Cappadocia and Istanbul

I’ve been to 30 countries in 2024 and Cappadocia was one of the most memorable places Fly to Istanbul and then straight onto Cappadocia – we went to Istanbul for a few days first and I don’t recommend this due to expensive taxis to and from the airport and horrendous traffic meaning we missed our flight. Visit Istanbul at the end of the trip

Check in to the incredible but reasonable Grand Cappadocia hotel (they have rooms for 3 people, a gorgeous swimming pool, two terraces for sunrise balloon viewing & an insane breakfast buffet)

Take an ATV Tour in the late afternoon if your flight allows and take in the beautiful scenery as the sun sets over Cappadocia

Try Dibek for dinner for traditional Turkish food

An early morning pick up for your hot air balloon flight – book this for your first morning in case it is postponed due to weather. Also recommend booking ahead of time, we used voyager balloons and they were amazing

Head back to the hotel for a delicious buffet breakfast before being picked up for the red tour. You’ll visit the sights of the north including Goreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley, Pasabag, Uchisar Castle, and Devrent Valley

Try a rooftop restaurant for dinner, in shoulder season some provide blankets and hot water bottles

Keep the morning free in case your hot air balloon ride is moved. If your balloon ride goes ahead on day 1 then you can enjoy the most beautiful sunrise views from the hotel terrace

Enjoy breakfast before venturing on the blue tour to see Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley and the underground City

Try the traditional Testi claypot kebab for dinner, we tried Kebapzade and it was delicious

Start the day with a morning walk to Asiklar Tepesi (approx 15 mins from the hotel) to see Goerme’s caves lit up before sunrise. Be mesmerised by the rising balloons one final time. If you have time, check out the beautiful souvenir shops before you leave for the airport

Fly to Istanbul and check in to Doubletree old town Drop your bags, book tickets to Hagia Sophia and the museum, head to the museum which guides you through the history with interactive displays then cross over to the mosque before closing when the queues are much quieter

Later enjoy dinner overlooking the Blue Mosque at Ararat restaurant’s rooftop, watch the minarets light up as the sun sets

Start your day on the tram to the Blue Mosque, arrive just before opening to beat the crowds. Try breakfast from the food carts around Sultanahmet square before wandering to Topkapi Palace

Try a traditional lunch at the Must Turkish Restaurant before continuing to Basilica Cistern

Head back to the hotel and get ready for a sunset dinner Bosphorus cruise passing by the famous sights

Take a trip to beautiful Balat today, start with rooftop coffee at the secret cafe in popstel book store Wander the cobble streets and take in the vibrant coloured buildings

Enjoy lunch on one of the colourful streets before heading to the Grand Bazaar to take in all the sights and smells

Spend the evening around Galata tower, and try dinner at Firuzende Galata followed by the viral Viyana kahvesi cheesecake - it's worth the hype!

It's time to head home from the most magical trip :( Pick up some turkish delight and trinkets before heading to the airport