Total Days: 5 Full Days | Accommodations: Istanbul Old Town and Göreme in Cappadocia | Transportation: Walking, Ubers | Traveled: With a friend | Type of Trip: Relaxing, food mixed with site-seeing mostly by foot | Highlights: Hagia Sophia, Turkish bath experience, Hot Air Balloon morning
Below is your perfect Turkey itinerary that hits all the highlights in Istanbul and the best options in Cappadocia. This was all accomplished in the winter, ideal for less crowds and better deals.
DAY 1
At a glimpse: Istanbul landmarks in the Old City
Travel agenda: Welcome to Istanbul! First things first, head to Sultanahmet Square, the central meeting point of the charming Old City. Here you will find water fountains, gardens and historical attractions that confirm the city is something special.
You can cross off both famous mosques right away, assuming it is not during the Call of Prayer. You will know if it is! The Blue Mosque will likely have a line but it moves quickly. It’s also faster if women have their hair, shoulders and knees covered in advance. There’s not much to see for non-Muslim guests, but the iconic structure should not be missed.
Next, head just a few minutes NW to Hagia Sophia, the most important surviving work of byzantine architecture. This is a larger structure and will take more time to explore. Make sure to look up in both mosques!
Gülhane Park is just around the corner and a pleasant green space to walk through on a nice day. After getting a breather, Topiaka Palace is next. This was home to all the Ottoman sultans, with royal approved flair and an impressive collection of artifacts. Get the camera ready! This will require at least a copy of hours to appreciate.
You’ve earned a drink! It would be a shame not to take advantage of the roof decks, which are open in every season. Get a drink and app at the influencer- famous Seven Hills Restaurant. Then walk along main street Divan Yolu – turn right onto the side street Ticarethane with a fun vibe and outdoor dining, ideal for an authentic Turkish dinner.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: Exploring the Asian side of Istanbul
Travel agenda: Start the morning by walking to the nearest samit pushcart where you can pick up the prized sesame bread. Then seek out an authentic Turkish coffee stand. You’ll know it’s the real deal when they give you a glass of water with it.
Continue on to the Grand Bazaar Market. Take your time exploring the maze of shops and souvenir treasure-trove. Make sure to bargain!
From here, it’s a 30 minute walk NE to the Galata Tower. Along the way you’ll cross the Galata Bridge with the famous fisherman and walk your way to another continent. A former prison, the Tower has one of the best views of the city.
From here, walk 10 minutes to Karakoy, a hip locals area. Explore and get lunch at Cafe Privato Restaurant. Hoca Tahsin is the famous street with umbrellas and just down the road are the rainbow stairs. Check and check! Next up, it’s the Dolmabahçe Palace, a can’t miss attraction and garden.
Time to head back via ferry! Walk to the Beşiktaş İskelesi terminal and take the ferry to Eminönü. Enjoy a short cruise along the Bosphorus. Go to the back if you want the seagull experience! Dinner is at local-favorite Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta.
DAY 3
At a glimpse: Turkish bath experience and afternoon flight to Cappadocia
Travel agenda: Good morning! Start the day at the Turkish Street Cafe. Then prepare for an extraordinary day at a Turkish Bath. Walk 13 minutes north to Cağaloğlu Hamam, an Ottoman-era hamam with the most beautiful rooms and thoughtful service. The Cagaoglu Hamam Special Service includes the traditional scrubbing and bubble massage, but with the added bonus of a foot massage and Turkish treats. After get lunch (and specifically the Testi Kebab) next door at the Old Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant.
Then it’s time to head to the airport. Book an afternoon flight to Cappadocia. It’s just over an hour to Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport and then a 30-minute car ride to Göreme, the most central city within Cappadocia.
Tip: These are two airports in Istanbul and two airports in Cappadocia so be aware of this when planning!
Once in Cappadocia, settle into your cave hotel! To orient yourself, book dinner at Haruna Cappadocia and ask for a window seat. This will give you a view of the city at night.
DAY 4
At a glimpse: Hot air balloon ride and local Göreme sights
Travel agenda: It’s an early morning hotel pick up 30 minutes prior to sunrise. The balloon company will transport you to their balloon take-off site, where you will witness the crew setting up before a short safety talk and demonstration. Then lift-off!
The balloon rides are typically an hour beginning just at sunrise. Make sure when booking, that they are experienced pilots who will dip down near the valleys and through the city. After touchdown, the crew will offer a champagne toast before escorting you back to your hotel.
Tip: My full balloon-experience and everything I learned is here!
After your ride, it’s time to hit the town. Go terrace-hoping to see the views on all the hotel roof decks. Just follow the signs for Terrace to wander your way through. Some favorites include: Charming Cave, Divan Cave House and Sultan Cave Suites.
Check out the shops and pick up any souvenirs. Make sure to peruse Galerie İkman for jewelry or rugs…or a magic carpet themed photoshoot. Get lunch across the street at Chef Kebap Restourant. Head back to the hotel and put on your walking shoes!
Take a taxi to the Küçük Kilise church as a landmark. Then wind your way through the Red Valley, meandering through the incredible fairy chimneys that resulted from volcanoes and erosion. Keep in mind the destination of Crazy Ali’s for a sunset beverage. Get the salep on chilly nights! Then get a taxi to Topdeck Cafe. To set the record straight, this is a small below-street level restaurant but the food is unreal.
DAY 5
At a glimpse: All-day guided tour in Cappadocia
Travel agenda: Once again, it’s a wakeup call before sunrise! Then it’s a 15 minute walk outside of town. Follow the Müze Cd road and sounds of balloons. This is where you can get close-up views of the balloons before takeoff, ideally when it is still dark out. From here, it’s a 10 minute walk up a hill to Sunset Viewpoint to see the balloons from a higher perspective. Bring a few lira to access the scenic vista.
Then book the all-day Green Tour. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to 6 different destinations. The first is a Göreme Panarama viewpoint followed shortly by Pigeon Valley. Then it’s a 30 minute drive to Derinkuyu Underground City, considered one of the most fascinating below-ground settings in the world.
From here, it’s a longer drive to Ihlara Valley, a lush, green canyon with river. Following the river we stopped a copy of times for tea breaks and then had lunch as we reached the end of the path. It wasn’t long before the Selime Monastery stop, the inspiration behind the Star Wars setting and a series of rock formations that would have been perfect for a manhunt game. Though the day can seem long, it is the ideal way to learn about the history of Cappadocia and have a local guide who explain all the traditions and customs of the area.
Arriving back in Goreme, get dinner at the Turkish Ravioli Restaurant. Grab a last beverage at one of the few “bars” in town, the Red Red Wine House.
DAY 6
At a glimpse: One final balloon morning and history lesson
Travel agenda: Book your flight home in the late morning so that you can watch the balloons from your hotel terrace. Have a tea or hot chocolate and blanket ready to set the mood.
Finally, before leaving, walk to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO site that preserves Cappadocia’s best cave churches.
