Bosphorus to Balloons: A Tale of Istanbul and Kapadokya
Our journey began with a four-hour flight from the bustling London Heathrow to the vibrant Istanbul International Airport (IST). It’s worth mentioning that Istanbul is home to two airports, but IST tends to be the more accessible and slightly more affordable option for travellers jetting in from major destinations.
Upon landing, we embarked on a one-hour transfer to our home for the next three days – the Aprilis Deluxe. Nestled in the heart of Old Town and south of the Bosphorus, this hotel offered us stunning city views right from our window.
This entire adventure was meticulously planned and organised by yours truly, and it was every bit as rewarding as I had hoped. We spent three action-packed days exploring the rich tapestry of Istanbul. This gave us ample time to marvel at iconic landmarks such as the awe-inspiring Hagia Sofia, the majestic Blue Mosque, and even enjoy a lively dinner cruise on the Bosphorus.
Our adventure didn’t stop there. We then journeyed to the enchanting region of Kapadokya for the next three days. This leg of our trip only heightened our sense of adventure. Kapadokya, with its intricate rock formations and breath-taking sunsets, was a sight to behold. The cherry on top was undoubtedly the most incredible hot air balloon ride, offering us a bird’s eye view of this stunning landscape!
Istanbul in 72 Hours: A Journey Through Time and Taste
Our Istanbul adventure began with an invigorating walk around the hilly Sultanahmet district. Our first stop was the Grace Rooftop bar and restaurant, where we savoured a delectable Turkish kebab and a refreshing local beer, all while basking in the breath-taking sunset views.
The following day was dedicated to exploring the awe-inspiring Hagia Sofia and the majestic Blue Mosque, each a testament to Istanbul’s rich history. Entry to the Blue Mosque is free, but women are required to cover their hair and shoulders. If you don’t have a covering, one will be provided for you. You will also be asked to remove your shoes when entering the mosque. The Hagia Sofia, on the other hand, requires an entry fee. The queues can be long, so it’s advisable to arrive early if you want to explore without the crowds. As is common in many countries, locals may offer guided tours for an extra fee. We politely declined, preferring to explore at our own pace.
After a delightful lunch at a local café, we ventured to the Basilica Cistern. This underground water reserve, dating back to Roman times, was a highlight of our Istanbul journey. The added sculptures lent a creative touch to the historical site. We rounded the day by visiting the Grand Bazaar.
Our final day in Istanbul took us to the northern side of the Bosphorus. We crossed the bridge by tram and ascended to Galata Tower via funicular. The pace here was noticeably slower, with no haggling and a more relaxed atmosphere. We indulged in a sumptuous meal at a local Italian restaurant by the main port of Istanbul, accompanied by some excellent local wine. A leisurely stroll along the river allowed for some picturesque photo opportunities before we returned to our hotel by tram.
Our Istanbul adventure concluded with a vibrant Bosphorus dinner cruise. The local entertainment and flavours, coupled with the stunning night time city views, made for a memorable evening. We had the pleasure of meeting a delightful family from London, who had visited Kapadokya earlier in the week and were wrapping up their trip in Istanbul. We spent the rest of the night dancing and laughing with them, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Travelling has introduced me to some of the most incredible people, and I look forward to the day when we can reunite and embark on a new adventure together.
Balloons Over Fairy Chimneys: An Adventure in Kapadokya
Our next day began with a return to IST airport to catch our midday flight to Nevşehir (Kapadokya), a swift 45-minute journey. A word of advice for the return trip to Istanbul from Nevşehir: pack some snacks. The airport is small with limited amenities, and flights often face delays due to the heavy air traffic in and out of Istanbul. Seating is also limited, so arriving about 90 minutes before your flight gives you ample time to check in your luggage and clear security.
Upon landing, we embarked on a one-hour transfer to the picturesque town of Göreme, a gem in the heart of Kapadokya. Little did I know that the following days would unveil sights beyond my wildest dreams.
Our first evening in Kapadokya was spent at a rooftop restaurant, savouring the local wine. As we stepped out, we were greeted by a surprising snowfall. Despite the chill, which was a stark contrast to Istanbul’s climate, the snow only added to Göreme’s charm. We navigated our way back to our centrally located hotel, the Roc of Cappadocia, a stone’s throw away from Sunset Point.
The next morning, we rose at the crack of dawn for our pre-booked hot air balloon ride. The cold, crisp air was a small price to pay for the breath-taking views of the fairy chimneys of Rose and Red Valley. The serene and peaceful flight lasted an hour, ending with a gentle landing and a toast with local non-alcoholic champagne. We learned that we were among the 160 balloons that took to the skies that day, marking the first flight of the week due to unfavourable weather conditions.
After returning to our hotel and refuelling with breakfast, we spent the day exploring Göreme. We hiked up to Sunset Point and strolled around Love Valley. Our day concluded with a delicious meal at Fat Boys Restaurant, my favourite eatery of the trip, followed by a thrilling Sunset ATV tour. We traversed the valleys, stopping at photogenic spots, and even visited a monastery.
On our final full day in Göreme, we embarked on a hike around Meskendir Valley. The trail led us to the Göreme Open Air Museum, down into the valley, and finally to Rose Valley, which was even more stunning in daylight. After clocking about 10km, we decided to unwind with a few beers at Fat Boys Restaurant.
Our departure day was filled with a whirlwind tour of Kapadokya’s highlights, courtesy of the Kapadokya Green Tour. We started with the Göreme Panorama, followed by a visit to a stone factory, Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and Ihlara Valley. After a picturesque lunch stop, we headed back towards Göreme via the first rock monastery. Our guide, Kenan, was a fountain of knowledge, providing insights into each location we visited.
As we returned to Göreme, it was time to head back to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. We spent the night at the Aprilis Deluxe before catching our flight back to London. We managed to squeeze in some souvenir shopping before our four-hour journey home with British Airways (Avios points for the win!).
Reflecting on our trip a month later, it was an incredible adventure, filled with bucket list experiences! Türkiye is indeed a land waiting to be explored.
Where we stayed:
Aprilis Deluxe (Plus) Hotel, Istanbul
Excursions we booked on:
Hot Air Balloon ride over Fairychimneys
The Bosphorous dinner cruise was booked through our hotel, the Aprilis Deluxe and was a very suitable price that included unlimited alcohol.
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