Turkey Trip

Both the outbound and return flights were red-eye flights, making it a 5-night, 7-day trip.

🇹🇷 Pamukkale (1 night, 2 days)
1 night and 2 days were sufficient for this destination. Staying at a hotel near Pamukkale is recommended. It was convenient to return to the hotel once between the morning and sunset hours.

🇹🇷 Cappadocia (2 nights, 3 days)
Many cave hotels reportedly lack air conditioning, so choosing one with windows is recommended.

The hot air balloon tour went smoothly, but due to wind conditions, the flight time was shortened by about 15 minutes. I opted for a slightly pricier tour with fewer passengers, which I recommend if you want the freedom to take photos. (Choosing a tour with maximum capacity might limit your ability to always have a clear view outside.)

Instead of the Red Tour, we asked a taxi driver to arrange a private tour for us. It was only slightly more expensive than the Red Tour but allowed us to explore at our own pace, which was great! (Especially recommended for those who are not confident in their physical stamina.)

🇹🇷 Istanbul (2 nights, 3 days)
If I could add one more day, I would have extended my stay in Istanbul to 3 full days!

For attractions like Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern, the lines to buy tickets were very long, so I recommend purchasing them online in advance. (You can get tickets slightly cheaper when bundled together!)
*Note: The Basilica Cistern has nighttime light displays, and daytime tickets do not grant access during those hours, so be cautious!

Even if you plan to just skim through the palaces, it takes time to enter and exit, so dedicating a full day from morning is a good idea.

Post by chiop | Sep 17, 2025