This page contains affiliate links, which help keep this blog free at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure.
Turkey was the destination I headed to for my first solo trip, and it blew me away. I loved everything from the cultural and chaotic city of Istanbul to Cappadocia, which I think is one of the most underrated and affordable hiking destinations in the world.
I spent almost two weeks in Cappadocia in autumn, staying in a cave dorm in Göreme, hiking the valleys solo and watching the balloons rise every morning. These guides come from that trip, plus my time exploring Istanbul.
Turkey At A Glance
| Best time to visit | Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) for comfortable hiking weather. I visited Cappadocia in autumn. |
| How long you need | 3 to 4 days in Istanbul, and at least 3 days in Cappadocia, ideally 5. |
| Getting to Cappadocia | Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevşehir. In my experience, Kayseri is usually cheaper, even though it’s slightly further away. |
| Getting around | Night buses are comfortable, with reclining seats. Hiring a car is doable outside Istanbul, but avoid driving in Istanbul itself at all costs. |
| Where to stay | Karaköy in Istanbul, and Göreme in Cappadocia. |
| Currency | Turkish lira. |
| Balloons | Flights take off at sunrise and are sometimes cancelled because of the weather, so don’t leave it to your last morning. |
Plan your Turkey trip:
🎈 Cappadocia hot air balloon ride
🏍️ Sunset ATV tour in Cappadocia
🗺️ Green Tour to Ihlara Valley
Map Of Places To Visit In Turkey
Every place on this page is pinned below. Tap a pin for a quick tip.
Start Here: Cappadocia
Plan your days around sunrise balloons and valley walks.
My Cappadocia itinerary covers how to spend 2 to 5 days. Two days is enough for a balloon flight and the highlights, but I’d recommend five if you can, or at least three. It includes a sunset ATV tour and horse riding, easily two of my favourite experiences from the trip.
My guide to hiking in Cappadocia covers the 7 best routes with maps. I did a couple of hikes solo, and the guide includes my honest take on hiking alone here and how to feel more comfortable doing it.
Istanbul
The big sights, plus the colourful neighbourhood that most first-time visitors miss.
Arriving in Istanbul can be confusing and chaotic, so my 4-day Istanbul itinerary starts with how to get from the airport and around the city, then covers the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Bosphorus. The Grand Bazaar is worth seeing for the hustle and bustle, but I’d save most of your pennies for elsewhere. And even if you think you don’t like baklava, I can guarantee at least one flavour will surprise you.
My Balat guide covers the colourful neighbourhood, with things to do, where to eat and where to stay.
Where To Stay And What To Do In Cappadocia
Cave hotels, ATV tours and the valley everyone photographs.
My guide to the best hotels in Cappadocia covers cave hotels from budget to luxury. I stayed at The Dorm Cave by Travellers in Göreme, which gives you the cave-hotel experience for a fraction of the price. I was mostly in the dorm, then treated myself to a hotel room for two nights.
A sunset ATV tour in Cappadocia was one of my favourite experiences. It’s fairly cheap, and I can’t recommend it enough. Pigeon Valley is an easy walk from Göreme, and it’s also included on the Green and Blue tours.
Cappadocia Hikes
My favourite valley walks, including a canyon trail with rock-cut churches.
The Love Valley hike and the Red Valley hike, which links up with Rose Valley, are the classics, and both start close to Göreme.
Head south for the Ihlara Valley hike, a canyon walk with rock-cut churches and a river running through it. I’d recommend walking at least 3 kilometres so you can stop at one of the restaurants by the water. Try the pomegranate juice and pick up some dried fruit for later.
Cappadocia Without A Balloon Ride
I didn’t fly on my trip, and honestly, I don’t feel I missed out. Watching the balloons from the ground every morning was my favourite part of almost two weeks in Cappadocia, and it costs next to nothing.
It’s a short walk up from the centre of Göreme. I’d arrive around 6.15am, but sunrise changes through the year, so check the night before. While I was there, flights were cancelled on some mornings because of the weather, so if you do want to fly, book it for early in your trip.
My Top Tips For Turkey
Fly Into Kayseri To Save Money
In my experience, flights into Kayseri were cheaper than Nevşehir, even though it’s slightly further from Göreme. Get there as early in the day as you can to make the most of your time.
Don’t Drive In Istanbul
Driving around the rest of Turkey is very doable, and I was surprised how many people I met with hire cars. But I’d avoid driving in Istanbul at all costs, as it’s incredibly chaotic.
Hiking Solo? Wait For Others At The Trailhead
Cappadocia isn’t a well-known hiking destination, and it’s fairly remote. I did a couple of solo hikes and saw other solo hikers, but if you feel uncomfortable, hang around near the start of the trail and wait for others doing the same route.
Stay In Karaköy In Istanbul
Karaköy is a quirky neighbourhood across the Galata Bridge, with great coffee shops, restaurants and an art scene, and it’s cheaper than staying in the old town. I stayed there and highly recommend it as a base.
Turkey Travel FAQs
How many days do you need in Cappadocia?
Two days is enough for a balloon flight and the highlights, but three to five days lets you add the valley hikes, an ATV tour and the Green Tour to Ihlara Valley.
Is it worth going to Cappadocia without a balloon ride?
Yes. Watching the balloons from the ground at sunrise is free, and it was my favourite part of almost two weeks there.
Which airport should I fly into for Cappadocia?
Kayseri or Nevşehir. In my experience, Kayseri is usually cheaper, although it’s slightly further from Göreme.
Where should I stay in Istanbul?
Karaköy is a great base, with good transport links, cool cafés and lower prices than the old town. Sultanahmet is the most convenient for the big sights.
Is Cappadocia safe for solo hiking?
Generally, yes. Some trails are quiet, so tell someone your route, download an offline map and wait for other hikers at the trailhead if you feel uncomfortable.