Istanbul and Cappadocia 4-Night Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
– Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to rest.
– In the evening, explore Sultanahmet Square and visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (depending on arrival time). Enjoy a local dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant.

Day 2: Istanbul Sightseeing
– Start the day with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, and explore its beautiful courtyards and museums.
– Visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Spend time shopping for souvenirs, Turkish carpets, and spices.
– In the afternoon, take a Bosphorus Cruise to witness the stunning views of the city from the water, including the Dolmabahce Palace and Rumeli Fortress.
– Return to the hotel in the evening and relax.

Day 3: Fly to Cappadocia and Explore
– After breakfast, fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.
– Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore the ancient rock-cut churches and monasteries with beautiful frescoes.
– Explore Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) to see the famous fairy chimneys, and Devrent Valley, known for its uniquely shaped rock formations.
– Spend the night in a cave hotel, experiencing the unique Cappadocian architecture.

Day 4: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon and Underground City– Early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride (optional but highly recommended) to enjoy breathtaking views of the fairy chimneys and valleys at sunrise.
– After breakfast, visit Kaymakli Underground City or Derinkuyu Underground City, which were once used as shelters during times of invasion.
– Visit the Uchisar Castle for panoramic views of Cappadocia and hike through the Pigeon Valley.
– Spend the evening enjoying a traditional Turkish Night Show with dinner, where you can experience local dances and music.

Day 5: Departure
– After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul, followed by your international flight home.

This itinerary offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure, giving you a glimpse of both the vibrant city life in Istanbul and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia.