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 around nearby valleys and the underground city, with short walks at each stop.
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)
Transfer from Cappadocia to Antalya, then time after arrival for a first look at Kaleiçi, the harbor area, and a relaxed evening meal.
- 07:00 — Drive to Nevşehir Airport and return rental car
- 09:00 — Flight Nevşehir → Antalya
- 11:00 — Airport transfer to Kaleiçi area
- 12:00 — Check-in in Antalya
- 13:30 — Lunch in Kaleiçi
- 15:30 — Walk through the old town and marina viewpoints
- 20:00 — Dinner in the old town
Transport: Flight from the Cappadocia region to Antalya, airport transfer, and walking in 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.