With its storied history stunning landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine, Turkey is a captivating destination. However, it’s also a massive country that would take months to explore properly. For many travelers, time is limited to just 5 days or so. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the highlights of Turkey in a short visit!

This 5 day Turkey itinerary packs the best of Istanbul and Cappadocia into an unforgettable whirlwind tour. Follow these tips and you’ll come away with a taste of Turkey’s rich culture, natural beauty, and famous hospitality.

Choosing Where to Go in Turkey for 5 Days

With limited time, you’ll need to narrow your focus. Turkey’s two most popular destinations are the sprawling metropolis of Istanbul and the fantastical cave landscapes of Cappadocia.

Istanbul offers an intoxicating mix of east and west, old and new Wander historic sights like the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, then take a ferry to modern neighborhoods like Kadikoy. Cappadocia looks like something from a fairy tale, with hundreds of hot air balloons floating over rocky spires and valleys each morning

You could easily spend your whole 5 days in Istanbul alone. But a split between the city and Cappadocia gives a nice balance of must-see urban attractions and outdoor adventures. The fast train and flight connections between them make this loop possible.

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul

Fly into Istanbul and check into your hotel. Galata and Sultanahmet districts put you walking distance from major sights. Recharge from jet lag before setting out to explore.

Wander neighborhood streets and squares to soak up local life. For panoramic city views, take the short funicular up to Pierre Loti Hill. Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar or restaurant.

End your first day in Istanbul with a Bosphorus River cruise at dusk. Marvel at the city’s bridges, palaces, and mosques illuminated against the night sky.

Day 2: Istanbul’s Old City & Bazaars

On your second day, dive into Istanbul’s main historic attractions within the walled Old City area. Top sights include:

• Hagia Sophia – This 1500 year old architectural marvel has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now museum. Gaze up at soaring domes and golden mosaics.

• Blue Mosque – Admire the cascading domes and 20,000+ Iznik tiles that give this mosque its azure glow.

• Topkapi Palace – Tour this sprawling palace complex with lavish pavilions and artifacts from the Ottoman Empire.

• Grand Bazaar – Wander through over 60 covered streets and 5000 shops in Istanbul’s giant bazaar. Haggle for carpets, spices, and souvenirs.

Grab lunch at one of the bazaar restaurants for kebabs or other Turkish specialties. Then walk through the Spice Bazaar and across the Galata Bridge back to your hotel for a rest.

Spend your evening across the Golden Horn in the lively Beyoğlu district. Wander the neighborhood’s historic alleyways and pedestrian thoroughfare called Istiklal Street. Have dinner at a meyhane restaurant to try delicious meze small plates washed down with raki or wine.

Day 3: Topkapi, Chora Church & Ferry to Kadikoy

Sleep in after two busy days of sightseeing. Start your third day at Topkapi Palace shortly after it opens to beat crowds. Marvel at relics like the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond.

Next, head just outside the city walls to Chora Church, whose interior is covered in gorgeous Byzantine mosaics and frescos.

Grab a hearty fish sandwich for lunch at the bustling Eminönü port. Then take the commuter ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadiköy on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Kadiköy has a youthful, cosmopolitan vibe. Wander its foodie markets, indie boutiques, and cafes. Stay for dinner at a seaside restaurant as you watch ferries and yachts sailing the Bosphorus.

Day 4: Fly to Cappadocia

Catch an early morning flight to either Kayseri or Nevşehir airport in Central Turkey. Both are an hour or less from Göreme, the main tourist hub of Cappadocia. Arrange a shuttle or hire a taxi to reach your cave hotel.

After checking in, head out to Devrent Valley to wander between the region’s bizarre volcanic stone formations. Walk the trail through Pasabag Valley’s mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.

Climb Uçhisar Castle, the highest peak, for panoramic views over the valley. Have dinner while watching the sunset over the lunar landscape.

Day 5: Hot Air Balloon Ride & Open Air Museum

Set your alarm before dawn on your final day to witness hundreds of hot air balloons rising at sunrise over Cappadocia. Chasing the balloons across the valleys by foot or ATV is an unforgettable experience.

After your balloon ride, spend the late morning exploring Göreme Open Air Museum. Walk through Byzantine-era cave chapels and homes cut directly into the rock spires. See elaborate frescoes at Karanlık Kilise (Dark Church).

Spend your last afternoon shopping and wandering the steep streets of Uçhisar town. Visit small cave wineries to taste local vintages before the evening flight back to Istanbul.

Extending Your Stay in Turkey

If you have more time, it’s easy to expand this 5 day Turkey itinerary by slowing down the pace or adding destinations like:

• Pamukkale – See the white travertine terraces and soak in mineral hot springs.

• Ephesus – Explore one of the world’s best preserved Roman ruins near Selçuk.

• Fethiye/Ölüdeniz – Relax on Mediterranean beaches and go sea kayaking.

• Antalya – Visit spectacular Roman sites like Aspendos arena on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.

But even just 5 days provides a thrilling introduction to Turkey’s history, culture, and scenery. You’ll return home with unforgettable memories and likely a craving to return someday to discover more of this captivating country.