🇹🇷 7-Day Turkey Trip on a Budget (~$1,280 USD)

✈️ Trip Overview
• Destinations: Istanbul & Cappadocia
• International flight: Air China (round trip, 7h layover in Beijing)
• Domestic flight: Ajet (Istanbul ⇄ Nevsehir)
• Hotels (2–3⭐):
• Seher Hotel – Old Town Istanbul
• Goreme Valley Cave House – Cappadocia
• Taximist Hotel – Taksim area, Istanbul
• Food: Local, affordable dishes
• No hot-air balloon ride — but found a free spot with an amazing sunrise view!
🗓️ Itinerary Summary

Day 1–2 – Istanbul Arrival
Fly via Beijing (~24h). Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and explore Sultanahmet. Try Turkish kebab for dinner.

Day 3 – Old & Modern Mix
See Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park, Galata Tower, Balat, Grand Bazaar. Coffee at Sarayburnu Café (beautiful sea view).

Day 4 – To Cappadocia
Stop by Ortaköy Square (Bosphorus view), then fly to Nevsehir. Check in Goreme Valley Cave House.

Day 5 – Red Tour Adventure
Visit Uchisar Castle, Monk Valley, Zelve Museum, Love Valley. Stunning rock formations — bring a hat & water!

Day 6 – Sunrise & Balloons (Free!)
Walk to Atay Panorama Hill (free balloon view, 6AM).
Photo stop at Galerie Ikman (15€/10 mins).
Fly back to Istanbul, stay at Taximist Hotel near Taksim Square.

Day 7 – Chill & Fly Home
Stroll Taksim Square, coffee, and last-minute shopping.
Return flight to home (3h layover in Beijing).
💡 Travel Tips
• Istanbul’s air can be smoky — lots of traffic and cigarettes.
• Use Uber for taxis; better price for groups.
• Best exchange rate: Ortaköy Square (~1 USD = 41.9 TL).
• Skip the Grand Bazaar for real shopping — local markets are cheaper.
• Avoid pushy sellers (“Hello! Welcome!” = overcharge).
• Food: tasty and mild; try chicken or beef if you don’t like lamb.
• Hotels: clean and comfy; small bathrooms but strong hot water.
• IST Airport: huge — allow 4 hours before flight.
• Ajet flights: strict on luggage weight.
• Bonus tip: Beijing Duty Free = super cheap!