9-Day Cultural and Scenic Adventure in Turkey from Bangalore

Day 1: Istanbul Arrival & Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring a variety of cheeses, olives, and fresh bread to start your day authentically.
TRY100, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the stunning architecture and historical significance of Hagia Sophia, a must-see Byzantine masterpiece open daily from 9am to 7pm.
TRY150, 2h

11:45am

Sultanahmet Square and Blue Mosque

Walk around Sultanahmet Square and visit the Blue Mosque, known for its beautiful blue tiles and serene atmosphere. Mosque closes during prayer times.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Taste traditional Turkish meatballs in this famous historic eatery near the Blue Mosque.
TRY120, 1h

2:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Visit the lavish Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. Open 9am-6:45pm.
TRY200, 2h

5:00pm

Leisurely stroll at Gülhane Park

Relax in the scenic gardens of Gülhane Park near the palace before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Deraliye Ottoman Palace Cuisine

Dine on sumptuous Ottoman-era dishes in an elegant setting, perfect for your first night in Istanbul.
TRY250, 1.5h

Day 2: Istanbul Modern & Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey on June 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Privato Café

Enjoy a fresh Turkish breakfast with artisan touches in the vibrant Cihangir neighborhood.
TRY90, 1h

10:00am

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

Explore contemporary Turkish art at Istanbul Modern, showcasing fascinating exhibitions. Open 10am-6pm.
TRY85, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Savor modern Turkish cuisine with fresh seafood options at a trendy spot in Karaköy.
TRY140, 1h

2:00pm

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a scenic 2-hour cruise along the Bosphorus strait to see Istanbul's skyline and palaces from the water. Cruises usually run 10am-6pm.
TRY120, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Spice Bazaar

Shop and stroll through the vibrant Spice Bazaar nearby, best visited before closing at 7pm.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Experience delicious kebabs with panoramic views of the Golden Horn; a fitting end to your Istanbul day.
TRY220, 1.5h

Day 3: Fly to Cappadocia & Explore

Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey on June 11, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Quick hearty breakfast before your flight to Cappadocia.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Flight to Kayseri Airport

Fly about 1.5 hours from Istanbul to Kayseri, the gateway to Cappadocia.
TRY450 per person, 1.5h

10:00am

Transfer to Göreme and Camelback Cave Hotel check-in

Check in to your cave hotel and rest briefly after your journey.
TRY800 per night, 1h

11:30am

Open Air Museum at Göreme

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient cave churches, open 8am to 7pm.
TRY200, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

Enjoy authentic Cappadocian dishes in a beautiful terrace setting.
TRY150, 1h

3:30pm

Paşabağ (Monks Valley) and Devrent Valley

Explore fairy chimney rock formations and unique landscapes with a short drive from Göreme.
TRY40, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dibek Traditional Restaurant

Try slow-cooked pottery kebabs in this rustic local favorite.
TRY180, 1.5h

Day 4: Hot Air Balloon & Underground City

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 12, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a magical sunrise balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique landscape. Book in advance, rides start very early until around 7am.
TRY1800 per person, 3h

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax and enjoy a well-deserved breakfast after your balloon adventure.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

Explore the fascinating subterranean city used as refuge by ancient peoples. Open 8am-7pm.
TRY150, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sofra Restaurant

Small, cozy eatery with delicious local specialties near Göreme.
TRY100, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top for spectacular panoramic views of the Cappadocia region. Open daily until sunset.
TRY50, 1.5h

5:00pm

Shop local pottery and carpets

Explore artisan shops in Göreme to find souvenirs of your trip.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Enjoy intimate dining with traditional dishes served in a cozy cave setting.
TRY200, 1.5h

Day 5: Pamukkale Thermal Terraces

Pamukkale, Turkey on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departure.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Pamukkale by bus or private transfer

Approx. 7 hours of scenic travel from Cappadocia to Pamukkale.
TRY400 per person, 7h

3:30pm

Check-in to hotel in Pamukkale

Rest and freshen up after your journey.
TRY600 per night, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Pamukkale Thermal Terraces and Hierapolis

Explore the famous white travertine terraces and ruins of the ancient city. Open 8am-8pm, arrive late afternoon to avoid crowds.
TRY250, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kayas Restaurant

Enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine with local produce in Pamukkale.
TRY150, 1h

Day 6: Ephesus Ancient City

Selçuk, Turkey on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pamukkale hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your day trip.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Ephesus (Selçuk) - approx 3 hours

Drive to the ancient city, a highlight of Turkey's history and archaeology.
TRY150 per person, 3h

11:30am

Explore Ephesus Ruins

Discover the remarkably preserved Roman ruins including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, open 8am-8pm.
TRY250, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Selçuk Köftecisi

Enjoy traditional Turkish meatballs and local dishes in Selçuk town.
TRY100, 1h

3:30pm

Visit the Temple of Artemis and Ephesus Museum

Explore the temple ruins and nearby museum to complete your historical tour.
TRY80, 1.5h

5:30pm

Return to Pamukkale

Drive back to your hotel for rest.
Included, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner at hotel or local cafe

Light dinner to end your long day of exploration.
TRY100, 1h

Day 7: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast and prepare to return to Istanbul.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Denizli Airport

Short transfer to local airport for flight to Istanbul.
TRY50, 1h

10:00am

Flight Denizli to Istanbul

Fly approximately 1 hour 15 min to Istanbul.
TRY400 per person, 1.25h

11:30am

Arrival and check-in at hotel in Istanbul

Check into your hotel and relax before afternoon activities.
TRY800 per night, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Enjoy diverse Anatolian dishes on the Asian side in Kadıköy district.
TRY130, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Istiklal Street & Taksim Square

Explore this bustling pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and historic sites.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Coffee break at Mandabatmaz

Taste some of Istanbul's best thick Turkish coffee at this classic café.
TRY40, 0.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Dine on modern Turkish cuisine with stunning city views; perfect for a special evening.
TRY400, 1.5h

Day 8: Princes' Islands Day Trip

Istanbul, Turkey on June 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast before your island excursion.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Ferry to Büyükada, Princes' Islands

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour ferry ride to Istanbul’s largest Princes' Island.
TRY60, 1.5h

10:30am

Bike tour around Büyükada

Rent bikes or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore the peaceful island streets and historic mansions.
TRY50 for bike rental, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Milto Restaurant

Savor seafood by the waterfront with fresh catch of the day and Mediterranean flavors.
TRY180, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Aya Yorgi Church hilltop

Hike up to the church for a panoramic view of the Marmara Sea and island surroundings.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Return ferry to Istanbul

Relax and enjoy the return ferry crossing to the city.
TRY60, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Neolokal

Experience contemporary Turkish cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients in Karaköy.
TRY350, 1.5h

Day 9: Departure Day

Istanbul, Turkey on June 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Last breakfast in Istanbul, relax and pack for departure.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Visit Grand Bazaar

Spend a couple of hours exploring this world-famous market for last-minute souvenirs; opens at 9am.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Transfer to Istanbul Airport

Head to the airport for your flight back to Bangalore.
TRY150, 1h

2:00pm

Flight departure from Istanbul to Bangalore

Depart Turkey with wonderful memories of your 9-day adventure.
Included in flight cost, 8-9h flight