7-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Turkey's Highlights

Day 1: Historic Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Kick off your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring a wide variety of cheeses, olives, eggs, and freshly baked bread in the lively Cihangir area.
TRY150, 1h

10:00am

Hagia Sophia Museum

Explore this iconic architectural marvel that served as a church, mosque, and now museum; admire its striking Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy. Open 9am - 7pm.
TRY200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Taste the famous Turkish meatballs (köfte) in this historic eatery known for serving delicious, affordable local cuisine near the landmark sites.
TRY120, 1h

2:00pm

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Visit this majestic mosque, known for its blue Iznik tiles and impressive dome architecture. Entry is free, but dress conservatively. Open 9am - 6:30pm.
FREE, 1h

3:30pm

Topkapi Palace

Tour the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans with its treasury, harem, and lush gardens. Open 9am - 6:45pm. Essential Istanbul history experience.
TRY300, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Turkish kebabs with views of the Golden Horn from this well-regarded restaurant near the Spice Bazaar.
TRY250, 1.5h
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Day 2: Istanbul Markets & Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu

Savor a hearty Turkish breakfast in the Beşiktaş neighborhood, popular for its fresh eggs, cheeses, and menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs).
TRY140, 1h

9:30am

Grand Bazaar

Get lost in one of the world’s largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry to carpets. Open 9am - 7pm.
FREE, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine inside the historic Spice Bazaar building, sampling authentic Ottoman-style dishes in a traditional setting.
TRY200, 1h

1:30pm

Spice Bazaar

Explore aromatic spice stalls and tea shops in this colorful market, perfect for souvenir shopping and tasting local delights.
FREE, 1h

3:00pm

Bosphorus Cruise

Take a 2-hour afternoon boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait to enjoy panoramic city views, waterfront palaces, and bridges connecting two continents. Cruises operate until sunset.
TRY120, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Experience modern Turkish fine dining on the rooftop with spectacular views of Istanbul’s skyline. Reservations recommended.
TRY500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Arrival Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel in Istanbul

Enjoy a quick breakfast with a typical mix of cheeses, breads, and olives before your flight to Cappadocia.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Flight Istanbul to Nevşehir Kayseri Airport

Catch a morning Turkish Airlines flight to Cappadocia region for approximately 1.5 hours. Depart from Istanbul Airport.
TRY800, 1.5h

11:30am

Transfer to Göreme

Arrive and check into your cave hotel in Göreme, the heart of Cappadocia.
Included, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pumpkin Göreme Restaurant

Taste local specialties with seasonal ingredients at this cozy and highly-rated restaurant in the town center.
TRY180, 1h

2:00pm

Göreme Open Air Museum

Explore rock-cut churches and monasteries with beautiful frescoes dating back to the 10th–12th centuries. Open 8am - 7pm.
TRY150, 2h

4:30pm

Sunset at Red Valley

Watch a stunning sunset over the unique red-hued rock formations and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
FREE, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dibek Traditional Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Anatolian home-style dishes in a rustic atmosphere inside a 475-year-old building.
TRY200, 1.5h
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Day 4: Cappadocia Highlights

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 13, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a breathtaking sunrise balloon flight over Cappadocia’s valleys and fairy chimneys; include hotel pickup and breakfast post-flight. Flights operate daily weather permitting.
TRY2200, 4h

9:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel with a late breakfast after your balloon adventure featuring local and international options.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Explore some of the most striking fairy chimneys where hermits once lived and admire the unique conical rock formations.
TRY100, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Seten Restaurant

Dine on traditional Turkish cuisine with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.
TRY220, 1h

2:30pm

Derinkuyu Underground City

Visit the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, an astonishing multi-level refuge that housed thousands during ancient times. Open 8am - 7pm.
TRY100, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Enjoy some downtime back at your cave hotel or explore local artisan shops in Göreme town.
FREE, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Savor gourmet Turkish dishes served in an intimate, cave setting – highly praised for its delicious mezes and cozy atmosphere.
TRY250, 1.5h
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Day 5: Pamukkale Thermal

Pamukkale, Turkey on June 14, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before your day-long journey to Pamukkale.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Kayseri Airport and flight to Denizli

Travel to Kayseri Airport for a morning flight to Denizli, the gateway to Pamukkale. Flight takes approximately 1 hour; transfer from Denizli to Pamukkale will take about 1 hour by car.
TRY900, 3h total

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at White Dragon Restaurant

Dine near the travertine pools with fresh Mediterranean and Turkish dishes.
TRY180, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Pamukkale Thermal Pools & Hierapolis

Walk barefoot on the famous white travertine terraces and explore the ancient Roman spa city ruins including the amphitheater and the necropolis. Open 8am - 8pm.
TRY150, 3h

5:00pm

Thermal Spa Experience

Relax in the thermal springs near Pamukkale; some hotels offer private spas or visit the nearby Antique Pool.
TRY200, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Kayas Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Turkish dishes in a cozy restaurant just a short walk from the travertines.
TRY170, 1.5h
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Day 6: Ephesus & Kusadasi

Ephesus, Turkey on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a wholesome hotel breakfast before transfer to Ephesus.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Ephesus (1.5-hour drive)

Travel from Pamukkale area to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean region.
TRY200, 1.5h

10:30am

Ephesus Ancient City Tour

Explore the legendary ruins including the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Temple of Artemis. Open Summer 8am - 7pm.
TRY200, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Selçuk Şirince Village

Enjoy local Turkish cuisine and sample homemade wines in nearby Şirince village, famous for its welcoming atmosphere.
TRY180, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit House of Virgin Mary

Visit this spiritual site believed to be the last home of Mary, located close to Ephesus. Open 8am - 7pm.
TRY100, 1h

5:00pm

Transfer to Kusadasi Beach

Relax at the beach or explore the charming seaside town of Kusadasi before dinner.
FREE, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Yengeç Restaurant Kusadasi

Seafood-focused dining offering fresh fish and mezes with views of Kusadasi’s marina.
TRY250, 1.5h
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Day 7: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on June 16, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast at your Kusadasi hotel before heading to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Izmir Airport and Flight to Istanbul

Drive approximately 1 hour to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and take early morning flight back to Istanbul, approx 1 hour flight.
TRY700, 3h total

12:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası

Enjoy a modern twist on classic Turkish dishes in the trendy Karaköy district near the waterfront.
TRY220, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Tour the opulent 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus, known for its stunning European style and grand interiors. Open 9am - 4:00pm.
TRY300, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Istiklal Avenue & Taksim Square

Stroll the vibrant pedestrian shopping street and nearby lively square with cafes, galleries, and street performances.
FREE, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Neolokal

Celebrate your trip with contemporary Anatolian cuisine using local ingredients and innovative culinary techniques, located in Karaköy.
TRY600, 2h
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