Turkey 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul

Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café. Try simit (sesame ring bread) and menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs).
  • Visit the Sultanahmet district, home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. Remember to dress appropriately as shoulders and knees should be covered when entering mosques.

Afternoon:

  • Take a ferry ride to Prince’s Islands. Enjoy the scenic Bosphorus view from the ferry. Once there, explore the islands on a bicycle or horse-drawn carriage. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful 19th-century Orthodox Church of Saint George.
  • Spend your evening at Taksim Square, Istanbul’s hub for nightlife. Visit Istiklal Street, filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Things to Know:

  • Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities but carry cash for small purchases or in remote areas.
  • Istanbul’s metro, tram, and ferries make navigating the city easy. A tourist card can provide unlimited travel during your stay.
  • English is spoken in many places in Istanbul, but learning a few basic Turkish phrases will make your experience more authentic.

Day 2: Cappadocia

Morning:

  • Take an early morning flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and have breakfast.
  • Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, home to thousands of square meters of wall paintings ranging from the 10th to the 13th century.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the unique landscape of Cappadocia by joining a hot air balloon ride (optional and weather permitting). It’s one of the best ways to see the fairy chimneys and valleys.
  • Visit Underground City of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, two of the many underground cities built for safety during war times.

Evening:

  • Watch the sunset over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, a beautiful sight that is often captured in postcards.
  • Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a restful night’s sleep.

Things to Know:

  • Book your balloon ride in advance as they fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
  • Cappadocia has a cold winter and hot summers; pack accordingly.
  • A tourist visa is required for most countries to enter Turkey. You can apply online before your trip or upon arrival at the airport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Turkey.

Transportation:

  • Domestic flights are the quickest way to travel between cities like Istanbul and Cappadocia. You can also take a bus, which takes longer but offers a scenic journey.