Türkiye sits at the fabled crossroads of Europe and Asia, where empires rose and cuisines mingled. In seven days you can trace the legacy of the Byzantines and Ottomans in Istanbul, then fly to Cappadocia to sleep in caves and float over moonscapes at sunrise. This itinerary balances headline sights with local flavors and hidden corners.

Expect domes and minarets, spice-scented bazaars, and ferry rides that glide past palaces. In Cappadocia, valleys sculpted by wind and time conceal rock-cut churches and underground cities. A hot air balloon ride is the showstopper, and the region’s slow rhythms invite long, starlit dinners.

Practical notes: Dress modestly for mosques; women should carry a scarf. Museum hours vary—Topkapı Palace typically closes on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar on Sundays. Buy an Istanbulkart for public transit, keep some cash for small eateries, and plan balloon rides early in your Cappadocia stay in case of weather delays.

Istanbul

Straddling two continents, Istanbul dazzles with the Hagia Sophia’s soaring dome, Topkapı’s jeweled courts, and the call to prayer drifting over the Bosphorus. Neighborhoods shift from the photogenic alleys of Balat to the meyhanes (taverns) of Beyoğlu and the street food paradise of Kadıköy.

Top experiences include the Sultanahmet trio (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern), a Bosphorus cruise at sunset, and an afternoon bargaining for copperware and textiles in the Grand Bazaar. Save time for a traditional hammam—centuries-old self-care perfected.

• Where to stay (handpicked): Waterfront grandeur at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul; panoramic Bosphorus views at Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul; modern heritage at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus; atmospheric Old City base at Sirkeci Mansion; social, budget-friendly beds at Cheers Hostel. Browse more stays on Hotels.com (Istanbul) or VRBO (Istanbul).
• Getting in: Fly into IST or SAW. Compare fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Taxi/ride-hail from IST to the Old City is ~45–70 min depending on traffic; airport buses and metro are economical with the Istanbulkart.
• Local gems: Tea under plane trees at Çınaraltı in Çengelköy; baklava tasting “flights” at Karaköy Güllüoğlu; views from the terrace beside Süleymaniye Mosque; ferry-hopping between Eminönü and Kadıköy at golden hour.

Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul, Spice Routes and Golden Horn Views

Morning: In transit. If you land early, drop bags and take a gentle stroll through Gülhane Park—once the Topkapı Palace gardens.

Afternoon: Shake off jet lag at the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar, sampling lokum (Turkish delight) and sumac. Pop into Pandeli (lunchtime institution above the bazaar) for eggplant puree and lamb stew if you’re hungry, or try balık ekmek (grilled fish sandwiches) by the Galata Bridge.

Evening: Dinner at Hamdi Kebap overlooking the Golden Horn—order the pistachio kebab and stuffed eggplant. Walk the Galata Bridge at dusk, then slip into Mandabatmaz off İstiklal for famously thick Turkish coffee or a sweet stop at Karaköy Güllüoğlu for pistachio baklava.

Day 2 — Sultanahmet Classics: Hagia Sophia to Topkapı

Morning: Early visit to Hagia Sophia. As of 2025, non-worshipper tourist entry uses a managed route with a ticket system; go early to avoid queues (expect roughly $20–30). Step next to the Blue Mosque (free; closed during prayer times) to admire İznik tiles. Coffee break at Seven Hills terrace for skyline photos.

Afternoon: Descend into the Basilica Cistern to find Medusa heads in lantern-lit waters. Lunch at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi (since 1920s) for meatballs, piyaz (bean salad), and ayran. Spend the rest of the day at Topkapı Palace—don’t miss the Harem apartments; budget ~3–4 hours. Stroll shady Gülhane Park afterward.

Evening: Reserve Karaköy Lokantası for meze and slow-cooked lamb shank under tiled interiors. Cap the night with a traditional scrub and foam massage at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam (book ahead).

Day 3 — Across Continents: Kadıköy, Moda, and a Bosphorus Cruise

Morning: Turkish breakfast spread at Van Kahvaltı Evi (Cihangir)—honeycomb, herbed omelet, and menemen. Ferry to Kadıköy for a market walk: pickles at Özcan Turşu, olives and cheeses at Namlı, and a perfectly pulled espresso at Kronotrop Kadıköy.

Afternoon: Lunch at Çiya Sofrası, famous for regional Anatolian dishes—try the sour cherry kebab and stuffed artichokes. Wander seaside Moda for ice cream at Dondurmacı Ali Usta, then ferry back for a Bosphorus cruise (2 hours; ~$5–15 via public ferry options). Palaces, fortresses, and yali mansions glide by.

Evening: Choose contemporary Anatolian tasting menus at Neolokal (in SALT Galata; reservations) or a classic meyhane like Asmalı Cavit for meze, grilled octopus, and raki. Nightcap at 5 Cocktails & More (near Galata) or waterside Alexandra Cocktail Bar in Arnavutköy.

Day 4 — Colorful Balat, Grand Bazaar, and Galata Tower

Morning: Coffee and simit at Patisserie de Pera, then head to Balat & Fener for pastel houses, the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, and the red-bricked Greek High School. Grab mid-morning pide at Forno Balat (spicy kıymalı is a favorite).

Afternoon: Tackle the Grand Bazaar (closed Sundays): copper, kilims, and ceramics—bargain with a smile. Continue to Süleymaniye Mosque, Mimar Sinan’s masterpiece, and sip tea with a view at nearby terraces. If time allows, ride up Galata Tower for a 360° city panorama.

Evening: Dinner at Zübeyir Ocakbaşı for skewers grilled over live coals—order lamb chops and eggplant salad. Optional cultural evening: a whirling dervish performance in Sirkeci/Hocapaşa (bookable locally). Rest up—tomorrow you fly to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia (Göreme)

Welcome to a dreamscape of “fairy chimneys,” honeycombed cliffs, and cave dwellings. This volcanic plateau was once a monastic refuge; today, its valleys are canvases for sunrise balloons and golden-hour hikes.

Base yourself in Göreme, Uçhisar, or Ürgüp for easy access to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Love and Rose valleys, and underground cities like Derinkuyu. Evenings are for clay-pot stews, local wines, and terraces under a riot of stars.

• Where to stay (cave-hotels we love): Ultra-special at Museum Hotel (Uçhisar, with a view-drenched pool); boutique heritage at Kayakapi Premium Caves - Cappadocia (Ürgüp); Göreme favorites Kelebek Special Cave Hotel and Sultan Cave Suites; great-value Shoestring Cave House. Search more on Hotels.com (Cappadocia) or VRBO (Cappadocia).
• Getting there from Istanbul: Morning flights to Nevşehir (NAV) or Kayseri (ASR) take ~1h15; shuttles to Göreme/Uçhisar are 40–75 min. Expect $40–120 one-way booked early. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Good to know: Balloon flights are weather-dependent; book for your first morning with a backup day. Museum/valley entries generally cost $3–15. Pack layers—desert climates swing from hot days to cool nights.

Day 5 — Fly to Cappadocia, Göreme Open-Air Museum and Sunset

Morning: Fly Istanbul → NAV/ASR (~1h15). Shuttle to your cave hotel (40–75 min). Check in, sip sage tea, and admire the tuff-stone architecture.

Afternoon: Explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum (UNESCO): monastic refectories and frescoed churches like the Dark Church. Coffee at Coffeedocia or a light gözleme at a family-run stand.

Evening: Head to Red/Rose Valley for one of Türkiye’s best sunsets—strata glow pink and apricot. Dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine (terrace views; try testi kebab and firik pilaf) or intimate Topdeck Cave (small family operation; book ahead).

Day 6 — Hot Air Balloon, Valleys, and Underground Worlds

Morning: Sunrise hot air balloon ride (pickup ~4–5am, 1-hour flight; ~$160–250). Back at the hotel for a Turkish breakfast spread: cheeses, olives, clotted cream with honey, and fresh bakes.

Afternoon: Choose a classic “Green Tour” loop or self-drive: Derinkuyu Underground City (multi-level tunnels used for refuge), followed by the Ihlara Valley hike along the Melendiz River with frescoed cave chapels; lunch riverside in Belisırma (order trout or manti). Expect a full 7–8 hour outing.

Evening: Return for a mellow night. Try Dibek Restaurant in Göreme for slow-baked pottery kebab and mantar güveç (mushroom casserole). If you prefer something lighter, Pumpkin Göreme serves seasonal set menus with vegetarian options.

Day 7 — Castle Views, Pigeon Valley, and Departure

Morning: Climb Uçhisar Castle for a 360° sweep of fairy chimneys, then wander the Pigeon Valley rim trail back toward Göreme. Coffee and börek at Nazar Börek & Cafe.

Afternoon: Shuttle to NAV/ASR for your onward flight. If connecting via Istanbul, search times/fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim for an afternoon departure per this plan; airports are compact but arrive 1.5–2 hours early.

Dining Shortlist (Istanbul)

• Breakfast/coffee: Van Kahvaltı Evi (Cihangir); Namlı Gurme (Karaköy) for deli-style breakfasts; Kronotrop or Petra for third-wave coffee; Mandabatmaz for old-school Turkish coffee.
• Lunch: Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi; Balık ekmek by Galata Bridge; Hocapaşa Pidecisi for Black Sea-style pide; Çiya Sofrası (Kadıköy) for regional dishes.
• Dinner: Karaköy Lokantası (reservations needed); Neolokal for refined Anatolian; Zübeyir Ocakbaşı for grills; Hamdi Kebap for views.
• Sweet stops: Karaköy Güllüoğlu for baklava; Hafız Mustafa for künefe; Ali Muhiddin Hacı Bekir for classic lokum.

Logistics and Tips

• Transit: Get an Istanbulkart for trams, metro, buses, and ferries. Traffic is real—plan 45–90 minutes for cross-town rides.
• Closures: Topkapı Palace generally closed Tuesdays; Grand Bazaar closed Sundays; Dolmabahçe Palace often closed Mondays; mosques close to visitors during prayer times.
• Costs (rough): Major museum entries $10–30; public ferry $1–3; Bosphorus cruise $5–15; hammam $40–120; Cappadocia balloon $160–250.
• Safety: Istanbul is busy and welcoming; watch pockets in crowded bazaars and use hotel safes for passports.

Alternative Istanbul stays by neighborhood: For an Old City base near sights, consider Sirkeci Mansion in Eminönü; for a palace vibe on the Bosphorus, Çırağan Palace Kempinski; for modern luxury with greenery, Swissôtel The Bosphorus. Budget travelers love Cheers Hostel.

Prefer beaches for a future trip? Save this: Antalya’s coast offers options from quaint White Garden Hotel to expansive stays like Rixos Premium Belek or Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort.

In Cappadocia, special-occasion dinners shine at Museum Hotel’s Seki Restaurant (sunset views), while Kelebek and Sultan Cave Suites have excellent on-site terraces for sunrise coffee.

Getting between cities: Plan your Istanbul → Cappadocia flight on Trip.com or Kiwi.com (1h15 in air; add 40–75 min for transfers). Aim for a morning departure to maximize your first Cappadocia afternoon.

Seven days in Türkiye will leave you hungry for more—the city of minarets and markets paired with Anatolia’s open skies is hard to top. With this itinerary, you’ll see the essentials, eat extraordinarily well, and still find quiet moments to let the scenery sink in. Keep it handy; Türkiye rewards return visits.