Luxury Escapes: A Journey Through Istanbul and Cappadocia with The Private Traveller
Join me on an exciting journey through Turkey, featuring a mix of luxury stays in both Istanbul and Cappadocia. This itinerary covers everything from seamless travel tips, the best routes to fly from the UK, and how to navigate between Istanbul and Cappadocia. You’ll also find my top recommendations for where to stay, including world-class properties like Hagia Sofia Mansions, Museum Hotel Cappadocia, and Six Senses Kocatas Mansions.
Hot air balloons drift gracefully over the breathtaking landscape of Cappadocia, offering a magical experience amidst its iconic rock formations and valleys.
From exploring Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district to experiencing the tranquil waterfront views along the Bosphorus, and the iconic hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia, this trip offers a blend of culture, luxury, and unforgettable moments.
Ready to start planning your next opulent escape? Read on for detailed insights and tips, and don’t forget to check out my social channels and YouTube videos for an immersive look at each hotel stay.
The hotels featuring in the post are:
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Six Senses Kocatas Mansions Istanbul
Explore my comprehensive travel itinerary for this trip, featuring essential tips on:
The best flights from the UK to Turkey.
Our journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia within Turkey.
My top hotel recommendations for both Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Things to do in both Istanbul & Cappdocia.
Flying to Istanbul Turkey with British Airways
We chose to fly with British Airways in Club Europe, with direct flights from London Heathrow Terminal 5 to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). With it being an early flight from Heathrow, as we often do, we chose to fly down the night before from Edinburgh to stay overnight at the Sofitel London Heathrow. This is so convenient having this standard of hotel directly connected to Terminal 5 Heathrow by a covered walkway.
Before embarking on our journey to Turkey, we opted for an overnight stay at the Sofitel London Heathrow, ensuring a seamless start to our trip. Located just steps away from Terminal 5, the Sofitel combines the convenience of an airport hotel with the elegance of a luxury retreat. After a day of travel, we indulged in a relaxing visit to the hotel’s award-winning spa, where a range of treatments helped us unwind and rejuvenate. The spacious rooms, refined dining options, and tranquil spa provided the perfect respite before our flight. With direct access to the terminal, it allowed us to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the next leg of our adventure to Istanbul.
Best places to stay in Istanbul
With our international flights to/from Turkey being to Istanbul, we’re staying there both at the start and end of the trip. First off we stay in the Sultanahmet historic district, before changing to the more serene Sariyer district, further down the Bosphorus, at Six Senses Kocatas Mansions.
This stunning view of the Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, is captured from Hagia Sofia Mansions. Located in the heart of the Sultanahmet district, this luxurious property offers guests a perfect blend of historical charm and modern comfort. Credit: @hagiasofiamansionsistanbul
Sultanahmet is renowned for its historic landmarks, including the stunning Ottoman-era Blue Mosque, famous for its iconic minarets, and the mosaic-adorned Hagia Sophia. Just steps away, Sultanahmet Square offers tranquil gardens, fountains, and key historical sites like the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius and the ancient 4th-century Stone of Million. This vibrant district also boasts an array of boutique shops, luxury hotels, and authentic eateries, making it a must-visit destination in Istanbul.
Six Senses Kocatas Mansions is nestled in the serene Sariyer district along the Bosphorus Strait, one of Istanbul’s most picturesque and prestigious areas. This tranquil waterfront setting is surrounded by lush greenery and offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, far from the bustle of the city centre. The area is known for its grand Ottoman mansions, vibrant local culture, and close proximity to charming seaside villages like Yeniköy, renowned for their traditional cafés, seafood restaurants, and local boutiques. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, it’s a short drive from the city’s key historical sites, combining luxury and history in a peaceful retreat.
Why Book with The Private Traveller in conjunction with Fora Travel
If you book to stay at either Hagia Sofia Mansions or Six Senses Kocatas Mansions with myself (in conjunction with FORA Travel) as well as getting your perfect stay crafted as part of an overall itinerary, you could benefit from a range of additional stay perks by utilising some of the available FORA booking programs.
Typical perks for hotels booked in this way could include a combination of:
Daily complimentary breakfast
VIP Welcome
$100 USD credit to be spent on property (conditions defined at check-in)
Early check-in & late check-out (upon availability)
Upgrade at time of check-in (upon availability)
Discounts on spa treatments or activities
Hagia Sofia Mansions is situated in the historic heart of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district, offering a comfortable and well-located base for exploring the city’s rich cultural landmarks. With the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque just a short walk away, the property places you within easy reach of Istanbul’s most iconic sights. This will be the first time I’ve stayed in a Curio Collection hotel by Hilton. I wanted somewhere in the Sultanahmet area, knowing then when we come back to Istanbul after Cappadocia, we’ll be staying in a very different district. It’s an interesting concept where this is a combination of 17 historic mansions.
Fast Facts for Hagia Sofia Mansions, Istanbul
Address - Kabasakal Cd No5 Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, 34122, Türkiye
Website - https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/isthsqq-hagia-sofia-mansions-istanbul/
Group website - https://www.hilton.com/en/brands/curio-collection/
TripAdvisor ranking - #98 of 2,238 hotels in Istanbul
Contact - Hilton Centrally
Instagram - @hagiasofiamansionsistanbul
Nearest airport - Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) - 55 km or 34 miles (about a 45 min drive, traffic dependent); Istanbul International Airport (IST) - 63 km or 40 miles (about a 45 min drive, traffic dependent)
Opened - 1984
Number of rooms / suites - 78 guest rooms and suites
Number of floors - TBC
Bars - TBC
Restaurants - 1 (Sofia Garden Cafe)
Wellbeing - Historic Spa, treatments, sauna, steam, indoor pool, relaxation lounge
Visiting - October 2024
Staying in Istanbul: Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
We’ve already been to six other Six Senses across different countries, and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Six Senses to the UK in London, and an already booked trip to Six Senses Rome in May 2025. This will be our seventh Six Senses stay, and I always find them to be a great concept. Although Kocatas Mansions isn’t centrally based in Istanbul, having that experience at the start of our trip, I’m looking forward to something quieter at the end before we return home. We’ll make full use of the extensive spa facilities here, but we’ll also take a boat trip on the Bosphorus to get us back to the centre for an afternoon tea at the historic Pera Palace Hotel, where Agatha Christie stayed a number of times (in room 411 apparently) between 1926 and 1932, writing her famous book, Murder on the Orient Express.
This peaceful moment captures the calming experience of leaving the spa at Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, Istanbul. The soothing turquoise tiles and arched door create a serene atmosphere, offering a perfect retreat for relaxation. Credit: @sixsenseskocatasmansions
Fast Facts for Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul
Address - Merkez Mahallesi Meserburnu Caddesi, No: 5 Sarıyer, Istanbul, 34450 Turkey
Website - https://www.sixsenses.com/tr/hotels-resorts/europe/turkey/kocatas-mansions-istanbul/
Group website - https://www.sixsenses.com/en/
TripAdvisor ranking - #117 of 2,238 hotels in Istanbul
Contact - reservations-istanbul@sixsenses.com
Instagram - @sixsenseskocatasmansions @sixsenses
Nearest airport - New Istanbul International Airport (IST) - 36 km or 22 miles (about a 45 min drive, traffic dependent) on the European side; Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) - 71 km or 44 miles (about a 1 hour drive, traffic dependent) on the Asian side
Opened - 2019
Number of rooms / suites - 43 guest rooms and suites
Number of floors - 3
Bars - 2 (1860 Lounge & SAX)
Restaurants - 6 (Kahve, Toro Latin Gasto Bar, Chef Erdal Kocatas Mansion, Scalini Istabul, Kocatas Patisserie, SAX Fine Dining)
Wellbeing - 3-level Stone House - 10 treatments rooms, single/couple/group Hammams, Sauna & Steam, Indoor & Outdoor Pool with Ozone, Gym & Studio, Alchemy Bar, Relaxation Lounge
Visiting - October 2024
Things to do in Istanbul
I’m looking forward to staying in two different locations here, and to just experience walking around in a new country.
An iconic view of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, showcasing its majestic domes and six towering minarets, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture set against a clear blue sky.
Here are just some of the things I’m planning for our trip:
Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque
The Blue Mosque
Basilica Cisterna
Grand Bazaar
Sultanahmet Square
Topkapi Palace Museum
Egyptian Bazaar
Flying domestically within Turkey with Turkish Airlines
A stunning view of a Turkish Airlines flight soaring above the clouds, embodying the spirit of global travel and exceptional service in the skies.
The best option for getting between Istanbul and Cappadocia was flying with Turkish Airlines, with multiple flights each day from the other Istanbul airport (the newer IST) direct to one of a few airports in the Cappadocia region, Nevsehir Airport (NAV). The flights take just about 90 minutes, but only domestic economy available. This will be the first time I’ve ever flown Turkish Airlines, so I always like to try out new airlines and new routes.
Staying in Cappadocia: Museum Hotel
I’ve had Cappadocia on my travel radar for some time, those images of the hot air balloon rides at sunrise are just iconic. I think it will be something I have to do alone though, ‘Mrs’ TPT isn’t remotely keen after a not great experience of a balloon ride in the Napa Valley a few years ago. I’m a big fan of the BBC TV programme Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby, and I see that one of the other hotels I considered in Cappadocia (Argos in Cappadocia) is featured in the upcoming series 6. We’re in two minds whether to watch this in advance of our trip, as the whole series is available now on iPlayer. On one hand, I want to see what the area is like in detail (and what we should do when there, but on the other I don’t want to ruin the experience too much in advance!
This enchanting dinner setting, overlooking the unique rock formations of Cappadocia, provides a front-row seat to the magical sight of hot air balloons filling the sky at sunset. A truly unforgettable experience amidst nature. Credit: @museumhotel
Why Book with The Private Traveller in conjunction with Fora Travel
If you book to stay at The Museum Hotel (or perhaps Argos in Cappadocia) with myself (in conjunction with FORA Travel) as well as getting your perfect stay crafted as part of an overall itinerary, you could benefit from a range of additional stay perks by utilising some of the available FORA booking programs.
Typical perks for Argos in Cappadocia booked with Virtuoso includes a combination of:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
Complimentary one-way private airport transfers (valid for Nevsehir (NAV) airport or Kayseri (ASR) airport, must have minimum value of $100 USD equivalent)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Fast Facts for The Museum Hotel
Address - Museum Hotel, Tekelli mah. No.1 Uçhisar 50240 Nevşehir, Cappadocia – Türkiye
Website - https://www.museumhotel.com.tr/en/main
Group website - https://www.relaischateaux.com/gb/
TripAdvisor ranking - #26 of 92 hotels in Uchisar
Contact - info@museumhotel.com.tr
Instagram - @museumhotel
Nearest airport - Neveshir (NEV) - 38 km or 23 miles (about a 45 min drive, traffic dependent)
Opened - 2002
Number of rooms / suites - 34 very special rooms and suites
Number of floors - TBC
Bars - TBC
Restaurants - 1 (Lil’a)
Wellbeing - Massage, Private Baths, Outdoor Heated Pool, Fitness Centre
Visiting - October 2024
Things to do in Cappadocia
The early morning hot air balloon ride here is a must, but the hotel can also offer lots of other activities including:
Various full days tours:
Cappadocia Complete
Rocks & Ruins
Remote Canyons
Christian Heritage in Cappadocia
Lifestyle Walking (Sunrise or Sunset)
Whirling Dervish Ceremony
Horse Riding
Ebru Art Workshop
ATV Tour in the Valleys
Zelve Mapping
Like a Baker
Jeep Safari
Sini Breakfast
Traditional Turkish Barber
Wine Tasting
Hot air balloons drift across the stunning sunrise skies of Cappadocia, offering a magical view of the region’s unique landscape.
Full Travel Itinerary: Istanbul & Cappadocia, Turkey
Day 1 Fly to London’s Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways
Early evening domestic flight
Overnight Sofitel London Heathrow
Day 2 Fly to Istanbul (SAW) with British Airways
Early morning flight, scheduled 3hr 45mins
Fast Track arrival service with Allways
Hotel transfer with BlackLane
3 nights Hagia Sofia Mansions, Istanbul
Day 3 Istanbul
Sightseeing
Day 4 Istanbul
Sightseeing
Day 5 Istanbul to Cappadocia with Turkish Airlines
Late morning flight with Turkish Airlines from Istanbul’s newer airport (IST) to Neveshir (NAV)
Flight time 1hr 20mins
Transfer to Museum Hotel, organised by the hotel
3 nights Museum Hotel
Day 6 Cappadocia
Sightseeing
Day 7 Cappadocia
Sightseeing
Day 8 Cappadocia back to Istanbul
Early afternoon return domestic flight with Turkish Airlines
Neveshir (NAV) to Istanbul (IST) scheduled for 1hr 30mins
3 nights Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
Day 9 Istanbul
Relaxation Day at the Six Senses Spa
Day 10 Istanbul
Afternoon tea at the Pera Palace
Day 11 Return home
Mid-afternoon flight from Istanbul (SAW) to London’s Heathrow (LHR) scheduled for 4hrs 15mins, with onward domestic flight to Edinburgh
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