Day 1 - Istanbul
Accomodation: Nowy Efendi hotel (Recommended accommodation with friendly staff, well kept rooms and rooftop breakfast area. Walking distance to Sultan Ahmet square which has most of the tourist locations. Rating - 9/10)
My first spot in Istanbul was the Dolmabahnce Palace. The palace was the most recent residence for the Ottoman Sultans and holds a collection of antiquities. It is a huge palace along the Bosphorus river and has around 250 plus rooms. It would take you easily 2-3 hours to explore it with an audio guide. The architecture of the palace from the outside is something to marvel at and the interiors are filled with grand chandeliers, royal furniture, family trees depicting the ancestry of the Ottoman Sultans and portraits of several of them. Right next to the palace is the Bezmi alem Mosque.
Lunch at Bella Mira restuarant behind Blue Mosque and later hopping onto one of the Bosphorus cruises. It a nice way to relax after lunch and to get a sneak peek to both the European and Asian side of Istanbul. The guides on the cruise point out the most famous buildings on either side of the Bosphorus like the Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden´s Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses and Ottoman Residences and one can easily appreciate the distinction between the European and Asian shores. To catch the best view of Istanbul, one can drive up to the Pierre Loti Hill to view the Golden Horn formation of the Bosphorus.
Day 2 - Sultan Ahmet square
First stop of the day was the Roman Hippodrome which was the sporting arena for horse and chariot races in the Byzantine era. Next stop was the famous Blue Mosque. The main dome is currently being restored, however, one can still see the beautiful blue tiles of the side domes and walls. Recommended time to visit in the would be before the evening prayers as most tourist groups are visiting during the daytime and it is heavily crowded. Right opposite to the Blue Mosque is the Hagia Sophia. This is a unique tourist attraction which carries years of history from being a church then converted to a mosque and finally now being used as a museum. A short walk from Hagia Sophie, one can visit one of the ancient cisterns and of course the Grand Bazaar. After the lunch, walk over to the Sultan Tombs right behind Hagia Sophie. And the final stop at the Topkapi palace. It is a vast palace with four huge courtyards and one can easily spend 3-4 hours walking around. The most interesting parts are audience chamber, arms collection, museum of Islamic artefacts and the panoramic view of the marmara sea. Took an overnight bus with Nevsehir company to Cappadocia. Comfortable seats and smooth ride. Complimentary tea/coffee I think was Turkish hospitality.
Day 3 - Cappadocia
Accomodation: Cappadocia palace hotel ( Rooms with a cave feeling. Good location close to shopping and dining area. Rating 7/10)
Cappadocia means the valley of horses. Drive up to the Devrent valley to enjoy the imagination valley where you can enjoy rock formations in various shapes like animals, monks and birds. One truly needs some imagination to identify these shapes but some of them are quite interesting. Close up is Pasabagi which is the area of fairy chimneys. The landscape is amazing and something I have not seen before. After lunch, drive to the Goreme open air museum which is UNESCO world heritage site of rock cut churches and the Uchisar castle, which is the highest point of this region for a panoramic view of Cappadocia. Dinner at Cappadocia restaurant (best veg food in Cappadocia)
Day 4 - Cappadocia
Opt for an sunrise hot air balloon ride. Price 150 euro per head but totally worth it. Prebooking is recommended.Visit to the Kaymakli Underground City to marvel at the tunnel city. There are as many as 38 underground cities in this region, however, Kaymakli is the the largest one excavated and the most frequently visited one. These cities were inhabited by refugees up until the 20th century and the rooms give a sense of their lifestyle and culture. Buffet lunch at han restaurant Cappadocia.
Day 5 - Pammukkale
Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and the picturesque white water terraces or travertines. The water is said to have healing chemical properties and there is a legend that Cleopatra bathed in the pool here to delay aging. Well whatever be the story, the beauty of the place is unmatched. Pammukkale also offers a possibility for hot air balloon rides incase you did not manage to find a spot in Cappadocia. Drive to kusadasi for stay
Accomodation: Hotel ilayda (Good rooms, close to main shopping street and sea side. Rooftop breakfast area with great seaside view. Rating 9/10)
Day 6 - Ephesus
Visit the Virgin Mary's house and the ancient city of Ephesus. This city is well maintained and constantly restored and it is definitely one of the well kept highlights of Turkey. It is a half day visit and truly enjoyable dive into history. Another site that is very popular is the Temple of Artemis, which was a total disappointment as there was nothing to see except a single pillar. So skip it and you are not missing anything. Worth a visit is the Isa Bey Mosque which is a mosque from the 14th century and has impressive architecture. Spend the remaining day enjoying the sea side of Kusadasi and you would definitely be relaxed.
Turkish people are very welcoming and the food and culture of this country is something I will cherish. I hope to visit this beautiful country again and explore the East and South someday.