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Spent 3 days in Cappadocia and 2 days in Istanbul during the 1st week of July. Flew in by turkish air from bangkok and after 90 mins layover took the connceting flight to Neveshir. CAPPAADOCIAtayed at the Adynli cave hotel.They arranged for transfer and all other activities including a guide for 2 days. On day 1 visited pasabag monks valley,devrent valley. The chimneys and the rock formations were amazing. Went to the Avanos pottery store and the coop. carpet store for some shopping.In the evening visited Uchisar castle and then had an early dinner of the clay pot preparation.
On day 2 we took the hot air balloon ride with Butterfly. It was an amazing experience especially when we flew over Goreme open air musuem.
Back to the hotel and after some rest went to the Derinkuyu underground city.Interesting place and everyone enjoyed it.Then we went to ilhara valley for a hike. it was a hot in the afternoon.In the evening visited Selime monastery.Evening dinner was at Top Deck restaurant booked in advance.
Guide was very helpful as they knew all the specific spots from where we could get to see the different valleys and formations.
On the last day we walked over to Goreme open air musuem and the market in Goreme.
In the evening took the flight to istanbul
ISTANBUL:We stayed at the White house hotel in Sultanhmet.They arranged for airport transfer.
On the 1st day we went to topkapi palace and purchased the museum card.All the tourist sites are 5-10 mins walking distance from the hotel. There were large groups very early making some of the sections very crowded.The Harem was interesting.After spending 2 hours visited Hagia Sophia and then on the blue mosque.After lunch went to the National Archaeological museum and then on the Bascilla Cistern.In the evening visited Grand Baazar. Tiring day but got to see the highlights.
Next day we wanted to explore the other areas. Took the ferry from Eminonou to Uskundar to see the Asian side. The ferry ride offers great views of the city. Then on to taksim Square and Gezi park. We did not encounter any problems but there was significant police presence and a handful of protesters.Walked to Ishtiklal street for some shopping and then on to Galata Towers.In the evening took the tram to Sultanhmet and then dinner at Sultanhmet Fish house.

HappyTrvlr

Very helpful.

JoyC

Thanks for the concise and timely report. We'll also have 3 days in Cappadocia, so it was interesting to read what we can do on those 3 days.

geetika

Thanks, am bookmarking your report.

MarnieWDC

I found it helpful, too. Especially the time you spent-and described-in Cappadocia.

Thanks for posting.

MariaAlbu11

read this about Cappadocia, it is very interesting http://secondglobe.com/item/cave-dwe...adocia-turkey/