7-Day Cultural and Historical Journey Across Turkey

Day 1: Historic Istanbul Introduction

Istanbul, Turkey on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring an assortment of cheeses, olives, honey, and fresh bread in a cosy setting. It opens from 8am, perfect for a good start to the day.
TRY80, 1h

9:30am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Visit this iconic monument of Byzantine architecture, now a museum, exploring its rich history as a church, mosque, and museum. Open 9am-7pm, last entry 6pm.
TRY100, 2h

11:45am

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Just a short walk from Hagia Sophia, admire the stunning Ottoman architecture and beautiful blue tiles of this mosque, which is still active but open to visitors outside prayer times.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Savour fresh seafood dishes in a charming historic building near Sultanahmet. Opens until 10pm, ideal for a relaxed lunch.
TRY150, 1h

2:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Explore the former royal residence with its exquisite courtyards, treasures, and the Harem section. Open 9am-7pm, last entry 5:30pm.
TRY150, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll through the Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern

Walk around the historic Hippodrome statues and descend into the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir. Cistern open until 7pm.
TRY50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Neolokal

Dine at Neolokal featuring modern interpretations of traditional Anatolian cuisine in a stylish setting. Open till 11pm.
TRY250, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Istanbul Markets and Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu

Start your day with a diverse Turkish breakfast, offering hearty rural flavours in a simple, friendly eatery.
TRY60, 1h

9:30am

Grand Bazaar

Discover the world-famous Grand Bazaar with thousands of shops selling carpets, jewellery, spices, and ceramics. Open 9am-7pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Spice Bazaar

Next, visit the Spice Bazaar to enjoy exotic scents and colourful stalls selling Turkish delights, spices and teas. Open 9am-7pm.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Adjacent to Spice Bazaar, enjoy classic Ottoman dishes in this historic restaurant with its distinctive turquoise tiles.
TRY140, 1h

3:00pm

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 2-hour scenic boat cruise along the Bosphorus to witness Istanbul’s skyline, palaces, and bridges from the water. Runs until sunset.
TRY90, 2h

6:00pm

Visit Ortaköy District

Explore the vibrant Ortaköy area by the Bosphorus Bridge, with cafes, shops, and the beautiful Ortaköy Mosque.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at House Cafe Ortaköy

Enjoy dinner with Bosphorus views featuring modern Turkish and international cuisine. Open until 11pm.
TRY180, 1h30m
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Day 3: Fly to Cappadocia

Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Istanbul

Fuel up with a Turkish breakfast provided by your hotel before your flight.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Flight to Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport

Catch a morning flight (about 1h 20m) to Nevşehir, the gateway to Cappadocia.
TRY300, 1h20m

11:00am

Check-in and relax

Arrive at Göreme and check into your cave hotel to experience authentic Cappadocian accommodation.
Variable, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Cook

Sample traditional pottery kebab and other regional dishes served in a warm, hospitable ambiance. Open until 8pm.
TRY120, 1h

2:00pm

Göreme Open Air Museum

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site that features rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 10th century. Open 8am-7pm.
TRY100, 2h

4:30pm

Explore Love Valley

Take a scenic walk through Love Valley to see fascinating rock formations and fairy chimneys unique to Cappadocia.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pumpkin Göreme Restaurant

Enjoy a cosy dinner with seasonal Anatolian cuisine complemented by local wine. Open until 10pm.
TRY150, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cappadocia Balloon and Hiking

Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey on May 31, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a breathtaking sunrise balloon flight over the stunning Cappadocian landscape. Pre-booking essential. Duration approx 1h.
TRY1500, 1h

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Return to hotel for a hearty breakfast after your balloon adventure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Hike in Red and Rose Valleys

Immerse yourself in the unique colours and formations on a guided 3-hour hike through these famous valleys.
TRY150 (guide), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Seten Restaurant

Taste local delicacies with great views of Göreme. Try the lamb dishes, open from noon to 11pm.
TRY140, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top of this natural rock fortress offering panoramic views of Cappadocia. Open 8am-7pm.
TRY50, 1h

4:00pm

Pottery workshop in Avanos

Discover traditional pottery making in Avanos, a town famous for its red clay. Workshops usually available until early evening.
TRY100, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ziggy's Cafe

Enjoy eclectic Anatolian and Mediterranean dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, open until 10pm.
TRY130, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Pamukkale Thermal Wonders

Pamukkale, Turkey on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Enjoy your hotel breakfast and prepare for your journey south to Pamukkale.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Transfer to Pamukkale (approx. 7 hours by car or combination of flight and drive)

Travel to Pamukkale through scenic landscapes of western Turkey.
TRY400 (transport), 7h

4:00pm

Check into hotel and relax

Settle into your accommodation in Pamukkale and rest after the journey.
Variable, 1h

5:30pm

Visit Travertine Terraces

Explore the famous white mineral terraces and bathe in the warm thermal waters at the natural pools. Open until sunset.
TRY100, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at White House Restaurant

Dine on fresh regional dishes with views of the terraces at night. Open till 10pm.
TRY120, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Ancient Ephesus Exploration

Selçuk, Turkey on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for your transfer to Selçuk, near Ephesus.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Selçuk (approximately 3 hours)

Travel to the historic town of Selçuk, the base for visiting Ephesus.
TRY150, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Ejder Restaurant

Try some traditional Aegean cuisine in a casual local restaurant in Selçuk.
TRY100, 1h

12:45pm

Ephesus Ancient City

Spend the afternoon exploring one of the best-preserved ancient cities, with highlights like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Open 8am-7pm.
TRY120, 3h

4:00pm

Visit Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque

See the ruins of the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the nearby beautiful Isa Bey Mosque.
TRY75, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kordon Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Aegean dishes by the waterfront in Selçuk. Open until late.
TRY130, 1h30m
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Day 7: Izmir City Highlights

Izmir, Turkey on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Have breakfast in Selçuk before travelling to Izmir.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Izmir (Approximately 1 hour)

Head to Izmir, one of Turkey's largest and liveliest coastal cities.
TRY50, 1h

10:30am

Konak Square and Clock Tower

Begin your city tour at Konak Square, famed for its historic clock tower and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Visit the Kemeralti Bazaar

Explore this lively market area for souvenirs, spices, and local crafts with local cafés to stop for refreshments.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Deniz Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood or traditional Turkish plates at this popular eatery near the waterfront.
TRY120, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Izmir

Explore artifacts from the surrounding region spanning the prehistoric to Hellenistic periods. Open 9am-5pm.
TRY50, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the Kordon Promenade

Relax with a stroll along the seafront promenade popular with locals and visitors alike.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Deniz Restaurant or Asansör Restaurant

Choose either for iconic Izmir views and excellent dining; both serve local specialties and seafood until 10pm.
TRY180, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability