Morning/Afternoon: Get to your accommodation after landing at Istanbul Airport (IST). For convenient walking access to the main attractions, I advise lodging in Sultanahmet (Old City).
Evening: Take a stroll across Sultanahmet Square between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia at sunset to get a feel for the atmosphere. By the Galata Bridge, get a “Balık Ekmek” (fish sandwich).
Morning: To avoid the biggest crowds, visit the Hagia Sophia early (try to arrive before 9:00 AM). The Blue Mosque is right next door.
Explore the Topkapi Palace and its Harem in the afternoon. After that, descend down to the stunning yet creepy Basilica Cistern.
In the evening, explore the Grand Bazaar and get lost. The architecture is a masterpiece of the 15th century, even if you are not purchasing.
In the morning, take a 1.5–2 hour Bosphorus Cruise to explore the city from the water, passing Ottoman houses and Rumeli Fortress.
Afternoon: Enjoy some Turkish delight at the Spice Market before catching an evening flight to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV).
Spend the night at a cave hotel in Ürgüp or Göreme.
Sunrise: The “Must-Do” is a hot air balloon ride. Although it costs a lot, the sunrise view of the valley is breathtaking.
Daytime: Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley) and the Göreme Open Air Museum (rock-cut chapels) to witness the most recognizable “fairy chimneys.”
Evening: Take in the sunset from the highest point in the area, Uchisar Castle.
In the morning, descend into the Underground City of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli. Thousands of people used to hide from invaders in these multi-level buildings.
In the afternoon, take a hike in the Rose Valley or Pigeon Valley.
Fly from Cappadocia to Izmir in the evening (ADB). To prepare for Ephesus, transfer to Selçuk or Kuşadası (about an hour’s drive).
Morning: Visit the Ephesus Archaeological Site for three to four hours. The Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus are highlights.
Afternoon: See the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the House of the Virgin Mary, which is situated on a nearby mountain.
Spend the night in Kuşadası or Selçuk.
Drive from Selçuk to Pamukkale in the morning (approximately 2.5–3 hours). On the white calcium travertines, or terraces, go barefoot.
In the afternoon, visit the ruins of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, which are situated directly above the terraces. at the midst of fallen Roman columns, you can swim at Cleopatra’s Antique Pool.
Evening: Take a late-night flight back to Istanbul for your international connection by driving to Denizli Airport (DNZ).
