7-day Turkey trip

Description

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

• Arrive in Istanbul – Check into your hotel in Sultanahmet or Taksim.

• Afternoon: Explore Sultanahmet Square

  • Blue Mosque

  • Hagia Sophia

  • Basilica Cistern

• Evening: Dinner with a Bosphorus view, explore Istiklal Street.

Day 2: Istanbul Highlights

• Morning: Visit Topkapi Palace (Ottoman sultans’ palace).

• Afternoon: Take a Bosphorus Cruise (short cruise or full-day with lunch).

• Evening: Enjoy local street food or a traditional Turkish dinner with entertainment.

Day 3: Istanbul → Cappadocia (Flight)

• Take an early flight to Nevşehir or Kayseri.

• Check-in and relax in a cave hotel.

• Afternoon: Visit Göreme Open Air Museum, explore local valleys (Love/Devrent Valley).

• Evening: Sunset at Red or Rose Valley.

Day 4: Cappadocia

• Early morning: Hot air balloon ride (optional but highly recommended).

• Day trip: Visit Underground City (Kaymakli or Derinkuyu) + Uçhisar Castle.

• Evening: Pottery workshop or Turkish night show in a cave setting.

Day 5: Cappadocia → Pamukkale (by flight or overnight bus)

• Fly to Denizli (or take a night bus if on a budget).

• Check into hotel near Pamukkale.

• Afternoon: Explore Hierapolis ruins and Pamukkale terraces (natural thermal pools).

• Optional: Sunset view at the travertines.

Day 6: Pamukkale → Ephesus (by car or bus)

• Travel to Selçuk (Ephesus) (approx. 3–4 hours).

• Visit Ephesus Ancient City: Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Temple of Artemis.

• Evening: Explore Şirince Village – wine tasting and peaceful dinner.

Day 7: Return to Istanbul

• Return to Istanbul by flight or overnight bus/train.

• Use leftover time for souvenir shopping at Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar.

• Depart from Istanbul.

Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: April–June or September–October (pleasant weather).

• Internal Travel: Domestic flights are fast and cheap (use Pegasus, Turkish Airlines).

• Budget: Mid-range travelers should expect ~$100–150/day.