TURKEY 6N/7D ITINARY: ISTANBUL& CAPPADOCIA

MORNING HAGIA SOPHIA & BASILICA CISTERN; Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, an architectural marvel that served as a church, mosque, museum. Afterward, explore the atmospheric, ancient underground reservoir, the Basilica Cistern.
LUNCH LOCAL LUNCH; Grab a quick, traditional lunch in the Sultanahmet area.
AFTERNOON TOPKAPI PALACE; Explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Tour the luxurious courts, treasury, the famous Harem (ticket usually sold separately).
EVENING GRAND BAZAAR; End the day with a trip to the historic Grand Bazaar, one of the largest & oldest covered markets in the world, for souvenir & carpet browsing (prepare to haggle!).

MORNING SPICE BAZAAR & SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE; Start at the vibrant Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) for Turkish delights, spices, coffee. Then, visit the monumental Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in the city.
LUNCH LUNCH IN KARAKOY; Explore the trendy Karakoyneighborhood, known for its modern cafes & art galleries.
AFTERNOON BOSPHORUS CRUISE; Take a scenic cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. This gives you connecting fortresses, palaces & historical Yalt (mansions).
EVENING TAKSIM SQUARE & ISTIKLAL STREET; Explore modern Istanbul. Tjake the funicular up to Taksim Square & stroll down Istikal Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue.

MORNING FLY TO CAPPADOCIA; Check out of your hotel & transfer to the airport (IST/SAW) for your domestic flights to Cappadocia (Kayseri- ASR or Nevsehir - NAV).
LUNCH CHECK - IN & LUNCH; Upon arrival, transfer to your unique Cave Hotel in Goreme, Uchisar or Urgup. Enjoy luncg at hotel or a local restaurant.
AFTERNOON GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM; Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a monastic complex of rock - cut churches & chapels with beautifully preserved frescoes dating back to the 10th - 13th centuries.
EVENING SUNSET POINT; Drive or hike to a designated Sunset Point (like Kizilcukur/ red Valley) for a breathtaking view of the unique rock formations bathed in orange light.

PRE-DAWN HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE (OPTIONAL); MUST BE BOOKED WILL IN ADVANCE! Wake up before sunrise for the iconic experience of flying over the valleys & "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia.
MORNING DEVRENT VALLEY & PASABAG; After the balloon ride ( or a late breakfast), visit the Devrent Valley ( Imagination Valley) for its animal-shaped rock formations. Then, see the famous mushroom-shaped chimneys at Pasabag (Monk's Valley).
LUNCH AVANOS POTTERY; Enjoy lunch in Avanos, known for its pottery workshops. You can participante in a demonstration & try your hand at the potter's wheel.
AFTERNOON UNDERGROUND CITY; Explore the vast, multi-level subterranean cities carved out by early Christians (such as Kaymakli or Derinkuyu) to hide.
NIGHT TURKISH NIGHT SHOW (OPTIONAL); Attendv a traditional Turkish folklore evening show with dinner & whirling dervishes.

MORNING UCHISAR CASTLE & PIGEON VALLEY; Visit the highest point in cappadocia, Uchisar castle, a massive rock fortress with cave dwellings, for stunning panoramic views. Hike or drive through Pigeon valley to see the rock-cut dovecotes.
LUNCH LOCAL FARE; Enjoy lunch in the valley area.
AFTERNOON TIME AT LEISURE; Use this time for souvenir shopping, relaxing at your hotel or exploring a local winery in Urgup.
EVENING FAREWELL DINNER; Enjoy a final delicious dinner in Cappadocia, perhaps trying a famous local dish like Testi Kebab (pottery kebab).

MORNING BREAKFAST & TRANSFER; Enjoy your final Turkish breakfast. Check out of the hotel.
LATE MORNING/NOON DEPART FROM CAPPADOCIA; Transfer to the airport (ASR or NAV) for your flight, likely connecting through Istanbul, or take a direct international flight if available.