Türkiye bridges continents and centuries. In Istanbul, Byzantine domes and Ottoman palaces meet lively markets and modern cuisine. In Cappadocia, volcanic tuff has been carved into cave chapels, underground cities, and whimsical “fairy chimneys,” best seen at sunrise from a hot air balloon.

History here is layered: Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia is once again a mosque, Topkapı Palace whispers stories of sultans, and caravan routes echo in Cappadocia’s valleys. Expect warm hospitality, strong tea, and a table that never seems to empty—köfte, meze, pide, baklava, and more.

Practical notes: carry a contactless card or get an Istanbulkart for trams and ferries. Dress modestly for mosque visits (scarves for women, covered shoulders/knees). Book hot air balloons and popular restaurants well ahead—especially in spring and fall when demand spikes.

Istanbul

Istanbul dazzles with contrasts: minarets and modern art, fishermen on the Galata Bridge and rooftop bars at dusk. The city rewards slow wandering—from the Grand Bazaar’s labyrinth to the café-lined streets of Cihangir and the food-focused markets of Kadıköy.

Don’t miss: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace & Harem, Galata Tower, Istanbul Modern, a Bosphorus cruise, and the flavors of traditional lokantas and contemporary Anatolian kitchens.

• Stay (central areas): Sultanahmet for historic sights, Karaköy/Galata for dining and nightlife, Cihangir for cafés, or Kadıköy/Moda on the Asian side for local vibe.
• Search stays: VRBO Istanbul | Hotels.com Istanbul
• Flights to Istanbul: Compare routes on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you’re coming from Europe, also check Omio.

Day 1: Arrival, First Bites, and Golden-Hour Views

Morning: In transit. Hydrate on the plane and download maps for offline use. On arrival, get an Istanbulkart at the airport kiosk (small card fee plus top-up) for metro, tram, and ferries.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs around Sultanahmet Square. Admire Hagia Sophia’s vast dome from the outside and stroll past the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Coffee stop at Tarihi Sultanahmet Kahvecisi for thick, foamy Turkish coffee served in fincans.

Evening: Dinner near the old city: try Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine for historical recipes like hünkar beğendi (braised beef over smoky eggplant purée) and stuffed vine leaves. For dessert, take a short tram ride to Karaköy Güllüoğlu—an institution for pistachio baklava with a buttery snap. Nightcap with Bosphorus views at the Seven Hills rooftop.

Day 2: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı, and a Classic Hamam

Morning: Early visit to the Blue Mosque (dress modestly) followed by Hagia Sophia; time your visit between prayer times. Descend into the Basilica Cistern, where Medusa heads guard silent waters under dim lights.

Afternoon: Walk to Topkapı Palace and its Harem apartments to see Iznik tiles and the Imperial Council Chamber. Lunch nearby at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi—grilled köfte, piyaz (bean salad), and irmik helvası for a timeless combo.

Evening: Unwind at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı, a beautifully restored 16th-century bathhouse by Mimar Sinan—reserve ahead. Meze dinner at Karaköy Lokantası (reserve; famed for artful blue-tiled dining room, braised artichokes, lamb tandır). Jazz after at Nardis near Galata Tower, a cozy spot with local and international acts.

Day 3: Beyoğlu, Galata, and the Bosphorus

Morning: Hearty Kurdish-style breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi—honey and clotted kaymak, herbed otlu peynir, menemen, and warm bread. Stroll Istiklal Avenue’s arcades, pop into the historic Pera area, and sip a micro-foam türk kahvesi at Mandabatmaz.

Afternoon: Climb Galata Tower for panoramic city views. Head to the waterfront to visit Istanbul Modern, a sleek space celebrating Turkish contemporary art. Lunch at Dürümzade (Anthony Bourdain-approved) for smoky lamb wraps with charred tomatoes.

Evening: Take a 1.5–2-hour Bosphorus cruise at sunset—watch palaces and yali mansions glow. Dinner with a view at Mikla (reserve; New Anatolian cuisine—try dried eggplant dolma and Anatolian cheeses) or the Michelin-starred Turk Fatih Tutak for a splurge tasting menu inspired by regional flavors.

Day 4: Asian-Side Markets and Neighborhood Wandering

Morning: Ferry to Kadıköy. Graze the market: olives, pickles, spice shops, and borek stalls. Coffee at Coffee Manifesto or specialty brews at Story Coffee & Roastery in Moda.

Afternoon: Lunch at Çiya Sofrası—beloved for regional dishes like sour cherry kebab, stuffed zucchini blossoms, and Southeastern stews. Walk the Moda seaside promenade, then ferry to Üsküdar for waterfront mosques and Maiden’s Tower views.

Evening: Classic Turkish home-style plates at Kanaat Lokantası (since 1933; try hünkar beğendi or tripe soup if you’re adventurous). If you want nightlife, head back to Bomontiada for live music at Babylon and craft drinks in a lively courtyard. Note: The Grand Bazaar is closed Sundays—if your Day 3 or 4 falls on Sunday, swap your market/bazaar time accordingly.

Cappadocia (Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp)

Cappadocia is a dreamscape of sculpted valleys and cave dwellings. Göreme makes a convenient base with many cave hotels and easy access to the Open-Air Museum. Uçhisar offers upscale cave stays and the region’s highest viewpoint; Ürgüp adds wine bars and a relaxed evening scene.

Top highlights: sunrise hot air balloons, Göreme Open-Air Museum’s frescoes, Love Valley and Red/Rose Valley hikes, Uçhisar Castle, pottery workshops in Avanos, and the underground cities of Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu.

• Stay: Cave hotels in Göreme for walkability; Uçhisar for serene luxury and epic sunsets.
• Search stays: VRBO Göreme | Hotels.com Göreme | VRBO Uçhisar | Hotels.com Uçhisar
• Getting there from Istanbul (Day 5): 1h15–1h25 flight to Nevşehir (NAV) or Kayseri (ASR), then 45–75 minutes by shuttle to Göreme. Typical one-way fares $40–$100; compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Day 5: Fly to Cappadocia, Göreme Open-Air Museum, Sunset Ridge

Morning: Fly Istanbul to Nevşehir/Kayseri; aim for a morning departure. Pre-book a shared shuttle ($10–$15 per person) to your cave hotel in Göreme or Uçhisar.

Afternoon: Light lunch at Dibek in Göreme—testi kebabı (clay-pot stew cracked open at the table) and manti (Turkish dumplings) are signatures. Explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum’s rock-cut churches; look for the Dark Church frescoes and buckle-chapel carvings.

Evening: Watch sunset from Red Valley or Göreme’s Sunset Point as the rocks blush pink. Dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine for slow-cooked lamb, keşkek (wheat stew), and regional wines; book a terrace table.

Day 6: Hot Air Balloon, Valleys and Villages

Morning: Sunrise hot air balloon ride (weather permitting). Prices usually $160–$260 including pickup, tea/coffee, and a post-flight toast—reserve weeks ahead. Afterward, grab simit and cappuccinos at Coffeedocia or fresh gözleme at a local stand.

Afternoon: Hike Love Valley to see its surreal tuff spires, then continue to Çavuşin’s old cave village. Late lunch in Uçhisar at Seki Restaurant (Argos in Cappadocia) for refined Anatolian plates with sweeping valley views.

Evening: Short Pigeon Valley walk as golden hour lights up dovecotes. Dinner in Ürgüp at Ziggy Café—meze selection, stuffed peppers, and local wines—followed by a relaxed stroll through town.

Day 7: Underground City and Ihlara Valley, Return Flight

Morning: Join an early small-group tour to Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City (narrow tunnels and ventilation shafts reveal how communities hid for months). Continue to Ihlara Valley for a river-side walk to rock churches painted with faded frescoes.

Afternoon: Quick lunch in Belisırma (trout or vegetable güveç), then transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight back to Istanbul and onward connection. Compare return options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you’ve got a late departure, cap things off back in Istanbul with fish meze in Arnavutköy at Adem Baba (casual, ultra-fresh) or a refined Bosphorus-front setting at Feriye—then head to the airport.

Food and Coffee Shortlist (save these!)

• Breakfast/coffee: Van Kahvaltı Evi (Istanbul), Mandabatmaz (thick Turkish coffee), Coffee Manifesto (Kadıköy), Coffeedocia (Göreme).
• Lunch gems: Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi, Dürümzade, Çiya Sofrası, Dibek.
• Dinner highlights: Karaköy Lokantası, Mikla, Turk Fatih Tutak, Seten, Seki, Ziggy Café.
• Sweets: Karaköy Güllüoğlu for baklava; try künefe near Spice Bazaar from famous Antakya-style dessert shops.

Transport tip: Domestic flights are fastest between cities in Türkiye; buses are comfortable but long (Istanbul–Cappadocia is 10–12 hours). In Istanbul, trams and ferries are efficient; taxis are metered—confirm the meter is on.

Note on timing: Topkapı is typically closed Tuesdays; the Grand Bazaar is closed Sundays. If your dates clash, swap days 2–4 accordingly. Book balloons and hamams ahead, and arrive early to major sites for thinner crowds.

This 7-day itinerary threads the best of Türkiye: Istanbul’s grand history, markets, and meyhane culture balanced with Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes. You’ll leave with memory cards full of domes and valleys—and a craving for one more slice of pistachio baklava.