9-Day Istanbul and Cappadocia Adventure Itinerary

Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), where you'll have skip-the-line entry and an audio guide. Afterward, take a short walk to Pandeli Restaurant for a taste of their famous historical dishes for lunch.

Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) and indulge in some shopping. Then, take a guided tour of the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii), one of the grandest and most beautiful mosques in the city.

Dine at Maiden's Tower Restaurant, located on the iconic Maiden's Tower itself. Enjoy a unique dining experience with panoramic views of the Bosphorus. After dinner, you can choose to join a Istanbul Turkish Coffee Making and Fortune Telling Workshop for a cultural evening activity.

Start your morning with a delightful breakfast at Bebek Balikcisi, a local favorite for fresh seafood. After breakfast, embark on a Istanbul Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks to enjoy the city's skyline from the water.

Disembark from the yacht tour and head to the charming neighborhood of Ortaköy. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Ortaköy, known for its variety of local eateries and street food vendors. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the area, visiting the Ortaköy Mosque and browsing through the small shops.

For dinner, experience the vibrant atmosphere and international cuisine at 360 Istanbul East Restaurant & Bar. Afterward, take a stroll along the Bosphorus and enjoy the cool evening breeze.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Sunset Grill & Bar with stunning views of the city. After breakfast, visit the modern and contemporary art exhibits at the Istanbul Modern (Istanbul Museum of Modern Art).

Have lunch at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its traditional Turkish cuisine. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) and then explore the vibrant neighborhood of Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi) with its shops, cafes, and street performances.

Experience the mystical Whirling Dervishes Ceremony at Hodjapasha in the evening, a mesmerizing performance that showcases the spiritual dance of the Mevlevi Order. After the performance, enjoy a late dinner at Dürümzade, a popular spot for authentic Turkish kebabs and wraps.

Depart from Istanbul for a full-day trip to Bursa and Uludağ Mountain. Enjoy the scenic drive and explore the historical sites of Bursa, including the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) and the Green Mosque (Yesil Camii). For lunch, savor the famous Iskender Kebab at Iskender Kebapçısı.

After lunch, take the cable car to the top of Uludağ Mountain and enjoy the panoramic views. You can also engage in winter sports activities if the season allows. Return to Istanbul in the evening and relax with a dinner at Tarihi Karaköy Balık Lokantası, known for its seafood specialties.

Rest and relax at your accommodation, reflecting on the day's adventures and preparing for the remaining days of your trip.

Begin your Cappadocia adventure with an early morning hot air balloon ride, floating above the unique rock formations and valleys. After landing, enjoy a hearty breakfast at Name of a Local Restaurant, where you can taste local Cappadocian cuisine.

Explore the underground city of Derinkuyu Underground City and then visit the stunning Göreme Open-Air Museum to learn about the region's rich history. Take a break for lunch at Name of a Local Restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the fairy chimneys.

End your day with a relaxing Sunset Horseback Riding Tour in Cappadocia through the otherworldly landscapes. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner and live music at Name of a Local Restaurant.

Start your day with a visit to the lesser-known Pasabag (Monks Valley), where you can see unique fairy chimneys and rock formations. Then, explore the charming pottery village of Avanos and try your hand at making your own pottery at a local workshop.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Name of a Local Restaurant and then continue your exploration with a visit to the Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Dine at Name of a Local Restaurant and savor the flavors of Cappadocian cuisine. After dinner, take a Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner to experience the region's traditional music, dance, and entertainment.

Begin your day with a visit to a local vineyard for a Cappadocia Wine Tasting Tour. Learn about the unique winemaking process in the region and sample a variety of Cappadocian wines. Pair the wines with local cheeses and snacks.

After the wine tasting, explore the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia. Then, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the fairy chimneys in the beautiful Red Valley (Kizilçukur).

For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Name of a Local Restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the sunset over the Cappadocian landscape. Afterward, take a peaceful Cappadocia Sunset ATV Tour with Red Valley to end the day with an adventurous ride through the valleys and hills.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Mikla, known for its modern Turkish cuisine and panoramic views of the city. After breakfast, take a guided Istanbul Food Tour with 10 Tastings to explore the diverse culinary scene of Istanbul, visiting local markets, street food stalls, and hidden gems.

For your final afternoon in Istanbul, visit the vibrant neighborhood of Kadikoy on the Asian side of the city. Explore the local markets, boutique shops, and street art. Have a relaxed lunch at Karaköy Lokantası, known for its contemporary take on Turkish cuisine.

As the sun sets on your trip, reflect on your experiences over a farewell dinner at Name of a Local Restaurant, where you can enjoy a memorable meal and raise a glass to the adventures you've had in Istanbul and Cappadocia.