscapes.
Currency0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Dibek Traditional Restaurant

Experience familial hospitality and local flavors in a traditional Cappadocian home-like venue.
TRY100, 1h30m
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Day 6: Villages and History

Cappadocia, Turkey on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation before starting the day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

Descend into this fascinating multi-level underground city used historically for protection; open until 7:00pm.
TRY75, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ziggy’s Shop & Cafe

Relax with a meal of modern Turkish cuisine in the town of Ürgüp.
TRY110, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Avanos Pottery Workshops

Explore the Potter’s town with its traditional ceramics studios and riverside views.
Currency0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Çavuşin Village Walk

Walk through this historic village known for rock houses and churches, providing a peaceful atmosphere.
Currency0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Seki Restaurant

Dine at Seki restaurant renowned for blending local ingredients with international flavors in scenic vineyard surroundings.
TRY150, 2h0m
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Day 7: Shopping and Departure

Istanbul, Turkey on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Early Flight to Istanbul

Return to Istanbul by morning flight to maximize your final day.
TRY400, 1h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Karaköy Gümrük

Enjoy a trendy breakfast menu in the lively Karaköy district, open from 7:00am.
TRY90, 1h0m

10:30am

Spice Bazaar

Wander through the vibrant Spice Bazaar to purchase spices, teas, and sweets as souvenirs; closes at 7:00pm.
Currency0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Lokanta Maya

Taste contemporary Turkish dishes crafted with local ingredients in Karaköy; open until 4:00pm.
TRY130, 1h0m

2:00pm

Free time for last-minute shopping or museum visit

Choose to visit Istanbul Modern Art Museum or explore Istiklal Avenue for shopping.
TRY85, 2h0m

5:00pm

Head to Airport

Make your way to Istanbul Airport for your evening departure, concluding your trip.
TRY200, 1h30m
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