Turkey as a travel destination popped up into my consciousness in 2018 when a good friend from Virginia spent three weeks touring the beautiful country and sharing the ins and outs on her instagram account. I was floored by the food, architecture, history, and what appeared to be a really warm and wonderful culture.
I was thrilled when a chance to host a women’s travel group to Istanbul and Cappadocia Turkey came my way in early 2024, and I jumped at the chance. This trip was hosted in combination with Trova Trip, and I led a group with 14 incredible women along with our professional local guide. Here’s an outline of the itinerary we used for the trip, including links where applicable. For a full description of the trip, listen to Episode 299 and Episode 300 of Practically Happy Podcast where I share the details.
Day 1: Travel Day
We arrived in Istanbul and checked in at the Haze Karakoy near the center of the city and just blocks from the Bosphorus.
Walk to dinner at Mahkeme Lokantasi
Day 2: History and Architecture
Incredible rooftop breakfast at the hotel.
Tram to Sultanhamet area of town
Tour of Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque
Lunch at Sofia Garden Cafe
Free time to explore
Bosphorus River Cruise at sunset
Dinner on our own– my group decided to eat back at the rooftop of the Haze hotel.
Day 3: Shopping & Relaxing
Breakfast at the rooftop hotel
Bus to Balat Neighborhood to take photos
Tram downtown to the Grand Bazaar to shop (found a great rug at Botteh)
Ottoman Cooking class at Michelin rated Deraliye Restaurant
Traditional Hammam at Cagalogluhamami
Free time for dinner: my group wandered Karakoy and ate wraps and ice cream on the street
Day 4: Travel to Cappadocia
Breakfast on the shuttle to the airport
Fly to Cappadocia
Travel to the Minia Cave Hotel
Lunch and overlook at the Lavanta Panorama Cafe
Wine tasting at Turasan Winery
Free time and dinner in Ortahisar at Sekerin Kebap
Day 5: Hot Air Balloon and Fairy Chimneys
Early morning Hot Air Balloon ride with Kapadokya Balloons
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit and tour Desen Hali Women’s weaving co-op
Ceramics demonstration and tour at Avanos Pottery
Dinner at Park Cafe
Day 6: Underground city
Breakfast at hotel
Bus to Ozkonak Underground City tour
Lunch at Big Chefs Cafe
Climb to the top of the Orthahisar Castle
Free time
Dinner at Janus Cappadocia
Day 7: Return to Istanbul
Breakfast at hotel
Fly back to Istanbul
Visit Egyptian Spice Bazaar
Return to Grand Bazaar
Pack and prepare to head home
Farewell dinner at Murver Restaurant
