Travel guides › Guide · Turkey
Coffee by the Bosphorus in the morning. A few days later you're floating at sunrise among dozens of balloons. And you end with a week by crystal-clear water. Few countries give you so many different worlds in a single trip.
The route in three parts
1. Istanbul, 3–4 nights
Two continents, one city. Visit the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque early in the day, before the crowds. Take a boat along the Bosphorus, lose yourself in the bazaars and have dinner overlooking the water. My tip: stay on the water or in the old city. You'll walk more and sit in traffic less.
2. Cappadocia, 2–3 nights
From Istanbul it's about an hour and twenty minutes by plane to the heart of Turkey. You sleep in a cave room carved into the rock, and rise before dawn for the moment everyone comes for: dozens of balloons over the valleys. By day you walk among the rock formations or explore an underground city. My tip: choose a room with a terrace. That way you'll see the balloons even if you don't fly yourself.
3. Bodrum, 5–7 nights
From Cappadocia you usually fly to Bodrum with a connection in Istanbul. Waiting for you is the Aegean coast: white houses on the hills, quiet bays and a day on a wooden sailing boat to places you can only reach by water. You end the trip in calm, and come home relaxed.
Why this order works
First the energy of the city, then the adventure, and finally rest. The other way round, the trip feels like a sprint to the finish. You fly home from Bodrum, direct or with a connection, depending on the season.
When to go
- Late May, June, September and early October: the best combination of city, interior and beach.
- July and August: wonderful by the sea, but hot and busy in Istanbul and Cappadocia.
- Winter: Istanbul and a snow-covered Cappadocia are atmospheric, but it's not beach weather. Make it a week of city and interior instead.
Just Istanbul? A city break of three or four nights
On its own, Istanbul is one of the finest city breaks in Europe. Three or four nights is enough for the highlights, the Bosphorus and a few great restaurants. At its best in spring and autumn. Want to make more of it? Adding two nights in Cappadocia turns a weekend into a trip you'll never forget.
What I look out for
- Where you stay in Istanbul. The city is huge and the traffic heavy. The right neighbourhood saves you hours.
- A cave room with a view. In Cappadocia, the room is half the experience.
- The right bay. The Bodrum peninsula has lively spots and very quiet bays. I choose what suits you.
- A logical route. Flights and transfers that connect, so you don't lose half days.
Planning a honeymoon, or something to celebrate, like an anniversary or milestone? This route is perfect for it. Tell me your dates and wishes, and I'll suggest a route.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a trip to Istanbul, Cappadocia and Bodrum?
Late May, June, September and early October. It's warm enough for the beach in Bodrum, while Istanbul and Cappadocia aren't yet too hot or too busy.
How many nights do you need?
Ten to fourteen nights is ideal: three or four in Istanbul, two or three in Cappadocia and five to seven on the coast. Less time? Skip the coast and combine Istanbul with Cappadocia in a week.
How do you get from Istanbul to Cappadocia?
The fastest way is to fly: about an hour and twenty minutes to Nevşehir or Kayseri. From Nevşehir you reach Göreme in about 45 minutes; from Kayseri the transfer takes longer.
Do balloon flights in Cappadocia always go ahead?
No. The balloons only fly when wind and weather allow. From April to November your chances are best; in winter and early spring flights are cancelled more often. That's why I plan at least two mornings in Cappadocia.