Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul
- Morning:
- Arrive in Istanbul and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Sultanahmet District, home to:
- Hagia Sophia (UNESCO site).
- Blue Mosque.
- Topkapi Palace (Ottoman treasures and views).
- Walk through the Hippodrome of Constantinople.
- Evening:
- Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus.
- Explore Istiklal Street for shopping and street food.
Day 2 - Istanbul – Historical & Scenic Highlights
- Morning:
- Cruise the Bosphorus Strait, passing by palaces and bridges.
- Visit the Dolmabahçe Palace.
- Afternoon:
- Explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar for souvenirs.
- Evening:
- Dinner at Balat (a trendy neighborhood with Ottoman charm).
Day 3 - Travel to Cappadocia
- Morning:
- Take an early flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir.
- Check into a cave hotel.
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum (rock-cut churches).
- Explore Pasabag (Monks Valley) for its fairy chimneys.
- Evening:
- Enjoy local Turkish cuisine at a Cappadocian restaurant.
Day 4 - Cappadocia Adventures
- Early Morning:
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys (iconic experience).
- Morning:
- Hike through Love Valley or Rose Valley.
- Afternoon:
- Explore Kaymakli Underground City or Derinkuyu.
- Evening:
- Relax at the hotel or attend a whirling dervishes ceremony.
Day 5 - Travel to Pamukkale (via Denizli)
- Morning:
- Take an early flight or overnight bus to Denizli.
- Afternoon:
- Visit Pamukkale’s travertine terraces and thermal pools.
- Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, including the theater.
- Evening:
- Stay overnight near Pamukkale
Day 6 - Travel to Ephesus (via Izmir)
- Morning:
- Drive or take a train to Ephesus.
- Explore:
- Celsus Library.
- Great Theatre.
- Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World).
- Afternoon:
- Visit House of the Virgin Mary (pilgrimage site).
- Evening:
- Travel to Izmir or Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
Day 7 - Return to Istanbul
- Morning:
- Afternoon:
- Free time for last-minute shopping or a Turkish bath (hamam).
- Evening: