Turkey: Istanbul and Cappadocia in 8 Days
Turkey
Overview
This route pairs Istanbul's straits-spanning history with two of Turkey's most photographed landscapes: Cappadocia's balloon-filled skies over fairy chimneys, and Pamukkale's white travertine terraces, finishing with beach time in Antalya's old town.
- Duration
- 8 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €680–€850
Route
1. Istanbul2. Cappadocia3. Pamukkale4. Antalya
Highlights
- Hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia at sunrise
- Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- Pamukkale's white travertine terraces
- Antalya's old town, Kaleiçi
Worth knowing
- Balloon flights are weather-dependent and can be cancelled with short notice
- Istanbul's major sights are extremely crowded in summer
- Long drive between Cappadocia and Pamukkale — consider flying instead
Day by day
Day 1
IstanbulMain activities
- Arrive
- Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia
Overnight: Istanbul
Day 2
IstanbulMain activities
- Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace
- Grand Bazaar
Optional additions
- Bosphorus sunset cruise
Overnight: Istanbul
Day 3
Istanbul → CappadociaMain activities
- Flight to Cappadocia (~1.5h)
- Göreme Open Air Museum
~1.5 hours flightOvernight: Cappadocia
Day 4
CappadociaMain activities
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight
- Underground city and valley hike
Overnight: Cappadocia
Day 5
Cappadocia → PamukkaleMain activities
- Overnight coach or short flight via Istanbul (~6h total)
- Travertine terraces at sunset
~6 hoursOvernight: Pamukkale
Day 6
Pamukkale → AntalyaMain activities
- Hierapolis ruins
- Drive to Antalya (~3h)
~3 hoursOvernight: Antalya
Day 7
AntalyaMain activities
- Kaleiçi old town
- Beach time or Aspendos amphitheatre
Overnight: Antalya
Day 8
AntalyaMain activities
- Departure
Overnight: Antalya
Alternatives
Shorter version · 5 days
Drop Pamukkale and Antalya, keeping Istanbul and Cappadocia only.
Longer extension · 11 days
Add 3 days on the Aegean coast around Bodrum or Fethiye after Antalya.