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Savvy Travel Advice

2 Weeks in Turkey: The Perfect Turkey Itinerary

Last updated: April 17, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 92 Comments

If you are planning a trip to Turkey, our 2 week Turkey itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip. Turkey is a large country, but if you have 14 days in Turkey you have time to explore many of the country’s most famous highlights.

Our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary includes visits to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Kuşadası, Ephesus, Troy, Çanakkale, Gallipoli, and Ankara. You’ll have time to explore Turkey’s most cosmopolitan cities, marvel at its ancient archaeological sites, relax on its beaches, shop at its traditional bazaars, visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and enjoy its scenic landscapes. The detailed day-by-day itinerary covers some of the most famous and iconic places in Turkey as well as some lesser known spots.

Each day we provide a range of suggestions for what you might want to do to suit just about any person’s travel style, budget, and tastes. Activity suggestions include hot air ballooning, food tours, hiking, museum visits, boat trips, cable car rides, art tours, Turkish hamam experiences, watching the sunset, cultural performances, and enjoying the local night clubs.

Laurence and I have visited Turkey several times and wanted to share this 14 day itinerary to help you plan your own trip. With 2 weeks in Turkey, you can see and do a lot, but you do need to be choosy as Turkey is a big country with lots of interesting attractions!

This itinerary can work no matter how you plan to get around Turkey. We have provided advice for those planning to travel by bus, car, train, plane, or as part of a guided tour. If you are thinking about booking a tour, we also give some recommendations for tours of Turkey that are similar to our itinerary.

Our 2 week Turkey itinerary includes day-to-day transport details, sightseeing highlights, activity options, and lodging recommendations. In addition, we’ve also included loads of tips, advice, and recommendations to help you get the most out of your Turkey vacation!

Table of Contents:

Preparing for your Trip to Turkey

Before we share our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary, we wanted to share some tips and advice and answer some frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Turkey.

These include travel basics like knowing the local language and currency, the best time of year to travel to Turkey, how to get a visa, how to budget for your trip, and the best ways to get around Turkey.

The most important things you need to decide before planning out your itinerary is when you plan to visit, how long you plan to visit, and how you plan to get around the country.

Best Time of Year to Visit Turkey?

Turkey is a year-round travel destination. Generally, the months that are considered the best months to visit Turkey are April, May, September, and October. They are months when it is warm but not super hot outside.

The summer months of June through to August are often very hot in most parts of Turkey and can make it uncomfortable to spend long periods of time exploring outdoors. So be prepared for the sun and heat if you visit during the summer.

The busiest time of year to visit Turkey is from April to September. So if visiting during this period, just note that places will be busy. So expect crowds at the most popular sites.

The least busy times of the year are the winter months. If you don’t mind a bit of cold weather, you might consider traveling between November and March. Just note that these also tend to be the windiest and wettest months as well as the coldest. Also some attractions in Turkey are seasonal and may be closed for part of this period.

It should also be noted that Turkey is a large country so the weather in Istanbul may be very different than that of Antalya, Bodrum, Ankara, or Kars at the same time of year. So best to check average temperatures and weather for the specific places in Turkey you plan to visit.

We’ve been to Turkey at many different times of the year, and for those who don’t love hot weather, we’d definitely recommend against visiting in the summer if you can. The spring and autumn are definitely ideal for temperature.

We have also visited in late November and early December and found it cool but pleasant and crowds were much more manageable. But you do need to be more prepared for rain and bad weather.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Turkey?

Turkey is a relatively inexpensive country to travel to and it is easy to find affordable lodging, food, clothing, and transportation.

In Istanbul, you can pay USD $8.00 for a hostel bed or you can pay USD $500 for a luxury hotel room. Turkey can be a great destination for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers alike.

If you are traveling on a budget, you can easily travel in Turkey for very little. You can get a bed in a hostel for under USD $10 and meals in inexpensive restaurants for under USD $5.00. Bus fares and train fares are also inexpensive. Even domestic flights are generally reasonably priced, especially if you book in advance.

To find out an idea of the current prices for things in Turkey we recommend checking out a site called Numbeo. Here you can check for the average prices of basic goods (bananas, taxis, gasoline, restaurant meals, wine) in Turkey or check on prices of goods for a particular city (see here for Istanbul ).

Although most things in Turkey that travelers are likely to be purchasing are inexpensive compared to say the USA, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe, imported goods are often the same price or more expensive. This includes imported grocery items, electronics, alcohol, and cars. Fuel can also be expensive.

Turkey Travel Practicalities?

Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a huge country of over 75 million people and its capital city is Ankara. The largest city is Istanbul. Turkey straddles Europe and Asia and is a place where eastern and western cultural practices mix.

Here are some things you should know about Turkey before your trip.

Language in Turkey

The official language is Turkish and that is the first language of most Turks. Many people in Turkey also speak Kurdish.

You’ll find English speakers in the larger cities and in all the main tourist hot spots; however, most Turkish people speak little or no English. If you are planning to travel independently, it is a good idea to have a Turkish-English phrasebook or translation app with you.

Religion in Turkey

There is no official religion in Turkey but the vast majority of the people are Muslim, with Sunni Islam being the largest sect. However, it is common to also see Christian and Jewish places of worship.

It is important to follow local customs regarding modesty and dress when visiting religious places. Both men and women are asked to dress modestly and you may also be asked to remove your shoes. Women will be asked to cover their heads.

We recommend that women always carrying a scarf or travel wrap with you to cover your head and shoulders as needed.

Electricity in Turkey

In terms of electricity, Turkey operates on 220 volts / 50 Hz and uses round-prong Type C or Type E plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets. If your devices do not have Type C or Type E plugs (common in many European countries), you will need to take some plug adapters such as these ones .

If you are traveling from a country with 120v voltage (such as the United States or Canada), you will want to make sure to only bring electronics that will support 220v voltage, or you’ll need a separate voltage converter. You can see more in our guide about choosing a travel adapter for travel .

Currency in Turkey

The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey, with Mastercard and Visa being the most commonly taken.

However, many small businesses, street vendors, taxi drivers, and market sellers do not take credit cards. You also will need cash for tipping. So it is always wise to have liras on you when traveling.

The best way to get liras is from a local ATM once you arrive in Turkey. But you can also get them from a currency exchange bureau or bank before or during your trip. You can check the current exchange rate here .

Drinking Water in Turkey

There are mixed reports about whether the tap water is safe to drink in Turkey. The tap water in some areas is considered safe to drink but not in other areas. So it is generally recommended that travelers do not drink tap water in Turkey. However, the water is considered safe for bathing and cleaning.

Although bottled water is available everywhere, the environmental impact of these plastic bottles is terrible. So we recommend instead that each person takes a reusable water bottle along with a water filtration system or purification tablets. Then you can fill it up with tap water from just about anywhere.

We use the LifeStraw water bottle and it not only filters out any bacteria and dirt, but also filters out chlorine and other chemicals that cause the water to taste bad.

Getting Online in Turkey

Wireless Internet is freely available at most hotels and other types of accommodation in Turkey. So that can be a free way to stay in touch and get online. If you want to be able to use your phone’s service, you might want to consider getting a local SIM card .

If it is important for you to be able to get online easily during your trip, you might consider taking along a mobile hotspot. On our last 2 week trip to Turkey, we used a mobile hotspot from MyWebspot and it worked very well.

You can read our guide for more tips on staying in touch and using the Internet while traveling . For those concerned about online safety, we also recommend using a VPN while traveling in Turkey if you plan to use WiFi.

Safety in Turkey

Turkey has generally been considered a safe country for travelers. However, you should always check the latest travel advisories in your country and those issued in Turkey

There has been a lot of unrest in countries neighboring Turkey, particularly Syria, and there has been noted instances of violence, protests, and fighting along its borders. So you will likely see some travel advisories advising against travel to some of the border areas.

As with any country, we always recommend protecting your valuables, protecting yourself against pickpockets, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

The main thing we have experienced is that you need to be very careful when handing over cash or exchanging money. Be sure to carefully count what you hand over and say the amount out loud, and make sure you get the correct change back.

We’ve had a taxi driver in Istanbul scam us by claiming we gave them a much smaller denomination note than we did and would not give us back the correct change. We ended up paying about 4 times the regular amount for a taxi ride. We’ve heard similar stories from many other travelers as well.

Do I need a Visa for Visiting Turkey?

Yes, most people, but not all, will need a visa to visit Turkey. Turkey has recently changed its policy so that residents of most European nations can enter Turkey without a visa.

You should check the current requirements for your particular country. Some countries may also have additional entry requirements.

Most nationalities that require a visa are eligible to apply for an e-visa in advance which is what we’d recommend doing. There are visa application places at the main ports of entry in Turkey but these can take longer and if your application is refused for any reason, you will be in a very undesirable situation. Best to apply and have it before you leave home.

With the e-visas, at most places the border patrol and authorities can check it in their system. But you will also want to bring along a digital and/or paper copy of your approved e-visa as well for back-up documentation.

How to Get to Turkey

Most visitors will arrive into Turkey via the international airport in Istanbul, but there are several ways to get to Turkey.

The main international airport in Turkey is the recently built Istanbul Airport in Istanbul. However, there are several major international airports in Turkey, including ones in Ankara, Mugla, Izmir, and Antalya.

There are direct or indirect flights to Istanbul from most parts of the world. The main airline operator in Turkey is Turkish Airlines.

It is possible to drive to Turkey via Bulgaria or Greece or to by taking a car ferry.

At the border you will need to provide a valid passport, visa (if needed), international driving license, vehicle license, international green card, vehicle registration details, and proof of insurance. Make sure your car insurance is valid for travel within all of Turkey. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you may need a power of attorney document.

It may be possible to also enter by car from other countries to the east such as Iran or Georgia; however, the eastern borders are sometimes closed to private drivers and sometimes an authorized tour guide is required. Many rental car agencies will also not allow many of these border crossings. So do your research before your trip as it is often much easier to take a bus or train to make the crossing is there is one available.

If you want to travel to Turkey by bus there are regular services between Turkey and several European and Middle Eastern countries. You can check bus routes and book tickets on  BusBud .

There are ferry connections to Turkey for both cars and passengers, mainly from Greece and Cyprus.

Turkey has train links with eastern Europe and the Middle East; however, they are fairly limited and most trains are not daily so you will want to plan ahead. Wars and economic issues have closed a number of the long-distance international routes.

Currently, the two main places you can regularly get to Turkey directly by train are from Bulgaria and Iran.

If you are traveling in Europe by train and including Turkey in your trip, you will probably need to head to Sofia, Bulgaria and then connect to Istanbul via the Istanbul-Sofia Express train service. We took this train a couple of years ago.

If you are planning travel around Europe by train then you might want to consider a Eurail Global Pass (European rail pass for non-Europe residents) or Interrail Global Pass (European rail pass for residents of Europe). The Global Passes work for travel in over 30 European countries, including Turkey. The pass includes the Istanbul Sofia Express train service.

The most famous train service in the world, the Orient Express, once linked western Europe with Istanbul. It was a favored train by many famous writers, and we recommend taking along a book or two to enjoy if traveling by train.

A couple of novel suggestions include Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie and Stamboul Train by Graham Greene. For a travel memoir, Paul Theroux writes about his experiences traveling by train in 1973 from Paris to Istanbul and from Istanbul to Tehran in his book The Great Railway Bazaar . He then retraces his train journeys over 30 years later in Ghost Train to the Eastern Star .

The terminus train station for the old Orient Express service is still there and once a year the Venice Simplon Orient Expres luxury train still makes this trip from Paris (or London) to Istanbul.

How to Get Around Turkey

You have a variety of options for getting around Turkey. These include traveling by bus, train, or plane, renting a car, or joining a guided tour.

The easiest way is to take a tour, where someone else handles all your transport, accommodation, and sightseeing. The cheapest is to travel by bus and train.

In terms of public transport, Turkey has a good bus system which connects much of the country. There are both daytime and overnight buses, and there are usually a few services to choose from if you are heading to some of the more popular destinations, including those on our suggested itinerary.

There are several bus companies in Turkey. Many of the buses have amenities such as power outlets, WiFi, and onboard entertainment. Bus prices are very reasonable.

In places where the regular buses don’t have a route (such as to suburbs or to tourist attractions located outside of a city) there are often dolmus that run in these areas. These are shared taxis or minivans that run a set route for a set price. Passengers can then get out of the dolmus at any point along its route by notifying the driver. See advice for using a dolmus here .

For most of the regular buses, you can check the routes and buy tickets online in advance. The best tool we’ve found for comparing timetables and booking bus tickets in Turkey is BusBud and you can check prices and book online here .

There is a train network in Turkey, but it is not as comprehensive as the bus network. However, it is sometimes faster to take a train than to drive or take the same bus route when it is an option. So while you can use it to get to some of the main travel destinations in the country, you will likely need to also use the bus.

The railway network in Turkey is run by the government-operated Turkey State Railways (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryollari or TCDD). This includes a network of long-distance, regional, commuter, and high-speed trains. You can check routes and buy tickets here .

If you are planning to take a few train journeys in Turkey then you might want to consider a Eurail Pass (European rail pass for non-Europe residents) or Interrail Pass (European rail pass for residents of Europe). You can get a Global Pass that works for 32 countries in Europe (including Turkey) or a Turkey Select Pass (only valid for Turkey). The Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on all trains in Turkey operated by Turkey State Railways.

You will probably find a combination of train and bus will be the optimal way to get around if you are taking public transport. Bus and train prices are often similar, so in those cases, you’ll want to take whichever option is more time-efficient.

If you’d prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car in Turkey. This can be a good way to get around if you want to have a more flexible itinerary and don’t want to take public transportation.

To rent a car in Turkey as a foreign visitor, you will normally be required to show a valid passport and visa, have a valid credit card, a valid drivers’ license in a Latin alphabet, and be age 21 or older (some age requirements may be as high as 27). If you don’t have a driver’s license in a Latin alphabet you will need to get an International Driving Permit prior to your trip.

The main roads in Turkey are in good condition and there are roadside services along the way. However, Turkey is known for a high number of accidents and bad traffic, especially in the cities. It can be a stressful experience for tourists not familiar with driving in Turkey. This is not to say you shouldn’t consider renting a car in Turkey, just be aware of the situation, get insurance, and be prepared to drive defensively.

Many of Turkey’s fastest highways and bridges have tolls. To drive any of these roads, you will need to first sign up for Turkey’s high-speed toll system called Hizli Geçis Sistemi (HGS) and have an electronic toll payment device on your car. You can’t pay the toll with cash or credit card at the toll booths. If renting a car, your rental car will likely come with the sticker and you should ask about it and any associated fees.

Just note that driving a car is generally the most expensive way to get around Turkey. You can often purchase 2 or 3 bus or train tickets for the cost of just the fuel between two cities. Given that drivers also have to take into account rental fees, insurance, parking, and highway tolls, driving a car is often even more expensive than flying.

Drivers should always keep local cash on hand as most of the tourist sites have paid parking fees and payment at some of these places is only accepted in cash.

You can rent a car in any of Turkey’s main cities, and many people rent a car in either Istanbul or Ankara. If you want to rent a car, you can compare and check prices online with Discover Cars here .

Finally, as Turkey is a big place, there are a number of domestic flight routes which can help you to get between some of the major locations quite quickly. There are over 50 airports in Turkey.

Flights are relatively inexpensive if booked in advance, although they are usually more expensive than taking a train or bus. The main airline in Turkey is Turkish Airlines.

So flights can help you cover large distances in a relatively short time. Just don’t forget to account for the time required to get to and from the airport and to check in and go through security. It is also important to think about the environmental footprint of taking numerous flights versus other modes of transportation.

However, airports are often located a fair distance from the tourism destinations so you will still need to combine flying with other modes of transportation such as a bus, train, car, taxi, or tour.

By Carpooling or Ridesharing

You can use carpooling or ridesharing services like BlaBlaCar to find rides in Turkey. However, given that the established bus network will get you to almost anywhere you need to go, that bus tickets are so inexpensive, and that carpooling is not that popular in Turkey means that you are probably better off using the bus (or train).

One of the most popular ways to explore Turkey is to join a guided tour. We can definitely recommend it if you are considering a trip to Turkey similar to the one we suggest in this itinerary.

A tour makes travel in Turkey much easier. You don’t have to figure out public transportation schedules or how to buy tickets, you don’t have to spend long periods of time driving or figure out where to park, and everything is planned ahead for you.

The best thing about joining a tour is that you have a tour guide who can help explain all the things you are seeing and give you lots of great advice for places to go, dishes to eat, and things to see.

Many attractions in Turkey include very little posted explanations so having some sort of guide (whether a person, audioguide, or book) is important to get the most from your visit.

Private tours in Turkey with a guide are also possible and can be a good value for those traveling with a family or small group.

We have a selection of recommended tours that are similar to this itinerary in this guide. We also suggest taking a look at Turkey tours on TourRadar here , where you’ll find a range of tours from various tour operators at different price points and durations.

How Long Should I Spend in Turkey?

It really depends on what you want to do and see in Turkey. Turkey is a huge country and it would take months to see all of its highlights.

I would say an ideal amount of time for a first trip would be 10 to 14 days. This will give you plenty of time to get a taste of Turkey and see some of the country’s most famous cities, historical attractions, and beaches.

Most first time visitors spend most of their time focused on the western part of Turkey and this is what we’d recommend. If you have 2 weeks, you can cover many of the highlights. If you have more time, or come back a second time, you can cover the lesser-known destinations of the west or expand your trip into the lesser-explored eastern part of Turkey.

For what to see with 2 weeks in Turkey, see our suggested itinerary below for an itinerary and day-by-day suggestions for what to see and do.

If you want to spend less time moving from place to place, you can easily just split your time between two places, for instance spending several days in Istanbul and then several days in another town or city, like Antalya, Fethiye, Ankara, or Izmir. You can spend time exploring the cities and take day trips to visit nearby attractions.

We’ve visited Istanbul several times now and still haven’t seen everything the city has to offer!

Tours of Turkey

Turkey is a big place and it is often a long distance between popular tourist attractions, resulting in quite large amounts of time transiting. While there is a fairly good public transport network and it’s possible to hire a car, we think for many people a tour is the best way to get around.

This way you can let someone else handle all the logistics of your trip, from transport to accommodation, and you can just enjoy yourself and focus on the sightseeing

. It also means you don’t have to worry about booking individual day trips for out of town sights, as most tours will already include stops at these attractions. You’ll also get a tour guide for the duration who can help explain all the amazing things along the way.

You can also spend the time on the coach reading, chatting with your travel companions, catching up on sleep, or surfing the Internet rather than driving or negotiating public transit.

Turkey is a popular destination, and there are a huge number of tours to choose from, varying from a few days to a few weeks. Most are offered at a reasonable price, with lots of budget and mid-range options.

When choosing a tour, it’s important to pick the style of tour that is right for you. Some tours are smaller groups, others are quite large. Some are geared to a younger traveler whereas others are more focused on a more mature traveler. Some include more time at historical and cultural sites whereas others may spend more time at beaches and seaside destinations. Check the comfort level of the accommodation and transport included.

It’s also important to read what is included when comparing tours. For example, some tours might include all your entry fees and meals whereas others will allow you to choose whether you want to pay for those things or not. So don’t just look at the price of the tour but also check what is and what isn’t included.

A good tour company should also be able to give you an estimate of the costs for all the optional activities and attractions that aren’t included, so you can budget accordingly.

For instance, we have taken a tour with Travel Talk Tours in Turkey and most of their budget-oriented tours work out to being about $50 to $80 per day per person for all inclusions, including transport, guide, attractions, meals, and lodging. You can read about our 12 day Turkey tour experience here .

We’ve put together a selection of tours of Turkey below which are quite similar to our itinerary, so you can pick a tour that is right for you. Most start in Istanbul but a couple start in Ankara.

• This 10 day small group tour includes visits to Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia
• This 12 day tour includes visits to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia.
• This 12 day Turkey by gulet tour includes visits to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia. It also includes 3 nights on a gulet boat. You can read all about our experience taking this tour of Turkey here .
• This 12 day private tour from Ankara includes visits to Ankara, Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Kaş, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Efes, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Troy, and Gallipoli
• This 13 day tour which includes Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum, Pamukkale, and Ephesus
• This private 14 day tour of Turkey which includes Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia
• This 19 day tour could be great for those with more time in Turkey. It includes visits to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia, plus 7 nights on a gulet to visit nearby seaside towns and islands.

As you can see, there are lots of tours to choose from so you can probably find a tour that suits your travel needs. You can see lots more tours in Turkey from various tour operators on TourRadar here .

You can also consider mixing independent travel with a tour as we find this a good way to enjoy some time sightseeing on our own (such as in Istanbul) and then taking a tour to explore further afield.

14 Days in Turkey Itinerary Summary

Here’s a summary of our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary to help you visualize what your two weeks in Turkey will look like:

• Day 1: Istanbul
• Day 2: Istanbul
• Day 3: Gallipoli
• Day 4: Troy & Kusadasi
• Day 5: Kusadasi & Ephesus
• Day 6: Pamukkale & Fethiye
• Day 7: Fethiye
• Day 8: Antalya
• Day 9: Antalya
• Day 10: Cappadocia
• Day 11: Cappadocia
• Day 12: Ankara
• Day 13: Ankara
• Day 14: Istanbul

2 Week Turkey Itinerary

The goal for this two week Turkey itinerary is to visit some of the many highlights the country has to offer.

Obviously, in a country with such a rich history, there’s no way to see everything on offer in two weeks. In addition, Turkey is a big country, so you also will want to factor in distance and travel times.

However, we feel that this itinerary would make a great starting point for anyone planning to spend between 10 days and two weeks in Turkey. It can, of course, be tweaked and adjusted based on how much time you have and your own personal interests, but we hope it gives you some inspiration for your own trip.

If you are planning to book a tour, this 14 day Turkey itinerary can help you decide which destinations you want to make sure are included in your tour itinerary. For those not taking a tour, we give travel suggestions for those traveling by bus, train, plane, and car throughout the itinerary.

Turkey Itinerary Day 1: Istanbul

We think the best place to start (and end) your trip to Turkey is in Istanbul. The city has the best international connections, especially by air, meaning it’s easy to get here from elsewhere in Europe and further afield.

As an introduction to Turkey, Istanbul is also a great starting point. Known as the “bridge” between Europe and Asia, the city is literally split between continents. The Bosphorus Strait separates Europe and Asia, and Istanbul spreads across both sides of this divide.

Istanbul is the largest city in Europe by population; however, it’s not the capital of Turkey—that would be Ankara. Founded over 600 years before the birth of Christ, Istanbul has literally seen the rise and fall of empires. It is a city that has been known by many names over the centuries, including Byzantium and Constantinople.

In terms of what to see when you’re in Istanbul, two full days will let you see many of the highlights, but it will definitely leave you wanting more! So you will want to prioritize what you want to do and see most in the city.

We’d suggest that you spend your first full day exploring the most famous of the historical sites and attractions in Istanbul, most of which are part of the World Heritage Site in Istanbul . Most of the main historic sites in Istanbul are located in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul within the Fatih district which is where we recommend you start.

Some of the highlights you might want to visit in this area include the 6th century Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), the 17th century The Blue Mosque (officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Topkapi Palace , the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople , the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici), and the Istanbul Archaeological Museums . A bit further away is also the impressive 16th-century Süleymaniye Mosque which is well worth a visit if you have the time.

These sites are all relatively close together and are easy to visit on foot, although taxis, public buses, and sightseeing buses are also options. As you visit these sites and wander the streets of the Old City, you will be taking a journey across thousands of years of history, including the Roman, Egyptian, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods!

You’ll also want to make time for a visit to the Grand Bazaar , which began in the 15th century and is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here you can buy a lot of things, including ceramics, lanterns, rugs, clothing, tea, jewelry, and books. But do be careful of what you are buying as you’ll find everything from locally handcrafted rugs and jewelry to cheap Chinese made souvenirs, so price and quality varies widely.

Another market you might want to visit is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar , or Misir Çarsisi, which is another large market in Istanbul. Vendors here are known primarily for selling spices, but you can also find sweets, tea, dried fruit, Turkish delight, souvenirs, etc.

If you are looking for a guided walking tour of the historical area of Istanbul, there are several tours you can join that cover all the highlights of the historical area of Istanbul. A few options include this full day tour with lunch , this small group highlights tour , and this customizable private tour .

After a day full of sightseeing, we recommend ending your day with a relaxing Turkish dinner at a local restaurant or consider a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus Strait.

A cruise on the Bosphorus allows you to truly appreciate the incredible size of the city. The Bosphorus separates the European and Asian parts of Istanbul so you will be floating along the continental divide. Many of the cruises include dinner and entertainment, such as this cruise and this one .

Where to Stay in Istanbul

We suggest staying in or near the old part of the city (the Sultanahmet neighborhood in the Fatih district) for easy access to the city’s most popular sights.

Here are some accommodation options to consider in Istanbul across a range of budgets. Istanbul has a huge number of properties to choose from and prices are very reasonable.

• Big Apple Hostel & Hotel – This well-reviewed good-value hostel offers both shared dormitory rooms and private rooms. Breakfast is included in room rates, and there’s an on-site restaurant for other meals. A good budget option as dorm beds are usually around $17 with breakfast. Located a 10-minute walk from the highlights of the Old City
• Agora Guesthouse – This is a well-reviewed guesthouse offering both dormitory and private rooms. An included breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace. Located just a few hundred yards from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia
• Tulip Guesthouse – This guesthouse offers good value private rooms with either shared or en-suite bathrooms. Breakfast is included and is served on the top floor terrace which offers lovely views. It is about a 5 minutes walk from attractions like the Hagia Sofia.
• Berk Guesthouse – Grandma’s House – A well-rated guesthouse with en-suite guest rooms, included breakfast, and a rooftop terrace with nice views over the city. A 2-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
• Meserret Palace Hotel – A well-reviewed 4-star hotel offers en-suite rooms with tea/coffee making facilities and flat-screen TVs, 24-hour desk, room service, and an included breakfast. Located near the Spice Bazaar and about a 10 minute walk from the Old City.
• Obelisk Hotel & Suites – This well-rated 4-star hotel offers en-suite rooms with tea/coffee making facilities, 24-hour front desk, and an on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included with rates. Located just a few hundred hard from the Hagia Sophia.
• Boutique Saint Sophia – This 4-star boutique hotel offers private en-suite rooms with breakfast included and an on-site cafe and bar. The hotel is located near the Hagia Sophia with some rooms offering views of the attraction.
• Régie  Ottoman – This stylish boutique hotel is set in a 150-year  old  renovated  Ottoman building and offers all the normal modern amenities and breakfast is included. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and is located about a 10-minute walk from the historic Sultanahmet area. We’ve stayed here and really enjoyed our stay.
• Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul – This 5-star luxury hotel centrally located hotel offer guestrooms with modern amenities, 24-hour desk, room service, and an on-site restaurant. A great option if you are looking for a luxury property in this part of Istanbul. Located near the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.

If you are looking for a self-catering stay, options include these apartments in the Fatih district on Booking.com and these Fatih district apartments in Istanbul on Vrbo. If you are not finding what you want, you can see this list of apartment booking websites .

Turkey Itinerary Day 2: Istanbul

For your second day in Istanbul we recommend crossing across the Galata Bridge and exploring this part of the city. The Galata Bridge, which crosses the Golden Horn, is often seen as the link between the traditional and the more modern areas of Istanbul.

Highlights include the Galata Tower , a restored 15th-century tower that has an observation deck on top, enjoying the European style buildings and shopping along the picturesque Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi), and the Taksim Square area which features the Republic Monument and is a lively area for shopping and nightlife. There are a lot of art galleries and museums in this area including SALT Galata , Pera Museum , and the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art Museum .

We can also recommend visiting Dolmabahçe Palace , this beautiful 19th-century palace was once the home of the sultans as well as the first President of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It is the largest palace in Turkey and today is a museum.

If you are looking for a place to relax and have a coffee, you might want to make a stop at the cafe or tea lounge at the luxurious Pera Palace Hotel . The hotel is one of the most famous historical hotels in the city having such past guests as Agatha Christie. Or find a street cafe along Istiklal Avenue to people watch or wander over to a seaside cafe to enjoy the view over the water.

Or maybe you’d like to try a traditional Turkish hamam experience such as this one at Aga Hamami , which is the oldest hamam in Istanbul. Note that this is a traditional Turkish bathing practice, not a spa but it is a relaxing and cleansing experience.

Depending on what you want to do and see on this side of the bridge and how far you are willing to walk, you can explore entirely on foot or you can take public transit just about everywhere. Transport options include public buses, trams, taxis, and sightseeing buses . Or you can join a tour that includes transport.

For those on foot, note that Turkey has a lot of hills and there is a steep hill to get from the Galata Bridge to Istiklal Avenue. However, you can take the Tünel funicular that will take you up this incline. This is one of the oldest subway stations in the world.

If you are looking for a guide on your second day in Istanbul, this walking tour focuses on this area north of the Golden Horn, this small group art expert-led tour covers the main modern art museums and art spaces in this part of Istanbul, and here is a guided tour of the palace .

For your second evening in Istanbul, you might want to finish your day with an evening food tour, sampling some local nightlife, or a cultural event in the evening.

Those interested in seeing and sampling more of the local food scene in Istanbul may want to consider a food tour. There are several food tours in Istanbul to choose from such as this evening food trail tour and this small group food tour .

Those looking for an evening cultural performance might see what is playing at the local theaters, Süreyya Opera House , or see a Turkish dance performance or whirling dervishes show at the Hodjapasha Cultural Centre. Those looking for a more wild night out might want to check out the nightlife in and around Taksim Square or join a local-led pub crawl .

We then recommend spending a second night in Istanbul. This works well for those taking a tour, flying, or those driving themselves. However, those taking a bus may want to consider heading to Çanakkale today instead so you have more time to explore Gallipoli the next day.

How to Get to from Istanbul to Gallipoli

If you are not joining a tour in Istanbul, you have three main options for getting from Gallipoli from Istanbul. If you decide to take a flight or bus, you’ll want to head to Çanakkale (or Eceabat) and then take a tour or find transport to the nearby historical sites at Gallipoli.

By Car: It is about a 186 mile (300 km) drive from Istanbul to the Gallipoli peninsula which takes about 4 hours. If you leave on the morning of your third day, this will give you time to stop and see the main sights in Gallipoli before overnighting in Çanakkale.

By Plane: The fastest option is to fly. Flights take around an hour from Istanbul to Çanakkale and are usually reasonably priced if booked well in advance.

By Bus: The bus journey is generally about 6 hours from Istanbul to Çanakkale, or a little less if you go to Eceabat. Check bus times and prices, and book online here . Depending on bus schedules, those wanting to explore Gallipoli may want to catch a late afternoon or evening bus on Day 2 to have more time to explore Gallipoli on Day 3.

Turkey Itinerary Day 3: Gallipoli

Today we recommend leaving Istanbul after breakfast and heading southwest to the Gallipoli peninsula. The peninsula lies between the Dardanelles and the Gulf of Saros and is best known as being the location for the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I.

Most of the area is part of the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park which was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. Whereas most historical attractions in Turkey date back thousands of years, this is a place where you can learn about more recent history.

On the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915, Allied Forces (which included British, Australian, New Zealand, Indian, French, and Newfoundland troops) mounted an ultimately doomed attack on the Ottoman Empire to try to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul) and take control of a vital supply route. After about 9 months of fighting and minimal gains, and with around 250,000 casualties on each side, the Allies withdrew.

The event was a huge disaster for the Allied war effort, and had lasting repercussions. For Winston Churchill , then First Lord of the Admiralty, his promotion of the failed campaign would lead to him having a demoted role in politics and the failure would haunt him for years. It would have been difficult for anyone to imagine him as a later wartime Prime Minister!

Turkey was at that time part of the Ottoman Empire and was fighting on the side of Germany. For the Turks, one of the army officers for the Ottoman defense at Gallipoli, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk , would later become the first president and founder of modern Turkey.

The Gallipoli Campaign was one of the most important events in the war to take place from an Australian and New Zealand perspective. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were deployed, and like many of the countries involved, suffered heavy losses. The campaign is largely regarded as the trigger for the national consciousness of both countries, and to this day both countries formally remember their fallen on ANZAC Day (April 25th) each year.

For Australians and New Zealanders visiting Turkey, a trip to the Gallipoli peninsula is usually high on the priority list. However, we think this is a trip that should be of interest to anyone, regardless of nationality, in order to learn more about this event and reflect on the effects of war.

There are a number of places to visit across the Gallipoli Peninsula, including landing sites, memorials, and graveyards. A few of the more popular places for visitors include ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial, and Canakkale Martyrs’ Memorial. What you want to visit probably depends on your specific interests and your nationality, and y ou can see a full list of the sites here .

There are also a few museums in the area that focus on the Gallipoli campaign, including the Kabatepe Promotion Center And Museum in Kabatepe, Salim Mutlu War Museum (Salim Mutlu Özel Harp Anilar Koleksiyonu) in Alçitepe, and the Gelibolu War Museum in Gelibolu.

If you want to know more about the battles that took place here, we recommend getting a book such as Gallipoli: The Battlefield Guide . We would definitely recommend some sort of guidebook if you are planning to explore on your own without a tour guide.

Expect to spend a few hours here. It is a challenging place to get around unless you have your own vehicle, and we would definitely suggest taking a tour if you don’t have your own transport. There are a lot of tour options so it is usually easy to find a good value tour.

Here are some day tour options to consider, some also include Troy, which is on our itinerary for the next day.

• An 8 hour tour of the Gallipoli sites with lunch from Çanakkale
• A 6 hour tour of Gallipoli with lunch from Çanakkale
• A full day tour of Gallipoli and Troy with lunch from Çanakkale
• Another full day tour of Gallipoli and Troy with lunch from Çanakkale
• A private tour of the Gallipoli sites from Çanakkale
• A 6 hour Gallipoli tour with lunch from Eceabat

Now if you have extra time in Çanakkale, there is a fortress (Çimenlik Castle), an enclosed market called the Mirror Bazaar, a few museums you can visit (Military Marine Museum, city history museum, and Ceramics Museum), and a harbor area you can stroll around where you can find the wooden Trojan horse from the 2004 film Troy starring Brad Pitt. There is also Kilitbahir Fortress located just across the strait.

If you are staying in Eceabat, you can also spend some time relaxing on the beach there.

Where to Stay in Gallipoli

We would recommend spending the night in either Çanakkale (a short ferry ride from the Gallipoli Peninsula) or Eceabat. Eceabat is slightly closer to the Gallipoli sites, but Çanakkale has more services and attractions.

If you are traveling by bus, you’ll probably want to choose a place near the bus station.

It is easy to find good value accommodation in this area. Here are some options to consider at both locations:

• Set Özer Hotel in Çanakkale – A centrally located good value hotel that offers private en-suite rooms with breakfast. Very close to ferry, waterfront, and main town attractions.
• Kinzi House in Çanakkale – A well-reviewed and centrally located self-catering accommodation that offers a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and flat-screen TV. This is a great value option if you are traveling with a few people and want to cook yourself.
• Artur Hotel in Çanakkale – A popular and well-reviewed hotel in the center of Çanakkale with private en-suite rooms and an on-site restaurant.
• Kolin Hotel in Çanakkale – A 5-star hotel with all the modern guestroom amenities, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants and bars, and a free airport shuttle. A good option for those looking for more amenities.
• Eceabat Gezen Hotel in Eceabat – A very well-reviewed value hotel offering private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Has a private beach area and a garden, as well as a bar and inclusive breakfast
• Villa Bagci Hotel in Eceabat – This is a well-reviewed hotel offering private en-suite rooms with breakfast. Located a few hundred yards from the beach.
• Hotel Casa Villa in Eceabat – Another well-reviewed hotel in Eceabat a few hundred yards from the beach. Features private rooms with en-suite facilities and breakfast is included.

How to Get from Çanakkale to Troy and Kusadasi

Your next stop of the trip is going to be Troy, after which you’ll head south via Izmir to Kusadasi. If you happened to already visit Troy today, then you can skip that stop and head straight to Kusadasi.

If you are not taking a guided tour, you have a few choices today:

By Car:   It’s around a 30 minute drive to Troy from Çanakkale, and then a little over 5 hours down to Kusadasi. We’d suggest spending a couple of hours at Troy, and then aiming to arrive in Kusadasi mid-afternoon if you are driving yourself.

By Plane: You can do part of the day by plane if you wish as you can fly from Çanakkale to Izmir. However, you will need to take a bus, car, taxi, or tour to get to and from Troy and then from Izmir to Kusadasi. Those planning to fly may want to base in Izmir instead of Kusadasi.

By Train: Part of today’s journey can be done by train as there is a train that you can take between Izmir and Selçuk (town next to Ephesus).

By Bus: There are regular buses (approximately every hour) from Çanakkale to Troy, the journey takes around 45 minutes. To head onto Izmir, you’ll need to backtrack to Çanakkale or head to Ezine, and from either you can get a bus to Izmir (about a 5.5 hour journey). From Izmir, it is about a 90-minute bus journey to Kusadasi.

You might consider taking a local private or shared taxi (called dolmus) to and from Troy. Then connect to the intercity buses in Ezine or Çanakkale onwards to Izmir and Kusadasi.

Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 4: Troy & Kusadasi

For your fourth day in Turkey, you’re going to visit the ancient city of Troy and then head down the western coast of Turkey to the city of Kuşadası. You may also want to make a stop in Izmir, along the way.

We recommend heading out straight after breakfast so you have time to explore Troy in the morning.

The first stop of the day is Troy which is only about a 30-minute drive south of Çanakkale. A city has been at this location known as Troy from around 3,000 years B.C. right up until about 450 A.D.

Of course, as it existed for almost four millennia, Troy saw a lot of changes in its time. In fact, there were in fact no less than nine cities on this location, which was favored due to its waterfront location. Reasons for its demise are unclear, but the fall of the Roman Empire was likely a factor in its final abandonment.

The main reason that Troy is famous today is that it was the main setting of Homer’s Iliad about the Trojan War. This ancient Greek epic poem gave us the famous story of the Trojan Horse and the disastrous love triangle between Helen of Troy, King Menelaus, and Paris. The historical accuracy of the tale is highly debated but many historians do believe there was some sort of war and siege of Troy by Spartan and Achaean warriors in the 12th or 13th century BC.

The actual location of the ancient city of Troy was lost to history in the subsequent centuries. Later travelers and archaeologists searched for the location of the famous city and many believed it was somewhere in the Anatolia region of Turkey, particularly the Troad peninsula. It was Englishman Frank Calvert who would first excavate the hill at Hisarlik and find what is now believed to be the remains of the ancient city of Troy.

Whether the events of the Iliad took place here or not, UNESCO notes that the archaeological findings at Troy are the “most significant demonstration of the first contact between the civilizations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world”. Structures have been found at Hisarlik from a number of periods including the Bronze Age and the Roman and Greek periods.

Today, Troy is a protected archaeological site, a national historical park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a visitor, you can wander around and learn about the history of the place while seeing the various layers of the different cities. Naturally, there’s a giant wooden horse you can take a photo of as well. The recently opened Troy Museum (Troya Müzesi ) holds a number of artifacts from the archaeological site. We’re recommend allowing 2 to 3 hours to visit Troy.

From Troy you’ll continue south along the coast to the city of Kusadasi. Along the way, you’ll go through Izmir. Izmir is one of the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean, and was originally believed to have been settled in 6500 BC! It is now the third-largest city in Turkey by population.

Izmir offers lots of attractions and services. Some of the main tourist sites include the Roman Agora of Smyrna , the hilltop castle of Kadifekale (the “Velvet Castle”), the seafront and Kordon esplanade, Konak Square and its clock tower, several museums, and the Kemeralti shopping district. There is also a rich Jewish heritage here with several synagogues and other Jewish landmarks to be found here, especially in the Kemeralti district.

So Izmir may be a good place to stop and stretch your feet, and maybe visit an attraction or two. You could also decide to overnight in Izmir; however, our advice is to press on to Kusadasi as it’s closer to upcoming highlights and also has its own attractions.

Kusadasi is a popular coastal town in Turkey, which offers a wide range of accommodation options as well as beaches and attractions. It is also very close to Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most famous ancient ruined cities.

Today will be a long journey, regardless of your means of transport, so we recommend having a relaxing evening once you arrive in the Aegean seaside town of Kusadasi. Perhaps a stroll around town or a dip in the hotel pool, and then a nice dinner.

We recommend spending two nights in Kusadasi. However, those who are traveling by public transportation may also want to consider Selçuk (town next to Ephesus) as a base instead for the two nights as the transit connections are a bit easier there.

Where to stay in Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a popular resort town and there are a great many hotels to choose from, the majority of which offer excellent value. Most have pools and some are next to a beach.

Kusadasi is pretty spread out and we generally recommend staying within walking distance of the city center and seaside. Those traveling by bus will want to stay within walking distance of the bus station and bus stops. Some options to consider for your 2-night stay are as follows:

• Hotel Stella – A well-reviewed good value 2-star hotel that offers en-suite rooms have balconies, a pool, an on-site restaurant, and inclusive breakfast. Located about 100 yards from the harbor.
• Sezgin Boutique Hotel – A popular budget hotel with en-suite rooms, inclusive breakfast, and a swimming pool. Located about 150 yards from the city center.
• Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel – This well-rated 4-star hotel offers ensuite rooms with views over city or water, a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, and inclusive breakfast. Located near the city center and water.
• Grand Sahin’s Hotel – This well-reviewed 4-star hotel offers ensuite rooms with balconies, an inclusive breakfast, on-site restaurant and bar, outdoor swimming pool, private beach area, and free parking. Located next to the seaside.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Kusadasi – A popular city-center hotel offering 5-star facilities, ensuite rooms with balconies, a rooftop restaurant and bar, 2 swimming pools, fitness center, and a spa.
• LaVista Boutique Hotel & SPA – This is a very well rated centrally located boutique hotel that offers large en-suite rooms, an on-site bar and restaurant, a fitness center, inclusive breakfast, and a lovely outdoor pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Where to stay in Selçuk

Those traveling by bus or train may prefer to spend the two nights in Selçuk instead of Kusadasi. For those using public transit, we recommend staying in central Selçuk within walking distance of the bus station and train station.

Here are a few accommodation options in Selçuk:

• ANZ Guest House – A budget-friendly hostel that offers dorm beds as well as private rooms and family rooms. Breakfast is included and there is a rooftop terrace. Centrally located, about a 12-minute walk to bus station and train station.
• Queen Bee Hotel – A good value bed-and-breakfast that offers rooms with private bathrooms and included breakfast. There is also a cafe on the ground floor here.  Centrally located, about a 12-minute walk to bus station and train station.
• Celsus Boutique Hotel – A boutique hotel featuring outdoor swimming pool, garden, shared lounge, and inclusive breakfast. Centrally located, about a 10-minute walk to bus station and train station.
• Vinifera Vineyards Hotel – If you are looking for something different and don’t mind being outside Selçuk, this hotel sits next to a vineyard and offers large ensuite rooms with patios, onsite restaurant and winery, a swimming pool, and inclusive breakfast. Located well outside of Selçuk so is best suited for those who plan to get around by car or taxi; however, you can get to Selçuk by train as the Çamlık station is about a 7-minute walk from the hotel.

Turkey Itinerary Day 5: Kusadasi & Ephesus

Today, we recommend heading to Ephesus after breakfast to explore the archaeological sites there. Then return and spend the latter part of the day exploring Kusadasi itself. Ephesus is very popular and can get very crowded, so going early is a good idea to avoid some of the crowds and the afternoon heat.

Many people visit Ephesus as part of a tour, but it is also easy to get to on your own. It is about a 25-minute drive, bus, or taxi ride away. If you are taking public transport, you can take a dolmus (shared taxi or minibus) from Kusadasi which can drop you at the lower gate of Ephesus.

Ephesus is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Turkey so it is on many visitors must-see lists. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was an ancient Greek city, founded in the 10th century BC, and only abandoned around the 15th century AD after centuries of decline, mainly due to the harbor silting up. At its height, it was second only to Rome in size and importance in the ancient world.

Today, Ephesus is a large and important archaeological site where you can see the remains of temples, theaters, wide marble streets, agoras, bathing complexes, tombs, aqueducts, fountains, terrace houses, and more. Some of the main sights include the spectacular Library of Celsus , the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre.

Ephesus is an important religious destination too, especially for Christians. It was the location of one of the Seven Churches of Asia (or Seven Churches of the Apocalypse), the seven major early Christian communities, as noted in the New Testament Book of Revelations in the Bible.

It is believed that the Gospel of John may have been written here, and that Mary, mother of Jesus, lived out her final years nearby in the care of John. Important early Christian sites in Ephesus include St. John’s Basilica , Church of the Virgin Mary , and The House of the Virgin Mary .

Also located nearby is the ruins of the Temple of Artemis , one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately today, very little remains of the ancient temple.

For those interested in seeing some of the artifacts found here, you may want to take time to visit the nearby Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk after visiting the archaeological sites. It contains a number of statues, columns, coins, sarcophagi, tools, and other artifacts uncovered in Ephesus.

Most visitors just visit the main archaeological complex which contains over 25 main points of interest. There is an entry fee that covers all the sites (there is an additional ticket required if you want to go inside the terrace houses), and you can enter at the upper or lower gates and exit from either side. There are taxis, shuttles, and carriages that can transport you between the two if you wish.

It’s quite a large site, which runs from the top of a hill to the bottom, but once you get here you can visit everything on foot. Just be prepared for a bit of walking by wearing comfortable shoes and bringing your water bottle.

As you would imagine, there is a lot to see and take in here, and there isn’t a lot of information on display. We would recommend renting an on-site audioguide, joining a guided tour such as this one , or bringing a guidebook (like this one ) so you have an idea of what you are looking at. Most people spend 2 to 4 hours exploring the complex.

There is more to explore outside the main archeological complex for those with more time and interest. Sites located outside the main archaeological complex include the Temple of Artemis, House of the Virgin Mary, St. John’s Basilica, and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Other attractions in Ephesus include Selçuk Castle, Ayasuluk Citadel, and Isa Bey Mosque.

If you are considering a tour from Kusadasi (or Izmir), there are a variety of tours of differing lengths. We think that around 4 to 5 hours would work and then give you time to sightsee in Kusadasi in the afternoon, but you could also do a full-day tour if you want more time in Ephesus. Some tours to consider to Ephesus from Kusadasi are:

• This 4 hour small group morning tour of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis
• This 3.5 to 4.5 hour private tour of Ephesus
• This 5 hour small group tour of Ephesus , which includes the house of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus Terrace Houses, and the Temple of Artemis
• This 6 to 8 hour small group tour of Ephesus , which includes the house of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, and Isa Bey Mosque.

Once you have finished touring Ephesus, it’s time to return to Kusadasi. Kusadasi is a popular resort town and has a lot of cafes and restaurants as well as beaches. Depending on how you are feeling and how much time you have, you might want to visit one of the beaches (Ladies Beach is the most popular public beach), spend some time exploring the city’s attractions, or just relax by the hotel pool.

Our favorite thing to do is to take a walk over to Güvercinada , or Pigeon Island, a small island linked to the mainland by a causeway. There is a castle here that you can visit if you wish.

How to get from Kusadasi to Pamukkale & Fethiye

The next part of the trip involves a long day of travel, no matter what method of transportation you choose as the attractions are spaced far apart.

If you are not taking a tour, your best options are to take public transit or drive.

By Car: If you are driving, Pamukkale is about a 120 mile (190 km) drive from Kusadasi, and that drive takes about 3 hours if taking the toll roads (about 4 hours if not). From Pamukkale, it is another 125 mile (200 km) drive to Fethiye which is around another 3 hours of driving.

If that sounds like too much driving, you could skip Pamukkale, and just head south along the coast from Kusadasi to Fethiye. Then you would have more time to spend in either Kusadasi or Fethiye.

By Plane : You can fly from Izmir to Denizli (town near Pamukkale) and then from Denizli to Fethiye (airport in Dalaman). However, many of these flights connect via Istanbul meaning the flights often take as long (or even longer) than taking public transit or driving.

By Bus: From Kusadasi, it’s relatively easy to get to Pamukkale by public transport. You can go by bus, either directly from Kusadasi or via Selçuk. The bus takes between 3 to 4 hours.

Note that some of the bus companies (and the train) terminate in the town of Denizli and do not go directly to Pamukkale. So you may need to take a short 25-minute minibus or taxi ride to get from the bus station to Pamukkale which is located just outside Denizli. Just be sure to ask so you know if you need to transfer or not.

Then from Denizli, you can then take a bus to Fethiye, which will take around 4 hours. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

By Train: You can do part of the route today by train. Take the local bus from Kusadasi to Selçuk (the town next to Ephesus), from where you can catch a train to Denizli. The train takes around 3 hours, and the first departure is usually around 9:00am. You can check train times and tickets here .

Then from the Denizli station, you can get a 25-minute minibus or taxi ride to Pamukkale. There is no train between Denizli and Fethiye, so you will have to take a bus from Denizli.

Turkey Itinerary Day 6: Pamukkale & Fethiye

For your sixth day in Turkey, our suggestion is to head east inland to Pamukkale and then south to the coastal town of Fethiye.

Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle” in Turkish, is another of Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s famous for two reasons. First, it well-known for its photogenic natural white travertine (a type of limestone) terraces which are filled with thermal water. Second, the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis are located here.

Springs in a cliff above the terraces provide the mineral-rich waters which have created the incredible landscape of petrified waterfalls and terraced basins of thermal water at Pamukkale. The milky white water is due to the large amount of calcium carbonate found in the water.

A thermal spa at Hierapolis was built on top of Pamukkale to take advantage of the hot springs in the 2nd century BC by the kings of Pergamon. It grew into a small city and you can see the Greco-Roman ruins here today. Pamukkale has been a popular tourist destination for about two thousand years.

The main reason people visit Pamukkale today is to see the white limestone terraces here, which are really quite incredible. These terraces cover a large area of almost 2 miles (3 km) in length. Although the terraces are natural, the bathing pools are artificial and have been created for tourists. Some of these are open to bathing or swimming.

Unfortunately, the thousands of years of tourism, as well as the more recent rise in mass tourism, has taken its toll on the location. Large sections of the pools don’t look like you see them in photos as many often have little water in them and the ones open to the public are often crowded with people.

To protect the site, most of the pools are now closed entirely to bathers, with only a small area accessible for swimming at one time. The water can be a bit dirty with all the people in them and they can also be very slippery so do be careful if you plan to go in them.

In addition to the small terraced pools, you can pay extra to swim at Cleopatra’s Pool, a former Roman pool, which is a thermal pool and spa that is privately run and includes locker rooms and showers. You need proper swimwear to enter this pool.

However, the good news is that the Pamukkale site is very large, and if you move away from the main crowds you can enjoy lovely views of the terraces with hardly any people around you.

After seeing the thermal spa and perhaps dipping your toes into one of the thermal pools, you can then take some time to explore Hierapolis. Many people come and just see some of the thermal pools and leave, but if you are going to take the time to come all the way to Pamukkale, we recommend taking some time to explore the rest of the site.

The city has Greek and Roman ruins, including ancient bathing complexes, gates, a huge theatre, temples, shrines, a martyrium, and an extensive Necropolis. The site has the Tomb of Philip the Apostle and the earliest evidence of the use of a crank and rod mechanism (as depicted on a sarcophagus). Housed in the former Roman Bath building is the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum which you can see some of the many artifacts unearthed at the site.

If you don’t have a guide but want to learn more about the history of Pamukkale and Hierapolis, we recommend taking along a good guidebook like this one .

There’s lots to see here, and it’s all included on the entry ticket, so take advantage of it. Most people spend about 3 hours here, but you’ll want to plan to spend longer if you want to fully explore Hierapolis.

Once you are done sightseeing in Pamukkale, continue on to Fethiye where we recommend you spend the night. Fethiye is a city (and district) located in the southwestern area of Turkey along the Aegean Sea. It is a popular tourist area and there are a lot of attractions in and around the city.

Given that you will likely be coming from a long day of travel and sightseeing, we recommend using your first evening in Fethiye to relax. We recommend spending two nights here.

Where to stay in Fethiye

You have two main options for where to stay in Fethiye. You can stay near the marina and old town for easy access to the sights, or you can stay a little further north on the 4km long Çalis Beach. So just depends if you prefer to be near the city center or have easy beach access.

Here are some options for places to stay in Fethiye:

• Turunç Hostel – If you’re looking for a hostel, this is a great value and well-reviewed option in the heart of the town. Private and dorm rooms are available, with a good value breakfast on offer.
• Infinity Exclusive City Hotel – A great value budget to mid-range option offering private en-suite rooms in the city center.
• Orka Boutique Hotel – This popular and well-reviewed mid-range boutique hotel offers en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant, and inclusive breakfast. Located a few yards from the sea, and a short walk from the city center.
• Ece Marina Suit – This well-rated beachfront hotel near the old town overlooks the marina and has a private beach. Rooms are designed to be family-friendly and offer good value comfortable accommodation with living area and apartment-style facilities.
• Hotel Delta – Found on Çalis Beach around 3 miles north of the old town, this well-reviewed hotel offers en-suite rooms with balconies and an on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included.
• Eyna Hotel – This popular beach front property on Çalis Beach has great reviews, en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant, and breakfast is included.

Turkey Itinerary Day 7: Fethiye

Fethiye is a beautiful coastal city and resort town on Turkey’s Aegean Sea. The area is known as the Turquoise Coast because of the incredible color of the water you’ll find here.

Fethiye has a lot to offer, but one of the most popular things to do here is to get out on the water and take advantage of the scenic coastline, beautiful waters, and nearby islands. Popular water activities include boating, swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, fishing, and water skiing.

The Travel Talk tour we did included 3 nights on a traditional gulet boat. This might be too much boat time for many, but we definitely recommend considering spending part of a day on the water here.

On a boat trip, you can take in the scenery, swim, snorkel, and sightsee at a relaxed pace. Then you can return to your hotel, take a shower, and head out to watch the sunset and enjoy a bit of the city’s culture and nightlife.

Or if a day on a boat sounds like too much, you can just find a pretty beach to lie on! Çalis Beach is a popular beach that stretches along the city or you can find a smaller and less crowded one further away.

Alternatively, if you are up for some more sightseeing and cultural sites today, there are a number of attractions in and around Fethiye. These include the Fethiye Museum, Saklikent National Park, the rock tomb of Amyntas, the Roman theatre above Fethiye, ancient Lycian hilltop citadel of Tlos, ancient Lycian city ruin of Cadyanda, Butterfly Valley, and the spectacular beach at Ölüdeniz Lagoon. Paragliding is also a very popular activity in this area.

Of course, many of these attractions and activities are located outside the city, so you’ll either need to have your own transport, take a bus, or take a tour to experience them.

Below, we’ve put together some recommend boat tours, as well as other day tours from Fethiye you might consider. Alternatively, feel free to just wander the city itself, which is very beautiful and has a number of sights worth visiting.

• A full day boat tour from Fethiye with swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Lunch included.
• A full day boat tour from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz with swimming, lunch, and stops at Butterfly Valley and St. Nicholas Island
• A popular tandem paragliding tour over beautiful Ölüdeniz

Hopefully, this gives you some inspiration for your day in Fethiye. We recommend enjoying the sunset from the beach, a seaside cafe, or your hotel balcony. Lots of nightlife opportunities here in the evening to enjoy in this popular resort town.

How to Get From Fethiye to Antalya

We recommend heading to Antalya on the next part of your trip. If you are not taking a tour, you have three options for getting from Fethiye to Antalya:

By Car: If you are driving, it’s about a 125 mile (200 km) drive if you take the most direct route which takes about  2.5 to 3 hours.

However, you can take the more scenic coastal route along the D400 between Fethiye and Antalya if you have more time and want to enjoy the scenery. It’s a nice drive. Taking the scenic route will add another 2 hours to your drive so I’d estimate about 4.5 hours.

By Plane: It is possible to fly from Fethiye (Dalaman Airport) to Antalya . Most flights are 3.5 to 4.5 hours long as most make a stop in Istanbul.

By Bus: In terms of public transport, there are regular direct buses from Fethiye to Antalya, with journey times taking around 3 to 3.5 hours on average. You can check bus routes and ticket prices online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 8: Antalya

Today, we recommend leaving Fethiye in the morning and heading to the southern coastal city of Antalya. But there’s no rush today so feel free to spend some more time in Fethiye if there is something you missed yesterday.

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to get to Antalya, depending on route and transport. So if you leave in the morning, you’ll still have half the day left to explore Antalya. Those traveling by car or tour bus may take the coastal route along the D400 which is slower but a very nice scenic route.

Antalya is believed to have been founded by King Attalus II of Pergamon around 150 B.C. and so has a long history. Most of the historical architecture in the city now dates to the medieval Ottoman period. The city is situated along the Turkish Riviera and has become Turkey’s most important international seaside resort.

There is a lot to do in Antalya and we recommend spending two nights here, giving you about 1.5 days to explore Antalya and the surrounding area. Once you arrive in Antalya and check into your hotel, we recommend spending your first afternoon exploring the town of Antalya and its city center attractions and perhaps spending some time on the beach.

In the town itself, we can recommend exploring the old town (Kaleiçi) on foot as there are a number of things to see here including Hadrian’s Gate, the Roman Tower (Hidirlik Tower), Yivli Minare Mosque (Fluted Mosque), and the Antalya Museum (regional history museum).

The Old Marina area is also worth exploring and is a great place to enjoy a meal or drink. You can also take a sightseeing boat tour from here.

Elsewhere in town you’ll also find a panoramic elevator for views over city, several city parks, a toy museum, and lots of other historical attractions.

If you prefer something more relaxing, you may also want to head to one of the area’s beaches. There are also some nice beaches within 10km of the city center, including Lara Beach (sandy beach) and Konyaalti Beach (pebble beach).

In the evening, Antalya is a lively place with lots of restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. The city also has cinemas and some movies are shown in their original English (with Turkish subtitles). There are also regular shows which include traditional Turkish music and dance and belly dancing performances.

Those who enjoy the theater or opera will also find the Antalya State Theater and the Antalya State Opera and Ballet here. There is also the popular Fire of Anatolia Dance Show that is regularly held at the Gloria Aspendos Arena.

If you are visiting in the summer months, you may want to see if the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is taking place during your visit. Throughout this popular festival, regular performances are held at the ancient Aspendos Roman theater.

Where to Stay in Antalya

Antalya is a large city and there is also a lot of accommodation throughout the Antalya region along the coast. We have two different recommendations depending on your interests and budget.

Our first recommendation is to either stay close to the Antalya Old Town center so you are within walking distance of the majority of attraction in the city itself. This is great for those who are are interested in the city attractions and nightlife here, and for those needing the public transit connections here.

Our other recommendation is to consider spending these two days at a nice coastal resort outside of the city. Antalya boasts some of the nicest hotel resorts in Turkey and if you are looking for an all-inclusive resort, you have a lot of options. These all tend to have multiple restaurants and bars, swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, and kids’ activities. Some also have beach access.

Here are some lodging options near the Antalya Old Town:

• Hostel Vague – If you’re looking for a budget option in Antalya, this hostel is a great option. It’s centrally located, offers shared and private accommodation and an on-site kitchen, lounge, terrace, and garden for guest use
• Beyaz Butik Hotel – A well-reviewed homestay option offering private en-suite rooms and breakfast. A short walk from the old town.
• White Garden Hotel – With a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and easy beach access, this is a great value and well-reviewed hotel near the old town
• Tekeli Konaklari – Located in a restored Ottoman Pasha’s residence, this property features private rooms set around a central courtyard, with easy access to the old town. Rooms are en-suite and breakfast is included.
• Cap d’Perge Hotel – This well-reviewed adults-only hotel offers private en-suite rooms with lots of amenities, a private beach, and an on-site restaurant. This one feels a bit tucked away but is still within easy walking distance of the historic center of the city
• ATICI Hotel – A popular and central hotel located right in the heart of the city center offering private en-suite rooms.

Here are a few resort hotel options to consider near Antalya:

• Xanadu Resort – This 5-star resort near Belek includes swimming pools, water slides, a kid’s club, fitness activities, several restaurants, a spa, and access to a private beach.
• Gloria Serenity Resort   – This 5-star resort includes swimming pools, a fitness center, sports center, several restaurants and bars, a spa, a game room, kids’ club, and beach access. We have stayed in one of the villas here and it is a great place if you want a relaxing place to stay on your trip.
• Land of Legends Hotel – This family-friendly hotel is geared to kids and all guests get free access to the Land of Legends theme park. The hotel and park feature roller coasters, a water park, pools, restaurants, children’s shows, and more.

Turkey Itinerary Day 9: Antalya

Today you’ll spend a second day exploring Antalya. There are lots of options for how you can spend your day, depending on your interests.

If you didn’t explore the historic city center and Old Marina areas yesterday, you might want to do that today. You can wander this area easily on foot.

Or perhaps head to the Beydaglari Coastal National Park. Here you can take the cable car (Olympos Telferik) to get a great view of the area. The park offers opportunities for hiking, paragliding, climbing, and other outdoor activities. In the winter there is skiing and snowsports.

For those interested in waterfalls, there are several waterfalls in the area. The most popular are the Upper Duden Falls and Lower Duden Falls. We can also recommend a visit to Kursunlu Waterfall.

For those looking for historical and archaeological sites outside the city, we can recommend the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aspendos . Here you can see the impressive remains of a Roman theatre, aqueduct, and basilica are well worth the visit. Another option is the ancient Greek city of Perga (or Perge) that contains a Bronze Age acropolis among many other of its ruins.

Those who like theme parks may want to spend the day at The Land of Legends , which is an amusement park with roller coasters, water slides, live shows, a surf pool, and a cinema. Very popular with families visiting the area.

Golfers may want to hit the links and try one or two of the many golf courses in the area. Belek and the surrounding area is considered the top golf destination in Turkey with over 20 different golf courses in Antalya. In 2012, the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final was hosted at the Antalya Golf Club in Belek.

If you are feeling like a lazy and inexpensive day out, consider just heading to a beach and having a relaxing day in the sun. Or if you are staying a resort, you can just spend your full day enjoying the resort amenities.

Note that many of these attractions, like the waterfalls, Aspendos, and the national parks, are located outside of the city center. Some you can reach by public bus, but many you will need to either hire a taxi or join a tour if you don’t have you own transportation.

Here are some day tours you might consider taking today:

• This 8 hour tour includes a guided city tour of Antalya, a boat tour, a visit to Duden Waterfalls National Park, and lunch
• This full day tour includes the Tunektepe cable car ride, visit to Duden Waterfalls National Park, Antalya city tour, lunch, and a boat ride
• This 9 hour tour from Antalya includes visits to the ancient cities of Aspendos, Perge, and Side as well as a stop at the Kursunlu Waterfall
• This 5 hour waterfall tour includes visits to three different area waterfalls in the Antalya region plus lunch
• This full day jeep safari includes Saklıkent Gorge, Patara beach, and Kaputaş as well as a buffet lunch

In the evening, we recommend enjoying more of the Antalya nightlife. There is something to suit just about any taste whether you are looking for a relaxing seafood dinner at the harbor, a dance performance, a sunset cruise, or a night out at the clubs.

Those traveling by bus may want to consider taking an overnight bus to Cappadocia tonight instead of spending the night in Antalya.

How to Get from Antalya to Cappadocia

Your next destination in Turkey is Cappadocia. Note that Cappadocia is the name of the region, rather than a specific city. The main tourist destinations in the region are in and around the town of Göreme.

By Car: It is a long 310 miles (500 km) drive from Antalya to Göreme, and the drive will take you about 7 hours. So this will use up most of your day. You may want to stop to visit the Derinkuyu Underground City before heading into Göreme today.

By Plane: Flying is the quickest option to get from Antalya to Cappadocia. Direct flights take about 1 hour, but those with connections usually take about 3.5 hours. In the summertime, there are often direct flights, but off-season you’ll likely have to connect through Istanbul.

The two main airports in Cappadocia are Kayseri Erkilet Airport in Kayseri, around a 1 hour drive from the main tourist sights, and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport in Gülsehir, around a 40 minute drive away. From the airports, you can book an airport transport service to hotels in the region here .

By Bus : If you are traveling by public transport, there are a number of buses from Antalya to Göreme. The buses take about 9 hours, and most are overnight buses although there are some daytime routes as well. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 10: Cappadocia

Today we recommend leaving Antalya after breakfast and heading to Cappadocia . Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most well-known tourist regions and it is definitely an area worth exploring.

Cappadocia is a region of central Turkey that has been inhabited since at least the 5th century BC. It is best known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys” and rock formations formed by erosion, the many rock dwellings carved into the rock valleys by the troglodytes (cave dwellers), and the carved rock churches, some of which still have existing frescos. There were entire underground villages here.

Cappadocia today is one of the most popular and visited areas of Turkey by international travelers. Visitors come to see its surreal landscapes, interesting rock formations, and ancient cave dwellings. It is also one of the most popular places in the world to take a hot air balloon flight!

The main town is Göreme and we recommend using this as a base to explore this region. There is a lot that you can see and do in the region, so you’ll want to prioritize your time here.

One of the most popular places to visit in the area is the Göreme Open Air Museum . The large outdoor complex contains ancient rock-hewn homes and some of the area’s most important rock churches and chapels. Many contain well-preserved frescos dating back to the 9th to 12th centuries. This site is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, along with several other locations in the region, including the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu.

A number of underground complexes built in this area. In terms of ones you can visit, Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are both partially open to visitors. The two underground cities were once connected. At Derinkuyu, it is believed that as many of 20,000 people could have lived there at one time!

Most of the area’s rock formations are made of soft volcanic tuff, which made it easy to carve and some of the dwellings were quite large. One of the better-known formations is the so-called Uçhisar Castle which is a mountain-castle that served as both a monastery and residential housing for up to 1,000 people in the Byzantine era.

Natural erosion of the rock has also lead to the interesting rock formations found throughout the region. There are lots of places to see these formations as they are scattered throughout the region.

For seeing local rock formations, you can visit one or two of the many valleys that feature a large concentration of these formations. These include Pigeon Valley (or Valley of the Dovecotes is full of dovecotes carved into the volcanic rock), Ihlara Valley (canyon full of cave dwellings and rock churches), Love Valley (full of phallic-shaped pillars), and Monk Valley (full of fairy chimneys and other rock pillars).

Most of these valleys offer plenty of opportunities for hiking as well. Some valleys also permit quad biking tours which are also popular.

This region is also known for its traditional arts and crafts, particularly pottery, and earthenware pottery has been made here for centuries. If you are interested in pottery and handicrafts, you’ll want to visit the town of Avanos which has a number of shops and galleries. We recommend a visit also to the Güray Museum in Avanos, which is an underground cave museum filled with antiques, ceramics, and pottery.

This is also an important region for those interested in the Hittites who were a people in the central Anatolia who established a Bronze Age empire in the region. The empire’s capital was in Hattusa, and the ruins of the ancient city can be visited today and are another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hattusa and the main Hittite archaeological sites are about a 2.5 hour drive from Göreme.

As Cappadocia is a bit spread out, again you will either need your own transport or to take a tour for the majority of these attractions.

There are lots of tour options around Cappadocia so they are all pretty competitive with each other so you should be able to find one at a decent price. Most include lunch in the tour price. Here are some tours of Cappadocia to check out:

• A full day small group tour of Cappadocia which includes lunch and visits to Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Göreme Valley
• A full day private tour of Cappadocia which includes Göreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and other highlights
• A 6.5 hour tour of Cappadocia , including Devrent Valley, Zevle Open Air Museum, Pasabag, Göreme Open Air Museum, and Pigeon Valley. Lunch is included.
• A 6 to 7 hour tour of Cappadocia, including Uchisar Castle, Love Valley, Göreme Open Air Museum, Monks Valley, Avanos, and Devrent Valley. Lunch is included.
• A full day private tour of Cappadocia , includes lunch and visits to Göreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Pigeon Valley, and Kaymakli Underground City.
• This full day tour with trekking explores south Cappadocia and includes visits to Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Belisirma, and Selime. It also includes a 4 km trek in Ihlara Valley and lunch.
• This private Anatolian art tour focuses on the local art and handicrafts of the region, particularly in Avanos. This includes carpet weaving, pottery, Ebru (water marbling), and jewelry. You get a chance to watch some of the art being made and chances to shop for local pieces.

Depending on how you travel to Cappadocia, you are likely spending a large portion of today traveling between Antalya and Cappadocia. So you may not have much time to explore on your first day.

If you don’t get into Cappadocia until the late afternoon or evening, there are still some activities you might consider on your first day.  For example, you might consider a sunset ATV tour, sunset horseback riding tour , or night show performance and dinner . Or maybe just heading to Sunset View point to watch the sunset before dinner.

We recommend going to bed early so you can be up to take a hot air balloon flight or watch them take off from afar in the morning!

Where to Stay in Cappadocia

Our recommendation for your time in Cappadocia is to stay in Göreme, Ortahisar, or Ürgüp. These three towns are next to each other and all feature a wide range of accommodation options.

You can see the hot air balloons from all of them, depending on weather conditions, with Göreme being the closest to the main launch sites.

Our recommendation is to stay in one of the many cave hotels on offer in this area, which is a unique experience! Just be aware that many of the cave hotels offer a range of accommodation options, and not all of them will be in a cave, so do double check before booking a specific room type if this is important to you.

Here are some accommodation options to consider in Cappadocia:

• Hostel Terra Vista in Göreme – This is a well-reviewed budget hostel option that offers both dormitory and private rooms with included breakfast. It’s not in a cave, but it does offer lovely views across Göreme.
• Homestay Cave Hostel , Göreme – This is a well-rated hostel with some of the dormitory rooms located in a cave. Breakfast is included.
• Guzide Cave Hotel in Göreme – This good value cave hotel offers a range of en-suite cave room types with breakfast included.
• Grand Elite Cave Suites in Göreme – This well-reviewed cave hotel offers room types to suit most budgets, and also has an outdoor swimming pool and breakfast is included.
• Aydinli Cave Hotel in Göreme – This cave hotel offers ensuite rooms, inclusive breakfast, and a lovely rooftop terrace that offers great views across Göreme.
• Zara Cave Hotel in Göreme – This is another wonderfully reviewed cave hotel offering a range of en-suite cave rooms across a variety of budgets. Breakfast is included and the hotel has a shared lounge and terrace area for nice views.
• Kayakapi Premium Caves in Ürgüp – This upscale cave hotel offers stunning cave rooms in restored historical caves, a magnificent view across the surrounding landscape, an on-site restaurant, a swimming pool, a spa, and breakfast is included. We’ve stayed in this cave hotel and really loved it.

Turkey Itinerary Day 11: Cappadocia

This morning we recommend getting up early to enjoy a hot air balloon flight. Cappadocia is very well-known for hot air ballooning and up to 100 balloons fly here on most days (weather permitting). Due to the unusual landscapes and wide open places, it is considered one of the best places in the world to experience a balloon flight.

If you want to take a hot air balloon flight, just be sure to book once in advance. If you are traveling with a tour, almost all tours offer this as an optional activity.

You’ll need to get up early as the balloons fly in the morning around sunset. How early will depend on the time of year and this can range from a very early 4:00am to 7:00am. Most balloon companies offer pick-up from your hotel and many also include breakfast (or at least coffee and a snack).

Most flights last between 1 hour and 1.5 hours in the air and you travel slowly over the scenic landscape. It is great to see all the interesting rock formations from above as well as see all the other hot air balloons in the sky. If you are looking for a splurge experience in Cappadocia, this is a good one to consider.

We’ve been to Cappadocia twice and have done hot air balloon flights with two different companies, and we can say that some companies definitely are better than others. We can wholly recommend booking a flight with Royal Balloons based on our experience. The staff, food, and safety precautions were all excellent.

Hot air balloon flights are widely available from many companies, but you will want to book in advance to secure a spot. Here are some few suggested options to consider for a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia.

• This 2.5 hour experience with Royal Balloons includes flight, hotel pickup, champagne toast, and breakfast. We did this trip and it was excellent; highly recommend!
• This 2 hour experience includes breakfast, champagne, souvenir flight certificate, and hotel pickup
• This 2.5 hour experience includes breakfast, champagne, and hotel pickup
• This private balloon experience is exclusively just for you and your group and includes hotel pickup and champagne toast.

Just remember that hot air balloon flights are weather dependent so cancelations are common if the winds are too strong or the weather is bad. So we recommend trying to have flexibility in your schedule for the next morning to do the flight if it is canceled. This will allow you to reschedule and hopefully get a chance to go up the next day.

If you are not interested in taking a balloon flight or the flights are a bit above your budget, you might still want to get up to watch them take off in the morning. The majority of hot air balloon flights launch from around Göreme. You can see them from many of the hotels (ask at yours specifically) and from many parts of the city.

The Sunset View point we mentioned for sunset is also a good place to watch sunrise and the balloon launch, and take photos.

After your morning balloon experience, you may be tempted to crawl back into bed for a nap, but we’d recommend using the rest of your day to see more of the wonderful landscapes and explore the local cultural attractions. There is plenty to see and do in the region to keep you busy all day!

If you are planning to take a balloon flight and then join a day tour today, just make sure that you will have time to get back from your flight before the tour departs.

For those who do want a more relaxing day time activity, you might consider shopping, spending time at one of the local spas (some hotels have their own spas) or hotel pools, going hiking in one of the valleys, or enjoying a mud bath at the Cappadocia Mud Baths & Spa . Laurence found a visit to the mud baths invigorating after a day of travel.

In the evening, we recommend enjoying the sunset and having a nice dinner. There are plenty of evening experiences you can enjoy as noted on Day 10. But if you got up early today, you are probably ready for an early night!

How to Get from Cappadocia to Ankara

Your next destination in Turkey is Ankara, the country’s capital. You have several options on getting between the Cappadocia area and Ankara. If you are planning to use public transportation, we’d recommend checking the schedules in advance.

Those with less than 2 weeks in Turkey may want to skip the stop in Ankara and head onwards to Istanbul today.

By Car : It is about a 180 mile (290 km) drive from Göreme to Ankara, which takes about 3.5 hours.

By Plane : You can fly from Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevşehir airport) to Ankara, but there are rarely direct flights so you will likely need to layover in Istanbul. Flights often take 4 to 5 hours.

By Train : There are usually two regular trains a day that run from Kayseri to Ankara, one during the day and one overnight train. They are not high-speed trains so the journey takes about 6.5 hours. Check train times and book online here .

By Bus : You can take the bus from Göreme (or other town in Cappadocia) to Ankara. The bus journey takes about 5 hours on average. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 12: Ankara

If you had a really early morning the day before, you may want to enjoy a relaxing later breakfast to start the day. Then it is time to head onward to Ankara.

If you weren’t able to take a balloon flight on the previous morning for any reason, you could do that this morning. Also if there is anything else you missed in Cappadocia, you could fit it into your morning and then head to Ankara in the late morning or early afternoon.

Ankara is the capital of Turkey, and the second-largest city after Istanbul. Like most cities in Turkey, it has a long and rich history and has been inhabited since at least the Bronze Age. The city became the capital of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and is today a major center of government, industry, and culture.

Despite being the capital city, Ankara is not nearly as well-known to travelers and is not as touristy as Istanbul. Many of its attractions are focused more to Turkish people than to international visitors, giving the city a much different feel than that of Istanbul and the more touristed regions of the country.

It is a great place to see and learn more about how Turkish people live, eat, work, and play. We recommend taking the time to explore this city and to consider hiring a local guide or joining a local walking tour during part of your time here.

The most popular visited attractions in Ankara is the Anıtkabir or the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk was the first president of Turkey, and is regarded as the founder of modern Turkey and was a leader of the Turkish War of Independence. He died in 1938, having served 15 years as President. Anıtkabir is a monumental complex of plazas, towers, statues, and a museum.

The city’s second most visited attraction is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and this is probably the one must-see place for most foreign visitors. The museum’s galleries tell the story of Turkey’s people in the past 8,000 years in chronological order, including the Neolithic, Early Bronze, Assyrian, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuq, and Ottoman periods. The museum is especially known for holding the most comprehensive exhibition on Hittite artifacts in the world. It was named the first “European Museum of the Year” in 1997.

Ankara has many archaeological and historical sites. These include the Ankara Castle (a.k.a. Ankara Citadel), Roman Theatre, Temple of Augustus and Rome, the Roman Baths, and the Roman Road. Most of the Roman ruins can be found in or near the Ulus quarter in central Ankara.

The largest mosque in the city is the Kocatepe Mosque which has become a landmark of the city. Other impressive mosques the 16th-century Yeni Mosque, the 15th-century Haci Bayram Mosque, and the 12th-century Alâeddin Mosque.

Ankara offers a lot of shopping opportunities, from traditional bazaars to modern shopping malls. The street bazaar along Cikrikcilar Yukusu, also known as the “Weavers’ Alley”, is one of the best places to go in the city for traditional shopping. Another nearby popular market is Bakicilar Carsisi which is famous for its copper products. Those looking for more modern stores may want to head to the Kızılay area.

We also recommend a wander around the Hamamönü, which is a restored late Ottoman neighborhood in the center of Ankara. The area has been restored and amongst the historical structures are handicraft markets, shops, cafes, and restaurants.

If you enjoy museums, there are about 50 of them in and around Ankara. They focus on everything from war to art to steam locomotives to technology. In addition to those already mentioned, some museums you might consider are the Ethnographic Museum, Çengelhan Rahmi Koç Museum (technology), Independence War Museum, and Republic Museum.

Ankara is also a cultural performance hub. You can see the state opera and ballet companies of Turkey perform, as well as classical music orchestras and theatre performances.

For those looking for a different type of nightlife, the large student population of Ankara means there are also things happening in the bars, clubs, and cafes located in the more student-friendly areas of the city.

Here are a few tour ideas in Ankara:

• This private full-day tour of the city’s highlights is designed to help you understand the history of Ankara with visits to some of the city’s main attractions including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara Citadel, Ataturk Mausoleum, and the Old Copper Market.
• This private tour with a local guide can be booked from 2 to 6 hours and focuses on introducing visitors to Ankara. This tour is designed to show you the local side of Ankara and help you plan the rest of your time in the city.
• This full day private day tour visits the Hittites sites of Yazilikaya and Hattusas. Includes hotel pick-up and lunch.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do to fill a couple of days in Ankara!

Where to Stay in Ankara

Ankara is a big city, so ideally you will want to stay relatively close to the center to minimize transport times. We recommend staying near the city center, so in the area around Ankara Castle and the train station, as this will put you in walking distance of most of the main sights in the city.

Here are some accommodation options in Ankara to consider:

• Deeps Hostel – This budget-friendly hostel offers both dormitory and private rooms, an on-site shared kitchen, and a dining room. It is also centrally located and is about a 5 minute walk from the main train station.
• Sahinbey Hotel – This great value central 2-star hotel offers rooms with private bathrooms and an included breakfast. It is located about a 5 minute walk from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and also near Ankara Castle.
• Kahya Hotel Ankara – This centrally located 4-star hotel offers en-suite rooms, 24-hour front desk, free on-site parking, terrace, and an on-site restaurant.
• Güvenay Business Hotel – This well-rated central business-focused hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant, a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, and inclusive breakfast
• Divan Cukurhan – This very well-reviewed historical hotel offers lovely en-suite rooms, with an on-site restaurant, 24 hour front desk, and optional breakfast. Located directly opposite of Ankara Castle and a 5 minute walk from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
• The Ankara Hotel – Another well-reviewed 4-star hotel offering modern en-suite rooms with lovely views of the city, an on-site bar and restaurant, free on-site parking, and inclusive breakfast. Located within the train station so a great place to stay for train travelers.

If you are looking for a self-catering option in Ankara, there are a number of options to rent a private room, apartment, or villa. You can check out these city center apartment options on Booking, and these city center options on Vrbo.

Turkey Itinerary Day 13: Ankara

For your second day in Ankara, we recommend you use it to do the things that you didn’t have time to do on the first day.

If you visited many of the most popular attractions like Anitkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and Ankara Castle yesterday, you might want to spend a more relaxing day wandering around one of the neighborhoods, doing a local food tour, and shopping. Ankara is a good place to search out any Turkish foods you haven’t had the chance to try yet or buying any last minute souvenirs or gifts.

Also a good time to do anything you had been wanting to do in Turkey that you hadn’t been able to do yet. For instance, if you had been wanting to try a Turkish hamam, you could do that today. One central historical hamam to consider is Şengül Hamamı .

If this is your final night in Turkey, we recommend planning something nice to do in the evening!

How to Get from Ankara to Istanbul

As the two largest cities in Turkey, Istanbul and Ankara are very well connected so you have lots of options on how to travel between them. The fastest way to get from Ankara to Istanbul is to fly although taking a direct high-speed train is also a good option.

By Car: If you’re driving, it’s around a 280 miles (450 km) drive from Ankara to Istanbul, and the drive takes around 5 hours.

By Plane : There are many daily direct flights between Ankara and Istanbul and these flights take about 1 hour.

By Train: The direct train takes around 4 to 4.5 hours. Several trains run this route each day and there is also an overnight sleeper train.

By Bus: Bus journeys between Ankara and Istanbul take between 6 and 7 hours on average. There are a great many bus services to choose from, including overnight options. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 14: Istanbul

You’re back in Istanbul, having completed your fantastic 2 week trip in Turkey!

If you have more time in Istanbul, you can see anything that you didn’t have time to see during your first visit here. There are plenty of things to see and do in the city. You can also do some final souvenir shopping and enjoy a final Turkish meal.

If you are flying home from the Istanbul airport, you may want to pre-arrange an airport transfer .

Our 2 Week Turkey Itinerary Map

We have marked out our suggested route for our 2 week Turkey itinerary on Google maps. This should help you more easily visualize the route over the 14 day trip through Turkey.

You can access our route map  here or by clicking on the map image below:

There you have it, our suggestions on where to travel in Turkey for 2 weeks!

Like what you see above but don’t want to book the transport, hotels, and activities yourself? Considering booking a guided tour, you can see our list of recommended tours of Turkey earlier in the post.

Which of these places would be on your Turkey travel itinerary? Have you been? If so, we’d love to hear about your favorite places or tips on traveling in Turkey.

If you have any questions about traveling to Turkey or our 2 week Turkey itinerary, just leave them as a comment below and we’ll try our best to answer them. As always, we love to hear from you!

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Isha Post author

March 24, 2024 at 3:23 pm

I will be in Turkey on Tuesday. This guide has been an extremely useful resource in planning my 14 day trip. I will be starting from Istanbul to Izmir (stay in kusadasi) – Cappadocia – Antalya (from Antalys day trip to Heirapolis and Permukkale). Thank you very much

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

March 25, 2024 at 4:26 am

So happy to hear our Turkey itinerary has been helpful in planning your own 14 day trip. Sounds like you hae a great trip planned. Hope you have a wonderful time and just let us know if you have any questions!

Best, Jessica

April 10, 2024 at 2:02 am

Hi, thanks again for this blog which was the best resource in planning my trip. I am back. I had an amazing time. The only thing i did not need was a water bottle (which i packed). I also downloaded the vpn.

Istanbul – toured by myself and didnt need a tour guide as most places are accessible by wandering around-4 days flew to Izmir-kusadasi-ephesus. did a tour with a guide. 2 days

flew to cappadocia did the green and red tours, skipped the balloon. Also did the turkish night dance which was overpriced in my opinion. 4 days

flew to Antalya. did day tour and went to permukkale and hierapolis by road.

Thank you so much for this amazing blog resource.

April 14, 2024 at 1:00 am

You’re very welcome and thanks for taking the time to tell us about your travels in Turkey. So glad you had such a great trip to Turkey and that our Turkey itinerary was a helpful resource in planning your trip and thanks for letting us know where you went and how you organized your time. Sounds like you did a mix of independent travel and guided travel, which sounds nice. I am sure it might be helpful to future readers looking to plan a similar trip.

Hawa Post author

February 20, 2024 at 4:33 am

Thank you so much for sharing your 14 day itinerary as well as tips! Extremely useful and no doubt that you guys had an amazing time! My hubby and I are planning to visit Turkey in September. Overall itinerary is 16-17 days. We want to visit the following places but are not sure which way to plan the routing. Can you please advise/assist us based on the places that we want to visit. We also not keen to hire a car and would prefer flying wherever possible. If there are no flights available for certain routes, then we opt to take a bus. The places are: Istanbul, Izmir, Pamukkale, Cappadocia and Antalya. Please assist us. Also we were planning to spend 3 full days in Antalya and about 2 and half days in Cappadocia. Is this okay? Or would you suggest us staying longer in Cappadocia then Antalya. Thank you! Kind regards,

February 20, 2024 at 12:44 pm

Happy to try to help with your trip. I am going to assume you are flying in and out of Istanbul? In that case, you could do Istanbul – Izmir – Pamukkale – Antalya – Cappadocia – Istanbul or do that in reverse ordering, leaving Istanbul and going to Cappadocia first. It really makes little difference which way you go, just that you on in an order that makes logical sense.

So a trip based on those locations and some of your plans you stated might be:

Istanbul – 3 nights Izmir – 4 nights Pamukkale – visit as part of a day trip from Izmir? Antalya – 4 nights Cappadocia – 3 nights Istanbul – 2 nights

Above is 16 nights in total

So it is easy to fly from Istanbul to Izmir. When in Izmir, you can either use local buses, taxis, or join day tours to visit places like Epheseus and Kuşadası. I’d also consider taking a day tour from here to Pamukkale. You can see a number of day tours available from Izmir here on GYG and here on Viator .

For Pamukkale, you can visit by public bus, join a day tour from Izmir (or Antalya), fly into Denizli airport and then take a taxi or bus. I’d probably opt to just join a day tour as you don’t have to worry about getting to the actual sites from a bus station or airport. Most of the tours include stops at both the hot springs and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Then from Izmir, you can take a flight to Antalya and then taxi to your hotel. Then from Antlaya, you can take a flight to Cappadocia (2 different airprot options). Then from Cappadocia, fly back to Istnabul for a couple of days before your flight howm.

Our suggested itinerary has lots of info on things to do at each of these locations, but feel free to ask if you have further questions.

Anyway hope that helps answer your questions and get you started in planning out your itinerary and starting to book your trip.

Just let us know if you have more questions as you continue to research your trip!

Linda Post author

January 14, 2024 at 6:50 pm

Hi Jessica and Lawrence, Your post is so amazing and helpful for me to understand traveling in Turkey! My partner and I are thinking of hiking the Lycien Way. Do you have any recommendation regarding tour group and how to do it? This will be our first time going to Turkey. Thank you! Linda

January 15, 2024 at 4:49 pm

So glad that our Turkey itinerary has been helpful to you and your partner. So are you looking to extend a 2 week trip around Turkey by adding in the hike, or are you going to to focus on doing the hike? The full hike is about a month but you can easily do a shorter section of it which can range from 1 day to a couple of weeks.

So if you want to do a general trip around Turkey (similar to the one we wrote about) and hike the Lycien Way as part of a guided tour, I’d probably do a regular guided tour around Turkey first, exploring places like Istanbul, Epheseus, Antalya, Troy, Cappadocia, etc. first. We give lots of suggestions for tour companies that do similar itineraries to the one above as well as those for slightly shorter or longer trips.

Then after that ends (almost all begin and end in Istanbul) add on a second hiking specific tour of the Lycien Way after that you can get a flight down to Dalaman Airport (DLM) or Antalya Airprot. Most of the hiking trips end/begin at the Dalaman Airport (or in nearby Fethiye) or in Antalya. Domestic return flights within Turkey are normally pretty cheap (about $150 to $250 per person). You just need to be sure to book your tours in advance and leave a little leeway in case there are delays or anything, so I’d probably leave a full day at beginning and end (also nice to have a day to relax in between tours).

So as you probably already know the Lycien Way is an approximately 760 km (472 mile) way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, stretching from Fethiye to Antalya. However, the exact length and such is different depending on map and guidebook, and has changed over time. But generally it takes about 30-40 days to walk the full path. It is generally recommended to do it in the Spring by most sources although autumn also can be nice. I can’t give any specific personal advice on hiking it or a tour group as we have never tried hiking any more than a short section.

Now if you are looking for a tour group, I don’t know of any that regularly do the full path from start to finish with English speaking guides (I would check local hiking/trekking companies in Turkey or ask in a Turkey hiking forum) but there are several companies that do group or private 6-10 day hiking highlights tours of the Lycien Way so that you experience some of the main and more scenic and easy to reach sections. But they also arrange your transport, food, luggage, accommodation, etc. Tour companies like Intrepid, Explore, and UTracks all seems to offer them, and the Explore one in particular seems to get a lot of really good reviews online. You can compare various tours here that include the Lycien Way.

If you want to do the Lycian Way, I would recommend getting a copy of the English guidebook on this by Kate Clow (she is the authority on the route as she waymarked and promoted it). Note that the latest version of this guidebook was published in 2022 (it can be hard to find so you may need to order it directly from her website Trekking in Turkey). This guidebook along with free online resources and mapping apps should help inform and guide you whether you choose to do it on your own or with a guide.

Hope the above helps, but let me know if you have more questions as you research and plan your trip to Turkey!

Charles Post author

December 15, 2023 at 4:18 pm

Istanbul, Turkey is such a captivating destination, love the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. This website offers such valuable insights into these attractions, as well as local cuisine and practical travel advice. Had such an enjoyable visit to this enchanting city. Would love to return to follow your whole itinerary but not the time on this trip. Thanks so much and Happy travels!

December 16, 2023 at 8:18 am

Hi Charles,

So glad you had such a wonderful visit to Istanbul and glad you found our Turkey articles helpfull. Hope you get a chance to return to Turkey soon and see more of the country beyond Istanbul – lots of great places to visit!

Georges Chahoud Post author

October 11, 2023 at 11:09 am

Thanks a lot for the precious informations two weeks in turkey , what do you suggest me if I would like to visite the princesses islands ( Istanbul) and more excursions tour three weeks .

October 12, 2023 at 11:30 am

Hi Georges,

Glad you are finding our 2-week Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your trip. So with three weeks, I would probably just spend some more time at the cities and stops that are of most interest to you. It can also give you more time to do day trip and excursions from those places such as Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, or Kuşadası. Or if you are planning to join a tour, it will likely allow you to choose a longer tour with more stops.

I think you mean the Princes’ Islands in Turkey, near Istanbul (I am not familiar with any Princesses Islands)? For that, I would probably just do it as a day trip and allocate a morning and afternoon for the visit. We have visited as part of a day trip and the main island is easy to get to by taking a ferry boat. I think it is the equivalent of a couple of dollars for a ticket each way and most people head to Büyükada (Big Island). You can book tickets in advance or just buy once you are there. You can also join as part of a tour, and here are some day tour options that you can book in advance. In addition to your transport, some of the tours also include a guided walking tour, lunch, bike rides, music, and/or fishing.

If you are looking for a 3 week guided tour, it is hard to make a recommendation without knowing more about your budget, age, interests, and who all is traveling together. But a couple of options would be this 19-day tour with TravelTalk or this 18-day tour with Intrepid Travel. But here are several more tour options that are between 18 and 25 days in length. If you decide to do a tour like those that is less than 21 days, then plan a couple of extra nights on your own in Istanbul at the end (where you can visit the Princes Islands for instance).

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey!

October 15, 2023 at 12:55 pm

Hi Jessica. Thanks a lot for your reply, I found it very useful. I’m happy to find you and to be one of your followers. Concerning my voyage to turkey, my budget is about 5000C$, do you think is enough for 21 days, I’m 61 years old and for me it’s a discovering voyage, most probably I gone be alone . Thanks again.

October 16, 2023 at 8:19 am

You’re very welcome. Glad the information was useful in planning you vogage to Turkey.

Yes, $5000 CAD (about $3700 USD) is enough for a comfortable trip around Turkey for 3 weeks if you plan it well. Turkey is not that expensive. Flights are the biggest cost, if the $5000 is in addition to your international flight then that is a very nice budget to have, but you’ll need to be more budget focused if your flights will come out of that sum. You’ll have about a $230 CAD budget per day (currently about $170 USD or 4700 Turkish lira).

Just a side note, the Turkish lira (the official currency of Turkey) is very unstable and so most tourist places prefer you to pay in euros (or sometimes GBP or USD). A lot of tourist activities will be priced in euros so good to know the CAD to EUR conversion rates once in Turkey. So while you may want to have a small amount of Turkish lira cash on you for small establishments/markets/gratuities/etc, you can pay with most things with your credit/debit card or in euros.

You can stay in comfortable moderate hotels or guest houses, visit attractions, do some excursions, and eat well within your budget. You can choose to plan the full trip yourself and do your own travel (by car or public transit) or join a tour with a tour guide where that all is taken care of for you with that budget. If doing it on your own, you should be able to book most big things in advance (flights, hotels, car rental, excursions) so you’ll know the cost and be able to stick to your budget and then allow for all the needed extras (food, attraction tickets, public transit, taxis, souvenirs, gratuities, etc.).

If you want to do it on your own, you certainly can, but if you prefer some company and a guide, there are lots of tours within your budget as well. We’ve used Travel Talk in Turkey but they definitely cater to a younger demographic but Intrepid Travel’s Comfort or Premium tours might be nice fit. We’ve used Intrepid Travel in Morocco and the age range was from late 20’s to 70’s on their more Premium category tours.

One thing you might consider is to do a mix where you are part of a tour for some parts of your travels and you are on own for other parts so you get the ease of group travel for the more far flung destinations and can do it on your own in places like Istanbul.

I am not sure when you are planning to visit, but if you are flexible, I would probably recommend avoiding the hottest months in Turkey (particularly July and August) as it can be pretty uncomfortable to sightsee, especially the historical sites and gardens, in the summer heat.

Hope that helps! If you have further questions as you get further into planning your trip, just let us know.

Georges Post author

October 17, 2023 at 9:46 am

Hi Jessica, i hopeI do not bother you with my questions, but I find that your instructions are very useful. I have two questions,since I am planning to visit the western part of Turkey. In your opinion, is it better for me to start in Ankara and end with Istanbul, or vice versa, or to start and end in the same city (to avoid distances). Secondly, in your opinion, is it better for me to book hotels In advance, such as a flight ticket, or to leave hotel reservations until I arrive in Turkey to avoid unpleasant surprises (I heard that, as for some hotels, you book a room and are surprised when you arrive that your room does not look at all like what you saw in the picture, and perhaps it is from another hotel. What do you think? Thanks a lot.

October 18, 2023 at 12:31 pm

Sure, no problem. So I would probably recommend flying in and out of Istanbul as that is normally the cheapest option as Istanbul is the larger international airport. If you are planning to take domestic flights in Turkey, Istanbul is also a good hub for that. But flying in and out of Ankara can also work if prices are better there. So definitely price compare across airports, dates, and routes. We’ve generally flown Turkish Airlines on round-trip tickets into Istanbul. Then I’d just recommend planning your itinerary in a circular fashion around the Western part of Turkey starting and ending in either Istanbul or Ankara.

We do generally recommend booking your accommodation in advance (before you leave for your trip) if you know your dates. Trying to find accommodation on the same day once in a location is not the best idea and can waste a lot of time. It is also easier to stick to a budget if you know your lodging cost beforehand. But it is of course up to you and I would do what best fits your travel style.

But if you want to stay in a comfortable hotel and have that set and know the price in advance, I would just book in advance once you know your dates and itinerary and I would generally recommend booking with a free cancellation option just in case you needed to cancel your trip or change dates. Of course if you have travel insurance, you can normally do a claim there if you couldn’t make your trip due to illness or flight cancellation or something, but having the free cancellation for your hotels just makes that easier.

We normally book online via Booking.com (or Hotels.com) with some kind of cancellation option. We have not had any unpleasant surprises in Turkey but I think if you stick to well-reviewed hotels on an international booking website like Booking or Hotels with plenty of reviews (especially from other Western travelers) and photos, you should be fine. We give some hotel recommendations throughout the itinerary across budgets and that should get you started on your search, at least in those areas. But Turkey has a lot of decent mid-range options in the main tourist cities and towns in the west part of the country that are not very expensive, but I would avoid the very cheap/basic ones and any that have no or few reviews.

gezilecek yerler Post author

August 9, 2023 at 7:01 am

Thank you for this great Turkey itinerary. Greetings from Turkey!

August 10, 2023 at 10:49 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment. You are very welcome and glad you found our 2 weeks in Turkey itinerary helpful! If you have any questions, just let us know. And enjoy your travels around Turkey!

Anne Post author

July 28, 2023 at 8:13 am

Thank you for so generously sharing this itinerary in such detail! We are planning to spend the entire month of May, 2024 in Turkey. For most of the first week we’ll be staying with friends in Istanbul, and after that we will travel by bus. We would love to follow your itinerary, expanding on it to fill out our month. Which of these options would you recommend as the best ways to spend our extra time: 1. Spending time in the Black Sea region on our way back from Capadocia? 2. Adding a multi day boat tour while we’re in the Mediterranean region? 3. Spending additional days in one or more of the Mediterranean towns along the route? 4. Adding stops along the Mediterranean? 5. Taking the ferry and spending time in Greece? So many ideas!

July 30, 2023 at 4:22 pm

That is wonderful that you have a full month here and have friends in Istanbul. So it sounds like you have 3 weeks to cover the rest of the itinerary (excluding Istanbul of course) and that gives you time to add some extra time to all the stops and to add an extra stop or two to the trip. So I would recommend going through the itinerary and seeing which places you want to add time in the existing places, taking into account bus travel times/stops. Then see how much extra time you have leftover and then that can help you decide which of the options might work best.

I would first add an extra day or two to the places along the route that you are most interested in visiting. As the itinerary covers a lot of ground in 2 weeks, you have extra time to add an extra day or two to any of the stops. Even if you don’t want to spend 3 days in the town itself, it nice to have the longer stay without needing to move hotels and you can do day trips (either by public bus or join a bus tour) to neighboring towns and attractions. You already have a lot of time in Istanbul, but you might want to spend extra time for instance in Kusadasi, Fethiye, or Cappadocia. Maybe spend a night in Denizli/Pamukkale to make that day not so long and more leisurely. So I would go through the 2 week itinerary you already have and make it slower first of all.

If interested in cultural sights/cities, you might want to add an overnight stop in Konya – a lot of people stop to see a whirling dervishes performance at the Culture Center but also a number of mosques and museums. If you like more the beach vibes, you might want add more of those such as Bodrum or Marmais.

If you like time on the water, then yes, I would definitely recommend a boat cruise. Laurence did a multi-day gulet trip and enjoyed it a lot. It’s a great way to see some of the islands, swim, etc. Options range from budget group trip to luxury private ones, and from a few hours to 2 weeks in length. You can take boat trips from a number of places such as Kusadasi, Kas, Fethiye, and Bodrum. If you want to do a multi-day trip, you would want to book that in advance before you leave. Boat day tours you can normally arrange the day before or even same day if needed (although still a good idea to book those in advance too).

If you want to see a bit of Greece and plan to do a boat trip, some of the boats also go to Greek islands given that some of them are so close to Turkey. But the ferry could also be an option if you wanted to make a short visit to Greece. To be honest with 3 weeks outside of Istanbul to explore, I’d probably recommend focusing on Turkey and saving Greece for a future trip. But if you don’t think you’ll ever return to the area, it could be worth the extra time.

The Black Sea region is not as popular with international tourists as most of the other places on the itinerary but can definitely be a nice extra place to spend some of your time if you have at least a few extra days to spare in your itinerary. The beaches are not going to be as great as the ones in the south but it has some lush green hilly areas, alpine areas, forests, waterfalls, castles, coastal cities, tea plantations, historic mosques, lovely lakes, etc. So if you are looking for a more off the beaten path area or just a green area this can be a good choice and you could head there after either Ankara or Cappadocia before heading back to Istanbul. But just be sure you have plenty of time to add this and that there are good bus connections to the parts of the region that you would like to visit. Depending on which part of the region you visit, it can take you a day (~12 hours) to get from the region to Istanbul, and also most of a day to get there from Cappadocia (a little less if leave from Ankara) so you’d probably need 5 days free to be able to spend 3 days here so may or may not work with your schedule. The biggest Turkish city in the Black Sea region, Samsun, definitely has regular connections to both Kayseri, Ankara, and Istanbul by bus so you can look at that route to get an idea of connections and timing. You can check them on Busbud and FlixBus .

Anyway, hope that helps a little! Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your 2024 trip to Turkey.

Radhika Bayanwala Post author

May 1, 2023 at 9:56 am

Hello, for a 12 day trip what part of this trip do I cut down on?

May 1, 2023 at 12:48 pm

Hi Radhika,

I think it really depends on what you are most interested in doing/seeing in Turkey. I would maybe look at the itinerary day by day and see which places seem less interesting and take 2-3 days out of the itinerary. So for example if not very interested in the coast, you might cut the 2 nights in Antalya or if not as interested in more city/cultural stuff you could cut the stop in Ankara and go directly back to Istanbul from Cappadocia, which would save you two days. It is really just up to you!

If you have any questions as you plan your trip to Turkey, just let me know!

Ferhana Abader Post author

February 11, 2023 at 12:51 pm

Hi Jessica, Thank you so much for this, it really is helpful. My husband and I want to visit Turkey towards the end of April from South Africa. We will be staying for 2 weeks. We want to go to Istanbul, Cappadocia and Antalya. Do you think it’s a good idea to stay in Istanbul for 2 nights, Cappadocia for 3 nights, Antalya for 3 nights and back to Istanbul for another 6 nights. We not really into history so we won’t be visiting quite a few of the places mentioned here. If 8 days in Istanbul is too much where do you recommend we go to where there’s other things to do besides visit historical sites?

Thank you so much 🌹

February 13, 2023 at 8:43 am

Hi Ferhana,

Glad you have found our Turkey itinerary helpful!

So yes, I think if historical and cultural sites are not that interesting to you, you might find that 8 full days in Istanbul might be too much. That is a pretty long time. Istanbul has a variety of things to do, but the main appeal to many visitors is of course the historical sites, churches/mosques, museums, etc. Of course there are also loads of other things including the markets, shopping, art, boat rides, evening entertainment, food tours, etc. So I think 4-6 days in total would probably allow you to see much of what you wish to see perhaps? But it really depends on what you enjoy doing. I’d maybe make a list of what you really want to do there and see how much is on it. That should help you decide.

If you feel you are spending too much time in Istanbul, the simplest thing would perhaps be to just add a night or two to your time in both Cappadocia and Antalya. This way your time is still divided by just 3 places.

If you like the beach and/or outdoor activities, another idea would be spend more time along the Turkish coast. In addition to Antalya, you might want to spend a few nights in either Fethiye or Bodrum. In the coastal cities, in addition to beaches, shopping, and the local historical attractions, you can do things like hiking, boating, golfing, water parks, and adventure tour activities like sailing, paragliding, rock climbing, or dirt biking. Gulet boat tours are popular and you could even consider an overnight trip where you get to sleep on the boat – they range from budget to luxury experiences.

Anyway, hope that helps give you some ideas! If you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey, just ask.

February 13, 2023 at 10:07 am

Thank you so much for your response 🌹 This definitely helps me to make a more informed decision about my itinerary. Take care

February 13, 2023 at 11:58 am

You’re very welcome! Wishing you a great trip, and just let us know if you have further questions.

Jonathan Abrahams Post author

February 11, 2023 at 1:54 am

Thanks so much for this great write-up and itinerary for Turkey. It has definitely helped make my upcoming trip a lot easier to plan.

I’m visiting Turkey in April from the 22nd of April to the 6th of May this year. I’ll be mostly using public transport since I’m traveling solo.

My current schedule is as follows: 01. Istanbul (I arrive 7pm first day so it wouldn’t really count) 02. Istanbul 03. Istanbul 04. Istanbul 05. Selcuk (catch an early morning flight to Izmir and train to Selcuk – visit Ephesus and whatever else I can fit in) 06. Denizli (catch an early train from Selcuk and visit Pammukkale and whatever else I can fit in) 07. Antalya (take a bus to Antalya from Denizli – This time can be flexible if I want to see a bit more of Denizli) 08. Antalya 09. Antalya (taking an overnight bus from Antalya to Cappadocia – 9 hours) 10. Cappadocia 11. Cappadocia 12. Cappadocia 13. Ankara (take a bus from Cappadocia to Ankara – probably early in the morning) 14. Ankara 15. Ankara (take early afternoon flight from Ankara to Istanbul and catch my early evening flight out of Istanbul back home)

Normally when I travel I like to stay in one location for about 3 days to explore it and the surrounding areas, but I had to fit Selcuk in (for Ephesus) and Denizli (for Pammukkale). Do you think I’m spreading my time alright or should I perhaps move around a day or two here or there? Also, have you ever used AirBnB in Turkey and if so, how has it been?

Many thanks Jonathan

February 13, 2023 at 8:18 am

Hi Jonathan,

I think your proposed Turkey itinerary looks fine and glad to hear that our post made it easier for you to plan your trip and itinerary.

I do think that you will be a bit rushed for the 1 night visits as you say but that really can’t be helped unless you borrow time from elsewhere to stay longer in say Selcuk. Days 5 & 6 are definitely going to be longer/busy days for you. So it just depends if you are OK with this or not. If you wanted more time in those places, I’d suggest removing one of the other longer stops (say Antalya or Ankara).

In terms of how to spend your time, I would just review what you really want to see/do in each place and make sure you have enough time to do that. For example, as yourself what are the three main things you really want to do? How much do you want to see Pammukkale? What do you plan to do in Cappadocia/Ankara? etc. If you find that you are having to skip something you really wanted to see or feel it is too rushed, see if you can remove time elsewhere where maybe there are lower priority places. It is really about your priorities and how you want to organize your time, so really only you can decide if the alloted time and itinerary is a good fit for you or not. It is always good to also go with the mindset that hopefully you will return another time so you don’t feel like you have to see everything this trip.

Traveling by public transit is definitely your cheapest option; however, it does of course have the drawback as taking the longest and you will lose some travel time and have to be sure to check the bus/train schedules to be sure to make the most of your time. The overnight bus is a good way to maximize time (and saves you from paying for a hotel that night).

We have used Airbnb in a lot of places around the world, but not in Turkey. In Turkey, good value lodging is easy to find and often includes things like free breakfast, a front desk, a restaurant, and housekeeping so we have found it more appealing to stay in hotels here. I am sure Airbnb is good in Turkey, and if you use it just make sure to stick to places that have consistent good reviews and will be within walking distance of any needed public transit stops. We tend to only find Airbnb worth it for 3 night or more stays.

Anyway, hope that helps and wishing you a great trip to Turkey. If you have any further questions, just ask!

Jonathan Post author

February 13, 2023 at 3:16 pm

Thanks for the feedback Jessica. I’ve only made one change by flying out of Istanbul on my 4th day so I can spend two nights in Selcuk. Other than that I’m happy with my itinerary. Again, I can’t help but say thank you again for this awesome write-up that you’ve done.

Regards Jonathan

February 14, 2023 at 12:59 am

That sounds great to have that extra night in Selçuk so that you don’t have to feel rushed there. Ephesus is a large and important site so it is good to have a full morning and afternoon – having a tour guide can be a good idea here to better understand the ruins.

Having 2 nights will also give you time to see other things in that area. Depending on your interests, Kusadasi is a fairly easy minibus or taxi ride away (about 20 minutes), so that would be an option on the day you are not visiting Ephesus.

Wishing you a great first trip to Turkey!

Mona Post author

January 25, 2023 at 9:58 am

HI! Loved getting all the ideas from your trip! We’re travelling early March this year with our 9 month old! i wanted to know if they would allow him to be on the hot air ballloon with us in a baby carrier strapped to us since were traveling alone and cant leave him anywhere ! would love to know while i plan! def want to do the air balloon though

February 1, 2023 at 4:32 am

Glad you are finding our advice and Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your upcoming trip!

So you can not and should not take a baby in a hot air balloon. It would not be safe to do so as your baby could easily be injured, whether strapped to you or not. Landings can be rough and we’ve seen a number of injuries over the years we’ve been ballooning, luckily most are minor and it is not usual.

There are generally age and/or height requirements for hot air ballooning and these vary around the world and by the operator. Minimum age generally is between 5 and 10 years of age. In Cappadocia, I think the minimum age for most operators is 7 years of age.

So if you want to take a hot air balloon in Turkey, I would choose a hotel in Cappadocia that offers well-reviewed babysitting services. Many hotels in the area do this. For example, the hotel I last stayed at in the region, Kayakapi Caves hotel , offered family rooms, children’s menus, and babysitting services to parents. I would check on these services before booking any hotel.

But if you don’t want to leave your baby, I would choose an alternative activity that you would be able to do safely together. Then you can always return in several years and do a hot air balloon ride together as a family.

Anyway, hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey!

Ashwani Post author

November 17, 2022 at 4:10 am

Very very detailed article. As someone who lives in Turkey, I really appreciate your travel information. it was a good guide.

November 18, 2022 at 3:57 am

Hello Ashwani,

So glad to hear from those in Turkey that they have found the travel information useful and accurate. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Wishing you happy travels!

Ustun Post author

October 7, 2022 at 2:18 pm

Very very detailed article. As someone who lives in Turkey, I really appreciate your travel information. it was a good guide. You can also contact me for any help.

October 12, 2022 at 2:43 pm

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let us know that you enjoyed our Turkey travel guide. Always glad to hear from locals that our travel information is accurate and helpful.

If you have any questions, just ask but I am sure you have your own local contacts!

Preeti Post author

September 30, 2022 at 1:10 pm

Extremely helpful blog! We planned our itinerary quite similarly to the one mentioned above. Super in-detail and insightful. Thanks!

October 1, 2022 at 10:27 am

So glad you found our 2 weeks in Turkey guide helpful in planning your itinerary. If you have any questions, just ask!

Wishing you a wonderful trip! Jessica

Dominic Martin Post author

August 29, 2022 at 7:53 pm

Hi Jessica & Laurence, I am glad to have come across your blog. I am planning a 30 day budget trip to Turkey (end Oct to End Nov). We are a couple and will be using Istanbul for arriving and departing in to Turkey. Could you suggest an itinerary for the same? We are open to exploring all options.

Jessica Post author

August 31, 2022 at 12:14 pm

Hi Dominic,

The first thing to determine is how you plan to get around Turkey. We talk about all the options above.

If traveling on a smaller budget, the cheapest way to get around Turkey is definitely by bus. Buses go to most destinations in Turkey. Since you have a lot of time, you can be flexible and would have the time to work with a bus schedule.

Another good option to consider is a budget-oriented tour for part of your trip. For instance, you could do a week in Istanbul on your own, join a tour for a couple of weeks that will take you to all the tourist highlights (Ephesus, Pamukkale, Troy, Cappadocia, beaches, etc.) and then return you to Istanbul to spend another week on your own. One example of a tour company we have used for budget trips is Travel Talk Tours . Some of the tours average out to about $50 to $100 per person/per day so can be a good value, depending on your budget and if any of the itineraries match the main things you want to see/do. Some include time sailing on a boat for a few days.

It is easy to find inexpensive and good value hotels or hostels in most places in Turkey and food is also not very expensive (in comparison to Western countries anyway). You can book your lodging in advance to make sure you stay within your budget.

It is really hard to say what would be the best itinerary for you as it will depend on what you like to do, what you really want to see, your budget, etc. A person most interested in history and ancient sites may have a very different itinerary and priorities than someone more intersted in beaches and sailing. So here is a suggestion that is basically just adding nights to our itinerary and making day stops into overnight stays:

Istanbul – 5 nights Gallipoli/Çanakkale – 1 night izmir – 2 nights Troy/Şirince – 1 night Kusadasi – 3 nights Denizli/Pamukkale – 2 nights Fethiye – 3 nights Antalya – 3 nights Konya – 2 nights Cappadocia – 4 nights Ankara – 2 nights Istanbul – 2 nights

Hopefully, the above gives you an idea of how to get started in booking your trip to Turkey.

Dominic Post author

August 31, 2022 at 6:03 pm

Thanks for the detailed information Jessica. Will work around this.

September 1, 2022 at 1:52 pm

You’re very welcome and hope this helps. Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey!

Jay R Post author

August 29, 2022 at 6:22 pm

Hey Jessica & Laurence!

Thanks for putting together such a great guide. We are planning to go to Turkey in October for an engagement. We were trying to keep it to 14 days but finding it difficult. Also, we were hoping to squeeze in Mount Nemrut but it does not seem practical.

We are planning to rent a car.

Here is what we are thinking:

Istanbul – 3 nights Safranbolu – 1 night Hattusha – few hours Cappadocia – 4 nights Antalya – 2 nights Kas – 1 night Fethiye – 1 night (Paragliding) Pamukkale – 1 night Selçuk – 2 night Istanbul – 1 night

We really want to try and squeeze in Epheseus but we are already over the 14 day stay we were planning.

Do you have any suggestions based on this proposed itinerary? Would you remove any stop or shorten any days?

Also, for renting cars, the reviews seem all over – do you have any suggestions?

Thanks again to both of you for putting together such a great resource!

August 31, 2022 at 11:45 am

Glad that our suggested 14 day itinerary was helpful in putting together your own. Happy to try to give advice about your upcoming trip.

My biggest advice especially if trying to decide what to try to fit in and what to cut, is to just make a list of your top must-see places and then order them by how much you and your travel partner(s) want to visit. Then you can cut the places you want to see least and spend more time on the places that are a must-see. With only 14 days you can only see a bit of Turkey as its a huge country with so much to see/do but you can certainly see a number of places in 2 weeks. Hopefully you have the chance to return some day and see those places that don’t make it on this trip 😉

I would definitely not recommend adding to your current itinerary if you are trying to keep it to 14 days unless you remove some of the stops as you currently already have 16 days/nights by what you listed. If you want to bring it down to 14, some suggestions would be to skip Safranbolu/Hattusha, remove one night from Cappadocia (3 nights is probably enough), skip the 1 night in Kas, and/or remove the last night in Istanbul (and just fly home that day). What you remove will of course depend on how much you want to see each place. Removing the 1 night stops is generally a good place to start if needing to pare down an itinerary.

You might also consider dropping off your car at the Izmir airport and flying home from Izmir (via Istanbul) to avoid that long drive back from Selçuk and avoid the need to spend an extra night in Istanbul. Also you could potentially stop in Ephesus that day if you had time as it would be on your way to the airport.

So if you want to include Mount Nemrut, you can do so, but you are going to have to skip some of the other places. That will take you much further over to eastern Turkey and is about a 7 hour or so drive from the most eastern place on your itinerary at the moment. If you want to do that I’d probably end your itinerary as you have it above in Fethiye and fly home from there via Istanbul (skipping Pamukkale, Selçuk, and extra night in Istanbul). That would put you at about 14 days in total if you add a couple days for driving and visiting Mount Nemrut.

I am not sure if your question about rental cars is about where to check rates/companies or safety of driving a rental car in Turkey? We cover some of this above in the article. But in terms of where to look for rates, I’d recommend this comparison website to get a good idea of prices as they compare a lot of brands, both international (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar) as well as more local Turkish companies. Make sure you read all the terms of the rental. In Istanbul, you can pick up a car at the airport or in the city, so if exploring the city first, you might want to compare prices as you can sometimes save by not getting it from the airport.

In terms of driving/safety, the road network in Turkey and road safety are not the best in general, but if you stick to main routes to tourist destinations in western Turkey, it is OK, well-signed, and doable. But the further east you go and the more you go to rural and offbeat places, the less great the road system is. It also depends where you are coming from, your comfort with driving, and the road conditions you are used to in your home country. If safety is a concern, I’d definitely do your own research and read the latest stats/reports to make your own informed decisions.

Alternatives are taking buses or trains (buses go to most/all of the places you list, trains to a few), flights, or guided tours that include transport. Buses for most popular destinations are easy to book online these days (see some links above in article). The issue of course with taking public transit or flights is you’d have to keep to a schedule and you’d probably want to remove the 1 night stops (and maybe do them as guided day trips instead).

Anyway, hope the above helps give you some direction and answers to your questions. If you have further questions as you book your trip, just ask.

Wishing you a safe & fun trip to Turkey!

Ivelisse Garcia Post author

August 26, 2022 at 3:17 pm

Hi, Jessica am going to Turkey for 15 days , arriving in Istanbul then capadocia, konya, Antalya, Pamukale, but my question is from pamukale what other city I need to stay to see the churches and then returning to Istanbul, please advise( no tour company on our own)

August 27, 2022 at 5:17 am

Hi Ivelisse,

Happy to try to help. So there are a lot of churches in Turkey, so it depends of course on which ones in particular you want to see.

I am guessing you might be talking about the Seven Holy Churches of Asia (as mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Revelation) as those are popular places for tourists and pilgrims? Those would be the seven churches located in the ancient cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

I’d probably recommend splitting your time between Denizli and Izmir to see the 7 churches and Pamukkale (which is near Denizli). So maybe two nights in Denizli and then three nights in Izmir.

If you are looking for a single base to see all 7 churches, I would recommend Izmir. You’d probably need at least 3 days to see them as day trips plus I’d recommend another day to explore Izmir itself. So I would maybe do 4 nights there if trying to see all 7 churches from there.

Then from Izmir, you can then head north to visit Troy, Gallipoli, etc. before returning to Istanbul.

Ivelisse Post author

August 27, 2022 at 7:24 am

Thank you so much that helps me so much

August 28, 2022 at 3:44 am

You’re very welcome, happy to help. Yes, if you are wanting to visit all seven churches, the best solution would probably be to split your time between Denizli and Izmir.

Wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey.

Ana Post author

August 10, 2022 at 5:02 pm

Hello Jessica and Lawrence! Thank you for such nice detail explanation in what to do in Turkey. I am planning a trip by the end of October 2022 and I’m traveling solo ( I’m a female 54 old and have traveled before by myself but I’m a bit rusty.. haven’t traveled in the last 4 years)I like the options provided, but was wondering if I have 14 days to spend there what would be the best for me? I was thinking about using air to move from one city to another in order to save time and get to know more places. I was thinking arriving to Estambul from USA Florida and get a flight to start in Capadocia so I could finish in Estambul. Do you have any plan for a solo female traveler??

August 11, 2022 at 6:49 am

Glad you are finding our 2 week Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your own 14 days in Turkey. We are happy to try to help.

If you are wanting to get between places by plane, then I’d recommend choosing 4 to 5 places to base with nearby airports and from those cities/towns you can explore the city and take day tours to places you want to visit from those places (e.g.,Epheseus, Pamukkale, Troy, etc.). Note that you will of course need to take a taxi, bus, or book a transfer to get from airports to towns.

So I would first recommend making a list of any must-see places and planning based on that. For example Izmir can be a base for places like Ephesus, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Kusadasi, etc. You can visit some places by bus on your own and others are going to be best by day tour.

Then you’ll want to check the nearest major airport to those sites. Some of the places with regular flights are Istanbul, Izmir, Konya, Antalya, the Cappadocia area, Bodrum, and Ankara.

So for example if you have 14 days, you mights do something like: 3 days Cappadocia, 3 days Antalya, 4 days Izmir, 4 days Istanbul. But it of course depends on where you want to go and your travel preferences (e.g., beaches versus museums versus ancient sites).

You might also want to look into tour options if you don’t want to make all the arrangements on your own and don’t mind some travel companions. For example you could join a tour for the first 10 days and then spend the rest of the time on your own in Istanbul. Tours are generally a good value in Turkey and can make life simpler if you don’t have a lot of time to plan.

Hope that helps! Jessica

September 24, 2022 at 3:10 pm

Thank you so much!!! Your ideas have helped a lot!😀

September 25, 2022 at 6:01 am

You’re very welcome! If you have any further questions as you start planning and booking your trip, just ask and we’re happy to try to help.

VINCE YIP Post author

August 10, 2022 at 12:19 am

I, fortunately, stumbled upon your blog. Its super informative and comprehensive – THANKS so much for that. Just hoping you can help give me some advice, It will be my first trip to Turkey and I will be travelling solo, arriving either Istanbul or Izmir on 25SEP22.

I will be flying into Turkey from Santorini and am thinking of flying straight into IZMIR (although it will take a good 8 hrs including transits in Athens and Istanbul.

I would like to cover Istanbul, Izmir/Selcuk/ Ephesus , Pergamon & Ayvalik, Miletus / Prienne (Kusadasi as base ?), Fethiye, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya and Cappaodicia – 3 nites at least (for last, then fly back to Istanbul and spend a week in Istanbul). I do not have a time constraint so do not need to rush as such but do not wan to “over-stay” unneccesarily either in areas that do not warrant more time.

My “dilemma” is between Izmir and Cappadocia – what do you propose is the best way to move from one place to another and which cities would you recommend flying between instead of public transport ? Are buses well-served for your destinations – going anti-clockwise from Izmir. I am thinking once i arrive each town, i will look local guided tours as necessary.

Are there tours originating from Izmir to Ephesus and Pergamon where they pick me from my hotel. Any suggestions or insights you can offer with regards to travelling efficiently in time and logistics would be appreciated.

Thanking you in advance.

August 11, 2022 at 5:48 am

Glad that you found our Turkey itinerary and travel advice helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Turkey.

Yes, I don’t think it really matters if you start in Istanbul or Izmir, as it just depends if you want to spend some time in Istanbul at the beginning or your trip or not. As you note, you will likely fly to Istanbul either way, you just need to decide if you want a connecting flight to Izmir or not.

I would consider skipping Ayvalik as this seaside town is about a 2.5 hour drive north of Izmir and while you can get there by bus pretty easily, it will eat up a lot of time unless there is something here you really want to visit. It is also in the wrong direction based on your travel plans.

So an itinerary might look something like this:

Izmir – 3 days (visit Ephesus/Selcuk from here, perhaps also Pergamon or Ayvalik if going there) Kusadasi – 3 days (visit Miletus and Priene on day tour from here, visit Pergamon if haven’t done so from Izmir) Pamukkale – 1 day – (you can either visit by taking bus from Kusadasi to Denizli and stay overnight and just do on own, or just join a guided day tour from Kusadasi) Fethiye – 2 days Antalya – 3 days Konya – 2 days Cappadocia – 3 days Istanbul – 7 days

Since you have a lot of time, buses are cheap and pretty easy. You should be able to book regular buses (see section above about transport and buses) to any of the above. You can book online in advance in most cases. The nearest station I think to Pamukkale is Denizli so that one might be better done as a day tour unless you want to stay overnight there. Between Cappadocia and Istanbul, I’d probably recommend flying as it will save you time but you can also take a bus.

The easiest way to book tours is to just do so online in advance once you know your dates of travel and when you want to go. Most tours by both GetYourGuide and Viator offer free cancelation if done so 24 to 48 hours in advance if you needed to change your trip. Just be sure to check the cancellation policy before booking. This way you will know you have a tour booked and will know price in advance.

Tours to Ephesus, both group and private tours, are available from Izmir, Kusadasi, or Selcuk. If you are basing in İzmir you can see tour options here .

Similarly, tours to Pergamon are offered from Izmir, Kusadasi, or Selcuk. Izmir makes the most sense as it is the closest one to the city, but it will depend on tour availability what might be best for you. This is one of the reasons it makes sense to book any tours in advance to help determine how many nights you need in each town or city.

Vince Yip Post author

August 11, 2022 at 11:31 am

Hi Jessica,

Thank you so much for responding with your recommendations-really appreciate your generosity. Your suggestions sound great and sensible. I am overwhelmed by the number of similar tours on offer …but will get there. I was initially thinking of driving but at the same time didn’t want the hassle. I will let you know how I go…in due course.

Thanks again n all the best !! Vince

August 12, 2022 at 1:31 am

Between Izmir, Kusadasi and Selcuk – which town would you suggest as a better base , also which of these 3 would have more to offer apart from being a good base to Ephesus, Pamukkale etc.

August 12, 2022 at 3:15 am

You’re very welcome for the help.

As for the best town to base of the 3, as I said, you could do the tours to Ephesus, Pergamon, and Pamukkale from any of those three towns/cities. So any would work. However, if you were to choose just one, I’d personally say Kuşadası just as there are a lot of tours on offer from there (probably more than from Izmir) and it also has the seaside location, beaches, resorts, nightlife, tourist services, the castle, and some other sites of historical interest, etc. It is also a popular place from which to do boat tours or buggy tours. So you could definitely spend a day or two enjoying the town in between the tours.

When choosing tours, there are going to be a number of competing options to all the popular places like Ephesus and Pamukkale. So I would just recommend reading the details, see what is included for the price, make sure it is available on your date of travel, and check the cancellation policy. I would also recommend booking ones with good recent reviews from the past year and good cancellation policies. For example from Kusadasi, you can see a number of tour options here from GYG.

If flying in from Izmir and basing in Kusadasi, it is about a 1 to 1.5 hour drive by car, bus, private transfer, or taxi to get to Kusadasi. With luggage, I’d probably just book a private transfer for convenience. But you could also go by bus which takes a little longer but is much cheaper. I think the Havas airport shuttle is currently only about $5 (USD).

If just staying in one and considering 3 tours, and you have a lot of time, I’d probably spend 5 days there. That would give you 3 days out and 2 days to spend exploring and relaxing in the town/city.

Div Post author

June 27, 2022 at 2:52 pm

Hi Jessica and lawrence, You have a wonderful blog full of useful information. I stumbled upon it while researching about Turkey. I would like to know if last week of November will be a good time to visit Istanbul and Cappadocia. I am looking for a family trip 3 days in each location. This will be our first time in Turkey and not planning to do too much all at once. I would like to fly hot air balloons and visit the historic sites in Cappadocia and also do the high profile locations in Istanbul as you have listed above. Is Antalya doable in one week time frame? will be traveling from west coast of US and hence want to leave time for jet lag and travel delays. Any recommendations much appreciated.

June 28, 2022 at 10:39 am

November can be a good time to visit Turkey as the weather is cooler so you don’t need to worry about the hot temperature in the summer and it is not as popular a time to visit so less tourists. But you’ll want to bring along long sleeves and some warmer clothes as it can get chilly, especially in the evenings. I’d be sure to check the predicted weather in both places before your trip so you can pack accordingly.

So if you have 1 week in total for your trip and 6 nights, then splitting it between Istanbul and Cappadocia is a good idea. I wouldn’t really recommend trying to visit anywhere else as it will make for a rushed trip. If you are driving, you might consider a stop in Ankara on the way between them (since it is on the way), but since flying is probably a better option to save time (it is an 8 to 10 hour drive), I’d probably just split your time between Istanbul and Cappadocia. Taking the short flights in between them.

Three nights in Istanbul will give you plenty of time to see many of the highlights as we describe in the article. If you stay in the city center, it is easy to walk to many places. There are also a lot of walking and driving tours you can join for sightseeing.

For your time in Cappadocia, I’d recommend flying to save time (you can get a domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, and then book a shuttle or taxi to the town where you are staying). If the hop-on hop-off bus is running when you are there then that is a good option to get around as it stops at all the main tourist sites (Göreme is probably the best place to stay if doing bus). Or you can just book a guided tour (group or private) that goes to the places you want to go. And yes, we’d definitely recommend also booking the hot air balloon flight for one morning as that is definitely a highlight for many people. If staying 3 nights, I’d book the balloon flight for your second morning so that if it gets canceled due to weather you’d be able to potentially rebook on your third morning.

Antalya is not close to Istanbul or Cappadocia, so unless you have more than 1 week, I would probably not recommend also trying to go there. But if you have more time, it is a good option if you want to add some beach time to your trip. But you’d probably want 2-3 nights there to really enjoy it.

Hope that helps, and if you have more questions as you plan your Turkey trip, feel free to ask!

Kownain Andrabi Post author

June 21, 2022 at 8:02 am

Hi! We have planned our 2 week Turkey trip in the third week of August this year. I have been reading and re-readinh this blog so many times! 🙂 We have planned a few places – Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Konya, Bodum, Selcuk and Antalya. I am just a bit confused as to the sequence of the places. Like which place should we visit first. This itinerary is being really helpful but since we are not going to all the places listed, I am a bit confused

June 21, 2022 at 9:32 am

Hi Kownain,

Glad you are planning a trip to Turkey and that our blog has been helpful!

All of these places you mention are in the itinerary except Bodrum. Selçuk is just the town next to Ephesus (which as we note could be a good overnight stop instead of the suggested Kusadasi. The order you would probably want to visit them based on their geographical locations would be Selçuk, Bodrum, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, and then Cappadocia.

Now, it is also going to depend on where you are going to enter into Turkey (if you are coming from abroad). Most international flights land in Istanbul (or possibly Ankara). So if planning to fly in and out of Istanbul, then you can start your trip there.

But if you are not planning to actually visit Istanbul and do sightseeing there, you might consider taking a regional flight onward to Izmir to start your trip there and fly out of one of the airports in Cappadocia. This will allow you to skip several hours of driving or buses to get to the starting point of your trip from Istanbul.

Hope that helps, and I would definitely recommend that you start planning and booking your travel now (e.g., flights, hotels, tours, car rentals) as your trip is only a couple of months away.

Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip!

June 23, 2022 at 1:08 pm

Thank you so much ch Jessica. Yes I forgot to mention that we are landing in Istanbul and leaving back from there as well. So the beginning and end of our trip will be Istanbul. We have already booked to and fro flights but we might have to book some domestic ones. I am trying to finalize the itinerary by this weekend. I might have more questions to follow😅

June 24, 2022 at 5:03 am

You’re very welcome!

Yes, so your itinerary would likely be Istanbul, Selçuk, Bodrum, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, and then Istanbul. I would check to see what makes sense in terms of price and time on how to get to Selçuk and from Cappadocia. You have the options of flying, renting a car to drive, or taking a bus.

Your other option of course if you don’t want to plan and book all your transport, accommodation, and activities is to book a private tour that starts and ends in Istanbul such as this one .

Yes, happy to answer any further questions you might have. Wishing you a great trip to Turkey.

July 3, 2022 at 3:24 pm

Hi Jessica! I am here again 🙂 I made the itinerary and had to skip Pamukkale and Konya because they just didn’t fit. Also we are traveling with our 2-yr old for the first time so we don’t want to rush through places. Following is our itinerary (as of now). Can you please see and check if there’s anything we can change/improve. Day 1,2: Istanbul Leave for Cappadocia on Day 3 by air Day 3,4: Cappadocia Leave for Antalya on day 5 by air Day 5,6: Antalya Leave for Fethiye early on Day 7 by car Day 7,8: Fethiye Leave for Bodrum on day 9 in bus/car Day 9,10: Bodrum Leave for Selcuk on day 11 in car/bus Days 11,12: Selcuk/Ephesus Leave for Istanbul on day 12 via air Day 12,13: Istanbul Leave for home on day 14

We want to spend one more day in Istanbul, but not sure how to do that. Waiting for your insight Thank you so much

We have booked the main flights to and from home but not any other ones. We really want to finalize the plan in a couple of days so that we can book the hotels and domestic flights

July 4, 2022 at 4:24 am

Glad you have an itinerary drafted now for your Turkey trip. It looks OK to me and makes sense in terms of the order. Skipping Pamukkale and Konya is probably a good idea given traveling with a 2-year-old. But as you say, it may be a bit rushed with a young child, as you’ll only have 2 nights at any location with a lot of travel time getting from place to place.

So if you are wanting to simplify it a bit, I would probably take out one of the three coastal stops. I guess it depends on what you speciically want to do in Antalya, Fethiye, and Bodrum, but if it is mainly beach and water related, then I’d recommend cutting out at least one (if not two of them). If you have 4-5 nights in the same place it would make for a much more relaxing time, especially with a 2 year old. It might also mean you won’t need to rent a car and you could have the extra day in Istanbul.

Antalya is a great family destination and has good flight connections. A lot of the hotels and resorts have a kids pool, children’s activities, beach access, and offer babysitting services. Antalya has lots of beaches, historical sites, family theme parks, water activities, day tours you can take, etc. So unless you have things that you really want to see/do at Fethiye or Bodrum, I’d consider spending more time there and taking them out of the itinerary. Or you could alternatively just split your time between Antalya and Fethiye and skip Bodrum.

Another idea to save time and reduce stops is to group together all your time in Istanbul at the beginning of your trip and spend the first full 4 or 5 days there at once, rather than splitting it into 2 separate shorter stays. This would mean less moving and changing hotels, and less time going back and forth from the aiport. So for example, at the end you could book a flight from İzmir back home (likely will connect via Istanbul airport) rather than going back into Istanbul itself.

P.S. You are probably already aware of this, but many popular activities and tours have minimum age limits. So for example, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is not possible with a 2 year old due to safety regulations. So just be sure when planning activities, that you check the age limits.

Anyway, hope that helps and gives you some ideas.

August 14, 2022 at 11:30 am

Your suggestions and advices have been really helpful. We are leaving in 5 days so everything is pretty much booked. We skipped Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Konya and are doing Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya and back to Istanbul. As I had mentioned earlier, going to Cappadocia with our toddler doesn’t make much sense and Pamukkale and Konya were too hectic. I just want some final suggestions. In Istanbul we have 3 full days in the beginning and another 3 full days at the end. I was wondering how to split the Istanbul itinerary effectively. We want to visit as many places in the city as we can (including the cruise) since there is plenty of time but not sure how about the order. About Izmir, we are planning to do one half day in Ephesus and then visit the town of Izmir and for the next day. In Bodrum, we will mainly be relaxing and then we have two full days know Antalya. How do you suggest we go about our itineraries for each of these cities effectively without getting over-exhausted? Really looking forward to your valuable suggestions.

P.s: Also I am all nerves because this will be our first vacation as a family and don’t know what to expect from the little one😥

August 15, 2022 at 2:28 am

So glad to hear that you have decided on your itinerary and have a lot of your trip booked now. I think splitting your time between just 4 cities makes sense if traveling mostly by plane and traveling with a toddler.

Yes, given the age restrictions I mentioned, Cappadocia may not be the best place to visit now with a 2-year-old and so taking it out gives you more time in the other places.

We give suggestions for about 3 days worth of things to do in Istanbul and since you have 5 to 6 full days, I’d consider just doing them slowly over time. With a toddler, you are not going to want to try to squeeze stuff in all day, so since you have the time, you can go more slowly and be more flexible. For instance you might plan 3 hours of sightseeing after breakfast, come back to have a big break in the afternoons and then go out for a few more hours later in the day. I am not sure the order makes much difference although you’ll want to check opening dates/hours but most of the major attractions are open most days.

Izmir, I think splitting time between Ephesus and visiting the city is good. For Antalya, if you have two days, you might spend one day walking around the old city, perhaps a cable car / gondola ride for the view, and maybe a tour out to Aspendos (Roman amphitheater). Then the second day just relaxing, whether that be one of the water parks, beach, or pool. You could also consider a boat ride. But this does depend a bit on where you are staying in Antalya as the resorts are a bit spread out and many also have their own activities on offer.

I think the best thing to do to not become over-exhausted is to just plan ahead and make sure you have time for breaks in your trip each day. I would also check the weather and see how hot it will be on your trip. If it is going to be really hot on some parts of your trip, it is best to avoid being outside (especially in unshaded places) during the hottest parts of the day (usually from about noon to 5pm). This is particularly important obviously with a baby. So if doing say a tour to an ancient ruined city or amphitheater or an outdoor walking tour, these might be best done in the mornings. Then taking a break in the afternoon in your hotel or some other air-conditioned or shaded area. And then coming out again in the late afternoon or early evening.

Hope that helps, and wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey with your family!

Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota Post author

May 19, 2022 at 1:31 am

What an incredible itinerary. we are planning a road trip in Turkey of this nature. Thank you very much for sharing this information.

May 19, 2022 at 4:46 am

Hi Mr. Devkota,

Glad our Turkey itinerary and travel information is helping in planning your own road trip in Turkey. If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just ask.

Wishing you safe and fun travels!

Sid Post author

May 17, 2022 at 5:48 am

Thank you so much for this post. We are planning a 12 days trip to Turkey in Beginning the 4th of July week (aware it will be pretty hot). The places we plan to cover are Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye/Oludeniz and Pamukkale.

We were not sure which way would work best. Whether we do the circular country tour left to right (beginning with Pamukkale) or right to left (beginning with Cappadocia) from Istanbul.

Request you to please share your thoughts on the same

May 17, 2022 at 6:07 am

Glad you enjoyed our post! So it sounds like you are planning to visit most of the places we list in our 2 week Turkey itinerary on your 12 day visit. The direction you do the trip really makes no real difference as you are essentially doing a circular trip. You just want to make sure that things are in logical order based on location as you go around. So you can follow the order as we list it or you can just reverse it.

Now, it does depend of course on how you plan to get around Turkey. As it may be easier to go one direction or the other depending on available flights, bus schedules, etc. Or if you are joining a tour or hiring a driver, they will of course have a set route. But if you are driving, then you’ll rent your car in Istanbul and return it in Istanbul so it wouldn’t make much difference. The only thing you may want to check on is accommodation availability as that could sway the direction.

If all is equal, I’d personally recommend leaving Cappadocia for last. Just as the scenery there is really unique and stunning, and if doing a hot balloon flight that is something special to look forward to doing towards the end of your trip.

And yes, expect it to be hot. You will want to be prepared for the heat so just be sure to pack accordingly, protect yourself from the sun, and always have plenty of water with you. But as long as you know the temperatures and weather and are prepared, you should be OK.

If you are planning to visit in early July, I’d highly recommend booking the main parts of your trip soon, particularly any international flights, rental cars, tours, and accommodation. You will be visiting at the height of the High Season for tourism to Turkey so good to make advance bookings, especially if working with a set trip budget.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey!

May 18, 2022 at 7:34 am

Thank you so much Jessica!!

ALEX THOMPSON Post author

November 16, 2021 at 4:01 am

Nice article on Turkey, it helped us a lot to explore. I am an entrepreneur by profession and a traveler by heart. Your article made our stay exciting. Very attractive information.

November 16, 2021 at 4:13 am

Thanks so much and glad you had such a wonderful trip to Turkey and that our article could help provide some helpful information.

Wishing you safe & exciting future travels!

Sandra Post author

November 16, 2021 at 3:23 am

Thank you for all your useful information. Our Turkey trip was great.

We didn’t end up staying at a big resort in Antalya but drove one hour from Antalya to Milyos Hobbit Hotel . This hotel was situated on a mountain with great views and nice staff.

We will go plan a new trip to Turkey at soon, there is so much to see!

Best regards Sandra

November 16, 2021 at 4:12 am

So happy that you found our 2 week Turkey itinerary helpful, and that you had such a wonderful trip to Turkey!

Glad you enjoyed your time in the mountains. I think a lot of people enjoy the time along the coast, but certainly, some might prefer the mountains for a more peaceful time. For those reading this, the hotel she stayed in is about an 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Antalya and the coast. So a great location for getting away in the mountains but not so great if you want to be on or near the coastal area. Can be good for car drivers but not so convenient to reach by public transit.

So glad that you are considering another trip to Turkey soon. There is so much else to see in the country, particularly in eastern Turkey!

Wishing you safe & wonderful future travels! Jessica

Jack Hall and Sam Montgomery Post author

October 26, 2021 at 8:41 am

Great and informative article on visiting Turkey for two weeks or so. We went for 18 days in 2016 in the spring. Everything was organized by toursturkey which we found online. Their agent Tujan did a wonderful, detailed job. Our itinerary was almost identical to yours, but did not include Ankara. It did include the 4 day gullet cruise out of Fethiye, which we would not have missed. All hotels and guided tours were included ( we specified top grade hotels, not luxury) and breakfasts included at the hotels. Some other meals at sites outside cities. A great trip.

October 28, 2021 at 9:18 am

Hi Jack & Sam,

So glad you enjoyed our article about traveling to Turkey! And happy to hear that you have been to Turkey back in 2016 and went to many of the places we recommend. We definitely tried to give people a sense of what they could see with 2 weeks and tried to include a variety of the most popular places in Turkey.

Yes, I think that if people have the extra time, spending some time on a gulet is really nice and my husband spent several days on one as well once as part of a tour and really enjoyed it. Most people just do a day cruise (which is a nice way to spend a day), but you can definitely see a lot more of the coast/islands if you do a multi-day cruise and stay aboard the boat. But if you only have 2 weeks, it definitely takes away some of the time that could be spent doing other things so it is something people would need to weigh the pros and cons of doing. We are lucky to have been to Turkey a few times but most people just visit once so will need to prioritize what they want to see given the big distances in the country.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on your own visit to Turkey. Perhaps you will have a chance to return to see more of the country and also explore the capital city 😉

Saleem A Bikanerwala Post author

September 2, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Extremely informative. Thank you so much. Can you kindly point me to folks who do package tours. We are interested in a 14 day tour and want to know how much it would cost. We are 16 in total.

September 3, 2021 at 1:05 am

Yes, just scroll down to the “Tours of Turkey” section of our article and we list a number of tour providers and specific tours, including one that is 14 days in length. That should get you started, but there are a number of options out there. It will depend on your budget and where you want to go.

In places like Istanbul, you can also book day tours easily as there are a lot of options. But you would want a longer guided tour to explore the rest of Turkey.

LYNETTE SANTIAGO Post author

May 19, 2021 at 6:20 am

Hello! Thank you so much for the valuable information.

I am planning on going to Turkey in June (after school is out, I am a teacher.). I live in Doha and this will be my first adventure. My husband and I want to do the road trip, starting at Istanbul and finishing the trip there as well.

Your information is so important to me. Are hostels easy to find? Do you suggest I get a sim card for the phone, so that I can use Waze and research things easily? Should I rent a car at the airport or is it ok to get a rental outside of the airport?

Thank you in advance for sharing all of your knowledge! 🙂

Best, Lynette

May 20, 2021 at 5:01 am

Hi Lynette,

So glad to hear that our 14 day Turkey itinerary has been helpful to you in planning your summer road trip in Turkey with your husband!

Yes, if you are flying into and out of Istanbul, then I’d follow the itinerary as is since it starts and ends in Istanbul. If you have less than 14 days, however, you’ll likely need to cut out some of the stops and rework the route a bit.

So hostels are easy to find in the larger cities for sure and many of the popular tourist towns. However, in smaller towns and cities, there may only be one hostel so options may be limited. But if you are on a budget, I’d also recommend checking out guesthouses, B&Bs, and budget hotels in Turkey as many offer a really good value, especially for a couple traveling together. Many of the guesthouses are not too much more expensive than a private hostel room.

If you are trying to stick to a budget for your accommodation, I’d recommend booking in advance so you know the price in advance and know where you will be staying. We list a number of hostels, guesthouses, and hotels for each place in the itinerary so you can book online in advance once you know your dates.

For the rental car, you can either rent from the airport or from Istanbul as there are rental car offices in the city as well. If you don’t need a car in Istanbul (we never use one there), you can save money by waiting to pick up your rental after you have already spent time exploring Istanbul. I’d just be sure to book your car in advance once you know your dates and where you plan to pick it up.

Yes, if your mobile phone works on the same frequency as used in Turkey and it is unlocked, you should be able to just use a local Sim card. You should be able to purchase these in many places in Istanbul or at the airport (or you can order one online before your trip). Just be sure to check the Sim card data rates. For more information about this, you can read this post about options for getting online when traveling .

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have further questions as you plan your road trip. Wishing you a safe and fun trip to Turkey!

Sylvia Dsilva Post author

May 13, 2021 at 7:16 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence,

I’m really glad to have come across your post and its helps me plan my trip to Turkey. My boyfriend and I are going to be travelling in June’21 and I would like to know if I can start my journey from Cappadocia onwards and follow the same itinerary backwards and arrive to Istanbul.

Thank you for all the answers in advance, Sylvia

May 14, 2021 at 4:25 am

First, I am happy to hear that our Turkey itinerary has been helpful to you and your boyfriend in planning your summer trip to Turkey.

I would like to just note, as you are probably already aware, that Turkey is currently in a strict lockdown due to a surge of coronavirus cases over the past few months so almost all businesses are closed and travel is very restricted. The current strict restrictions will last at least until May 17th but some restrictions are likely to remain for the near future. So I would keep watching that situation to make sure that you are able to travel in June and that the things you want to visit will be open and it is safe to travel to those areas. I would make sure that any travel plans and bookings are able to be changed or canceled or that you have good travel insurance that would cover you in the event that you were not able to travel to Turkey in June.

Now, in terms of where to start your Turkey itinerary, you can start it anywhere along the route as it is a circular route. I would probably base it on where you are entering the country. Most foreign travelers will arrive into either Istanbul or Ankara, which makes them the best places to start the trip. It might also depend on how you plan to get around the country (e.g., car, train, bus, guided tour, etc.) as routes and dates may affect your itinerary.

But yes, you can, of course, start in Cappadocia. So you can go from Cappadocia to Antalya to Fethiye, and so on, going backwards through the itinerary. Just note if you start in Cappadocia and end in Istanbul, you will have to decide what to do with the days in Ankara – you can either skip Ankara or head there from Istanbul, perhaps by train as there is a good connection between the 2 cities, and spend the 2 days there before heading back for your time in Istanbul. Then you can depart from Istanbul.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any further questions.

Shek Ahamed Shadhik Post author

March 25, 2021 at 4:49 pm

Such an amazing Itinerary. Me and my lady are planning on such a road trip experience. Is it ideal for a couple where only I will be driving the car the whole time? Also, do I have an option of airport pick up and drop at Ankara for car rentals?

March 26, 2021 at 9:06 am

Glad you found our Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your future road trip around Turkey. Yes, I think it is fine for someone driving but you also have the option of course to do public transit or take a guided tour instead. It just really depends on what you prefer and how much you want to spend behind the wheel driving as some of the distances are pretty great.

Yes, if you are arriving to Turkey through Ankara airport, you can rent your car there as there are several rental car agencies located at the airport as well as in the city center.

If starting in Ankara, I would just adjust the itinerary to start in Ankara and you can start there and then move to Istanbul and follow the itinerary until you are back in Ankara.

You don’t really need the car to explore Ankara (or Istanbul) and especially in Istanbul, I wouldn’t really recommend one. So you might want to explore Ankara and Istanbul on foot and using public transport (the 2 cities are well linked by train), and then pick up a car in Istanbul if you want to save some money on a rental car and not have to worry about parking/driving in the larger cities.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any other questions as you plan your trip.

Wishing you happy and safe travels, Jessica

Blaž Dobravec Post author

March 21, 2021 at 4:28 am

Dear Jessica & Laurence,

Me and my girlfriend are traveling to Turkey in the middle of April, we were also thinking of doing a similar route as you guys did. I have a question about the current situation about the overnight busses and the domestic planes, since there is a curfew. Are there any other restrictions?

thank you for all the answers in advance, Blaž Dobravec

March 21, 2021 at 8:57 am

Hello Blaž,

Glad that our Turkey itinerary has been helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Turkey. If you have a similar amount of time, this can be a good route to try to see some of the highlights.

Unfortunately, Turkey is seeing an increase of coronavirus cases right now and many believe that there will likely be travel restrictions throughout the Spring and perhaps the summer months as well. Many governments, including ours here in the UK, are urging people to not travel there and to cancel any non-essential travel plans there for now.

So yes, I think not only will there be restrictions regarding transport in Turkey as you are seeing, but you are likely to see a lot of travel attractions closed or with travel restrictions. A lot of bars and restaurants are currently allowed to operate with reduced capacity (I think many that are open are at 50%).

I would check the latest news and also check to see what your home country has to say about travel to Turkey. Depending on your thoughts on this information, you might want to consider rebooking your trip for a later time when things are more stable there and you are going to be more able to travel freely and visit more places. There has been a lot of speculation about another short lockdown in Turkey by multiple news outlets recently given the spiking cases which could occur during your trip.

Sorry for the bad news, but I hope it helps and encourages you to check out the latest news and restrictions in Turkey and make an informed decision regarding your travel plans. If you do still plan to go in April, I would make sure that everything you book is able to be canceled and/or you have travel insurance that would cover disruptions due to Covid-19.

Let me know if you have any further questions about planning a trip to Turkey!

Josh Clement-Sutcliffe Post author

July 18, 2020 at 5:54 am

We love Turkey and feel like you should go for at least two weeks, partly because its such a large country but also because there is so much to do! Istanbul is magnificent, I loved exploring Topkapi palace and learning about the Ottoman history

July 18, 2020 at 6:55 am

Yes, we agree! 2 weeks is a great introduction trip to Turkey to explore Istanbul and see some of the highlights of the western part of the country. If you wanted to cover the highlights of the entire country, we’d recommend adding an additional 2 weeks to your trip.

Glad you enjoyed your time in Istanbul!

Marc Forrest Post author

April 6, 2020 at 6:56 am

This is a very impressive and detailed itinerary for Turkey – very helpful indeed! My wife and I are dreaming about a tour to Turkey and we now have a good draft of what to see and do! However, one place we may want to add is a stop in Konya to see some of the spiritual places and things. Have you been ? Would this be easy to add to this itinerary? Are there tours that go there or how might be the best method?

Thanks for any help and keep up the good work. Hopefully we will all be traveling again soon once we beat COVID-19!

Keep safe! Marc

April 6, 2020 at 8:36 am

We have not visited Konya yet, but it is one of the places we’d love to see on a future visit.

If you are planning to follow our suggested Turkey itinerary, then you could stop at Konya between Antalya and Cappadocia. I would recommend adding a night in Konya to your trip so you have plenty of time to visit some of the highlights there. Or you could do a day trip from Ankara as you should be able to easily hire a guide and do a guided day tour to Konya from Ankara.

If you are driving or taking the bus between Antalya and Cappadoccia, you will drive right past Konya so it makes a convenient place to stop. It is about a 4 to 4.5 hour drive from Antalya or about 6 hours by public bus.

Once you get to Konya, there are guided tours you can join such as this one of the city highlights and this one focused on Sufism .

In terms of guided tours of Turkey that include Konya, not many of the English ones stop at Konya. However, it is a regular stop for Turkish people and people interested in Sufism and archaeological sites like Çatalhöyük. So if you want a tour that stops in Konya in English, you will likely need to book a private tour or you can just add on a private day tour from Anakara. There is this private tour that is for 12 days and includes Konya.

If you want to join a guided tour and it doesn’t include Konya, you can fly from Istanbul to Konya pretty easily and spend a couple of days there to explore Konya on your own (or join day tours around the city from there) before or after your tour. I’d probably recommend a local guide or getting a good guidebook to the sites for exploring Konya to get the most of the visit (as with many places in Turkey).

Hope that information helps, and wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey once travel opens back up and is safe again!

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Turkey in one week: The ultimate guide

NOTE: This article was inspired by our 8-day Turkey Highlights trip.

Offering ancient history, bustling cities, pumping nightlife, jaw-dropping landscapes, blissful beaches and an incredible cuisine, there is something for everyone in Turkey.

Experiencing (nearly) everything in 7 days can be a daunting task, but with this itinerary you can do it a ton!

I didn’t know what to expect before heading to Turkey  – Western media coverage isn’t always glowing and in terms of tourism, you don’t hear about much outside of Istanbul and Cappadocia. Well, I was well and truly blown away by how open-minded and friendly the locals are, and the number of incredible and often overlooked attractions.

Local interactions are one of the greatest parts of travel

READ MORE: 6 AMAZING DESTINATIONS IN TURKEY THAT AREN’T ISTANBUL OR CAPPADOCIA

It is also an excellent-value destination and is a safe place for tourists. Ready to dive straight in? Here’s your all-encompassing guide to a week there.

Day 1: Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the world’s great destinations. A bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, in 2,000 years of existence different civilisations have left their mark on the city. Istanbul is a 24-hour city where bars, clubs and restaurants are open all hours and shops, bakeries and even barber shops are open as late as 3am!

Begin in Sultanahmet where you will find most of Istanbul’s major attractions, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern.

Three tram stops away, yet feeling like a different world, is multicultural Aksaray. You can get a great-value lunch here; I had a delicious falafel roll and an ayran (salty yoghurt drink) for six lira (about $1.25 USD).

Next, make your way to the world famous Grand Bazaar. It’s one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the world. Or, for an alternate experience, head downhill to Mısır Çarşısı for spices, jewellery and sweets.

Istanbul’s dazzling Hagia Sophia

Take in the sunset and spectacular city views from the ferry to Kadıköy which is a great place to spend the evening. For dinner Borsam Taşfırın serves excellent wood-fired pide (like a Turkish pizza) and lahmacun (flatbread topped with mincemeat). End your day at any of the countless bars or shisha cafes in the laneways.

READ MORE: EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD DO IN ISTANBUL, FROM MUST-DOS TO HIDDEN GEMS

Day 2: Istanbul

Wake up to a traditional Turkish breakfast of menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs), white cheese, olives, fresh tomato and cucumber.

After breakfast, head to Süleymaniye Mosque which is less well-known than the Sultanahmet monuments, but just as stunning. Then cross the Galata bridge, passing the hordes of fisherman and head uphill to the Galata tower which offers panoramic views of the area.

The Süleymaniye Mosque

For lunch head to a lokanta –  a cafeteria-style eatery where food is served from a bain-marie. These are excellent value and a good way to try a range of dishes. Balkan Lokanatasi is one of the most popular ,with outlets across the city offering a large range of dishes including soups, vegetarian dishes and desserts. (Want to know more about the top Turkish eats? Read this guide.)

Spend the afternoon wandering around Beyoğlu. Work your way along the shoppers paradise of İstiklal Avenue, zig zagging in and out of its warren of side streets. Explore bohemian Cihangir and finish the day in Taksim Square.

MEET THE SYRIAN REFUGEES RUNNING THEIR OWN FASHION BRAND IN ISTANBUL

Day 3: Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the most unique destinations in the world, with a stunning landscape that looks unlike anything else you’ll ever see. Get up early to see thousands of hot air balloons floating above the landscape at sunrise. Whether witnessed from the basket of a hot air balloon or from ground level, it is jaw-dropping.

Next, head to the Göreme Open Air Museum, a collection of well-preserved orthodox churches dug into the hills. Afterwards, walk down the hill for Tokalı Kilise, one of the biggest cave churches in the area.

Finish the day by climbing the hill that overlooks Göreme and join the crowds watching the landscapes change colour in a spellbinding sunset.

READ MORE: 7 INCREDIBLE VIEWS TO SEEK OUT IN CAPPADOCIA

Day 4: Cappadocia

Use your second day in Cappadocia to see some of its farther out attractions. Local transport can be inconsistent so a tour is the way to go. Ensure you visit at least one of the many underground cities in the region – Kaymaklı and Gaziemir are two of the best. Here you can witness how people lived their lives sleeping, cooking, eating and even keeping livestock deep underground.

Ihlara valley is another not-to-miss attraction featuring more cave churches but in a very different landscape from the rest of the area.

Photographing the fairy chimneys

Uçhisar Castle, with its panoramic views of the whole area, is a fantastic final stop on the tour. I actually asked if I could be left here and walked back to Göreme through Pigeon valley. Walking through the amazing rock formations at sunset turned out to be one of my highlights of Cappadocia.

BROWSE ALL OF INTREPID’S SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN TURKEY

Day 5: Izmir /Ephesus

Izmir, Turkey’s third city, is a youthful and vibrant city that is a great place to base yourself to visit Ephesus.

The history and location of Turkey mean that there are stacks of ruins throughout the country but the most impressive are at Ephesus. Built by the Ancient Greeks in the 10 th century BC, Ephesus was one of the major cities of the ancient world.

It is worth devoting a full day to explore the ruins. The terraced houses are some of the finest examples of Roman homes and are a must-see, while the restored fresco of the library is stunning. The site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, is also worth a look, although barely any of it remains.

Intrepid travellers exploring Ephesus

Upon returning to Izmir, check out Konak square and its iconic clock tower. Spend the evening wandering among the hipster bars and cafes in the laneways of Alsancak. These are open well into the night.

READ MORE: YOU WILL FEEL SAFE IN TURKEY – AND 5 OTHER MUST-KNOWS

Day 6: Pamukkale

After five hectic days, its time for a bit of relaxation among Turkey’s most Instagram-friendly destination after Cappadocia.

Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish which is a perfect way to describe the pearl white terraces with pools of spring water. Wander the travertines, bathe in the pools and admire the views of the village and surrounding plains.

If you’re not content just chilling out, there are numerous other attractions in the area. The region has been a spa area since Roman times and the ruins of the town of Hierapolis sit on top of the hill above the terraces and contain a large amphitheatre.

READ MORE: WHY TO VIST PAMUKKALE (AND WHAT TO KNOW)

Day 7: Ölüdeniz

Turkey has many fantastic beaches and one of the best is found at Ölüdeniz. Consider spending your last day simply relaxing on the beach and maybe take a leisurely stroll down to the beautiful blue lagoon.

If you’ve still got energy left, there is plenty to see around Ölüdeniz including the beautiful Butterfly Valley and the hippie hideout of Kabak. Both places can be accessed by local transport or on a tour. If you go by local transport, stop at any of the restaurants along the road for a delicious gözleme, which is kind of like a savoury, stuffed pancake.

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Kabak Beach

From the bus stop you can trek down to the beach at Butterfly Valley, thought only if you’re a confident hiker and are wearing proper shoes. Once you’re down in the valley you can hang out on the beach or walk to a small waterfall.

What a photogenic way to end an otherworldly week in Turkey!

Ready to see this incredible country for yourself? Check out Intrepid Travel’s range of small group adventures in Turkey.

(Kabak Beach photo courtesy of author Dylan Berg. All other images courtesy of Intrepid Travel.)

Dylan Berg is an Australian writer currently based in Lisbon, Portugal. He has travelled to over 40 countries and enjoys experiencing cultures through wandering around, checking out galleries and eating and drinking with the locals. Follow him on Instagram @berg2berg

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Road is Calling

7-Day Turkey Itinerary – My Top 4 Routes for One Week Trip to Turkey

Finally, I made my sample 7-day Turkey itinerary routes as you guys asked.

Lately, I have been receiving many emails from people asking me to help them plan a 7 day trip to Türkiye as they have only one week in Turkey and want to see as much as possible without missing important sites.

At first, I was responding something generic saying that everything depends on your travel goals and what in particular you seek to do as Turkey is a huge country with so many attractions and places to visit in a week.

Thanks to its geographical location and historical influences it has been home to many different empires and civilizations that left their mark on the rich and diverse cultural heritage. This is why every region is different from another one and has its own characteristics and offers different in nature activities.

However, while all of this is true and you do need to decide what to focus on when traveling in Turkey , I still get that planning an itinerary can take a lot of effort, and often times you just need someone (who knows the area) to give you tips on how to structure your trip. 

So this is what I want to do today. I want to share my top four different Turkey itineraries that are excellent for 7 days in Turkey vacation and fit many travel styles.

After brainstorming a bit, I came up with routes that will be good for people who want to spend their time on a combination of things – seeing some major ancient sites, hitting up the beach, catching sights of travertines in Pamukkale or hot air balloons in Cappadocia and of course exploring the streets of Istanbul city. One of my 7 day Turkey itineraries below also includes some hidden gems and secret spots in Turkey! 

So scroll down and see them in detail. If needed, adjust them to your own pace and length of a trip. You can even combine them in 10 days in Turkey itinerary or 2 weeks in Turkey. Or, another option, if you are short on time – just skip some days and turn one of these routes into 5 days in Turkey itinerary!

And then if you need more inspiration for a Turkey trip, see my long list of posts on my Turkey travel blog page. I based them all solely on my own experience after living in Turkey for almost 2 years and now returning there for a few months every year as I love this country with all my heart!

One more thing to add – if you need help with designing your own unique 7 day, 10 day, 2 weeks, or one month Turkey itinerary, don’t hesitate to get in touch and let me know.

I can create any type of itinerary for you based on your wishes and budget where you can travel with a guide or on your own, visiting lesser-known areas or/and must-see tourist sites. Helping others plan their dream holiday in Turkey is now one of my favorite things to do! 

Resources You’ll Need to Plan a Turkey Itinerary

Now, after you got an idea of where to go and places to add to your 7 or 10 days in Turkey itinerary, you can start planning your trip! When doing so, don’t forget the following:

• Turkey E-Visa for individuals – take care of your  visa in advance
• Turkey Health & Travel Insurance – always get insurance before travel
• Taxi/private transfer from Istanbul airport – save money on airport transfer
• Leading VPN for Turkey – a reliable VPN you’ll need in Istanbul
• Best Istanbul Car Hire – rent a car on a budget to explore on your own
• Free Tours in Istanbul – go on free tours  

Is One Week in Turkey Enough Time?

Before I jump to my list of a week in Turkey itineraries, let me answer another common question on whether 7 days in Turkey will be enough for your trip.

Generally speaking, no, one week in Turkey is never enough . Although it can be possible to plan 7 days in Turkey when you get to see at least some major sights and get an idea of what this country is like.

The fact is that Turkey is huge. Thanks to its location, it is blessed with different climatic zones, four seas, and favorable conditions for travel. Thanks to the rich history and diverse nature, the number of landmarks and scenic spots is endless.

I’d say that even 2 weeks in Turkey is not enough time to experience totally different corners of Turkey with varieties of foods, tons of activities, and interesting places.

But again, not enough doesn’t mean it’s not possible . If you have only 7 days to allocate to your trip to Turkey, depending on what you want to do and see, it is still possible to create a perfect itinerary tailored to your needs.

Just keep in mind that you may need to prioritize and exclude many famous Turkish cities and top destinations from your itinerary in order to have quality time in the country. Otherwise, you’ll just end up hopping places, commuting from the airport , and spending more time on the road than actual sightseeing. 

But with one of these 4  sample Turkey itineraries for 7 days you will spend a week in Turkey qualitatively. 

7-Day Turkey Itinerary – 4 Sample Routes

Itinerary #1: 7 days in turkey to see main sights.

I want to start my list with an introductory one-week Turkey itinerary which is great for people who are visiting the country for the first time, having just 7 days at their disposal, and wishing to see the main sites that Turkey is famous for. 

By ‘main sites’ for the first visit I mean Istanbul and Antalya , Pamukkale, famous (and beautiful) beaches as well as some quiet Turkey beach towns , and of course one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean – Ephesus. There is also one of the oldest mosques in the world and a lovely wine village!

This itinerary also suits well families with children as all places are kid friendly.

ISTANBUL – IZMIR – EPHESUS – SIRINCE – KUSADASI – PAMUKKALE

With this 7-day route, I suggest you plan to arrive in Istanbul as it is the must-see city perfectly connected with the rest of the country. There, you can first learn about modern-day Turkey and its history during the Ottomans, get a good introduction to Turkish cuisine and first impression of the Turkish way of life.

This itinerary in itself is ideal for a trip to Turkey from mid-autumn to late spring . Although when visiting Turkey in winter and using this route, you may want to skip Sirince as most places of interest will be closed from December to February. Visiting Ephesus in winter is wonderful as you’ll have the entire place to yourself.

Those who plan a vacation in Turkey from the second half of May to September can also add 3-5 days to this itinerary and go to one of the beaches on the Turkish Riviera .

Before you read on and dive into details, I want to tell you straight away that this itinerary is jam-packed with lots of activities and requires you to wake up early and go to bed late. If you feel that’s too much and this pace is too fast, just adjust it to your own needs by skipping some places.

Highlights of this Turkey Itinerary:

So, here is a quick overview of a 7-day trip to Turkey that includes Cappadocia and Pamukkale with the arrival city of Istanbul.

Day 1-3: Istanbul city and Surroundings

Try to arrive in Istanbul early, so as not to lose time on the first day. Spend 2 nights in Istanbul (it is better not to stay in distant neighborhoods like Nisantasi or Arnavutkoy for example) and leave to Izmir in the evening on the 3rd day or stay 3 nights and leave early on the 4th day.

Spending 3 full days in Istanbul is a good amount of time to walk around both the European and Asian sides, go on a walking tour and fall in love with this city .

In fact, Istanbul is one of the best cities with the biggest variety of incredible walking tours. Don’t miss a chance to join one especially when on a short visit. And if short on budget, go on a free walking tour with one of my favorite companies .

Don’t skip the famous mosques and palaces (like Hagia Sophia mosque, Blue Mosque , Topkapi and Dolmabahce Palaces ), learn more about the history of the Ottomans through a self-guided tour of Sultanahmet , have a cruise on the Bosphorus, climb the Galata Tower, and taste street food and visit local markets .  

If you like going off the beaten path, then plan your itinerary in that way where you can also visit the Arnavutkoy neighborhood and Fener with Balat , and soak in one of the authentic hammams.

To help you plan your perfect 3 days in Istanbul itinerary , you can use more of my resources (all built on personal experiences only):

• Must-visit places in Istanbul – the name of this post says it all. These places not to miss have either historical value or show Istanbul in a special way.
• Areas & neighborhoods of Istanbul – guide to where to stay in Istanbul.
• Istanbul trip cost – how much things cost in Istanbul and how much money you need to budget.
• Authentic restaurants in Istanbul – all serving delicious Turkish food and drinks for different budgets.
• Travel tips for Istanbul – things to know before planning your first trip.
• Cihangir neighborhood – one of the must-visit neighborhoods in Istanbul.
• Romantic Burgaz Island near Istanbul – if you have time for Princess Islands.  
• More Istanbul posts – all my articles about Istanbul. And I have a lot of them, from different reviews like Istanbul museum pass reviews & tips to spring in Istanbul and more! 

Day 4-5: Izmir-Ephesus-Sirince

On this day, plan a flight to Izmir (unless you want to fly in the evening of the previous day), the capital city of Izmir province which holds so much to offer to a traveler. Izmir is a port city in western Turkey with the most liberal approach and often a luxurious way of life.

While Izmir city on its own doesn’t have many sights to offer, it is a gateway destination to  beautiful towns by the sea with crystal clear waters, wineries, scenic routes for drives, and some famous ancient landmarks with historical importance.

Since you have only 7 days in Turkey, I recommend you pause in Izmir city only for a day and check its main sights like Konak Square with the Clock Tower, Kemeralti Bazaar , Alsancak neighborhood with trendy cafes and bars, and Asansor a historic elevator from the year of 1907 that today offers a lovely panorama of the city.

Make sure to add to your itinerary a trip to a traditional restaurant where you try Izmir-style sis tavuk (chicken kebab), kumru sandwich made with a soft bread roll, cheese, tomato, and Turkish sausage ‘sucuk’, and Izmir-style köfte made with ground beef or lamb and served with tomato sauce and often accompanied by pilaf or potatoes.

On the following day, head straight to Ephesus Ancient City , an archaeological, one of seven wonders of the ancient Roman and Greek world. There, visit the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Hadrian.

If you have a driver’s license, rent a car in Izmir ( this is one of my favorite companies which offers very good car rental prices in Izmir and works best if you want to pick up a car in one location and drop it off in another one).

In this way, with a car, you can also drive to the House of the Virgin Mary located nearby, then to a beautiful Sirinci village notable for its fruit wines and Greek-style architecture.

After visiting Sirince, head out to Kusadasi , known as one of the best places for an inexpensive beach holiday in Turkey. Kusadasi is surrounded by impressive ancient temples, idyllic villages, and ancient mosques. Its long sandy beaches captivate from first sight as well as its year-round very beautiful sunsets.

I recommend you spend a night in Kusadasi before going to Pamukkale. Stay in Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel which combines an excellent level of comfort, an unbeatable location, and beautiful views. And then if you are on a very tight budget, consider Ephesian Hotel Guesthouse in the city center. 

Day 6-7: Kusadasi-Pamukkale

If you are using this Turkey itinerary for summer travel in Turkey, then don’t miss a chance to spend a day on one of the beaches in Kusadasi and Dilek National Park with a mix of pebbly and white sand beaches with blue water. And at the end of the day hop on a flight to leave for Pamukkale.

Outside the summer, it is still nice to visit Kusadasi in spring and fall as the town continues to live life with fewer tourists. During these two seasons, you can stay in a beautiful hotel with Mediterranean views on a budget, enjoy the nightlife on the Bar street , and shop at the Bazaar since Kusadasi is home to several bazaars with excellent jewelry, leather goods, and Turkish textiles. 

But if this is not your cup of tea, then just leave the Kusadasi area earlier and head to Pamukkale which is very interesting to visit in winter.

You can always drive from Kusadasi to Pamukkale too (which will be around 3 hours) making a stop in Aydin which is home to one of the most interesting archaeological museums in Turkey and the unique Ottoman Süleyman Bey mosque from 1683.

If you fly to Pammukale (the airport in Denizli), arrange a transfer to go to the Pamukkale area or rent a car and go on your own.

With a rental vehicle, you have the option to make a stop at a unique location Kaklik Cave and see underground travertines which are one of a kind in the world. Compare prices of car rentals directly in Denizli to see if there are good deals. Depending on the season, there can be quite a few of them.

In Pamukkale alone, you’d want to have at least 1 full day to be able to see the Travertines of Pamukkale , antique pool , and not-to-miss Necropolis of Hierapolis . But if there is more time left, pay a visit to the ancient city of Laodicea and soak in one of the natural springs in Karahayit .

And then if time allows and you want to change the route on the 5th day of your itinerary in Turkey, drive to Antalya from Pamukkale or return back to the coast to the Marmaris and Dalyan area .  

If you need a recommendation on places to stay in Pamukkale, take a look at a Melrose House hotel within 5 minutes walk from the center and Pamukkale travertines. It is the only 4-star hotel in town. Although my favorite will be always the Venus Suit hotel where I stayed on a special occasion and had such a wonderful welcome, not expecting it from a 2-star hotel.

Looking for the Pamukkale guided tour instead of going on your own? Take a look at these famous tours with high ratings:

Itinerary #2: One Week Istanbul Pamukkale Cappadocia Itinerary

This route starts in Istanbul and ends in Cappadocia, from where you can either return to Istanbul, go to the coast, extend your 7 days in Turkey to 10 days or 2 weeks, or leave the country.

It is the most common itinerary for the first trip to Turkey for people who are short on time. If you are up for lots of city tours, foodies experiences, and amazing landscapes, then get ready, this itinerary will cover a lot of interesting places!

I am including an optional detour route if you feel that 7 days for these 3 destinations is too much time for you and you want to add something else.

Day 1-4: Istanbul

For this trip, you can use the same ideas and posts that I mentioned above in a previous itinerary. Or just replicate my 4 days in Istanbul itinerary with a very detailed route and step-by-step suggestions.

Day 5: Pamukkale

In the early morning, fly from Istanbul to Denizli from where reach Pamukkale by private transfer or public bus. The entire trip from Istanbul to Pamukkale should take around 2 hours which leaves you plenty of time for travertines, hot springs, and some adventures like paragliding experience for example.

Stay overnight in Pamukkale and leave early for Cappadocia. Or fly out in the evening to be able to wake up on the following day to the magic of balloons and fairy chimneys. 

Day 6-7: Cappadocia

For this one week in Turkey itinerary, I decided to put Cappadocia at the end of the trip. Why? Just because I believe with it, you’ll have a touch of romance and a beautiful magical ending to your journey.

With Cappadocia, you have to plan your days smartly as there are many must-visit places (equally important) and beautiful experiences to have.

If you plan to join a hot air balloon flight then make sure to book it in advance as balloons are weather dependent. This is part of the reason why you’d also want to come to Cappadocia from Pamukkale on the evening of day 5. If in the morning on day 6 your balloon flight gets canceled due to weather, the company will move your reservation to the following day.

This is an official flight in Cappadocia that includes pick up and drop off at the hotel and light snacks. 

However, if you are afraid to fly like me then just plan your early morning of day 6 or 7 on visiting spots perfect for watching hot air balloons in the sky and taking some incredible photos with them in the background.

If you are visiting Cappadocia for the first time, plan to make a base in Göreme or Uçhisar as it will allow combining a stay in one of the cave hotels with morning views of the balloons soaring in the sky.

During the day, don’t miss a walk around these towns, go on at least one hike in one of the valleys (most dramatic hiking trails are in Rose Valley ,  Zalve Valley , and Ihlara valley ), explore cave churches and monasteries, and find out how the first Christians lived persecuted by the Roman Empire.

Then visit an Open Air Museum ,  Pigeon Valley , Uchisar Castle , and try your talents in pottery in one of the local workshops (just like in these photos below).

2 days in Cappadocia is not enough to experience everything that this region has in store for a traveler. To have a more meaningful experience, you can rent a car (read my guide to car hire in Cappadocia ) or pre-book travel with a guide. In this way, you’ll cover more in less time and learn more about the region.

Also, if time allows, try to add to this itinerary a tour of one of the underground cities. This present tour includes a trip to the largest underground city with 8 floors down where 4 of them are available for visitors!

Looking for the Cappadocia guided tour instead of going on your own? Take a look at these famous tours with high ratings:

Optional Extra Detour: Konya or Mersin

Two very different cities with distinct contrasts in terms of culture, geography, and tourism options. Although both are tremendously interesting and stay off the beaten path in Turkey. If you are ready to shorten your Istanbul Pamukkale Cappadocia itinerary or have more than 7 days in Turkey, then going to Konya or Mersin will make the end of the trip unique.

To help you choose which city is better to add to an itinerary, let’s look at it in this way (and at two photos below that show Konya and Mersin):

Konya is ideal for those who are interested in history (as it was the capital of the Seljuk Empire), culture (it is home to many religious sites such as for example the Mevlana Museum, Sırçalı Medrese open-air school for the study of Islam, and the Alaeddin Mosque ), and spiritual traditions (like watching dervish dancing is the most authentic here).

At the same time Mersin is a great destination for those who want to relax by the sea on one of the beautiful beaches, do water sports, and enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline. It is even possible to extend your itinerary for a few more days and stay in an all-inclusive hotel. There are not many of them in the area but those that are built offer lower prices compared to nearby Alanya.

If you choose Konya and wish to stay there overnight, take a look at my favorite Hich Hotel Konya , a refurbished old house that has lots of history behind its walls and is right next to the Mevlana museum. In Mersin, that’s Divan Otel by the coast with all-inclusive packages.

Reaching both Konya and Mersin takes around 3 hours by car, so you can visit them by rental vehicle or even by early bus if you feel that flights exhausted you too much by this point.

Itinerary #3: One Week in Turkey for Beaches & History

And with this 1 week in Turkey itinerary, you have a great chance to combine a beach vacation with some natural landmarks and ancient sites, and even stay overnight in one of the gorgeous all-inclusive hotels.

Since I included only those destinations that are conveniently located on a scenic stretch of land, I highly recommend you rent a car and cover this 7 day route by vehicle. You can even rely on one of my huge road trips from Fethiye to Antalya to see more places than I mention below.

Although don’t worry, even if you don’t feel like renting a car is your thing, you can always catch a flight between cities if you feel like skipping some places in between them.

Although those who are afraid of flying and don’t intend to rent a car can use this itinerary also. As bus trips between cities are short and nice. On some stretches of the road, you’ll even get to admire gorgeous coastal views.

This trip below covers more ground and is an excellent introduction to the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.

This itinerary   is ideal for a trip to Turkey from April to November and can be easily done by bus, flight/bus combo, or solely by car. However, remember that July and August are the hottest months and you need to plan your days accordingly to avoid visiting open-air places during the day not to get heat stroke. 

The entire route between all the destinations mentioned here is so scenic that you may want to consider renting a car at Dalaman Airport for the whole trip. Compare prices for a car rental from locals and directly at the airport from international suppliers .

It will suit perfectly people who love active travel but still want to hang out on beaches together with seeing Turkey’s major points of interest.

Just like my previous route from Istanbul, Dalyan to Alanya itinerary is also packed with many points of interest. So if that feels like too much, just omit some places and pick those that you prefer more.

Day 1: Dalaman-Dalyan

On the first day of this 7-day Turkey itinerary, after arriving at Dalaman airport, I suggest you head out first to a unique city Dalyan known for its natural scenery, mud baths, Caretta turtles, river with endless lagoons, and ancient city Kaunos.

It is easy and quick to reach Dalyan by dolmus shared taxi, private transfer, or rental car. In fact, if you rent a car, you can cover much more as there are other places to visit in the area accessible by car only. Some of them are on the Koycegiz lake and around Pinar village . 

To find out about the full Dalyan itinerary as well as about what to do in the area, refer to my guide to Dalyan and above .

One day in this city is not enough but that is a good amount of time to get acquainted with local natural beauty before transferring to Marmaris.

To spend a night, consider 8 Oda Marmaris hotel to stay in the heart of the old town of Marmaris or the TUI Blue Grand Azur all-inclusive hotel right by the beach. 

And check car deals for Dalyan from one of my favorite companies. They always offer the lowest prices in Dalaman airport among all aggregators:

Day 2-3: Marmaris

Marmaris is atypical Turkey that attracts tourists not with all-inclusive resorts, but with an amazing fusion of Greece and Turkey, never-ending fun, and always relaxing atmosphere. Unlike nearby Bodrum , Marmaris is cheaper and that’s why suits well budget travelers.

It is worth devoting at least 2 days to Marmaris as besides the beach vacation, there is a lovely old city with white and blue houses, alluring cafes, cats sleeping in tubs of flowers, a fortress, and a cozy marina with expensive yachts. Visiting Marmaris reminded me so much of southern Spain on the stretch between Malaga and Valencia .

Once there, check out the famous Cleopatra Beach with crystal-clear waters and white sand. Also make sure to explore the marina , one of the largest in Turkey with lots of water activities, including sailing, diving, and fishing.

Visit Marmaris Castle built in the 16th century by the Ottomans with stunning views of the town and sea. And in the evening enjoy a drink or meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants there.

One of the highlights of the Marmaris itinerary is a boat trip. There are plenty of boat trips available from Marmaris, including day trips to nearby islands and bays where you’ll find the best beaches. You can also take a sunset cruise and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline from the water.

Day 4-5: Fethiye-Oludeniz

On the third day of this itinerary, I offer you to leave Marmaris and move on to the next destination which is Fethiye and the beautiful lagoon of Oludeniz. By car, it is less than 2 hours drive and you can make stops in places that you haven’t visited yet on the first day when following my Dalyan travel guide.

In Fethiye, you can walk along the long promenade , pop into shops in the city center , and of course see the famous rock tombs of the ancient city of Telmessos and the amphitheater. Or just stay on the beach of Calis sunbathing and swimming all day long.

However, if you have a car, I’d better suggest you drive around the Fethiye peninsula stopping at various scenic spots and hidden beaches. Like this scenic area here or Kuleli beach here for example.

Devote the fourth day of this 7 day Turkey itinerary to Oludeniz , a small village with one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey with blue waters, white sand, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Its blue lagoon, which is a protected national park in Fethiye, is a reason why you’ll want to spend the whole day there.

But don’t miss an opportunity to jump back in a car and drive to the Butterfly Valley viewing platform to take a look at the valley from above.  

Spend a night in a Casa Margot hotel in the old part of Fethiye for a luxurious experience on a mid-budget with gorgeous views, an infinity pool, and deluxe rooms. 

If using this Turkey itinerary in spring or late fall and visiting the Fethiye area, instead of the beaches, you can go on a small trek to the abandoned Greek city of Kayakoy and the ruined monastery of Af Kule . 

Places not to miss in the Fethiye-Marmaris region if you don’t plan to rent a car:

Day 6-7: Alanya-Side

If you are not tired yet from all the places that fill the above 4 days itinerary of Turkey, then continue a journey to the southern coast and get acquainted with different scenery and beaches.

Alanya and Side are both historic destinations that boast a rich cultural heritage in the form of ancient sites. In Alanya, they are the Alanya Castle on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with stunning views of the city and coastline and Red Tower , a 33-meter-high tower located near Alanya Castle, which is a museum now that houses exhibits on Alanya’s history.

In Side, there is this splendid Aspendos Theatre , one of the best-preserved ancient Roman theaters in the world. It was built in the 2nd century AD and is still used for concerts and performances today. Other places of interest are the Temple of Apollo with its well-preserved columns and friezes, Side Museum , and ancient Agora, well-preserved ruins that were the commercial and social center of the city in ancient times. 

If you are visiting in the midst of summer in July and August when the weather is unbearably hot, the best option would be to join a tour to see these ancient landmarks . With the tour, you can make sure you’ll travel in comfort during the morning or evening hours and get a ride directly to the attraction.

An alternative to that is just to choose a nice all-inclusive hotel where to relax for 2 days after the 4 days of active sightseeing or go for a day to a green lake where to cool off and swim in cooler waters.

Overall, Alanya and Side offer a wealth of ancient sites to explore, from castles and temples to theaters and temples. By adding these two destinations to your Turkey itinerary, you gain a deeper understanding of Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.

Itinerary #4: 7 Days Turkey Itinerary in Winter

And here is a quick itinerary suggestion for 1-week travel in Turkey in the winter season. Since beaches will be out of the topic and many towns along the coast will be pretty empty, you won’t be able to use my itinerary#3.

However, it is very possible to use the Istanbul Pamukkale Cappadocia itinerary as both Pamukkale and Cappadocia in winter are magical. But here is an alternative 7 day in Turkey itinerary#4 that you can replicate for December-March travel.

• Day 1-2: Istanbul
• Day 3 : Yalova hot springs / Sapanca
• Day 4-5 : Antalya city
• Day 6-7 : Cappadocia

So, if you are visiting Turkey in December , January or February, consider arriving at first in Istanbul for a day or a couple of days from where you can continue a journey. Winter in Istanbul is an excellent season for indoor activities, such as museums, hammams, Grand Bazaar, art galleries, and of course restaurants.

Don’t skip a food tour as many guides in winter switch to a winter program where they do a restaurant crawl. But don’t stay in Istanbul for too long. Better head out to its surroundings to experience activities that are not as pleasant during the hotter months. Like Yalova town with its hot springs and wellness hotels .

The easiest way to get there is by ferry from Yenikapi port terminal which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. O nce you arrive at Yalova port, take a taxi or bus to the city center. Another option (most convenient) is to go by car via the O-7/O-5 highway (however, there is a toll bridge over the bay) and arrive in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

In this way, if you have a car, you can also go to Sapanca town on the lake , surrounded by green forests and scenic countryside. Sapanca is famous for several wellness centers and spas that offer a range of treatments, including massages, facials, body wraps, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and reflexology.

The most popular ones are NG Sapanca Wellness & Convention and Dreamspa at Radisson Blu . But it is possible just to rent a cabin on the lake and have a relaxing getaway. In winter, Sapanca usually gets snow, making the landscapes change.

From Sapanca, it doesn’t take a lot of time to return back to Istanbul, particularly Sabiha Gokcen airport from where you can fly to Antalya for a couple of days and then to Cappadocia. 

Antalya in winter lives its life to the fullest and is a nice destination to visit as there are still many places open despite the colder weather. Old town Kaleci, popular Antalya museums, and even food and biking tours are all available for tourists in winter and make up a good reason to travel to Antalya from December to March. 

Turkey Itinerary 7 Days Budget

Turkey travel budget for a 7-day vacation will depend on several factors, including your travel style, the itinerary you pick, time of the year when you travel, and the level of luxury you’re looking for.

You should look at my post about the prices in Istanbul which I update regularly as it gives a good understanding of how much things cost in Istanbul. Prices around Turkey are very similar.

If traveling in the peak tourist season and planning to go to beaches, expect to budget at least $80 per day for two people. This amount will include a stay in a mid-range hotel, street food together with restaurant dishes, transportation, and some attractions.

The cost of activities in Turkey varies and prices fluctuate a lot. Most museums and historical sites cost around $5-$10 per person, while a hot air balloon ride is between $150-$200 per person, and a historical Turkish bath experience is between $50-$100.

The Last a Few Words on 7 Day Turkey Itinerary  

There are truly many different ways to spend one week in Turkey that would make the best vacation ever. However, listing them all would require much more time than writing a book.

This is why I wanted to share 4 main routes that give a good introduction to Turkey and are packed with lots of activities. If you feel you want something specially tailored for you personally, send me a message with details, and let’s talk!

After spending years in Turkey and now returning there each year, I know so much about this country and am happy to help others plan their perfect itinerary!

More Posts to Extend Your 7 Days in Turkey

I have a lot of posts on Turkey (and adding up more each month!), so make sure to check them all out if you plan to travel longer than 7 days:

• Weekend Trips Near Istanbul – places that you didn’t know about
• First time in Bodrum – places to visit & things to do
• Best time to visit Bodrum – weather & when not to go
• Day trips from Antalya – discover the region beyond the city
• Ancient Pergamon in Bergama – why you don’t want to miss this city on your trip
• Kucukkoy village near Ayvalik – taste of village life on the Aegean coast 
• My all posts about Turkey – lots of them!

Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely.

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Home > 14 Day Turkey Itinerary – Ultimate 2 Weeks In Turkey

14 Day Turkey Itinerary – Ultimate 2 Weeks In Turkey

Written by our local expert Mehmet

Mehmet is digital nomad who was born in Istanbul, Türkiye and now calls the Balkans region his home-office.

Please allow me to help you plan your Turkey Trip. I have been many times.

Below, you will find the ultimate guide on how to spend 2 weeks in Türkiye. This 14 day Turkey itinerary covers historical sites, the outdoors, food stops & more.

Turkey is among the best travel destinations in the world. When planning your trip to Turkey, keep in mind that Turkey is located in both Asia and Europe, giving it a mix of elements from both worlds to charm you.

The mosques in Istanbul tell tales of the country’s rich history and the remains of the ancient cities of Hierapolis and Ephesus to transport you centuries back in time like a time traveler.

The whimsical fairy chimneys of Cappadocia mesmerize you, and the quintessential Turkish Coffee takes your tastebuds for a joyride.

So, if you’ve selected Turkey as your destination, congratulations on a well-made decision!

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Places We’ll Visit On This 2 Week Turkey Itinerary

This 14 days in Turkey itinerary guide will cover these places;

• Istanbul – one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Turkey
• Hierapolis-Pamukkale

14 day trip made for you!

•  🏰 Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Fethiye, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia – The Ultimate Turkish Adventure
• 🏖️ Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia – A Brief Best of Turkey

Day 1 To 4 Travel In Turkey: Istanbul Itinerary 

Your Turkey trip is best begun by exploring one of its major cities, Istanbul. Istanbul is a city in Turkey with a long and complex history. It has been inhabited since at least the 7th millennium BC, and Several different empires and civilizations have ruled the Turkish people over the centuries.

First known as Constantinople, it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire founded by the Greeks, which later fell to the Ottoman Turks, and the city was renamed Istanbul. Over the years, the city has undergone massive transformations to become one of the world’s largest and most vibrant cities today.

I’d highly recommend spending 3 to 4 days in the vibrant city of Istanbul to soak in its culture, rewind to the past, and delve into its history. Stay in the old part of town, near Sultanahmet, the historic heart of the city.

The must-visit sites – Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar – are within walking distance. The Hagia Sophia fascinated me the most, with elements of Christianity and Islam existing simultaneously. Your first full day in the city should be spent visiting these historical sites.

Istiklal Street in Istanbul is among the most famous streets in the city. Bustling with cafes, restaurants, shops, and live music, it shows the vibrant and modern part of the city. For the next day, spend at least half the day strolling on the main street and checking out Taksim Square , another historical place in Istanbul.

One of my favorite experiences in Istanbul is watching the whirling dervishes show.

It is a meditation practice performed by Sufi groups using dance and music as their offering to God. The group performing on stage had their eyes closed, and despite that, they were in perfect sync with each other. This is a one-hour show which can be watched in the evening.

Begin the next day with a visit to the 17th-century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colorful, bustling main attractions.

Next, travel the Golden Horn on your way to an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From the cruise boat, you can view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest, and Rumeli Hisari, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul.

Part of what you can see in Turkey on this tour are the 19th-century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans’ fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges.

Do not leave Istanbul without experiencing the Hammam – a Turkish body scrubbing, washing, and massage experience. For the best Hammam experience, go to the Haseki Hurrem Sultan Hammam, which dates back to the 16th century. It’s located in the middle of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Mosque.

It is far too hard to list exactly what to do in Istanbul for a few days, as there is so much on offer. So, take your pick from the ideas below. These Istanbul guides will ensure your few days in this metropolis are a total blast.

• Exploring Istanbul With Kids
• Istanbul Beaches
• Here Is How Many Days In Istanbul Is Enough
• Where To Eat In Istanbul – Turkey Travel Guide
• Best Hammam In Istanbul
• 4 Days In Istanbul Itinerary
• 16 Things To Do In Istanbul, Turkey
• Whirling Dervishes In Istanbul
• Your Guide To Sultanahmet Istanbul
• Top Palaces In Istanbul
• 48 Hours In Istanbul 
• Is Istanbul Safe
• 18 Best Mosques In Istanbul
• Istanbul Nightlife
• Shopping In Istanbul
• Where To Stay In Istanbul
• Best Hotels In Taksim Square In Istanbul
• The Best Festivals in Istanbul
• 1 Day In The Colorful Balat Istanbul
• Best Museums In Istanbul
• Top Hotels Near The Blue Mosque
• 5 Biggest Istanbul Tourist Scams To Avoid
• Best Breakfast In Istanbul Travel Guide
• Romantic Places In Istanbul
• Things To Do In Istanbul In Winter

Day 5: Day 5 Fly To Izmir, Stay 1 Night In Kusadasi

The next destination in Turkey covers the pool terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Ephesus.

Take a domestic flight to Izmir with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus (low-cost carrier) and stay overnight in Kusadasi, which is the perfect base. Kusadasi is a coastal town on the Western coast of Turkey. You can enjoy a walk along its seafront promenade as soon as you arrive.

Editors Note: Domestic flights in Turkey are exceptionally well organized and efficient. Do not be afraid to travel long distances by plane. To get the most out of your 2-week Turkey itinerary, flights are recommended.  I promise that you will save a lot of travel time when you do.

• How To Spend 5 Days In Turkey
• How To Spend 7 Days In Turkey

Day 6: Pamukkale Hot Springs & Ancient Tour Of Turkey

From Kusadasi, rent a car and drive around 2.5 hours inland to Pamukkale.

Plan your trip so you leave early to enjoy the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural wonder called the ‘Cotton Castle.’ This name is truly fitting; the brilliant white calcified terraces resemble a cotton castle. Also, spend extra time in Hieropolis, one of the world’s largest and most diverse necropolises.

Of all the things to do in Turkey, this was in my top 5 best experiences!

Editors Note: A road trip around Turkey is effortless; the roads are in excellent condition, and the tolls are minimal, making it very easy to travel around on four wheels.

• Your Guide To Pamukkale
• Your Guide To Hieropolis

Day 7 Of Your 2 Week Itinerary: Ephesus Tour; Fly To Cappadocia

Begin the Ephesus tour with a visit to The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, one can only see the ruins of the foundations, entirely made of marble and full of sculptured columns’ capitals and shafts.

Next, visit the archaeological site of the ancient Greco-Roman City of Ephesus. Enter Ephesus through the Magnesia Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk into the ruins of this Roman provincial capital.

Go past the Odeon Theater, the Celsius Library, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, and the Great Theater. The theater seats 24,000 spectators and is still used for local festivals and concerts.

Visit The House of the Virgin Mary, which is considered a holy place for both Christians and Muslims alike. This is the official site recognized by the Vatican as the residence where the Virgin Mary spent her final days. Experience a tranquil atmosphere for prayer and meditation.

Take a late evening flight to Cappadocia – one of the best places in Turkey to wake up. You will see what I mean tomorrow.

• How To Get From Pamukkale To Cappadocia

Day 8 To Day 10: 2 Nights Cappadocia Itinerary

Flying in the hot air balloons in Cappadocia will surely tick off a bucket list item that you will remember for years to come! The weather , though, can be notorious, so as far as possible, plan your stay in Cappadocia on days with good weather predictions.

I, unfortunately, couldn’t catch the hot air balloon ride owing to snowfall, but I don’t think for a minute that my Cappadocian adventure was ruined. Cappadocia is a beautifully unique place on earth, with its whimsical fairy chimneys waiting to charm you.

Make sure you stay in one of the cave hotels in Cappadocia . Visit the Göreme open-air museum. Visit Devrent Valley, Pasabagi, and Avanos for the rest of the day. This completes the Northern region of Cappadocia.

There’s more. The Southern region of Cappadocia has a lot to mesmerize you, too. Trek along the beautiful Rose Valley and visit Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City , where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back, make sure you visit the panoramic Pigeon Valley, where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards.

• Things To Do In Cappadocia

Day 11: Drive To Antalya Day

Direct flights from Cappadocia aren’t always available, so consider driving to Antalya. This is a seven-hour drive and would almost take up your entire day.

• What To See In Antalya

Day 12 to 13: Explore Antalya

The best way to end your trip would be to relax for two full days in Antalya , which is famous for its Mediterranean coast and archaeological sites from the Greek and Roman eras. The region is blessed with stunning natural beauty, including beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and magnificent mountains.

The city of Antalya itself is home to many historical landmarks, including Hadrian’s Gate, the Yivli Minaret, and the Antalya Museum, which houses artifacts from ancient civilizations.

Plan to visit the Duden Waterfall and have a great time in the old town of Antalya . You may visit the ruins of Aspendos nearby or go rafting at Koprulu Canyon National Park if you’re feeling adventurous. The Taurus Mountains, which run along the Turkish Riviera, are a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking. Relax at the beautiful Antalyan Beaches – Konyaalti or Lara – whichever is closer.

• How To Choose Between Bodrum & Antalya

Day 14: Depart Back Home 

Depending on your flight home, you might have enough time in Istanbul to keep exploring, or perhaps you’ll head to Greece. We totally recommend that option.

14 days around Turkey tours made for you!

Brands we use and trust, history of turkey.

Before we get started on your Turkey 2-week itinerary guide, let’s chat about the history. Turkey has a long and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. In ancient times, the region was home to powerful civilizations such as the Hittites, Greeks, and Romans, who left a lasting legacy through impressive architectural ruins and cultural artifacts. In the 14th century, the Ottoman Turks rose to power and established a vast empire that lasted for centuries, spanning across Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, by the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire was in decline.

After World War I, Turkey became a republic under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and formed a secular, democratic government. Today, Turkey is one of the most popular modern nations with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population, and it plays a vital role in global politics and economics.

Here are a few questions you may have about spending two weeks in Turkey;

What is the currency in Turkey?

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira . ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. Withdraw Liras from your debit/travel cards.

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

You need a visa and a passport with an expiration date of at least 180 days beyond the duration of your stay. Check out the guidelines here.

What language do they speak in Turkey?

Turkish is the most widely spoken language in Turkey. English is not widely spoken; download the Turkish language on Google Translate for easy communication.

What is the best time to visit Turkey?

Turkey can be visited at any time of the year. I visited Turkey in the month of December, which is not a conventional time to visit, though I had a lovely experience. Plan at your convenience, though, if you can, then avoid heavy crowds from June to August. 

Editors note:  The best months to visit Turkey are April, May, September, and October. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.

What is a suggested 2-week itinerary for traveling in Turkey?

We recommend starting your trip in Istanbul and then visiting Cappadocia , Antalya, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Kuşadası, and Ephesus.

How much time should I spend in Turkey?

A 2-week trip is ideal to see the major highlights of Turkey and experience its diverse attractions and destinations.

What are some must-visit places in Turkey?

During your 2-week itinerary, make sure to visit Istanbul , Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Troy, and Gallipoli, as they are some of Turkey’s most significant archaeological and historical sites.

What are some activities I can do in Turkey?

You can enjoy various activities in Turkey, such as taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, going on a boat tour in Fethiye, exploring Istanbul’s cosmopolitan neighborhoods, hiking in scenic landscapes, and visiting multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites.

How can I book online for activities and accommodations in Turkey?

There are several online platforms where you can book activities and accommodations for your trip to Turkey. Some popular options include Booking.com and GetYourGuide.

Is it safe to travel in Turkey?

Turkey is generally a safe country to travel in. However, it’s always a good idea to stay informed about the current situation and follow any travel advisories issued by your home country’s government.

What are some suggested places to visit in Ankara?

In Ankara , you can explore the city center, visit the Ataturk Mausoleum, explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and wander around the old town of Ulus. It is recommended to stay near the city center for easy access to these attractions.

How do I travel from Ankara to Istanbul?

There are several transportation options available, including taking a flight, a train, a bus, or driving by car. Choose the option that suits your preferences and budget.

What can I do in Istanbul on the final day of my trip?

On your final day in Istanbul, you can visit any remaining attractions on your list, go souvenir shopping in the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar, and indulge in delicious local cuisine before your departure.

What food to eat in Turkey? 

Turkey is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, influenced by its history and cultural heritage. Some traditional Turkish foods you MUST try when visiting:

• Kebabs: A must-try when you plan your trip to Turkey.  Turkish kebabs are a must-try when you plan your trip to Turkey. You can find different types, such as shish kebab (grilled meat on a skewer), Adana kebab (spicy minced meat), and doner kebab (slow-cooked meat on a rotating spit)
• Baklava: this sweet pastry is made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and syrup or honey. It’s often served with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee. I strongly suggest you pick some up to share with your friends and family back home!
• Turkish Delight: this soft, chewy candy is made with sugar, starch, and flavorings like rosewater or pistachios. It comes in different colors and flavors and is a popular souvenir to take home
• Turkish Coffee: Turkish coffee is a traditional way of preparing coffee using finely ground coffee beans brewed with very little water, resulting in a concentrated coffee with a thick and frothy layer on top. I never enjoyed black coffee until I tried Turkish Coffee when I landed in Istanbul . To date, it remains the best coffee I’ve sipped in my life
• Apple Tea: even if you’re not an avid tea drinker, I recommend you sip the hot apple tea in the traditional pear-shaped tea cups. It’s an experience in itself!

Find more tasty food to eat in Turkey here.

Turkey has so much to offer to a traveler . The history, the culture, the architecture, the food, fairy chimneys, ancient cities, and the ocean. The list seems endless. It is a gem of a destination and a place to visit in Turkey during your lifetime. It is a trip I hold very dearly in my heart, and I am sure you will, too.

Now that you have your 2 weeks in Turkey guide, tell us, how many days will you travel in Turkey?

• Rental Car & Driving In Turkey
• What To Wear In Turkey – Area By Area Guide
• 34 Do’s & Don’ts To Visiting Turkey
• The Best Time To Visit Turkey
• What To Eat In Turkey
• How To Plan To Visit Turkey On A Budget

For more detailed guides and itineraries from Shreya Kejriwal, check here.  

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1 Week in Turkey Itinerary: Uncover Timeless Wonders

Discover the timeless wonders of turkey: a 7-day itinerary.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through Turkey, a land where the echoes of ancient civilizations whisper amongst modern-day marvels. This one-week itinerary, meticulously curated for enthusiasts of Turkey tours , promises an unforgettable adventure through Istanbul’s vibrant streets, Pamukkale’s thermal waters, Ephesus’s ancient ruins, and Cappadocia’s fairy-tale landscapes.

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul

Your adventure begins as you touch down in Istanbul, where our team eagerly awaits to escort you from the bustling airport to your tranquil hotel sanctuary. The city’s vibrant pulse beckons, and the afternoon is yours to relish in its dynamic rhythm. For those eager to plunge into Istanbul’s nocturnal charm, a Night Cruise on the Bosphorus, adorned with dinner and a mesmerizing show, offers a dazzling start to your Turkish escapade.

Day 2: Delving into Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman Majesty

After savoring a delightful breakfast, dive into the heart of Istanbul with our Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Hagia Sophia, wander through the serene Blue Mosque , and stroll the historic Hippodrome. Post-lunch, the grandeur of Topkapi Palace awaits, followed by an enchanting exploration of the Grand Bazaar . As dusk falls, retreat to your hotel, with the city’s history etched in your memory.

Day 3: The Thermal Wonderland of Pamukkale

An early flight whisks you to Denizli, the gateway to Pamukkale’s surreal landscape. Here, accompanied by our expert guide, you’ll tread through the ancient city of Hierapolis, marvel at the thermal travertines, and perhaps even indulge in a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool. The day concludes with a scenic drive to Kusadasi, promising a serene end to a day of exploration.

Day 4: The Ancient Echoes of Ephesus

Ephesus beckons with its ancient allure. Today, you’ll roam the streets of this once-glorious city, from the grand Temple of Artemis to the Greco-Roman ruins that stand as a testament to its historical majesty. The serene House of the Virgin Mary and the charming Sirince Village add layers of spiritual and cultural depth to your journey, culminating in your flight to the mystical lands of Cappadocia.

Day 5: The Enchantment of North Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s landscape , a dreamscape sculpted by nature and history, awaits your discovery. From the whimsical fairy chimneys of Devrent Valley to the monastic heritage of Zelve Open Air Museum , every moment is a step into a storybook. The day’s adventure ends with a panoramic view of Uchisar’s natural castles , leaving you in awe of nature’s artistry.

Day 6: The Majesty of South Cappadocia

Your exploration of Cappadocia continues as you delve into the Red Valley , wander through Cavusin Village, and marvel at the architectural wonder of the Kaymakli Underground City. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and breathtaking natural beauty, rounding off your Cappadocia experience before your return flight to Istanbul.

Day 7: Farewell to Istanbul

As your Turkish journey concludes, Istanbul bids you a heartfelt farewell. With memories of ancient ruins , thermal springs, and fairy-tale landscapes etched in your heart, you depart from this land of timeless wonders, carrying stories of adventure and discovery.

Adventurer’s FAQ:

• Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and layers for varying temperatures.
• Turkey is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always best to follow standard travel safety tips and stay informed about local conditions.
• Visa requirements for Turkey vary by country. Check the latest visa regulations for your nationality before planning your trip.
• The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash for smaller establishments and tips is advisable.

Top Experiences & Tours in Turkey:

• Istanbul : Explore the Sultanahmet district , cruise the Bosphorus, and delve into the vibrant Grand Bazaar.
• Pamukkale : Bathe in the thermal waters of Hierapolis and tread the white travertines for a surreal experience.
• Ephesus : Walk the ancient streets and marvel at the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
• Cappadocia : Float over the valleys in a hot air balloon , explore the underground cities, and hike the unique landscapes.

In the Spirit of Adventure: A Journey Through Time

This 7-day itinerary offers a tapestry of experiences, from Istanbul’s vibrant streets to Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes. Turkey, a bridge between continents and epochs, invites you to immerse in its rich history, natural wonders, and cultural tapestry. As you journey through its lands, you not only uncover the timeless wonders of Turkey but also rediscover the spirit of adventure within.

Top 3 Must-See Turkey Tours

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START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

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2 Weeks in Turkey: 3 itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

When I started researching Turkey as my next holiday destination, I got so excited. It has so much to offer and looks so magical. Not to mention, I can’t wait to be on ta country that is located in two continents.

I actually ended up staying in Turkey for an entire month. This allowed me to see so many places and learn that there are different ways to travel this historical place depending on what you preferr. This is why there are three itineraries on this post .

There is a multitude of reasons why you must visit Turkey. It has one of the oldest civilizations in the world , with well-preserved ancient cities and incredibly beautiful destinations. Turkey sits between Europe and Asia, making it even more of a fantastic destination.

Spending 2 weeks in Turkey is perfect . With this amount of time, you can visit up to 3-4 cities. If you prefer to travel slower, you can bring it down to 2-3 cities and focus on the things you enjoy. Istanbul and Ephesus are two perfect locations for those who love to explore historical sites.

If you want to go to the beach, Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir are glorious. You can hop on a plane and head to the magical region of Cappadocia, where you can ride a hot air balloon while waiting for the sun to rise.

ALSO READ: 2 weeks in Morocco

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING TURKEY

Travelling around Turkey for the first time can be overwhelming. But visiting one of the world’s oldest cultures shouldn’t put you off. The tips below will help you plan your trip and visualise what your adventure will look like.

Safety in Turkey is also a big concern, especially for women travellers, solo backpackers, and first-time visitors. Check these safety tips for first-time travellers and women backpackers .

When is the best time to go to Turkey

The best time to travel to Turkey is in April and May, then again in September and October . These are the shoulder season months have great weather without a big tourist crowd and the prices are good.

The peak season is from June to August , which you should avoid if possible because there are too many tourists, the accommodation and flight cost are higher, and honestly, it’s a little too hot.

Turkey, in general, is often dry, but the wettest month is December . The rainy season varies by region, but generally, the rainy season is from late autumn to winter (November to February). Istanbul and the coastal regions experience moderate to heavy rainfall, while central and eastern parts can be colder and sometimes snowy.

Getting around

Getting around Turkey can be confusing in the beginning, but it’s pretty straightforward. Taking the bus and using the train system is a good idea , especially if you are on a budget. However, keep in mind that Turkey is a good-sized country and travelling on land can take too long.

Having only 14 days in Turkey, the best move is to check how far the cities you want to visit are . For example, from Istanbul, you can easily reach the southern coast by land. But as you go further east, it might be better to take a flight or rent your own car than to rely on public transport.

You should also remember that taking domestic flights in Turkey can be annoying . To get from a mid-size city to another, there’s a high chance that you will have to connect in Istanbul. Make sure to weigh between taking a flight and travelling by land if the drive is longer than 6 hours.

You can also install ride-hailing apps on your phone . The most popular ones are iTaksi, BiTaksi, Marti, Isbike, and Moovit. If you plan to use a traditional taxi, you should be very mindful and not take it at night. There are other popular phone apps in Turkey that you should install on your device – these will help you plan your trip.

If you plan to rent a car, you should do this in Istanbul. You can also find rental cars in Izmir, Antalya, and even Cappadocia, but they are rare in smaller cities. Plan to pick up your car at Istanbul airport on your arrival.

Turkey dress code

Turkey is a highly religious country filled with sacred sites. This means that you must pack clothing that will cover up your shoulders and legs. However, choose a fabric that is light and breathable.

You can also pack a dark shade of sarong or a lightweight scarf. You can use a scarf for your shoulders and a sarong for your legs. Bigger places such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia provide a massive robe to all visitors for free.

If you plan to do lots of walking, pack walking shoes and sandals . Turkey also has a somewhat desert-like climate, which means that during the day, it’s very hot with very little to no shade. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreens.

You can take a look at what I normally pack for a 2-week trip . There’s a free printable packing list that you can use for any destination or season of your trip.

Cost of a 2-week vacation in Turkey

I personally found Turkey to be very affordable . The accommodation is high-quality but budget-friendly. The transportation is reasonably priced, and the food is very affordable. But still, the cost depends on your travel style, so here’s some ideas:

• Backpacker : Budget around 900-1,600 TRY ($30-50) per day for hostel stays, local meals, and public transport. Total: 12,600-22,400 TRY ($400-700).
• Mid-range : Expect to spend about 1,700-2,500 TRY ($55-80) per day for three-star hotels, restaurant meals, and some private excursions. Total: 23,800-35,000 TRY ($750-1,000).
• Luxury : Prepare to budget at least 3,200-6,500 TRY ($100-$200) per day for luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and private tours. Total: 45,000-90,000 TRY ($1,400-$2,800)
• Family of 4 : A moderate budget would be around 2,000- 3,800 TRY ($60-120) per day for family-friendly accommodations, meals, and activities. Total: 28,000-53,000 TRY ($900-1650)

Then, you have to add on top of these the main round trip flight, insurance, and other travel expenses outside food, tours, accommodation, and transportation.

Language and currency

Turkey’s main language is Turkish, but Arabic is also quite popular , while there are loads of Turkish dialects. Young people speak English, but installing a translation app on your phone is best to help you navigate and communicate with the locals.

The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Cash is still the main mode of payment all over the country. However, tourism-related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies accept bank payments, and some even accept major currencies such as USD and Euro.

You should be able to find money exchange shops in touristy places, although ATMs are widely available.

Turkey’s visa policy can also get a little confusing since the country implemented new rules not long ago. Regardless, it’s actually quite straightforward now.

For visitors with passports issued from Europe, South America, Morocco, Malaysia, Tunisia, New Zealand, and a few countries in the Middle East, you don’t need a visa for 90 days. At the same time, passports from Myanmar, Russia, Belarus, Indonesia, and Turkmenistan can be visa-free for 30 days.

People using passports from North America, Australia, China, Saudi Arabia, the Caribbean, South Africa, and Oman must secure an electronic visa ahead of their arrival in Turkey. You can apply for the evisa online and present it to the immigration officer. Depending on your nationality, the evisa is valid for 30-90 days.

Other basic travel tips

To help you book your travel arrangements, here’s a list of travel sites I always use. What I love about these travel services is how most of them have great cancellation policies that allow me to book the best options but also offer free cancellation if I change my mind or have to cancel my trip.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN TURKEY

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN TURKEY ITINERARY

To help you get started right away, I put together this rundown of the top itineraries for your 14 days in Turkey. If you want to create your own self-guided tour, here’s a thorough list of the best things to do in Turkey .

You don’t have to strictly follow these travel plans; you can choose only the ones that you’re interested in. 

Itinerary #1: First-timer (Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Antalya)

This itinerary is ideal for first-timers in Turkey since it is packed with the country’s top attractions.

The Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market, the Blue Mosque, and the famous Hagia Sophia are just a few of the historic and fascinating sights you can expect to encounter in Istanbul. When you explore this city, you’ll experience all of these top sites and many more.

The section for Cappadocia is my favourite because of how magical this place is. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride early in the morning, which travels through the canyons of the Cappadocian valleys.

Although it is quite crowded, the experiences are absolutely fantastic, and Göreme, the major town, has an ethereal atmosphere that is distinctive and alluring. There’s also an open-air museum that explains about this incredible region.

Travellers visit Pamukkale for its calcium travertines , which are white and sparkling. It was originally a renowned spa town known for its mineral-rich water. The Antique Pool, also called Cleopatra’s Pool, is still open to visitors today, where you can enjoy soaking in its emerald water.

Bodrum is the prime spot if you want to unwind and recharge as both tourists and residents enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and resting during the day. At night, those seaside towns transform into nightlife till the early hours.

Historic landmarks can be found in Antalya, from Hadrian’s Gate to Lycian Empire ruins spread out over the region. But it’s also known for its beautiful beach shorelines . Your trip ends in Antalya, and from there, you can easily get back to Istanbul by air.

Istanbul for 3 days

Ista nbul is a perfect setting to start your itinerary since it has a rich history in every direction and is the capital of four main empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman empires.

It has a lot to offer in terms of culture and history, with numerous structures connected to these ancient civilizations. Istanbul has long served as a junction of continents, and its fascinating past and dynamic present continue to amaze travellers.

If you enjoy visiting local markets , there are lots of them in Istanbul – those are great spots to find unique souvenirs but don’t forget to haggle as the prices for tourists are often higher.

Cappadocia and Goreme for 3 days

Have you seen those hot air balloon photos of Cappadocia right next to a hotel room? Well, that’s not an exaggeration. I experienced this myself, and most accommodations (cave hotels) are right in the heart of Cappadocia , so finding a hotel to experience this beautiful setting is very easy.

There are several small towns in Cappadocia that offer decent accommodation options, but Göreme is the most popular destination since it is a small town with a modern infrastructure and is close to both the Goreme Open Air Museum and a few valleys.

The flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia is around 1 hr 20 min , and there are two airports in Cappadocia namely Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines.

Pamukkale for 2 days

Pamukkale, which equates to “cotton castle,” is made up of colourful calcium bicarbonate deposits and natural mineral basins that together create a beautiful landscape.

As one of the trendiest tourist attractions in Turkey, the Travertines of Pamukkale is undoubtedly one of the primary reasons why visitors are flocking to this place.

One can understand why it never ceases to astound visitors, given its distinctive composition, which gave it its brilliant white colours, as well as the thermal pools surrounding the travertines.

The distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale is 616 km (383 mi) . Travelling by land takes between 7 hours to 9 hours, depending on whether you’re taking a private car or a local bus.

You can fly from Cappadocia (Nevsehir or Kayseri) to Denizli-Çardak Airport (DNZ) , but it connects to Istanbul. The fastest flight you can book is between 5-6 hours.

Ephesus for 3 days

Ephesus is Turkey’s most well-known ruin and archaeological tourist spot because of its tremendous religious and historical significance. The well-preserved Roman streets draw visitors from all over the world who come to experience the historic spirit of this city.

This is one of the best locations to travel to if you want to embrace a Classical-era city due to how well-maintained the monuments are.

The direct drive from Pamukkale to Ephesus is around 2 hr 40 min , covering a distance of 194 km. You also have an option to ride a bus from Pamukkale to Ephesus, which often takes 3 hr 8 min. Alternatively, you can hop on a train from Pamukkale to Ephesus for a 3 hr 20 min journey.

Antalya or Izmir for 3 days

It’s not difficult to understand why Antalya, which lies in Southern Turkey, is sometimes k nown as the nation’s crown gem . It has some of the nicest beaches and even landmarks in the league, it is one of those underrated Mediterranean attractions that tourists often skip through.

Izmir, on the other hand , is also known as an incredible beach town. It’s a little busier than Antalya, and there’s a port near there, so the beaches might not be as impressive as Antalya.

However, it’s only an hour from Ephesus to Izmir. While it’s a 5-hour drive or 6-hour bus from Ephesus to Antalya

This city is definitely a great way to end your 2 weeks in Turkey if you want to unwind on the beaches and avoid the crowds.

Itinerary #2: History and Hiking (Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Izmir, Bodrum)

Spending 3 days in Istanbul will let you discover more about the Ottoman legacy and tempt you with all of the mouthwatering treats at the Grand Bazaar. This 2 weeks in Turkey itinerary is perfect for those who want to learn about the oldest civilisation and the history of Turkey.

Istanbul has everything you could ever want to buy all under one roof. With a variety of traditional goods, this city is a great start to your 2 weeks trip to Turkey.

If you fancy exploring historical sites then you’ll be thrilled in Ankara since there are a lot of museums for you to learn more about the city’s capital . Aside from that, there are amusement parks that offer plenty of attractions for everyone to enjoy.

For hiking enthusiasts, Cappadocia is the place to be , surrounded by hiking trails near Goreme that are waiting for you to discover. It’s simple to wander around this city since countless towns and villages are conveniently close to all the major hiking trails.

Izmir is a city rich in culture , making it one of the most valuable assets for the coming generation. It has abundant cultural facilities that regularly host festivals, events, and exhibitions.

If you prefer being one with nature, you’ll have a blast in Bodrum’s peninsula since it is home to numerous beaches, coves, and bays that serve as the focal point of socialization, especially during summer.

In addition to visiting Istanbul’s historical sites and museums, tourists visit the Grand Bazaar since this place is regarded as the largest shopping centre in Istanbul . It is an enormous covered market that occupies an entire city district and is essentially the first retail mall in history.

You are welcome to browse the alleys of the Grand Bazaar, where vendors sell everything from carpets and leather goods to jewellery and souvenirs, including the widely sought-after Nazar evil eye decorations.

One of the cool places to escape to is the 62-metre (205 ft) Galata Tower , where you can wander around the whole perimeter and take a panoramic view of the city’s peninsula and surroundings. It is considered the best place to see the central old city’s skyline, and it even has a restaurant.

Ankara for 2  days

You might easily spend 2 days or more getting to know Ankara with the abundance of museums, ancient sites, parks, and performing arts venues available. In 1923, Turkey changed its capital city from Istanbul to Ankara when the Ottoman Empire fell.

Whether you want to witness a performance at the city’s opera house or enjoy live music in a more relaxed setting, it is guaranteed that some kind of performance will suit your taste. If you want to embrace a more authentic side of Turkey with fewer crowds, this makes it a terrific location.

The direct drive from Istanbul to Ankara is around 4 hr 55 min via Kuzey Marmara Otoyolu/O-7 and Anadolu Otoyolu/O-4, covering a distance of 447 km.

Whereas the train ride via Turkish Railways often takes 5 hr 30 min, Typically, 14 trains run weekly, although you must check the schedules in advance because it may vary during holidays.

2 weeks in Turkey is incomplete without a visit to this region. Göreme is the heart of Cappadocia’s tourism economy since many traditional homes have been converted into elegant cave hotels. For good reason, i t has consistently been named one of the most stunning villages in the world by travel publications.

The village serves as the main starting point for hikers eager to get outside because all the major valleys provide a variety of paths that go through bizarre rock formations known as fairy chimneys in the area and up to panoramic viewpoints.

The direct drive from Ankara to Goreme is around 2 hr 20 min via Ankara – Niğde Otoyolu/Ankara – Tarsus Otoyolu/O-21, covering a distance of 300 km. Whereas the fastest bus ride from Ankara to Goreme via Nevsehirliler often takes 3 hr 37 min.

Izmir for 3 days

Izmir has long been a city with a diverse population, and it is also famous for its range of delicacies that are influenced by Turkish, Cretan, Greek, and Balkan cuisines.

You can even find Ephesus and Pergamon here , which are among the 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you want to explore Roman and Greek artefacts more, then head to the Izmir Archaeology Museum. 

The fastest way to get to Izmir from Goreme is by flight via Turkish Airlines with 1 layover, which is around 4 hr.

Bodrum for 3 days

The Bodrum Peninsula’s beaches outside of the town are the main attraction for tourists in the summer, where the shorefront is bustling with people lounging in the sun.

The beaches in Bitez, Ortakent, Gümbet, and Turgetreis are the most popular since they include free public beaches and private beach clubs.

For those who want to relax and tan after exploring the country, this is the perfect place to end your 14 days in Turkey.

The direct drive from Izmir to Bodrum is around 3 hr 13 min via E87 and Milas Soke Yolu/D25, covering a distance of 236 km. Alternatively, you can ride a bus via Kale Seyahat and Pamukkale Turizm, which often takes 3 hr 15 min.

Itinerary #3: Beach Holiday (Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya)

With a vast number of beach resorts and delicacies, this next itinerary for 2 weeks in Turkey is suitable for beach lovers. If you like your vacation served with the coastal highlights of Turkey, then this travel plan is perfect for you. 

Istanbul is encircled by the city’s narrow coastline and mountains that set it apart from the rest of the nation. If you’re up for a food exploration whilst soaking in crystal clear beaches or going on a ferry ride, then Izmir is for you.

Make sure to drop by Kemaralt Market since there’s a variety of cuisines for you to choose from.

Bodrum provides the best of both worlds because , while daytime pursuits are centred on the sunny beach, night-time activities are when the quest for pleasure comes to life. The extensive selection of entertainment keeps everyone busy.

If you’re not sailing, shopping, enjoying the nightlife, or indulging in the cuisine, start sightseeing by going to Saint Peter’s Castle.

Antalya is a distinctive summer destination because of its fascinating natural setting. From the looming majesty of the Taurus Mountains to remote beaches and water activities that lead to old towns of former empires, these are just a few reasons why you should go here.

Istanbul for 4 days

For many tourists, a vacation to Istanbul wouldn’t be complete without taking a cruise on the city’s renowned waterway, the Bosphorus, which connects the Black Sea to Marmara’s sea. The Bosphorus voyage is all about lounging back and taking in the scenery. 

Istanbul is renowned for its flashy nightlife, which is lively with its distinctive neon lights close to the river. You can even taste a variety of drinks at clubs that stay up until midnight and are packed with people dancing and singing.

The most popular kebabs in Istanbul are made using a variety of meats, but don’t miss out on lamb kebabs since they’re a must-try.

Izmir is regarded as one of the most prominent cruise ship ports in the Aegean region , and many visitors travel to Turkey from Europe via this Aegean route.

It has also earned a reputation as a top cruise destination thanks to its friendly crew, who can converse with visitors in ten different languages.

In addition, it is home to the historical Kemeralti Bazaar, known as the world’s largest outdoor shopping mall and where many well-known brands are sold at discounts.

The fastest way to travel from Istanbul to Izmir is to catch a flight via Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines, which often takes 1 hr and 10 min. Whereas the direct drive from Istanbul to Izmir is around 5 hr 15 min via O-5, covering a distance of 482 km.

Alternatively, the journey time when you ride a bus via Pamukkale Turizm or Kamil Koc is approximately 7 hrs due to the stops made along the way.

Although boat journeys are frequently used to access the ocean in Bodrum, more adventurous tourists can pick from a variety of water sports available at the many beaches of the peninsula.

Kayak rentals are popular , and if you’re seeking greater thrills, you can go parasailing at beaches such as Bitez, Gumber, and Ortakent.

In recent years, paddleboarding has also grown in popularity and is currently available at several beaches on the peninsula, notably Turgutreis and Camel Beach.

The direct drive from Izmir to Bodrum is around 3 hr 3 min via E87 and Milas Soke Yolu/D2525, covering a distance of 236 km. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus ride via Kale Seyahat or Pamukkale Turizm, which usually takes 3 hr and 15 min.

Antalya for 3 days

If you have 2 weeks in Turkey, you must visit the coastline at least once. One of the top destinations for water enthusiasts and anyone seeking an adrenaline rush would be the Köprülü Canyon National Park , 90 km Northeast of Antalya.

Enjoy a river rafting adventure with your family or friends along the Köprülü River or soak in the crystal clear water.

If you don’t fancy water activities , then there are tons of riverbank cafes with spectacular canyon views for you to unwind, which makes Antalya a perfect place to end your 2 weeks in Turkey.

The direct drive from Bodrum to Antalya is around 5 hr 17 min via D330, covering a distance of 422 km. Meanwhile, the fastest bus from Bodrum to Antalya often takes 6 hr 40 min via Pamukkale Turizm. If you prefer travelling overnight, 5 buses depart from 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN TURKEY (by city)

Now that you have some ideas on how to spend 2 weeks in Turkey, it’s time to show you a quick and easy list of activities and tours that you can book.

While I love a DIY trip, there are parts of Turkey where booking a tour is the only option, such as the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.

• Ankara Castle
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
• The Youth Park
• Wonderland Garden
• The Roman bath museum
• Stroll at the Citadel neighbourhood
• Ankara art galleries
• Hattusa day trip
• You can make the most out of your time if you book a full-day tour around Ankara and spend the 2nd day relaxing/trying out restaurants
• Kaleici Old Town – book a city, waterfalls, and cable car tour
• Aspendos Ballet and Opera Festival
• Koprulu Canyon – thrilling activities such as white rafting, ATV drive, and ziplining – check the price
• Paragliding in Kas
• The Land of Legends Theme Park – get your entry ticket in advance
• Sailing the Turkish Riviera
• Antalya Waterfalls
• Perge, Aspendos, and Side day trip – join a guided tour
• Enjoy Turkish Bath and Massage
• Scuba Diving – check the price
• Bodrum Castle
• Bodrum Boat Trip – book a Gulet tour with lunch or a full-day cruise to Orak Island or the Black Island trip
• Turtle Beach and Mud Baths
• Turkish Bath and Spa – book for the evening after a day of exploration
• Bodrum Museum of Underwater
• Aegean Coast Helicopter tour – book for sunset
• Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
• Karnas Vineyards – join a food and wine tour
• Yahsi Beach
• Gumbet Beach
• Camel Beach

Cappadocia/Goreme

• Gulludere Vadisi
• Goreme National Park
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon – book a tour with hotel pickup, breakfast, and champagne
• Watch Hot Air Balloon during Sunsice from the ground – from Love Valley, Rose Valley, Balloons View Point , and Uchisar Castle
• Goreme Open-Air Museum – join a full-day guide tour and compare prices with this tour
• Uchisar Castle
• Pigeon Valley
• Fairy Chimneys – through an ATV/Quad tour or a horseback riding tour
• Rose Valley
• Red and Green Tour – red tour is for historical sites, and the green tour is for natural wonder attractions
• Ürgüp Kadıkalesi
• Watch a Turkish Night Show – enjoy dinner and drinks at a cave restaurant
• Love Valley
• Enjoy a relaxing Traditional Turkish Bath
• Hagia Sophia Mosque
• Blue Mosque
• Istanbul Archaeology Museum
• Basilica Cistern
• Misir Carsisi – exciting spice and textile market
• Topkapi Palace
• Shop in the Grand Bazaar
• Watch a Mevlevi Sema and Dervishes Show
• Dolmabahce Palace
• Bosphorus Cruise/day trip to Bosphorus
• Yedikule Fortress
• Day trips to Troy
• Maiden’s Tower
• Princes’ Islands day trip
• Galta Tower
• Day trip to Ephesus – full-day tour or a private tour (with skip-the-line ticket)
• Izmir Clock Tower
• Izmir Historical Elevator Building
• Smyrna Agora Ancient City
• Join the food tour of Izmir
• Mount Kadifekale
• Izumi Archaelogocal and Ethnography
• Kulturpark Izmir
• You can even do a day trip from Izmir to Pamukkale
• Travertines of Pamukkale – book a guided tour
• Hierapolis City Ruins/Archaeological Museum
• Hot Air Balloon Flight – check the tour price
• Cleopatra Antique Pool
• Pamukkale Amphi Theatre
• Northern Necropolis
• Aphrodisias
• Karahayit Hot Springs
• Ride Denizli Cable Cars

MUST-TRY TURKISH DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS

Turkey has some tasty local dishes that you must try during your visit. Gaziantep is the country’s food capital, but if you don’t make it there, you can easily find these dishes and drinks anywhere in the country.

For those exploring the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, plenty of restaurants and food stalls are around the area. You can’t spend 2 weeks in Turkey and not try the local cuisine.

Here’s a quick list of must-eat dishes, snacks, and drinks in Turkey:

• Kebap – Grilled meat dishes such as the famous Adana and Urfa kebap.
• Meze – A selection of small dishes served as appetizers, like hummus, cacık (yoghurt with cucumber), and ezme (spicy tomato dip).
• Manti – Turkish dumplings typically filled with ground meat, topped with yoghurt and garlic, and spiced with red pepper oil.
• Lahmacun – Often referred to as Turkish pizza, it’s a thin flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and herbs.
• İskender Kebap – Döner kebab served over cut pita bread with hot tomato sauce and melted sheep butter and yoghurt.
• Köfte – Seasoned ground meatballs, which can be grilled, fried, or stewed.
• Dolma and Sarma – Vegetables or grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and spices, often with meat.
• Baklava – A sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts, sweetened with syrup or honey.
• Künefe – A hot dessert made from kadayıf (thin, shredded dough) with a layer of melted cheese, soaked in sweet syrup.
• Lokum (Turkish Delight) – Confectionery made from starch and sugar, often flavoured with rosewater, lemon, or mastic.
• Çay (Turkish Tea) – Black tea served in a small tulip-shaped glass, commonly consumed throughout the day.
• Ayran – A cold yoghurt beverage mixed with salt.
• Türk Kahvesi (Turkish Coffee) – Coffee prepared using very finely ground coffee beans, sugar, and water, served in a small cup.

ACCOMMODATIONS IN TURKEY (by city)

Hotels are super affordable in Turkey; it’s probably the only country I have visited where I have stayed in really beautiful hotels and resorts and paid no more than $80 a night. So, here are my recommended accommodations in Turkey arranged by budget:

• Affordable:
• Mid-range: Guvenay Business Hotel or The Wings Hotels
• Luxury: Divan Cukurhan or Sheraton Ankara Hotel
• Affordable: Kuyu Beergarden Hostel or Atalla Hotel
• Mid-range: Mai Inci Hotel or Best Western Khan Hotel
• Luxury: Akra Hotel or Puding Marina Residence
• Affordable: Sevin Hotel Pension or Pasha Motel
• Mid-range: Dorman Suites or Ramada Resort by Wyndham
• Luxury: Radisson Collection Hotel or Odette Hotel
• Affordable: The Dorm Cave by Travellers or Goreme Art Stone
• Mid-range: Artemis Cave Suites & Spa or Stone House Cave Hotel
• Luxury: Sultan Cave Suites or Aydinli Cave Hotel or Carus Cappadocia
• Affordable: Olimpiyat Hotel or Piano Hotel
• Mid-range: Deka Evleri or Hotel Apart Alsancak
• Luxury: Izmir Marriott Hotel or Swissotel Buyuk Efes
• Mid-range: Venus Hotel or Ozbay Hotel
• Luxury: Bellamaritimo Hotel or Pam Thermal Hotel Clinic & Spa

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN TURKEY

Turkey is an ideal destination for people who want to see both European and Asian cultures come together. Turkey has been called the “gateway between the west and the east,” which is what they deserve.

It’s fascinating to see how the culture, language, and traditions can be so different, only a few hours from Europe and East Asia. This country has so much to offer.

With picturesque landscapes, tasty local dishes, rich history, and an affordable destination for a trip, Turkey is a must-see at least once in your lifetime.

I hope you found this list of itineraries for spending 2 weeks in Turkey. You don’t have to follow everything listed here, but hopefully, you were able to find a thing or two that can be helpful in planning your own trip.

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The Perfect 2-Week Turkey Itinerary

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From grand Ottoman mosques and bustling bazaars to white sand beaches and turquoise waters, a 2-week trip to Turkey is guaranteed to be packed full of sightseeing and adventure on a scale you might not be expecting!

This sprawling nation sits at the literal crossroads of Europe and Asia, and when your trip starts in Istanbul , you can take the ferry back and forth between continents as you explore an ancient yet modern city that traces its roots back to the days of the early Greeks.

Travel to the Mediterranean coast, and you can spend mornings exploring archeological sites that rival anywhere else in the Roman world, including the staggering ruins of Ephesus. Once you’ve had your fill of history, spend the afternoon lounging at beach clubs and enjoying al fresco dining as the sun sets. 

But for a real taste of what Turkey has to offer, you have to visit the vast plains of Anatolia, where you’ll find Christian churches carved into the rocks, underground cities that once sheltered thousands from invaders, and sunrise hot air balloon flights that reveal glorious yet otherworldly landscapes from above. This is Cappadocia , and it’s one of the best places to visit in Turkey. 

It’s cliché, but Turkey really is a clash of cultures, which is why a 2-week trip is a wonderful way to embrace the country’s unique diversity. If you’re planning your next getaway, then keep reading as we reveal our perfect Turkey itinerary!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Two Weeks in Turkey

Preparing for turkey.

When you’re preparing for 2-weeks in Turkey, there are a few things you should take on board to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible. To start, don’t underestimate the distances you might need to cover when you’re traveling across the country. 

Istanbul is a long way from Cappadocia, and Cappadocia is a long way from the Mediterranean. You’ll need to keep to a stringent itinerary if you want to maximize your time and see as many destinations as possible.

Before you travel, double-check if you need to secure a visa in advance or not. Turkey’s immigration policy varies from one country to the next, and US citizens will need to apply for an e-visa in advance of travel. Don’t worry too much about this, as it’s a simple process that’s completed almost instantly online. 

Citizens of many other countries, such as the United Kingdom, no longer need an e-visa and can simply get their passports stamped on arrival at a Turkish airport (this often changes, so always check with your consulate before traveling).

Things to Know Before You Go

You may wish to brush up on a few basic words of Turkish before you embark on your trip (“Teşekkür ederim” means “Thank You,” for example), but unless you’re getting really off the beaten track, you’ll be impressed by the level of English that’s spoken in the touristic destinations (it also helps that Turkish is written in the Roman script). 

Turkey is officially a secular nation, but the culture is, in reality, heavily influenced by Islam. You’ll see mosques in every village, town, and city, and you may find it best to dress conservatively in more rural areas (don’t worry so much about this on the beaches, though).

The currency in circulation is the Turkish Lira, which can fluctuate significantly at times due to inflation and Turkey’s economic issues. Currently, western currencies like the US Dollar are very strong compared to the Turkish Lira, which means that costs can be comparatively cheap for holidaymakers from the US or UK. 

Getting Around Turkey

If you’re arriving internationally, you’re likely to land at one of Istanbul’s two major airports. The primary airport is Istanbul Airport (IST), a new, purpose-built airport that’s the central hub for Turkish Airlines and other long-haul carriers. 

The second airport is Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). This is a much older airport that’s become the hub for budget airlines like Pegasus. Both airports are well connected to Istanbul’s Taksim and Sultanahmet districts by bus and metro. 

From Istanbul, you have several onward travel options. Cities are well connected by cheap domestic flights, which can cut your travel time down massively. You can fly to Fethiye, Antalya, Cappadocia, Ankara, and many more destinations from Istanbul.

Important cities like Ankara are connected to Istanbul by the modern high-speed rail network, which is super efficient and excellent value. Most locals get around by bus, though, and you’ll be impressed by the sheer extent of Turkey’s long-distance bus network. 

Everywhere is connected, and tickets can often be purchased easily online. Bear in mind that journey times can be long. Istanbul to Cappadocia requires an overnight bus ride, for example. 

Public transport varies from city to city. Istanbul has a vast integrated transport system that includes ferries, buses, trams, and trains. Ankara has an excellent metro system, and Antalya has an extensive tram and bus system. 

You can also use the local Dolmus , shared taxis and minibuses, which run set routes within towns and cities and between different destinations. They’re great value and often go where other types of transport don’t. 

Turkey Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country

Istanbul – 2 nights.

Your first destination, and one of the best cities to visit in Turkey (if not the entire world!), is Istanbul . This sprawling megalopolis spans the Bosphorus, crosses two continents, and boasts over two millennia of history as it bridges the gap between Europe and Asia.

There are few other cities in the world with such an allure as Istanbul’s, and you’ll love how each district, street, and sightseeing attraction sits on layer upon layer of history stretching back to the Ancient Greeks. 

Istanbul is an immersive experience. It’s simultaneously modern and timeless, it’s historic yet contemporary, and it’s the best place to start your 14-day Turkey itinerary. Although no longer the Turkish capital (that’s now Ankara), Istanbul is the nexus of the nation, and you’ve got much to fit in during your stay.

After checking into one of the coolest boutique hotels in Istanbul (we recommend staying in Taksim or Sultanahmet for convenience), your first day of sightseeing will be spent in Sultanahmet, the history-laden heart of the Old City. 

Hagia Sophia

See the Magnificent Hagia Sophia

Topkapi Palace

Get a Topkapi Palace Ticket

This is the European side of Istanbul, and it’s where you’ll find sites like the Hagia Sophia , Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Istanbul Archaeological Museum . You can marvel at the ruins of the Roman Hippodrome, see the Obelisk of Theodosius, and venture underground to explore the Basilica Cistern. 

Blue Mosque

Discover the Blue Mosque

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Archaeological Museum Ticket

And after all that, you’ll still need a few hours to spend wandering through the cavernous markets of the Grand Bazaar, where spices tantalize your senses and the smell of baked bureks and Iskender kebabs chase you through the grand hallways. 

Grand Bazaar

Take a Grand Bazaar Shopping Tour

On Day 2, you’ll be crossing the Golden Horn to visit the equally historic district of Galata. Start by walking over Galata Bridge from Sultanahmet, where you’ll stop to see local fishermen reeling their catch from the depths of the estuary. 

Tackle the steep steps leading uphill to the Galata Tower, a watchtower built by the Byzantines in 1348, a century before the city fell to the Ottomans in 1453. The views from the top are incredible, and you can stop in the restaurant for a quick lunch break before carrying on to Taksim.

Wander around Galata District

Taksim Istiklal Street

Taksim is where modern Turkey collides with the past. From Galata, you’ll walk along Istiklal Street, a long pedestrian thoroughfare lined with 19th-century architecture and packed with shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and museums. 

You can try the famous Turkish ice cream or hop into a takeaway restaurant for a kumpir , the largest baked potato you’ll have ever seen! Soon enough, you’ll reach Taksim Square, home to the Republic Monument and the modern Taksim Mosque. 

How to Get Around Istanbul

You can easily walk from one sight to the next with our Istanbul itinerary, but you may wish to use the trams or metro system to speed things up. If you do, then it’s useful to buy an IstanbulKart, which you can preload with fares and then use to tap on and off the public transport. 

City Transport Card for Bus, Metro, Tram, & Ferries

Izmir and Ephesus – 2 Nights

After a full Turkish breakfast in Istanbul, head over to Alibeykoy Otogar (an Istanbul bus station), where you can catch a bus to Izmir, Turkey’s second city. You can book tickets with Metro, a local bus company with regular connections, and you can expect a journey time of around 6 hours. Alternatively, you can fly between the two cities.

Izmir is an ancient port city (formerly called Smyrna), and if you leave Istanbul early enough, you should have enough time to visit a few sights in the afternoon. Izmir is more laid back than Istanbul. 

Start by visiting Konak Square, where there’s a beautiful clock tower, then head on over to Kemeralti Bazaar, where you’ll soon find yourself lost in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city’s traditional marketplace. Nearby you’ll see the Agora Archeological Site of Smyrna, an ancient Greek marketplace that’s remarkably well preserved, and you can learn more about the local history by visiting the Izmir Archaeological Museum. 

There’s still lots more to see, and you can visit Konak Pier on the seafront, enjoy great views from the top of Kadifekale (a historic castle looking over the city), or take a foodie tour of the city. 

Experience the Izmir City Tour

The next day, you’ve got two options to choose from (if you rent a car or driver, you could even fit in both!). The first is a day trip to Cesme, a colorful seaside town overlooking the Mediterranean. 

Enjoy the sea breeze and fresh seafood as you explore cobbled streets, or take a boat ride along the coast and a dip in the sea. Cesme is 1.5 hours from Izmir, and it’s an excellent option if you’re in need of a chilled-out beach day.

The second, most popular option is a day trip from Izmir to Ephesus, one of the top places to visit in Turkey. Ephesus is an hour’s drive south of Izmir, and it dates back to the days of the ancient Greeks. Ephesus was a leading Greek city, home to the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus. 

The Romans had conquered the city by 129 BC, and many of the great classical ruins you see today date from the era of Roman rule that followed, including a magnificent amphitheater that could hold 24,000 spectators. You can reach either Cesme or Ephesus with a Dolmus from Izmir or you can join group tours from the city, rent a car, or hire a driver. 

Spend a Day in Ephesus

Pamukkale – 1 night

The ultimate 2-week Turkey itinerary has to include Pamukkale because there’s no other sight quite like this one anywhere else in the world!

Travertines

Pamukkale translates from Turkish into English as “Cotton Castle.” Above the town, dramatic “Travertines” have formed over millennia, leaving unusual salt-encrusted pools of water fed from below by thermal hot springs. You can walk among these strange Travertines in what is an unusual and unique experience. 

At the top of the Travertines, you’ll then find an equally exceptional sight: the ancient city of Hierapolis. Long ago, the ancient Greeks realized the healing qualities of the thermal waters that nourished the Travertines of Pamukkale. 

They built a city above this geological oddity, and Hierapolis became an early spa city. The Romans also loved the thermal springs, and they too built magnificent temples and a grand theater, much of which has been excavated in recent years.

You can wander along Roman streets overshadowed by tall marble columns, but best of all is the Hierapolis spa. This modern version of the Roman baths allows you to soak up the mineral water while swimming among ancient statues and columns from Hierapolis.

Pamukkale is at least three hours from Izmir, so you’ll want to maximize your time at the Travertines by spending the night here. You can catch a bus from Izmir to Denizli, from where you can take a taxi or jump in a Dolmus to Pamukkale, which is another half-hour drive away. 

Visit the Pamukkale Travertines

Fethiye – 2 nights

Today you’re transferring to Fethiye, a wonderful seaside city on the Mediterranean. Fethiye is a hub for the Turquoise Coast, and it’s a great base for both beach bumming and adventure activities.

We recommend joining a boat tour to explore the coastline. The options are varied, and you can sign up for day trips to the nearby Greek island of Rhodes, snorkeling or diving trips along the coast, or even party cruises. 

Enjoy a Rhodes Full-Day Tour

For a more chilled-out day, make your way over to Oludeniz, where you’ll find one of the most spectacular beaches in Turkey. Here, a turquoise blue bay is sheltered by Mediterranean rocks, and you can rent a deck chair and lounge in the sun while ordering up cold Efes beer. 

Explore the Bays and Islands around Oludeniz

Mount Babadag

Alternatively, you can get up early and paraglide off the top of Mount Babadag for an extreme bird’s-eye view of Oludeniz. Fethiye is also the starting point for the Lycian Way, a long-distance hiking trail that explores the region’s ancient history. 

Paraglide from Mount Babadag

The trail goes all the way south to Antalya, but you can just walk the first section to Oludeniz or the section from Oludeniz to Kayakoy (an abandoned Greek village that’s quite dramatic) if you’re looking for a day of outdoor activity. 

Antalya – 2 nights

After two days in Fethiye, the next stop on your Turkey itinerary is Antalya . You’ll be taking the bus down south, an easy journey that takes 3 hours. Once in Antalya, you can hop on a tram or take a taxi to the Old Town. 

Many people visiting Antalya come for the resorts. But we recommend staying in the Old Town (in Turkish, the Kaleici ), where there are some lovely boutique hotels located in historic Ottoman-style houses. 

Spend your first afternoon exploring the Old Town, harbor, and seafront (which date back to ancient times). You can visit Hadrian’s Gate (built by Roman Emperor Hadrian), the Antalya Museum (where there’s an excellent display of local Lycian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history), or lounge the day away on Konyaalti Beach. 

Book a Guided Tour around Old Town

On your second day, we suggest taking a day trip from Antalya. You can hike further sections of the Lycian Way or visit the ancient ruins of Perge, Aspendos, or Termessos.

Perge and Aspendos

Journey to the Ancient Cities

Venture around the Ruins of Termessos

You could also take a trip to Demre, where you’ll find rock-hewn tombs carved by the Lycians, a Roman-era amphitheater dug into the cliffs, and the church of St Nicholas (who is said to be the real-life influence for Santa Claus). 

Tour Demre and the St. Nicholas Church

Cappadocia – 3 nights

Cappadocia is one of the best places to visit in Turkey. Located in the heart of an ancient geographical region known as Anatolia, Cappadocia is known for its otherworldly landscapes and jaw-dropping scenery. 

You’ll first need to take a bus from Antalya to Nevsehir. You’ll then transfer to Goreme (many bus companies include this in their ticket), where you’ll be staying in one of the town’s very unique cave hotels. 

Goreme is the heart of the Cappadocian UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first thing you’ll notice is the unusual rock formations, where wind and rain have shaped pliable rock into beautiful formations. 

People have shaped the rocks, too, and for centuries, Christian refugees fleeing persecution carved hidden homes and cave dwellings into the cliffs. You can visit the Goreme Open Air Museum to learn more before exploring the underground city of Derinkuyu, a staggering subterranean lair that could shelter some 20,000 people within its hand-carved depths.

Goreme Open Air Museum

See the Göreme Open-Air Museum

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

The best way to understand Cappadocia is to take a hot air balloon flight. It’s an early start, but you’ll have a truly unforgettable time as you watch the sunrise over the landscapes below. You won’t want to leave Cappadocia, and before you do, you have a chance to ride horses, join off-road ATV adventures, and enjoy local dishes like the Pottery Kebab.

Hot Air Balloon Flight

Go on a Hot Air Balloon Tour

Ride Horses

Ride Horses through Valleys of Cappadocia

Off-road ATV Adventures

Get an ATV tour of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is an excellent destination for hiking, too. One of the best trails takes you through valleys and canyons from Goreme to the rocky castle overlooking Uchisar. Other great walks include Love Valley (you’ll soon guess why it’s called this!) and Red and Rose Valley.

Go on a Guided Day Trip to Cappadocia

Ankara – 1 night

The next day you’re back on the road and traveling north to the Turkish capital, Ankara. From Goreme, there are limited direct buses to Ankara, so you may need to change in Nevsehir or in Kayseri. It’s straightforward, and if you leave in the morning, you’ll be in Ankara for lunchtime (it’s around 4 hours by bus).

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Jump on the metro and head to central Ankara, where you can check into your hotel. Then make your way to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where you can spend the afternoon exploring the many ancient civilizations that once called this region home.

The next day, get up bright and early for a full Turkish breakfast, then head on over to Ankara Castle . The Ottoman-era castle is in the heart of the restored Old Town, and as you wander around the colorful streets, you’ll start to get a sense of Ankara. The Old Town is small, compared to Istanbul, because until it became the capital in the 1920s, Ankara was little more than a village.

Mausoleum of Atatürk

In the afternoon, you can visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk . It’s a grand monument to the man who made Ankara the capital and the man that was given the title “Father of the Turks” after leading the nation into a new era after the fall of the Ottoman Empire following World War I. 

Explore the City of Ankara

Istanbul – 1 night

After exploring the sights of Ankara, you’ll be heading back to Istanbul. Despite being the capital, Ankara has relatively poor international flight connections, so we suggest taking the opportunity to spend one final night in Istanbul.

You can fly from Ankara to Istanbul, but we recommend taking the high-speed train. The journey time is 4.5 hours. The trains are comfortable and modern, so just sit back and watch the Turkish countryside roll past. You’ll have seen Istanbul’s major historic sights when you started your two-week Turkey itinerary, so this time, we recommend visiting the Asian side of the city for a different perspective.

Take the cross-continent ferry from the European side of Istanbul (where you can stay in Sultanahmet or Taksim) to Kadikoy. It’s a beautiful journey, and when you arrive, you’ll be thrown into what we’d call a more “local experience.” This isn’t a tourist district as such, but you’ll love exploring the Kadikoy Market, strolling along Bahariye Street, and drinking Turkish coffee on the seafront!

Take a Food Tour in Kadikoy

There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Turkey itinerary. Where will you be traveling on your trip to Turkey?

Planning a trip to Turkey? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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An Epic 7-Day Turkey Itinerary (Plus Option For 10 Days)

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

If you’re planning for a week in Turkey, you’re in for a fantastic trip. In this 7 day Turkey itinerary , you’ll get to see some of the most fascinating historical landmarks, and unique and unspoiled natural landscapes and get familiar with the warm-hearted Turkish culture.

If you want to see all the highlights of the country, this itinerary will show you the best of the country. We’ll also show you how to travel from A to B and which order to see things in, to avoid spending too much time traveling and spend more time exploring.

Are 7 Days Enough for Turkey?

But first, the question we always get asked is; are 7 days in Turkey enough? The truth is, Turkey is a big country, 783,562 km² to be exact, and to really see all of it, you’re going to need more than 7 days.

Even to see the highlights, we recommend at least 10-14 days so you don’t have to rush around and exhaust yourself seeing everything.

However, if you only have 7 days in Turkey we totally understand that not everyone is blessed with time. You can see the highlights of Turkey in seven days, but you do need to sacrifice some landmarks unless you want to burn out with all the traveling.

This is why we have prepared two 7 day itinerary options. This is so you can decide which attractions to sacrifice and which side of Turkey you want to see most.

The Best Turkey Itinerary for 7 Days

Fitting everything into 7 days is no easy task. So to help you pick the right itinerary for you, we’ve given you two options.

The first option is a history and culture tour of Turkey, taking you to some of the oldest and most beautiful historical landmarks in the country.

The second option covers some history, natural landscapes, and the iconic Turkish Riviera for some beach days.

Whatever brings you to Turkey, you’ll find our 7 day Turkey itineraries will cover it all. Let’s take a look…

Suggested Itinerary 1: Istanbul > Cappadocia > Izmir

Below you’ll find our first option for this 7 day Turkey itinerary. This is what we consider to be the best itinerary for seven days and covers the most iconic Turkey landmarks .

Day 1: Istanbul

Our itinerary begins in the enchanting city of Istanbul. This once capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire, named then as Constantinople, is brimming with history and culture. It’s also the biggest city in the world to span two continents; Europe and Asia.

On the first day of your visit to Istanbul, you’re going to want to explore the neighborhood of Sultanahmet . This is where you’ll find the most iconic landmarks in the city, including the Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.

This day will do a lot of walking but it’s all within the same area, so you won’t need to travel far today, but you’re going to see exactly why Istanbul is a city worth visiting .

Stop 1: The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is the most beautiful work of architecture in Istanbul, so it makes sense to visit this attraction first. It was built between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I. It became famous for its hand-painted Iznik blue tiles that you can see inside.

The mosque features more than 200 stained glass windows, as well as a stunning carved marble mihrab that’s worth checking out. It’s also the resting place of Sultan Ahmed I.

The Blue Mosque has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is one of Turkey’s most famous sites.

Stop 2: Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is just across Sultanahmet Park from the Blue Mosque and is another one of the most important mosques in Turkey. It was built in 537 by the Roman Emperor Justinian. It was originally used as a cathedral for Constantinople, where it remained the largest Christian church in the Eastern Roman Empire for over 1,000 years.

After Constantinople was seized by the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque. It was a museum for a short time between 1935-2000 but was converted back into a mosque. It has some of the most stunning architecture, mosaics, and artistic coverings of all the mosques in the city.

📚 Read more: The Most Beautiful Churches in Istanbul

Stop 3: Topkapi Palace

Around the corner from the Hagia Sophia is the Topkapi Palace . The palace was the former home of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Today, it is a large museum, showcasing artifacts from the Ottoman era. Not all rooms are open to the public, but the most beautiful ones are. The Ottoman Imperial Harem and the treasury are the main reasons to visit this palace in Istanbul .

The Topkapi Palace was also declared a UNESCO site in 1985 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Stop 4: Basilica Cistern

During the Byzantine Empire, the Byzantines built several cisterns under the city as a water storage system for the city’s palaces. The largest and best-preserved cistern in the city is the Basilica Cistern .

The cistern is approximately 138 meters long by 64.6 meters wide, covering a total area of 9,800 square meters — roughly the size of two football fields. It has the capacity to store 100,000 tons of water. It is one of the greatest engineering achievements of the East Roman Empire.

It is just 150 meters away from the Hagia Sophia, so it makes sense to see this historical landmark on the same day.

Stop 5: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Another one of the major landmarks in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. It is the largest and oldest covered market in the world, with 61 streets and over 4,000 shops. It began operating in 1455 after the Ottomans captured Constantinople.

The vibrant Grand Bazaar is the best place to pick up Turkish souvenirs , from Turkish delights to Turkish lamps, rugs, towels, and clothes.

Around the corner from Grand Bazaar is the Spice Bazaar. This is another souk market where you can shop for various teas and spices. The spices are said to help with certain medical conditions, from diabetes control to weight loss, and mood enhancers.

Stop 6: Turkish Hamam

After all this walking around, you’re going to want to relax a little. We recommend finishing off the day in a Turkish Hamam, which is similar to a Roman Bath. It’s not just a public bathing space, but a spa where you can get massages and beauty treatments.

Located next to the Hagia Sophia is the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, which was built in the 16th century. It’s a little pricey, but if you’re going to enjoy a Turkish bath in Istanbul , you might as well go to an authentic one!

Day 2: Istanbul:

On the second day we’re going to cross the Galata Bridge and explore the Kabataş neighborhood. This is still part of Europe and features many iconic attractions that should not be missed.

Stop 1: Galata Bridge

We’ll begin at Galata Bridge, a 19th-century bridge that crosses Istanbul’s Golden Horn channel. The bridge is famous because of the fishermen who cast their lines here, attracting hundreds of seagulls.

The bridge has two parts, the top part is where the cars cross the bridge and also where you’ll find the fishermen, and along the bottom part you’ll find many restaurants serving fresh seafood meals. Though as scenic as it sounds, we cannot recommend you to eat at one of the restaurants underneath the bridge – they are pricey and not the best in terms of quality.

Stop 2: Galata Tower

Next, we’ll visit the iconic Galata Tower. By now you have probably noticed the tower in the skyline, given that it is the city’s watch tower.

It was built as a part of the Walls of Galata in 1348 by Byzantine Empire. The Galata Tower has had a tumultuous past, having caught fire in 1794 and 1831. It was also badly damaged in a storm in 1875.

The tower was renovated in the 1960s to look like the original but using concrete instead of wood. You can climb to the top of the tower and witness 360-degree panoramic views of the city. The museum and exhibition hall inside the tower is also one of the best museums in Istanbul .

Stop 3: Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is the most famous street in Istanbul and is where you’ll find a blend of historic and modern. It was historically known as Grand Avenue of Pera, and is a pedestrian street made famous for its red tram that rides from one end to the other.

There are many high-street brands setting up shops here in the old buildings that were once apartments for the Romans. It’s a great place to pick up some street food or find a traditional Turkish restaurant down one of the side streets. If you’re into nightlife, you’ll find vibrant bars and clubs in this area.

This area also has some of the best rooftop restaurants in Istanbul , offering patrons sweeping views of the area around it, including Sultanahmet and even the Asian side on a good day.

Stop 4: Bosphorus Cruise

If your legs are a little tired from all this walking, then a Bosphorus cruise is a great way to enjoy the sunset.

The cruise takes you through Istanbul’s Golden Horn and out into the Bosphorus Strait, the body of water separating the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It goes as far as the Bosphorus Bridge before returning back to the harbor, which is usually in Eminönü.

It gives you a unique perspective of the city from the water, and it’s also the best way to see the palaces in Istanbul . Many of the palaces were built next to the water, and their beautiful decoration and architecture are best seen from the water.

If you want the nicer cruises, we highly recommend that you book your tickets online in advance. You can get some of the lower quality ones at the harbor, but you’ll want to reserve the better ones.

Stop 5: Whirling Dervishes Show

If you went for a sunset cruise, then you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy a whirling dervishes show in the evening. This is a traditional Turkish dance where dancers look as though they are floating across the floor.

As well as being a dance, it’s an active meditation exercise, which originated from the Sufi tribes in the 13th century. This is one of our favorite things to do in Istanbul at night .

Day 3: Istanbul

No Istanbul visit is complete without exploring the Asian side, which is what you’ll be doing on the third day in Istanbul. We’ll be visiting the largest mosque in Istanbul, the hip and vibrant area of Moda, and tasting delicious Istanbul street food .

Stop 1: Çamlıca Mosque

The first stop is Çamlıca Mosque, located at the top of Çamlıca Hill. To get here from the historic center, you must first take the metro to Üsküdar and then change to the metro to Kısıklı. From here, you simply walk up the hill.

The Camlica Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul and measures 72 m (236 ft) tall. The six minarets measure even higher to 107.1 m (351 ft). This stunning mosque is a sprawling complex large enough to house 63,000 worshipers at one time.

There’s also an art gallery, library, and conference hall. It was designed by two female architects, Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu, and was said to have cost $110 million USD to make.

Stop 2: Kadikoy and Moda

After spending time admiring the mosque, head over to the area of Kadikoy. Here you’ll find bustling markets and fishermen on the waterfront. This is the perfect place to sample some street food. We highly recommend the balık ekmek (fish sandwich). There are also plenty of cute cafes and restaurants.

After wandering the neighborhood of Kadikoy, head further south to Moda. This is a residential neighborhood with street art, boutique stores, cool coffee shops, and a relaxing park. If you haven’t tried Turkish ice cream, dondurma, yet, this is the perfect place to do so!

Stop 3: Uskudar

Uskudar is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Istanbul’s Asian side. It is situated adjacent to the Bosphorus, and facing west, naturally offers some of the best sunset views in Istanbul.

There are many things to do in Uskudar; if you have some time, we recommend you to walk around the neighborhood and check out some of the fresh fish markets. If it’s closer to sunset time, make sure you grab a spot by the promenade with a great view of the Maiden’s Tower!

After exploring Istanbul for the third day, you’re going to need to get to Cappadocia. To do this, you’ll want to take an evening flight to Cappadocia as the bus is 12 hours overnight. Flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia take just over 1 hour and flights run regularly every day. There are two airlines that regularly operate this route:

• Turkish Airlines
• Pegasus Airlines

There are two airports in Cappadocia – Kayseri Airport (ASR) and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). Both are quite similar in terms of distance to Goreme, the historic center of Cappadocia, so we recommend just booking the cheapest one.

Similarly, there are two airports in Istanbul – Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Both offer flights to Cappadocia but IST is usually easier to get to, but it depends on where you are staying.

When planning your route to the airport, just keep in mind that the traffic in Istanbul can be terrible, so allocate your time accordingly.

When you arrive in Cappadocia, we HIGHLY recommend you to have an airport transfer to your hotel. This is because the taxi drivers at the airports in Cappadocia are known to overcharge tourists. You’ll definitely save money with the airport transfer!

Day 4: Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a vast desert landscape in the Anatolia region of Turkey. It’s set at 1,050m above sea level, so the temperature gets cold at night, even in the summer. You’ll want to base yourself in Goreme, one of the best areas to stay in Cappadocia . From Goreme, a lot of the places to visit in Cappadocia will be within walking distance away.

The entire region is famous for its fairy chimneys, which are ancient cave dwellings that people used to live in, as well as its unique rock formations that are unlike anything else in the world. You can stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia , which is a unique experience in itself.

Cappadocia is notoriously hard to get around, so most travelers decide to take tours or rent a car in Cappadocia . This is the best way to see a lot of attractions in just a short time. Public transport in Cappadocia is unreliable, and it takes 2 hours on a bus to cover a distance that can take 30 minutes by car.

📖 Read More: Most Stunning Hotels In Cappadocia With Views Of Hot Air Balloons

Stop 1: Hot Air Balloon Flight

Without a doubt, Cappadocia is most well known for its hot air balloons that float through the skies during sunrise. Since the hot air balloons fly depart at sunrise, you’ll want to book this in advance so you can try and do this on your first day.

The reason we recommend doing it on the first day is that the flights are weather-dependent, so if the weather isn’t good for flying the trip can be moved to the following day.

You will only have two days in Cappadocia on this itinerary, so you do need to understand hot air balloon flights are really a stroke of luck.

Assuming you were able to have your hot air balloon flight in the morning, you’ll be back at your hotel by 9 am and ready to have breakfast. After breakfast, you can start exploring some of the best Cappadocia’s attractions .

Stop 2: Red and Rose Valley

There are many valleys in Cappadocia worth visiting, but if we had to choose just one (or two) then we would definitely say to visit the Red Valley and Rose Valley . These two valleys are located right next to each other, so it’s easy to visit both.

The valleys are some of the easiest hikes in Cappadocia and take you through stunning landscapes. You’ll pass fairy chimneys, cave churches, ancient cave dwellings, and impressive rock formations.

If you have more time, you can also visit Love Valley or Pigeon Valley , which are located just outside Goreme’s town center.

Stop 3: One of the Underground Cities

There are several underground cities in Cappadocia, but the main ones are the Kaymakli Underground City and the Derinkuyu Underground City. These underground cities were built in the 7th and 8th centuries as a way for the local Christians to hide from the Arab invaders.

The Derinkuyu Underground City is the most popular one as it’s the largest underground city open to the public. It is eight levels deep and once housed 20,000 people. Only four levels are open to the public.

Kaymakli is the oldest underground city and also allows visitors to explore four levels, but it is much smaller than Derinkuyu.

The two cities are only a 15-minute drive from one another so it’s possible to see both, but they offer much of the same experience so we recommend you pick one. If you’re not sure which one to visit, we have a guide on which is better; Derinkuyu or Kaymalki.

Stop 4: Sunset Viewpoint

By now you’re probably feeling a little tired from all the exploring, so we recommend you take a trip to one of Cappadocia’s famous sunset viewpoints . There is one in the center of Goreme town called Lover’s Hill , if you don’t feel like driving far. These sunset viewpoints give you the best views of the valleys, fairy chimneys and rock formations of the region.

Alternative itinerary:

If you don’t want to rent a car and drive, you could do one of the red tours or green tours of Cappadocia.

These are popular tours that allow you to see as much of the region as possible, from the underground cities to the vast valleys in Cappadocia. Both tours have different attractions, so it’s best to look up which one is best for you.

Luckily, we have a helpful guide on this; red tour vs green tour .

There’s also the blue tour , which is a small group tour that also visits some of the best sights in Cappadocia, but the itinerary for the blue tour differs depending on the company you book with.

Day 5: Cappadocia

On the second day in Cappadocia, you’re going to need to go slow as you’ll have a flight to catch later in the day.

We suggest you explore the Goreme Open Air Museum in the morning, followed by one of the valleys after lunch.

Pigeon Valley or Love Valley is a good choice because they are close to Goreme. But if you have the extra time, we recommend heading to Ihlara Valley , a stunning canyon that stretches for 15 kilometers and reaches depths of up to 150 meters.

We don’t recommend hiking the entirety of it because it’ll take too long, but check out some of the landscape, cave churches, and especially the iconic Selime Monastery .

If you don’t have a long time to spend, then you can see Devrent Valley or Monks Valley , which take about 30 minutes to see.

Take an evening flight to Izmir. There are no direct flights from Cappadocia to Izmir. You’ll first need to catch a flight to Istanbul and change. Flights take around 4-5 hours with the change over in Istanbul but remember you need to get to and from the airport.

📖 Note: It is also possible to catch a flight tomorrow morning from Cappadocia to Izmir, because Izmir Airport has a direct train to Selcuk, which is where Ephesus (your next destination) is located.

Day 6: Izmir (Ancient City of Ephesus)

One of the biggest reasons to visit Izmir is to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus. This well-preserved city dates back to the 10th century BC at the time of the Ancient Greeks. The city is huge, spanning an area of 6.6 square kilometers.

Visitors can still see the well-preserved Greco-Roman architecture from the remains of the city which gives you a glimpse of what life would have been like many years ago.

The most notable landmarks in Ephesus Turkey are the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Roman Amphitheater that was once large enough for 24,000 spectators.

You can get to Ephesus directly from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. We recommend getting an early flight to Izmir, storing your luggage in the airport, then going to Ephesus by train. It is the most time-efficient way to see Ephesus, especially since the train departures aren’t too frequent.

📖 Read More: How to Get from Izmir to Ephesus

You could easily spend a day exploring Ephesus, but if you have time to spare we recommend visiting the nearby village of Sirence, which is a quaint market village that only has 600 residents.

It’s located about 8 kilometers from Ephesus and features many small houses dating back to the Hellenistic period. It’s also a great place to pick up handmade crafts to take home as souvenirs.

Day 7: Izmir

On your final day in Izmir, you’ll want to explore Izmir before you head back home. We suggest visiting the ancient ruins of Smyrna Agora Ancient City in the morning, followed by one of the green parks in the city.

The Kültürpark İzmir Park is a nice and relaxing area to wander around before getting a flight. Make sure to check out the stunning Izmir Clock Tower before you go, too. The Kemeraltı Bazaar is the perfect place to grab some Turkish souvenirs, if you haven’t done so already!

Don’t miss out on the Alsancak district . It is one of the busiest districts in town and where you can truly feel the spirit of Izmir!

Are you reading this from Turkey? Maybe you need a VPN!

If you’re already in Turkey, there is one thing you absolutely NEED: a reliable VPN .

You may find some of your favorite websites and apps are blocked in Turkey , such as popular hotel site booking.com

A VPN allows you to get passed this ruling and enables you to browse these sites without any hassle, and it’s completely legal.

We use Express VPN when we’re in Turkey and we’d recommend it to anyone. It’s affordable, quick, and easy to use.

Suggested Itinerary Option 2: Istanbul > Cappadocia > Antalya

For the second option of our 1 week Turkey itinerary, we have swapped out Izmir for Antalya. Izmir is definitely worth a visit if you love history, but another reason to visit Turkey is for the iconic Turkish Riviera.

If you would like some time by the beach, then you should make a stop by Antalya instead, one of the best coastal cities in Turkey . Don’t worry though, there’s still plenty of history to explore here, you just will have to miss the famous Ephesus.

For this itinerary, we would recommend you spend two days in Istanbul, two days in Cappadocia , and three days in Antalya .

You can follow the same itinerary as option one up until Cappadocia, but instead, follow these three days at the end.

Day 5-7: Antalya

The great thing about Antalya is not only its beaches but its location. Nestled in the center of Turkey along the coast, it’s possible to take day trips from Antalya to other areas that you might want to visit, such as Pamukkale, Alanya, Kemer and Side.

During these three days in Antalya, we’ll be exploring its incredible history, stunning surrounding nature, and beaches. We’ll also give you one day to pick a day trip of your choice.

Here’s where you can find airport transfers to make this part of the trip smooth:

• To Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)
• To Kayseri Airport (ASR)
• From Antalya Airport to hotel

Day 5: Antalya Beaches

After all the exploring you’ve done so far, you deserve a rest. We recommend you take the first day in Antalya to explore one (or two) of Antalya’s beaches.

If you are staying in Antalya’s historic center (Kaleici), which you totally should, then the city’s most popular beach – Konyaalti Beach, is only a short 30 minutes away by public transport. It is a beautiful beach with the famed Taurus Mountain Range in the background, however, it is quite a rocky beach.

Konyaalti Beach is one of the best beaches if you are traveling as a family in Turkey because it is super accessible and easy to get there.

If you want something more sandy, you can check out:

• Lara Beach – an hour away from Antalya historic center
• Kaputaş Beach – 3 hours away from Antalya in Kas, only recommend if you have the time.
• Cleopatra Beach – 2 hours away from Antalya in Alanya, super beautiful.

Day 6: Day trip from Antalya

We mentioned earlier that Antalya is a great location for day trips. It’s possible to take a day trip to Ephesus and Pamukkale from Antalya, but there’s a lot of travel involved.

If you want to take a day trip to somewhere historic, then the Ancient City of Perge or the Lycian Rock Tombs of Myra are only a short drive away.

Alternatively, you can take a boat tour from the historic Roman harbor. This is a great way to explore the turquoise blue waters of the Turquoise Coast and admire the stunning Lower Duden Waterfalls , one of the greatest attractions in Antalya.

Another popular day trip is to Antalya’s stunning nature spots. The Taurus Mountains and Koprulu Canyon are all a short distance from Antalya city center and provide excellent hiking, biking, and white water rafting facilities.

Day 7: Antalya Old Town

On the last day, you will need to fly back home, so you won’t want to travel too far that day. This is why exploring the Old Town of Antalya is best kept to the end. Antalya has a long and fascinating history, having been conquered by many tribes – from the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and even Egyptians.

The Old Town is the best place to see all that history come to life. Make sure to include the old Roman Harbor, Hadrian’s Gate, and the beautiful Antalya Clock Tower on your Antalya itinerary .

Extend to 10 Days Turkey Itinerary

You might be realizing by now that 7 days is not a lot of time to see the whole of this massive and diverse country. If you would like to extend your Turkey trip from 7-10 days, here’s what we recommend you do.

For a 10 day Turkey itinerary, we recommend you combine our two options. We recommend you spend three days in Istanbul , two days in Cappadocia, two days in Antalya, and then fly to Izmir for the final three days, spending one of those days taking a day trip to Pamukkale .

Your 10 day Turkey itinerary would look something like this.

• Day 1-3: Istanbul
• Day 4-5: Cappadocia
• Day 6-7: Antalya
• Day 8: Izmir
• Day 9: Pamukkale
• Day 10: Izmir to home

📚 Read More: The Ultimate Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale Itinerary!

Getting Around Turkey

Turkey has quite a decent transport system, especially for internal flights. You can fly directly from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Cappadocia to Antalya , Antalya to Izmir, and Izmir to Istanbul, which really reduces the amount of travel time you spend. Especially as you only have 7 days.

You can also take long-distance night buses. The advantage of this is that you don’t lose a day of traveling by traveling overnight. The downside is it’s exhausting. After trying to sleep on a 12-hour bus journey, you’re going to feel very drained exploring all the attractions.

The same goes for if you are driving. It’s quite inexpensive to hire a car and drive, however, we don’t recommend this option for getting around Turkey for a 7 day itinerary. This is because you will be far too exhausted to see and do anything.

In Cappadocia, there is a minibus network that connects you to all the main attractions, and it’s also possible to hire a car in Cappadocia or take taxis from A to B. Most attractions are within a 30-minute drive from one another so if you hire a car in Cappadocia you can see more, and also won’t be too tired after driving.

To get around the cities – Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya have a great internal transport service, including a tram service that connects you to many of the main attractions.

For each city, you don’t need to buy a ticket, you can simply use your contactless payment card to pay for any public transport.

📖 Note: Contactless cards are now accepted in most of the major cities in Turkey, including Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, Fethiye, Marmaris, Bodrum, Oludeniz, Alanya, and more.

Best Time to Visit Turkey

We know that we’re not all lucky enough to pack our bags and zip off at a moment’s notice, so if you’re planning a trip to Turkey in advance, then you’ll need to consider when is the best time to visit.

Fortunately, any time would be a good time to visit. Even in the winter! During the winter, temperatures in Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya are mild at a comfortable 15°C on average. Winter in Cappadocia is a sight that you’ll never forget.

Cappadocia is at a much higher elevation than the other spots on our itineraries, so you can expect it to be much colder. In fact, it even snows here.

Imagine seeing a desert in the snow? Magical. If Cappadocia is one of the main reasons for your trip to Turkey, then check out our complete guide on the best time to visit Cappadocia .

The wettest months of the year are December – February. This is when Turkey receives most of its rainfall, with a 19% chance of rain most days.

The hottest months are July and August. The temperatures can reach as high as the low 40°C’s in August, so if you’re visiting this time of year then make sure to prepare for it to be hot and bring plenty of sun protection.

Perhaps the best time of year to visit is during the shoulder seasons (April, October, and November), as the weather is dry, a comfortable temperature, and nearly always sunny. Plus they are considered the quiet season so you can visit without the crowds. This is the best time to visit Bodrum and destinations on the coast.

Tips for Visiting Turkey

Before you start packing your suitcase and booking places to stay in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir, or Antalya, we have just a few words of advice to help you make the most out of your trip to Turkey,…

• Get your e-Visa before you fly – Americans now need a visa to enter Turkey. Though you can get one on arrival, it is much cheaper to get it ahead of time on the government’s official site. If you’re not from America, it’s a good idea to check the entry requirements from your country, which you can also do at the official site .
• Pick up a Turkish SIM card or an eSIM – Make sure you are always connected and have plenty of data, as you’re going to need to use Google Maps to find your way to attractions.
• Get a museum pass if you want to see more than one museum – If you’re interested in seeing more than one museum, you can save money by using the city pass which allows you to enter multiple museums. There is a city pass for Istanbul and Antalya.
• Get the museum pass for Cappadocia if you are doing independent sightseeing – The Cappadocia Museum Pass covers 13 attractions in Cappadocia, including the underground cities and Goreme Open Air Museum. You could potentially save some money by getting the Cappadocia Musuem Pass.
• Book internal flights early – You can typically save a bit on your travel budget for Turkey if you are prepared and book your flights in advance.
• Be prepared for disappointment with hot air balloons in Cappadocia – The hot air balloons can only fly when weather conditions are optimal, which is not every day. As you only have a short time in Turkey, you would need to be lucky for the weather to be good on your trip. For hot air balloons, it’s best to visit Cappadocia in June – August.
• Drink plenty of water – Turkey is hot pretty much all year round, so be prepared for this and carry plenty of water with you.
• Wear appropriate clothing when traveling in Turkey – You should cover your shoulders and knees when entering a mosque, and women need to cover their hair.

How Many Days In Turkey To Spend?

Generally speaking, you can spend as many as a few weeks to as little as a few days in Turkey . As we mentioned, Turkey is a massive country with plenty of things to do and see. Each region of Turkey provides a different experience for travelers – from rich historic cities like Istanbul to beautiful beaches in the Turkish Riviera.

If this is your first trip to Turkey, we recommend you to spend at least a week to two weeks. This will give you enough time to explore one region of Turkey thoroughly and understand its cultural significance as part of the Republic of Turkey.

For people with only a few days, it is best that you spend it in one city or part of Turkey, whether that would be Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Antalya.

FAQs About This 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

Here’s what people usually ask us about this 7 day Turkey itinerary…

Is 7 Days Enough to Visit Turkey?

7 days is not enough time to see all of the highlights in Turkey. We recommend to spend at least 10-14 days to see it all comfortably. But if you only have limited time on your itinerary, you can However, you can see many of the top landmarks in 7 days.

Where Should I Go in Turkey for a Week?

If you have one week in Turkey, you should focus your time on Istanbul, Cappadocia, and either Antalya or Izmir. This way, you can experience some of the best our every region in Turkey.

Which is better Bodrum or Antalya?

Antalya and Bodrum are both amazing places to visit in Turkey. We recommend Antalya over Bodrum since it is a little bit more historical, cultural and affordable.

Final Thoughts on Turkey Itinerary 7 days

So there you have it, this is how you can spend a week in Turkey. As you can see, there’s a lot to pack into a 7 day Turkey itinerary, which is why we have given you two options. We hope that this Turkey itinerary helps you plan your adventure.

If you have any questions, let us know in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Louisa Smith

Louisa is a professional travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust for exploring the captivating country of Turkey. With a deep appreciation for the country’s diverse history and natural beauty, Louisa has made it her mission to share the wonders of Turkey with the world. Born in the UK and raised by two Travel Agent parents, she was born with a perpetual case of the travel bug and now travels full time as a travel writer. Louisa has embarked on numerous adventures across Turkey, and shares her first-hand expertise and experience about her favorite destinations in Turkey, such as Antalya, Alanya, Fethiye and Bodrum.

18 thoughts on “An Epic 7-Day Turkey Itinerary (Plus Option For 10 Days)”

Excellent and detailed itinerary . Thanks a ton for the efforts. If you could share the 14 day itinerary recommendation, that would be very helpful

Thank you! We will prepare a 14 day itinerary in the future. But in the meantime, if I had 14 days, I would do something like this:

Day 1-3: Istanbul Day 4-6: Cappadocia Day 7-10: Antalya Day 11: Pamukkale Day 12-14: Izmir

Honestly, I wouldn’t add any more places to this as there are so many great day trips you can take from Izmir and Antalya, so I would prefer to spend more time there.

Thanks a ton.

Many thanks for such a detailed itinerary.

I am planning to visit Turkey during Eid holidays for 7 days in April and was actually struggling with the various tour agents to finalize the places. But this is very concise and informative.

I will definitely consider this.

Best comprehensive summary on visiting Turkey and to visit all the historical sites in 7-10 days itinerary.

Is there a ballpark budget you have for the 10 day trip (excluding flights)?

Hi Khadija, we have a complete guide on budgeting in Turkey. You can view that here: https://theturkeytraveler.com/is-turkey-expensive

hi planning to do a solo travel to turkey In Aug (12th-19th) with the following iternary.

3 days-Istanbul 2 days – capadocia 2 days- Antalaya

just wanted to know should i do bookings in advance for tours, ( i know balloon rides needs to be booked in advance). need some help and clarification on following:

1. is it safe to use the metro and tram for commuting in city? 2. should i book tours in advance since i heard its peak tourist season in Aug

Hi Sheetal, since you’re traveling in August I would recommend you book tours and hotels in advance as this is one of the busiest seasons in Turkey. If for any reason a tour can’t happen, you will be refunded. The hot air balloon rides for example can only fly when weather conditions are optimal so if the weather isn’t on your side you can reschedule or be refunded the full price of the ticket. Yes it’s safe to use the metro in Istanbul, it’s much safer than using public taxis in our opinion. You can use the tram in Istanbul and Antalya as well which is also safe. However, be aware of your belongings and keep an eye out for pickpockets when they are crowded. I recommend you get the Istanbulkart and Antalyakart, which are travel cards that you can top up and use on all public transport in the city.

I have 7 days and I want to visit – Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale. My in and out flights are from Istanbul. I have planed Istanbul and Cappadocia but I am struggling to plan beyond Cappadocia to Pamukkale. Any suggestions?

It’s quite a long distance from Cappadocia to Pamukkale, so because you are short on time your best option is to either take the night bus from Cappadocia to Denizli and then a bus to Pamukkale so you can save a day of your itinerary for exploring (assuming you can sleep on a night bus), or you can fly to Denizli and take a bus. Here is a complete guide on how to get from Cappadocia to Pamukkale that has more detail on how to do this.

hi guys, i have a trip to Turkey next week (20 Sept onwards). My planned route is Istanbul – Alacati – Cesme – Ephesus – Pammukale – Cappadocia – Istanbul.

I’m having trouble finding the right info for my travel from Izmir-Ephesus-Pammukale . 1. If i were to take the train in the morning from Izmir to Selcuk & then a taxi/minivan to Ephesus, is there any luggage storage place at the Selcuk Train station ? 2. From Selcuk in the late noon/evening, what is the best public transport to get me to Pammukale and stay the night there? 3. Early morning visit Pammukale pools and is there a bus to Cappadocia ? or any other suggested public transport?

kindly advise.

Hi D, there is no luggage storage at Selcuk train station, but there is luggage storage at Selcuk bus station which you can use for a fee. You can then get a train to Denizli after exploring Ephesus from Selcuk (I believe there are several throughout the day and the last one is around 8pm, but do check with the ticket office when you arrive). I suggest you stay in Denizli overnight and then get the minibus to Pamukkale the next morning. After exploring Pamukkale you should return to Denizli and then you can then get a night bus from Denizli bus station to Cappadocia, or you can fly from Denizli to Cappadocia if you don’t like long-distance buses. I hope this helps!

Hello Sean and Louisa! I came across your page while planning for my 12 days Turkey itinerary, which is happening end of Oct 2023. This would be my first time to Turkey and your page has been really helpful. Would like to get your thoughts & advice on my planned itinerary.

My planned route currently looks like this:- Istanbul – 3 days Cappadocia – 3 days Antalya – 3 days Pamukkale – 1 day Izmir – 3 days

Questions: 1. Is it advisable to rent a car to travel between Cappadocia > Antalya > Pamukkale > Izmir? I’m planning to fly from Istanbul > Cappadocia, and from Izmir > Istanbul on the final day. Can you recommend a good car rental contact? Are public transportation ie. buses frequent and reliable in this route? What would be the best way to get around? 2. Is it worth spending a night in Pamukkale or should I travel directly from Antalya to Izmir, and plan a separate day for Pamukkale? 3. Should I make a stop in Fethiye, in between Antalya and Pamukkale?

Thanks in advance 🙂

Hi Ade, we’re pleased you found this guide helpful. Your itinerary plan looks good! You can rent a car which is the easiest way to get around, but it’s also possible to get from place to place via bus. Buses are frequent between these places and you also have the option of taking night buses, which helps to give you more time for exploring. The bus company we like is Metro, and you can find bus tickets from their website here . If you prefer to rent a car, we recommend using Discover Cars. We have found the best prices with them and we have used them ourselves and know them to be reliable. You can browse car rental options here . If I were you, I would get the bus from Cappadocia to Antalya and take a day tour from Antalya to Pamukkale so you don’t need to worry about traveling yourself and spending the money on a car hire. Here is a link to a great tour from Antalya to Pamukkale . Then you can fly from Antalya to Izmir directly. I don’t think you will have time to fit Fethiye in on this trip, as it’s about 3-4 hours from Antalya to Fethiye depending on whether you drive or take a bus, and also not really on the route to Pamukkale. If you get the day tour as we mentioned then you should have plenty of time to fit everything in.

Thanks for the advice and reco! Would definitely consider them. Can I opt to take the bus from Antalya to Pamukkale (spend a night here) and then take another bus to Izmir the following day?

You can take the bus from Antalya to Denizli, and then there is another bus to Pamukkale. If you spend the night in Pamukkale, I recommend you get up early in the morning and visit the Travertine Terraces at sunrise, and explore the ruins and swim in the hot spring pools. Then you can leave late morning and catch a bus from Pamukkale to Denizli, and then another bus from Denizli to Izmir. It’s a lot of road travel, but it’s possible. I recommend you check out this guide on how to visit Pamukkale for sunrise .

This has been really helpful. Thank you so much!

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The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary (2024)

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A fascinating mix of modern and ancient, where East meets West, Turkey is one of the most incredible countries in the world. After many visits and months of planning our Turkey itinerary, we settled on a route that led us through some of the country’s highlights: from the capital Istanbul to the otherworldly Cappadocia, to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Troy to the beautiful turquoise coastline and beaches. We were blown away by the variety of sights and scenery on our journey. We’ve put together the ultimate Turkey Itinerary below, including our suggested route, where to stay and the best things to do in each place.

Table of Contents

Turkey Itinerary Route

Our Turkey itinerary took us on a loop of all the popular locations throughout western Turkey, starting and ending in Istanbul. The entire route can be completed in two weeks at a rush or three to four weeks to explore at a more relaxed pace. This Turkey itinerary can be extended or reduced depending on what sights you want to see and the time you have available. We did this route in 3 weeks which was around the right amount of time, however we had been to Istanbul previously so only spent 3 days there on this trip.

You can reduce the time by flying to Cappadocia or simple flying to Antalya and driving back to Istanbul via the coast road.

Route Summary:  arrive by air to Istanbul (1) – Safranbolu (2) – Cappadocia/Goreme (3) – Konya (4) – Antalya (5) – Kas (6) – Feithye (7) –Pamukalle (8) – Ephesus/Selcuk (9) – Izmir (10) – Troy  (11) – Istanbul (1)

Map of our Turkey Itinerary Route

How to Use This Google Map:  Click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. We use these maps all the time as you can set out your itinerary ahead of time and quickly reference the saved maps.

How to get around Turkey

Renting a car.

Renting a car in Turkey is very safe and it’s the best way to explore the country. We rented a car to explore Turkey and it was a great way to see the country. Driving is relatively easy and having your own car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and see places that are simply not possible on group tours or public transport. Check out our tips for renting a car in Turkey

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in almost 50 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Book your car now with RentalCars.com , where you will find the best rental car prices

Book your rental car now

Public Transport

Much of this route is also possible by bus although it will likely take a little longer to allow for public transport schedules.

Turkey Itinerary: The Daily Itinerary

We’ve listed our itinerary in a loop coming from and returning to Istanbul. Feel free to reverse the order as it works just as well backward

Turkey itinerary tip:  if you are planning on visiting a lot of the sights listed in our itinerary make sure to pick up a  Turkey Museum Pass  which provides one time access to over 300 museums and sites affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. It costs around US $35 and covers most of the ancient sites and museums and also avoids queuing for tickets. We used ours everywhere from Ephesus to Aphrodisas to Hagia Sofia and the open air museums in Cappadocia.

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul

Most visitors to Turkey arrive and depart via the new Istanbul International Airport. After a late flight, we picked up our rental car and opted to spend a night at an airport hotel before we started our Turkey road trip. We’ll return at the end of the trip for a few relaxing days in Istanbul.

Turkey itinerary tip: Istanbul can be explored at either end of this itinerary: we preferred to save it to the end of our trip and spend a few days in the city before we left Turkey.

Where to stay at Istanbul International Airport

• Bricks Airport Hotel Istanbul – excellent reasonably priced option a short taxi ride from the airport –  check prices now!
• Rox Hotel Airport – well-appointed hotel a short taxi ride from the airport  –  check prices now!
• WOW Airport Hotel: –  spacious and comfortable rooms, free airport shuttle –  check prices now!

Click here for Istanbul airport hotel prices!

Days 2 & 3: Safranbolu

The Ottoman City of Safranbolu is perfect for a one or two-night stop. We opted for two nights as the drive to Cappadocia requires an early start and we wanted to have a day to explore Safranbolu. If you prefer, you can go straight from Istanbul to Cappadocia using our guide on how to travel between them.

Drive time: 5 hours from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Safranbolu

Safranbolu is almost frozen in time. It is a typical Ottoman city with well-preserved architecture: there are 2,000 traditional Safranbolu houses which are incredible examples of traditional Turkish housing. Safranbolu played a key part in the caravan trade as the main commercial link between the Orient and Europe.

Where to Stay in Safranbolu

• Hilton Garden Inn Safronbolu –  great modern option in Safranbolu. Rooms are clean and spacious –  check prices now!
• Gulevi Safranbolu Hotel – lovely hotel set in restored 220-year-old Ottoman mansions in the historic centre –  check prices now!
• Safranbolu Seyir Konak Otel – traditional hotel with great breakfast and wonderful views overlooking the historic centre of Safranbolu –   check prices now!

Click here for hotel prices in Safranbolu

Things to do in Safranbolu

• Explore Çarşı, the Old Town district, a maze of cobblestone alleyways winding up the hillside
• Shop for local crafts and delicacies
• Visit Cinci Hamam, a beautifully restored bathhouse

Turkey itinerary tip: we decided to drive from Istanbul to Cappadocia via Safranbolu and the archaeological site of Hattusha, both awesome historical sites. If you prefer to start your trip in Cappadocia it’s worth checking out connecting flight options to Cappadocia as it’s an 8 hour direct drive from Istanbul.

Day 4: Safranbolu to Cappadocia via Hattusha

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hattusha is an interesting stop between Safranbolu and Cappadocia and, after spending the afternoon exploring the ancient site, we arrived in Cappadocia just in time for sunset.

Drive time:  the total drive is 500km and takes around 7hours: 4hours from Safranbolu to Hattusha and 3hours from Hattusha to Cappadocia

Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire, an ancient Anatolian people, in the late Bronze Age and the archaeological site consists of ruins of temples, a royal residence and fortifications. A second site close to Hattusha, Yazilikaya, contains a fascinating ensemble of rock art. The highlights are the Lions’ Gate and the Royal Gate, the rock art and the Great Temple, the best-preserved ruin of a Hittite Temple from the 13th century BC.

Things to do

• Drive around the ancient site of Hattusha
• Stop by Yazlilkaya for ancient rock art
• Watch the sunset in Cappadocia

Days 5 to 8: Cappadocia

With its whimsical landscape, ethereal beauty and balloon-filled sky Cappadocia is otherworldly. Magical valleys stretch as far as the eye can see and the sunrise hot air balloons are a once in a lifetime experience. Check out our guide to choosing where to stay in Cappadocia here.

Turkey itinerary tip: We recommend spending at least 3 nights as there are lots of things to do in Cappadocia. If a hot air balloon ride is on your must do list then make sure to leave a few extra days in case the balloon ride is cancelled due to weather. We visited in March and the balloons only flew on one of our three mornings in Cappadocia.

Where to stay in Cappadocia

We stayed in three different hotels during our time in Cappadocia and recommend each of them!

• Sultan Cave Suites – the ultimate spot to watch the balloons rise over the Cappadocia sky at sunrise, we loved waking up to a balloon filled sky. Guests have exclusive sunrise access to the rooftop terraces which over the best views –  check prices here !

Click here for Goreme Hotel prices!

• Rox Cappadocia – located right next to the highest point in Cappadocia at Uchisar Castle, the hotel has incredible views of Goreme and Guvercinlik Valley from its rooftop. We stayed in a beautiful cave room and breakfast was a real treat –  check prices here !
• Taskonaklar Hotel – we spent a few nights in a cave room at the luxury Taskonaklar Hotel. Awesome rooms, great food and fantastic views over the valley –  check prices here
• Museum Hotel – one for the bucket list, the Museum Hotel is based on the concept of a living museum. The view of the hot air balloons from the hotel’s Roman Pool is breathtaking –  check prices here !

Click here for Uchisar hotel prices!

You can read more about our stay at the Sultan Cave Suites and our guide to the Cappadocia hotels with the best view of the balloons .

Things to do in Cappadocia

There are so many awesome things to see and do in Cappadocia that your three days will be packed! Our favourite things to do were:

• Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride – this is a bucket list Cappadocia item and a must for anyone visiting. This is one of the best yours and includes hotel pickup – click here to book a hot air balloon flight

Book your Hot Air balloon ride now

• Hunt for the best Instagram photo spots in Cappadocia
• Watch the sunset over the red valley
• Explore Imagination Valley
• Stock up on rugs at a Turkish carpet shop
• See the iconic Cappadocia fairy chimneys
• Explore the underground city’s
• Visit the open-air museums
• Hang an evil eye charm on the evil eye trees

For all the photographers reading we’ve put together a list of our favourite photo locations in Cappadocia (hint: there are lots!)

Day 9: Konya

After an incredible few days in Cappadocia, it’s time to head towards the stunning Turkish coast. Konya, a compelling mix of ancient and modern and the home of the whirling dervish orders, is the perfect overnight stop before Antalya. On the way check out the Sultanhanı Caravanserai, an ancient trading outpost with an incredible entrance gate.

Drive time : 3 hours (235km)

Where to stay in Konya

Hotels in Konya were extremely affordable and you can stay in some very nice modern hotels for a reasonable rate.

• Hilton Garden Inn Konya  – clean, spacious and modern in an excellent location close to all the major Konya sights –   check prices here!
• Novotel Konya – great facilities and clean, modern rooms with minibus access to sights –  check prices here!
• Ramada Plaza Konya – modern hotel with hammam and pool, located close to the tram stop –   check prices here!

Click here for Konya Hotel Prices

Things to Do in Konya

• Çatalhöyük – located just outside Konya, this stunning UNESCO World Heritage site is an ancient city over 9,000 years old and one of the oldest Neolithic settlements in the world.

• Mevlana Museum – home to the tomb of Rumi, a philosopher, poet and Islamic scholar who founded the whirling dervish sect of Sufism.
• Kyoto Park – a slice of Japan in the middle of Turkey!
• Mevlana Whirling Dervishes:  synonymous with Konya, the Turkish Dervishes perform a ceremony of worship, spinning in deep prayer.

Days 10 and 11: Antalya

Antalya is known as Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and offers a change of pace and scenery in addition to some of the best sunsets we’ve ever experienced. Antalya is packed with very affordable luxury beach resorts and has a stunning coastline, so we recommend spending a few days relaxing and recovering from the so far packed itinerary and long drives.

Drive time: 4 hours (300km)

Where to Stay in Antalya

Hotels in Antalya are very reasonably priced so we opted for some luxury during our stay!

• Akra Hotel – a five-star hotel on the sea, we loved our ocean view room and the amazing facilities. One of our favourite hotels in Turkey! –  check prices now!
• Crown Plaza Antalya – set along the beautiful  Konyaalti Beach, another great five-star option with great facilities –  check prices now!
• Rixos Downtown Antalya – overlooking the  sea  and the Taurus Mountains, Rixos Downtown is located close to Konyaalti Beach and has a host of dining options and great pools. –  check prices now!

Click here for Antalya hotel prices!

Things to do in Antalya

• Aspendos Theater:  the theatre at Aspendos is one of the best preserved in Turkey and is still used for performances to this day

• Termessos – located in the mountains just north of Antalya, Termessos is one of the best ancient sites we visited in Turkey. This mountaintop city is a must for anyone visiting Antalya and the views from the theatre are incredible.

• Perge – the UNESCO site of Perge is another must see in Antalya. This ancient city prospered during the bronze age.

• Hadrians Gate:  iconic entrance gate to the Old Town Kaleiçi district which was erected in honour of a visit by Emperor Hadrian in AD 130.
• Manavgat waterfall:  beautiful waterfalls located just east of Antalya, these are very popular and busy.
• Düden Waterfalls:  a beautiful group of waterfalls in Antalya, be sure to stop at the source and by the sea.

Day 12 –  Coast Drive between Antalya and Kas

After a few relaxing days in Antalya, it’s time to move west along the stunning Turkish coastline. There are so many stops along the coast that it’s worth making an overnight stay half-way in the seaside town of Kas.

Drive time: 3 hours (190 km)

 Where To Stay in Kas

• Hotel Cachet – located on the peninsula outside Kas, Hotel Cachet is one of the best in the area. The hotel is secluded and quiet with stunning views of the ocean – check prices now!
• Olea Nova Hotel – this beautiful hotel is located just outside Kas and has amazing ocean views and a beautiful outdoor pool . The local bus stops just outside the hotel every 30 minutes for a short trip into the town of Kas – check prices now!
• Nur Hotel – one of the best hotel options in Kas town is the Nur Hotel.  With beautiful sea views and a 5 minute walk to the town centre, the location is perfect for relaxing and enjoying all Kas has to offer – check prices now!

Click here for hotel prices in Kas

Things to do on the Coast Drive between Antalya and Kas

• Butterfly Valley:  only accessible by boat, Butterfly Valley is a large and picturesque canyon   that is home to a diverse population of butterflies, beautiful scenery and a beautiful beach
• Phaselis: take a step back in time at the ancient Lycian port of Phaselis where the contrast of ruins and turquoise water is mesmerising
• Kaputas Beach:  sheltered beach with huge waves and amazing viewpoints above
• Theimussa ancient place:  sunken ruins from 4BC of the ancient city of Theimussa
• Ancient Myra ruins:  incredible ruins with an amphitheater and Lycian rock tombs

Day 13: Fethiye

The bustling marina town of Fethiye is another excellent base along the coast and we recommend a one-night stopover en route to Pamukkale.

Drive time:  90 minutes from Kas to Fethiye (100km)

Things to do in Fethiye

• Xanthos and Letoon:  a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city of Xanthos was the capital of Lycia and Letoon, a cult sanctuary of Leto and one of the most important religious centres in the region, is located nearby.
• Fethiye waterfront and Old Town: from the bustling waterfront, a hub of restaurants, bars and yachts to the character filled Old Town, it’s lovely to wander through Fethiye
• Lycian Rock Tombs: incredible Lycian tombs carved into the cliffside above Fethiye 
• Kayakoy Ghost Town:  a ghost town now preserved as a museum village. Kayakoy was a thriving town of 10,000 until the early 1920s when, at the conclusion of the Greco-Turkish War, it was emptied of its Christian inhabitants.

Where to Stay in Fethiye

• Yacht Classic Hotel – seafront hotel with beautiful decor, spacious rooms and excellent food. The Yacht Classic is another of our Turkey favourites –  check prices now!
• Ece Boutique Hotel – located on the Island of Sovalye, a 10-minute boat ride from Fethiye –  check prices now!
• Letoonia Club & Hotel – excellent resort style option with a huge range of restaurants and facilities –  check prices now!

Click here for Fethiye hotel prices

Day 14: Aphrodisias, Pamukkale and Hierapolis

The brilliant white travertine of Pammukale is on the cover of nearly every Turkey guidebook and, with over two million visitors annually, Pamukkale is Turkey’s single most visited attraction. The ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, a thermal spa city, is located on the hot springs of Pamukkale. We spent a night in a hotel in Pamukkale to give us the chance to explore at less crowded times.

Drive: 3 hours (230km)

The brilliant white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, meaning cotton castle, are topped with turquoise hot pools cascading down the mountainside above the town of Pamukkale. Pamukkale, while still beautiful, doesn’t quite look like the iconic images that you might be familiar with – some of the travertines have suffered from the effects of mass tourism over the decades and are closed off to allow them to heal. Bring swimwear to bathe in Cleopatra’s Pool, an antique pool where Cleopatra the Queen of Egypt once swam.

Turkey itinerary tip: shoes and sandals are not permitted when visiting Pamukkale to prevent further erosion.

The ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis was a thermal spa city located on the hot springs of Pamukkale in the classical kingdom of Phrygia. The ruins of Hierapolis ruins sit atop the natural site of Pamukkale and there are panoramic views for miles around. The ancient Theatre and the Museum are both unmissable. Together Pamukkale and Hierapolis are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mix of natural and ancient is still breathtaking today.

Turkey itinerary tip: visiting Pamukkale and Hieropolis takes around half a day depending how much you wish to explore Hieropolis. Make sure to stop at the nearby site of Laodikeia where an active excavation is underway. Most of this site remains underground however it’s an incredible place.

Aphrodisias

Around an hours drive from Pamukkale is the UNESCO world heritage site of Aphrodisias. You can visit as an afternoon trip from Pamukkale or en route to Selçuk plan to spend a few hours exploring the most recent UNESCO site in Turkey, the ancient site of Aphrodisias. The small ancient Greek Hellenistic city was named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and the highlights include the monumental gateway leading into the site, the temple of Aphrodite which dates from the 3rd Century, the stadium which is one of the best preserved of its size and the museum which house the friezes from The Sebasteion building.

Where to stay in Pamukkale

• Hal Tur Hotel – family run hotel with the best view of Pamukkale, all rooms have a balcony/terrace overlooking the site. We stayed here and it was a minutes walk to the Pamukkale entrance. – check prices now!
• Hotel Sahin – another great family run hotel on the main street with excellent views and close to the entrance –   check prices now!

Click here for Pamukkale hotel prices!

Days 15 to 18: Selçuk & Ephesus

Our visit to Ephesus was one of the absolute highlights of our Turkey trip and it really is unmissable. Ephesus is located in the town of Selcuk and, together with ancient Ephesus, there are lots of  things to see and do in Selçuk:   the area deserves at least 2 to 3 full days to allow you to explore fully.

Ephesus is hands down the most spectacular archaeological site we visited in Turkey and it is worth committing an entire day to visit the site alone. The ancient Greek city of Ephesus was built in the 10th Century BC and contains successive settlements from the Neolithic, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Selçuk and Ottoman periods. It’s impossible to describe the feeling of standing in front of the magnificent Celsus library in Ephesus as the morning light washed over the ruins.

Turkey Travel Tip: Aim to visit Ephesus first thing in the morning when it’s relatively quiet and after a few hours return to your hotel to relax during the hottest part of the day. This avoids the immense crowds that visit the site each day and the worst heat of the day. Although it cost us an extra ticket, we returned around 90 minutes before closing when the tour groups had left.

Things to do in Ephesus and Selcuk

The ancient city of Ephesus is located in Selcuk and there is much to explore in the town. For a more detailed guide, check out our article on things to do in Ephesus and Selcuk

• The ancient city of Ephesus:  the ancient Greek city of Ephesus was built in the 10th Century BC and was home to over 300,000 people at its peak.
• The terraced houses: an excavation site in Ephesus, the terraced houses were once luxurious residential villas and were known as the houses of the rich.
• Ephesus Archaeological Museum:  exhibits artifacts that were excavated from the nearby ancient city of Ephesus
• Basilica of St John: ruins of the 6th Century Basilica where the Apostle John, having travelled from Jerusalem to Ephesus, is said to have spent his remaining years
• House of Mary, Meryemana:  the house of the Virgin Mary is a pilgrimage site close to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and is considered to be the place where Mary, the Mother of Jesus, lived and died after being taken there by Saint John
• Ayasuluk Fortress: built to protect St John’s Basilica, the Ayasoluk Fortress dominates the skyline of Selcuk
• Isa Bey Mosque:  the Isa Bey Mosque was constructed in the late 1300s and is based on the Great Mosque of Damascus
• Sirince:  small village close to Ephesus is famous for its fruit wine and red-roofed houses
• Grotto of the Seven Sleepers: tombs of seven young Christians, who, having refused to renounce their Christian beliefs, were said to have hidden in a cave close to Ephesus to escape religious persecution by the Roman Emperor Decius.
• Temple of Artemis:  Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Where to Stay in Selçuk

• Hotel Mary’s House – family run hotel with handmade woodwork in bedrooms, a beautiful breakfast and a great location in the heart of Selcuk. We stayed here during our visit to Ephesus and loved it –  check prices now!
• Cella Boutique Hotel & Spa:  luxury boutique hotel with outdoor pool, a spa and Turkish baths close to the centre of Selcuk –  check prices here! – check prices now!
• Hotel Bella –  another great boutique option with Ottoman style furniture and a rooftop restaurant with great views of the fortress –  check prices here!

Click here for  Selçuk hotel prices

Days 19 and 20: Pergamon, Çanakkale, Troy and Gallipoli

After leaving Ephesus, we made a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pergamon before spending two nights in Canakkale, a seafront town where the 2004 movie version of the wooden horse of Troy stands. Canakkale is a great base to explore Tory and Gallipoli.

Founded in 281 BC, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pergamon was one of the most important cities of the ancient world. The city housed theatres, gymnasiums, the Great Altar and the library. The Trajan Temple is impressive and the theatre, the steepest surviving Roman Theatre, is a highlight. The nearby Asclepieion healing center is also an interesting visit.

With 4,000 years of history, the world famous archaeological site of Tory was immortalised by Homer in the Iliad as the site of the Trojan War. In an early beauty contest, Paris of Troy had to choose between the three beauties Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. Paris chose Aphrodite who had promised Paris the love of Helen, the Queen of Sparta. Paris’ subsequent abduction of Helen to Tory provoked the Trojan war.

The battlefield of Gallipoli saw immense bloodshed during World War I and many visit to pay their respects to the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives in the battle.

Where to Stay in Çanakkale

• Buyuk Truva Oteli:  simple and comfortable hotel overlooking the Sea of Marmara – check prices now!
• Hotel Limani:  a nice seafront hotel with functional rooms –  check prices now!
• Kervansaray Canakkale Hotel:  charming hotel located in an old mansion in the heart of Canakkale  – check prices now!

Click here for Çanakkale hotel prices

Day 21: Çanakkale to Bursa and Istanbul

After leaving Çanakkale we made a stop in the UNESCO city of Bursa before travelling to Istanbul, the final city in our Turkey itinerary.

Between 1335 and 1363 Bursa was the first major capital of the Ottoman State and was known as  Hüdavendigar, or God’s Gift, during the Ottoman period. Some of the highlights of the Bursa UNESCO include the Ulu Camii Mosque and the Osman and Orhan Gazi Tombs.

Days 22 to 25: Istanbul    

It’s hard not to fall in love with the vibrant, hip city of Istanbul and we recommend spending at least 3 nights exploring the city.  The eclectic mix of Europe and Asia, East and West and old and new make Istanbul an amazing spot.

Things to do in Istanbul

• The Blue Mosque
• Hagia Sofia
• Topaki Palace
• Basilica Cistern
• Grand Bazaar
• Istiklal Street
• Galata Tower and Bridge
• Bosphorus Strait
• Dolmabahçe Palace
• Chora Church
• Check out the best photo spots in Istanbul

Where to stay in Istanbul

We love staying in the historical district as the hotels are close to many of the major sights and we can walk or take the tram to sightsee.

• White House Hotel:  a fantastic hotel in a great location close to Hagia Sofia, Topaki Palace and the Blue Mosque. We’ve stayed here on many visits to Istanbul, it’s the perfect spot for exploring the city –   check prices now!
• Hotel Amira Istanbul:  a luxury hotel in the Sultanahmet district close to many of the major sites. The roof terrace has lovely sea views –  check prices now!
• Osmanhan Hotel:  another great option in the historical district, the Osmanhan has a rooftop terrace overlooking the Blue Mosque and the Marmara Sea – check prices now!

Click here for Old City hotel prices!

Extending the itinerary

Our detailed itinerary is ideal for a two-three week trip but there are other Turkey highlights which you might wish to include if you have additional time in the country:

• Mount Nemrut: deep in the Anatolian heartland massive statues of Greek and Persian gods scattered across a mountaintop. The road is closed during the winter months.
• Van: Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey and has many historical sites.
• Trabzon: once an important stop on the Silk Road, Trabzon’s Hagia Sophia was built in the 13th Century and has served as a hospital, a museum and a mosque.
• Kars:  as a result of the 19th Century Russian Occupation Kars is like stepping into Russia. It’s also a base for exploring the ruins of an abandoned medieval Armenian city, Ani.
• check for travel advice before travelling. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria and to the city of Diyarbakir and all but essential travel to other parts of the south-east.
• Selimiye Mosque:  a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Erdine, 3 hours north-west of Istanbul. The Ottoman mosque is considered a highlight of architect Mimar Sinan’s work and one of the greatest achievements in Islamic architecture.

For more on Turkey

• Check out our guide to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites

4 thoughts on “The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary (2024)”

This itinerary blew my mind with its eye for detail. 👌

Thanks Elaine and Dave. We just visited Turkey for 13 days from 6 – 19 June and enjoyed every bit of it. Istanbul, Izmir, Seljuk, Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia – all done in a hurriedly planned itinerary. Our regret was not visiting Sirince, the famous waterfalls, etc., but we were lucky to have enjoyed the hot air balloon ride with a parachute jumper with us because of whom we were taken to a height of 2000 metres. Overall, an amazing trip, good food, lovely people and awesome weather.

I found this super helpful to plan my trip. Thank you very much for all the information.

So happy it is useful. Have a great trip!

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Discover Turkey in Just One Week!

In all honesty, a week is not long enough to explore much of anywhere, much less Istanbul, the historic capital of three different world empires. And that excludes the two days that were spent travelling abroad (assuming you had to cross an ocean to get here). But we have tried our best to write a One Week in Turkey Itinerary which will help you to plan your next trip to Turkey.

I was really stoke to visit Turkey as the first trip for 2023 but because of the Earthquake in Turkey my travel plan went to dust. But in any case in this post I would be sharing the travel plan which I hitched for exploring in Turkey .

Because all of Turkey’s major attractions are dispersed throughout the country and getting from one to the next requires either a flight, a lengthy car or bus ride, or both, a short amount of time will force you to make some difficult decisions and require you to move quickly during what ordinarily should be a leisurely period.

Most of the flights are landing in either Istanbul or Antalya and post that you have to plan you travel by Domestic flights or other public transport.

One Week Travel Itinerary for Turkey

The first two days are going to spent in the capital city of Turkey that is Istanbul.

Day 1: Istanbul

Istanbul is a popular travel destination in the world. In its 2,000-year history, the vibrant, multiethnic metropolis at the nexus of Europe and Asia has been shaped by numerous civilisations. Istanbul is a city that operates around the clock, offering bars, clubs, restaurants, as well as stores, bakeries, and even barbershops that stay up until three in the morning.

Start in Sultanahmet , which is home to the majority of Istanbul’s top sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia , Topkap Palace , and Basilica Cistern .

Multicultural Aksaray is three tram stops distant yet feels like a another universe. You can have a good lunch at a very reasonable price; for six lira, or around $1.25 USD, I enjoyed a superb falafel roll and an ayran (salty yoghurt drink).

Take the ferry to Kadköy, a fantastic area to spend the evening, and enjoy the sunset and stunning city views. For dinner, Borsam Taşfrn offers delicious lahmacun and pide, which is similar to Turkish pizza (flatbread topped with mincemeat). At one of the numerous bars or shisha cafes in the laneways, you may wind down your day.

One thing which you can also try is taking the Istanbul City Pass which would help you save money. We have covered in detail about that in our Istanbul Tourist Pass Review .

Day 2: Istanbul

Menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs), white cheese, olives, fresh tomato, and cucumber make up a traditional Turkish breakfast.

After breakfast, visit the less well-known but equally spectacular Süleymaniye Mosque , which is located among the Sultanahmet monuments. Once you’ve passed the throngs of fishermen on the Galata Bridge, climb the hill to the Galata Tower for sweeping views over the neighbourhood.

Visit a lokanta , a cafeteria-style restaurant where food is served directly from a bain-marie, for lunch. These offer great value and are a great opportunity to experience a variety of foods.

One of the most well-known restaurants is Balkan Lokanatasi , which has locations all around the city and serves a wide variety of foods, including soups, vegetarian dishes, and desserts.

Topkapi Palace

Visit Topkapi Palace , a museum that was once a royal house. The world’s oldest surviving palace is located at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to look around the harem quarters. With a Topkapi Palace guided tour, you can learn about Ottoman history without waiting in line.

Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is a fantastic location to purchase gifts. ideas for mementos Turkish Delight, Turkish coffee, Turkish tea, kilim rugs, jewellery, ceramics, lamps, kilim rugs, spices, and Turkish towels.

Day 3: Cappadocia

One of the most distinctive travel locations on earth, Cappadocia has a breathtaking landscape that is unlike anything you have ever seen. Get up early to witness the sunrise above the tens of thousands of hot air balloons. It is mind-blowing whether seen from the ground or from the hot air balloon’s basket.

Next, proceed to the Göreme Open Air Museum , which is home to a number of orthodox churches carved into the hills and well-preserved. After that, proceed to Tokal Kilise, one of the largest cave churches in the region, by going down the hill.

Explore Göreme National Park the rest of the day. Rose Valley, which has imposing rock formations known as “fairy chimneys,” is one of the prettiest places.

Climb the hill that overlooks Göreme to end off the day, then join the people observing the landscapes change colour as the sun sets.

Day 4: Cappadocia

To see some of Cappadocia’s farther-off sights, take advantage of your second day there. Since local transportation might be unreliable, a tour is the best option. Make sure to explore at least one of the several underground cities in the area; the two best are Kaymakl and Gaziemir. You can see how people used to live by seeing how they kept cattle underground and how they slept, cooked, and ate.

Another must-see destination is the Ihlara Valley, which is home to numerous cave churches but in a setting considerably distinct from the rest of the region.

The tour’s grandiose conclusion is the castle at Uçhisar, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. I actually requested to be left here and then proceeded to trek via Pigeon Valley back to Göreme. One of my favourite Cappadocia experiences was strolling around the incredible rock formations after dusk.

Day 5: Izmir /Ephesus

Izmir, Turkey’s third city, is a young, energetic city that makes a fantastic home base for trips to Ephesus.

There are several ruins spread out around Turkey due to its history and geographic location, but Ephesus has the most stunning ones. Ephesus, one of the principal towns of the ancient world, was built by the Ancient Greeks in the tenth century BC.

A whole day should be set out to tour the remains. The restored painting in the library is beautiful, and the terraced buildings are among of the best specimens of Roman architecture. Even though just a little portion of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, is still visible, the location is worth visiting .

 visit Konak Square and its recognisable clock tower when you go back to Izmir. Spend the evening exploring Alsancak’s laneways’ hipster pubs and cafes. These stay open till late at night.

Day 6: Pamukkale / Konya

It’s time to unwind after five busy days in Turkey’s second-most Instagrammable region after Cappadocia.

Turkish for “cotton castle,” Pamukkale is the name of the pearl-white terraces with pools of spring water. Explore the travertines, have a dip in the pools, and take in the sights of the hamlet and the plains beyond.

There are many additional attractions in the region if you’re not satisfied with relaxing. The area has been a spa destination since Roman times, and the town of Hierapolis’ ruins, which are perched on

Visit the Tomb of Mevlana, the revered location that houses the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. For panoramic views, climb the Konya castle and visit the stunning Alaeddin Mosque. The Karatay Medrese, a stunning building known for its numerous interior and external architectural achievements, is located next to the citadel.

Day 7: Ölüdeniz

One of the nicest beaches in Turkey is at Lüdeniz. Turkey is home to several wonderful beaches. Consider simply unwinding on the beach on your final day and perhaps taking a leisurely stroll down to the stunning blue lagoon.

There is a lot to see in and around Lüdeniz, including the stunning Butterfly Valley and the hippie haven of Kabak, if you still have the energy. Both locations are reachable through public transportation or on a tour. If you’re travelling by public transportation, make a pit stop at any of the eateries along the route for a mouthwatering gözleme, which is similar to a savoury, stuffed pancake.

You can hike down to Butterfly Valley’s beach from the bus stop, but only if you’re an experienced hiker and wearing the right footwear. Once you’re in the valley, you can stroll to a tiny waterfall or relax on the beach.

In conclusion, Turkey is a truly remarkable destination that offers a diverse range of experiences that are bound to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits . With so much to see and do, planning a trip to Turkey can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve put together this one-week itinerary to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus, marveling at the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, or simply indulging in the local cuisine, Turkey is sure to enchant and delight you in equal measure. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Turkey!

Anshika Chowdhury is a student currently pursuing btech in biotechnology. Apart from studying and attending college she likes to travel with her family and friends .She does content writing out of passion and dreamsof doing her higher studies from abroad. She is incredibly ambitious and has a lot of bucket lists .The major thing being experiencing the northern lights someday.

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The Ultimate 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

My Turkey fascination started years ago with my son’s school report on the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Our Turkey trip exceeded every expectation and we’re sharing our 7 Day Turkey Itinerary so you create your own incredible adventure.

Turkey travel has something thrilling for everyone. With 7 days in Turkey , you can experience Cappadocia hot air ballooning, Turkish Riviera beaches, historic biblical sites, iconic Grand Bazaar shopping, and the bustling metropolis of Istanbul.

In this Turkey itinerary, you will find all the practical information from the best time to visit Turkey, safety in Turkey, and exactly what to see and do with one week in Turkey . Get ready for one exciting globetrotting moment after the next!

Planning Your Turkey Trip Itinerary Last Minute?

If you are trying to pull together your Turkey itinerary quickly, here is a quick reference guide to the tours and hotels we recommend, along with practical travel information.

You can get more detailed information on What to Wear in Turkey with a packing list , the Best Istanbul Boutique Hotels and the Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia .

This site uses affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. You can read our full disclosure policy  here .

• From Istanbul: 2-Day Trip to Cappadocia with Flights (fully organized tour to Cappadocia)
• Istanbul private city tour (top private day tour tour in Istanbul)
• Cappadocia Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight (#1 selling balloon tour in Cappadocia)
• Soho House Istanbul  – ISTANBUL (one of the coolest places to stay)
• Hotel Poem – ISTANBUL (well located near the Bosphorus and many tourist sights)
• Artemis Cave Suites & Spa – CAPPADOCIA (more luxurious with a spa)
• Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum – BODRUM
• Visa for Turkey
• Travel insurance with Safety Wing
• Skyscanner is great for booking flights to Turkey and Cappadocia
• A Turkey plug adapter and a step down voltage converter for anything that’s not dual voltage.

Table of Contents

7 Day Turkey Itinerary Days 1-3: Istanbul

The first stop on our Turkey itinerary was 3 days in vibrant Istanbul. Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia and is a mesmerizing mix between ancient and modern.

In the city center there are historic mosques and buildings right near hipster cafes and designer shops.

With a population of 15 million, Istanbul is the largest city in Europe. You will likely spend most of your time on the European side but you can take a Bosphorus cruise right down the middle to see both sides.

Even with its enormous size, if you like finding your way around the city, it’s very easy to walk or take an Uber to most of the sightseeing spots. If you prefer having a guide, this Istanbul private city tour comes highly recommended.

Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque are “Must Sees” on Your 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

To put this “historic” city into perspective, the oldest buildings in Istanbul are more than 600 years older than oldest buildings in Paris.

Our first stop was the Hagia Sophia since I had been captivated years prior by it’s complex religious history. This 6th Century cathedral was transformed into mosque in the 15th century.

You can take a Hagia Sophia Guided Tour to learn more about its fascinating history.

RELATED POST: 15 BEST ISTANBUL BOUTIQUE HOTELS & WHERE TO STAY

The photo above and indoor shot below are the Hagia Sophia. Below right is the Blue Mosque , the neighbor to the Hagia Sophia, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.

In case you’re thinking “a mosque is a mosque.” These two mosques could not be more different from the inside.

The Hagia Sofia (above left) is very dark and dramatic in black and gold while the Blue Mosque is a stunning display of intricate tile work and windows as seen in the photo of the ceiling below. It’s an architectural masterpiece.

Topkapi Palace

In this same area, you can check out Topkapi Palace, a former royal residence that is now a museum. This UNESCO Heritage site is the oldest surviving palace in the world. Make sure to check out the harem rooms.

Skip the line with a Topkapi Palace guided tour to learn about the history of the Ottoman Era.

Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

Still in the old city, we headed to the Grand Bazaar and found this cute, colorful street. You can grab a quick bite to eat before you delve into the biggest shopping area you’ve ever seen.

The Spice Bazaar was my favorite. It conjures up images of traders traveling the Silk Road to bring precious and exotic spices to market.

The Grand Bazaar is a great place to pick up souvenirs. Some Turkey souvenir ideas: ceramics • lamps • kilim Rugs • spices • Turkish Delight • Turkish coffee & tea • jewelry • Turkish towels

Add a Bosphorus Cruise to Your Turkey Itinerary to See the Best of Istanbul

You can take a Bosphorus Cruise through the middle of 2 continents, Europe and Asia.

We hopped on from the area called Ortaköy. For $5 it’s a delightful, hour long cruise that gives a completely different view of Istanbul.

You will see Ciragan Palace, the beautiful church at Ortaköy, amazing waterfront estates, city scapes with famous mosques, bridges and palaces. Plus, it’s such a lovely experience being out on the water.

There are a few Bosphorus cruises you might like to take that are a bit more expensive but very affordable.

The first is a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht . This is what we would have done if we had planned ahead.

Many people opt for an evening Bosphorus cruise with dinner and entertainment . It’s actually one of the most popular activities in Istanbul.

It’s such a romantic view of Istanbul lit up at night and they offer an unlimited drinks package too.

Out of 7 days, cruising the Bosphorus Strait was one of our favorite activities on the Istanbul part of our Turkey itinerary.

Galata Tower and Galata Bridge

Galata Bridge connects two major parts of the European side of Istanbul over the waterway known as the Golden Horn.

There have been 5 iterations of this bridge dating back to the 6th century. If you walk across the bridge, you get a great view of both sides.

Galata Tower, which was built in 500 A.D. as watchtower to help defend the city stands taller than everything else.

Get a 360 degree view of Istanbul from the upper viewing deck and check out the museum with artifacts from all periods of Istanbul’s storied past.

Local Life & Night Life – Istiklal Caddesi, Karaköy, Besiktas & Nisantasi

We love to ditch the travel guide and walk between tourist spots to see what cool local hangouts we can find. This is where Istanbul shines.

The restaurant culture and plethora of awesome places to go is outstanding. Istanbul is full of trendy cafes and bars. We spent time in each of the areas below.

You might also want to make time for this Whirling Dervish show that visitors LOVE!

• Istiklal Caddesi – On Sundays, the Grand Bazaar is closed so it’s the perfect day to check out this lively pedestrian shopping area by Taksim square with tons of restaurants and stores. We had the yummiest healthy lunch at EK BİÇ YE İÇ. For lunch or dinner with a view, check out 360 Istanbul.
• Nisantasi – The posh area with designer stores. A fun place to people watch, shop and grab lunch. Check out the rooftop bar at Swisshotel for a killer sunset over the Bosphoros.
• Besiktas – We accidentally ended up finding this super cool area on our way way from Ortakoy. Definitely a great place to go out for dinner and drinks. It was packed and so much fun at this bustling part of town. There are a zillion choices of restaurants and bars here.
• Karakoy – A revitalized neighborhood, total hipster spot where you’ll find great galleries, charming coffeehouses like Karabatak. This area is really close to Galata Tower.

7 Day Turkey Itinerary Days 4-5: Cappadocia

Cappadocia (pron. Cap-uh-dokia) is a region in the middle of Turkey comprised of multiple towns and villages.

We almost didn’t include Cappadocia in our 7 day itinerary because it seemed so inconvenient to everything else in Turkey. That would have been a huge mistake – it was definitely a trip highlight.

You can check out a short video with things to do in Cappadocia on our YouTube channel.

Getting from Istanbul to Cappadocia is easiest by plane. Take a 1 hour flight into Kayseri or Nevsehir airports and then an hour drive to your hotel. If you plan ahead, the flights are inexpensive.

If you are on a tight budget, there is an overnight bus from Istanbul to Gorëme, the main downtown area. The train is inconvenient so – a plane, bus, rental car or a guided tour are your options.

You should plan at least 2 nights here so you have 2 chances to watch or take a hot air balloon flight in case there are weather issues.

Cappadocia has some really interesting and fun things to see. Two to three days will give you plenty of time.

RELATED POST: 12 MAGICAL CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA WITH AMAZING VIEWS

A Hot Air Balloon Ride is a Highlight of a 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

Cappadocia is world famous for hot air ballooning. The experience was spectacular. There are 2 take off times so you are able to fly and enjoying watching them afterwards.

Tip: Book your flight in advance . We had to scramble at the last minute because we didn’t realize that the 150 balloons a day are regularly full.

After waiting hours, we got word that someone missed their flight to Cappadocia and we got their spot.

The prices vary between $200-400 per person for a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight and champagne toast.

Visiting the Valleys

If you plan to take a hot air balloon flight, you will get a bird’s eye view of the Cappadocia valleys. One of the top things to do in Cappadocia is see all the different valleys from the ground level too.

The landscape is otherworldly and there are interesting caves everywhere. We did a 2 hour sunset ATV tour with some local guides to Love Valley, Red Valley and Rose Valley.

It’s a great place to hike and experience the fascinating landscape. But I’m not going to lie – riding the ATVs was super fun! Our guide took me on the back of his and made it go on 2 wheels.

Plan to get dirty and wear something that can cover your face. We recommend bringing a lightweight neck gaiter that will keep dust out of your mouth or work as a headband for your hair.

Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) above right is a popular spot to visit. You’ll see excellent examples of fairy chimneys and you can walk into the caves where monks lived.

RELATED POST: 27 ADVENTURES TO ADD TO YOUR EUROPE BUCKET LIST

Underground Cities

There are 200 underground cities in Cappadocia. The most famous and largest is Derinkuyu. Going 200 feet underground, it could house 20,000 people including their livestock stables. If you are claustrophobic, skip this.

Kaymakli, an underground city that’s further away, was discovered in 1963 when a local found a room behind a wall in his house.

I’ve had dreams where I find a hallway and think that my house was so much bigger than I thought, but could you imagine finding a whole city!!

Downtown Goreme

Downtown Goreme is a great place to walk around and shop for souvenirs like Turkish rugs, beautiful lamps and more. You’ll also find delicious restaurants.

We ate at Peking Chinese Restaurant and had an unexpected delicious Chinese meal in Turkey.

Work off lunch by taking a 15 minute walk to Goreme Open Air Museum and see churches from the 10th-12th centuries.

Cappadocia Red, Green & Blue Tours Are a Great Way to See the Area

There are 3 main tour routes in Cappadocia. They are full-day, small group tours in a minivan. The hardest part is deciding which tour to take.

The Red Tour stays the closest to Goreme and will take you to Dervent Valley, the Open Air Museum, Uçhisar Castle, Pasabag and more.

The Red Tour covers all the places that are close proximity to Goreme. You can easily do these places on your own and choose a different tour for the places that are harder to get to.

The Green Tour takes you to the underground cities, Selime Monastery, rock carved churches and cave houses among other sights.

The Green Tour goes to places that are much harder to see on your own unless you have a car. The underground cities are the highlight.

Lastly, the Blue Tour is the furthest off the typical tourist track and visits Turkish villages and beautiful landscapes.

For those that want the most authentic Turkish experience, the Blue tour is the best choice. You will see more locals and see what real life is like in Cappadocia.

Staying in a Cave Hotel is Must for your 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

Staying in a cave hotel is a prime attraction in the area.

We stayed at Local Cave House because they had the coolest pool (see above) and we were only staying for a day so we wanted to be walking distance from shopping and restaurants in town.

Here are some Cappadocia cave hotel tips and other great cave hotel choices that are a little more upscale:

• Sultan Cave Suites is also centrally located and very popular because of the incredible view. They have a beautiful set up for you to get amazing balloon photos at the crack of dawn.
• Museum Hotel – This is probably the most sought after upscale cave hotel because of the stunning balloon views and beautiful pool.
• Our Blog Post on the Top 12 Cave Hotels in Cappadocia will help you pick the perfect hotel at your price point.

7 Day Turkey Itinerary Days 6-7: Bodrum & Ephesus

Bodrum is known for its luxurious seaside hotels, and the Susona Bodrum LXR Hotels & Resorts (former Nikki Beach hotel) is a total stand out!

The private pool, turquoise coast villas have “to die for” unobstructed views of Torba Bay. Our first thought, and honestly every thought after was – we want to live here!

Go totally low key and just enjoy the villa or the hotel’s infinity pool. If you have kids, there’s a nice family beach.

Fun Things to Do in Bodrum

• Spend an afternoon in Bodrum town. The charming harbor has restaurants and souvenir shopping.
• Take a day cruise from Bodrum harbor on a wooden Gulet boat and spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the coastline and bays.
• This is a great place to hop over to Greece. You can do a full day trip to the island of Kos. It’s only a 40 minute ferry ride to be in another country. Even though it’s so close, it really feels like Greece and different from Turkey. You can also start your journey to Santorini if you are planning a Turkey and Greece Itinerary.
• Take a day trip to Ephesus or Pamukkale.

RELATED POST: 3 Days in Santorini Itinerary

Ancient City of Ephesus – 1/2 Day

From Istanbul or Cappadocia, fly into Izmir airport. Ephesus can also be visited as a day trip from Bodrum.

This UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important ancient ruins in Turkey was the 4th largest city in the Roman Empire.

A veritable who’s who of famous figures spent time in Ephesus including Paul the Apostle, Alexander the Great, Anthony and Cleopatra. Pretty mind blowing, right!

The thing that really struck me here with the grand size of everything.

The theater that held 25,000 spectators, the Arcadian Way, a 500 meter marble road lined with 50 streetlights and shops that connected the theater to the sea and the ancient Library of Celsus that housed 12,000-15,000 scrolls shown above.

You should definitely use a tour guide here to learn all of the historical significance. Either find a guide at the gate or book a Small Group Tour of Ephesus with the House of the Virgin Mary Hours: 8am – 5pm (7pm April to October).

Plan your visit to be at the opening or the late afternoon to avoid big tour groups and the heat.

Why We Left Pamukkale Off Our 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

7 days in Turkey is a whirlwind trip for a country with so many things to do, so you have to pick what to include and leave off of your itinerary.

We opted not to go to Pamukkale because it’s a trek to get there and many of the pools that look beautiful in photos were dried up at the time of our visit.

Before you head to Pamukkale, check out Trip Advisor where people post current conditions and photos so you can decide if you want to visit.

How to Get a Turkish Visa

Getting a Turkish Visa was really easy. Just fill out the online application , make the payment and you will get your document emailed to you. At the airport, just show your passport and visa document to enter Turkey.

Electronics in Turkey

Turkey uses a 220V voltage supply that uses a Type F converter. Here is a quick list of what you will need for your electronics in Turkey.

• Portable Charger Power Bank – You will definitely need back up power for long sightseeing days.
• Turkey plug adapter with USB Ports – Type F outlet converter for mobile phones and computers.
• Step Down Voltage Converter  – very important for anything that’s not dual voltage. We never travel without this.

Wondering what to wear in Turkey? We put together a comprehensive Turkey Packing List with everything you need to bring including outfit ideas, the dress code for women and men and things you might be forgetting.

Transportation in Turkey

• Air travel – the flight system within Turkey is very affordable and there are a surprising amount of flights The 2 main airlines that fly to almost every airport are Turkish Airlines and Pegasus.
• Rental Car – Many people choose this option because the roads are good. One thing to keep in mind is that you will be looking at some long drives. Cappadocia to Istanbul is 10-12 hours. Cappadocia to Ephesus is 12-14 hours. If you don’t mind and you have time for a 7 to 10 day itinerary, then this would be a great way to see Turkey.
• Bus – The distances are the same as the car rides but someone else is doing the driving and you can take the bus overnight. If you are looking for the budget option, this is it.
• Train – The train doesn’t easily go everywhere in Turkey but it does go to some places. It seems too complicated to get around this way.
• Turkey Tour – Some people opt for a 7 to 14 day Turkey tour so everything is planned out for them. It will definitely involve bus travel.

Is Turkey Safe to Travel?

The #1 question we were asked about traveling to Turkey – is it safe? The #2 question – did we feel safe?

All of the areas we visited in 7 days on this Turkey itinerary were safe according to the Travel.State.Gov website. The area of Turkey near the Syrian border is and has been off limits for some time but we were no where near there.

Here are the links to the the current status of Turkey for American citizens and British citizens . My advice for anyone is to look up any country you plan to visit and follow the Government recommendations.

As things can change, it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance in case you need to change your trip due to some unfortunate change.

SafetyWing is a great travel insurance plan that will cover you for trip cancellation or emergency medical expenses and they have 24 hour assistance when you need help.

Best Time to Visit Turkey

We went to Turkey in May and the weather was perfect! The most comfortable months are April-May and September-October. Visiting during the shoulder season will allow you to avoid crowds and hot temperatures.

• Istanbul is hot and swarming with tourists in June-August. The shoulder season of April/May and September/October is pleasant weather wise but expect some rain like we had in May. November – March has cooler temps and rain but you’ll be free of the tourist crowds.
• Cappadocia – You can go year round, but balloon flights can be cancelled due to weather. If you are going during an iffy weather time, stay an extra day to get an extra chance at flying or seeing the balloons fly. Best months are April, May, September and October. June – August is HOT! The winter gets snow. We had perfect weather in May.
• Bodrum – High season in Bodrum is July and August. If you prefer a more relaxing vacation with great weather, go in May, June, or September. Some hotels shut down during the off season.

Final Thoughts About This Turkey Travel Itinerary

If you’re planning 7 days in Turkey, we hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip and fall in love with this country the way we did. To make a shorter trip, you’ll have to decide between Cappadocia and the Turkish Riviera.

Other Great Itineraries You Might Like:

• GREECE: 3 Days in Santorini Itinerary & Travel Guide
• CROATIA: The Ultimate Guide to Croatia Island Hopping
• EGYPT: 15 Egypt Travel Tips You Need to Know
• PORTUGAL: How to Spend 2 Perfect Days in Lisbon
• ICELAND: Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

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57 comments.

Hi Jenifer Thanks for sharing your experience. Is it affordable to visit Cappadocia and visit the Blue and Green tours by renting a car? Any idea about the parking situations at tourist sites?

Hi Romita – it is definitely affordable and if you want something even less expensive, you can rent a scooter. That’s what we did, because it was easier than a car. There was plenty of parking at tourist sites.

Turkey trips

Thanks for sharing such an informative piece; it’s been incredibly helpful.

Sutoyo Sugiharto

We just came back from a road trip in Turkey 7-15 September 2023. It is safe to rent a car and drive in Turkey. We drove from Istanbul , Izmir, Antalya , Ankara and back to Istanbul no problem. Thank you for your information.

Thanks for letting us know. We will make sure to recommend a rental car to other travelers.

Turkey tours

Thank you for the blog post. I really appreciate it. Fantastic!

Hi! Loved this so much! Just curious if you had more time when would you have squeezed in Pamukkale? We would like to add that to our trip and based on your knowledge what would you say is the best route to see istanbul, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, and Bodrum if we have 8 days?

We had originally planned to visit between Cappadocia and Bodrum on our itinerary. To get there you can rent a car, take a tour or bus from Izmir (which has plenty of flights) or there’s an overnight bus from Cappadocia. It’s definitely worthwhile, especially if the pools have water.

padmini sharma

Hi jenifer. I plan on visiting turkey end March early April your itinerary looks amazing. How do you go from capadocia to bodrum. Thanks so much

You can either fly from Cappadocia to Bodrum with a stopover in Istanbul on Turkish Airways. It takes about 8 hours and is the fastest option. Or you can take the overnight bus, which is what we did – very inexpensive and a funny experience, plus you sleep for most of it. I don’t think I would do it again but I’m glad we did it once because it was an interesting insight into life in Turkey and it worked best with our schedule. We started looking into the bus because we wanted to go to Pamukkale and the bus was the best way to get there. Since the water was low at Pamukkale, we opted to go to Izmir instead to see Ephesus. From there, we went to Bodrum.

Thanks for sharing this. Did you book a round trip from Istanbul? I need to fly from SFO to Istanbul. But our last stop can either be Bodrum of Cappadocia. I am thinking if it might be better to book the return from one of the cities, that way, we do not have to come back to Istabul and stay at a hotel there!

Also, do you recommend going to Cappadocia first?

Hi Anna – We flew LAX – Istanbul and then departed Turkey from Bodrum on a ferry to Greece. My best advice would be to set your itinerary based on whatever works best with the flights you find. If you can get to Cappadocia easily, it’s a great place to start. We had planned to do that but our flight got into Istanbul late and we missed our flight to Cappadocia. We ended up eating the cost and going to Cappadocia 3 days later. There are tons of flights to Cappadocia every day. Just leave enough time for your connection or book one airline straight through so they can get you on a different flight if you miss the connection.

This exact itinerary inspired me to book our 15 yr anniversary trip… and we followed it to a T! We are going in June and cannot wait!!

Thank you so much for your help!!

How exciting! You’re going to have the best trip.

Tammi Kaeberlein

I so appreciate this detailed and thoughtful post. And the photos are a dream! I’ve never been to Turkey but it keeps popping up in conversations and I”m taking that as a sign. Pinned and will revisit for later. Thanks so much!

Thanks Tammi. You will love it when you get a chance to visit!

Hi Jennifer, This is truly an elaborate and helpful post for anyone looking to visit Turkey. I am planning to visit Turkey this month and would love to your recommendations or tips for winter travel. Any places to add/replace/avoid from this itinerary?

Winter would be a great time to go, especially to Cappadocia when there’s snow that will make it even more beautiful. Istanbul will be chilly but have less tourists and lower hotel rates. You could add skiing at Uludağ (near Istanbul) to your itinerary. If you choose to go to the Turkish riviera, some resorts will be closed for the season but you can still find places to stay.

Amazing photos! Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?

Hi Kala – I personally felt safe 100% of the time in Turkey. Definitely use the same good judgement you would use at home. I’ve heard some weird things about cabs from the airport so you might want to set up a transportation service ahead of time. Also, it’s always good to check for any state department travel warnings.

Love your posting on Turkey. Just wondering is it safe to travel in Turkey on our own – drive on our own with friends in cappadocia, oludeniz and just purchase activities when we reach their or should we join a tour group. What tour group can you recommend . Thanks!

It seemed safe to drive a car, however we flew and took busses. We aren’t really the types to do multi day tours. If you’re the same, you will have an easy time booking excursions and day tours. In Cappadocia there is no shortage of tour operators and our hotel helped connect us with one that had space on a balloon. I recommend booking that as early as possible because they sell out. If they don’t fly for weather reasons, they will refund you. I recommend talking to the hotel because they have good local connections. Turkey is very well set up to accommodate tourists and you’ll have the best trip!

Loved your post!

aditi oberoi malhotra

Such amazing pictures, hon! I’d love to visit Turkey someday. Adi xx

It’s such an amazing trip. You are going to love it when you get a chance to go!

The Exclusive Beauty Diary

Istambul is such a magical city. Architecture and colors are amazing. Also Acient city of Ephesus, Cave Hotel as well as Cappakdocia are on my list for visiting for such a long time. After your photos I thing that I definitely need to go there. Thank you so much for sharing.

Glad you liked it. We were enthralled with Turkey and would love to go back again to see more.

All you’re shots are truly amazing! I’ve seen so many pictures of Cappadocia with all those balloons and it looks very stunning. I do love Turkey so much but I’ve only been to the beaches and Istanbul so far. The country has so many gorgeous sights to discover.

Thank you. I agree that Turkey has so much to offer. I’d love to go explore more!

That Topkapi Palace is absolutely stunning! Lovely snaps you have here dear. Thanks for sharing your itinerary!

Thank you so much!

What a beautiful post! And your pictures are stunning. Who would not want to go after seeing and reading this article. You have totally inspire me! I am going to check out your other posts as well.

Thank you so much! Turkey is such a beautiful and interesting country.

Looks like the trip of a lifetime! xo

Thank you. It’s truly an amazing trip.

Grace Liang

Looks like such a incredible place to visit! I’ve always wanted to go to Turkey. Thank you for sharing this great Itinerary!

https://colorandgrace.com/

So glad you liked the itinerary. You’ll absolutely love Turkey!

Phyllis Lerner

My husband spent time in Turkey many years ago when a connecting flight got delayed. He had an amazing time there. I would be a little nervous to go now but you certainly make it sound like an awesome experience!

It is such a terrific trip. I know some people are nervous to travel but I didn’t feel unsafe at all. I used the state department website to make my decision about the safety.

Allie Mackin

Oh this looked likes such a beautiful trip! Your photos are stunning and really bring the trip to life. How cool to go here and capture it so well.

Sakshi Sharma

Hi there Jenifer , what a lovely itinerary. I just had a doubt can you please suggest the best and cheapest way to get from Cappadocia to Bodrum ? And between Izmir and Ephesus which place would you suggest we combine with Bodrum ? We want a little bit of history and beach both Thank you

The easiest way to get from Cappadocia to Bodrum is to fly. It takes 4 hours with a 1 hour stopover in Istanbul. If you book ahead, it’s very affordable. You can also fly non-stop from Cappadocia to Izmir and Izmir to Bodrum. We ended up taking the overnight bus from Cappadocia to Selçuk (Ephesus). It’s 13 hours and approximately $30. It turned out to be the most convenient since it leaves right from Downtown Goreme and most of the travel happens while you are sleeping. The seats are comfortable and if you can handle a little roughing it, it’s approximately $30 and you save one night of hotel costs. From the bus station, you can take a quick taxi to Ephesus. I really recommend going to Ephesus. It’s one of the largest cities from ancient times and referred to in the Bible. Then you can catch the bus to Bodrum which takes around 3 hours for $7.

Wow, thank you so much again for this insight and help but last and not the least , if I want to enjoy some beach and sun for one night and 2 days Where do you suggest I go ? We have only 7 days and we are doing 3 days in Istanbul and 2 days in cappadocia , wud we enjoy the see in Izmir / ephesys or bodrum or somewhere around the Bosporus side of Istanbul

We personally chose Bodrum. It’s beautiful. Izmir would also be a good choice. We never went to any of the Bosphorus beaches.

Thanks for touring me to Turkey!

Grace Louise

Gorgeous post Hun, I really want to go to Turkey soon! x

It’s definitely a worthwhile trip!

Thanks for sharing Jennifer!

I’ve been to Turkey once and it was certainly mixed in terms of how we felt about it, I feel there are really beautiful areas which you’ve showcased here I would love to visit 🙂

Thanks for your wonderful feature and tips!

We definitely had an amazing experience. The only thing we didn’t love was that Cappadocia was touristy but it was easy to escape it and that’s why we felt 2 days was enough there.

Barbara Eskowitz

Oh how I love your travel blog posts Jenifer! Always so informative and the photos are absolutely amazing. Saving this one. xx

Thank you so much! Turkey is a fascinating and fun trip!

Thanks for these precious tips, I’d like to visit places like these!!

https://julesonthemoon.com/

Definitely a great place to visit!

I love this place❣

This is really great information for a trip to Turkey. Thanks!

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The Best of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast Itinerary (2 Weeks)

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Kas. Olympos. Antalya. Fethiye. These are the romantic Turkish cities scattered along the Mediterranean Coast. Or the Southwest coast aka Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Popular with resort travelers, but often missed by budget travelers who instead hit Istanbul and Cappadocia . But you can spend a week or two beach-hopping and hiking along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast with this 2-week itinerary on a budget quite easily. And it was actually my favorite part of our 6-week visit to Turkey.

How to Spend 2 Weeks on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast

We started our journey through Turkey by flying into the small resort town of Antalya . Most tourists in search of cheap flights, however, fly into Istanbul. No matter where your Turkish adventure begins this itinerary can be done in a loop. I’ll share the route from Istanbul as your starting point since that will be most helpful for the majority of people.

Also, this route can obviously be extended to allow for more time at each destination. But this is an itinerary for travelers tight on time who want to know what the minimum amount of time required to see the “western” half of Turkey is.

Istanbul (2 days)

Unlike every other blogger in the world it seems, when I first arrived in Istanbul I hated it. But after a few sunny days and scouting out the best neighborhoods, I too fell for the city. The more time here you can spend the more you’ll enjoy it. Istanbul has lots of “must-see” attractions but I found them to be overcrowded, expensive, and generally a disappointment. Check out my full guide to the best things to do in Istanbul for my favorite food + cafe recommendations.

Istanbul to Ankara: Book the high-speed YRT Train at least 4-days in advance. This is why it can be beneficial to give yourself more time in Istanbul. The train costs about $8 and takes 4.5 hours vs a bus which costs nearly $18 and takes 9 hours. A little planning ahead helps a lot here.

Ankara (1 day)

Many people skip Ankara entirely. If you don’t plan to add Cappadocia to your itinerary then I recommend skipping Ankara and continuing on to Antalya. This extra day could be used for Istanbul eating instead.

But if you are curious about the cultural (and political) capital of Turkey I’ve got some food + lodging recommendations for you.

Where to Eat + Sleep in Ankara

Ankara is a concrete city. Few hostels, guesthouses, and even fewer “typical” tourist attractions indicate that the city is not a common stopover for foreign tourists. What it lacks in stuff to do + see, it makes up for with great food.

Minthat Hotel. Actually spelled Otel.

One of the only budget-friendly options in the city. Your room will overlook one of the most impressive mosques in the area as well. This also means front row seating for the call to prayer at 4:30 AM.

Inn 14 Hostel is another great option if you’re okay with bunks.

WARNING! Booking.com does NOT work when you are inside Turkey. This is a huge bummer and has to do with the Turkish government’s ongoing feud with the company. This means that unless you have a VPN (super easy to get an app) you won’t be able to book on the website. I recommend booking as much as you can before you arrive in Turkey. Or just use a VPN and keep your flexibility.

Uludag Kebapçisi

If you only eat one meal in Ankara make it this one. Don’t be put off by the starched white tablecloths and the fact that it’s inside what appears to be a fancy hotel. The prices are very cheap. They only offer a handful of dishes (despite the bulky menu they give you) but that’s fine because what you want is the Iskender. Sometimes called Iskender Kebap. It’s not on the menu but it’s their specialty. Thinly sliced meat laid over crispy pita croutons topped with tomato sauce + then drenched in several sticks worth of melted butter poured onto your plate tableside.

Urfali Haci Memet

This was a busy local restaurant that also specialized in Kebap. Super cheap, tasty, and you get unlimited tea with your meal.

This cafe is at the top of the hill overlooking all of Ankara and has one of the best Turkish breakfasts (with real coffee) in all of Turkey. It’s in a super touristy part of town, but don’t be fooled it’s worth eating for sure.

The real reason we ended up in Ankara was the Iranian Embassy. Picking up our visa documents for Evan’s solo venture to Iran. You can read about his time in the world’s most difficult country to enter (with an American Passport) here.

Ankara to Antalya or Cappadocia: Both cities have bus connections in Ankara. For Cappadocia, you’ll want to go to the town of Göreme (where the balloons are) + where you’ll likely stay.

Add On: Cappadocia (4 days)

I have a full guide covering all the things you need to know about the Cappadocia region including why you should stay for no less than 4 days. Especially if you plan on flying in one of the hot air balloons. Even though this is technically not on Turkey’s turquoise coast, this is a great add-on for a 3-week tour of Turkey.

Cappadocia to Antalya: You can also take a bus directly from Göreme to Antalya. You’re not even off track.

Antalya (1 day)

Turkish people know this small city as a popular resort destination. I found it to be a lovely relaxing stopover (with again, some great local eats) with a beautiful seaside boardwalk for strolling + a European vibe you don’t find in most other places in Turkey.

Here is our full guide to the best eats in Antalya.

I also recommend picnicking at the pier, exploring the streets of the old town, checking out the nearby Düden waterfall, or taking an extra day to visit the Güver Canyon on a rafting tour. We stayed at Lily Boutique Guesthouse where the host was able to give us all the best recommendations for the city.

Antalya to Olympos: This is an easy bus journey. About 1.5 hours and you’ll be dropped at the side of the road to wait for the little minivan or Dolmus that will take you the rest of the way to your hotel near Olympos beach.

Olympos (1 day)

Every country seems to have one remote town that the hippy community takes over. Olympos is that place. Huge rocky karsts (popular with rock climbers) jut from the green mountains and this small community set on a river sits between them. But what makes Olympos unique is that it’s also seaside. Pressed against the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea with ancient Lycian ruins practically on the pebbly beach. In high season, Olympos is filled with trekkers (from the Lycian Way) and party backpackers. But during the shoulder months of Spring + Fall, it’s the perfect place to unwind.

What to do with one day in Olympos.

• Stay at Mercan Pension. Cheap, comfortable, cabin-style lodging very near the beach. It also includes breakfast + dinner buffets.
• Olympos Beach. It costs $6 but it’s an absolute must-see. Great for a swim in warm weather too.
• The Lycian Ruins. Especially in Spring while wildflowers erupt through the broken stone it’s a sight to see. Your entrance fee to the ruins is included in your ticket to the beach.
• Climb the ancient church. There is a heavily vegetated trail to the top of the beachside church. This vantage point offers the best view of the beach.
• Walk the coastline. Not toward the other seaside town but along the trail to the right of the beach. You can find it on maps.me and discover your own little hidden bays to relax in.
• Enjoy Gozleme at one of the family-run stalls near the beach ticket office. Since nearly all lodging takes care of breakfast and dinner you only have to fend for yourself during lunch.
• This is also a great town to try beginner rock climbing.

Olympos to Kas: Catch a dolmus (around 9 AM) in Olympos to the top of the hill and wait for a bus to Kas. This is only another hour or so away.

Kas (1-2 days)

Kas is filled with jewel-colored waters, sunken cities, and is very popular with wealthy resort tourists. We didn’t stop and stay in Kas and definitely regret it. Since it’s such a beachy destination it’s best during the end of spring through summer months.

Here’s what I wouldn’t miss.

• Kayaking the Sunken City.
• Visiting Kaputas Beach (we actually did do this).

By the way, it’s pronounced “ cahsh “. This region of Turkey’s turquoise coast is also very well suited to a road trip and seeing all the isolated roadside beaches + vistas, we wished we had our own rental car to drive from Antalya to Fethiye.

Kas to Fethiye: Bus time again. About an hour and a half. Unless you were smart and rented a car for this portion of the journey.

Fethiye (1 day)

Fethiye is a far larger city than it feels initially. Large boats moored in the marina, crumbling mossy Petra-like ruins overlooking the city carved into the cliffside. Almost all travelers who linger here are planning to embark on the Lycian Way. Or they won’t stay long.

You must visit the Ancient city of Telmessos. Those massive carved ruins I mentioned before. It’s under a $1 to visit them close up. But unless you visit for sunset when the hillside they sit on offers the best view of the city, you might as well just admire them from anywhere in the old town region.

Kayakoy ghost town is also well worth an afternoon. This entire 10,000-person hillside village was forcibly abandoned when Turkey “swapped” citizens with Greece after the war. The Christians who inhabited the town were moved to Greece + a large number of Muslim residents of Greece were sent to Turkey. It was supposed to help both countries create a sort of national identity. But due to differences in lifestyle the Muslims (farmers) couldn’t utilize the rocky landscape and left the town abandoned. Where it still sits crumbling into the countryside.

I chose to stay at Sakura Hostel in Fethiye + found the dorms to be super cheap, right in the heart of old town, and they were able to help us plan for the Lycian Way.

Fethiye to Lycian Way: After preparing for your multi-day hike let’s get you to the trailhead. You have three potential starting points. The top of Butterfly Valley, the bottom of Butterfly Valley, or the town of Oludeniz. The town of Oludeniz and the top of Butterfly Valley are both reachable via small local buses. It takes either 15 or 25 minutes depending on the end destination. The bottom of Butterfly Valley (my recommended start point) is accessible only via boat from Oludeniz pier. Take the bus to Oludeniz and then the boat.

Lycian Way (3 days)

The Lycian Way is one of the most underrated and least known things to do on Turkey’s turquoise coast. If you are at all a fan of the outdoors or hiking you have to at least hike the route for a day or two. The trail in its entirety is more than 3 weeks long stretching from Fethiye to Antalya. You’ll need to shoulder a pack filled with sleeping materials including a tent & several days’ worth of food at a time (at the very least). Most travelers simply aren’t equipped for that kind of adventure unless it was planned far in advance.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do the trail in its entirety to relish the Lycian Way experience.

You can leave the majority of your stuff in Fethiye (securely at a hostel like Sakura Hostel ). & then either rent a tent or rely on guesthouses in each of the stops mentioned above.

What you Need to Know About Hiking the Lycian Way

• Best time to hike? No crowds: April-May, Best Swimming Weather: June-July
• Guesthouses typically won’t have a book online option + you will have to rely on walk-up.
• During the April- early May trekking months, there are FAR fewer amenities and guesthouses open on the trail. Pack more snacks + consider renting a tent to bring on your own. We did it without a tent but options were limited and much more expensive than usual.
• In places like Kabak + Butterfly Valley, you can rent a tent from the guesthouses nearby as well for a budget-friendly lodging option.
• Bring lots of water. The trails are pretty exposed and involve a lot of elevation change in some parts.
• Maps.me is your best friend for this trail. They even have some incredible wild camp spots marked for travelers.

What’s my recommended route for typical travelers?

(3 Nights) Begin at the Bottom of Butterfly Valley

Night One: Top of Butterfly Valley

Night Two: Kabak

Night Three: Alinca (via Paradise Beach)

Optional Night 4: Gavuragili or take the bus back to Fethiye.

If you really short on time you can try this 2-night alternative.

Begin at the Bottom of Butterfly Valley

Night Two: Kabak (hike out + back to Paradise Beach)

Whatever you don’t skip Paradise Beach. All of the coastline is incredible but this area is particularly beautiful.

End of Lycian Way: Now it’s time to nab a bus back to Fethiye where you left your stuff and continue onto Pamukkale or Selçuk. This could be another great time to add a rest day so you can shower and not just jump straight onto another bus.

Add on: Pamukkale (1 day)

I think that the mineral pools of Pamukkale get a little too much hype in my opinion. Even in peak season, they aren’t the crystalline mineral blue pools you’ve seen on Instagram. & the town is incredibly small. You definitely won’t need more than a single day.

The bus from Fethiye was stunning and my favorite part of choosing to visit Pamukkale. That and the delicious traditional Turkish food at Heira Cafe . Make a reservation as soon as you arrive to ensure they can accommodate you for dinner. The cafe is actually reservation only after COVID.

Pammukale to Selçuk: Another set of buses. You’ll take the shared minibus back to Denizli and from there a larger bus to Izmir and then another quick minibus to Selçuk. I’m sure you could also find a direct tourist shuttle but you’ll pay far more. This chunk of transport will take the better part of a full day. Keep this in mind.

Sulçuk + Ephesus (1 day)

When I was told Sulçuk was a popular port for cruises in the area, I almost canceled our visit. But Evan is a history nerd and wouldn’t let us leave without seeing Ephesus firsthand. Which turned out to be the best decision.

This little town is anything but your typical touristy cruise port. Set around a lovely park rimmed with citrus trees, Selçuk is also one of the largest stork nesting sights in the world. The storks migrate up from Egypt + if you visit in the Spring you’ll catch them laying eggs in thier nests here. As far as actual sights to see, other than simply savoring the small-town life, it’s pretty much just Ephesus. Okay, that’s not entirely true. There’s tons of history in the area but it’s up to you how deep you want to dive into ruins + biblical caves. This is a quick list of all the things you could stay and see in Selçuk.

• The sprawling city of Ephesus. $9 entry fee. Incredibly preserved + you can walk from town.
• Cave of the Seven Sleepers. A cave where 7 men who claimed to have slept for hundreds of years to avoid religious prosecution were buried.
• Church of the Virgin Mary.
• Caves where John the Baptist + the Virgin Mary were supposedly buried. Really not big on religious history so this kind of attraction isn’t really my thing.
• Selçuk Castle. It’s in the middle of town. You’ll definitely see it even if you don’t go inside.
• Temple of Artemis. One of the original ancient wonders of the world. Now, it’s pretty much nothing but still interesting to know where it was.

Where to Stay in Selçuk

We stayed at Boomerang Hostel + Guesthouse.

It was a *good* experience. It was one of the only “cheap” options we could find in the city. But the breakfast was ok + the dorm room is one massive room with 12-single beds in the basement of the building. Not the most ideal situation but fine for a night or two.

Where to Eat in Selçuk

Amazon cafe..

Definitely one of my favorite meals I ate in Turkey. Despite the odd name, this little restaurant is unassumingly inside an old house right across from the site of the Temple of Artemis. They make a handful of mezze dishes each night and a few local specialties. This isn’t a cheap meal. Unless you want to just split a mezze which you totally could because portions are huge. But it is a traditional meal. Where dishes are lovingly prepared and done correctly.

Selçuk Pidecisi

Great pide (like a Turkish version of Pizza) for lunch.

Carpouza Cafe Cheap Wine + Beer

I can’t speak for the food here but sitting outside in the sunshine drinking $1.50 glasses of wine + cheap beer is the best way to spend an afternoon. Go before sunset because they do run out of wine.

Sencan Restaurant St. John

This place has some great kebap + you can even get the flaming Kurdish Kebap here. Even though it isn’t technically on the menu.

Selçuk to Istanbul: This chunk of the route can be done in various ways. Most of them are quite painful. The most common…an overnight bus. 12 or so hours for about $17 pp. The buses in Turkey are very comfortable considering. Another option for those who hate the overnight bus is a train + ferry combo. You can hop on a train (or bus) to the port cities of Bursa or Bandirma. From there the public ferry is only a few dollars and offers a scenic journey across the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul. It only departs twice per day, however. 7 AM + 6 PM. They might increase the frequency after COVID. Check the official website for details.

Istanbul (1 day)

Welcome back to Istanbul. You’re two or three weeks in the country have come to an end and you’ll begin to realize now just how little of the country you’ve covered. If you have the time add a few more days in this city to really dive into the food scene. Again just check out my quick guide to the best food + cafes in Istanbul. There’s a reason the city is so beloved by digital nomads.

Map of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast (2 Weeks Itinerary)

This itinerary is just enough to give you a taste of Turkey. The rural villages of the far East are still on our list for exploring and offer a completely different side to the country. Any questions about planning your Turkish itinerary? Feel free to leave a comment or shoot me a message on Instagram.

Save This Post for Later

Further Reading...

Your Big Fat Guide to Budget Travel in Istanbul (Food, Maps, + More)

16 Things You NEED to Know Before You Visit Cappadocia, Turkey

Best Places to Eat in Antalya, Turkey

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beyond_the_bucketlist

3 Weeks in Turkey Itinerary

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly in Western Asia, with a small portion in Europe. It shares borders with Georgia in the Northeast, the Aegean Sea to the west, the Black Sea to the north, Syria and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Iraq to the southeast, Bulgaria and Greece to the northwest, and Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia to the east. 

Turkey is a haven for archaeological and historical enthusiast s as it has been through many empires and civilizations. Foodies will also thrive in this country as every region has a unique kitchen culture. Turkey is often called the meeting point between East and West.

In this itinerary of 3 weeks in Turkey, you’ll see how you can spend 20 days here and cover all the country’s must-see places. This will help you visualise what a fun and educational vacation Turkey offers.

RELATED POSTS: 3 weeks in Europe on a budget and 3 weeks in Israel, Jordan, and Palestine

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO TURKEY

Travelling to another country can be quite challenging, especially when it’s your first time doing so. Because of this, we compiled a list of things you first need to know about the country to help you plan your trip.

When is the best time to go to Turkey

The best time to visit Turkey is during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to November . These months offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful scenery. Shoulder seasons are ideal for exploring with mild weather and fewer crowds.

Peak season, with the most visitors and higher prices, is from June to August , when it’s hot, especially in places like Istanbul and the Aegean coast.

Rainy or winter season varies by region but generally falls between December and March , with cooler temperatures and rain, especially in Istanbul and the coast, while central Anatolia experiences snow.

Are 3 weeks enough for Turkey

3 weeks in Turkey is a pretty good amount of time. You can visit popular places but also go off-the-beaten paths. It’s recommended to take domestic flights, though to maximise your time.

4 weeks would be ideal, but 20 days is still a lot of time if you plan to see 5-6 cities only. Trying to see more than that will cram your itinerary and leave you exhausted from rushing from one place to another.

What to pack

Since Turkey have lots of historical and religious sites open for foreign visitors, the number one item you must pack is clothing that will cover your shoulders and legs. Many places, such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, will provide a massive robe for visitors.

There will also be a lot of walking as you visit cultural sites and ancient ruins, bringing comfortable shoes or walking sandals is highly recommended . These attractions are also often open-air, meaning, there won’t be a lot of shade from the sun. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen with you.

Take a look at our general packing list for a 3-week trip . If you are coming in the summer and plan to visit the beach, we also have a summer or winter packing list for those visiting during this season.

How to get around

There are actually tons of transportation options to get around Turkey. It is advisable to use trains only if you want to reach provincial centres and you have ample time to travel as the travel time usually takes twice as long compared to other modes of transportation.

Long-distance buses are the most recommended and most commonly used transportation option. 

Other alternatives include private cars, taxis, ferries, motorcycles, planes, and dolmus, which is a small van or minibus.

The fastest option would be to ride the plane, and the cheapest option is a dolmus or shared taxi. You can opt to rent a car if you want to go to off-the-beaten-track sites and travel at your own pace. 

IMPORTANT : Turkey has one of the best airlines in the world in terms of having direct flights between Turkey and other major cities. However, flying between cities in Turkey often means you have to track back or connect in Istanbul.

Average cost of 20 days in Turkey

The cost of a 3-week trip to Turkey can be categorized into affordable, mid-range, and luxury budgets:

Affordable: Budget travellers expect to spend around $1,000 – $1,300 for three weeks. This includes staying in hostels, eating at inexpensive local eateries, using public transportation, and focusing on free or low-cost attractions.

Mid-range : If you’re looking for a more comfortable experience without splurging, a mid-range budget might be between $1,500 – $2,000 . This allows for stays in 3-star hotels, dining at a mix of budget and mid-range restaurants, participating in some paid excursions, and using a combination of public transport and taxis.

Luxury : For a luxurious experience, expect to spend upwards of $3,000 – $4,000 or more . This includes staying in 5-star hotels or resorts, dining at high-end restaurants, private guided tours, and using comfortable private transportation.

Plus your flights to Turkey and back, trave l insurance (highly recommended), and travel items you might need for this trip.

Language and Currency

Turkish is the country’s main language, with 90% of the people speaking it . Aside from that, 70 other dialects and languages are spoken, including Armenian, Greek, Arabic, and some Caucasian and Kurdish dialects.

The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the country’s currency, but some places also accept Euros. Visa and MasterCard are also widely accepted, but bringing lira cash with you is best. 

Turkey has quite a visa policy in place . Passport holders in Europe, South America, Malaysia, Morocco, West Sahara, Tunisia, New Zealand, and some countries in the Gulf and Central Asia don’t need a visa in advance and can enjoy visa-free for 90 days. Passports issued by Russia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Belarus, and Turkmenistan can be visa-free for 30-60 days.

Suppose you hold a passport from North America, South Africa, Australia, China, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Caribbean. In that case, you must apply for an evisa in advance, which is valid for 30-90 days.

At the same time, some countries such as the Philippines,s Thailand, and North Africa can also apply for an evisa under special conditions. You can check here if you can apply for an evisa.

Other travel tips

When planning a trip, dealing with multiple websites offering the same services can be confusing and overwhelming. Below is a list of my personal favourite travel sites offering services from accommodation, car rental, flights, tours, and even travel insurance and an exit ticket that is sometimes asked for by the immigration officer.

MUST-SEE PLACES IN TURKEY (pinned map)

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN TURKEY ITINERARY

The country’s English name, Turkey, translates to the land of the Turks, and the Republic was established in 1923. Before that, the Asian part of Turkey was called Anatolia, and the European part is known as Eastern Thrace.

Aside from its archaeological sites, Turkey is also well-known for its Turkish baths and is a perennial favourite. It has diverse natural scapes where you could either hike or ski, depending on the season that you visit the country. 

In 2022, the government of Turkey changed its official and worldwide name to Türkiye, which is the name and spelling that locals use. One of the biggest reasons for the change is to disassociate the country’s name from the bird “Turkey”.

NOTE : This is a super-packed itinerary. I recommend you try to skip one destination; either Ankara or Antalya or Bodrum

Package tours

Get rid of all the planning; from transportation to tours, hotels, and even meals by booking a package tour – and the expenses for those are all included . This type of tour is when you let a tour organiser do everything from you.

I love this setup when I’m visiting rural areas or where transportation is absolutely confusing, I’d rather a little more and 100% make my trip more relaxing. You can also just book the first 2 weeks of your trip then have a one week on your own.

Day-to-day overview:

• Day 1 : Arrive in Istanbul and get transferred to your hotel. You can book a private transfer or use the bus service or taxi, but be mindful of the taxi meters, get a local sim card with data at the airport or in the city
• Day 2 : Explore Istanbul, book a city tour or get a tourist bus pass
• Day 3: Do a Bosphorus Cruise
• Day 4 : Book a day trip to Troy
• Day 5 : Travel from Istanbul to Ankara by bus (5-6 hours) or plane (1 hour)
• Day 6 : Explore Ankara
• Day 7 : Go to Cappadocia from Ankara via a bus (4-5 hours) or plane (3-4 hours with connection) to Kayseri or Nevsehir
• Day 8 : Explore Cappadocia, perhaps do a quadbike tour
• Day 9: Get up early for a hot air balloon sunrise flight
• Day 10 : Visit open-air museums and the caves, and explore Goreme
• Day 11 : Travel from Cappadocia to Antalya; the bus is 12 hours or a 1.5-hour plane ride
• Day 12 : Relax at the beach of Antalya
• Day 13 : Go see waterfalls, ride a cable car, and explore the Kaleici Old Town or go to Korulu Canyon
• Day 14 : Travel from Antalya to Pamukkale, the bus ride is 3-4 hours
• Day 15 : Explore Pamukkale’s travertines, Hierapolis City Ruins, and Cleopatra Antique Pool
• Day 16 : Go to Bodrum from Denizili (Pamukkale) via a 3-4 hour bus ride
• Day 17 : Discover Bodrum
• Day 18 : Book a bus (3-4 hours) from Bodrum to Izmir
• Day 19-20: Enjoy Izmir and Ephesus’ ruins
• Day 21 : Fly back to Istanbul or, if better book your flight home from Izmir

Istanbul for 4 days

The first city that you could visit during your 20 days in Turkey is Istanbul. This is Turkey’s largest city and the country’s historical, cultural, and economic hub . Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits across two continents. The Bosphorus Strait lies both in Europe and in Asia. 

Starting your trip in Istanbul is also ideal because the two airports here pretty much connect the West to the East. From anywhere in the world to Africa and Latin America.

From Istanbul, you could also do lots of day trips that will only take a few hours to get to. If you’re looking to enjoy the nightlife, that’s easily possible, but keep extra precautions – from not bringing your passport to not accepting drinks from strangers.

Interestingly, it is also the capital of four major empires: the Byzantine Empire, Roman Empire, Ottoman Empire, and Latin Empire. Many people assume that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey, which was true until October 29, 1923.

Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife, amazing landmarks, and tons of malls where you can find authentic products and spices.

If you don’t want to spend 4 days in Istanbul and add more days to other destinations, you can book a private tour of the best attractions in Istanbul (choose between 1, 2, or 3 days) to save you time. You can also get the Istanbul welcome card , which allows you to use public transportation and entrances to major attractions.

Things to do in Istanbul

• Hagia Sophia Mosque – check the price for a guided tour or combine this with a visit to the Blue Mosque
• The Blue Mosque
• Istanbul Archaeology Museum
• Basilica Cistern – purchase your skip-the-line ticket
• Misir Carsisi – exciting spice and textile market
• Topkapi Palace – join a guided tour or combine Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace
• Shop in the Grand Bazaar
• Watch a Mevlevi Sema and Dervishes Show – enjoy traditional dances and cultural performances
• Dolmabahce Palace
• Bosphorus Cruise/day trip to Bosphorus – book a luxury sunset cruise or a cruise with an audio guide
• Yedikule Fortress
• Day trips to Troy – check the tour price
• Maiden’s Tower
• Princes’ Islands day trip – get your round-trip ferry tickets in advance
• Galta Tower
• Food tour – sign up for a fantastic food tour

Accommodations in Istanbul

• Affordable: De Maree or Gafa Garden Hotel
• Mid-range: Artefes Hotel or Ahmet Efendi Konagi
• Luxury: Romance Istanbul Hote l or Clarion Hotel Golden Horn or Hotel Poem

Ankara for 2 days

Ankara was Turkey’s capital when it was moved from Istanbul . It is one of the most diverse tourist destinations as it is filled with entertainment parks and museums.

In order to reach Ankara from Istanbul, the most recommended option would be to take a direct flight. Travel duration lasts for more than 2 hours.

The cheapest option is to ride the train and other alternative options include riding the bus, using rideshare, riding a taxi or renting a car. The drive will take 5-6 hours.

Things to do in Ankara

• Ankara Castle
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
• Wonderland Garden
• The Roman Bath Museum
• Stroll at the Citadel neighbourhood
• Ankara Art Galleries
• Hattusa day trip
• You can make the most out of your time if you book a full-day tour around Ankara and spend the 2nd day relaxing/trying out restaurants

Accommodations in Ankara

• Mid-range: Guvenay Business Hotel or The Wings Hotels
• Luxury: Divan Cukurhan or Sheraton Ankara Hotel

Cappadocia and Goreme for 4 days

3 weeks in Turkey is not complete without visiting the magical region of Cappadocia . Goreme is a town in Cappadocia, which is a historical region in Turkey. Many parts of Cappadocia are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Aside from that, there are cave suits and fairy chimneys that are thrilling to see. T here are also tours that offer hot air balloon rides, ATV rides, and hiking.  Goreme would be a great base because it is close to various historical and natural sites. There are also tons of restaurants there.

The most affordable option to reach Goreme if you’re coming from Ankara is via bus , with a travel time between 3-5 hours. Other alternative options are to board the train, ride a taxi, or drive.

You can also take a flight to either Nevsehir or Kayseri that connects to Istanbul. You then have to take a short bus ride or book a convenient airport transfer from the airport to Goreme.

Things to do in Cappadocia/Goreme

• Goreme National Park
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon – book a tour with hotel pickup, breakfast, and champagne
• Watch Hot Air Balloon during Sunsice from the ground – from Love Valley, Rose Valley, Balloons View Point , and Uchisar Castle
• Goreme Open-Air Museum – join a full-day guide tour and compare prices with this tour
• Uchisar Castle
• Pigeon Valley
• Fairy Chimneys – through an ATV/Quad tour or a horseback riding tour
• Rose Valley
• Red and Green Tour – red tour is for historical sites, and the green tour is for natural wonder attractions
• Ürgüp Kadıkalesi
• Watch a Turkish Night Show – enjoy dinner and drinks at a cave restaurant
• Love Valley
• Enjoy a relaxing Traditional Turkish Bath

Accommodations in Cappadocia/Goreme

• Affordable: The Dorm Cave by Travellers or Goreme Art Stone
• Mid-range: Artemis Cave Suites & Spa or Stone House Cave Hotel
• Luxury: Sultan Cave Suites or Aydinli Cave Hotel or Carus Cappadocia

Antalya for 3 days

The last but definitely not the least place to visit during your 3 weeks in Turkey is Antalya. It is the fifth most populous city and is Turkey’s golfing capital. This city is actually suitable for everyone as it is known for its beaches, adventurous sports, sailing, and festivals. It is also Turkey’s citrus capital and the starting point for a trekking route. 

Antalya is a perfect location to end your three weeks in Turkey as there’s just something to do for everyone. Antalya is a favourite not only among the locals, but even among foreign travellers, so much so that there are tons of international flights from North America, Asia, and Europe towards this city. 

There are a couple of ways to reach Antalya from Goreme including riding a bus, driving, and flying. The flight between Nevsehir and Kayseri to Antalya connects to Istanbul. The journey will take betweenv4-9 hours, depending on the connection. While the bus or driving will take between 7-8 hours.

TIP : If you want to see Pamukkale, you can easily book a day tour to Pamukkale from Antalya, then head to Bodrum from here

Things to do in Antalya

• Kaleici Old Town – book a city, waterfalls, and cable car tour
• Aspendos Ballet and Opera Festival
• Koprulu Canyon – thrilling activities such as white rafting, ATV drive, and ziplining – check the price
• Paragliding in Kas
• The Land of Legends Theme Park – get your entry ticket in advance
• Sailing the Turkish Riviera
• Antalya Waterfalls
• Perge, Aspendos, and Side day trip – join a guided tour
• Enjoy Turkish Bath and Massage

Accommodations in Antalya

• Affordable: Kuyu Beergarden Hostel or Atalla Hotel
• Mid-range: Mai Inci Hotel or Best Western Khan Hotel
• Luxury: Akra Hotel or Puding Marina Residence

Pamukkale for 2 days

Pamukkale is a natural site located in the province of Denizli in southwestern Turkey. This area is also known as the Cotton Castle and is famous for carbonate minerals left by the flowing of thermal springs. It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and people flock to the thermal pools that could be found there.

Most of the tourists opt to stay in Denizli and then take a minibus towards Pamukkale, but you could also remain in the town itself should you wish to do so.

In order to reach Pamukkale from Antalya, you can take a bus towards Denizli, which is the main town of Pamukkale or drive your rented car. The trip will take 3-4 hours.

Things to do in Pamukkale

• Travertines of Pamukkale – book a guided tour
• Hierapolis City Ruins/Archaeological Museum
• Hot Air Balloon Flight – check the tour price
• Cleopatra Antique Pool
• Pamukkale Amphi Theatre
• Northern Necropolis
• Aphrodisias
• Karahayit Hot Springs
• Ride Denizli Cable Cars/Denizli Teleferik

Accommodations in Pamukkale

• Mid-range: Venus Hotel or Ozbay Hotel
• Luxury: Bellamaritimo Hotel or Pam Thermal Hotel Clinic & Spa

Bodrum for 3 days

Bodrum is a port city located in the province of Mugla. I t is a major summer hotspot with beaches and historic castles. It also has open-air bazaars, boutique hotels, and even places considered hidden gems if you prefer to stay in locations with fewer crowds.

Bodrum is famous for the Mausoleum of Mausolus, which is included in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The most recommended option to reach Bodrum for those from Denizli is riding a bus or driving. The travel time for this is more than 4 hours.

Things to do in Bodrum

• Scuba Diving – check the price
• Bodrum Castle
• Bodrum Boat Trip – book a Gulet tour with lunch or a full-day cruise to Orak Island or the Black Island trip
• Turtle Beach and Mud Baths
• Turkish Bath and Spa – book for the evening after a day of exploration
• Bodrum Museum of Underwater
• Aegean Coast Helicopter tour – book for sunset
• Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
• Karnas Vineyards – join a food and wine tour
• Yahsi Beach
• Gumbet Beach
• Camel Beach

Accommodations in Bodrum

• Affordable: Sevin Hotel Pension or Pasha Motel
• Mid-range: Dorman Suites or Ramada Resort by Wyndham
• Luxury: Radisson Collection Hotel or Odette Hotel

Izmir and Ephesus for 4 days

Izmir is a coastal town in the southwest of Turkey, it’s also known as the capital of the Smyrna region, founded by the Greeks. It was conquered by the Romans and was renovated by Alexander the Great. However, the Ottoman Empire gained control of the city in the 15th Century.

Visiting Izmir is a popular place to base yourself if you plan to explore the archaeological and historical sites of Ephesus . Izmir is a busy harbour town as well, which means that if you want to enjoy the beautiful Aegean Sea, it’s recommended to head to Cesme.

To get to Izmir from Bodrum, you can drive your car, which will take 3-4 hours or the bus, which is about 5-7 hours. From Izmir, you can take a flight back to Istanbul or check if there’s a flight from Izmir to your next destination.

Things to do in Izmir

• Day trip to Ephesus – full-day tour or a private tour (with skip-the-line ticket)
• Izmir Clock Tower
• Izmir Historical Elevator Building
• Smyrna Agora Ancient City
• Join the food tour of Izmir
• Mount Kadifekale
• Izumi Archaelogocal and Ethnography
• Kulturpark Izmir
• You can even do a day trip from Izmir to Pamukkale

Accommodations in Izmir

• Affordable: Olimpiyat Hotel or Piano Hotel
• Mid-range: Deka Evleri or Hotel Apart Alsancak
• Luxury: Izmir Marriott Hotel or Swissotel Buyuk Efes

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN TURKEY ITINERARY

Turkey is a must-visit country with gorgeous beaches, calm turquoise waters, and historical ruins. Aside from that, the natural scenery is also divine, with plateaus comparable to the Swiss Alps and mountainous backdrops with plenty of hiking opportunities.

I hope that you found this 3 weeks in Turkey itinerary helpful in writing your own travel plan. You of course don’t have to follow this religiously, but perhaps it will help you visualise what your vacation in Turkey will look like.

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16- to 23-Day Itineraries in Turkey

Last Updated on April 9, 2024

If you can spend about   three weeks (16 to 23 days) in Turkey, you can see quite a lot.

Here's a loose  TripKit™   itinerary  for a  21-day trip  through  Aegean ,   Mediterranean   and   central Turkey with suggestions for where you can add or omit a few days.

Another idea: spend about 10 days doing a circuit of the untouristed  Black Sea coast  and  eastern Turkey .  More...

Days 1 to 4

Arrive in  Istanbul . Consider flying right through to your next destination, because you'll probably have to be back in Istanbul at the end of your trip to fly home, so plan to save Istanbul for the end of your trip.

If you're coming from a long distance (say, California or Australia), you may want to stay a few days in the city to regain your land legs.

—Here are sightseeing programs for  2 to 5 days in Istanbul.

—Here are  Istanbul hotel recommendations.

Days 5 to 7

Travel to  Cappadocia  by  plane  or  bus .  Here are details on  getting to Cappadocia .

If you plan to take a  hot-air balloon flight  in Cappadocia, reserve your place(s) for the first morning you'll be there so that you'll have fall-back days in case of bad weather.  More...

Here's info on  Cappadocia hotels.

Highlights of Cappadocia are  Göreme Open Air Museum ,  Uçhisar ,  underground cities ,  Ihlara Valley , Zelve Valley ,  Soğanlı Valleys , and   Avanos .   More...

Drive along the ancient  Silk Road  from Cappadocia to  Konya , admiring the  Seljuk Turkish caravansarays  along the way. Stop at the  Sultan Hanı  for  tea  or a meal, and to see the grandest caravanserai of them all.

Spend the rest of the day and part of the next morning visiting the  Mevlana Museum  (Tomb of  Rumi ), and admiring Konya's other fine  medieval Seljuk buildings .  More...

Drive from Konya to the  Mediterranean coast , perhaps stopping in  Beyşehir  to see the unusual  Eşrefoğlu Mosque  and to have a lunch of lake fish. The drive is through dramatic mountains, ending on the coastal highway. Choose your beach destination: go east to  Alanya , west and south to  Side , or west to  Antalya .  More...

Days 10 & 11

Stay at least two nights on the coast here, more if you want time at the beach and/or to take excursions to  Termessos  and  Karain ;  Perge ,  Side  and  Aspendos ;  Köprülü Kanyon  for  rafting ; or  Phaselis  and  Olimpos .  More...

(For a shorter trip, spend all your "Mediterranean days" here, then drive northwest to  Denizli  and  Pamukkale , stay there one night, then continue west along the Meander River valley via  Aphrodisias  to  Ephesus .)

Days 12 to 14

Drive south from Antalya, then west along the coast, stopping for one or more nights at  Kaş ,  Kalkan ,  Patara ,  Fethiye ,  Ölüdeniz  or  Dalyan . Each has its charm and appeal.  More...

Days 15 & 16

If you don't want to miss  Aphrodisias  &  Pamukkale  you can head west, then north from  Dalyan  to  Muğla , then northeast to  Pamukkale . Or if the siren call of  Bodrum , Turkey's most chic resort, beckons to you, go west to Bodrum.  More...

Otherwise, from  Muğla  speed north along the highway to  Aydın , then  Selçuk  ( Ephesus ),  Şirince  or  Kuşadası .

Days 17 to 19

Spend at least two nights near  Ephesus , visiting that great city, taking my  day-trip to Priene, Miletus and Didyma , and tasting the wines in  Şirince .

Depending on how you've planned your time, you can easily fly from  İzmir 's  Adnan Menderes Airport  back to  Istanbul , or continue your journey north along the  Aegean coast  to  Foça ,  Dikili ,  Bergama (Pergamum ),  Ayvalık ,  Mount Ida ,  Assos ,  Troy ,  Çanakkale ,  Gallipoli , and  Edirne .  More...

Days 20 & 21

You should be back in  Istanbul  the day before your flight, just to be sure. Now's the time to do the  shopping  you didn't do before because you didn't want to carry your purchases all the way through Turkey.

—by  Tom Brosnahan

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Tour of Turkey: Andresen scores third win in stage 7 sprint finish

J ust three days on from his first-ever professional victory, Tobias Lund Andresen (DSM-Firmenich PostNL) scored his third, going long in the sprint on stage 7 of the Tour of Turkey to win in İzmir.

The Dane looked set to lead out star sprinter Fabio Jakobsen , but kept pushing on to the line after launching 200 metres out to hold off Timothy Dupont (Tartoletto-Isorex) and Sacha Weemaes (Bingoal WB) to triumph.

DSM had been among the teams to set up the sprint – another hectic finish – inside the final kilometre, with the Dutch squad joined at the front by Polti-Kometa, Bingoal WB, and Astana Qazaqstan.

However, it looked like it was the Kazakhstani squad who had control on the final run to the line on the flat stage. Davide Ballerini and stage 2 winner Max Kanter led out Mark Cavendish in prime position, though the Manxman looked to suffer a chain problem just as the sprint was launched.

Beside him, Andresen was on his way, leading from the front with Dupont and Weemaes behind him. Jakobsen, however, was caught a little further back, leaving 21-year-old Andresen to keep flying towards the finish line and grab another well-deserved victory.

"That was a lead out. Fabio was behind my wheel. Everything was perfect and according to plan. Then he told me he got a bit squeezed so I had to go for it. I couldn't see anyone in my wheel and just went for my own sprint," Andresen said after the finish.

"I just hoped Fabio was in my slipstream and could come around me at the end. But when you get so close to the finish you just have to secure the win and cross the finish line first.

"This is massive. Three wins in one stage race. And with the team, our momentum is just perfect. We have five wins in seven stages and we're leading GC. It feels like a dream at the moment. GC is our priority. A GC win here will be massive.

"I'll hopefully go for it at the Giro. That race is something else. I don't want to get too cocky and too naive. We'll take it day by day and Fabio is showing great speed and great form. I think we have a really good opportunity with the him."

The stage, a mostly flat 125km run from Çeşme to İzmir, brought no changes to the general classification with another sprint in Istanbul rounding off the race on Sunday. Frank van den Broek (DSM-Firmenich PostNL) leads by four seconds from Merhawi Kudus (Terengganu), while Paul Double (Polti-Kometa) is third at nine seconds.

The green points jersey, meanwhile, passes shoulders from stage 3 winner Giovanni Lonardi (Polti-Kometa) to stage winner Andresen, who now looks to be the favourite to secure it on Sunday's slightly trickier uphill sprint in Istanbul.

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3 Week Turkey Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 3 week Turkey tour with TourRadar. Choose from 36 trips with 332 customer reviews, that range from 15 up to 21 days.

36 Turkey 3 week tour packages with 332 reviews

Turkey & Greece

• In-depth Cultural

Istanbul, all Anatolia and Imperial Capitals - 20 days

Turkey Explored

It was an excellent trip with an excellent guide Two issues foe me were 1 I missed out on a balloon trip over Capadocia. On the first day the weather was deemed too windy and on the second the Intrepid balloon was full . However other totally adequate balloons went up and had spaces to filI. I understand it is not Intrepids policy to encourage it's clients use other companies, and as a result I missed out . 2 The Museum card was not the money saver we had expected it to be For example it could only be used on one turnstile every five days inTopcapi Palace leaving us with extra unexpected costs

All About Turkey (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Diamonds of Mediterranean Tour

The Great Odyssey

It is a trip of a lifetime! Nicely proportioned land vs sea balance, and very efficiently planned itinerary. We were also lucky to have a small group mostly solo travelers. We had so much fun. Highly recommend.

Flying Explorer Tour

The tour took you to the expected highlights and more in the fascinating country of Turkiye..Do the full trip to Van and the far east to experience a different aspect of Turkiye.in particular the fabulous Museum of Van. I caught the dreaded covid and ended up in hospital but the company were great in getting treatment and enabling me to rejoin the tour. One aspect that could be improved is the pre tour communication and pick up made difficult by the enormity of Istanbul airport but I would do it all again.

Turkey Encounters

Good friends we met on the tour, much more experienced travelers than we are, said this was probably their best trip ever. That’s easily imaginable.

• Christmas & New Year

Private East to West Turkey Tour, 17 Days

Alaturka Explorer Turkey Tour with Gulet Cruise 16 Day Tour

Recommended tour for people who wants to explore Turkey. Gullet cruise is awesome! Transportation and accommodations are well organized from beginning to end. This tour is really great value for money. Maybe a flexible option to spend a night or spend the evening in Kas, Demre while on the cruise would be nice. An option to stay for another night in Canakkale, Fetihye, and Cappadocia would also be great as well.

Absolute Turkey

Fabulous affordable trip around Turkey with Gadventures. The guide was knowledgeable, friendly, efficient and patient. The trip was busy but I would not change anything. Group meals are optional and usually not included but always great restaurants and local specialties were available. The home visit and overnight homestay were delightful. The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia should not be missed. The boat trip and day on the Turkish riviera were fabulous. This was our first Gadventures trip but definitely not our last. The hotels are comfortable but not luxurious. Locations were always perfect! The 15 seater bus was not luxurious but perfect for the trip. Group size of 15 is great and instantly made 13 new friends.

Turkey Encompassed

Great guide, who was very caring & helpful/resourceful. Great drivers, who handled unexpected issues well. Really enjoyed the tour, with the small group size & emphasis on meeting local people. A bit too much uninterrupted driving time... the initial travel day was nicely broken up with things to see along the way, but most of the other days had long drives with only stops for bathroom/food, but no sightseeing along the way, which made for long days.

• Sightseeing

Great Turkey, Rhodes and Crete End Athens

Premium Turkey in Depth

This trip has totally exceeded my expectations. This has been mainly due to Ugur our tour leader who was also our guide. His leadership and knowledge has been extraordinary and we had an absolute ball. We learned so much about Turkey, its history, its people and culture including its delicious cuisine. The ancient places we visited and and the history of them was passed on to us by Ugur in an easy to understand way that encouraged us to find out more and ask questions. The accommodation was mainly in the old town, close to the sights and of exceptional quality. Another highlight was our day boat trip to the Kekova Sunken City that provided us with the opportunity to relax and have a swim in the turquoise water. All in all a great trip that gives you an exceptional advertiser for going and see more of Turkey.

Turkey: Coastlines & Cappadocia

Had the most amazing time that was majorly improved with the efforts of Tahsin Can! I loved the itinerary and especially the boat and things but the trip was incredible because of Tahsin!! In future, if a private bus will become standard I'd recommend already including transport costs in overall price. But everything was perfect!!

What people love about 3 Week Turkey Tours

It was an excellent trip with an excellent guide Two issues foe me were 1 I missed out on a balloon trip over Capadocia. On the first day the weather was deemed too windy and on the second the Intrepid balloon was full . However other totally adequate balloons went up and had spaces to filI. I understand it is not Intrepids policy to encourage it's clients use other companies, and as a result I missed out . 2 The Museum card was not the money saver we had expected it to be For example it could only be used on one turnstile every five days inTopcapi Palace leaving us with extra unexpected costs

We first time booked this tour through TourRadar and we really enjoyed it. It covers best locations in both countries. We had some doubts at the beginning because it seems a complicated trip but it went very smoothly till the end. Turkey part is fully escorted while during island hopping in Greece you are traveling privately. It is a well balanced trip, fast pace at the beginning in Turkey and relaxing in Greece. Hotels are well chosen except for Mykonos hotel which was on top of a hill. We appreciate a lot the assistance Alex provided us during whole-trip. He answered all of our stupid questions. Thank you again and we will probably travel again with Eskapas.

Other Regions in Turkey

• Western Turkey 7 day Tours (94)
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• Cappadocia 7 day Tours (37)
• Marmara 7 day Tours (31)
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• Turkey Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

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Money blog: 10 wealthiest cities in the world revealed; bank launches £175 switch offer

Taylor Swift is coming to the UK - and bringing her massive economic influence with her. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Wednesday 15 May 2024 20:00, UK

• Burberry suffers massive profits fall as figures 'leave a lot to be desired'
• Santander launches £175 switching offer
• Vinted forced to apologise to sellers for payment issues
• Taylor Swift to bring nearly £1bn boost to economy
• UK economy in safe hands 'whoever wins' election, top bank chief tells Sky News

Essential reads

• Top 10 wealthiest cities in the world revealed
• The 'fast food' trend hitting Michelin starred restaurants
• Basically...  What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• Cheap Eats:  Michelin-star chef reveals his top steals in London - including an unbeatable sub sandwich
• Money Problem: My workplace wants to pay us by the minute - what can I do?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

A record 3.1 million emergency food parcels have been handed out in just a year, according to a charity.

The Trussell Trust says 3,121,404 were distributed by its network of 1,300 food banks in the year to the end of March.

Some 1,144,096 were for children and nearly two million for adults. The total is nearly double that of five years ago.

The number of parcels given out during the 12 months to March 2023 was just under three million.

You can read more here...

Nearly 40% of money laundering around the world is flowing through London, overseas territories and crown dependencies, the deputy foreign minister has said.

In a speech at the Bright Blue thinktank, Andrew Mitchell said the dirty money was passing through the capital and that "crown dependencies and the overseas territories have not yet done as much as they must do", The Guardian reports.

"If these overseas territories and crown dependencies want to have our king and our flag, then they must also accept our values, which is why we are so intent on ensuring dirty money cannot flow in and from there," he said.

The comments come a month after Mr Mitchell promised to work with the international community to tackle illicit flows of money "through increased transparency of company ownership".   

Feel like you've been on hold to the taxman for hours? You're not alone.

Customers spent around seven million hours collectively waiting to speak to HMRC in 2022/23, the spending watchdog has revealed.

That's more than double the time spent waiting in 2019/20, which was around 3.2 million hours.

It's the equivalent of 798 years.

Once answered, calls more than doubled to over 23 minutes in 20022/23, up from just over 11 minutes.

Advisers also answered 22% fewer calls.

HMRC's strategy is to encourage customers to turn to its digital services first - but it is not clear how far and fast digital services will reduce demand for telephone and correspondence services, the National Audit Office said.

And the move to digital services has not eased pressure on traditional services as much as HMRC expected.

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: "HMRC's telephone and correspondence services have been below its target service levels for too long.

"While many of its digital services work well, they have not made enough of a difference to customers, some of whom have been caught in a declining spiral of service pressures and cuts. HMRC has also not achieved planned efficiencies.

"HMRC must allow more time for these services to bed in and understand the difference they make before adjusting staffing levels."

New York has topped the list when it comes to the world's wealthiest cities, with 349,500 millionaires and 60 billionaires. 

In its latest report,  Henley & Partners  found the Big Apple's millionaire population has surged by 48% in the past decade.

And San Francisco came in second place, with 305,700 millionaires and 68 billionaires.

Meanwhile, Tokyo has seen its millionaire population declining by 5% to 298,300 people.

Joe Biden has confirmed he is going to raise the special tariff on electric vehicles coming from China. 

The standard US tariff (the amount you have to pay to get goods into a given country) on cars used to stand at 2.5% but then Donald Trump levied an extra 25% tariff on China in 2018. 

Now, Mr Biden has gone further and is quadrupling the tariff to 102.5%.

Why is the US doing this?

Our economics and date editor Ed Conway  describes the latest move as "one of the biggest issues in economics right now".

He says the move "is partly because the US is worried about competition from China".

China in the past few years has become dominant when it comes to electric cars and their manufacture of the components that go into the vehicles.

But they are not dominant when it comes to electric car imports into the US.

"The US is trying to increase its share but it is going to be difficult," Conway says

"It's only the beginning of a very big saga here and the next question is what about the EU and UK?"

Will it have an impact?

Conway says the new electric vehicle rate "won't affect many goods at all" because the "vast majority of Chinese electric vehicles are going not to America but to Europe and elsewhere", including the UK.

"We're buying loads," he says.

You can watch Conway's analysis here...

Santander has become the latest bank to offer a £175 switching offer on their current accounts, joining First Direct, which relaunched its incentive this month.

The Santander switch is open to both new and existing Santander customers and those eligible will get the payment within 90 days of starting the switch process.

To qualify you must:

• Complete the full switch within 60 days of requesting the switch process;
• Pay in at least £1,500 within 60 days of requesting the switch;
• Set up two active direct debits within 60 days;
• Continue to hold the qualifying current account on the day the payment is made.

New customers can switch to a current account online through the Santander website or in branch. 

But existing Santander customers must visit a branch to take advantage of this offer .

To qualify for the First Direct incentive you must: 

• Go through the full Current Account Switch Service (Cass) process;
• Transfer a £1,000 balance into the account;
• Switch at least two regular payments;
• Use their debit card at least five times within 30 days of the account opening.

 The chairman and chief executive of JPMorgan has told Sky News he is confident the UK economy will be in safe hands "whoever wins" the election.

Jamie Dimon told Sky's Wilfred Frost that he had met with both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer and liked that they were both "pro-business".

"Growing the economy is a good thing, and that should benefit everybody," he said.

"Everyone I heard in the Labour and Conservative government are talking about growing the economy, technology, research and development, simplifying regulations and making it easier for people to start and grow businesses.

"Those policies work."

Asked if he was confident the UK economy would be in safe hands no matter who won the election, he replied: "Yeah, I certainly hope so, and we would help whoever wins."

Mr Dimon also said the world "had been through a difficult and weird time".

On the UK specifically, he said: "It's a great country and partner and friend of America."

He said he was "optimistic" about the UK, and said the government should keep investing in "education, work skills and technology".

Here's Mr Dimon's interview in full:

By James Sillars , business news reporter 

A solid start to the day for the FTSE 100 despite one of its well known constituents posting a big drop in profits.

The index rose by 0.5% in early dealing to stand at 8,469.

Leading the gainers were industrial and mining stocks. 

Among the big names reporting its progress this morning was Burberry.

Its annual results to the end of March showed a 34% fall in operating profits as demand for luxury slowed in the second half.

The company's chief executive, who is in the process of taking the firm more upmarket, said he expected the current year to remain challenging but with a pick-up in sales weighted to the final six months.

Burberry, nevertheless, awarded a 61p per share dividend which was flat on the previous financial year.

Its shares were down by more than 3%.

Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Burberry's latest figures leave a lot to be desired, amid slowing demand for luxury... Not only does this highlight the extent of consumer caution across the globe, it also puts a spotlight on some Burberry-specific issues. 

"Refreshing the store estate is all well and good, but only if those costs and charges can be recouped by selling the clothes they hold. While Burberry's brand repositioning has come a long way, it’s not yet sharp enough to slice through to the core of the even more resilient end of the luxury market."

She added: "Slowing trends are being seen across the board in the sector, so these weaker results aren't a total bolt from the blue. The question now will be how quickly demand picks up, and that of course is in the hands of the economy... Burberry faces challenges, but it remains a strong heritage brand, with a lot of the right strategic ideas."

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has been predicted to provide a £997m boost to the UK economy. 

Fans are expected to fork out an average of £848 to see the star on one of her 15 tour dates. 

That's according to data from Barclays, which has added up the total spending of the Swifties lucky enough to get a ticket.

After tickets, fans will spend the most on accommodation at around £121, with other notable costs including £111 on travel and £56 on an outfit. 

Those visiting London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Cardiff for the concert are expected to spend £79 each on official merchandise, as well as £59 on a pre-show meal. 

The average amount spent on an Eras Tour ticket is £206, yet for 14% of fans, including those who purchased VIP ticket packages with premium seating and exclusive merchandise, the total exceeds £400.

Dr Peter Brooks, chief behavioural scientist at Barclays, said fans of "cultural icons" like Swift have a "powerful" spending power. 

"Whoever came up with the phrase 'money can't buy happiness' clearly wasn't a Swiftie," he said. 

"When it comes to cultural icons like Taylor Swift - like we saw with Elvis and Beatlemania in the 50s and 60s - supporters have such a strong connection to the artist and to the rest of the fandom that the desire to spend becomes even more powerful.

"For non-fans, £848 may seem like an enormous amount to splash out on a concert - but for Eras Tour ticketholders, every pound they spend is an investment in the memories they'll create."

Every Wednesday we get Michelin chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to Andy Beynon, chef patron of Behind in London - which was awarded a Michelin star after being open for just 20 days. 

Hi  Andy, c an you tell us your favourite places in London where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

I love Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel. It's family run and I've been going there for about 15 years. I used to go with my dad - we'd get a couple of lagers from the shop next door, then tuck into lamb chops, tarka daal, the Peshwari naan, which is always cooked fresh on the tandoor, and all the dips on the menu. 

You can't beat a "That Spicy D" from Dom's Subs . There's just something about that burnt chilli mayo and schiacciata piccante. It's my favourite lunch to have on the go, and totally worth the mess. 

Umut 2000 in Dalston is my go-to for a kebab fix. They also do this amazing chargrilled lamb mince on a bed of tomato sauce with yoghurt and clarified butter. So good.

What's your go-to cheap meal at home?

I don't cook at home often, but when I do it's usually a big pot of spicy daal. It's super easy to make and keeps well in the fridge or the freezer. My secret ingredient for making the perfect daal is condensed milk - simply add a spoonful at the end to balance all of the spice.

We've spoken to lots of top chefs and bloggers - check out their cheap eats from around the country here...

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Stormy Daniels Takes the Stand

The porn star testified for eight hours at donald trump’s hush-money trial. this is how it went..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

It’s 6:41 AM. I’m feeling a little stressed because I’m running late. It’s the fourth week of Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial. It’s a white collar trial. Most of the witnesses we’ve heard from have been, I think, typical white collar witnesses in terms of their professions.

We’ve got a former publisher, a lawyer, accountants. The witness today, a little less typical, Stormy Daniels, porn star in a New York criminal courtroom in front of a jury more accustomed to the types of witnesses they’ve already seen. There’s a lot that could go wrong.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

Today, what happened when Stormy Daniels took the stand for eight hours in the first criminal trial of Donald J. Trump. As before, my colleague Jonah Bromwich was inside the courtroom.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

It’s Friday, May 10th.

So it’s now day 14 of this trial. And I think it’s worth having you briefly, and in broad strokes, catch listeners up on the biggest developments that have occurred since you were last on, which was the day that opening arguments were made by both the defense and the prosecution. So just give us that brief recap.

Sure. It’s all been the prosecution’s case so far. And prosecutors have a saying, which is that the evidence is coming in great. And I think for this prosecution, which is trying to show that Trump falsified business records to cover up a sex scandal, to ease his way into the White House in 2016, the evidence has been coming in pretty well. It’s come in well through David Pecker, former publisher of The National Enquirer, who testified that he entered into a secret plot with Trump and Michael Cohen, his fixer at the time, to suppress negative stories about Trump, the candidate.

It came in pretty well through Keith Davidson, who was a lawyer to Stormy Daniels in 2016 and negotiated the hush money payment. And we’ve seen all these little bits and pieces of evidence that tell the story that prosecutors want to tell. And the case makes sense so far. We can’t tell what the jury is thinking, as we always say.

But we can tell that there’s a narrative that’s coherent and that matches up with the prosecution’s opening statement. Then we come to Tuesday. And that day really marks the first time that the prosecution’s strategy seems a little bit risky because that’s the day that Stormy Daniels gets called to the witness stand.

OK, well, just explain why the prosecution putting Stormy Daniels on the stand would be so risky. And I guess it makes sense to answer that in the context of why the prosecution is calling her as a witness at all.

Well, you can see why it makes sense to have her. The hush money payment was to her. The cover-up of the hush money payment, in some ways, concerns her. And so she’s this character who’s very much at the center of this story. But according to prosecutors, she’s not at the center of the crime. The prosecution is telling a story, and they hope a compelling one. And arguably, that story starts with Stormy Daniels. It starts in 2006, when Stormy Daniels says that she and Trump had sex, which is something that Trump has always denied.

So if prosecutors were to not call Stormy Daniels to the stand, you would have this big hole in the case. It would be like, effect, effect, effect. But where is the cause? Where is the person who set off this chain reaction? But Stormy Daniels is a porn star. She’s there to testify about sex. Sex and pornography are things that the jurors were not asked about during jury selection. And those are subjects that bring up all kinds of different complex reactions in people.

And so, when the prosecutors bring Stormy Daniels to the courtroom, it’s very difficult to know how the jurors will take it, particularly given that she’s about to describe a sexual episode that she says she had with the former president. Will the jurors think that makes sense, as they sit here and try to decide a falsifying business records case, or will they ask themselves, why are we hearing this?

So the reason why this is the first time that the prosecution’s strategy is, for journalists like you, a little bit confusing, is because it’s the first time that the prosecution seems to be taking a genuine risk in what they’re putting before these jurors. Everything else has been kind of cut and dry and a little bit more mechanical. This is just a wild card.

This is like live ammunition, to some extent. Everything else is settled and controlled. And they know what’s going to happen. With Stormy Daniels, that’s not the case.

OK, so walk us through the testimony. When the prosecution brings her to the stand, what actually happens?

It starts, as every witness does, with what’s called direct examination, which is a fancy word for saying prosecutors question Stormy Daniels. And they have her tell her story. First, they have her tell the jury about her education and where she grew up and her professional experience. And because of Stormy Daniels’s biography, that quickly goes into stripping, and then goes into making adult films.

And I thought the prosecutor who questioned her, Susan Hoffinger, had this nice touch in talking about that, because not only did she ask Daniels about acting in adult films. But she asked her about writing and directing them, too, emphasizing the more professional aspects of that work and giving a little more credit to the witness, as if to say, well, you may think this or you may think that. But this is a person with dignity who took what she did seriously. Got it.

What’s your first impression of Daniels as a witness?

It’s very clear that she’s nervous. She’s speaking fast. She’s laughing to herself and making small jokes. But the tension in the room is so serious from the beginning, from the moment she enters, that those jokes aren’t landing. So it just feels, like, really heavy and still and almost oppressive in there. So Daniels talking quickly, seeming nervous, giving more answers than are being asked of her by the prosecution, even before we get to the sexual encounter that she’s about to describe, all of that presents a really discomfiting impression, I would say.

And how does this move towards the encounter that Daniels ultimately has?

It starts at a golf tournament in 2006, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Daniels meets Trump there. There are other celebrities there, too. They chatted very briefly. And then she received a dinner invitation from him. She thought it over, she says. And she goes to have dinner with Trump, not at a restaurant, by the way. But she’s invited to join him in the hotel suite.

So she gets to the hotel suite. And his bodyguard is there. And the hotel door is cracked open. And the bodyguard greets her and says she looks nice, this and that. And she goes in. And there’s Donald Trump, just as expected. But what’s not expected, she says, is that he’s not wearing what you would wear to a dinner with a stranger, but instead, she says, silk or satin pajamas. She asked him to change, she says. And he obliges.

He goes, and he puts on a dress shirt and dress pants. And they sit down at the hotel suite’s dining room table. And they have a kind of bizarre dinner. Trump is asking her very personal questions about pornography and safe sex. And she testifies that she teased him about vain and pompous he is. And then at some point, she goes to the bathroom. And she sees that he has got his toiletries in there, his Old Spice, his gold tweezers.

Very specific details.

Yeah, we’re getting a ton of detail in this scene. And the reason we’re getting those is because prosecutors are trying to elicit those details to establish that this is a credible person, that this thing did happen, despite what Donald Trump and his lawyers say. And the reason you can know it happened, prosecutors seem to be saying, is because, look at all these details she can still summon up.

She comes out of the bathroom. And she says that Donald Trump is on the hotel bed. And what stands out to me there is what she describes as a very intense physical reaction. She says that she blacked out. And she quickly clarifies, she doesn’t mean from drugs or alcohol. She means that, she says, that the intensity of this experience was such that, suddenly, she can’t remember every detail. The prosecution asks a question that cuts directly to the sex. Essentially, did you start having sex with him? And Daniels says that she did. And she continues to provide more details than even, I think, the prosecution wanted.

And I think we don’t want to go chapter and verse through this claimed sexual encounter. But I wonder what details stand out and which details feel important, given the prosecution’s strategy here.

All the details stand out because it’s a story about having had sex with a former president. And the more salacious and more private the details feel, the more you’re going to remember them. So we’ll remember that Stormy Daniels said what position they had sex in. We’ll remember that she said he didn’t use a condom. Whether that’s important to the prosecution’s case, now, that’s a much harder question to answer, as we’ve been saying.

But what I can tell you is, as she’s describing having had sex with Donald Trump, and Donald Trump is sitting right there, and Eric Trump, his son, is sitting behind him, seeming to turn a different color as he hears this embarrassment of his father being described to a courtroom full of reporters at this trial, it’s hard to even describe the energy in that room. It was like nothing I had ever experienced. And it was just Daniels’s testimony and, seemingly, the former President’s emotions. And you almost felt like you were trapped in there with both of them as this description was happening.

Well, I think it’s important to try to understand why the prosecution is getting these details, these salacious, carnal, pick your word, graphic details about sex with Donald Trump. What is the value, if other details are clearly making the point that she’s recollecting something?

Well, I think, at this point, we can only speculate. But one thing we can say is, this was uncomfortable. This felt bad. And remember, prosecutor’s story is not about the sex. It’s about trying to hide the sex. So if you’re trying to show a jury why it might be worthwhile to hide a story, it might be worth —

Providing lots of salacious details that a person would want to hide.

— exposing them to how bad that story feels and reminding them that if they had been voters and they had heard that story, and, in fact, they asked Daniels this very question, if you hadn’t accepted hush money, if you hadn’t signed that NDA, is this the story you would have told? And she said, yes. And so where I think they’re going with this, but we can’t really be sure yet, is that they’re going to tell the jurors, hey, that story, you can see why he wanted to cover that up, can’t you?

You mentioned the hush money payments. What testimony does Daniels offer about that? And how does it advance the prosecution’s case of business fraud related to the hush money payments?

So little evidence that it’s almost laughable. She says that she received the hush money. But we actually already heard another witness, her lawyer at the time, Keith Davidson, testify that he had received the hush money payment on her behalf. And she testified about feeling as if she had to sell this story because the election was fast approaching, almost as if her leverage was slipping away because she knew this would be bad for Trump.

That feels important. But just help me understand why it’s important.

Well, what the prosecution has been arguing is that Trump covered up this hush money payment in order to conceal a different crime. And that crime, they say, was to promote his election to the presidency by illegal means.

Right, we’ve talked about this in the past.

So when Daniels ties her side of the payment into the election, it just reminds the jurors maybe, oh, right, this is what they’re arguing.

So how does the prosecution end this very dramatic, and from everything you’re saying, very tense questioning of Stormy Daniels about this encounter?

Well, before they can even end, the defense lawyers go and they consult among themselves. And then, with the jury out of the room, one of them stands up. And he says that the defense is moving for a mistrial.

On what terms?

He says that the testimony offered by Daniels that morning is so prejudicial, so damning to Trump in the eyes of the jury, that the trial can no longer be fair. Like, how could these jurors have heard these details and still be fair when they render their verdict? And he says a memorable expression. He says, you can’t un-ring that bell, meaning they heard it. They can’t un-hear it. It’s over. Throw out this trial. It should be done.

Wow. And what is the response from the judge?

So the judge, Juan Merchan, he hears them out. And he really hears them out. But at the end of their arguments, he says, I do think she went a little too far. He says that. He said, there were things that were better left unsaid.

By Stormy Daniels?

By Stormy Daniels. And he acknowledges that she is a difficult witness. But, he says, the remedy for that is not a mistrial, is not stopping the whole thing right now. The remedy for that is cross-examination. If the defense feels that there are issues with her story, issues with her credibility, they can ask her whatever they want. They can try to win the jury back over. If they think this jury has been poisoned by this witness, well, this is their time to provide the antidote. The antidote is cross-examination. And soon enough, cross-examination starts. And it is exactly as intense and combative as we expected.

We’ll be right back.

So, Jonah, how would you characterize the defense’s overall strategy in this intense cross-examination of Stormy Daniels?

People know the word impeach from presidential impeachments. But it has a meaning in law, too. You impeach a witness, and, specifically, their credibility. And that’s what the defense is going for here. They are going to try to make Stormy Daniels look like a liar, a fraud, an extortionist, a money-grubbing opportunist who wanted to take advantage of Trump and sought to do so by any means necessary.

And what did that impeachment strategy look like in the courtroom?

The defense lawyer who questions Stormy Daniels is a woman named Susan Necheles. She’s defended Trump before. And she’s a bit of a cross-examination specialist. We even saw her during jury selection bring up these past details to confront jurors who had said nasty things about Trump on social media with. And she wants to do the same thing with Daniels. She wants to bring up old interviews and old tweets and things that Daniels has said in the past that don’t match what Daniels is saying from the stand.

What’s a specific example? And do they land?

Some of them land. And some of them don’t. One specific example is that Necheles confronts Daniels with this old tweet, where Daniels says that she’s going to dance down the street if Trump goes to jail. And what she’s trying to show there is that Daniels is out for revenge, that she hates Trump, and that she wants to see him go to jail. And that’s why she’s testifying against him.

And Daniels is very interesting during the cross-examination. It’s almost as if she’s a different person. She kind of squares her shoulders. And she sits up a little straighter. And she leans forward. Daniels is ready to fight. But it doesn’t quite land. The tweet actually says, I’ll dance down the street when he’s selected to go to jail.

And Daniels goes off on this digression about how she knows that people don’t get selected to go to jail. That’s not how it works. But she can’t really unseat this argument, that she’s a political enemy of Donald Trump. So that one kind of sticks, I would say. But there are other moves that Necheles tries to pull that don’t stick.

So unlike the prosecution, which typically used words like adult, adult film, Necheles seems to be taking every chance she can get to say porn, or pornography, or porn star, to make it sound base or dirty. And so when she starts to ask Daniels about actually being in pornography, writing, acting, and directing sex films, she tries to land a punch line, Necheles does. She says, so you have a lot of experience making phony stories about sex appear to be real, right?

As if to say, perhaps this story you have told about entering Trump’s suite in Lake Tahoe and having sex with him was made up.

Just another one of your fictional stories about sex. But Daniels comes back and says, the sex in the films, it’s very much real, just like what happened to me in that room. And so, when you have this kind of combat of a lawyer cross-examining very aggressively and the witness fighting back, you can feel the energy in the room shift as one lands a blow or the other does. But here, Daniels lands one back. And the other issue that I think Susan Necheles runs into is, she tries to draw out disparities from interviews that Daniels gave, particularly to N-TOUCH, very early on once the story was out.

It’s kind of like a tabloid magazine?

But some of the disparities don’t seem to be landing quite like Necheles would want. So she tries to do this complicated thing about where the bodyguard was in the room when Daniels walked into the room, as described in an interview in a magazine. But in that magazine interview, as it turns out, Daniels mentioned that Trump was wearing pajamas. And so, if I’m a juror, I don’t care where the bodyguard is. I’m thinking about, oh, yeah, I remember that Stormy Daniels said now in 2024 that Trump was wearing pajamas.

I’m curious if, as somebody in the room, you felt that the defense was effective in undermining Stormy Daniels’s credibility? Because what I took from the earlier part of our conversation was that Stormy Daniels is in this courtroom on behalf of the prosecution to tell a story that’s uncomfortable and has the kind of details that Donald Trump would be motivated to try to hide. And therefore, this defense strategy is to say, those details about what Trump might want to hide, you can’t trust them. So does this back and forth effectively hurt Stormy Daniels’s credibility, in your estimation?

I don’t think that Stormy Daniels came off as perfectly credible about everything she testified about. There are incidents that were unclear or confusing. There were things she talked about that I found hard to believe, when she, for instance, denied that she had attacked Trump in a tweet or talked about her motivations. But about what prosecutors need, that central story, the story of having had sex with him, we can’t know whether it happened.

But there weren’t that many disparities in these accounts over the years. In terms of things that would make me doubt the story that Daniels was telling, details that don’t add up, those weren’t present. And you don’t have to take my word for that, nor should you. But the judge is in the room. And he says something very, very similar.

What does he say? And why does he say it?

Well, he does it when the defense, again, at the end of the day on Thursday, calls for a mistrial.

With a similar argument as before?

Not only with a similar argument as before, but, like, almost the exact same argument. And I would say that I was astonished to see them do this. But I wasn’t because I’ve covered other trials where Trump is the client. And in those trials, the lawyers, again and again, called for a mistrial.

And what does Judge Marchan say in response to this second effort to seek a mistrial?

Let me say, to this one, he seems a little less patient. He says that after the first mistrial ruling, two days before, he went into his chambers. And he read every decision he had made about the case. He took this moment to reflect on the first decision. And he found that he had, in his own estimation, which is all he has, been fair and not allowed evidence that was prejudicial to Trump into this trial. It could continue. And so he said that again. And then he really almost turned on the defense. And he said that the things that the defense was objecting to were things that the defense had made happen.

He says that in their opening statement, the defense could have taken issue with many elements of the case, about whether there were falsified business records, about any of the other things that prosecutors are saying happened. But instead, he says, they focused their energy on denying that Trump ever had sex with Daniels.

And so that was essentially an invitation to the prosecution to call Stormy Daniels as a witness and have her say from the stand, yes, I had this sexual encounter. The upshot of it is that the judge not only takes the defense to task. But he also just says that he finds Stormy Daniels’s narrative credible. He doesn’t see it as having changed so much from year to year.

Interesting. So in thinking back to our original question here, Jonah, about the idea that putting Stormy Daniels on the stand was risky, I wonder if, by the end of this entire journey, you’re reevaluating that idea because it doesn’t sound like it ended up being super risky. It sounded like it ended up working reasonably well for the prosecution.

Well, let me just assert that it doesn’t really matter what I think. The jury is going to decide this. There’s 12 people. And we can’t know what they’re thinking. But my impression was that, while she was being questioned by the prosecution for the prosecution’s case, Stormy Daniels was a real liability. She was a difficult witness for them.

And the judge said as much. But when the defense cross-examined her, Stormy Daniels became a better witness, in part because their struggles to discredit her may have actually ended up making her story look more credible and stronger. And the reason that matters is because, remember, we said that prosecutors are trying to fill this hole in their case. Well, now, they have. The jury has met Stormy Daniels. They’ve heard her account. They’ve made of it what they will. And now, the sequence of events that prosecutors are trying to line up as they seek prison time for the former President really makes a lot of sense.

It starts with what Stormy Daniels says with sex in a hotel suite in 2006. It picks up years later, as Donald Trump is trying to win an election and, prosecutors say, suppressing negative stories, including Stormy Daniels’s very negative story. And the story that prosecutors are telling ends with Donald Trump orchestrating the falsification of business records to keep that story concealed.

Well, Jonah, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Of course, thanks for having me.

The prosecution’s next major witness will be Michael Cohen, the former Trump fixer who arranged for the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. Cohen is expected to take the stand on Monday.

Here’s what else you need to know today. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a defiant response to warnings from the United States that it would stop supplying weapons to Israel if Israel invades the Southern Gaza City of Rafah. So far, Israel has carried out a limited incursion into the city where a million civilians are sheltering, but has threatened a full invasion. In a statement, Netanyahu said, quote, “if we need to stand alone, we will stand alone.”

Meanwhile, high level ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been put on hold in part because of anger over Israel’s incursion into Rafah.

A reminder, tomorrow, we’ll be sharing the latest episode of our colleague’s new show, “The Interview” This week on “The Interview,” Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with radio host Charlamagne Tha God about his frustrations with how Americans talk about politics.

If me as a Black man, if I criticize Democrats, then I’m supporting MAGA. But if I criticize, you know, Donald Trump and Republicans, then I’m a Democratic shill. Why can’t I just be a person who deals in nuance?

Today’s episode was produced by Olivia Natt and Michael Simon Johnson. It was edited by Lexie Diao, with help from Paige Cowett, contains original music by Will Reid and Marion Lozano, and was engineered by Alyssa Moxley. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you on Monday.

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• May 6, 2024   •   29:23 R.F.K. Jr.’s Battle to Get on the Ballot
• May 3, 2024   •   25:33 The Protesters and the President
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Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jonah E. Bromwich

Produced by Olivia Natt and Michael Simon Johnson

Edited by Lexie Diao

With Paige Cowett

Original music by Will Reid and Marion Lozano

Engineered by Alyssa Moxley

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

This episode contains descriptions of an alleged sexual liaison.

What happened when Stormy Daniels took the stand for eight hours in the first criminal trial of former President Donald J. Trump?

Jonah Bromwich, one of the lead reporters covering the trial for The Times, was in the room.

On today’s episode

Jonah E. Bromwich , who covers criminal justice in New York for The New York Times.

Background reading

In a second day of cross-examination, Stormy Daniels resisted the implication she had tried to shake down Donald J. Trump by selling her story of a sexual liaison.

Here are six takeaways from Ms. Daniels’s earlier testimony.

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The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

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Jonah E. Bromwich covers criminal justice in New York, with a focus on the Manhattan district attorney’s office and state criminal courts in Manhattan. More about Jonah E. Bromwich

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