10-Day Cultural and Historical Tour of Turkey from Bangalore

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring fresh cheeses, olives, honey, and simit. This café is open from 8 am daily.
TRY120, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum showcasing Byzantine architecture and history. Opens at 9 am.
TRY100, 2h

12:00pm

Explore the Blue Mosque

Walk to the nearby Blue Mosque, famed for its stunning Iznik tilework and six minarets. Open to visitors from 9 am to 6 pm, except during prayer times.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy authentic Turkish meatballs (köfte) in a historic restaurant praised for its traditional flavours. Open 11 am to 10 pm.
TRY70, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Topkapi Palace

Discover the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans, with its treasury and harem sections. Opens 9 am to 7 pm in June.
TRY150, 2h

6:00pm

Evening walk at the Bosphorus

Relax with a scenic stroll along the Bosphorus waterfront, enjoying views of Asia and Europe meeting.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Meze by Lemon Tree

Savour delicious meze dishes and fresh seafood in a stylish restaurant near Sultanahmet.
TRY200, 1.5h
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Day 2: Istanbul Highlights

Istanbul, Turkey on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Namlı Gurme

Start your day with a range of traditional Turkish breakfast items including cheeses, olives, and pastries. Opens at 7:30 am.
TRY100, 1h

9:30am

Grand Bazaar visit

Explore one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets with thousands of shops selling jewellery, carpets, spices, and souvenirs. Open 9 am to 7 pm.
Free entry, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Havuzlu Restaurant

Traditional Turkish cuisine with specialties like kebabs and fresh meze, located near the Grand Bazaar.
TRY90, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Basilica Cistern

Discover the atmospheric ancient underground water reservoir with impressive columns and dim lighting. Open 9 am to 6:30 pm.
TRY50, 1h

3:30pm

Ferry ride on the Bosphorus

Take a 2-hour public ferry cruise between Europe and Asia for stunning city skyline views. Runs until evening.
TRY30, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at a traditional Turkish bath - Cagaloglu Hammam

Experience an authentic bathhouse to unwind after your day. Open 8 am to 11 pm.
TRY250, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Famous for kebabs with views over the Golden Horn, open until midnight.
TRY180, 1.5h
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Day 3: Fly to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 26, 2025

6:00am

Fly from Istanbul to Nevşehir or Kayseri

A short 1.5-hour morning flight to Cappadocia; book early for morning departures.
TRY600, 2h including transfers

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Şafak

Enjoy local coffees along with fresh pastries in Göreme village, opening from 8 am.
TRY80, 1h

10:30am

Göreme Open-Air Museum

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

1:00pm

Lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

Try local Cappadocian specialities like testi kebab in a charming setting.
TRY150, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top of this natural rock fortress for panoramic views of Cappadocia. Open until sunset.
TRY50, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Pigeon Valley walk

Walk the scenic trail between Uchisar and Göreme, admiring pigeon houses carved into rocks.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Dibek Restaurant

Dine in a traditional cave setting, tasting local dishes such as pottery kebab. Open till 10 pm.
TRY140, 1.5h
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Day 4: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey on June 27, 2025

5:00am

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience sunrise floating over fairy chimneys and valleys; an iconic Cappadocia activity. Requires advance booking.
TRY1800, 3h

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely Turkish breakfast after balloon flight; most hotels serve from 7 am.
Included with stay, 1h

10:00am

Kaymakli Underground City

Explore this extensive subterranean complex used as a refuge by early Christians. Open 8 am to 7 pm.
TRY80, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ziggy's Cafe, Ürgüp

Enjoy homemade food and great local wines with a cosy atmosphere.
TRY120, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

See the extraordinary mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and eroded rock formations, open all day.
TRY50, 1h

3:30pm

Wine tasting at Turasan Winery

Sample Cappadocia’s renowned wines and learn about local viticulture.
TRY100, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lil'a Restaurant

Experience fine dining with breathtaking views and innovative Turkish cuisine, open until 10 pm.
TRY250, 1.5h
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Day 5: Konya and Whirling Dervishes

Konya, Turkey on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Konya

A 3-hour scenic drive to Konya, famed for its spiritual heritage and Mevlana Museum.
TRY200 (car hire/fuel), 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at Somatçı Fihi Ma Fih Restaurant

Tuck into hearty local dishes featuring traditional Konya cuisine.
TRY70, 1h

11:30am

Visit Mevlana Museum

Learn about Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes in this spiritual centre and museum. Open 9 am to 7 pm.
TRY60, 1.5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Tavaci Recep Usta

Sample local specialties like etli ekmek (meat bread) in a popular eatery.
TRY80, 1h

4:00pm

Watch Whirling Dervish Ceremony

Experience a spiritual Sema ceremony, typically performed in the evenings (check schedule).
TRY100, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Konya Mutfağı

Enjoy a meal featuring regional dishes in a traditional setting.
TRY120, 1.5h
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Day 6: Natural Wonders of Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Pamukkale

Approximately 4-hour drive; early departure recommended.
TRY250 (car hire/fuel), 4h

11:30am

Lunch at White Dragon Restaurant

Relax with a fresh Mediterranean lunch near Pamukkale before exploring.
TRY90, 1h

12:45pm

Visit Pamukkale Thermal Pools and Hierapolis

Walk barefoot on calcium terraces and explore ancient Roman ruins in the UNESCO site. Open 8 am to 7 pm.
TRY100, 3h

4:00pm

Visit Cleopatra’s Pool

Swim in the heated mineral springs surrounded by ruins for a unique experience.
TRY70, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kayas Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Turkish dishes with views over Pamukkale.
TRY110, 1.5h
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Day 7: Ephesus and Izmir

Selçuk and Izmir, Turkey on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Selçuk (Ephesus)

About 3-hour drive from Pamukkale.
TRY200 (car hire/fuel), 3h

10:00am

Breakfast at No 5 Coffee & Breakfast

Light breakfast featuring coffee and pastries in Selçuk.
TRY50, 1h

11:00am

Visit Ephesus Ancient City

Explore well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Library of Celsus and Great Theatre. Opens 8 am to 7 pm.
TRY120, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Artemis Restaurant

Enjoy local Aegean cuisine in the heart of Selçuk.
TRY90, 1h

4:00pm

Drive to Izmir

Short 45-minute drive to Izmir.
TRY50, 45m

5:00pm

Explore Konak Square and Kordon Promenade

Relax at the seaside promenade and see landmarks including the clock tower.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Deniz Restaurant, Izmir

Dine on fresh seafood and Turkish dishes by the waterfront.
TRY180, 1.5h
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Day 8: Beach Day in Bodrum

Bodrum, Turkey on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Bodrum

Approximately 2.5 hours from Izmir.
TRY150 (car hire/fuel), 2.5h

10:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Cera

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with lovely pastries and coffee near Bodrum marina.
TRY70, 1h

11:30am

Relax at Bodrum Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the azure Aegean waters.
Free, 4h

4:00pm

Visit Bodrum Castle and Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Explore the medieval fortress and fascinating archaeological exhibits. Open 9 am to 6 pm.
TRY80, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kocadon

Dine in a garden courtyard with excellent Mediterranean cuisine and seafood.
TRY200, 1.5h
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Day 9: Antalya Coast Experience

Antalya, Turkey on July 2, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Antalya

A 4-hour scenic coastal drive from Bodrum.
TRY300 (car hire/fuel), 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at 7 Mehmet

Taste authentic Mediterranean cuisine in one of Antalya’s most popular restaurants.
TRY150, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Old Town (Kaleiçi)

Wander through narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman-era architecture, and the historic harbour.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Antalya Museum

Discover rich exhibits on the region’s history and archaeology. Open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
TRY60, 1.5h

6:00pm

Relax on Konyaaltı Beach

Unwind on this popular pebble beach with cafes nearby for refreshments.
Free, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Vanilla Lounge

Modern dining with a romantic atmosphere and diverse menu.
TRY180, 1.5h
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Day 10: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Antalya to Istanbul

Short flight to Istanbul; book morning flights for higher flexibility.
TRY700, 2h including transfers

10:00am

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi, Istanbul

Enjoy your last traditional Turkish breakfast near Taksim Square, opening at 8 am.
TRY120, 1h

11:30am

Shopping and strolling on Istiklal Avenue

Explore the vibrant pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and street musicians.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Sample diverse Anatolian dishes from this renowned restaurant in Kadıköy market area.
TRY130, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at a café with Bosphorus views

Unwind with tea or coffee at a café overlooking the Bosphorus before your departure.
TRY80, 1h

5:00pm

Transfer to Istanbul Airport

Prepare for your international flight back to Bangalore.
TRY200, 1h
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