Türkiye Travel Guide Series—3. Istanbul

One day you will come to Istanbul, stand on the Bosphorus Strait, feel the wind intertwined from the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and experience the rolling wheels of history. 🚗 Transportation Guide 1️⃣ Airplane: Istanbul ✈️→ Nevsehir/Kayseri Airport (1.5h), then take a taxi to Goreme Town (1h) 2️⃣ Overnight Bus: Antalya/Fethiye → Goreme (10h+, suitable for backpackers) 🎈 Hot Air Balloon Experience 🔥 Must-See Tips: ✔️ Book 3 days in advance! Recommend Royal/Butterfly companies, safe and reliable! ✔️ Take off at 5am, wear a thick coat + sports shoes, it's freezing in the air! ✔️ Cost: EUR 200–300/person (including breakfast + certificate), little room for bargaining, don't get ripped off! 📸 Photo Spots: 👉 Overlooking the lunar landscape from the hot air balloon 👉 Goreme hotel terrace (hundreds of balloons taking off at sunrise is super shocking!) 🏨 Cave Hotel Recommendations 💫 Best Value for Money: ➊ Sultan Cave Suites: Stunning terrace view, famous rooftop breakfast (book in advance!) ➋ Museum Hotel: Luxurious cave style, infinity pool + antique decorations 💰 Budget: CNY 500–2,000/night, 50% off in low season! 📸 Must-See Attractions 1️⃣ Goreme Open Air Museum: Thousand-year-old cave churches + mysterious murals 2️⃣ Pigeon Valley: Hike through the canyon and encounter the "blue-eyed tree" 3️⃣ Underground City: Dive into an 8-story maze and experience the wisdom of the ancients 4️⃣ Fairy Chimneys: Shoot sci-fi blockbusters in an alien landscape! 🍴 Food Recommendations 🔥 Testi Kebabı: Pottery kebab ceremony is full of ritual! 🍷 Pair it with a glass of Cappadocia red wine, the Türkiye version of "grape wine luminous cup"~ 🍳 Must-try breakfast: Honey cheese + freshly baked bread + Türkiye black tea 💡 Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ⚠️ Hot air balloons may be canceled due to weather, allow for 2+ days! ⚠️ Don't trust cheap roadside tours, choose a reputable company and buy insurance! ⚠️ Bring cash! There are few ATMs in town, and many shops don't accept euros 🚶♀️ 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary Reference Day 1: Istanbul → Cappadocia → Check in to a cave hotel → Sunset ATV wind chasing Day 2: Hot air balloon → Open Air Museum → Uchisar Castle sunset Day 3: Underground City → Pigeon Valley hike → Return trip