Hello! Looking for feedback for our eight and 1/4 days trip the first week of June. Arriving Friday afternoon in Istanbul and returning the following Sunday. We are thinking of going ti Cappadocia on Wednesday and fly Sunday back to Istanbul, and continuing to the US.
For context, we had a 10 hour layover in Istanbul and hit the highlights in a rushed 7 hour tour, including the ferry to the Asian side. Obviously a brief glimpse and want to do all of that again at the proper pace, plus much more.
So first, is four “and a quarter” days enough for Istanbul? Or still rushed? Are Three full days in Cappadocia too much?
If Cappadocia is a good idea time wise, would you recommend renting a car?
And finally, are flights reliable to leave Cappadocia Sunday morning. (June 7) to Istanbul and connect there on the same day back to the US, or is it better to go back to Istanbul the night before and sleep near the airport. If returning all on the same day, we are looking at arriving in Istanbul at 12:00 for a 15:00 departure back to the US.
Thank you so much in advance!!
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Salem, Oregon, USA
3879 posts
So first, is four “and a quarter” days enough for Istanbul? Or still
rushed? Are Three full days in Cappadocia too much?
It really depends on your interests. I could fill a week or more in both places.
If Cappadocia is a good idea time wise, would you recommend renting a
car?
I was on a tour, but I can imagine it might be a challenge to get around without a car as things are spread out. You could hire a private driver. If you intend to take a balloon ride, schedule it for your very first morning there, as if the conditions are not good for flying you will have a few more chances the following days. Most companies will allow you to do this but read the fine print.
And finally, are flights reliable to leave Cappadocia Sunday morning.
(June 7) to Istanbul and connect there on the same day back to the US,
or is it better to go back to Istanbul the night before and sleep near
the airport. If returning all on the same day, we are looking at
arriving in Istanbul at 12:00 for a 15:00 departure back to the US.
I am risk averse so I would not fly the same day I need to catch a flight. If something goes wrong in Cappadocia or your flight is delayed/canceled, if you miss your US flight it's all on you. Take a mid- to late-afternoon flight the day prior to departure and give yourself the best chance of catching your return flight.