Day 1: Istanbul (arrival in Kadıköy and waterfront walk)
Arrival on the Asian side of Istanbul with a gentle first day in Kadıköy, including a late lunch, check-in, a relaxed walk along the Moda shoreline, and dinner.
- 14:00 — Arrive at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport
- 14:45 — Transfer to Kadıköy by shuttle and metro
- 15:30 — Late lunch at Çiya Sofrası
- 17:00 — Check-in near Kadıköy
- 18:15 — Walk along the Moda shoreline
- 20:00 — Dinner at İsmet Baba Restaurant
Transport: Arrival by plane, airport transfer toward Kadıköy, and local walking along the Asian-side waterfront.
Day 2: Istanbul (Kadıköy, Bosphorus ferry, and Sultanahmet)
Classic first full day in Istanbul with time in Kadıköy, a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet, and dinner in the old city.
- 09:00 — Breakfast at Walter's Coffee Roastery Kadıköy
- 10:00 — Explore Kadıköy Market and Bahariye Street
- 12:15 — Ferry from Kadıköy to Eminönü
- 13:00 — Lunch at Hamdi Restaurant
- 14:30 — Visit Topkapi Palace
- 17:15 — Walk across Sultanahmet Square
- 19:30 — Dinner at Balıkçı Sabahattin
- 21:30 — Return to Kadıköy
Transport: Walking in Kadıköy, ferry across the Bosphorus, extensive walking in Sultanahmet, and return to the Asian-side base.
Day 3: Istanbul (Galata, Beyoğlu, and skyline views)
A second full Istanbul day focused on city atmosphere, with time around Galata, İstiklal Avenue, panoramic viewpoints, and a memorable final dinner before flying onward.
- 09:00 — Breakfast near Galata
- 10:00 — Walk around the Galata area
- 11:30 — Visit Galata Tower exterior and surrounding streets
- 13:00 — Lunch near İstiklal Avenue
- 14:30 — Stroll along İstiklal Avenue
- 17:00 — Bosphorus viewpoint stop for sunset atmosphere
- 20:00 — Dinner with skyline views
Transport: Urban public transport and walking across Galata, Beyoğlu, and Bosphorus-side viewpoints.
If you want a trip more focused on the city, see Istanbul 5-day itinerary which provides a more detailed Istanbul-only version.
Day 4: Göreme (arrival in Cappadocia and first viewpoints)
Morning flight to Cappadocia followed by arrival in Göreme, lunch, the Open Air Museum, and sunset views over the region’s famous rock formations.
- 06:30 — Transfer to Istanbul airport for Cappadocia flight
- 08:30 — Flight Istanbul → Nevşehir
- 10:00 — Shuttle transfer to Göreme
- 11:15 — Check-in in Göreme
- 12:30 — Lunch at Seten Anatolian Cuisine
- 14:00 — Visit Göreme Open Air Museum
- 17:00 — Walk to sunset viewpoints above town
- 20:00 — Dinner at Dibek Restaurant
Transport: Domestic flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir, shuttle to Göreme, and local walking.
If you want a trip more focused on Cappadocia, see Cappadocia 3-day itinerary or Cappadocia 4-day itinerary
Day 5: Göreme (major Cappadocia sights and Red Valley sunset)
Classic big Cappadocia sightseeing day with major valleys, fairy chimneys, an underground city, and a scenic sunset finish.
- 08:00 — Pick up rental car in Göreme
- 09:00 — Visit Devrent Valley
- 10:45 — Visit Paşabağ
- 13:00 — Lunch at Zeytin Cafe & Ev Yemekleri
- 14:30 — Visit Kaymaklı Underground City
- 17:00 — Return to Göreme and rest
- 18:30 — Sunset at Red Valley
- 20:30 — Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant
Transport: Rental car between the valleys and the underground city, with short walks at each stop. A car makes this route much easier and faster, but it’s also possible to visit most of these places through organized day tours or local taxis from Göreme if you prefer not to drive.
Day 6: Göreme (Uçhisar, Avanos, and a slower-paced day)
A lighter Cappadocia day with scenic viewpoints, pottery-town atmosphere in Avanos, and extra time to enjoy the region at a slower pace.
- 08:30 — Slow breakfast with valley views
- 10:00 — Drive to Uçhisar viewpoint area
- 12:00 — Continue to Avanos for pottery-town atmosphere
- 13:00 — Lunch in Avanos
- 15:00 — Return to Göreme and free time
- 18:00 — Short golden-hour walk near town
- 20:00 — Final cave-style dinner in Göreme
Transport: Short regional drives by rental car, scenic stops, and a lighter-paced day around Göreme and nearby towns.
Day 7: Antalya (arrival and Kaleiçi introduction)
Travel day from Cappadocia to Antalya with a domestic flight connection, followed by a relaxed first evening around Kaleiçi and the harbor area.
- 07:00 — Breakfast and check-out in Göreme
- 08:00 — Drive to Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport and return rental car
- 10:00 — Flight Nevşehir → Antalya via Istanbul
- 14:30 — Arrival at Antalya Airport and taxi transfer to Kaleiçi
- 15:30 — Check-in at hotel in Antalya old town
- 17:00 — Walk through Kaleiçi streets and marina viewpoints
- 18:30 — Relax at Karaalioğlu Park before sunset
- 20:00 — Dinner in Kaleiçi old town
Transport: Rental car return in Cappadocia, domestic flight via Istanbul, taxi transfer from Antalya Airport, and walking around Kaleiçi.
Day 8: Antalya (museum, coast, and old town atmosphere)
Full day in Antalya with a mix of museum time, old town atmosphere, and a lighter Mediterranean afternoon.
- 09:00 — Breakfast near the old harbor
- 10:00 — Visit Antalya Museum
- 12:30 — Lunch near Konyaaltı side
- 14:30 — Free time for coast or old town strolling
- 17:30 — Return to Kaleiçi for evening atmosphere
- 20:00 — Dinner with Mediterranean views
Transport: Local taxi or tram connections within Antalya and a mostly walkable day around cultural and coastal areas.
Day 9: Aspendos day trip from Antalya
Easy archaeological day trip from Antalya to Aspendos, focused on Roman ruins and a manageable inland excursion before returning to the coast.
- 08:30 — Drive or transfer Antalya → Aspendos
- 10:00 — Visit Aspendos Theater
- 12:00 — Explore the wider Aspendos archaeological area
- 13:30 — Lunch near the site
- 15:30 — Return to Antalya
- 18:00 — Final evening walk in Antalya
- 20:00 — Farewell dinner in Antalya
Transport: Simple round-trip transfer between Antalya and Aspendos, with on-site walking around the ruins.
Day 10: Antalya (departure day)
Leisurely final morning in Antalya with brunch, one last walk through the old town, and airport transfer for departure.
- 09:30 — Brunch in Kaleiçi
- 11:00 — Final walk through old town lanes
- 12:30 — Transfer to Antalya Airport
Transport: Local walking in Antalya and airport transfer for departure.
