Itinerary
DAY 1: HELLO, ISTANBUL!
You will depart the UK for the trip of a lifetime! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide. If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
On arrival in Istanbul you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the details before your trip.
There will be an early evening welcome meeting.
DAY 2: GUIDED TOUR OF ISTANBUL
Your local guide will meet you at reception and take you on a leisurely guided walk to discover some of Istanbul’s most fascinating sites. We will visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque and learn more about its one-of-a-kind architecture, with its six minarets and 20,000 dazzling handmade Iznik tiles. Next, head to the ancient Hippodrome, with its intriguing monuments, like the Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar, and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Then continue with the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, once the largest temple of Christianity. Finish your morning tour with a visit to the mystical Underground Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı in Turkish or Basilica Cistern), once one of the largest water storage units in the city with over 300 columns.
DAY 3: FLY TO CAPPADOCIA
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a tour of the area. You will visit the Zelve Valley, now known as the Zelve Open Air Museum, one of the earliest-settled and last-abandoned monastic valleys in Cappadocia. Then head to Devrent Valley, better known as Imagination Valley, home to fascinating fairy chimney formations. Continue your explorations at the Red River of Cappadocia – famous for its clay (still used to make magnificent pieces of art) – and meet a local potter to learn about this ancient craft and perhaps take the opportunity to purchase a hand-crafted souvenir.
In the afternoon, you’ll check into your hotel in Goreme and then enjoy some free time to discover the local area.
DAY 4: UP, UP, UP AND AWAY!
You’ll be picked up early for your hot air balloon flight, where you’ll witness the sun rising over the majestic topography from a new perspective. For many, it’s the trip highlight, but it’s not all you’ll do today. After breakfast back at the hotel you’ll be picked up for a tour of all the untouched, must-see sites in Cappadocia (Mustafapasa Village, Goreme Open Air Museum and the Aydinli Caves will wow you beyond belief).
Later in the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore further or you can add on an optional tour.
Optional Tours
Afternoon: ATV tour of Red Rose Valley and Love Valley.
DAY 5: AN UNDERGROUND CITY, A CANYON AND PIGEON VALLEY
Today you’ll visit Ihlara Valley Canyon formed by the Melendiz River thousands of years ago. Next you will visit Kaymakli, Cappadocia’s wildest underground city (one of 36 in the region, parts of which are still used for storage by locals today!)
Next up visit a carpet weaving co-operative that empowers women by giving them the tools to produce one-of-a-kind traditional rugs. Hear local insight into the history of traditional carpet weaving and see how the intricate pieces are made. Later in the afternoon you’ll stop for amazing views over Pigeon Valley and discover the incredible story behind the mysterious pigeon houses. There’ll be time for shopping back in Goreme in the early evening before an exciting Turkish dance night with dinner!
DAY 6: GOODBYE CAPPADOCIA, WE LOVED YOU!
Goodbye Cappadocia; you will transfer to the airport in the morning and fly back to Istanbul. The day is yours to spend as you want, exploring some more of Istanbul.
If you jump on a ferry in just 20 minutes you’ll arrive at the side of Turkey that lies in Asia, and the vibrant neighbourhood of Kadikoy where you’ll taste the delicious street foods of Turkey. Hit the Sarkuteri (delicatessen) to sample olives, pastirma (seasoned cured beef), and a variety of delicious pickles.
DAY 7: FREE DAY IN ISTANBUL
Use this day to visit any of the beautiful sites you haven’t yet seen. Grab the souvenirs you spotted in the bazaar at the start of the trip, take it easy in a bar or visit the spice market so you can recreate delicious dishes once you’re home. In the evening there’ll be an optional group meal at one of our favourite restaurants.
Optional Tours
Morning: Fener & Balat Neighbourhoods Walking Tour
Afternoon: Spice Market & Public Bosphorus Cruise
DAY 8: TIME TO GO 🙁
This marks the end of our Turkish adventure.
Food & Accommodation
-
Day 1 Istanbul HotelBreakfast
Lunch Dinner -
Day 2 Istanbul HotelBreakfast
Lunch Dinner -
Day 3 Cave Hotel CappadociaBreakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Day 4 Cave Hotel CappadociaBreakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Day 5 Cave Hotel CappadociaBreakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Day 6 Istanbul HotelBreakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Day 7 Istanbul HotelBreakfast Lunch Dinner
-
Day 8 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like in Turkey?
Turkish food is one of the great highlights of travelling through Turkey, blending Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Central Asian flavours into dishes that are both comforting and packed with flavour.
You can expect plenty of freshly grilled meats, vibrant meze platters, warm flatbreads and colourful salads, alongside rich stews and slow-cooked dishes. Meals are often shared, relaxed and social — perfect after a full day of exploring.
In Istanbul, the food scene is buzzing. From street food classics like simit, köfte and dürüm wraps, to traditional restaurants serving kebabs, seafood and regional specialities, there’s something for everyone. Don’t skip dessert either — baklava, lokum (Turkish delight) and strong Turkish coffee are staples.
In Cappadocia, you’ll enjoy hearty Anatolian dishes made with local ingredients. Highlights include testi kebab (slow-cooked meat sealed in a clay pot), fresh vegetables, homemade soups and breads, and generous breakfasts to set you up for early starts and full days.
Vegetarian options are widely available throughout Turkey, and meals are generally well-balanced, filling and full of flavour — one of the many reasons travellers fall in love with the country.
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is Our Discover Cappadocia?
This trip is rated Challenge Level 1, making it one of our easiest adventures and ideal for anyone looking to explore Turkey without any physical demands.
Activities are relaxed and accessible, with no trekking, altitude challenges or strenuous days involved. Walking is mostly gentle and at a comfortable pace, typically through cities, towns and historic sites, with plenty of time to rest, explore and enjoy the surroundings.
Most days involve sightseeing, guided tours and cultural experiences, with transport arranged between locations. Any early starts — such as for the optional hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia — are balanced with lighter days and downtime.
This trip is well suited to first-time adventure travellers, solo travellers, and anyone who wants an immersive cultural experience without the need for high fitness levels or specialist preparation.
What's Included?
What’s Included on Discover Cappadocia
Your Cappadocia adventure includes everything you need for a smooth, cultural and unforgettable experience in Turkey. Here’s exactly what’s covered:
- All accommodation throughout the trip, including hotels in Istanbul and Cappadocia
- All transport within Turkey as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
- Experienced local English-speaking guides for included tours and excursions
- All included activities and sightseeing listed in the itinerary
- Guided tours of Istanbul’s key highlights and Cappadocia’s unique landscapes
- Entrance fees for included attractions and historical sites
- Daily breakfasts and selected additional meals as outlined in the itinerary
- A fully planned itinerary, designed to balance sightseeing, cultural experiences and free time
- Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ departures
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on Discover Cappadocia
International flights
Flights to and from Turkey are not included in the base trip cost. These can be added on Bucket Lister Plus trips if you’d like us to arrange everything for you.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfers
These are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Travel insurance is compulsory and must cover overseas travel and any activities included in the itinerary. You’ll need to provide your policy details before departure.
Meals not listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Visas
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Personal expenses
Please budget for personal spending such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, optional activities and any additional items you wish to purchase.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
Will it be cold in the hot air balloon?
It can get a little cold up in the balloon, so we suggest you wear long trousers, and a top with long sleeves. Comfortable footwear is a must as you will be standing up in the balloon for at least an hour. If you are blessed with height a hat will protect against the radiant heat from the burners.
How do the monthly payments work?
If you choose to pay for your trip monthly your payment plan will start the month after your booking is made, and will end a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. After deposit, the outstanding balance will be divided by the number of months available and we’ll charge this amount each month to the card of your choice. If you have a preferred date of the month for payments to be taken just let us know. If at a later date you wish to add an extra experience to your trip we can modifiy your payment plan to accommodate this.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
I see there are add-on activities available for this trip. What's the latest I can decide to add these?
If you want to add any extras, such as the ATV tour, you must let us know at least 30 days before the trip departure date. However, in order to guarantee availability, the more notice you cna give us the bettter!
