Cultural Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Pamukkale

An immersive journey through the historical legacy of the Ottoman Empire and the ancient civilizations of Anatolia. This route combines Istanbul's sacred architecture, Cappadocia's breathtaking landscapes of hot-air balloons and underground cities, and concludes with the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and ancient Hierapolis.

1

Arrival in Istanbul. First Impressions

Istanbul

1 place

Culture

Balat District

A historic Jewish neighborhood lined with colorful 19th-century wooden houses and narrow winding streets. Perfect for an evening stroll and photography.

Come at sunset for the best light. A coffee at one of the local cafés will set you back just $2–3.

Photo by mohammad majid on Unsplash

Free

On foot400 m

Directions

2

Sultanahmet: Istanbul's Classic Highlights

Istanbul

4 places

3

Grand Bazaar & Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul

2 places

4

Travel Day to Cappadocia

1 place

5

Hot Air Balloon Ride & Love Valley

Göreme

2 places

6

Underground Cities of Cappadocia

Göreme

2 places

7

Travel Day to Pamukkale

1 place

8

Pamukkale & Ancient Hierapolis

Pamukkale

3 places

9

Return to Istanbul & Free Day

Istanbul

2 places

10

Departure from Turkey or an Extra Rest Day

Istanbul

1 place

Route map19 points

Loading…

Points of interest

Balat District

Culture

Hagia Sophia

Attraction

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Attraction

Basilica Cistern

Attraction

Topkapi Palace

Attraction

Grand Bazaar

Shopping

Bosphorus Cruise

Activity

Göreme Valley

Nature

Hot Air Balloon Flight

Activity

Love Valley

Nature

Derinkuyu Underground City

Attraction

Göreme Open Air Museum

Attraction

Pamukkale

Nature

Cleopatra's Pool

Activity

Hierapolis

Attraction

Turkish Hammam in Pamukkale

Activity

Galata District & Galata Tower

Attraction

Galata Bridge

Attraction

A Sweet Farewell to Istanbul (Grand Bazaar vs. Nişantaşı neighborhood cafés)

Food