7-Day Ultimate Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul to Cappadocia and Beyond

Day 1: Istanbul Historic

Istanbul, Turkey on May 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring fresh cheeses, olives, honey, and menemen to start your visit with authentic local flavors. Open from 8:00am to 11:00am.
TRY120, 1h

10:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this iconic former basilica and mosque, now a museum showcasing stunning Byzantine architecture and mosaics. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
TRY100, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Sample famed Turkish meatballs (köfte) in a popular historic setting near the Blue Mosque. Open 11:00am-9:00pm.
TRY90, 1h

2:30pm

Tour Blue Mosque

Visit the stunning Blue Mosque, known for its blue Iznik tiles and impressive domes. Closed during prayer times, best to visit in the afternoon.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Topkapi Palace

Discover the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring exquisite courtyards and the treasury. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
TRY150, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Enjoy traditional Turkish seafood cooked fresh in a charming historic Istanbul neighborhood. Open 6:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY200, 2h
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Day 2: Bosphorus and Bazaars

Istanbul, Turkey on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mangerie Bebek

Relax by the Bosphorus with a Western-style breakfast including fresh pastries and coffee. Open 7:30am-11:30am.
TRY120, 1h

9:30am

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 2-hour scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, seeing palaces, bridges, and Istanbul’s skyline. Cruises usually run 9:00am-4:00pm.
TRY150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Experience diverse regional Turkish dishes from the Anatolian region in Kadıköy market area. Open 11:00am-10:00pm.
TRY110, 1h

1:30pm

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Wander through one of the world’s largest covered markets with thousands of shops offering spices, carpets, and souvenirs. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
Free entry, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Spice Bazaar

Immerse yourself in fragrant spices, dried fruits, and traditional Turkish delight in this vibrant market. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
Free entry, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Dine with Bosphorus views on classic kebabs and mezes, known for quality and ambiance. Open 11:00am-11:00pm.
TRY250, 2h
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Day 3: Ancient Ephesus

Selçuk, Turkey on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Selçuk by morning flight or high-speed train

Depart early from Istanbul to get ample time exploring Ephesus. Flight time approx. 1 hour plus transfer.
TRY400, 3h

10:30am

Explore Ephesus Ancient City

Visit the remarkably preserved Greco-Roman archaeological site featuring the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Artemis. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
TRY140, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at a nearby local restaurant: Ejder Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Aegean cuisine with fresh seafood and mezes near the ruins. Open 11:00am-8:00pm.
TRY120, 1h

3:30pm

Visit House of Virgin Mary

Explore the sacred site believed to be the last home of Mary, offering spiritual value and scenic views. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
TRY50, 1h

6:00pm

Evening walk in Selçuk town

Stroll around the charming town center enjoying local shops and cafes before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Agora Restaurant

Try regional specialties in a cozy atmosphere in Selçuk town. Open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
TRY130, 1.5h
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Day 4: Pamukkale Thermal Springs

Pamukkale, Turkey on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Selçuk to Pamukkale by bus or car

Enjoy scenic 3 hour drive to Pamukkale to reach the thermal terraces by mid-morning.
TRY70, 3h

11:30am

Visit Pamukkale Travertine Terraces

Walk barefoot on the famous white calcium terraces with thermal pools, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
TRY150, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at White Dragon Restaurant

Dine on fresh local Turkish dishes while overlooking the terraces. Open 11:00am-9:00pm.
TRY110, 1h

3:30pm

Explore ancient Hierapolis ruins

Visit the adjacent ancient city ruins featuring a theatre, necropolis, and Roman baths. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
Included in entrance, 2h

6:00pm

Relax in Cleopatra Antique Pool

Swim in the warm thermal mineral waters surrounded by ancient columns. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
TRY120, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Kayas Restaurant

Savor local meals in nearby Denizli town, known for gourmet lamb and vegetarian options. Open 6:00pm-10:00pm.
TRY140, 1.5h
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Day 5: Cappadocia Arrival

Goreme, Turkey on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Flight or drive from Pamukkale to Nevşehir or Kayseri airports

Travel early morning to Cappadocia region, approximately 1.5-2 hour drive from either airport.
TRY500, 4h

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

Indulge in traditional Anatolian dishes surrounded by Cappadocia’s unique cave architecture. Open 11:00am-10:00pm.
TRY150, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum

Explore UNESCO-listed rock-cut churches with ancient frescoes dating back to the 10th century. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
TRY100, 2h

4:00pm

Walk through Rose Valley

Enjoy short hiking trails among pink-tinted rock formations and sunset views. Accessible at all times.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Dibek Traditional Cook

Experience slow-cooked pottery kebabs and local wines in a cozy cave restaurant. Open 7:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY180, 2h
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Day 6: Hot Air Balloon and Exploration

Goreme, Turkey on May 28, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Witness sunrise over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys on a breathtaking one-hour hot air balloon flight. Pre-booking essential, flights start at dawn.
TRY2500, 1h

8:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Relax with a hearty breakfast following your early morning adventure.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

10:00am

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

Tour the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, used historically for refuge. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
TRY80, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nazar Borek & Cafe

Enjoy fresh gözleme and Turkish tea in a quaint local cafe. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
TRY90, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top of Turkey's highest point in Cappadocia for stunning panoramic views. Open 8:00am-7:00pm.
TRY50, 1.5h

5:00pm

Sunset at Lover’s Hill

Watch the magnificent sunset over Goreme valley — an ideal end to your Cappadocia visit.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Experience authentic homemade Anatolian cuisine in a unique intimate cave setting. Open 7:00pm-10:00pm.
TRY200, 2h
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Day 7: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing Turkish breakfast before traveling back.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

10:00am

Travel from Cappadocia to Istanbul by flight

Catch a morning flight back to Istanbul (approx 1.5 hours), arriving ready for departure or final explorations.
TRY500, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Taste elegant Turkish dishes and mezes in a contemporary Istanbul bistro. Open 12:00pm-11:00pm.
TRY140, 1h

3:30pm

Last minute shopping or walk along Istiklal Street

Enjoy your final hours with a stroll through Istiklal, famous for boutiques, galleries and street performance.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Head to airport or hotel

Prepare for your departure or continue onward journey.
Varies, N/A
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