Istanbul 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Istanbul

Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST), transfer to your hotel in the Sultanahmet area, check-in and settle into your modern and comfortable accommodation.

Hippodrome & Blue Mosque

Begin your exploration in the historic Hippodrome of Constantinople, then admire the magnificent exterior of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), famous for its six minarets and intricate blue tiles.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Entry may be restricted during prayer times.

Hagia Sophia Visit

Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a historical marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and museum, showcasing stunning Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.

As of 2024, Hagia Sophia is a working mosque. Visitors are required to remove shoes, and women must cover their heads. Scarves are usually available for purchase or loan.

Dinner in Sultanahmet

Enjoy a welcome dinner at a highly-rated local restaurant in the Sultanahmet area, sampling classic Turkish dishes such as kebabs, mezes, and fresh seafood.

Many restaurants offer rooftop dining with views of the illuminated Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Topkapi Palace & Harem

Delve into the opulent world of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace, exploring its courtyards, treasury, and the intricate chambers of the Harem.

Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially for the Harem section. Closed on Tuesdays.

Lunch Near Palace

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local eatery near Topkapi Palace, trying traditional Turkish dishes like pide or köfte.

Grand Bazaar Shopping

Immerse yourselves in the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, perfect for souvenir hunting, Turkish delight, and textiles.

Bargaining is expected. Keep an eye on your belongings. Closed on Sundays.

Dinner in Beyoğlu

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Beyoğlu for dinner.

Choose between a highly-rated local restaurant or adventurous street food, exploring Istiklal Street and its many culinary delights.

Beyoğlu offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional meyhanes to modern bistros.

Bosphorus Scenic Cruise

Embark on a relaxing Bosphorus cruise, offering stunning views of Istanbul's European and Asian shores, historic palaces, fortresses, and charming waterfront mansions.

Choose a public ferry for a more authentic and budget-friendly experience, or a private tour for your group.

Seafood Lunch

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch in the Eminönü area, famous for its fish sandwiches (balık ekmek) or sit-down restaurants by the Golden Horn.

Spice Bazaar Visit

Explore the vibrant Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), a feast for the senses with its colorful array of spices, Turkish delights, nuts, and traditional goods.

Great place to buy local delicacies and spices. Don't be afraid to sample!

Rustem Pasha Mosque

Visit the elegant Rustem Pasha Mosque, a hidden gem famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles, often overlooked by larger crowds.

Smaller and less crowded than the Blue Mosque, offering a more intimate experience with Ottoman tile artistry.

Dinner with a View

Dine at a highly-rated restaurant offering spectacular views of the Bosphorus, enjoying fine Turkish cuisine and the illuminated city skyline.

Reservations recommended for prime window tables, especially for a group of 8.

Istiklal Street Stroll

Walk along Istiklal Street, Istanbul's bustling pedestrian avenue, lined with shops, cafes, historic buildings, and the iconic red tram.

Explore the side streets for hidden boutiques and cafes.

Galata Tower Views

Climb to the top of the medieval Galata Tower for panoramic views of Istanbul, encompassing the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and the historic peninsula.

Expect queues, especially on a Monday. The cafe at the top offers drinks and snacks.

Lunch in Karaköy

Enjoy a modern lunch in the trendy Karaköy district, known for its hip cafes, art galleries, and diverse eateries.

Asian Side Excursion

Take a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus to Kadikoy on the Asian side.

Explore its bustling market, charming Moda neighborhood, and enjoy a different local vibe.

The ferry ride itself offers great views. Kadikoy is known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent food scene.

Dinner in Kadikoy

Experience dinner on the Asian side, enjoying either delicious street food from the Kadikoy market or a highly-rated restaurant, known for its regional Turkish specialties.

Kadikoy offers a relaxed atmosphere for evening dining and a chance to mingle with locals.

Basilica Cistern

Descend into the mystical Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir featuring impressive columns and the famous Medusa heads.

The lighting and ambiance are unique. A popular attraction, so arrive early.

Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum

Visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, housed in the former palace of Ibrahim Pasha, showcasing stunning calligraphy, ceramics, and ethnographic artifacts.

A quieter museum offering deep insights into Islamic art and culture.

Farewell Lunch

Enjoy a final traditional Turkish lunch at a local establishment, perhaps trying a different regional specialty.

Free Time & Shopping

Enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping, revisit a favorite spot, or simply relax at a cafe.

Prepare for Onward Travel

Prepare for your departure from Istanbul or onward travel to your next destination (Cappadocia, as per the routing plan).

Details for travel to Cappadocia will be covered in the next part of the itinerary.

Flight to Cappadocia

Depart from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) or Istanbul Airport (IST) for Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) or Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). This is the quickest way to reach Cappadocia from Istanbul.

Book domestic flights in advance for better rates. Transfer time from Kayseri or Nevşehir airport to Göreme/Ürgüp is typically 45-60 minutes.

Hotel Check-in & Relax

Arrive at your modern and comfortable hotel in Göreme or Ürgüp, check in, and take some time to settle in and refresh after your journey.

Many hotels offer shuttle services from the airport, often at an additional cost. Inquire when booking.

Explore Göreme Town

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Göreme, admiring the unique cave architecture and browsing local shops for souvenirs.

Visit the panoramic viewpoint for initial breathtaking vistas.

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Cappadocian cuisine at a highly-rated local restaurant.

Try local specialties like pottery kebab or testi kebab.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the iconic hot air balloon ride at sunrise, floating over Cappadocia's surreal 'fairy chimney' landscape.

This is a truly unforgettable experience.

Booking well in advance is essential, especially for a group. Rides are weather-dependent and typically include light breakfast and champagne toast upon landing.

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a monastic complex of rock-cut churches and chapels dating back to the 10th-12th centuries, featuring stunning Byzantine frescoes.

Wear comfortable shoes. Photography inside some churches may be restricted or require an extra fee.

Local Lunch

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local eatery near the museum or back in Göreme.

Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Visit Pasabag, also known as Monks Valley, famous for its distinctive mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, some with multiple caps.

Explore the hermit cells carved into the rock.

Great for unique photo opportunities.

Dinner in Avanos

Dine at a well-regarded restaurant in Avanos, known for its pottery and riverside location.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Descend into the incredible Derinkuyu Underground City, an ancient multi-level city carved deep into the earth, providing insight into the lives of early inhabitants seeking refuge.

Some passages are narrow and low; those with claustrophobia might find it challenging. Hiring a guide is highly recommended for historical context.

Ihlara Valley Exploration & Lunch

Embark on a scenic hike through a portion of the beautiful Ihlara Valley, a deep canyon with a flowing river and numerous rock-cut churches. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant.

Wear good walking shoes. The full hike is long, but shorter, manageable sections are available. Lunch typically includes fresh trout.

Avanos Pottery Demonstration

Visit a traditional pottery workshop in Avanos, the 'Pottery Capital' of Cappadocia.

Watch a demonstration of pottery making using red clay from the Kızılırmak (Red River), and try your hand at the wheel.

Opportunity to purchase unique handmade ceramics and souvenirs.

Authentic Cappadocian Dinner

Savor another evening of local delicacies, perhaps trying a different well-reviewed spot for an authentic Turkish meal.

Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)

Explore Devrent Valley, famous for its animal-shaped rock formations that spark the imagination.

Look for the camel-shaped rock!

No cave churches here, purely about the unique geology.

Love Valley Panorama

Visit the panoramic viewpoint of Love Valley, known for its phallic-shaped rock pillars, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

One of Cappadocia's most iconic and humorous viewpoints.

Street Food Lunch

Enjoy an adventurous street food lunch.

Try a 'Gözleme' (Turkish flatbread) or 'Lahmacun' (Turkish pizza) from a local vendor.

ATV Safari or Horseback Riding at Sunset

Embark on an exciting ATV (quad bike) safari or a horseback riding tour through the valleys, culminating in a beautiful sunset view over the Rose and Red Valleys.

ATV tours provide helmets and instruction. Horseback riding is also a popular way to explore. Booking in advance is recommended for groups.

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a final, memorable dinner in Cappadocia, perhaps at a restaurant with panoramic views or a cozy cave setting.

Leisure & Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy a relaxed morning, perhaps revisit a favorite spot, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping for local crafts, carpets, or spices.

Hotel Check-out

Complete your check-out procedures from the hotel.

Transfer to Airport

Private or shuttle transfer from your hotel to Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) or Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) for your onward journey.

Arrange airport transfer in advance with your hotel or a local agency.

Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul

Take a domestic flight from Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV) back to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) or Istanbul Airport (IST) for your international departure or further travel.

Ensure enough layover time if connecting to an international flight.