10-Day Ultimate Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Antalya Adventure

Day 1: Istanbul Arrival & Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on October 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Enjoy traditional Turkish breakfast with a variety of cheeses, olives, honey, and fresh bread in this cozy spot open from 8am to 2pm.
TRY120, 1h

10:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Discover this iconic landmark, a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture, open daily from 9am to 7pm (last entry 6pm).
TRY200, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Balıkçı Sabahattin

Taste fresh seafood in a historic setting near Sultanahmet, open 12pm to 10pm.
TRY250, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Topkapi Palace

Visit the lavish palace of Ottoman sultans with its rich collections, open from 9am to 6:45pm (last entry 5:30pm).
TRY300, 2h

5:00pm

Walk Through the Grand Bazaar

Experience one of the world’s oldest covered markets, open until 7pm, perfect for shopping Turkish crafts and souvenirs.
Free to enter, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy classic Turkish dishes with a view over the Golden Horn. Open from 12pm to midnight.
TRY280, 1h30m

Day 2: Istanbul Historic & Bosphorus

Istanbul, Turkey on October 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Namlı Gurme

Savor a rich Turkish breakfast with cheese, meats, and fresh breads, open from 8am.
TRY150, 1h

9:30am

Visit Basilica Cistern

Tour this impressive ancient underground water reservoir, open 9am to 5:30pm.
TRY100, 45m

11:00am

Süleymaniye Mosque

Explore one of Istanbul’s grandest mosques, visited from 9am to 6pm for sightseeing.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Şehzade Cağ Kebap

Taste authentic Turkish kebabs with a casual, local vibe. Open 11am to 10pm.
TRY180, 1h

2:00pm

Bosphorus Cruise

Relax on a scenic 2-hour cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, runs from 2pm to 4pm daily.
TRY150, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Ortaköy District

Enjoy the lively neighborhood with cafes and street vendors, great for photos of the Bosphorus Bridge.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Feriye Lokantası

Dine on refined Ottoman and Mediterranean cuisine with waterfront views, open until 11pm.
TRY350, 1h30m

Day 3: Istanbul to Cappadocia

Istanbul to Cappadocia, Turkey on October 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before your flight.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Flight to Cappadocia

Take a 1.5-hour morning flight from Istanbul Airport to Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport.
TRY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in & Rest

Check into your Cappadocia cave hotel and unwind before afternoon exploration.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dibek Traditional Restaurant

Try local specialties such as pottery kebab in a traditional ambiance, open from 12pm to 10pm.
TRY200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

Explore ancient cave churches and frescoes, open 8am to 7pm in October.
TRY150, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Red Valley

Hike to a breathtaking viewpoint to watch the sunset over the colorful rock formations.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

Enjoy traditional Anatolian dishes in a charming setting, open until 10pm.
TRY250, 1h30m

Day 4: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey on October 4, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon flight over the fairy chimneys, with pickup around 4:30am; flight approx. 1h.
TRY3000, 4h

10:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Refuel with breakfast after your early morning adventure.
Included, 1h

11:30am

Visit Kaymakli Underground City

Explore the fascinating underground tunnels and rooms of this historic subterranean city, open 8am to 7pm.
TRY130, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy hearty traditional dishes such as manti (Turkish ravioli).
TRY180, 1h

3:30pm

Hike in Ihlara Valley

Walk along the river in this beautiful canyon lined with rock-cut churches, open daylight hours.
TRY50, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Dine in an intimate cave setting featuring gourmet local cuisine, open until 10pm.
TRY300, 1h30m

Day 5: Cappadocia Cultural Tour

Cappadocia, Turkey on October 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a traditional Turkish breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb to the highest point in Cappadocia for panoramic views, open from 8am to 7pm.
TRY100, 1h

11:00am

Explore Cavusin Village

See ancient rock houses and churches, and experience local village life; open all day.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Inci Cave Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Anatolian cuisine inside a cave, open 12pm to 9pm.
TRY200, 1h

2:00pm

Pottery Workshop in Avanos

Participate in a pottery making workshop, learning about a centuries-old local craft; workshops usually run 2-4pm.
TRY150, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Rest or enjoy hotel amenities after a busy day.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ziggy’s Shop & Cafe

A cozy venue offering local dishes and wines, open until 10pm.
TRY220, 1h30m

Day 6: Cappadocia to Antalya

Cappadocia to Antalya, Turkey on October 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before traveling.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Flight to Antalya

Take a 1.5-hour morning flight from Nevşehir/Kayseri to Antalya airport.
TRY700, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in & leisure

Check into your Antalya hotel and relax by the Mediterranean coast.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at 7 Mehmet

Enjoy fine Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine with a seaside view, open 12pm to 11pm.
TRY300, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Old Town (Kaleiçi)

Stroll through historic narrow streets with Ottoman architecture, shops, and cafes; open daily.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Hadrian’s Gate

See the well-preserved Roman gate dating back to 130 AD, accessible any time.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining

Relish gourmet Turkish and international dishes in a historic setting, open until 11pm.
TRY350, 1h30m

Day 7: Antalya Beaches & Waterfalls

Antalya, Turkey on October 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hotel buffet featuring fresh local produce.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Düden Waterfalls

See the beautiful waterfalls just outside the city; open from 9am to 7pm.
TRY40, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vanilla Lounge

Enjoy a trendy café with international and Turkish fusion dishes, open noon to 10pm.
TRY200, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Konyaaltı Beach

Spend your afternoon sunbathing and swimming at this popular pebble beach.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Tea and snacks at a beach café

Unwind with a traditional Turkish tea or coffee while watching the sunset.
TRY50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lara Balık Evi

Savor fresh seafood specialties by the sea, open till 11pm.
TRY320, 1h30m

Day 8: Antalya Ancient Ruins

Antalya, Turkey on October 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast buffet before your day of exploration.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Termessos Ancient City

Explore this ancient Pisidian city located in the Taurus Mountains, open from 8am to 6pm.
TRY100, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Oz Urfa Restaurant

Taste local Turkish and Kurdish dishes in a casual setting, open 12pm to 10pm.
TRY180, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Antalya Museum

See one of Turkey's best archaeological museums, open 8:30am to 7pm.
TRY70, 2h

5:00pm

Leisure Walk at Karaalioğlu Park

Enjoy lovely views of the cliffs and sea while relaxing in this spacious park.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at 7 Mehmet

Return for some of the best Turkish cuisine with a stunning evening view.
TRY300, 1h30m

Day 9: Relax & Explore Antalya

Antalya, Turkey on October 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Optional relaxed breakfast at the hotel buffet.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Perge and Aspendos

Explore Perge's Roman ruins and Aspendos' famous Roman theater; both sites open 8am to 7pm.
TRY150, 5h

3:30pm

Return and rest

Rest at hotel or explore local shops at your leisure.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining

Celebrate your last night in Turkey with fine dining in a cozy historic setting.
TRY350, 2h

Day 10: Departure

Antalya, Turkey on October 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a final lovely breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Checkout and transfer to airport

Head to Antalya Airport for your departure flight.
Varies, 1h