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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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14 Day Turkey itinerary

The most exciting way to explore this beautiful destination, in my opinion, is by doing a road trip in Turkey. You can stop anywhere and enjoy the landscapes on the road between the places of the planned itinerary. 

Turkey   is the ideal country for such a trip. It offers a variety of relief, cultures, traditions, and views that will cut your breath away.

   With mountain peaks of over 3000 meters, big lakes, limestone terraces filled with emerald-shaded waters, fairy chimneys in the charming Cappadocia , and cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Turkey has everything you can wish for.

 You need at least a month to travel from North to South and East to West. So my road trip applies to those who want to see only a significant part of this beautiful country. 

Fourteen days full of adrenaline, joy, unique places to see, and things to know about Turkey .

What I use every time I travel:

• To book hotels: Booking.com
• To book tours:  GetYourGuide.com

PIN IT FOR LATER

Map of the best Turkey Itinerary: 

Map of the Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

14-Day Turkey itinerary

Day 1: istanbul | turkey road trip .

    I recommend starting your 2 week Turkey itinerary with at least one day in Istanbul , the largest city in Turkey and the most diverse in all respects.

Take advantage of the fact that Turkish Airlines fly to Turkey from almost all over the world and start your Turkish adventure in the only city in the world situated on two continents.

Stay in Sultanahmet if you want to be closer to the history of the former Constantinople or in Taksim if you are more attracted to the bustle and fun.

    You must start your first day with a strong coffee at the traditional restaurant Hafiz Mustafa.

For a boost of energy, enjoy some baklava, a pudding, lokum (Turkish delight), and some halva, revani or kunefe.

The choice is yours. Further, explore the streets, which are full of charm and authenticity.

Colors, joy, hookahs, friendly cats, hanging plants, souvenirs, palm trees, curious eyes, trams, hurried drivers, ambulant sellers, and flavors.

Check out these fantastic tours in Istanbul ⇓

That’s what you will find on Istanbul’s narrow and tilted streets. Also, on the first day of your 14 day Turkey itinerary, you should go to Sultanahmet Square, the place with the most visited mosques.

Relax and admire the remaining monuments as proof of the glorious past.

    Don’t miss the chance to admire Istanbul from above in the evening. The sunsets and the Bosphorus are more beautiful from a rooftop bar. Fortunately, you have plenty of choices.

The city has dozens of such restaurants, and you must choose the table with the best view.

If you want to save money, you should buy this Istanbul Welcome Card , which gives you access to many museums in the city without waiting in line and includes public transport.

⇒ Also, read 21 Best things to do in Istanbul.

View over the Bosphorus and the Galata Tower | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Day 2: ISTANBUL | Turkey road trip itinerary

 Istanbul has some of the most beautiful and famous mosques in the world. The longest queues are at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia , the former Christian cathedral.

No, I’m not trying to advise you to give up on visiting them for this reason, but on the contrary.

Although you must be patient, these 2 mosques cannot be missing from your 14-day Turkey itinerary. You can visit both on tour with a local guide for a better experience.

Patience is the key to visiting the spectacular interior of both.

Across the street from Hagia Sophia, underground, you will discover Cistern Basilica , another attraction you shouldn’t miss.

The tank was used to supply the Imperial Palace and several surrounding buildings with water, and it looks stunning.

As you are already in the area on the same day, you should go to Gulhane Park.

Besides being Istanbul’s oldest park, it is also an excellent opportunity to escape the crowds and retreat to a much quieter and greener place.

You can’t visit the metropolis of Turkey and not enjoy the delicacies in the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar.

Fortunately, they are located next to each other, and you can easily explore them on the same day.

⇒ Find all: hotels in Istanbul. 

Turkish sweets | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

The Blue Mosque | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 3: ISTANBUL | 14 Days in Turkey

 I wanted to see a miniature Turkey on the third day of my Turkey itinerary. The perfect place to do this is Miniaturk Park , a miniature park. Surprisingly, huh??

134 miniatures, to be more specific. They are all related to the country’s history and are all made at a 1:25 scale.

The details are amazingly well done, and they correspond exactly to reality.

It is a great way to carefully study the architecture of the country’s most important monuments and buildings.

Here you will even find even a mini Ataturk Airport and a mini-stadium.

You will spend some hours in the park, so for the rest of the day you can choose to relax somewhere on a terrace or in the Galata Tower.

Check out these amazing tours in Istanbul ⇓

Miniaturk | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 4: ISTANBUL

  You can’t leave Istanbul until you have admired it from a different perspective. The Bosphorus.

Whether you choose a sunset cruise with dinner included or take the ferry to the Princes Islands or the Asian side, you must ride on the Bosphorus waves. This is one of the best-rated tours of Princes Island .

 The next on the list is the Ortakoy Mosque. Although its interior is splendid, I don’t recommend visiting it on the inside, but rather admiring it from the outside. 

From my perspective, the Ortakoy Mosque is  the most Instagrammable place in Istanbul , especially as the background stands at the Bosphorus Bridge.

 On the same bank of the Bosphorus, 2 km to the left, is Dolmabahce Palace , the most beautiful building in Istanbul, in my opinion. 

⇒ Book your Dolmahahce Palace tour

Don’t settle only to admire the tall, white, well-decorated fences, but visit the inside as well. You will discover some exquisite rooms.

  Later, go to Istanbul’s Times Square, Taksim. Busy Istiklal street, the famous red tram, the great shops, the chic cafes, and the street shows will fascinate you.

Best Hotels in Istanbul: 

• budget:  Taksim Terrace Hotel   – located in the heart of the city and with a sensational panorama of the Bosphorus, room service, delicious breakfast
• mid-range:  Saba Sultan Hotel – located in the mosque area, beautiful view, rooms with unique design, free parking, delicious breakfast
• luxury:  Hotel Arcadia Blue Istanbul – situated in the mosque area, splendid view, ultra-modern rooms, bar, wifi, room service, restaurant

Bosphorus | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Ortakoy Mosque | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 5: from ISTANBUL to CAPPADOCIA | 14 Days in Turkey

  Distance: 8 hours by car

Day 5 of your 14 Day Turkey itinerary includes a road trip of at least 8 hours from Istanbul to Cappadocia.

There are not many stops to make, but you will cross Ankara, the capital of Turkey, and you will reach Lake Tuz, one of the largest salt lakes in the world.

 It is so salty that the water was utterly absorbed in the area where we stopped, and we could only see the salt. As evidence, check the picture below.

 You will arrive in Cappadocia very late in the evening, so there is only time for dinner and checking in to the hotel.

Cappadocia has plenty of gorgeous hotels with authentic décor styles. 

I stayed at the  Sofa Hotel and  probably would still stay there next time as well.

READ MORE: 12 Most Beautiful places to visit in Turkey

Lake Tuz | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 6: CAPPADOCIA | Road trip Turkey

  As I told you in the article about the hot air balloon , I recommend choosing this activity on your first day of staying in Cappadocia.

That’s because it might be canceled if the weather conditions are bad.

Therefore, you need time to postpone. There is a lot to say about the ride, but I have already done it in a previous article so I won’t insist.

If you are decided to take this tour, here is one of the best-rated ones .

The flight ends before lunchtime. So you have enough time to explore the city of Goreme and discover many other Cappadocia areas. You can do this on your own or on an organized tour .

Optionally, I suggest you visit Avanos, the neighboring city famous for handmade ceramic products.

   Hotels in Cappadocia:

• budget:  Adelya Cave Hotel   – free parking, free wifi, delicious breakfast
• mid-range:  Design Cappadocia Hotel   – Free wifi, free parking, delicious breakfast, good location
• luxury:  Museum Hotel   – pool, spa, bar, fabulous breakfast

Check out these amazing tours in Cappadocia ⇓

Galerie Ikman in Goreme, Cappadocia | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

View over Goreme in Cappadocia | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 7: from CAPPADOCIA to PAMUKKALE

 Distance: 8 hours by car

 During the morning, you can still spend hours discovering these fairy-tale realms’ beauties. Until your next visit, you will miss them for sure.

For example, you can make a stop on your way to Pamukkale , at Uchisar, and from the Salkim Tepesi viewpoint.

The road to Pamukkale does not have many places to stop.

However, if you want to take a little break, Lake Edrigil can be an excellent option. Eight hours of continuous driving are not very light, so a little rest is welcome.

   Hotels in Pamukkale:

• budget:  Sunrise Aya Hotel – swimming pool, room service, free parking, bar, superb breakfast
• mid-range:  Venus Suite Hotel   – pool, room service, restaurant, fabulous breakfast
• luxury:   Doğa Thermal Health & Spa   – 2 swimming pools, restaurant, fitness center, spa, delicious breakfast, bar

Cappadocia | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Day 8: PAMUKKALE and from PAMUKKALE to ANTALYA | Turkey road trip

Pamukkale means cotton castle, a metaphor very suitable to describe the extraordinary appearance of the travertines.

What are they? Some limestone terraces formed natural thermal pools.

Due to the immaculate white, you will initially feel that it is ice or salt. It is a unique place in the world but very visited.

The queue can be extremely long, especially in the hot season, so I recommend getting here early in the morning.

There is not much to see in Pamukkale except for the limestone terraces, Cleopatra’s pool, and the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis.

For this reason, you can visit everything in the first part of the day, then head to the following destination: Antalya, especially since the distance is not very big.

     Distance: 3 hours by car

Day 9: ANTALYA | Turkey road trip

Antalya is reasonably considered to be the capital of the Turkish Riviera.

Therefore, it is time to combine fun with relaxation during your two days here. Neither are the landscapes to be ignored.

In the background of the Mediterranean Sea, the Taurus Mountains create a gorgeous picture, perfect for admiring when you relax on the beach.

On the first day, go and explore the streets of the old town, Kaleiçi, where you can also see the ruins of Emperor Hadrian’s gate.

Walk inside Karaalioglu Park, play with dozens of kittens living there, and descend into the harbor.

A bohemian and very colorful place where you can have your lunch.

Given that you are in Turkey, one of the countries with the most varied range of sweets, don’t miss a visit to the bazaar.

You don’t need to buy anything because the vendors here are more friendly and generous than elsewhere in Turkey and will serve you pieces of Turkish delights for free. Of course, they were supplemented by cold mango tea.

Best tours in Antalya:

• Old City, Duden Waterfalls & Cable Car Tour
• Olympos Cable Car Ticket
• Perge, Side, Aspendos & Waterfalls Guided Tour
• Full Day Scuba Diving Tour with Lunch
• Suluada Bays Boat Trip with Lunch
• Fire of Anatolia Dance Show

⇒ Find all: hotels in Antalya. 

Antalya | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Antalya | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Day 10: ANTALYA | Road trip in Turkey

 Antalya has it all, so you can’t miss the waterfalls. River Duden is generous and offers us two waterfalls, a mere 17 kilometers long. Upper Duden Falls and Lower Duden Falls.

One is located in a park in northern Antalya, and the other has a direct fall into the Mediterranean Sea. Both are spectacular.

I have two recommendations for the second part of the day.

Relaxation at the beach, whether you choose Lara, the finer sand, whether you prefer Konyaaltı, the spectacular scenery, or a ride with the Tünektepe Teleferic at an altitude of 605 meters above Antalya.

For just 15 Turkish lire, you get an amazing 360-degree view.

    Hotels in Antalya:

• budget:   ATICI HOTEL   – free Wifi, free parking, bar, delicious breakfast 
• mid-range:   Atalante Hotel   – 2 swimming pools, access to the beach, free Wifi, free parking, excellent breakfast, access to the beach
• luxury:  Lara Barut Collection   – 3 swimming pools, spa, fitness center, beach access, bar, superb breakfast

Duden Waterfall, Antalya | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 11 – From ANTALYA to BODRUM | 14 Days in Turkey

Distance: 5 hours 30 min by car

 The most beautiful and busy day of the 14 day Turkish itinerary was the road trip from Antalya to Bodrum.

The route is full of surprises and more and more beautiful discoveries. The first stop was in the town of Kaş, the charming seafront town.

What conquered me? The narrow and cobbled streets, flowers set in cute little pots, kittens waiting to be cuddled, arches of vineyards inviting you into a magical world, colorful doors and windows, smiling people, and the continuous holiday atmosphere.

The next stop, just 30 minutes from Kaş, is Kaputas beach, a paradise place.

The location between two cliffs and the water in the gorgeous turquoise shades can not leave you indifferent.

Park the car along the road, lower the wooden stairs to the beach, and enjoy at least two hours, probably the most beautiful beach in Turkey.

Approximately 50 minutes further north, you will reach the Saklikent National Park, a true hidden gem, literally and figuratively.

Although you will not have much time to enjoy it, it is worth venturing through the 300-meter High Gorge.

Space is so narrow that you will feel as if you are suffocating. It is also worth mentioning that you will have to cross the Xanthos River’s ice-cold water to reach the Canyon.

Floating terraces are decorated with traditional Turkish pillows at the entrance—the ideal place to relax with a hookah.

I feel I did not have enough time to enjoy all these stops between Antalya and Bodrum fully. So if you add an extra day to the 2-week Turkey itinerary, it would be perfect.

Kas | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Day 12: BODRUM | Turkey road trip

    Bodrum looks much like Santorini, the Greek island with white houses perched on the rocky cliffs. Because that’s exactly how it looks if you replace the rocks with hills.

It is a spectacular city, both during the day and after the darkness.

The day is ideal for excursions on the coast to explore the old center, port and souvenir shops, or the nearby Greek islands.

In the evening, the resort is changed completely. The fun is in full swing, and the music echoes from all corners.

    Nearby is the village of Gumusluk, with the most picturesque restaurants I have seen. You can cross the water on foot to get to Rabbit Island.

As the name calls it, the island is populated with cute rabbits.

⇒ Book your boat tour with lunch in Bodrum

     Hotels in Bodrum:

• budget:  Bodrum Sade Pension – beach access, fabulous breakfast
• mid-range:  The Marmara Bodrum – Adult Only  – swimming pool, spa, wellness center, private beach
• luxury:  Root Redrock Yalıkavak   – 2 swimming pools, spa, fitness, beach access, bar, private beach

Bodrum | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

Bodrum | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Day 13: From Bodrum to ISTANBUL | Roadtrip Turkey

Distance: 9 hours by car

    The distance between Bodrum and Istanbul is so big, especially if you drive by car, so you do not have much time to stop anywhere.

However, you can add Kusadasi if you want to include a top resort in the itinerary.

In translation, the island of birds, Kusadasi, is a vibrant city located on the Aegean Sea, with stretched beaches and palm trees.

Kusadasi | A Perfect Two Week Road Trip In Turkey

Day 14: Back to ISTANBUL | Turkey road trip itinerary

 The last day in Istanbul is a perfect opportunity to taste the city’s flavor at a much slower pace.

Since your Turkey road trip is about to end, you can now relax and enjoy more.

My suggestions include a quiet walk along the Bosphorus, a quick snack under the Galata Bridge made up of the famous sandwich with fish, and a place decorated in a traditional style where you can smoke a hookah. Unless you have other plans.

Istanbul | 14 Day Turkey itinerary

When to visit Turkey – The best time to visit Turkey

  Since it’s a vast country, about 3 times bigger than Romania, the climate differs slightly from region to region, so it’s hard to tell the best time to visit Turkey.

If you follow precisely this 14 day Turkey itinerary, the most acceptable months in terms of temperatures are May – June and September – October.

But also the summer months are a good option if you do not mind the excessive heat and the big wave of tourists.

Therefore, the best time to visit Turkey, I think, is the end of Spring beginning of Autumn.

How much it costs to make a Turkey road trip?

 Turkey is not a very expensive country since the Turkish lira has dropped quite a bit. Prices are acceptable in terms of food, accommodation, and transportation.

Renting the car for a 14 Day Turkey itinerary costs around 400 Euros, and the fuel revolves around the sum of 6.5 Turkish lire (≅ 1 €). A 3-star hotel night stay starts at 40 € with breakfast, and a meal in town can vary enormously, depending on where you choose to eat.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Turkey is generally safe; you have little reason to be afraid. Especially the cities and tourist places are safe, considering that the locals are used to tourists.

Of course, you must be as careful as you would be in any other unfamiliar area. But there are no reasons for concern.

I recommend you use known platforms to order a taxi or book a hotel room or a tour. I have the utmost confidence in Booking and GetYourGuide , and I always recommend them.

Hi ! Thanks for this article, so inspiring ! My question: is it dangerous to drive there ? Especially in south where there are a lot of mountains ?

Thank you and welcome! Nope, it didn’t seem dangerous to me at all. Is quite beautiful to road trip in that area 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, I really enjoyed reading this page! Quick question: any suggestions for a road trip with a focus on historical sites, like Roman or Ottoman ruins? I really love my history! Thanks!

Would it be possible to do this road trip in December when it snows througout the country?

I wouldn’t know what to tell you because I was there in the summer. Probably yes, only the temperatures will be much lower.

Is it safe to do this road trip for a single woman?

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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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Our Ultimate 2-Week Turkey Road Trip Itinerary

• Last updated: May 31, 2024

Croatian-Slovenian full-time travel duo, photographers, bloggers and travel journalists for over 4 years. We write in-depth travel guides about destinations we have personally visited, providing practical travel tips and recommendations.

We spent almost a month road-tripping in Turkey and designed the best possible itinerary that is easy to follow and adjust to cater to your specific budget and needs.

The recommended itinerary we detail in this guide will allow you to see the best of Turkey , from coastal cities and towns to beautiful beaches, world-famous landmarks, important historical sites, and more. Places visited on this two-week road trip itinerary include destinations on the Western Coast of Turkey, top historical sites and landmarks like Ephesus and Pamukkale , the stunning Turquoise Coast of Turkey (bays, beaches, history), and the otherworldly Cappadocia .

But the biggest part of the road trip and a definite highlight is along the Turkish Riviera (Turquoise Coast). It’s the best place for beaches, boat trips, scuba diving, and other water sports. And in between all the fun stuff, you have countless impressive historical sites to explore.

CURRENCY NOTE

Due to the volatility of the Turkish Lira, in this road trip guide, we use EUR and USD when listing prices, as those usually stay the same, while the Turkish Lira changes a lot.

Things to know before going on a Turkey Road Trip

Before we proceed with the itinerary, let’s cover some essentials for making a Turkey road trip.

TRAVEL TIP : Check visa and travel requirements for Turkey

What it’s like driving in Turkey

Driving in Turkey is similar to driving in most European countries. The roads are in excellent condition in 90% of the places you will visit as a tourist. We were actually surprised at the quality of the roads. They were better than some roads in our countries ( Croatia and Slovenia ). That was a pleasant surprise, even for many of the side roads.

Navigating the roads of Turkey

The country’s roads are easy to navigate, so don’t worry about finding your way around while on a road trip around Turkey. We used Google Maps the whole time and never had a problem. The estimated driving durations were accurate, and we never got led on weird roads, always on the best route.

We had a few situations like that in other countries, where Google Maps wanted us to take side roads which ended up being a far worse option. We had no such problems in Turkey.

Travel tip: If you can, always take the coastal roads, especially on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey. The views are worth it, even though you might drive for 10% longer.

Turkey has tolls on their highways, and as a tourist, your rental car will already come with an HSG sticker (highway toll sticker). So, you only need to slowly drive through the toll booths on your road trip and pay the rental company after you drop off the car. It’s super convenient.

If you’re coming to Turkey in your own car, then you can just buy the HSG sticker or a card at a petrol station or post office upon arrival. You can then top it up with enough money for the roads you will travel through. Some toll roads have toll booths where you can pay by card or cash, but don’t count on it.

Note: If you don’t pay your outstanding toll balance (in case you don’t have enough money in your account), you can make a late payment within 15 days. Otherwise, you need to pay a fine of five times the fine plus the toll.

Speed limits

The speed limit in Turkey is 120 km/h on the national highways, 90 km/h on the main roads outside cities, and 50 km/h in the city and town boundaries. Speed cameras are present in Turkey, especially on the main roads into and out of cities.

Finding parking while on a Turkey road trip is simple. Most tourist destinations and landmarks have large parking lots, some free and some paid, typically about 1 USD per hour. We had no issue finding parking spaces in any Turkey destination, even cities.

Turkey is a safe country to visit in general, and going on a road trip doesn’t pose any extra risks beyond the standard risks of driving on the road, of course. While some people say that Turkish drivers are a bit more aggressive, we really haven’t noticed that after driving over 3000 kilometers in Turkey. So we’d say going on a road trip to Turkey is very much safe.

You will likely come into a situation or two where some local will overtake you on a bit more dangerous part of the road, but honestly, that’s the case all over the world. So just keep an eye out for that, and you’ll be fine.

Also, Turkish people are very welcoming, and we always felt welcome no matter the place, from the laid-back coastal towns to more conservative places like Konya.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

BEST EXPERIENCES

• Paragliding in Oludeniz
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Bodrum Orak Island Boat Tour
• Kas Kekova Boat Tour
• Koprulu Canyon Rafting and Canyoning

TRAVEL INSURANCE : Check our recommended travel insurance and save 5% on getting covered.

• Affordable domestic flights – find domestic flights
• Car rental with full insurance – check deals
• Long-distance buses – check bus lines

DATA: Get a Turkey eSIM to stay connected and navigate with ease.

Where to rent a car for a Turkey Road Trip

You should rent a car in Istanbul for our recommended “Best of Turkey” road trip. Preferably, you should rent your car at the airport to avoid driving in Istanbul , Turkey’s largest city, where the traffic can be quite intense.

Visiting top attractions like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace is best by public transport, which is extremely good and connects every place you could possibly want to visit in the city by tram, bus, ferry, and metro.

We rented our Peugeot 301 (manual diesel) at the Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European Side. But if you’re arriving at Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), you can rent a car there as well. Both airports have lots of car rental options.

To find the best car rental deals in Turkey, we recommend using DiscoverCars . You can find a two-week one-way rental with full insurance for about 750+ EUR (800+ USD) there. Alternatively, you can always compare deals on LocalRent , which also operates in Turkey. If you don’t want to pay a deposit or don’t have a credit card, check LocalRent, but the price will be about 150 EUR higher.

The one-way rental fee is between 150 and 300 EUR , depending on the car rental company. So, if you have days to spare, it’s sometimes worth driving back to where you picked it up.

Turkey Road Trip Budget

A two-week Turkey road trip can cost as little as 1500 EUR for the car rental cost (one way), budget accommodation, gasoline, and tolls.

As of 2024, car rental in Turkey is more expensive than in other nearby destinations. For example, a similar two-week one-way rental in Croatia would cost about 40% less.

Car rental cost: As mentioned, renting a car for a two-week Turkey road trip costs around 800 EUR for one-way rentals or 500 EUR if you return the car to the pickup spot .

Toll costs: In addition, for the road trip we detail below, you can expect to spend a maximum of 50 EUR on toll roads . At the end of the road trip, we also drove to Ankara and back to Istanbul, paying just under 50 EUR in total for over 3000 kilometers.

Gasoline costs: Turkey has slightly cheaper gasoline prices than the rest of Europe, about 1.2 to 1.3 EUR per liter.

Accommodation costs: Accommodation in Turkey is quite affordable. Basic rooms cost upwards of 30 EUR, and apartments and hotel rooms start at 40 EUR.

Best time to do a Turkey Road Trip

Going on a road trip in Turkey is possible in all seasons, but it’s best from April to November (spring, summer, and autumn).

We did our big Turkey road trip in autumn, from mid-October to mid-November, and it was perfect timing. We still had ideal weather and temperatures for swimming and relaxing on the beaches, and it was less hot for exploring landmarks and tourist attractions.

However, making a road trip in Turkey in the winter is an option if you’re not interested in swimming on the beaches, water sports, or adventure activities. It’s also much more affordable, as prices are generally lower for car rental and accommodation.

Our recommended itinerary

We included a lot of information from our personal experience, and we hope it will make your road trip planning a breeze. In addition to the must-visit places, we added lots of information on alternatives you can do, so make sure to check those as well.

And to make it easier to choose which things you want to do in each destination, you can read our dedicated Turkey travel guides:

• Bursa Ottoman Village
• Izmir – Ephesus Ancient City
• Fethiye and Oludeniz
• Kas – Kas Kekova Boat Trip

2-week Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – drive from istanbul to bursa.

On Day 1 of your 2-week Turkey Road Trip, pick up your rental car early in Istanbul and drive to Bursa, your first destination, about two hours and 200km away.

We recommend flying into Istanbul on an early flight so you can start your day as early as possible on the first day. Plan to visit Istanbul attractions at the end of your road trip, or come to Istanbul a few days before the Turkey road trip.

Once near Bursa, visit Cumalıkızık , a 700-year-old Ottoman Village. It’s an excellent place for a short visit, as you get to see a village that dates back to the birth of the Ottoman Empire.

After exploring the Ottoman Village, it’s likely already afternoon, so you can continue your drive or see a few historical sites in the old part of Bursa. Places like Tophane Clock Tower, Grand Mosque, and Koza Han (Ottoman silk market) are all close to one another, so if you have time, it’s worth visiting.

Continuing the drive from Bursa, your last stop of the day is Ayvalik , a quaint seaside town about a three-hour drive (about 270km) away, where you will sleep.

Where to stay in Ayvalik

In Ayvalik, we recommend staying at the Kidalyo Hotel , a 120-year-old historical Greek building located right on the seashore. It’s well-positioned for exploring some main spots and has parking lots nearby.

Day 2 – Drive from Ayvalik to Izmir (via Pergamon Ancient City)

Next morning, on Day 2 of your Turkey road trip, explore a few places around Ayvalik, try the local food, such as the Ayvalik toast (grab it for breakfast), walk through the Old Town, and visit Cunda Island (reachable by car).

Then, continue the drive towards Izmir , and if you want, stop at Pergamon Ancient City . The drive from Ayvalik to Pergamon is only one hour, and it’s on the way.

Pergamon Ancient City is a vast site known for the Theatre of Pergamon, one of the steepest theatres in the world. It was once a major cultural and political center known for its library, theater, and healing center.

At this point, you decide whether to visit Izmir , where you can stroll through the bustling markets, visit the famous clock tower, walk along the promenade, and grab a bite of some traditional food.

Many people skip Izmir, and while we personally liked exploring it, we understand why people skip it if they don’t have enough time.

If you’re not going to Izmir, we recommend driving down to Selcuk or Kusadasi right away and sleeping there instead of Izmir.

A good stopping point on the way is Foça , a picturesque Aegean coastal town built on an ancient Ionian settlement site with many beautifully restored houses. It’s mostly visited by Turks and has a more local, laid-back vibe. But it’s perfect for getting dinner (fish restaurants are the highlight there) and watching the sunset.

Where to stay near Ephesus

To explore Ephesus on the next day, you can stay in Izmir, Kusadasi, or the closest town, Selcuk, which is also the gateway to the ancient city.

We stayed in Deka Evleri in Izmir for a few nights and it was a great base to explore the area. In Kusadasi, Villa Konak is the perfect choice, and in Selcuk, we recommend staying in Akanthus Hotel Ephesus (9.9 rating with over 300 reviews).

Day 3 – Ephesus Ancient City

Day 3 of your Turkey road trip begins with an early morning drive to Ephesus Ancient City . Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the site opens so you can be one of the first visitors. This way, you avoid crowds plus spare yourself from going around at the hottest part of the day.

Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best ancient city ruins in Turkey and one of the most visited sites in the country. It is also one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.

Some of the best things to see in Ephesus are the Library of Celsus, the amphitheater, and the various streets you pass while exploring. Nearby the city of Ephesus is also the Temple of Artemis, once a mighty building, of which only small ruins remain.

Plan to spend two to three hours at Ephesus, as there is lots to see. We highly recommend buying the ticket that includes the terraced houses. They are a newly excavated part of Ephesus and one of the highlights for us.

Depending on what you did on day two, after you’re done with Ephesus, you can visit Izmir (if you haven’t yet) or continue your Turkey road trip towards Bodrum. If you listen to our advice and start this day very early, you should be done at Ephesus sometime after 11 pm. If you head straight for Bodrum after Ephesus, you can still get there in the middle of the afternoon.

The drive to Bodrum from Ephesus is around two and a half hours (170km). On the way, you can stop at this Picnic place with birdwatching at Lake Bafa, where you can see flamingos if you’re lucky.

In May 2024, they extended the opening hours of Ephesus until midnight so that you can experience the ancient ruins by night. They also installed special lights to illuminate the site. This was a great move since the opening hours were too short, especially in the summer when it’s extremely hot in that part of Turkey.

Now, you can easily explore Ephesus by night and not miss out on anything. Honestly, it looks even better by night!

Read our complete guide to Ephesus for all the information needed to plan your visit.

Day 4 – Bodrum

Your road trip’s day 4 should be all about Bodrum, from either lounging on one of the beautiful beaches or exploring attractions like Bodrum Castle and Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

If you’re interested in a boat trip, Bodrum is a great starting point. We recommend booking the Bodrum Orak Island Boat Tour (including lunch), which will take you from Bodrum to explore the bays around the peninsula, including a visit to Orak Island for swimming and sunbathing. It starts in the morning, and ends in the afternoon, giving you still enough time to go somewhere for sunset.

Bodrum is Turkey’s premier vacation spot, where celebrities come during summer. So you can find plenty of luxurious amenities, like fancy beach clubs and upscale restaurants. Bodrum’s ultra-luxurious Yalıkavak Marina is where some of the biggest yachts dock, and luxury shops, bars, and restaurants line the shore.

But beyond the luxury of Bodrum, you can also easily enjoy it on a budget, and there’s lots to do for a fun short visit.

Where to stay in Bodrum

In Bodrum, we recommend staying near the city, so you have everything close. Things outside the city, like more remote beaches on the Bodrum Peninsula, should be a maximum 30-minute drive away. We recommend the stunning Roas Hotel , which is centrally located but in a quiet part and has a nice swimming pool.

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Day 5 – Pamukkale

Day 5 of your two-week Turkey road trip begins with yet another early morning drive of about three and a half hours to Pamukkale to arrive by 9 am (opens at 8 am).

Alternatively, you can stay in Bodrum until checkout time, drive to Pamukkale, check in to your Pamukkale hotel, and explore the site in the afternoon. However, we highly recommend an early morning start to avoid crowds and heat.

Pamukkale, or Cotton Castle, is a stunning natural landscape with unique white travertine terraces and one of Turkey’s most unique places to visit . You can even bathe in some of the designated pools above Pamukkale and at Cleopatra Antique Pools.

We especially loved roaming around the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was a great addition to seeing the unique landscape of Pamukkale. The ticket includes the ruins, which are located right above Pamukkale.

Where to stay in Pamukkale

To explore Pamukkale and nearby attractions, base yourself in Pamukkale town. We recommend staying in The Cotton House Hotel with comfy rooms and walking distance to the site & restaurants.

Day 6 – Pamukkale to Fethiye (via Lake Salda)

On day 6, you leave Pamukkale and drive about 3 hours to Fethiye and Oludeniz . On the way, you can choose to make a short detour to Lake Salda, which adds about 1 hour to the total drive time.

Lake Salda, also known as Turkish Maldives, is a vivid blue crater lake known for containing lots of minerals and holding some of the world’s oldest fossils. While it’s a protected area and soon to be a national park, you can still swim in some designated areas.

When arriving in Fethiye, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon on one of the beaches around Oludeniz. We recommend Kidrak Beach, but central Oludeniz Beach is also a great choice.

Where to stay in Fethiye and Oludeniz

Fethiye is the best place to base yourself. We stayed in F48 Apartments in Fethiye. Although it wasn’t really close to the town center or the beach, it was well-equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable stay, including a kitchen.

Otherwise, a great choice is Ten Apart Hotel with great apartments and a shared swimming pool, and Jiva Beach Resort , an ultra-all-inclusive resort on Calis Beach.

In Oludeniz, we recommend CC’s Butik Hotel (budget), Villa Symbo la (mid-range), and for luxury The Pearl Ölüdeniz .

Day 7 – Fethiye and Oludeniz

On day 7 comes the best thing to do on this Turkey road trip: paragliding in Oludeniz . While this isn’t for everyone, we highly recommend paragliding here because it’s one of the best paragliding spots in the world.

It’s a fantastic experience as you take off from Babadag Mountain at almost 2000m, then glide through the clouds above Oludeniz Bay, observing the fascinating landscape of the bay and the Blue Lagoon. You can read more about it in our guide here .

We recommend booking paragliding in advance online to secure your spot, especially if you’re traveling during the summer months.

After paragliding, you still have plenty of time left in the day to explore some nearby attractions like the abandoned village of Kayakoy , drive to the Butterfly Valley Viewpoint, or simply enjoy your time on the beach.

If you don’t plan to go paragliding, the next best thing to get great views of Oludeniz is to take the cable car to the top of Babag Mountain. There, you can enjoy a drink in one of the restaurants with lovely views of Oludeniz Bay and observe paragliders taking off and filling the sky.

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Day 8 – Fethiye to Kas (via Saklikent and Tlos)

Day 8 begins with a drive to one of our favorite places in Turkey and a highlight of this Turkey road trip, the charming coastal town of Kas . This day’s drive from Fethiye to Kas is only about 1 hour and 45 minutes, a stark contrast to previous days.

On the way to Kas, we highly recommend visiting the two best attractions near Fethiye, Saklikent Gorge and Tlos Ruins . If you start your day early, you can see both Tlos Ruins and Saklikent Gorge in just a couple of hours so that you can arrive at Kas right at check-in time.

In Saklikent Gorge, you can walk for a few kilometers through the gorge in ankle-deep water and observe the interesting landscape or enjoy a drink in one of the waterside bars/restaurants. At Tlos Ruins, make sure to climb up to the top of the citadel and walk around the hill to find ancient Lycian rock tombs.

Just before you reach Kas, you will pass by Kas’ most famous beach and tourist attraction, the stunning Kaputas Beach . You can stop at the side of the road and check out the viewpoint above it or go for a few hours to enjoy the beach before driving the last 25 minutes to Kas.

After arriving in Kas, you should still have enough time to enjoy a sunset at Kas Amphitheater and dine in one of the great restaurants.

Where to stay in Kas

There are several different areas in Kas where you can stay: down near the marina, up the hill, or on the peninsula nearby. We stayed at White House Apart , a few minutes’ walk from the square. The rooms were relatively small but cute, and we had a nice view from the balcony. Nowadays, they also have bigger studio rooms available.

Otherwise, we recommend Belinda Hotel , which offers hotel rooms with sea view, pool and breakfast and Happy Kas Apart with similar amenities plus private parking.

Day 9 – Kas

On day 9 of the two-week Turkey road trip, we highly recommend going on the Kas Kekova Boat Tour , the absolute highlight not only in Kas but likely in the whole Turquoise Coast of Turkey.

You depart Kas harbor and sail towards Kekova Sunken City and Simena Castle , and on the way, stop in beautiful bays for which Kas is known for some swimming and relaxing.

We absolutely loved the boat trip to Kekova, and if there’s one boat tour you should do, it’s this one! You can read more about it in our guide and review .

Optionally, you can go on a Sea Kayaking Tour , a great alternative to the shared boat trip. And if you’re traveling as a bigger family or group, you can also find private boat tours .

No matter which one you choose, make sure to book tours in advance online so you don’t miss out on a spot, especially during the summer season.

After the boat trip ends in the late afternoon, you still have some time to finish with a sunset at the harbor and go for a lovely dinner.

Where to find the best car rental deals

We recommend using DiscoverCars , where you can easily compare prices from top car rental companies and buy full insurance for a really good price (no hassle, no hidden fees).

Don’t have a credit card? Check LocalRent (also has options for no deposit)

Day 10 – Kas to Antalya

Day 10 of the 14-day Turkey road trip marks the end of the best part of the Turquoise Coast. On this day, you check out in Kas and drive to Antalya , a 3-hour drive away (190 km).

On the way to Antalya, you can visit the ancient city of Olympos and stop for lunch at one of the seaside places, like Kemer .

On arrival, we recommend first driving to Lower Duden Waterfall, which flows right into the sea. After that, check in to your hotel and spend a few hours in the afternoon in Kaleici, the historical area of Antalya, and stroll through the Old Marina.

For sunset, you can go to Konyaalti Beach, the most famous beach in Antalya. The beach starts not far from the old town, and there’s a big parking lot at the entrance.

Where to stay in Antalya

The best option with free parking, which is hard to find in the old town of Kaleici, is the Adalya Port Hotel , centrally located right above the old marina of Antalya.

Another charming stay in Kaleici is the Lykia Old Town Hotel – but you need to find a nearby parking lot. And if you plan to add more days in Antalya for a proper vacation, one of the beach resorts like Calista Luxury Resort is a good choice.

Day 11 – Antalya

Day 11 is when you decide to enjoy your last day on the coast by either relaxing at the beach or driving around the Antalya area to some interesting sites .

There are several different beaches in Antalya. You can stay close to the old city and go to Mermerli Beach, which is accessed by rocky steps with lovely views. There are a few of these “cliff beaches” along the coast towards Lara Beach.

But if you don’t want to bother with finding the best spot, Konyaalti Beach is always a great choice since it has free showers, toilets, changing rooms, lots of picnic areas, nearby restaurants, beach clubs, and even a few basketball courts.

On the other hand, if you’re up for a day of exploring, Antalya is also a good base from which to visit nearby attractions like Aspendos Theater, Termessos Ruins, and Köprülü Canyon and go on boat trips.

It’s also perfectly positioned for day trips to the ancient city of Side and the resort town of Alanya.

The site of Termessos, a scenic ancient city on top of a mountain, is among the highlights near Antalya. However, exploring it requires a few hours of walking, so it might not be the best option if you’re not up for lots of walking.

Adventure Activities

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, Alanya is the best choice. You can get your adrenaline pumping on an adventure-filled day of canyoning, rafting, and ziplining at the nearby Koprulu Canyon National Park. And there’s also the possibility of going paragliding and scuba diving

• Check availability: Canyoning, Rafting, and Ziplining Tour – Alanya Paragliding – Scuba Diving

Day 12 – Antalya to Cappadocia

Finishing off at the coast, day 12 of the Turkey road trip involves getting to the heart of inner Turkey, the magnificent historical region of Cappadocia .

Depending on what you value most (time or money), you have many options for getting from Antalya to Cappadocia. You can drop off your car in Antalya, then fly to Cappadocia ( check flights to Kayseri Airport ), or do what we recommend and simply drive to Cappadocia.

Having a car in Cappadocia is essential, so we highly recommend just taking the car you already have for the end of the road trip.

The drive from Antalya to Goreme, the center of Cappadocia, is 6 to 7 hours at 500km. While it’s a long drive, it’s really the best choice if you want to explore Cappadocia right away.

If you start driving early, say 5 to 6 a.m., you could visit the first stop on the way, the Derinkuyu Underground City , already at around 1 or 2 p.m. Since Derinkuyu is the furthest away spot from Goreme (40 min drive), it’s a great idea to do it right away.

Then, once you’re done at Derinkuyu, drive to Goreme, check in at your hotel, and then walk up Lovers Hill to enjoy a sunset above the town.

Where to stay in Cappadocia

Stay in a Unique Cave Hotel in Goreme or in excellent hotels and guest houses in the nearby towns of Uchisar ( Cappadocia Pyramid Stone House ), Ortahisar ( Turkish Cave House ), and Urgup ( Rose Mansions – restored Greek mansions surrounded by green gardens).

Day 13 – Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride

Book your hot air balloon ride for Day 13 of your two-week Turkey itinerary. We highly recommend going on a balloon ride in Cappadocia as it’s the top thing to do in Turkey for a reason. The landscape above which you fly is stunning!

The balloon flight is a great way to truly see the interesting landscape, and if you’re lucky you can get really close to some fairy chimneys inside the valleys of Cappadocia. You can read more about our flight experience and all you need to know about Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon flights in our complete guide .

If the balloon flight is not within your budget or you’re not interested, you can do the next best thing and catch the sunrise. In the morning, the sky above Goreme fills up with hundreds of balloons, and you can go to our recommended sunrise spot to watch the sunrise with balloons flying right above.

After the morning flight or sunrise mission, check out some of Cappadocia’s main spots , like the open-air museum of Zelve, a site of once one of the largest communities living in an excavated village, or one of the stunning castles like Uchisar Castle or Ortahisar Castle.

Later in the day, walk through one of the many stunning valleys like Love Valley or Red Valley to see the fascinating landscape full of fairy chimneys and other interesting rock formations. And for sunset, hike up to the Red Valley Viewpoint for a fantastic view of Cappadocia’s exciting landscape.

Another benefit of arriving in Cappadocia on Day 12 with a car is that on Day 13, you already have a car from the morning. So, once you’re done with the balloon ride on Day 13, you can immediately explore the rest of the area.

Day 14 – Last day in Cappadocia

Day 14 marks the end of the two-week Turkey road trip. Drop off your rental car in Nevsehir or Kayseri, then fly out home or back to Istanbul. Or continue the road trip by driving back to Istanbul via Ankara. Read more about these options in the next section.

Route Alternatives

1. pamukkale as a day trip.

You can do as we did and only visit Pamukkale on a day trip by driving there early in the morning, visiting the site, and then driving back to where you’re staying in the afternoon or to your next destination. You can do this from all the coastal places like Bodrum, Fethiye/Oludeniz, Kas, and Antalya. This allows you not to spend a night there, saving time and money.

2. Antalya to Cappadocia via coastal road towards Adana

On the way from Antalya to Cappadocia, we assume you will drive through Konya, which is the fastest route. But you can also drive along the coast to the east, passing by Alanya and Mersin, before turning north to Cappadocia just before Adana.

This route takes about 11 hours to drive, a sizeable difference compared to the quicker route of 6 to 7 hours. But if you have time, it’s worth it as you pass through some stunning scenery.

Places worth visiting on the way include Mamure Castle (which looks absolutely amazing), Gilindire Cave , Caves of Heaven and Hell , and Maiden’s Castle on an island in Kizkalesi. 

3. Bursa to Cesme instead of Ayvalik

When leaving Bursa on day 1, you can drive to Cesme near Izmir instead of Ayvalik if you’d like to have a beach day on day 2 and don’t want to visit Pergamon. Many people choose to skip that part, as this is a good option if you want more beach time. We recommend staying in the Alya Mou Butik Hotel , which is perfectly located and has great rooms.

Extending your Turkey Road Trip

Option 1 – drive to ankara and then back to istanbul.

If you have time to spare or plan to skip some destinations in our recommended itinerary, an excellent option for finishing the road trip is to drive from Cappadocia to Ankara for a night and then back to Istanbul . This way, you can save money on the one-way rental fee and add another destination – the charming capital city of Ankara.

While Ankara is not as famous as Istanbul and has fewer things to do, it’s still very much worth visiting, at least for a day or even half a day. You can visit Ankara Castle, check out the old town streets, visit the Anitkabir Mausoleum, and one of the great museums.

A highlight of our Ankara visit was the Rahmi M. Koc Industrial Museum, which contains some beautiful items from the history of transport, industry, and more. It also holds some material of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. But the highlight were the beautiful vintage cars!

Where to stay: The best area to stay in Ankara is Ulus, the historic center. We recommend staying in Divan Cukurhan , a beautiful and unique hotel in a restored caravanserai built in the 16th century – an Ottoman inn with a marketplace in the courtyard.

Option 2 – Continue from Cappadocia to Mesopotamia

If you have even more time, extend your road trip to Mesopotamia in eastern Turkey and visit places like Mount Nemrut, Gobekli Tepe, and Mardin. These are less visited but still among Turkey’s best places to visit .

To do this, take the coastal road from Antalya to Mersin and Adana, then continue to Gaziantep, the UNESCO City of Gastronomy and Turkey’s food capital. Gaziantep is then the starting point for the Turkish Mesopotamia and Far East road trip.

Where to stay: Stay in the heart of the Old City in Gaziantep in one of the restored caravanserai or Anatolian houses, like the Anadolu Evleri – some of which are over 150 years old.

Map of the road trip route

We created this practical Turkey Road Trip Map , which you can use to plan your route and see what’s where easier.

Our hand-picked hotels in Turkey

We were able to find great hotels and apartments all over Turkey for quite affordable prices. In coastal places, you can find amazing hotels and resorts, as well as apartments with full kitchens, so you can make some food yourself if that’s what you prefer. However, we recommend eating out, as you can mostly find great, affordable, and tasty Turkish and international food.

Our recommended hotels for a Turkey Road Trip

• Istanbul: Sultan Ahmet ( Obelisk Hotel & Suites ) or Taksim ( Sentire Hotels & Residences )
• Ayvalik: Kidalyo Hotel , a 120-year-old historical Greek building located right on the seashore
• Izmir: Deka Evleri , a great base with comfy apartments
• Selcuk (Ephesus): Akanthus Hotel Ephesus , 9.9 rating with over 300 reviews
• Bodrum: Roas Hotel , centrally located, but in a quiet part (with pool)
• Pamukkale: The Cotton House Hotel , comfy rooms, walking distance to the site & restaurants
• Fethiye: Fully equipped and comfy F48 Apartments
• Oludeniz: Blue Star Hotel , close to the beach, comfy rooms with pool
• Kas: Rooms with sea view, pool, and breakfast in Belinda Hotel
• Antalya: Adalya Port Hotel , centrally located near the old town (with parking)
• Cappadocia: Unique Cave Hotel in Goreme, Rose Mansions – restored Greek mansions
• Ankara: Divan Cukurhan , unique hotel in a restored 16th century caravanserai

Final thoughts on doing a Turkey road trip

When we were planning our Turkey road trip, we planned for a nice, leisurely two weeks, but in the end, we extended it to almost a month. And we had such a great time. It’s really the best way to see Turkey.

We’re already planning our return! We’ll likely pick up a car in Gaziantep and do a road trip in the eastern part of Turkey, through Mesopotamia, all the way to the border with Armenia and Georgia, passing by Lake Van, and then along the Black Sea Coast towards Istanbul. Stay tuned for the guide!

Thank you for reading our Turkey Road Trip Guide. We hope we helped you plan your trip. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Continue reading

• Kaputas Beach
• Kekova Boat Trip
• Simena Castle
• Ephesus Ancient City
• Kayakoy Abandoned Village
• Babadag Cable Car

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The BEST 2 Weeks In Turkey Itinerary (Summer 2024)

You have 2 weeks in Turkey and wonder what is the best itinerary to hit all the major landmarks and also have time to relax by the sea?

You came to the right place!

After spending quite some time in Turkey, I devised the perfect 2 weeks in Turkey itinerary for first-time visitors who want to discover Istanbul and the Turkish Riviera. 

This itinerary works best during warmer months – April to November when you can enjoy the beaches.

Turkey is a large country, so unless you want to be flying from one side of the country to another you’ll have to decide on one area, but I’ll also give you some alternatives.

Let’s get started!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

2 Weeks In Turkey Overview

Length : 14 days, 14 nights Start and end : Start in Istanbul, end in Antalya (you can fly back to Istanbul too!) Places to visit : Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bodrum, Fethiye, Oludeniz, Kas, Antalya

• DAY 1: Istanbul
• DAY 2: Istanbul
• DAY 3: Istanbul
• DAY 4: Ephesus

DAY 5: Pamukkale

• DAY 6: Bodrum
• DAY 7: Bodrum
• DAY 8: Fethiye
• DAY 9: Oludeniz (Fethiye)
• DAY 10: Saklikent Gorge (Fethiye)
• DAY 11: Kas
• DAY 12: Kas
• DAY 13: Antalya
• DAY 14: Antalya

Turkey is a huge country, and 2 weeks is quite a short time to discover every nook and cranny. 

When planning your Turkey itinerary, you’ll have to decide which area you want to focus on – the coast or the center. 

I traveled to Turkey in May and wanted to take advantage of the picturesque coastal towns so I opted for skipping Capadoccia this time around.

If you want to add Capadoccia to the itinerary , you can skip Ephesus, and Pamukkale and fly directly to Bodrum. That way you’ll have 2 days in Capadoccia after Antalya. 

You don’t need a car for this itinerary, as it is possible to travel around Turkey by public transport ! 

DAY 1-3: Istanbul

Istanbul is the most iconic place to visit in Turkey, and the most popular city in the country.

You might be surprised to learn that Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey – it is Ankara. However, Istanbul is definitely more touristy. 

You’ll need at least 3 days in Istanbul to see all the must-see attractions, as the city is larger than you might think!

Sultanahmet Area 

Start your trip to Istanbul with a visit to the Old City Center and the most iconic landmarks of this vibrant city.

Here are the top things to see in the area with prices including many free Istanbul activities !

• Suleymaniye Mosque (free)
• Beyazit Square (free)
• Grand Bazaar (free)
• Egyptian Bazaar (free)
• Blue Mosque (free)
• Hagia Sophia (25€)
• Topkapi Palace (50€)
• Basilica Cistern (23€)
• Little Hagia Sophia (free)

You’ll want a full day for this itinerary, so I’ll assume you landed last night. Start your day early as you might have to wait in line for paid attractions. 

I was traveling on a budget, so I skipped paid attractions and only admired them from the outside. 

Still, there are so many impressive free mosques you can visit! It was my first time visiting mosques and I loved the architecture. 

I suggest you bring your own scarf, even though all free mosques had scarfs you could borrow. However, you’ll need to buy a scar to enter Hagia Sophia.

I wanted to quickly touch on the prices in Turkey because it can be as expensive or affordable as you make it. 

The price for tourist attractions in Istanbul increased dramatically in 2024, entrance fees to most places start at 20€. 

If you want to visit more than 4 paid tourist attractions it might be more affordable to get an Istanbul tourist pass . Compare the prices and see if it’s a good deal for you. 

🎫 Check out the Istanbul tourist pass!

Beyoglu Side

On your second day, you’ll explore the modern city center of Istanbul.

I stayed in this area, so I actually started by visiting the Beyoglu side – in that case, you can just switch days 1 and 2!

You’ll quickly notice how different this area of the city is compared to Sultanahmet. 

It is modern and quirky, and certain areas reminded me of a mix of Montmartre in Paris and Barcelona – I know, quite an unusual blend but I loved it!

So, what to do on the Beyoglu side of Istanbul? 

• Galata Tower (30€ – but it is enough to see from the outside)
• Galata Bridge (free)
• Istiklal Street (free)
• Taksim Square (free)
• Dolmabahçe Palace (35€)
• Ortaköy Mosque (free)
• Baklava in Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Ferry to Kadikoy

You have several options for your final day in Istanbul – you can visit the Asian side, take a day trip to the Princes Islands, or visit the Balat area before catching transportation to your next stop.

I decided to take a ferry to Kadikoy and discover the more local areas of Istanbul on the Asian side.

Kadikoy Ferry costs less than 1€ in one direction, and it is a perfect alternative to taking a Bosphorus cruise.

Also, taking a ferry back during sunset doubles as a sunset cruise!

There are not many specific tourist attractions in Kadikoy, I’d say that the bull statue is probably the main one.

However, sightseeing is not the main reason to cross to the Asian side – discover the more local area is!

Also, food is cheaper here, so many people cross the strait to enjoy delicious Turkish food. 

Where To Stay In Istanbul

I think the best area to stay is the Beyoglu side, especially if you care about the nightlife.

• TOP Pick: Mr Cas Hotels Taksim
• Mid-range Option: Aleksandr Pera Hotel (I stayed here, and it was a lovely hotel!)
• Budget-Friendly Option: Cheers Hostel

DAY 4: Ephesus (Izmir)

Unless you took an evening flight from Istanbul on day 3, day 4 will mostly be a travel day. 

One thing to keep in mind is that travel days in Turkey are no joke. Unless your flight is at 7 AM, you’ll lose most of your day traveling. 

I suggest you take a flight from Istanbul to Izmir , it saves you from a long bus ride. Once in Izmir, take a train from Izmir to Selçuk – a village next to Ephesus archeological site. 

Once you land in Izmir Airport, you’ll have to get a bus to the city center of Izmir – about 20km.

If your flight is early, you can stay in Izmir today. Izmir is not the most picturesque place in Tukey, but it is bigger than Selçuk if you don’t have time to visit Ephesus today.

Where To Stay In Selçuk/Izmir

• TOP Pick: Akanthus Hotel Ephesus
• Mid-range Option: Kallinos Boutique Hotel
• Budget-Friendly Option: EPHESUS CENTRUM

Day 5 says Pamukkale, but you’ll actually be visiting Ephesus today. 

Ask your accommodation to keep your things for the day and head out to explore Ephesus – the earlier the better!

The entrance fee to Ephesus is about 40€ – I wasn’t aware of that when I first planned my itinerary, but it is steep.

The archeological site is not shaded, so you’ll want to avoid the midday sun.

Once you’ve visited everything you wanted to see, you’ll go back to your accommodation, pick up your things, and take a bus or train to Denizli.

Getting around Turkey by public transport might seem complicated because not everything is online, but it works well.

You can take a bus or a train to Denizli – there is no direct transportation to Pamukkale. It takes about 3 hours, but check the timetables and ticket prices on obilet.com .

Once you’re in Denzil, you’ll take a dolmus (minibus) to Pamukkale.

Where To Stay In Pamukkale

• TOP Pick: Pamukkale Whiteheaven Suite Hotel
• Mid-range Option: Pamukkale Sahin Boutique Hotel
• Budget-Friendly Option: Ozbay Hotel

DAY 6-7: Bodrum

You’ll spend most of day 6 in Pamukkale -I know it sounds like a mess, but trust me. 

Early morning in Pamukkale

Ask your accommodation to keep your things and be the first at the entrance when they open.

You can even take a hot air balloon flight in Pamukkale as you’re not visiting Cappadocia on this trip – also it’s cheaper!

Pamukkale gets extremely crowded, and your experience will be greatly affected by how many people are there with you. The earlier you arrive, the less people there will be!

To get to Bodrum you’ll take a dolmus to Denzili and then a bus to Bodrum. The ride takes 4-5 hours, so you’ll probably only get to see Bodrum nightlife on your first night in the city.

Things to do in Bodrum

Bodrum is a beach town, so it is time to start relaxing on this trip!

I loved strolling the cobblestone streets of Bodrum, but there are also several historic landmarks to see in the city – Bodrum castle and ancient theater.

Where To Stay In Bodrum

Bodrum is kind of a high-end beach town, but you can also find budget-friendly accommodation options.

• TOP Pick: Gözegir Hotel
• Mid-range Option: Costa Bodrum City (I stayed here – loved my stay and breakfast!)
• Budget-Friendly Option: La Luna Hostel

DAY 8-10: Fethiye

A trip from Bodrum to Fethiye by bus is an adventure in itself. Trying to figure out the route made me want to skip Fethiye entirely, but luckily I didn’t and have it all written down for you!

The whole trip will take about 5 hours, so start early if you want to do something on your first day in Fethiye.

The first thing you’ll notice is that Fethiye is much calmer and more residential than Bodrum.

So, what to do in Fethiye?

• Amyntas Rock Tombs (3€, but you can see it from outside too!)
• Wander historic center
• Walk along the promenade

If you want to try paragliding in Oludeniz , today is a great day to do it. 

In fact, I suggest you book it for the first day you’re there in case it gets canceled because of the weather. There was no paragliding for the two days I was there because it was too windy!

Kayaköy and Oludeniz

Your first full day in Fethiye will be an active one!

Wear your sneakers, pack water, and put on sunscreen as today is a hiking day!

Take a dolmus from Fethiye to Kayaköy – the ghost village. It takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

You’ll have to pay an entrance fee to see Kayaköy, it’s about 3€.

The entrance fee is worth it because the village is huge! It’s crazy to think that less than 100 years ago people used to live there and then they just left!

You don’t need to hike to Oludeniz, you can also take a dolmus to the beach, but it was one of my favorite activities in Turkey and I highly recommend it!

Kayaköy to Oludeniz hiking trail starts inside the village and takes about 2 hours to complete. I loved the hike, the views were stunning!

Once you reach Oludeniz you’ll get to swim in the bluest waters I’ve ever seen! 

Saklikent Gorge Or Boat Tour

On your second full day in Fethiye, you can visit Saklikent Gorge or go on a boat tour and visit the Butterfly Valley.

Both options are great, but Saklikent Gorge is the more affordable one. 

You’ll take a dolmus from Fethiye to the Gorge – you can check the timetable here.

It’s recommended you wear some type of water shoes as you’ll be walking through the water, and it is quite uncomfortable. 

If you opt for a boat trip, there’s no shortage of boat tours to choose from!

Butterfly Valley is one of the most unique beaches in the area, and you can only (safely) visit it from the sea, so the Butterfly Valley boat trip is a fantastic activity to add to your itinerary!

Where To Stay In Fethiye/Oludeniz

• TOP Pick: Roome
• Mid-range Option: Kordon Apartment
• Budget-Friendly Option: Sakura Hostel

DAY 11-12: Kas

Start your day early as you’re taking a bus from Fethiye to Kas today. This route is very easy as you can simply buy a ticket online and there are many daily departures. 

Kas City Center And Sleeping Giant Hike

Kas is a small town and the most picturesque place on this itinerary.

Since you only have an afternoon on your first day, you can either go to the beach or hike the mountain behind the city for a spectacular view.

I was surprised to learn that there was just one tiny pebbled beach in the city center, and the rest were rock beaches without a shallow area.

That city center beach is in the shade in the afternoon, so I decided to walk about 20 minutes (uphill!) to Büyükçakıl Beach.

Sleeping Giant Hike is a fun trail to hike before the sunset – as long as you get down before the night falls! The hike takes about an hour from the bottom to the top.

Boat Tour Or Beach Day

On your second day in Kas, you can go on a boat tour or spend the day on a beach.

Kekova Island and its sunken city are the most popular boat tour from Kas . It is a great compromise between a day on the beach and sightseeing. 

If you’re on a budget, you can also take a 1€ dolmus from Kas to Kaputas Beach. It is one of the most beautiful braces I’ve seen in Turkey and certainly worth the drive.

Where To Stay In Kas

• TOP Pick: Luff Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range Option: Paydos Pansiyon (I stayed here and they made homemade breakfast every day!)
• Budget-Friendly Option: Sole’n Blu Hostel

DAY 13-14: Antalya or Olympos

I have two options for you for your final days in Turkey. 

Depending on how you feel after a week of exploring the Turkish coastline, you can go to the city or into nature.

You’ll have to take a bus from Kas to both places. I didn’t see the option to book tickets online, but it was quite simple to catch a bus at the bus station.

Olympos is known as the hippy/backpacker hotspot of the Turquoise Coast. This small village is best known for treehouses and bungalows you can stay in.

If you’re a nature lover, it is a fantastic place to relax at the end of your trip, enjoy the beach, and explore Lycian ruins.

Alternatively, head to Antalya for a more urban setting.

I was surprised at how large Antalya was! It definitely had big city vibes, and I suggest you stay in the historic center if you want a more relaxed stay. 

I stayed a bit outside of the city center, and it felt like living in the city, not being on a holiday. 

Antalya is a great destination for sightseeing. I’ve never seen a waterfall landing into the sea before.

Where To Stay In Antalya

• TOP Pick: White Garden Hotel
• Mid-range Option: Zemira Garden Hotel
• Budget-Friendly Option: Be Bold Hostel

Where To Stay In Olympos

You need to stay in a treehouse if you’re going to Olympos – it is just part of the experience!

• TOP Pick: Koala Bungalows
• Budget-Friendly Option: Bayrams Treehouse

Don’t Make These Travel Mistakes!

Learn the most common travel mistakes, and what to do instead!

Final Thoughts: Turkey 2 Week Itinerary

That concludes this 2 week Turkey itinerary, covering Istanbul and the best of the Turkish coast.

This itinerary is perfect for warmer months when you can take advantage of pristine beaches along the Turquoise Coast.

I did this entire trip by public transport and on a budget!

The best thing about this Turkey itinerary is that is very customizable, you don’t need to move as much as I did. If you want to relax pick one of the towns and spend more time there.

Also, if your heart is set on visiting Capadoccia, skip Ephesus and Pamukkale, or one of the coastal towns and fly to Capadoccia instead.

I was backpacking Turkey on a budget and wasn’t planning to take a balloon flight this time, so I skipped it. 

As you can see, there are so many incredible places to visit in Turkey and I’m sure you’ll love your time in the country!

Natali is the founder of She's Abroad Again. She is a solo female travel and backpacking expert who traveled to more than 30 country over 3 continents, mostly solo and on a budget! She is a lawyer turned travel blogger as she traded long office hours in Croatia for a digital nomad life and currenly calls France her home.

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Denzil, you’ll take a dolmus (minibus) to Pamukkale. Can we carry cabin size luggage in dolmus ?

Yes! They have space in the back for suitcases, and they put my friend’s suitcase there when we took it!

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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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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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14-Day Turkish TripKit™ Itinerary

Last Updated on April 11, 2024

Here's a  12- to 14-day  TripKit™  self-guided itinerary through the  best of Turkey , including  Istanbul ,  Ephesus ,  Pamukkale ,  Konya ,  Cappadocia  and  Ankara , that you can plan on your own.

You can easily shorten, lengthen or modify it. Transport is mostly by  rental car , but you may also want to travel certain portions by  public transport .

If you'd like to see all the  top sights in Turkey in two weeks , and would like the professionals to make all the arrangements for you, contact one of my  recommended travel agencies  or look at these  fine 11- to 15-day guided tours of Turkey .

Day 1 — Arrival in  Istanbul

After you arrive, plan on  2 hours  to get through the airport, to your hotel, and registered. Even if your flight has been a long one you'll probably want to  get out and see something  in the city before catching up on your sleep.

(The experts say that the best way to handle jet lag is not to take a nap but to  maintain a normal schedule  in the new time zone.)

I'd suggest going to  Sultanahmet Square  and exploring the  Hippodrome , the  Blue Mosque , Basilica Cistern , and even  Hagia Sophia  (closed Monday) if there's time.

Plunging into a new place has an excitement and exhilaration that is among the greatest delights of travel. Your sense of discovery and wonder are at their highest, so  revel in the moment : allow yourself an hour or two to just relax in a  sidewalk café , taking in the new sights, sounds and smells, overhearing snippets of conversation, and adjusting your psyche to a different world.

Day 2 -  Byzantine  &  Ottoman  Istanbul

Get to  Topkapı Palace  (9-5, closed Tuesday; stay 2-3 hr) at 8:45 am, buy your tickets (or do you have a  Museum Pass ?), and be among the first to get to the  Harem  for the tour (9:30 am).

After you've enjoyed Topkapı, see the other sights around  Sultanahmet  that you didn't get to see yesterday.  Here are sample itineraries .

A  Turkish bath  (1-3 hr) can be amazingly refreshing after a long day! If not today, then later.

Day 3 - 19th-Century Istanbul

Start with a guided tour of  Dolmabahçe Sarayı  (closed Monday and Thursday), the sultan's most lavish palace, then explore the romance of  Beyoğlu , the heart of  Europeanized Istanbul , which thrived during the same era. (If you're not wild about ornate palaces, skip Dolmabahçe and go to  Taksim Square  and north to the  Military Museum  or southwest along  İstiklal Caddesi  (Grande Rue de Péra; 1-2 hr walking tour).

Lots to see along this main boulevard of 19th-century Istanbul: grand old embassy buildings, the  Pera Palace Hotel , lots of boutiques, and even a  whirling dervish hall . Plenty of  restaurants  for lunch. Walk downhill from  Tünel Square  at the southwestern end of İstiklal Caddesi to...

Galata Tower  (9-7, discount on Monday; stay 1/2 to 1 hr) Best views of the city from this Genoese cone-topped stone tower. Continue downhill to  Galata (Karaköy) Square  and...

Galata Bridge  (stay 1/2 hr) Cross the bridge over the  Golden Horn  which links Old and New Istanbul, taking in the view. At the southern end in  Eminönü , take the  Bağcılar tram  back to  Sultanahmet .

Day 4 - Istanbul to Selçuk (Ephesus)

Take an early morning flight to  İzmir 's  Adnan Menderes Airport (ADM). From the airport,  catch a train , or  rent a car  and drive ( here's how ) to  Selçuk  (62 km/39 miles, 1 hour), the town next to  Ephesus .

Arrive in  Selçuk ,  Şirince  or  Kuşadası  by 2:30 or 3 pm and check in at your  hotel . Visit  Ephesus Museum ,  St. John Basilica , and  İsa Bey Mosque . Dinner and overnight.

Day 5 - Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale

In the morning, explore the  ruins of Ephesus  (2 to 3 hours), then drive to  Aphrodisias  (143 km/89 miles, 2 hours); lunch either before leaving Selçuk or at Aphrodisias. Tour the ruins of  Aphrodisias  (1-1/2 to 2 hours), drive to the ancient mineral-water spa of  Pamukkale  (123 km/76 miles, 1-1/2 hours), arriving before dark. Settle in at a  hotel  in Pamukkale Town or  Karahayıt .

Day 6 - Pamukkale, drive to Konya

Enjoy a swim in  Pamukkale 's mineral waters (perhaps in the  Sacred Pool  itself), and explore the ruins of the  Roman  health resort of  Hierapolis .

After lunch, drive from Pamukkale by  Lake Eğirdir  to  Konya (450 km, 280 miles, 7 hours). (Yes, it's a long drive, but the countryside is interesting, and it saves you backtracking to İ zmir 's  Adnan Menderes airport  for a flight via  Istanbul  to  Cappadocia .)

Day 7 - Konya, Silk Road, Ihlara, Ürgüp

Visit Konya's  whirling dervish   Mevlana Museum ,  and the  Seljuk Turkish monuments  (1200s) on and around Konya's  Alaettin Hill  during the morning (2 to 3 hours), then drive east along the ancient  Silk Road  to  Sultanhan ı  (110 km, 68 miles) for a brief look at the grandest of  Seljuk Turkish caravanserais (built in 1229), and lunch.

Continue through  Aksaray  (42 km, 26 miles, 40 minutes). If you want to explore the  Ihlara (Peristrema) Valley , turn right (south) 11 km east of Aksaray for Selime, Belisırma and Ihlara (23 km). Spend 2 or 3 hours at Ihlara, then head east via  Güzelyurt  to  Derinkuyu  or  Kaymaklı  to see its  underground city , though if you don't watch your time carefully on this day you may arrive after it is closed for the day (17:00/5 pm). From Derinkuyu drive north to  Nevşehir , then east to  Ürgüp .

If you don't want to see Ihlara, from Aksaray go east along the Silk Road to  Nevşehir  (65 km, 40 miles, 1 hour). There are more  Seljuk caravansarays  along this road if you're interested, particularly the  Ağzıkarahan  10 km (6 miles) east of Aksaray. As you continue east you'll pass the ruined-then-restored  Tepesidelik Han  13 km (8 miles) east, and the  Alay Han,  33 km (21 miles) east of  Aksaray .

If you're interested in a  hot-air balloon flight  over Cappadocia, make your reservations well in advance of arrival.  More...

Day 8 - Göreme, Zelve, Avanos, Uçhisar

Visit the  Göreme Open Air Museum  in the morning (2 to 3 hours), then drive to the  Zelve Valley  for more cave-church explorations. Have lunch in either  Göreme Town  or  Avanos . If you have time, also visit  Uçhisar .

Day 9 - Hot-Air Balloon, Underground City, drive to Ankara

Get up and out before dawn to fly in a  hot-air balloon  over  Cappadocia . After you land, have  breakfast , then explore more of Cappadocia. If you didn't get a chance to visit the  Underground Cities  during your drive from Konya, do it today.

In the afternoon, drive to  Ankara  (308 km, 191 miles, 4 hours) for a quick visit on your way back to Istanbul. Find your  Ankara hotel , and turn in your rental car.

(To shorten this itinerary by a day, turn in your rental car in Ürgüp and take the  evening flight  from  Kayseri  to Istanbul.)

Day 10 -  Ankara

Visit the  Museum of Anatolian Civilisations  (closed Monday; 1 hour), then take a walk through the  Hisar  (citadel) just uphill from it, and have  lunch  in a restaurant in one of the old restored Hisar houses. After lunch, take a taxi to the  Anıtkabir ( Atatürk 's mausoleum).

You can travel to  Istanbul  by any of several means:

- Take a  bus  (fast, frequent, cheap, comfortable, convenient)

-   Fly  (fastest, but relatively inconvenient and possibly expensive)

- Take a  train  (cheap, most comfortable, and relatively fast if you take the  high-speed train )

- Drive your  rental car  (tiring, and relatively expensive because of  fuel cost )

Day 11 - Istanbul

Enjoy a late  breakfast  on the rooftop terrace of your hotel with a view of the sea (most hotels have them), but take the  tram  to the  Eminönü ferry docks  to arrive by 10 or 10:15 am to get a seat on the  Bosphorus tour ferry . Leave the boat at  Sarıyer , have  lunch , then take taxis south along the  European shore of the Bosphorus  stopping at Büyükdere to see the  Sadberk Hanım Museum , and at Bebek to see the fortress of  Rumelihisarı . Have  afternoon tea  in the shore village of  Ortaköy , with its baroque waterside  mosque  and  old  Ottoman  houses .

In the evening, enjoy a  Turkish bath .

Day 12 - Istanbul Excursion

If you have an extra day, take a  one-day or overnight  excursion :

Comfortable day-long excursion by bus or car to see the  fine old mosques  and lively  bazaars  of the second  Ottoman capital, delightfully free of tourist crowds.  More...

Zoom south across the  Sea of Marmara  in a fast catamaran to see this first capital of the  Ottoman Empire , with its  fine old mosques ,  silk weaving  trade, and  thermal spas ; make it an overnight and see  İznik (Nicaea)  as well.  More...

Çanakkale - Gallipoli

Long  day-trip  by bus or car to see the  Dardanelles , the  Gallipoli battlefields , and even ancient  Troy ; possible in a  very long day , but better as an  overnight .  More...

Day 13 - Istanbul Shopping

It's not a bad idea to leave most of your  shopping  until the last day so you won't have to lug your purchases around with you.

Start the day by seeing the brilliant  Byzantine mosaics  in the  Kariye Museum  out by the gigantic  city walls .

Spend most of the day in the  Grand Bazaar  and the  Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar , or in the boutiques and antique shops on and off  İstiklal Caddesi  in  Beyoğlu .

In the evening, take a taxi to  Beyoğlu  for dinner and perhaps an evening in one of the small cafes or music clubs.

Day 14 - Departure

—by  Tom Brosnahan

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Complete 2 Weeks Itinerary Turkey

Turkey has been captivating travelers for centuries with its world-renowned archaeological sites, unique landscapes (such as those found at Pamukkale and Cappadocia), and its cosmopolitan cities (say hello to Istanbul). As such, with so much to see, this 2 weeks itinerary Turkey is here to help you uncover the best of this mesmerising country…

How long to spend in Turkey –

The first thing you need to know when planning a Turkey 2 week itinerary is that the country is huge! It’s more than 3X larger than the UK (or the combined size of Texas and Louisiana), so one of the biggest mistakes visitors can make is underestimating how long it takes to travel between destinations.

In this way, a week in Turkey doesn’t really allow enough time to see everything, making anywhere between 10-14 days preferable. With my 2 week Turkey itinerary, I was able to squeeze in visiting a lot of the most iconic sites without feeling rushed. For me, it was the perfect balance between historical cities, scenic landscapes, and all-important beach days…

Best time to visit Turkey? –

Turkey is a year round travel destination, yet April, May, and September are largely considered to be the best months to visit.

This is because the summer months are often uncomfortably hot, especially when you’re planning to spend lots of time outdoors exploring. Plus, June-August is also when you can expect the most crowds. Comparatively, winter can be quite cold, with snow in Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Therefore, I personally chose to visit in September, as there were fewer crowds, yet the weather was still warm (averaging around 18-25°C) which is perfect for both touring and relaxing.

Top Tip: Due to Turkey’s size, the weather can vary across the country. For example, Istanbul tends to be far colder than the south coast throughout the year. Therefore, it’s best to pack layers when planning a cross-country trip.

Turkey Travel Tips (Religion, Language & Currency) –

Straddling the border of two continents, Turkey’s culture is a unique melting pot of both Western and Eastern customs. Thus, whilst the vast majority of its people are Muslim, the country is still quite liberal with no restrictions on how visitors should dress, etc. Plus, whilst the official language is Turkish, English is also widely spoken.

Leading on from the above, when visiting you can expect a warm hospitality from the Turkish people. Yet it’s important to remain vigilant as the country did face political unrest in the late 2010s and has experienced some recent terrorist incidents. This said, overall it is considered safe to travel and I didn’t experience anything that made me worried or uncomfortable during my time in the country.

Luckily for your bank account, it’s also relatively inexpensive to travel in Turkey, with food, transport, and accommodation all being very affordable. The Turkish Lira (TL) is the official currency used, yet you may find that some places also accept Euros. I found it best to exchange a small amount of cash for Turkish Lira pre-travel, and then find an ATM or bank to withdraw any extra needed.

Top Tip: Whilst Turkey is not extremely conservative, I’d recommend that ladies carry a scarf or wrap to cover their heads/shoulders if needed, especially if you plan to visit any Mosques.

How To Travel in Turkey –

The cheapest option for traveling around Turkey is via public transport. Even so, whilst it’s possible to travel by train or bus (together they connect much of the country) I would suggest hiring a car to explore. This will allow you to be more flexible with your itinerary, and means you can stop off to see more places along the way!

It’s easy to navigate around Turkey as the roads are in great condition. Plus, they’re serviced by plenty of petrol stations and restaurants if you need a break. I did discover that there’s a strong police presence along the highways, so be prepared that you may be stopped at checkpoints and asked to show your passport.

You may also find that the quickest way to travel between some popular destinations is by taking an internal flight. With only 2 weeks in Turkey, time is limited, so heading to the airport for key journeys will save you many precious hours (more on this in my itinerary below).

TOP TIP: If you’re traveling solo or worried about driving in Turkey, going on a group tour is another fantastic way to discover the country!

2 Weeks Itinerary Turkey –

Ready to get into my day-by-day suggestions for what to see and do? This 2 weeks itinerary Turkey delves into Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye, and more…

Days 1-2 Istanbul:

All the best Turkey itineraries start from its cultural capital: Istanbul . The city has fantastic flight connections to most places in Europe, thus making it the easiest place to start your trip. More than this though, the city can’t be missed due to its sheer number of bucket list sites and 3,000 year history.

During my own two weeks in Turkey, my flight into Istanbul landed in the afternoon. This meant I sadly only had 24 hours to explore the city the following day. This is a tough ask since Istanbul is now one of the largest cities in Europe. Yet, with a carefully planned 1 day Istanbul Itinerary , I found enough time to see the highlights.

Leading on from above, with limited time in Istanbul, it’s important to prioritise what you most want to see and do. My top suggestions include:  Topkapi Palace (the former home of Ottoman Sultans), the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Mosque , the Basilica Cistern , and Hagia Sophia (which is argued to be the 8th wonder of the ancient world).

DID YOU KNOW? Istanbul is a “bridge” between continents. The city spreads across both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, meaning one-half of Istanbul sits in Europe, and the other in Asia. Thus, a fantastic way to see the city if you have time is by taking a Bosphorus river cruise.

Day 3 Fly or Drive to Cappadocia:

Above I mentioned that you may want to take internal flights during your Turkey itinerary for key journeys. This was mainly in reference to traveling to and from Cappadocia. Insanely beautiful, the region is a must-visit. It’s become famous for its captivating landscapes and photogenic hot air balloon rides. Yet, unfortunately, it’s around 500 miles (756km) away from Istanbul.

In this way, it takes around 8-10 hours to reach by car. In contrast, Turkish Airlines operates daily hour-long flights out of Istanbul to Nevşehir (Cappadocia’s airport) . Meaning, flying is by far the most convenient and quickest way to reach Cappadocia. This is important since you’ll want to spend as much time as possible discovering the beautiful “land of the horses”.

On the other hand, I did actually drive from Istanbul to Cappadocia during my own trip (it’s with hindsight that I suggest flying instead, as I would have loved more time in the region). This said driving is a fantastic way to see more of the country.

For example, we broke up the drive by stopping overnight in the vibrant university town of Eskisehir . Sitting along the banks of the Porsuk River, it has a cosmopolitan, modern, yet relaxing vibe, which I very much enjoyed after the chaos of Istanbul.

Another surprising destination to see on the road between Istanbul and Cappadocia is the beautiful Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake). Despite being the second-largest lake in Turkey, it’s extremely shallow. Couple this with its vast natural salt flats, and you get a seemingly endless panoramic view of glittering white as far as the eye can see!

SIDE NOTE: Tuz Gölü had dried up when I visited, somewhat minimising the sparkling reflection. But, this is not to say that the visit wasn’t worthwhile, and I’d still recommend stopping if you decide to drive from Istanbul to Cappadocia.

Days 4-6 Cappadocia:

However you decide to reach Cappadocia, with my Turkey itinerary 14 days you’ll have a minimum of 48 hours to enjoy the iconic destination and its spectacular landscapes.

Of course, the main reason a lot of people want to visit Cappadocia (myself included), is to enjoy arguably the most beautiful hot air balloon ride in the world! Most mornings, 100s of balloons take flight in the region, drifting through wondrous valleys as the sunrises. A true once in a lifetime experience!

In addition to the hot air balloons, I was pleased to discover that there are plenty of other wonderful things to do in Cappadocia. For one, there’s a plethora of unmissable viewpoints that offer different perspectives over the unique terrain and “fairy chimneys ” found in the area. Incredibly, these are thought to have been created via an eruption from the nearby Mount Erciyes 30-60 million years ago.

Another must-see is the Göreme Open Air Museum where you can discover thousand year old caves that feature intricate religious frescoes and drawings.

Furthermore, whilst in Cappadocia, I recommend basing yourself out of the uniquely charming historic village of Göreme. Close to the Open Air Museum, it feels like stepping back in time since the majority of the buildings are still carved out of the rock, including the restaurants and hotels! Staying in a so-called “Cave Hotel” is all part of the Cappadocia experience.

Overall, its natural beauty and distinctive history made Cappadocia my favourite destination of this entire Turkey itinerary!

TOP TIP: When planning your Cappadocia itinerary make sure you try and book a hot air balloon ride for your first morning. This is because having a few “backup” days is worthwhile in case the flight gets cancelled, which isn’t uncommon.

Days 6-8 Antalya:

Whilst, I could have easily spent a whole two weeks exploring Cappadocia, the diversity of Turkey means that there are more beautiful destinations to discover, none more so than Antalya.

Sitting along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Antalya is known for its sun-drenched beaches, and as such is the perfect place to sit back and relax for a few days.

More than this though, the ‘Old Town’ is full of charm and character. Marked by Hadrian’s Gate, a triumphant triple arch that was built in 130AD to celebrate the visit of Emperor Hadrian, it’s full of Ottoman-style houses, delicious restaurants, and local shops. Plus, if you head towards the traditional harbour you’ll be treated to terrific views out across the water!

Similarly to traveling from Istanbul, there are daily flights from Cappadocia to Antalya which take around one hour. Again, this would be my recommended option as the drive is 7-8 hours long and there’s not much to see on the way.

Day 9 Travel to Fethiye (Via Saklikent Gorge):

Located in the Aegean region of southwest Turkey, Fethiye is the next stop on my suggested itinerary. As such, more immaculate beaches and turquoise waters await. But first, Saklikent Gorge can’t be missed en route from Antalya…

Pristinely beautiful, Saklikent is one of the deepest canyons in the world! 1000m deep and 18km long, it’s a delight to explore. For a slight fee, visitors are invited to traverse wooden walkways, discover waterfalls and step into ancient caves.

TOP TIP: The entrance fee to Saklıkent Gorge is super affordable at just 10TL per person.

Whilst I did find the Gorge to be quite busy, once passed the bulk of the crowds, it felt like a true adventure. I loved ambling over the rocks and wading through the refreshing river! Plus, its natural beauty is undeniably striking.

After exploring the delights of Saklikent Gorge, it’s only a short drive onto the aforementioned town of Fethiye . Framed by towering mountains and marked by a natural harbour, it’s another paradise for sun-seeking in Turkey…

Day 10 Fethiye:

With just one day of this Turkey travel itinerary to spend in Fethiye, you may be tempted to just chill at your hotel and wander the local area. However, the true highlight here is the magical Aegean Sea. Therefore a day on the water cannot be missed!

In this way, you’ll find that there are countless options when it comes to choosing a boat tour, but I’d suggest bargaining with locals to find a good deal (or you can book online ).

Prices can vary from £300 to just £30 for a tour on large ‘pirate’ styled ships. For me, these seemed extremely crowded and busy (far from the relaxing trip I was after). So, I opted to spend a bit more money to enjoy a more local experience and wasn’t disappointed. Not much can beat sailing between aquamarine bays, snorkelling, and lounging in the sun!

Once back ashore, if you’re an adrenaline seeker, you may want to head straight to Ölüdeniz beach and Mount Babadağ (which sits above the bay). This is because Fethiye is seen as one of the best places in the world to go paragliding!

This is one experience I regret missing out on during my 2 weeks in Turkey . However, I won’t complain about having a reason to return to the heavenly Fethiye!

Day 11 Pamukkale (Stay in Kusadasi):

After several days of enjoying Turkey’s fantastic Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, I felt ready to jump back into sightseeing and continue my 2 weeks itinerary Turkey by visiting more bucket-list attractions, starting with Pamukkale (which is a three-hour drive from Fethiye).

Translating to mean “Cotton Castle”, Pamukkale is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. It’s comprised of gleaming white terraced pools that were formed via ancient hot springs flowing over the mountain’s edge.

No one quite knows when Pamukkale was created, but the springs have drawn visitors since the second century BC. With average temperatures between 35-100°C, the aquamarine water still flows, meaning visitors can still bathe in the ‘travertines’ today.

This said you won’t need long to explore the pools at Pamukkale. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, the travertines get extremely busy. Thus, I found it to be more of a “dip your toes in” experience as opposed to sitting down to relax in the hot springs.

TOP TOP: The oldest travertines, found at the top of the hill, are now closed to visitors to help preserve them. This has created a wonderful viewpoint whereby you can look out over the pools without seeing any people.

Pamukkale is also home to the incredible ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis , which sits atop the “Cotton Castle”. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, the “Holy City” is littered with well-preserved Byzantine ruins. These include a theatre built to accommodate 10 thousand people, and of course, a Roman Baths.

Another popular attraction is the Antique Pool, which Cleopatra is rumoured to have swum in… Today, the pool has a clear manmade influence, with retaining walls and marble columns placed at the bottom. Nonetheless, it’s definitely a unique place to take a dip!

TOP TIP: To enter both Hierapolis and Pamukkale tickets cost 25TL. Note though that access to Cleopatra’s pool is an extra 32TL.

After spending a good few hours exploring Pamukkale, continue your Turkey travel itinerary with a three-hour drive to Kusadasi (my recommended base for the next few nights). This growing modern city is home to a large cruise port, meaning it’s got a bustling atmosphere and fantastic nightlife. However, it’s also ‘the gateway to Ephesus’ and therefore can’t be missed…

Day 12 Ephesus (Visit from Kusadasi):

Ephesus was one of the attractions that I was most excited to visit during my two weeks in Turkey, and it didn’t disappoint…

Thought to have been founded in the eleventh century B.C., Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world! Once an important port, it was home to incredible monuments like the Temple of Artemis (one of the original 7 wonders of the world). As such, at its peak, the city was second only to Rome as a cosmopolitan center of culture.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that Ephesus is an extremely popular place to visit in Turkey. So, despite staying in Kusadasi (which is only 25 minutes away), I recommend visiting as early in the morning as possible to avoid the crowds, namely cruise day-trippers.

As such, when visiting I made sure to arrive when the gates opened at 8:30am, and headed straight for the main sights. Some of the most popular things to see at Ephesus are the iconic Library of Celsus , the amphitheatre, and the main harbour street. Walking around, I found it easy to imagine how impressive the city must have been!

TOP TIP: Tickets to Ephesus cost 200TL (10 Euros), and the summer opening hours are 8:30am to 6pm .

Another thing not to be missed is the covered Terrace House Complex. You do have to pay a small additional fee to enter, but the excavated villas offer a captivating insight into the inhabitant’s everyday lives, with graffiti-covered walls, and amazingly preserved mosaics and frescoes.

Overall, touring Ephesus will take a good few hours. Yet, by visiting early in the morning, you’ll still have time in the afternoon for a bit of relaxation back in Kusadasi. “Ladies Beach” is within close proximity to the city center and has excellent facilities with sun lounges to rent and several beach bars. Better still simply hit up your hotel pool as I did!

Day 13 Ancient City of Troy and Pergamon (Stay in İzmir):

The penultimate day of my 2 weeks itinerary Turkey, ends in the vibrant city of İzmir . Yet first, more ancient cities await starting with Hisarlik , which historians have identified as the legendary city of Troy …

Just 90 minutes from Kusadasi, this stop is honestly a slight novelty, but any fans of Greek Mythology (or the Brad Pitt movie ‘Troy’) would enjoy it. The first thing to know is yes there is a “Trojan Horse” replica, but overall, the site is quite underwhelming since the city was actually repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt.

This said I did find it fascinating to learn about the archaeological research that has gone into unpacking the city’s secrets. In addition, being able to distinctly see the different “layers” of the city, as it was rebuilt throughout each century, is quite unique.

After spending a little bit of time exploring Troy, we drove onwards towards the often-overlooked Acropolis of Pergamon, which is located just north of İzmir.

Founded in the 3rd century BC, Kale Hill sets the scene for Pergamon as it’s marked by steep sloping terrain. The Acropolis (Royal City) crowns the hill, with further Byzantine and Ottoman remains found on the lower slopes.

This hilltop position means the views at Pergamon are enough to warrant a visit alone. Plus, they can be enjoyed from the outset as you ride a cable car up towards the ancient city. What I loved most about Pergamon however was how quiet it was. We basically had the whole site to ourselves and it made exploring the ruins even more exciting!

Although less well preserved and excavated than Ephesus, notable things to look out for in Pergamon include its theatre (the steepest in the ancient world) and library, which once had an incredible collection of 200,000 scrolls, until Mark Antony gifted them all to Cleopatra…

As stated, I think Pergamon is severely underrated as in many ways I preferred it to Ephesus! Even so, you only need around an hour to discover the much smaller site, meaning you should arrive in İzmir before it gets too late.

İzmir is another Turkish city located on the Aegean Sea. With a palm-lined promenade and Instagramable streets, it undoubtedly has a youthful feel, and intriguing cross-cultural history. However, as the third largest city in Turkey, it’s the international airport that makes İzmir the perfect place to end a Turkey itinerary.

Day 14 Travel Back To Istanbul from Izmir:

The final day of my Turkey 2 week itinerary is sadly largely a travel day. As stated above İzmir is perfectly located for easy direct flights to other destinations across Europe. Likewise, there are regular flights back to Istanbul if you’d like to make your 2 weeks in Turkey a circular trip. I opted for the latter to enjoy some time back in Istanbul, which I’d highly recommend as there’s always more to see in the bustling city.

That concludes my guide on how to see the best of Turkey in 2 weeks. As you can probably tell, there is a seemingly endless amount of beautiful and interesting places to visit across the country. So, whilst this is definitely the best Turkey itinerary for seeing the highlights in two weeks, there are lots more places to discover. Thus I’m in no doubt that I’ll soon be returning…

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The Ultimate 2 Week Turkey Itinerary

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Located where Asia meets Europe, Turkey is an incredibly fascinating country. Thanks to centuries of rich history, this unique country has no shortage of monuments and cultural attractions. Turkey also has beautiful beaches, stunning geological formations, and exciting cities to explore. We’ve put together a 2 week Turkey itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Turkey.

Table of Contents Show

What to do and see in istanbul, where to eat in istanbul, where to stay in istanbul, what to do and see in cappadocia, where to eat in cappadocia, where to stay in cappadocia, what to do and see in antalya, where to eat in antalya, where to stay in antalya, what to do and see in pamukkale, where to eat in pamukkale, where to stay in pamukkale, what to do and see in bodrum, where to eat in bodrum, where to stay in bodrum, final thoughts:.

Two weeks is barely enough time to see even a portion of what Turkey has to offer. Since the country is large, we recommend flying from one location to the next when direct flights are available to save time.

Your adventure in Turkey will start in Istanbul before heading off to other parts of the country. We’ve included a mix of days lounging on Turkey’s beaches among more active days exploring ancient sites, wandering city streets, and taking in Turkey’s countless natural wonders.

Day 1: Istanbul

Located at the crossroad between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a fascinating city with a rich culture and history. The city is the largest in Turkey and was founded in the 7th century BCE. The city is full of centuries worth of beautiful architecture and art. On your first day in Istanbul, you’ll head to its most famous square to begin seeing just a few of the city’s most impressive attractions.

Most visitors head straight to Sultanahmet Square on their first day in Instanbul for good reason. The square, also known as the Hippodrome, is surrounded by the city’s famous mosques and museums. The square itself is home to three famous monuments the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Colossus.

Here are a few of the sites you’ll want to check out.

• Blue Mosque
• Hagia Sophia Museum
• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
• Topkapi Palace Museum

Istanbul’s food scene is thriving thanks to the mix of cultural influences over the years. For food near Sultanahmet Square, try out Balıkçı Sabahattın for delicious, simple fish dishes, Matbah for Persian-inspired cuisine, or Giritli Restaurant for excellent meze dishes. For a sweet treat, head to Hafiz Mustafa to try out a variety of Turkish desserts.

• $$$ – Ajwa Sultanahmet
• $$ – Tan Hotel
• $ – Sultanahmet Hotel Han

Day 2: Istanbul

Chances are that you weren’t able to visit everything at Sultanahmet Square during your first day there. Today, you’ll head back to explore more and also do some shopping.

Start off the morning by returning to Sultanahmet Square to finish up any sites you weren’t able to make it to the previous day. Then, head to the Grand Bazaar nearby. The Grand Bazaar has more than 4000 shops selling almost everything you can imagine. If you want, you can take a guided tour to help you navigate the streets. There’s a lot going on in the area!

Afterward, take a 20-minute walk to the Spice Bazaar. While you’ll find a little overlap in some items, the Spice Bazaar is mainly spices and foods. It’s also not quite as crowded as the Grand Bazaar.

While walking around the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, you’ll probably see several options that look great. At the Grand Bazaar in particular, you’ll find amazing kabobs and seafood. For lunch, check out Donerci Sahin Usta, a great doner kebap shop that is right next to the Grand Bazaar. For a cheap meal with views of Sultanahmet Square, try out Donerci Sahin Usta.

Day 3: Istanbul

Istanbul is unique in that it’s located on two continents. Today, you’ll take the ferry across the Bosphorus to explore the Asian side of the city. This area tends to be less crowded and more residential. It’s a great way to get a more relaxed feel of this ancient city.

Here are a few of the highlights in the Kadikoy district worth checking out.

• Visit the Yeldeğirmeni neighborhood
• Take a ride on the Kadikoy-Moda nostalgic tramway
• Photograph the Kadikoy Bull Statue
• Walk to the Kadikoy Lighthouse
• Shop on Bahariye Street
• Browse the books at Akmar Passage

Try out a traditional Turkish breakfast while in Kadikoy. One of the best places to try out is the Kuff Cafe in the Yeldeğirmeni district. A few other great restaurants are Çiya Sofrası for traditional Turkish food, Ekspres İnegol Köftecisi for Turkish meatballs, or Halil Lahmacun for lahmacun.

Day 4: Istanbul

For your final day in Istanbul, you’ll spend some time admiring the different architectural styles represented in the city. With such a long and varied history, there’s a lot to see in this ancient city.

Start the morning exploring the Dolmabahce Palace, the first European-style palace built in the city. Get there early because only a certain number of visitors are allowed each day. Then, head to the Galata Tower, one of the tallest and oldest towers in the city.

Walk over to the Balat district on the Asian side of Istanbul to wander the small cobblestone streets and look at the colorful houses. This area is currently in the process of revitalizing, so you’ll find a bunch of fun bars and cafes popping up.

While still on the Asian side of Istanbul, head to the Suleymaniye Mosque. This mosque was built by architect Sinan for Suleyman in 1550 to recapture the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

Try out a fresh simit, a sesame seed-encrusted baked good, from Galata Simiticisi in the morning. While exploring Balat, try out Balat Kapi for delicious cafe-style meals or Sahil to experience a Turkish tavern atmosphere.

Day 5: Cappadocia

Travel time: 1.5-hour flight

Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia looks like a place straight from a fairytale thanks to its stunning geographical features. The region is most well known for its cave hotels in the “fairy chimney” rock formations. To make the most of your time in Turkey, fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia because driving takes almost 8 hours.

Cappadocia is the perfect place for hiking thanks to its beautiful scenery. The most impressive hike is the Red and Rose Valley trail, a 3-mile walk featuring the area’s unique pink-tinged rock formations. Another popular nearby hike is the Meskendir Valley past hermits’ caves and pigeon houses. If you want to take both hikes start with this one first and you’ll be able to connect with the trail for the Red and Rose Valley hike at the end.

After your hike, finish up the day shopping in Goreme Village where you can find items like rugs and handmade jewelry. You’ll need to be up early the next day, so make sure you get enough rest.

Cappadocia is the second most-visited destination in Turkey, so there are plenty of restaurants to try. For a good meal on a budget in Goreme, try Cafe Safak. For authentic regional cuisine, try out Inci Cave Restaurant. To eat at a family-run restaurant with a cozy, intimate atmosphere, head to Top Deck.

• $$$ – Museum Hotel
• $$ – Antalian Houses
• $ – Cappadocia Caves Hotel

Day 6: Cappadocia

Today, you’ll be exploring the northern part of Cappadocia. If you choose to take a tour, this is usually called the “Red Tour.” Different companies offer a similar tour. If you don’t want to go with a tour group, you can visit the sites on your own instead.

One of the best ways to see Cappadocia is by air. Each morning, visitors take hot air balloon rides to get the best views of the area. Wake up early to see hundreds of hot air balloons in flight or take a ride yourself. The balloons typically take off between 5:00 and 5:30 am. The hot air balloons are weather dependent. Plan to go today, so you can reschedule for the following day as a backup if needed.

You’ll have plenty of time to take the Red Tour after the hot air balloons have landed. Here are the standard attractions that you’ll find on most versions of the Red Tour.

• Uchisar Panorama
• Goreme Open Air Museum
• Pasabag Monks Valley
• Devernt Valley
• Love Valley

Day 7: Cappadocia

Today, it’s time for another tour of the region. You’ll be exploring the southwest part of Cappadocia. If you choose to take a tour, this is usually called the “Green Tour.”Of course, if you don’t want to go with a tour group, you can visit the sites on your own instead. Unlike with the Red Tour, you’ll need to rent a car to see most of these places.

If the hot air balloons were canceled the previous day due to the weather, you get to wake up early again to either be a spectator or a participant. Seeing the masses of hot air balloons rise over the landscape is a magical experience either way.

A little later in the morning, you’ll start the Green Tour. These are the attractions most Green Tours stop to see.

• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Ihlara Valley
• Selime Monastery
• Pigeon Valley

Day 8: Antalya

Travel time: 1 hour 15-minute flight

Located right on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is one of Turkey’s most popular destinations. Around this breathtaking city, you’ll find historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and stunning waterfalls. You’ll spend your first day in Antalya exploring Kaleici Old Town.

Before Antalya became the resort town it is today, it was an ancient city founded in the Hellenistic period. Explore the Old Town to see the city’s centuries of history.

Stop to see Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Cami, an Ottoman mosque dating back to the 18th century. You’ll also pass by the ruin of Hadrian’s Gate which was built in 130 CE as well as the ruins of the Kesik Minare Cami a Roman temple dating back to the 2nd century. 

As you wander through the cobblestoned streets, you’ll see the Ottoman-era homes lining each side. You can shop for souvenirs at the different stores. Make sure to stop by the Suna-Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum as well.

For delicious seafood in the Old Town, go to Ayar Meyhanesi. If you’d like a vegetarian meal, try out Rokka Pizza Falafel. If you’re in the mood for kebab or lahmacun, one of the best places to go is Pasa Bey Kebap Restaurant.

• $$$ – Casa Sur Antalya
• $$ – Akra V Hotel
• $ – Gold Coast Hotel

Day 9: Antalya

You can’t visit Antalya without visiting the beach. If your hotel or resort has a private beach, head there first. If not, don’t worry. You can spend the day at one of the city’s lovely public beaches.

Konyaalti Beach is by far the most popular beach in Antalya. The beach is pebbled with some sand, and the water is beautifully clear and good for swimming. Once you’ve had enough of the water, you can go on the Ferris wheel in Aktur Park or explore the Antalya Aquarium. For more beautiful views, take the Tunektepe Telefreik cable car up the hill on the west end of the beach.

Another popular beach in the city is Lara Beach. The water is just as clear as at Konyaalti Beach, but the shore is sandy. This beach is perfect for activities like kitesurfing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and boat rides.

Enjoy views of Konyaalti Beach while sampling delicious mezzes at Lara Balikevi. Another restaurant with beautiful views is 7 Mehmet where you can take in the scenery while trying traditional recipes.

Day 10: Antalya

Beaches aren’t the only beautiful natural features in Antalya. You can also view two beautiful waterfalls nearby on the Duden River.

The easiest way to get to the Upper Duden and Lower Duden falls is with a guided tour. At the Upper Duden falls, you can walk in the gorge and explore the cave hidden behind the falls. The Lower Duden falls is best viewed from Duden Park. It’s also possible to take a boat tour to see the falls up close.

If you have time after seeing the waterfalls, head to the bazaar in Antalya. You’ll find all kinds of unique items at the stalls.

Start your day off with a full breakfast at either Cankaya Simitcisi or Tarihi Ankara Simit Fırını. Have a fancy dinner in the evening at Gunaydin Kebap + Kesap Steakhouse. Also, don’t leave Antalya without trying the incredibly smooth ice cream at Akdeniz Dondurma.

Day 11: Pamukkale

Travel time: 4 hours by bus

Pamukkale is most recognizable for its white calcite travertines positioned on the mountain above the town. Right above these photogenic bluffs is the ancient city of Hierapolis which was once a spa city dating back to Roman times.

At this UNESCO World Heritage site, the main attraction is the white terraces filled with thermal waters. After exploring the hot springs, spend time visiting the Hierapolis Archeological site which also includes entrance to the Archeological Museum. If you’d like, you can also visit the Antique Pool, which is also called Cleopatra’s Swimming Pool, nearby.

For a simple cheap meal, try out Kayas Wine Houser. Another good place to eat is White House, a family-run restaurant serving home-cooked meals.

• $$$ – Lycus River Thermal Hotel
• $$ – The Cotton House
• $ – Melrose House Hotel

Day 12: Bodrum

Turkey’s most elegant seaside getaway, Bodrum is filled with beautiful streets, welcoming cafes, and crowned with a castle. With an abundance of beaches, trendy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, it’s no wonder visitors love this town.

Spend your first day in Bodrum visiting the Old Town, a neighborhood with narrow streets and stone houses. This area has fun boutiques to browse and cafes where you can relax. 

You’ll also want to visit St. Peter Castle, built by the Knight Hospitallers of Rhodes during the 15th century. While there you, should make sure to visit the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. You’ll get to see artifacts ranging from household items dating back to the Bronze age to pieces of sunken ships.

Right in the city center of Bodrum, you can make reservations to enjoy the upscale cuisine at Avlu Bodrum Bistro & Bar. If you’re up for it, in the evening, try out Mabolla Bodrum Bar for excellent dishes and cocktails in a great atmosphere.

• $$$ – Platinum Otel & Restaurant Bodrum
• $$ – Bodrium Otel & Spa
• $ – Marina Hotel Bodrum

Day 13: Bodrum

You can’t visit Bodrum without spending some time on the beach. Today, you’ll see one of Bodrum’s most impressive historical sites in the morning, and then spend the rest of the day relaxing by the water.

Start your day off with a visit to the Mausoleum of Mausolus. While there are only ruins left today, this structure was one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. It’s definitely worth the visit.

The beach in Bodrum Town tends to get busy quickly, so take a taxi to Gumbet Beach just 15 minutes away. Besides relaxing on the golden shores, you can try out different water sports or go scuba diving to see the area’s tropical fish. If you want to spend the day at a beach club where you can enjoy the water along with music, food, and cocktails, try out Alora Beach Club.

You’ll find plenty of places to eat along the beach. A few of the most popular restaurants to eat at are The Windy Bay, Ricks Place, and Mistral Bay Steak & Wine House.

Day 14: Bodrum and Departure

Travel time: 1.5 hour flight from Bodrum to Istanbul

Since Bodrum is one of Turkey’s biggest getaway destinations, there are multiple flights between Bodrum and Istanbul each day. If you have time, spend your morning doing one or two more activities in Bodrum.

You may or may not have time to linger in Bodrum city before catching your flight back to Istanbul. If you do have a little extra time, here are a few interesting things to see on your last day in Bodrum.

• Zeki Muren Museum of Art – a museum devoted to one of Turkey’s most famous artists
• Bodrum Windmills – a location best enjoyed for the panoramic views of the area
• Bodrum Bazaar – a busy Turkish market with a good range of stalls

Hopefully, you’re now ready to begin your trip to Turkey. You’ll quickly see why this country is currently one of the hottest destinations for travelers.

Take a look at more of our guides to Turkey as you plan your trip. Looking to extend your travels? We have plenty of guides for destinations all over Europe and Asia .

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2 Weeks in Turkey: The 4 Best Itinerary Ideas for a 14-Day Vacation

Turkey is a large country and has a wealth of tourism resources, making it an ideal destination for families and couples. The delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, and distinctive geography add to its charm for celebrating a graduation, honeymoon, or anniversary.

Generally, 14 days is sufficient to fully enjoy the key attractions in Turkey at a leisurely pace, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. Additionally, our clients also tend to combine Greece with Turkey for extra culture plus leisure on the Aegean islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos.

Nonetheless, selecting your destinations and figuring out how to connect them could prove challenging.

Continue reading to find out a variety of itinerary ideas for 14 days, ensuring that you make the most of your time.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Itinerary List

Itinerary 1: 2-week highlights of turkey, itinerary 2: 2-week summer vacation in turkey for families with teenagers, itinerary 3: 2-week turkey inland city tour for winter scenery, itinerary 4: 2-week romantic tour in turkey and greece.

If this is your first visit to Turkey, this itinerary includes all of the must-see destinations to give you a comprehensive experience of this historic country.

From Istanbul (which has served as the capital of multiple empires) to Cappadocia (see the "fairy chimneys"), then to Izmir (for Ephesus with its Roman ruins) and Pamukkale (for natural hot springs and travertine terraces), and finally to Antalya (a world-famous beach resort city).

Below is the itinerary breakdown:

• Days 1–4: Istanbul (Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, Istiklal Avenue, and a Bosphorus sunset cruise)
• Days 5–8: Cappadocia (Love Valley, Goreme Open-Air Museum, Derinkuyu underground city, an ATV tour, and a hot-air balloon ride)
• Day 9: Izmir (a day trip to Ephesus for the Roman ruins)
• Day 10: Pamukkale (travertine terraces, the ruins of Hierapolis, and Cleopatra's Pool)
• Days 11–14: Antalya (a city tour in Kaleici district, Duden Waterfalls, sunset horseback riding, a day trip to Mount Olympos, and free days for some beach time)

Your journey would begin in Istanbul . Get ready to be amazed by its cultural heritage, modern amenities, and mouthwatering cuisine. The best way to see the beauty of Istanbul is by taking a Bosphorus sunset cruise to enjoy the views of landmarks, such as Bosphorus Bridge and Galata Tower, as they are bathed in the enchanting dusk light.

To enrich your experience, we would arrange a romantic candlelit dinner along the Bosphorus Strait. You could indulge in gourmet food while marveling at the stunning night view.

Then, you would fly to Cappadocia , which is famous for its unique volcanic landscapes. Take a memorable hot-air balloon ride to witness the valleys and "fairy chimneys", and we would provide a champagne toast for you to celebrate this magical experience.

Your journey continues to Izmir for a day trip to Ephesus to see the well-preserved ancient Roman ruins and listen to the old stories passed down through generations as told by your knowledgeable local guide.

Stay for 1 night at Pamukkale to enjoy its ivory-white travertine terraces and natural thermal springs. You would continue to your final stop at Antalya , which is renowned as a beach resort.

As well as 1 day for a city tour of the Kaleici district and a trip to Duden Waterfalls, you could choose day trips to Side to see the ancient Greek amphitheater or Cirali to visit Mount Olympos. For some relaxation, spend a few days enjoying the beaches and engaging in water activities, creating a leisurely conclusion to your vacation.

Our private tours are fully customizable. Please let us know your specific interests and we would personalize a private tour just for you.

Most families travel with kids in a relatively limited time frame, usually between June and August, which is summer in Turkey.

Given the high temperatures in the inland areas during this period, it is more enjoyable to plan an itinerary that mainly focuses on the coastal regions. This itinerary offers a range of activities that ensure a refreshing and lively vacation experience for you and your family.

• Days 1–2: Rize (Ayder Plateau, Gelin Tulu Waterfall, natural thermal springs, and taste some Turkish tea)
• Days 3–4: Trabzon (Sumela Monastery, the Pontic Mountains, and Uzungol Lake)
• Day 5: Ordu (a cable car ride to Boztepe and the Ordu castles)
• Days 6–7: Ankara (Ankara Citadel (the Hisar), the Temple of Augustus and Rome, and Anitkabir)
• Days 8–11: Istanbul (Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Istiklal Avenue, a sunset Bosphorus cruise, and a food tour)
• Days 12–14: Antalya (a tour of the Kaleici district, Duden Waterfalls, sunset horseback riding, and free days for some beach time)

In this itinerary, you would explore the vast Ayder Plateau in Rize , visit Sumela Monastery hidden in the mountains of Trabzon , take a cable car ride to see the panorama of Ordu city, and learn about Turkey's history of revolution by visiting Anitkabir in Ankara .

In addition, you won't want to miss the chance to take a Bosphorus cruise and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Istanbul from a different perspective. Another highlight of this trip is the opportunity to ride a horse along the beach in Antalya and witness the stunning sunset scenery.

For a special experience, we would arrange a day trip to our handpicked tea garden in Rize , allowing you to savor the most authentic flavors and learn how to roast tea leaves. Your kids could also make their own "flavor" and save it as a unique souvenir for their friends.

This itinerary is perfect for families with teenagers as it offers a variety of activities, family-friendly accommodations, and flexible schedules. It is a perfect choice for celebrating a graduation or a birthday.

If this itinerary doesn't meet your requirements, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to personalize a private tour for you, ensuring a hassle-free and tailored experience.

Winter may not be the top choice for travelers considering Turkey as their destination, due to the cold weather. However, this season offers unique experiences at a more affordable cost.

This itinerary covers northern Turkey, allowing you to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, witness the passion of the Turkish people, and experience the local way of life.

• Days 1–4: Istanbul (the largest city in Turkey, which was the capital of many empires)
• Days 5–6: Bursa (the first capital of the Ottoman Empire)
• Days 7–8: Bolu (famous for its stunning natural scenery)
• Days 9–10: Ankara (the current capital city of Turkey)
• Days 11–14: Cappadocia (renowned for its unique volcanic features)

In Istanbul , we have carefully selected a traditional Turkish bath, called a hammam, where you could enjoy a warm and relaxing afternoon, surrounded by foam and receiving a gentle massage. This is a perfect way to escape the cold wind outside while learning about the origins of this historic indulgence.

Bursa and Bolu both boast stunning natural scenery and are even more beautiful under the silver snow. In Bursa's Uludag National Park, you could take a cable car ride to savor the awe-inspiring views. In Bolu's Golcuk Nature Park, try your hand at fishing on the frozen lake, then grill your catch over a campfire.

Cappadocia is particularly popular among tourists during winter. Picture yourself in a silvery wonderland, soaring in a hot-air balloon, and marveling at the magical world around you. It's an experience beyond words.

However, it could be stressful to plan a winter vacation during the peak tourist period of Christmas and New Year. Please feel free to reach out to us at Global Highlights and we will plan a hassle-free private tour just for you.

With a well-planned itinerary, 2 weeks is also enough to plan a trip with Greece included, typically spending 1 week in Turkey and another in Greece.

Immerse yourselves in the romantic atmosphere of the Aegean Sea, wandering hand in hand among the white Greek-style buildings, and getting lost in the myth of Olympus.

After experiencing the historical heritage of Istanbul , exploring the unique lunar landscape of Cappadocia , and strolling through the ancient Roman city of Ephesus , Greece awaits to impress you on a whole different level.

Santorini is known for its breathtaking views as a picturesque island. Explore the iconic blue-domed churches and immerse yourself in the charm of Amoudi Bay with a stunning sunset. It would be a shame not to visit the Santo Wines Winery for a taste of exquisite local wines.

Then, transfer to Mykonos to visit Ano Mera village and discover the rich history in the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, which houses fascinating artifacts. For a unique experience, you could enjoy horseback riding along Megali Ammos Beach, creating unforgettable memories with your loved one.

Conclude your trip in Athens , the captivating capital city of Greece. Marvel at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, discover the vibrant Athens Central Market and delicious Greek cuisine, and cherish a romantic sunset alongside your loved one.

Contact us now to create a personalized, hassle-free private tour.

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The Best Two Week Turkey Itinerary- How to Spend 2 Weeks in Turkey

If you’re looking for unusual landscapes, fascinating ancient history, fantastic beaches and gorgeous seaside towns, Turkey needs to be on your travel bucket list. I recently spent two weeks exploring Turkey and the trip ended up being the best adventure possible. So since so many people have asked how I planned the trip, I thought I’d share my 2 week Turkey itinerary!

I’d been to Turkey as a child and had fond memories of climbing over huge ancient ruins and sailing on deep blue seas. And although Turkey is known for its gorgeous beaches and excellent resorts, there’s so much more to see throughout the country. I most recently went to Turkey alone for a 2 week adventure, and I was surprised to find that travelling around Turkey as a solo female traveller was completely safe and fine.

My Turkey itinerary ended up including (in order): the lively beach town of Bodrum (two days), the ancient ruins in Ephesus (one day), the natural wonder of Pamukkale (one day), before a magical adventure sailing on a traditional Turkish Gulet boat (three days). The second week was spent with one day in Istanbul , before heading to the out of this world landscapes of Cappadocia (four days).

I travelled across Turkey solo and entirely on public transport, using buses, trains and planes. You can read all about this in my detailed guide to public transport in Turkey .

So this guide to a 2 week Turkey itinerary guide will cover where to go, how to get between destinations, where to stay and all of the best things to see and do. I’ll attempt to cover everything you might need to know for your own Turkey adventure, so read on and start planning your own 2 week Turkey itinerary!

2 Week Turkey itinerary: Essential things to know

How long to spend in turkey.

I’d recommend an action-packed 2 week itinerary for Turkey. Or at least of a minimum of 10 days in Turkey. This is ample time to visit the main sites and get a really good feel for the country.

However, if you have less time, for example just one week in Turkey – I’d recommend perhaps visiting just two or three destinations from this guide.

A three week Turkey itinerary could include an additional location perhaps. or more time in Istanbul to really learn about its fascinating history and mix of cultures. Alternatively, a 3 week itinerary in Turkey could be spent entirely along its beautiful coastline. You could hike the country’s famous Lycian Way which traverses beautiful craggy mountains, pine forests and weaves through typical Turkish coastal villages. The options in Turkey are endless – it is a country that really encompasses so much!

When is the best time to visit Turkey?

Quite an important question when planning your trip is deciding when to visit Turkey. The summer months (May to September) are the peak times to visit with long sunny hot days and little rain. But if you’re not keen on this, then the shoulder months (April and October) would also be a good time to visit.

If you were to visit Turkey in the winter, you might even experience Cappadocia as a winter wonderland!

However, if you’re planning on sailing the Turquoise Coast in Turkey or visiting any other coastal places, it would definitely be advisable to go in the summer months. As with many beach areas in Europe, many restaurants and hotels often do not open until early May.

Getting around Turkey

Although Turkey is a vast country, I find Turkey very easy to get around by public transport. Using the buses, trains, dolmuş (minibus services) and domestic airlines, public transport made for an efficient and convenient way to explore the country.

I found most public transport ran mostly on time, was very affordable, could be booked at the last minute and was clean/comfortable. I really enjoyed the independence that using public transport in Turkey afforded me. You can read my guide to using public transport in Turkey here.

What to take to Turkey?

What you should bring to Turkey really depends on the time of year that you visit. If you’re visiting in the summer months, you’ll need some good walking shoes for all of the sightseeing and exploring. I would also recommend a sunhat, plenty of suntan lotion and sunglasses!

As Turkey is mostly Muslim, there are some places where you need to cover up – particularly in religious buildings in Istanbul. However, the country on the whole is fairly relaxed and not too strict.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Turkey has experienced periods of political unrest over the past decade, as well as several attacks. But of recent, Turkey has been declared safe to travel.

In fact, most governments around the world still advise travellers to not go near the border area with Syria. Which is understandable.

Fortunately, most of the major tourist attractions in Turkey, and all those included in this Turkey itinerary are nowhere near.

I found the Turkish people to be nothing but kind and hospitable throughout the country. The only city to use some extra caution would be Istanbul, just as with any other city in Europe.

Itinerary Planning for 2 Weeks in Turkey

Turkey is a popular summer tourist destination for countries across Europe. Therefore, its coastal towns have large airports so you might not have to start your trip in Istanbul.

You could for example fly into Bodrum, Izmir, Antalya or Dalaman Airports, all of which are on the coast and mean you wouldn’t necessarily need start your Turkey itinerary in Istanbul.

As mentioned, Turkey is one of the best countries to travel around independently. It has a very comprehensive, well-priced and convenient public transport system in place. So no matter where you start your Turkey trip, it’s likely you’ll be able to travel to your next destination with ease.

Useful tips for travelling in Turkey

• Check visa/entry requirements to enter Turkey . Visa costs depend vary depending on nationality. You can apply for your visa ahead of time on the official Turkish government e-visa website  here .
• Currency . The main form of currency is the Turkish Lira (often referred to as TL). ATMs are widely available.
• Language . Turkish is the most spoken language in Istanbul. Most people, especially those in hospitality or food & beverage, speak English very well so you shouldn’t have a problem with communication.

The Museum Pass  

This excellent pass is a great buy if you are visiting several places in the city, especially for many of the destinations in this two week Turkey itinerary. It covers your entry to many attractions and archaeological sites across Turkey, including Ephesus , Pamukkale and Istanbul . You can buy it online here , or at any of the attractions that offer it.

Example route for 2 weeks in Turkey

I travelled in late August and chose to fly from London to Bodrum as this was the most affordable flight. It actually worked out to be a brilliant first stop.

I knew I was interested in visiting Ephesus and as soon as I realised the public transport would be straight forward to get there, I decided Bodrum would be a great place to start my Turkey itinerary.

Bodrum was charming, lively, interesting and beautiful. It was such a pleasant surprise and Bodrum town centre has none of the large all-inclusive resort hotels I expected. The big resort hotels are located just out of town, leaving the centre of Bodrum to be a delightful car-free place. You could easily spend just one or two days in Bodrum, or a whole week soaking up the sun and enjoying the beaches. I’ve written a longer guide on what to do and in see in Bodrum , which will give you everything you need to know before deciding whether or not to include Bodrum in your Turkey itinerary.

Where to stay in Bodrum

There are plenty of brilliant budget hotels in Bodrum, as well as more luxury options. I stayed at the excellent Eskici hotel (you can check rates here at  Booking.com ).

A few suggestions for some other great budget hotels in Bodrum: 

• Istankoy Hotel
• Asmin Hotel Bodrum
• 7. Art Feslegen Hotel

In terms of luxury hotels in Bodrum, there are many to pick from. I’ve listed some of the best below:

• Mandarin Oriental
• The Bodrum EDITION
• LUX* Bodrum Resort & Residences
• Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay

The best things to do in Bodrum

From wandering its charming streets and visiting the historic Bodrum Castle, to sampling the best of Turkish cuisine in the atmospheric restaurants, there’s plenty of attractions to see and things to do in Bodrum .

If you’re only visiting for a short time, one idea could be to book a local tour. I’ve suggested a few with GetYourGuide below covering all of the must-see attractions in Bodrum:

• Full Day Orak Island Boat Trip
• Pirate Boat Trip from Bodrum
• Traditional local hammam
• Bodrum City Sightseeing Tour

Ephesus and Selçuk

Next stop, Ephesus and the nearby town of Selçuk. Travel time: 2h30 on public bus direct from Bodrum.

The ancient ruins of Ephesus are definitely one of the top things to do in Turkey. Located relatively nearly Izmir and also the cruise port of Kusadasi, the ruins are popular with cruise day-trippers. Huge crowds arrive at Ephesus everyday. I’ve written a long guide you can read here covering how to visit Ephesus without the crowds.

I chose to visit Ephesus and the adjacent town of Selçuk after Bodrum, as I realised it was a straight forward bus from between the two. I spent a full day exploring Ephesus, before spending the night in Selçuk.

Where to stay near Ephesus

As I mentioned, Selçuk is the nearest town to Ephesus. There are several mid-range hotels here to choose from, all catering for tourists visiting Ephesus. I stayed at the Saint John Hotel, which was about a five minute walk to the train station and offered a really pleasant stay. 

The lovely hotel is family-owned and run, and they made me feel right at home. You can check rates for  Saint John Hotel here .

What to see at Ephesus?

The main archeological sites include the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis and the amphitheatres. At the entrance you can pick up a map, and there is signage throughout, so you could give yourself a self-guided tour through Ephesus. However, you can arrange a tour through a local tour company in town, or book on a tour with GetYourGuide advance:

• Ephesus 2 hour small group walking tour
• Full day Ephesus tour with lunch
• Full day tour to Ephesus from Bodrum

Next stop: Pamukkale. Travel time from Selçuk to Denizli: 3hr30 by direct train.

This spectacular natural wonder is unusual and distinctly different to anything else in Turkey. I’d highly recommend including a visit to Pamukkale on any Turkey itinerary. Not only can you submerge yourself in these pools, but you also explore Hierapolis at the top. Here are some more fantastic ancient ruins, which are perhaps even more spectacular than Ephesus – and definitely more overlooked.

We took the train from Selçuk to Denizli, which was just over 3 hours. From Denizli, we took the local bus to Pamukkale which was really straightforward.

However, a day trip to natural wonder of Pamukkale does require a bit of pre-planning. It’s almost essential to try and arrive before the day tripper crowds arrive. It’ll make for a much better experience and you can enjoy an hour or more of the pools to yourself.

Visiting Pamukkale can be done as a day trip from nearby Denizli (and other towns in Turkey). You see many tours offering this and I’ve popped a few suggestions below:

• Pamukkale Small Group Tour from Kusadasi & Selcuk
• Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour & Lunch
• Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full-Day Guided Tour
• Private Pamukkale (Hierapolis) Tour: Full-Day from Izmir
• Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour from Marmaris
• Ephesus and Pamukkale: Day Trip by Plane from Istanbul

However, I strongly recommend spending the night before in the town of Pamukkale for a less hurried experience. My guide to visiting Pamukkale is well worth a read if you’re planning on going.

However, one full day and one night is sufficient time to explore Pamukkale.

Where to stay in Pamukkale

If you choose for the convenience of an overnight stay in Pamukkale, there are several mid-range hotels to pick from. I stayed at the Melrose House Hotel which was the perfect base from which to explore Pamukkale. You can check rates for this great hotel  here .

If you’re looking for something a little more fancy, you could choose Doğa Thermal Health & Spa or Richmond Pamukkale Thermal .

Sailing the Turquoise Coast

Next stop: Fethiye for a gulet cruise. Travel time from Denizli to Fethiye: 2hr40 by direct bus

Sailing along the Turquoise coast is a magical way to spend time in this beautiful country. If you can include a gulet cruise in your Turkey itinerary, you will definitely not regret it. The stunning coastline is lined with deep emerald green pine forests, craggy rock faces, charming Turkish villages and fascinating history. It is also where you can go paragliding above Ölüdeniz.

Spending a few nights on board a traditional Turkish wooden gulet cruise boat is a fantastic and authentic way to sail the coastline. The gulet boats tend to sail between Fethiye and a town near Antalya called Olympos. I departed from Fethiye for my gulet sailing trip.

I’d say I definitely wouldn’t choose to return to Fethiye for a longer trip on another occasion as I found it to be over commercialised and the total opposite of quaint.

There are plenty of local companies to pick from for your sailing trip in Turkey. I would definitely recommend local company Alaturka Cruises who I found online in advance of my visit. The gulet boat was great, the team fantastic and their email support before the gulet departed was brilliant.

I’ve written a much longer and extensive guide to sailing the Turquoise Coast in Turkey here. I’ve covered everything you’d need to know including when to go, how to get to the departure points, what to take on the sailing trip and what to do in each of the ports.

The sailing trips along the Turkish coastline tend to finish in a small town called Olympos. A unique town in itself as it offers treehouse stays in a densely forested gorge. However, instead of staying here, I took a quick domestic flight from Antalya to Istanbul.

Travel time from Olympos to Antalya airport on a bus: 1h30. Flight from Antalya to Istanbul: 1hr.

Istanbul is a city like no other. Straddling two continents, Asia and Europe, it is a true melting pot of religions, cultures, backgrounds and traditions. I only had one day in Istanbul but I felt I visited a good number of the best attractions in the city. I’ve written a detailed guide on all of the top things to see and do in Istanbul if you only have one day or maybe a weekend to spend in the city. However, if you’re looking for a slightly longer guide to the city, then do check this two day guide to Istanbul here.

An absolute must visit destination in any 2 week Turkey itinerary, Istanbul offers a mesmerising experience. From its Grand Bazaar, one of the biggest indoor markets in the world, to the fascinating Hagia Sofia, a religious structure that has been used by Christians and Muslims through time.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Istanbul has thousands of hotels to choose from, covering budget bases to ultra-luxurious palatial stays.

I enjoyed an excellent stay at the  Intercontinental Istanbul , which was well located and adjacent to Taksim Square. It offered the most impressive breakfast and had a lovely pool to enjoy after a long day of sightseeing in the city. You can check rates for this hotel  here . 

Some of the other best luxury hotels in Istanbul include: 

• Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet
• Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
• Raffles Istanbul

If you’re looking for somewhere as more of a comfortable base, these are some of the best value for money hotels in Istanbul: 

• Pera Palace Hotel 
• Georges Hotel Galata
• Yasmak Sultan
• Neorion Hotel

Travel time from Istanbul to Kayseri: 1hr flight

From Istanbul, it’s a quick and easy flight to Kayseri, which is the nearest airport to Cappadocia.

I think a visit to this surreal town withits magical fairy chimneys and mesmerising sunrises, is essential on any Turkey trip. Most of the best attractions and sites in Cappadocia can be visited in a two or three day visit. Plus, with regular flights from several Turkey airports, it’s pretty easy to include Cappadocia on any Turkey itinerary.

I spent four days in Cappadocia and thought it was one of the best places I have ever visited in the world. Staying at a cave hotel is an absolute must-do whilst in Cappadocia – we stayed at the beautiful Sultan Cave Suites . This cave hotel has become super famous thanks to Instagram and its incredible terrace, which is the perfect place to capture a Cappadocia sunrise photo .

The best cave hotels in Cappadocia

There are so many cave hotels in beautiful Cappadocia to choose from, so it isn’t an easy decision to decide where to stay.

Sultan Cave Suites is one of the most popular cave hotels to stay in Cappadocia. You can read my full guide to staying at this amazing cave hotel – it was incredible! Check rates for the Sultan Cave Suites here!

However, if it is fully booked, there are still so many other amazing cave hotels from which to pick.

Some of other best cave hotels in Cappadocia include:

• Kelebek Special Hotel
• Aydinli Cave Hotel

The best attractions in Cappadocia

One of the very best things to do in Cappadocia is to witness one of the incredible sunrises. If you can, do it twice. Once from a beautiful viewpoint, such as the terrace at the Sultan Cave Suites hotel (you must be a guest) and once from a hot air balloon ride.

But that’s not all there is to do in Cappadocia. Some of the other main attractions include the visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum, exploring the nearby village of Uçhisar and some of the incredible rock formations at Pasabag and Devrent. This detailed guide here covers all of the best things to do and see in Cappadocia .

If you’re short on time, it’s best to see all the top attractions in Cappadocia on an organised day tour. You can arrange this through your hotel, or you can plan your time in advance by booking a tour through GetYourGuide:

• South Cappadocia tour with trekking
• Quadbike safari through the valleys
• Cappadocia highlights tour with lunch
• Cappadocia full day private tour

Turkey Itinerary

So that’s my 2 week Turkey itinerary. The perfect mix of historical sites, a sailing adventure, a cosmopolitan and cultural city, and the otherworldly magic of Cappadocia. As mentioned, I got around purely by public transport in Turkey which I found to be safe, especially as a solo female traveller, as well as cost efficient.

I do hope this guide for a 2 week Turkey itinerary is useful. Naturally, the more time you have, the places you can visit. Although some places, such as Pamukkale, you really you don’t need to spend more than one day in.

Feel free to drop me a line if you would like any advice or further recommendations? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please do share using the below links!

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to Turkey was entirely paid for by myself and there was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.

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looks amazing! especially pamakullae pics. so white. I have seen pictures which usually seem so crowded but this one shows the actual beauty

Wow! Your pictures confirm how Turkey is one of the best places to visit in the world. And your itinerary help a lot for us who has never been there and plan to make a visit.

Thanks for this great overview of the best escapes in Turkey; really liked the layout of this post. We didn’t visit it on our last trip in that part of the world, but hopefully we’ll visit this gem on our next vacation. We love your photos too much!!

your pictures are amazing, they took me right there. What time of the year did you go? Great Itinerary for people who are getting ready to visit.

Thank you! I went in late August, early September! Hot but perfect! x

This is perfect timing! Im hoping to go here soon and this blog is a fabulous and full of great info! I should have went with you! If you only had a week, what 2 places were your favorite? Thank you for sharing!

Ah awesome!! Definitely visiting Cappadocia which was a bit surreal to be honest, and then also sailing along the turquoise coast! 🙂 x

Wowowow!! Turkey is on my bucket list from such a long time!! Reading your post I was asking myself why I didn’t visit it yet. Answer was because I didn’t know where to start from. Now I have a very good starting point! Thanks for sharing ??

Hope you get to go soon! Glad my post was of use! x

Thank you for sharing your amazing experience. This country is absolutely beautiful. I’ve wanted to visit for awhile, definitely considering a trip to the coast.

Thanks for your kind words! It is an amazing country, I hope you get a chance to visit! x

I love all of the Blue on the buildings in Bodrum. We love exploring ruins like the ones you saw in Ephesus. Kitty!!!! There is so much o do in Turkey it seems. You captured so much and it looks so beautiful!

I know, the buildings were so cute! Definitely wasn’t expecting that 🙂

Great timing for us. We have been looking at planning a trip to Turkey and seems like a perfect itinerary has come our way. Istanbul and Cappadocia is definitely going to be there. I love all the images but the last one against the balloons with hands up in the air- lovely!

Ah so glad to hear it! Do let me know if I can help with any of your planning, it really is the most amazing country!! x

perfect itinerary. trying to do the same. thanks so much for beautiful pics and guides.

Hi There, Do you have an itinerary on how many days you stayed In each place? I am also planning on traveling to Turkey late august early September. We are looking at Istanbul, Cappadocia, Bodrum, Izmir – Ephesus – Selcuk, Pamukkale, and I am not sure if Antalya fits in here. We are going for 14 days.

This has been immensely helpful and has great suggestions! Thank you!

Could you please tell how much was the tour cost except the airfare.

Hey! Just wondering if you tracked how much this trip cost? I am working on a budget for two weeks in Turkey. Any advice would be great!

hi we did your turkey itinerary but back to front, with very few exceptions and we LOVED it! Everything was beyond our expectation except Pammukale. The blue cruise was fantastic, we were on the revenge. Cappadoccia was out of this world and the sultan suite caves was perfect. So thank you for your wonderful advice.

Hi Shannon,

Ah thank you that’s amazing feedback! It’s such a special country – so glad you enjoyed the itinerary!

Hi Looks amazing. Can you please let me know how many days did you spend at each place your visited?

Hi Tahir! I’ve updated my post to make that more clear, sorry about that! These are the timings of my itinerary: Bodrum (two days), the ancient ruins in Ephesus (one day), the natural wonder of Pamukkale (one day), sailing on a traditional Turkish Gulet boat (three days). The second week was spent with one day in Istanbul, before heading to Cappadocia (four days).

Hi, Claire.

I just happened onto your website today. As I’m getting ready to plan a 2-week family vacation in Turkey myself, this is a great read and thank you so much for all the suggestions.

Originally, I was thinking about driving and doing a road trip, from Istanbul, east to Cappadocia, then circle westward thru Konya to Bodrum, Izmir on the west coast. However, in the name of saving time, I’m now leaning towards just flying from one major town to the next (namely, IST -> Kayseri ->Antalya ->Bodrum/Izmir->IST), and rent a car locally if necessary. May I know on what website you booked the domestic flights?

Are Konya and Antalya charming places to visit, in your opinion? Or, perhaps I should just do the east (Cappadocia) and west (Bodrum, Ismir, Ephesus)? I’m very interested in lingering in Istanbul, so am budgeting at least 5 days in the city out of the 2 weeks.

Any suggestion is much appreciated. Thank you.

Hi there. Glad you found the post helpful! I would say that the driving distances are vast, and as domestic flights (or trains/buses) are so easy and so straight forward, it would be easier to use public transport in a 2 week trip.

The route you mention is almost mine in reverse. I booked all my flights directly on the airlines’ websites (Turkish Airlines or Pegasus). Both are great but Turkish is especially good for domestic, I loved it.

I didn’t go to Konya so I cannot comment sorry, and I didn’t spend too long in central Antalya, but I think going Istanbul > Cappadocia > direct to Bodrum/Izmir/Ephesus is perfect and if you only have 9 days after Istanbul, you can easily spend 9 days in those places. I squeezed a bit more in, but I was travelling solo so didn’t have to factor in others’ needs or preferences haha. I hope that’s helpful!

This looks like an incredible trip! Do you mind giving a rough idea of the budget you were on? The total cost for the two weeks and general accomodation cost?

Taxi is too pricy . From bus station to hostel by Dolmus. Is there any space to fit my carry on 9X14X22 with wheels in Dolmus?

This is an amazing travel blog! It easily takes readers to a variety of locations with engrossing stories, striking images, and useful ideas A priceless source of real experiences.

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Highlights of Turkey: A 2 Week Turkey Itinerary For First Time Visitors

Turkey is an underrated tourist destination that has so much to offer, from archaeological ruins and cities to a spectacular aquamarine coastline.

Are you overwhelmed trying to plan a trip to Turkey ? Don’t know where to go and what to see in Turkey? Believe me, I was in your shoes not so long ago.

Turkey (now officially known as Türkiye ) is such a massive country with so many cities to visit, it’s hard to figure out where to start , let alone how to get around, where to stay and what to do in each destination.

If you’re feeling a bit lost, read on for an easy, customizable 14 day Turkey itinerary for first time visitors to the country that straddles 2 continents.

Is this Turkey itinerary right for me?

If you are planning your dream Turkey trip then you need to realize that Turkey is a really, really big country: one of the biggest travel mistakes you can make when planning your Turkey itinerary is underestimating the time it takes to travel between cities.

Personally, if it is your first time I would not recommend spending fewer than 7 days in Turkey as you won’t be able to cover much ground – it’s best to aim for no less than 10 days to 2 weeks in Turkey.

If you’ve read my overly ambitious Mainland Greece road trip itinerary , you’ll know that I do not like wasting time. This Turkey travel itinerary is for you if you:

• don’t want to waste time traveling between destinations…
• …but also want to take in the sights and attractions in Turkey without feeling rushed
• don’t want to travel with a tour group and prefer to travel independently
• are comfortable renting a car in Turkey and embarking on a Turkey road trip
• are happy to take a few domestic flights to save time between certain destinations
• are a first-time visitor and want a taste of what Turkey has to offer

At the end of the day, the best itinerary for Turkey is one that works for your travel schedule and is in line with what you’re looking to accomplish during your dream trip. Read to the end of this 2 week itinerary for Turkey for some ideas on how to modify it to either shorten it or add more stops!

You might also enjoy: Common Turkey travel mistakes to avoid making

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

The country underwent an attempted coup in July 2016 and has experienced political unrest over the past couple of years. A state of emergency was imposed after the coup attempt but has since been lifted in 2018. There have also been a number of attacks in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and other Turkish cities.

Multiple governments have travel advisories telling its citizens to reconsider traveling to Turkey. Should you cancel your travel plans? It depends. From personal experience, we experienced nothing but warm hospitality from the Turkish people, except for some minor scams here and there – 1 taxi driver in Istanbul overcharged us by almost 5 times the normal rate (taxi scams are common in Turkey), and a shopkeeper in Cappadocia tried to scam us out of 60 bucks when we exchanged our US Dollars to Turkish Lira.

But that’s not to say that you shouldn’t be aware and cautious, just as you would at home or abroad in any other country. Here are a few precautions to take according to the U.S. Department of State:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds
• Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures
• Monitor local media and adjust your plans based on new information

Most governments also agree that you should avoid traveling to the border region with Syria .

Essential Turkey travel tips

✈️ To get into Turkey you have a few international airport options as the country is well-connected by air. You are most likely to fly into Istanbul (which as two international airports), Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, Dalaman or Bodrum as your first port of arrival for your Turkey trip. You can take a taxi to your hotel, or use Uber if you are arriving in Istanbul, Izmir or Ankara. If you are arriving into Istanbul save yourself some hassle and  pre-book your Istanbul Airport Private Transfer  or  pre-book your Sabiha Gokcen Airport Private Transfer .

🛂 You may need an e-Visa to enter Turkey : Check your eligibility here . Visa fees for Turkey vary depending on your nationality. You can apply for your visa ahead of time on the official Turkish government e-visa website here .

💱 The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TL) : The exchange rate is approximately US$1: 32 TL or 1 Euro: 35 TL. When we visited in 2018 it was closer to US$1: 5-7 TL or 1 Euro: 8-10 TL. Euros and USD are occasionally also accepted (and sometimes preferred) by shops and tour companies.

📱 Stay connected and buy a local SIM card: There are usually counters on arrival at the international airports in Turkey or shops operated by Vodafone locally where you can buy a Turkish SIM card.

🌤️ Weather in Turkey: When we visited in September, it was already significantly cooler in Istanbul than other coastal areas like Izmir, Alacati , Fethiye and Oludeniz . The temperature in spring and autumn dips, and the country experiences snow during the winter months.

🗓️ Best time to visit Turkey : In general, tourism numbers are far lower than they have historically been, so in my opinion there is no “bad” time to visit Turkey if you want to avoid tourist crowds. However, the weather is more pleasant from April to about October/November, after which it can get bitterly cold.

🎟️ Invest in the Museum Pass : The Museum Pass Turkey is a great card to purchase if you are visiting multiple cities in Turkey. It is accepted at most museums and archaeological sites including ones in Istanbul , Ephesus , Pamukkale and Fethiye and allows you to skip-the-queue – all you need to do is swipe or present the card at the entrance and you can sail right in.

The Museum Pass Turkey is valid for 15 days and currently costs 3500 TL (as of August 2023) though the price does tend to go up every year. Nevertheless, you end up saving a lot in entrance fees if you put it to good use. It can be purchased at pretty much any landmark that accepts it as well as online.

👚 Dress code in Turkey : Most of the population in Turkey are Muslim, yet Turkey as a whole is not extremely conservative. Men can walk around with sleeveless tops and female tourists are not required to wear headscarves. The only exception is when you enter a mosque, in which case you will need to abide by the dress code (in general, men must wear long trousers and women must cover their hair, arms and knees). That being said, to be respectful of cultural norms I wouldn’t recommend walking around with too much exposed skin.

🌐 Language in Turkey: Turkish is the most spoken language in Istanbul, and most people, especially those in hospitality or food & beverage, speak English very fluently so you shouldn’t have a problem with communication.

🛏️ Booking hotels in Turkey : This is an important Turkey travel tip to be aware of before you hop on a plane – you can not book hotels in Turkey using Booking.com when you are in Turkey, as it has been blocked by the Turkish government (so has Wikipedia, and they’re looking to extend the ban to other websites including AirBnB and Expedia).

Instead, make sure you book hotels for your stay in Turkey before your trip , or use Hotels.com for any last-minute hotel bookings that you need to make when you are already in the country. These two websites don’t appear to be blocked – yet – but either way you’ll want to book ahead, especially if you’re visiting during the peak travel season.

For even more information on Turkey travel dos and don’ts click here!

How to get around Turkey

There are a number of options to get around Turkey. We ended up traveling around using a combination of domestic flights, rental car, scooter (in Cappadocia ) and by public transportation or on foot. You can also take buses if you are on a budget.

At the beginning of our trip, we flew into Istanbul and immediately caught a domestic flight to Cappadocia as the drive would have taken 10-12 hours. Next, we caught another domestic flight from Cappadocia to Izmir and rented a Hyundai i20 car from Alamo Rental Cars to embark on the Turkey road trip portion of our trip: we traveled from Izmir-Ephesus-Fethiye-Pamukkale-Alacati-Izmir. It cost us just US$110/100 Euros for 8 days and tolls are virtually non-existent in Turkey.

For any drives longer than 5-6 hours I would recommend trying to take a domestic flight. Sometimes it’s just easier to fly between cities as there are many domestic flights operated by Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and SunEpxress, and they are fairly reasonably priced.

After dropping the rental car off at Izmir we then ended the trip by flying back to Istanbul and spending our last 3 days in Turkey exploring the attractions and landmarks in the city that spans two continents.

Looking for the best prices for rental cars around the world? Click here to book your rental car in Turkey. Bookings can be cancelled or amended if your plans change!

14 day Turkey itinerary

Turkey surprised me. There, I said it. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I did not expect it to be as diverse as it was, especially as most of what you read in news headlines doesn’t always exactly paint the country in the most positive light.

In just 2 weeks in Turkey, we explored centuries-old archaeological ruins; swam off the pristine Turquoise Coast; saw dolphins frolicking in the Bosphorus Strait; visited gilded palaces, museums and mosques; sampled a plethora of Turkish cuisine; soared above otherworldly terrain in a hot air balloon and much much more.

My biggest tip for visiting Turkey is this: keep an open mind. The country is rich in history and culture, and the landscapes are unreal. Here is how I recommend spending your 14 days in Turkey!

Note: For our 2 week Turkey itinerary we essentially did a “big loop” from Istanbul-Cappadocia-Izmir, and then a “small loop” from Izmir-Ephesus-Fethiye-Pamukkale-Alacati. This itinerary is also do-able in reverse and is a rough guide to help you decide how many days to spend in each city. We did it this way to minimize our time on the road and to cover as much ground as possible in just 2 weeks in Turkey.

Day 1-4: Cappadocia (3 nights)

Cappadocia is an iconic Turkey travel destination, and it is one of the most popular places in the world to go hot air ballooning – but as we learned, there’s more to Cappadocia than hot air balloons, carpet shops and Instagram rooftops.

To get there, we got off our long-haul flight in Istanbul and hopped straight onto a domestic flight to Cappadocia – you can fly into either Kayseri (Erkilet International Airport or ASR) or Nevşehir (Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport or NAV).

Most people will recommend that you don’t skip Cappadocia from your Turkey trip itinerary, but make sure you don’t overlook what the region has to offer beyond hot air ballooning! It is also home to sprawling underground cities, a plethora of viewpoints, open air museums and archaeological sites.

You’ll want to spend at least 3 nights here to explore Cappadocia, and you’ll need a few “back-up” mornings in case your hot air balloon ride is cancelled (which does happen!) and you need to reschedule.

Read more: 10 things to know before you go hot air ballooning in Cappadocia

Don’t miss Uchisar Castle, the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Pasabag Fairy Chimneys, Rose Valley, Derinkuyu Underground City and book a hot air balloon ride. For more information about what to do in Cappadocia click here.

Hotel recommendation for Cappadocia: The majority of the hotels are located in Göreme, Ürgüp and Uçhisar, but in my opinion, the best place to stay in Cappadocia is in Göreme as the town has lots of tour companies, grocery stores, restaurants and hotels. Hanzade Suites is located right off the main street in Goreme and is within walking distance to the Goreme Sunset Point. Our room was spacious and cozy, and the rooftop is a great place to hang out for tea or coffee – you can also watch the balloons fly overhead in the mornings. Click here to check current rates at Hanzade Suites or head on over here to see other highly rated hotel options in Cappadocia! We also considered staying at Sunset Cave (located just up the hill from Hanzade Suites and similarly close to the sunset viewpoint), Tulip Cave Suites (a boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace and family rooms), and Naif Hotel (modern adults-only boutique hotel with private parking available).

Day 4-5: Ephesus via Izmir (1 night)

The ancient Greek (and later, Roman) city of Ephesus is home to some of the most wondrous UNESO-listed ruins in the world including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Present day Ephesus is located in Selçuk in western Turkey.

We left Cappadocia on the morning of the 4th day and took a flight to Izmir (there are direct domestic flights between Cappadocia and Izmir during the summer months, or flights via Istanbul during the other months of the year).

From Izmir, we drove just under an hour to Selcuk and arrived in the early evening. After a light dinner, we turned in for the night to wake up refreshed and energized to go sightseeing on the morning of the 5th day.

The sprawling Ephesus ruins can easily be explored within 2 hours, and you should also stop at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum and Temple of Artemis. Don’t miss the Library of Celsus, the Terrace Houses and the Antique Theatre. Click here for more information on visiting the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ephesus in 1 day.

To make the most of your time in Turkey, move onto the next top after you’ve explored Ephesus – 1 night in Selcuk is more than enough.

Hotel recommendation for Selcuk: I highly recommend Akanthus Hotel Ephesus , just minutes away from the ancient ruins. It is a beautiful and cosy boutique hotel with elegant, country chic décor. The owner is incredibly welcoming and the staff are very helpful and warm. The hotel also has a pool for those extra warm days and free street parking outside. Click here to check current rates at Akanthus Hotel Ephesus . Based on glowing reviews, we would also consider staying at Celsus Boutique Hotel (a cottage-chic hotel with spacious rooms and a wonderful staff) and Livia Hotel Ephesus (an adults-only boutique hotel with beautiful, peaceful grounds). These two alternatives to Akanthus are also a 5-10 minute drive away from the Ephesus ruins. You can check out other highly rated options in Selcuk . Prefer to stay overnight in Izmir instead? Here are some popular hotels in Izmir.

Day 5-8: Fethiye (3 nights)

After leaving Ephesus in the early afternoon, we drove south from Selcuk for about 5 hours and arrived at the seaside town of Fethiye (with a quick stop in Dalyan) in the early evening.

Fethiye was once known as the ancient city of “Telmessos”, one of the most important cities of the Lycian civilization. It is located in the Aegeon region in southwest Turkey, about 4 hours south from Izmir.

Fethiye is surrounded by outrageously cool heritage sites, archaeological wonders, pristine beaches and lagoons and towering mountains. It’s also one of the best places in the world to go paragliding, or you can watch the paragliders take off one after the other from Mount Babadağ.

Don’t miss the Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon, go on a day trip on a boat around the ultra blue bays of Fethiye, see Butterfly Valley (from above and by boat) and visit the Amyntas Rock Tomb.

Many people also do a day trip to Saklikent Gorge from Fethiye. Click here for the best things to do in Fethiye!

Hotel recommendation for Fethiye: Book yourself into Yacht Boheme Hotel , an adults-only beach chic hotel steps away from the marina. The décor is beautiful and very bohemian, the rooms are extremely spacious and the breakfast spread is amazing and fresh. The hotel is just a 5 minute stroll away from the “downtown” area of Fethiye with restaurants and shops, and there is also free parking – the staff even provides valet services at no extra cost. Click here to check current rates at Yacht Boheme Hotel (Adults Only) in Fethiye or head on over here to see some other highly rated hotel options in Fethiye and Oludeniz . If you like the look and feel of Yacht Boheme , you might also want to consider its sister hotel Yacht Classic Hotel (which also accepts families traveling with children), or check out the rustic-yet-chic rooms at Hotel Unique (like Yacht Boheme, it is adults only). This group of boutique hotels in Fethiye has consistently positive reviews for the attentive service, cleanliness and location.

Day 8-9: Pamukkale (via Kayaköy and Tlos) (1 night)

After a glorious 3 nights in Fethiye, we were more than half way through the 2 week Turkey itinerary. We reluctantly peeled ourselves away from the glistening water and made our way towards Pamukkale in Denizli province .

Enroute, we stopped at Kayaköy and Tlos: Kayaköy is less than half an hour away from Fethiye and is often referred to as a “ghost village” that was once home to nearly 20,000 Greek Orthodox residents.

The Tlos ruins are only about 40 minutes away from Fethiye, and it is believed that the hero Bellerophon once resided in Tlos. Bellerophon was a Greek hero credited with slaying the dreaded Chimera, a monster with a lion’s head, goat’s body and a serpent’s tail. You can read more about Kayaköy and Tlos here. Both are easy day trips from Fethiye if you have more time, or you can do a quick pitstop on your way from Fethiye to Pamukkale.

Once you have explored the ghost town and archaeological ruins, make your way onwards to Pamukkale, or Turkey’s “cotton castle”, one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world.

Pamukkale was formed when a spring with a high content of calcium bicarbonate cascaded over the edge of the mountain cliff, which cooled and hardened leaving white-coloured calcium deposits and aquamarine mineral-rich water.

We stayed overnight in Pamukkale and visited the travertines on the morning of the 9th day – you should only need a few hours to see the travertines and the Hieropolis ruins.

Head on over here for more tips on visiting Pamukkale and how to be a responsible visitor at the travertines.

Hotel recommendation for Pamukkale: The town of Pamukkale has very limited accommodation options and Bellamaritimo Hotel is probably your best bet for a 1-2 night stay in the area. Many people plan a day trip to Pamukkale from Bodrum or Izmir, but I would recommend spending 1 night in Pamukkale so that you can visit the travertines early in the morning. Click here to see availability and current rates at Bellamaritimo Hotel , or head on over here for some other hotel options near the Pamukkale travertines. Looking for more Pamukkale hotel options? Based on extensive research, I would also personally consider staying at Venus Suite Hotel (clean, modern-ish hotel 15-minute walk from the ticket office or take their shuttle service into town), or Hotel Pamukkale (family-run hotel located near the Pamukkale lower gate entrance).

Day 9-11: Alaçatı (2 nights)

We left Pamukkale around noon after visiting the travertines on day 9, and drove to Alaçatı in just under 4 hours – right in time to check into our next Turkey boutique hotel stay. Alaçatı (pronounced “Ala-cha-ti”) is a small town just a hop and skip away from Izmir on the west coast of Turkey.

The charming town is a hidden gem that most people haven’t heard of, and the majority of first-time visitors leave Alaçati off their Turkey itinerary.

Alaçati is not one of those places where you follow a list of things to do to the letter. There aren’t a ton of landmarks, archaeological sites or museums to add to a checklist – instead, wander through the cobblestone streets and check out the colourful buildings.

On a bright summer’s day head to the coast and spend the frolicking in the Aegean, or head straight to one of the local wineries and taste the wonderful Turkish wine. Read more about what to do in Alaçati here.

If you are fortunate enough to spend more than 2 weeks in Turkey then I highly recommend spending a few more days relaxing and sipping on cocktails in Alaçati and exploring the neighboring city of Çeşme.

Hotel recommendation for Alaçati: I highly recommend staying at GAIA ALACATI , a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the old town. One of the best parts of the small boutique property is the enclosed internal courtyard-slash-restaurant where you can get your fix of mouthwatering food and drinks. Click here to check current rates at GAIA ALAÇATI or head on over here to see even more Alacati boutique hotels! If you love the look of GAIA ALAÇATI , you might also like their new properties – check out GAIA Bazaar which is also in the old town, and GAIA By The Sea which is their adults-only property located on the seafront in nearby Çeşme.

Day 11-14: Istanbul (3 nights)

On the morning of day 11 in Turkey, we drove back to Izmir to return the rental car and hopped on a short 1-hour flight to Istanbul . Domestic flights take just over 1 hour and are extremely reasonably priced, or you will need to embark on a 5-hour long drive from Izmir to Istanbul which eats up a huge chunk of your 2 weeks in Turkey.

End your 2 weeks in Turkey in the city of Istanbul. The city is absolutely buzzing with things to do and see, if you only have 3 days in Istanbul make sure you go on a food tour around the city ( this is the one I recommend ), cross the Bosphorus Strait on a ferry and visit the 17th century Egyptian Bazaar.

Istanbul is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Make sure you go for a wander through the Grand Bazaar, tour the Topkapi Palace Museum and Harem and visit the famous Blue Mosque just to name a few. Head on over here for more ideas of things to do in Istanbul!

Istanbul is a fantastic place to start your Turkey adventure or to end your trip – you’ll want to spend a minimum of 2 to 3 nights in Istanbul to make the most of your time in the city.

Hotel recommendation for Istanbul: We stayed in the Beyoglu district, just steps away from the Galata Tower and Istiklal Street. Pera Neuf is a stylish and classy yet comfortable boutique apartment in the thick of it all. We loved how clean the apartment was – the beds are extremely comfortable and the shower pressure is fantastic. Click here to check current rates and availability at Pera Neuf or click here to see other centrally-located and highly-rated accommodation options in Istanbul ! Following extensive research, we would also consider staying at Be Mate Casa Di Bava which is also in the Beyoglu area. Like Pera Neuf, Be Mate Casa Di Bava offers one-bedroom apartments with small kitchenettes and also “deluxe” apartments which have a small balcony. Reviewers love the spacious apartments, helpful manager and in-building elevator. Click here to check availability and rates at Be Mate Casa Di Bava.

Is 2 weeks enough for Turkey? Other suggestions for your Turkey itinerary

If it is your first trip to Turkey, it’s best to aim to spend no less than 10 days to 2 weeks in this sprawling country. Like I mentioned earlier, you need to account for lengthy travel time between regions as there is a lot of ground to cover in Turkey in 2 weeks – there is also a lot to see and do, and even more to eat!

I would have happily stayed in Turkey an additional week or two to explore some of the lesser-visited regions such as Trabzon and other cities along the coast of the Black Sea in the north; Kaş and more of the Turquoise Coast towards Antalya ; or ventured inland to visit the stone heads guarding the royal tombs at Mount Nemrut in eastern Turkey.

Have more than 2 weeks in Turkey? If you are able to spend more than 3 weeks in Turkey you might also want to add a few of these destinations to your itinerary: Bodrum on the Turkish Riviera, Apollo’s Temple in Didim , the Gallipoli peninsula in Çanakkale , Pergamon or Troy .

I hope this Turkey 2 week itinerary helps you to better plan your dream Turkey trip, and gives you an idea of how long to stay in each place, what to do and where to stay.

You can easily shave off a few days here and there or skip a destination to convert this into a 10 day Turkey itinerary. Been to Turkey before? Leave a comment below with your favorite landmark!

You might also find these Turkey destination guides helpful:

• Here are some of the top Turkey travel mistakes to avoid
• Most people begin or end their Turkey trip in Istanbul – here is my guide to spending 3 days in Istanbul
• Head to this charming coastal town near Izmir – read on for the top things to do in Alaçati in Turkey
• History lovers can’t skip the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ephesus. Head here for my guide to exploring Ephesus
• Cappadocia is famous for its dreamy landscape and hot air balloons, but there’s so much more to see and do in this region. Here are the top things to do in Cappadocia
• And here are all my best tips for booking a hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia
• Wondering if it’s worth visiting Turkey’s cotton castle? Read this for my thoughts on visiting Pamukkale
• You’ll love Turkey’s Turquoise Coast: read my guide to Fethiye and Oludeniz

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19 Comments

Hi Flo, Just wanted to check what was the budget you allocated for this itinerary?

Hi Charlotte, we generally allocate US$150-250/night for accommodation and don’t have a fixed budget for rental cars/tours/meals as it varies so much. We do dine out frequently but found meals to be very reasonably priced in Turkey – even at the more upscale restaurants. The Cappadocia balloon will cost anywhere between US$190-350 per person, I would recommend that you splurge a little for the more “premium” tours as they have fewer people in the baskets and longer flight times which make for a more comfortable balloon experience. I share a little more about this here: https://www.yogawinetravel.com/what-to-know-about-hot-air-ballooning-in-cappadocia-turkey/

Hope this helps!

Hi Flo, Thanks a lot for such an informative article. We are going in May end from 20th may till 3rd Jun. We are following the itinerary to the tee but I have one question, should we do 2 nights in fethiye n 4 nights in Istanbul or 3 nights in fethiye n 3 nights in Istanbul. Your suggestion will really help. Also, in alacati where do we park our car given the cobbled streets in the old Town are very narrow. We are also flying out the same day to capadoccia the day we are landing in Istanbul, how many hours of gap should we keep between the arrival flight n the flight to capadoccia? 2 hours is ok or to be on the safer side keep it longer than that? Regards Anubrata

Hi Anubrata, thanks for taking the time to read this. I’m happy to hear you found it helpful in trip planning.

It really depends on what you’re after – city or beach. If you’d rather explore Istanbul then you can stay 4 nights in the city. However we personally found 3 nights to be enough for a first trip and preferred to spend more time by the sea.

You should park your car in Alacati at your hotel – ask them if they have on-site parking. We parked on the street next to Gaia, and while it was street parking we had no issues.

Depending on which airport you land at you may want to leave a solid 2 hours between flights, we found the international airport to be very busy. And you should ensure that your flights are from the same airport as there are 2 in Istanbul. Hope that helps,

Hello! Just wondering if you booked all your hotel accommodations before arriving in Turkey? Thanks!

Hi Star, yes we did but our plans changed between Pamukkale and Istanbul, and we ended up going to Alacati for 2 nights. When I tried to using Booking.com for Alacati it didn’t work (it is blocked in Turkey), which is why you’ll need to use an alternative booking engine like HotelsCombined. Best of luck!

Hi I am planning to visit turkey in December for about 2 weeks will follow your itenary but you have not mentioned anything for Antalya,Bodrum, Ankara are these places worth visiting as I am going to self drive from Istanbul

Hi Chetan, apologies but we did not make it to those areas. If you plan on following this itinerary for 2 weeks you might find that you’ll need closer to 3 weeks to visit Antalya and Ankara as well. You can likely stop in Bodrum on your way down to Fethiye if you’d like to slot that in. Safe travels!

Hi .. Hope your doing well. Thank you for this article . I am planning a trip and will be following this itinerary . You mentioned that on your way to Fethiye you did a quick stop in Dalyan. I would like to know if it will be possible to visit the beach and do a mud batch and still be able to reach by late evening to Fethiye.

Thank You in advance, Sylvia Dsilva

Hi Sylvia, yes that is do-able as the drive from Dalyan to Fethiye takes only about an hour. You will need to be prepared for a fairly long travel day though!

Hi, great article. I might follow your itinerary for my trip with my brother and dad. I do not know if my father will understand why we will take flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia without visiting it first. Though I think it will feel a lot more magical . I just wanted to ask what is the average cost ? I know it can be different but what is the scale for budget travelling? My budget is 12-1500 per person. Also do you buy the domestic flight tickets before or during the trip? I am not really that experienced. Thank you.

Hi Hasan, great to hear that you found this itinerary helpful. Turkey is very budget friendly but each person’s budget is going to vary depending on which hotels they stay at, restaurants you choose to eat at, transportation costs (whether you’re hiring a driver/taxi vs. self-driving) etc. You should buy your domestic tickets before the trip.

Best of luck!

Thank you so much! BTW, just booked my room at Hanzade!

Hi Flo! Your article is great in helping me plan my trip to Turkey in May. I usually book hotels once I’m there so very grateful for your tips on Booking.com. I do plan to take domestic flights to Cappadocia/Ismir/Istanbul, but for getting around to other areas I’m not sure I can drive. How hard is it to drive and navigate in Turkey? I w/be solo. What do you recommend? Thanks in advance.

Hi Lan, so glad you found this helpful! It’s not too difficult to drive in Turkey, the roads we were on were in pretty good condition and there is lots of free parking. Alternatively, perhaps you could arrange 1-way transfers between cities. In that case, I would advise that you ask your hotel for recommendations and pricing. Happy travels!

hello i really liked your article , but i have just one question , do i need to have visa to visit turkey if i am from Italy ?

Hi Kalifaa, please see this page: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

“Italy: Ordinary and official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 90 days.”

Hi, when u say u took a flight from cappadocia to izmir … did u take the keyseri or the other one? Thanks

Hi Sal, Pegasus has direct flights to Izmir from Kayseri, or you can also go with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (also from Kayseri). Both airports are approximately the same distance from Goreme so it doesn’t matter if you fly from Kayseri or Nevsehir – just go with whichever offers the flight time you need.

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Ultimate 2 Week Turkey Itinerary

Posted by Guest Blogger | Updated on Dec 19, 2023 | Published on Jun 10, 2023 | Turkey | 0

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Guest post by Dania Demirci

Are you looking for all the details to plan the ultimate 2 week Turkey itinerary? If you don’t know where to go, what to do, or how to get there, it can feel overwhelming to begin planning.

We’ve created the ultimate guide to create your 2 week Turkey itinerary to help you plan an amazing trip.

Planning Your 2 Week Turkey Itinerary

If you’re planning a 2 week Turkey itinerary you need to know the essentials to get started. Learn everything from the best time of year to visit, how to get your visa, and the best way to get around on your trip.

Best Time of Year to Visit Turkey

The best time of year for a 2 week Turkey itinerary is April to October. The peak travel season is June, July, and August where you’ll see higher prices and more tourists in the major tourist destinations. If you’re planning to visit the coast and plan on swimming, anytime between June – October is ideal.

How Many Days to Travel in Turkey

If it’s your first time traveling to Turkey, plan at least 10-14 days to see all the major areas of Turkey. We suggest 3-4 days at each destination traveling at a medium pace.

The biggest mistake travelers make when planning their 2 week Turkey itinerary is not allowing enough time at each location. Their trip ends up rushed with not enough time to see the sites or unique experiences available in each region.

How to Get a Turkish e-Visa

To get your Turkish e-Visa visit the official e-visa application system for Turkey. There is a quick three-step process to apply and pay online. You’ll receive a PDF of your e-visa that you can download and print or save to your phone. We suggest applying at least a week before your trip.

Is it Safe to Travel in Turkey?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Turkey. To be and feel safe in Turkey during your trip, follow some basic travel tips such as:

·    Avoid political rallies and protests.

·    Be aware of your surroundings.

·    Stay up to date on political developments through your country’s Department of Foreign Affairs.

·    Avoid areas within 10km of the Syrian or Iranian borders.

·    Be respectful and knowledgeable of cultural norms.

Next, we’ll look at popular destinations for a 2 week itinerary in Turkey.

Where to Go in Turkey

If it’s your first trip to Turkey, we suggest going to the classic sites in Turkey. If you have more time or are planning a second or third trip to Turkey, you can plan on visiting off-the-beaten-path locations or doing a deep dive into one of your favorite destinations.

The most popular destinations in Turkey are:

·    Istanbul

·    Cappadocia

·    Antalya & the Mediterranean

·    Izmir & Ephesus

·    Pamukkale

Next, learn more about how to get around Turkey during your 2 week Turkey itinerary.

How to Get Around Turkey

There are several ways to get around Turkey during your trip. Depending on how you like to travel, you can choose what works best for your itinerary.

Traveling by plane for a 2 week Turkey itinerary is the most efficient way to get around when you are traveling in Turkey. If you’re flying in the high season, you need to book your flights as soon as possible. Flights will fill up and you want to make sure you get the best choice of flight times and direct flights to your next destination. For the best prices, look for in-country flights on SunExpress, Atlas Jet, Pegasus, and Onur Air.

Traveling by train can be a fun way to see the Turkish countryside that you normally wouldn’t see during your trip. There are high speed and overnight trains in Turkey, but not all of them will take you directly to your destination. You may need to catch a bus, dolmus or taxi from the train station to your main destination.

Traveling by bus is the cheapest way to travel around the country, but you need to have the time needed to travel. Also, it can be difficult to find the bus times in advance to plan your trip. Also, you’ll need to take a dolmus, taxi, or Uber from the bus station to your destination.

Taking a road trip through Turkey can be a fun experience but you will need enough time to travel between destinations. Another option is renting a car from the airport to explore the regions you are visiting. We do not recommend driving in Istanbul.

To drive in Turkey, you will need a valid driver’s license and an adventurous spirit.

Is the Museum Pass worth it?

If you plan on visiting historic sites and Museums during your trip to Turkey, we suggest purchasing the Turkey Museum Pass . It will give you entrance into the major sites for 15 days. You can purchase the pass at the first museum you visit in any region.

If you don’t want to purchase the pass, you can download the Museums of Turkey app on your phone. It will give you all the information on entrance fees, open hours, museum information, and what museums you are close to if your location settings are open on your phone.

Next, we’ll look at the best 2 week Turkey itinerary for your trip.

Best 2 Week Turkey Itinerary

The best 2 week Turkey itinerary includes visiting the classic sites during your trip. If you have more time, you can visit some of the off-the-beaten-path locations or spend more time in one destination.

Istanbul, Turkey Itinerary– 4 Nights

Arrive in Istanbul for the first day of your 2 week Turkey itinerary. We suggest your flight to have your flight arrive in Turkey in the late afternoon or evening. Spend time getting settled at your hotel and exploring the area around your hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local Turkish restaurant before getting a good night’s rest to start a full day of touring tomorrow.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

There are 2 areas we suggest staying in Istanbul during your 2 week Turkey itinerary. Our first suggestion is to stay in a boutique hotel in the Sultan Ahmet area. It is close to all the major attractions making everything easily walkable or using public transportation.

Another area to look at staying on the European side is the area near Galata Tower. It is walkable or you use public transportation to get over to the Sultan Ahmet area to visit the major sites in Istanbul.

The hotels we recommend in Istanbul are:

·    Sultanhan

·    Hotel Sultania

·    White House Hotel

Start your day with a Turkish breakfast then head out to the Sultan Ahmet district of Istanbul to visit the major attractions of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern.

For women visiting the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, be sure your knees are covered and you bring a scarf to cover your head to enter. Also note, these sites are active mosques and are not covered by the Turkey Museum Pass.

Istanbul – Bosphorus Cruise & Street Food

Today head out to see magnificent views of Istanbul from the water on a Bosphorus Cruise. You’ll see ancient fortresses and castles, Ottoman mansions, and luxury homes sitting right on the water. It gives you a new perspective of Istanbul that you won’t see anywhere else.

After your cruise, stop at the Galata Bridge for a fish sandwich from a local fishing boat. Take your time walking the streets to try any of the local dishes from durum wrap or doner to baklava and Turkish ice cream.

Next, make your way to the Grand Bazaar to spend the afternoon bargaining in the largest open market in the world. Navigate the 4,000 shops and 66 streets to find a souvenir to take home with you.

Istanbul – Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Archeological Museum, Stroll through Gulhane Park

It’s your last day in Istanbul for your 2 week Turkey itinerary! Today you’ll start at Topkapi Palace to learn more about Ottoman culture and architecture, tour the gardens and visit the harem. Then head over to the Istanbul Archeological Museum to view ancient artifacts from around Turkey. After touring the museum, stroll through Gulhane Park. If you’re visiting in the spring, this is where you find the famous Istanbul Tulip Festival.

Cappadocia, Turkey Itinerary – 3 Nights

Day 5 – fly to cappadocia – uchisar fortress, goreme open air museum & love valley.

This morning, plan a morning flight to the magical land of Cappadocia. The region is famous for its unique landscapes, fairy chimneys, and underground cities.

After getting settled at your hotel, head out to explore Uchisar Fortress and then over to Goreme Open Air Museum. If you have time, take a short hike through Love Valley to explore the landscapes of Goreme.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia

The region of Cappadocia is made up of many small towns and villages. We recommend looking in Goreme, Uchisar, or Urgup to find a place to stay in Cappadocia .

In Cappadocia, we recommend the following hotels:

·    Sultan Cave Suites

·    Museum Hotel

·    Kale Konak

Day 6: Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloon Ride & Zelve Open Air Museum, Avanos

For your first morning in Cappadocia, you’ll wake up early for the sunrise hot air balloon ride with Royal Balloon. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Plan this on our first morning just in case they need to reschedule due to bad weather.

After your hot air balloon ride, have breakfast then head to visit Zelve Open Air Museum – an ancient village and monastery carved into the landscape. Afterward, stop at Pasabag to walk the paths through the fair chimneys before going to the town of Avanos. Avanos is known for its pottery made with clay from the area. Go to the Chez Hakan Pottery Shop to try your hand at throwing clay.

Day 7: Cappadocia – Underground City & Ihlara Valley

Today go to the largest underground city discovered in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu. The ancient city goes 8 stories underground and has a fascinating history that dates back over 2000 years.

After visiting Derinkuyu head to Ihlara Valley a 14-km gorge that is as deep as 100m and home to many cave churches and dwellings.

Antalya, Turkey Itinerary – 4 Nights

Day 8: fly to mediterranean coast & antalya: antalya museum & kale ici.

Catch a morning flight to the Mediterranean city of Antalya . After getting settled in at your hotel, head to the Antalya Museum to learn more about the history of the area. The museum has some of the best well-preserved artifacts from historical sites in the region.

Next, head to Kale Ici also known as Old Town Antalya. Wander the cobblestone streets and see the old Ottoman houses, shops, and the old harbor. If you have time, take a boat trip to see beautiful views of the Antalya mountains, the Mediterranean Sea, Konyaalti Beach, and the dramatic cliffs along the city.

Where to Stay in Antalya

We recommend staying in the area of Konyaalti or Kale Ici while you’re in Antalya for your 2 week Turkey itinerary. If you’re planning on spending time at the beach, Konyaalti is an ideal area to stay. For couples or anyone looking for nightlife, you can also look at the Old Town area.

In Antalya, we recommend the following hotels:

·    Alp Pasa Hotel

·    Mediterra Art Hotel

·    Porto Bello Hotel & Spa

Day 9: Perge, Aspendos & Turkish Food

Have a big Turkish Breakfast at your hotel before visiting the ancient cities of Perge & Aspendos on the east side of Antalya. Both cities were conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 B.C. and are on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.

Perge is known for its city planning and defense system. Aspendos has the largest Roman theater built in Asia Minor, which also hosts an International Opera & Ballet Festival in the summers.

After visiting the ancient cities, head back to Antalya to try some of the local Turkish food. We suggest Pasa Bey or Sultan Yar. Both Turkish restaurants have a history of making some of the best kebabs, doners, and lahmacun in town.

Day 10: Beach or Hiking Day: Beach – Konyaalti / Hiking Termessos or Lycian Way Lighthouse

Whether you’re looking for a beach day or other outdoor activities, Antalya has something for everyone. Today pick a beach day or go hiking – whichever for your preference.

If you want time in the Mediterranean Sea, go to Konyaalt Beach Park to lounge on the 7km pebble beach and swim in the sea. There are many beach cafes on site to rent lounge chairs.

If you’d rather go hiking, we suggest going to the mountain city of Termessos to hike and explore. For hiking with views along the coast, you can hike the Lighthouse section of the Lycian Way.

Day 11: Ancient City of Phaselis & Beach/ Mt. Olympos

On your last day go about 45 minutes west on the coastal road to the ancient city of Phaselis. Explore the city ruins and don’t forget to bring your swimsuit to swim in one of the 3 bays surrounding Phaselis. There are bathrooms and changing rooms on-site for your convenience.

After visiting Phaselis, ride the cable car up 2,543 meters to the top of Mt. Olympos for 360-degree views of the Tarsus mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

Izmir & Ephesus, Turkey Itinerary – 2 Nights

Day 12 : fly to izmir & ephesus – village of sirince.

Today you’re catching a morning flight to Izmir. You’ll need an airport transfer to get to your hotel in Selcuk or Kusadasi near Ephesus about an hour away.

Drop your bags off at your hotel and then head up to the village of Sirince for a slow-paced day of local wine tasting, picturesque mountain views, and local shops.

Where to Stay Near Ephesus

There are several towns that you can stay in near the ancient city of Ephesus. We suggest the following accommodations:

·    Richmond Ephesus Resort in Selcuk

·    Nisanyan Houses in Selcuk

·    Charisma de Luxe Hotel in Kusadasi

Day 13 : Ephesus & Temple of Artemis

Get ready for a full day visiting the ancient city of Ephesus. You can visit on your own, but if you are interested in the details of the city, we suggest hiring a local guide for the day during your 2 week Turkey itinerary. There’s an entrance fee for the site, then an additional fee if you want to view the terrace houses (which we do recommend.)

After visiting Ephesus, visit the Temple of Artemis, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Ephesus Museum.

If you do have an extra day, you can plan a day trip to the thermal pools of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hieropolis

Day 14 : Fly to Istanbul to Head Home

This morning, catch a direct flight back to Istanbul for your trip home from 2 weeks in Turkey.

Conclusion: 2 Week Turkey Itinerary

In conclusion, use the ultimate 2 week Turkey itinerary to plan an amazing trip. Learn the essentials for your trip, where to go, how to get around, and what to do. The itinerary gives you a day by day travel details to plan your next trip to Turkey.

Author Bio: Dania Demirci is an American living on the Mediterranean coast in Turkey and the co-founder of Adventurefolio.com . She explores and shares her favorite things to do in Turkey with her family. She helps travelers confidently plan epic trips to Turkey.

Check out these additional related posts:

• How to Spend a Long Layover in Istanbul

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2 Week Turkey Black Sea Roadtrip Itinerary: Off the Beaten Path Adventures

Originally posted on

Are you a travel enthusiast seeking new destinations to explore? If so, embarking on a Black Sea road trip should definitely be on the top of your travel bucket list! 😉

The Black Sea region of Turkey has a jaw-dropping 1,300-kilometer (810 mi) long coastline along its namesake, the Black Sea. This long stretch of rugged paradise is adorned with picturesque landscapes, lesser-known historical sites, and a certain atmosphere of off-the-grid adventure. 

This road trip covers some of the best places in Northern Turkey and the Turkish Black Sea, including Sinop, Amasra, Safranbolu, Kastamonu, Amasya, Samsun, and more. 

Besides Turkey’s Black Sea cities, there are also optional stops in national parks, canyons, and ancient archaeological sites for those who have a few extra days (or love nature!)

If you’re ready to see the traditional houses of Safranbolu, learn why Sinop is the Happiest City in Turkey, climb up Kastamonu’s castle, chill on the Turkish Black Sea beaches, stroll along Amasya’s riverfront, and try delicious Black Sea dishes, then you’re in the right place! 

Let’s go on an unforgettable journey across the Black Sea 🙂 

THE BASICS: Turkey’s Black Sea

Best time to go —  late spring to summer .

The best time to visit the Black Sea in Turkey is summer, as well as the ‘shoulder season’ months before and after summer. Therefore, the best months to take this roadtrip are between April to September. 

The weather is at its best, the sea has pleasantly warm temperatures, and days are longer. If you visit during the shoulder season (March – April or September – October), you’ll also enjoy less crowds. 

Two notes: If you visit in early spring, be sure to double check when Ramadan is happening in Turkey. Our trip coincided with the first week of Ramadan, and many places in smaller cities and villages (where we stopped to get a snack or fill up our car) were closed. 

Likewise, early spring might also come with pockets of leftover snow near the road! This was only noticeable when we drove the Sinop to Amasra part of this road trip, but still something to keep in mind nonetheless. 🙂 

How many days do you need? — 9 to 14 days

Our entire trip took a grand total of 13 days. Technically you can do this route in as little as 9 days if you do some or all of the following:

• Drive a full day from Sinop to Amasra (i.e. no overnight stop) — this is best done if you have a second driver
• Cut out a second day in Bogazkale
• Skip Sahinkaya Canyon
• Don’t stop overnight in Samsun on the last day (i.e. drop off your rental car and fly, although this is only recommended if you have at least a few hours before your flight)

If you’re not done with this road trip just yet, you can also add even more Black Sea cities at the end of the itinerary such as Ordu, Trabzon, Rize, and so on. 

Difficulty —  Easy to Intermediate 

Thanks to the excellent Turkish roads and infrastructure of the region, driving about 90% of this road trip route was very easy, enjoyable, and straightforward.

You’re probably wondering about that 10%, aren’t you? Don’t worry, we’re getting there. 😉 

The only slightly difficult part of this trip was driving through the mountainous area that made up part of the Sinop to Amasra route, or more specifically, the road from Inebolu to Cide. 

Although it’s technically the ‘coastal road,’ a good majority of the D010 state road goes through mountains, and oftentime the road is so narrow that there is room for only one car (i.e. you have to be really careful about oncoming traffic). We recommend driving slowly, paying careful attention, and keeping your window open to hear oncoming traffic. While it might sound daunting, there’s a reward for courageous drivers: a gorgeous viewpoint near the entrance to Cide! 😉 

Other than that chunk, it’s all smooth sailing from there. The roads in Turkey are in excellent condition, even in tiny villages! 

Renting a car 

Renting a car in Turkey is very straightforward, and out of the 10 or so times we’ve rented a car here, all of them have been an enjoyable process. 🙂

For this roadtrip, we ended up going to Cizgi Rent A Car for a few reasons. We’ve used them before in Izmir and Antalya, they have a free pickup option from Samsun airport (just make sure to contact them ahead of time with your flight information), and their customer service is excellent. Our car’s back light stopped working in Safranbolu, and their WhatsApp support quickly solved the problem and reimbursed us for the repair. 

When renting a car, here are some important things to look for:

• How many total kilometers are included in your rental contact  — Our contract with Cizgi had unlimited mileage. The route in this blog post will take about 1,400 km if you visit all of the places (i.e. don’t skip anything). 
• Automatic or manual transmission — Automatic will cost a little more
• Fuel level — Some rental agencies ask you to refill to the maximum, while others ask to bring it back as it was (i.e. if it was half full, return it half full or more)

Start and end point — Samsun! 

We decided to start and end this road trip in Samsun (a perfect loop!), and there’s actually a reason behind this — Samsun is very convenient. 😅

Perhaps the most important point is that Samsun has plenty of car rental agencies (both at the airport and city center). When researching this road trip, we tried to look at neighboring cities in the Black Sea like Zonguldak or Sinop, but there were only very local agencies that didn’t have much of an online presence (i.e. on RentalCars ). 

Second, Samsun is one of the cities that constitutes a ‘gateway to the Black Sea’ and as such, the Samsun Airport is very well-connected. There are about a dozen direct flights from Istanbul every day (and other cities like Ankara and Izmir), which is very convenient and flexible. 

Of course, you can choose to drive the entire loop that we’ve outlined below, or do a smaller part — it’s completely up to you. 🙂 

START: Samsun

We took one of the earliest flights from Istanbul to Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF) because we wanted to get a head start on our day — if you have a few extra days or want to take it slow, then feel free to choose a flight that works for you.

After arriving at Samsun Airport, go to your car rental agency. There are a handful of car rental agencies right at the airport (you’ll see their kiosks when exiting the arrivals hall), while a few others are located a few minutes’ drive from the airport. Our rental agency (Cizgi) offered a free ride from the airport to their office, but we forgot to write down our flight information (🥲). In any case, there are plenty of taxis outside the airport to take you to the car rental office. 

A small note: You can spend a day in Samsun for the first day if you wish, but we saved it for the end of our trip as a way to decompress and get ourselves ready to fly back (plus it’s an excellent ‘buffer’ if your flight back home is later in the day!) 

From Samsun, start driving towards Sinop. 

SINOP: 1 to 2 days

The first stop on our Black Sea road trip is none other than Sinop. This easygoing city in Turkey’s northernmost region is characterized by rugged nature, nuggets of history, and hearty food. But that’s not all — Sinop was voted the Happiest City in Turkey multiple years in a row! 🙂 

If you’re traveling to Sinop in the summer, you’ll also see why it’s called the ‘Bodrum of the Black Sea’ with its sun, sand, and sea trilogy. Let’s check out the city! 

What to Do in Sinop

📍 Go to the Top of the Sinop Fortress — Thanks to Sinop’s strategic location, the city needed a fortress to protect the city — which is how the Sinop Fortress came to be. Located in the center of the city, the original fortress spanned a little over 2 kilometers in length and 25 meters in height. You can go to the top for free (check out those views!) and visit the other remnants of the fortress in various parts of Sinop. Check our city guide (link below) for the info. 

📍 Visit Arslan Mansion — Once used as a mansion for a wealthy local, the Arslan Torun mansion now houses the city’s ethnography museum and is a treasure trove of beautiful interior design, traditional costumes, and other artifacts from bygone years. 

📍 Sinop Prison — Nicknamed the Alcatraz of Anatolia, Sinop Prison held many famous Turkish politicians and writers during its time. Nowadays, the prison was recently reconstructed and turned into a museum. 

📍 Statue of Diogenes — Greek philosopher Diogenes was one of the most famous residents of Sinop, and his statue greets everyone who passes through the entrance of the city. 

📍 Sinop Archaeological Museum — A well-curated museum with items from Sinop’s history, including the Hellenistic, Roman, Seljuk, and Byzantine periods.

📍 Pervane Medrese —  Once used as a theological school, the Pervane Medrese is an excellent example of Seljuk architecture. Nowadays, it’s an open courtyard that’s a lovely place to stop for some coffee and souvenirs. 

🍽️ Where to Eat: For some of the best local food, head over to Teyze’nin Yeri Mantı Salonu and try the Sinop Manti. Another good option is Sen Pastaneleri , which has two local dishes — prenses cake and nokul — on their menu.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION? We have an entire Sinop City Guide blog post – click here ! 🙂 

Where to Stay in Sinop

Otel 57 — Otel 57 is well-appointed, in an excellent location, and aptly-named (57 is Sinop’s province code)!

The Hotel: Having undergone a recent renovation, the rooms are very comfortable and come with a spacious balcony. There’s a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. The hotel is steps away from the Sinop Castle and waterfront, as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants. 

Parking situation : While there’s no on-site parking (the hotel is located on a main road), the hotel has an agreement with a nearby parking lot. The front desk employee drove us to the parking lot and parked our car (valet-style). The parking lot is free 🙂 

Other excellent options: 

• Denizci Hotel — Practically next door to Otel 57, offering sea views and complimentary breakfast. BOOK HERE
• Dolunay Hotel — Located in the historical center, with modern rooms and a public parking lot behind the hotel. BOOK HERE
• Sinop Antik Otel — Located on the road to Sinop’s city center, Antik Otel is especially popular during the summer thanks to its private beach (yes, really!), complete with complimentary sun beds and umbrellas. BOOK HERE

SINOP TO AMASRA DRIVE 

Known as one of the most beautiful road trips in Turkey, the Amasra to Sinop drive (or in this case, Sinop to Amasra 😉) is packed with charming seaside towns, gorgeous viewpoints, and hues of blue waves shimmering in the background.  

Duration —  The Sinop to Amasra drive takes about 7 hours if you drive along the waterfront. You can do it in one day if you switch drivers and/or take frequent breaks (and believe us, there are some awesome villages and towns along the way!) 

Due to an abundance of time (and choppy weather), we decided to break this trip into two days:  day one was driving from Sinop to Inebolu (3 hours) and the next day from Inebolu to Amasra (4 hours). We highly recommend stopping in Inebolu, as it’s practically the halfway point of the journey. 

The road — As we mentioned under The Basics, parts of the road from Sinop to Amasra were a bit challenging. Besides the many winding switchbacks that you’ll need to drive up, some parts of the route are so narrow that only one car can pass at any given time. However, Rough Guide sums it up pretty well: “Beyond Sinop the coast road west is tortuous and slow, but spectacular scenery, unspoiled beaches and small ports offer compensation.” 

Places to stop along the Sinop to Amasra drive: 

📍 Hamsilos Koyu (15 km from Sinop) — A beautiful little cove that’s very tourist-friendly and has plenty of amenities (spacious parking lot, public toilets, benches to sit, etc). If you’re visiting during the summer season, there are also boats that offer tours around the bay.

📍 İnceburun (22 km from Sinop)— Fun fact: İnceburun is officially the northernmost point of Turkey! There’s a small and picturesque lighthouse that you can access. 

📍 Ayancık (58 km from Sinop) — Small town with a lovely beach and fish restaurants along the way.

📍 Inebolu (The half-way point of this drive)— A small quaint town with an Ataturk museum, cafes, restaurants, and a handful of hotels.

📍 Yali / Çayyaka (107 km to Amasra) — There’s a beautiful viewpoint on the D010 road just before you enter Çayyaka ( photo above ).

📍 Cide (71 km to Amasra) — Be sure to visit Tug Hill Observation Deck ( Tuğ Tepesi Seyir Terası ) for a beautiful view of Cide! It also doubles as a cafe and restaurant, with soft drinks and delicious food. 

Accommodations

Mavideniz Otel — A small, family-run hotel located in the center of Inebolu. 

The hotel: A breakfast plate was included in the rate, and we had a room with an unspoiled view of the Black Sea. After exploring the town, we came back to the hotel and had a small problem (the room smelled like smoke, presumably from the hotel’s traditional furnace) and the staff helped us quickly settle into a new room.

Parking situation: the hotel has street parking right in front of the building (time to polish off those parallel parking skills :)) 

AMASRA: 1 Day

Idyllically perched on a peninsula, Amasra is certainly the definition of a hidden gem amidst the Black Sea. This charming small town is immaculately well-kept while still maintaining its former glory, and the best way to experience it is by walking along the palm-lined seaside promenade before dipping under a stone bridge to explore the castle and historic houses. 

What to Do in Amasra

You won’t find many of the typical tourist attractions thanks to Amasra’s small size — so this is the perfect opportunity to relax, take a leisurely stroll around the city, and enjoy the atmosphere! 

📍 Amasra Museum — Covering five eras of history — the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman periods — the Amasra Museum is a must-visit stop for getting acquainted with the history of this region. The exhibits are well-done, with interactive displays, archaeological artifacts, ethnographic items, and even two rooms full of historical sculptures and busts. 

📍 Take a Boat Tour — During the tourist season, there are multiple scenic boat tours around the harbor / Rabbit Island — head over to the harbor and you’ll see a few kiosks advertising the tours. 

📍 Explore the Old City — Known as the Kaleici Mahalle (Inner Castle neighborhood), this area is full of charming traditional houses and cobblestone streets. 

📍 Kemere Bridge — This historical bridge, which was built in the 9th century, connects two parts of Amasra’s Castle and is an attraction in its own right. It’s a lovely place to take a photo or watch the sunset. 

🍽️ Try a local delicacy — If you’re visiting the Black Sea, you’ll definitely want to try the local dish — which is fish, of course! There are a dozen fish restaurants in Amasra to choose from, but we went with Gunbatimi Balik. Be sure to go to the second floor to enjoy a gorgeous view of the city.

Where to Stay in Amasra

Our hotel was actually in Bartin, the capital of the province, because we saw this beautiful hotel when searching for accommodations and couldn’t say no. 😊 However, we also included a list of hotels in Amasra as well under ‘Other excellent options’. 

Kaf Konak — This hotel is an authentic konak, which is a traditional Ottoman-style mansion. The hotel was immaculately restored in 2010, adding modern conveniences yet keeping much of the original walls, design, and heirlooms. 

The Hotel: Honestly, this was one of the best hotels during our entire Black Sea trip! The rooms were absolutely fantastic, with plush bedding, adorable little touches (like a retro radio, embroidered lace towels, etc). There’s an on-site restaurant with a nice mix of local and European dishes, and the complimentary Turkish breakfast was amazing !

Parking Situation: There’s no on-site parking (it is an authentic wooden mansion, after all 😉), there is street parking right across the hotel. The owner’s son helped us park 🙂 

• Sardinia Otel — A beautifully restored hotel right near the fortress. There’s also a spacious terrace and jaw-dropping views of the bay from the rooms.  BOOK HERE
• Kum Butik Hotel —  Before we get any further, kum in Turkish means sand. 🙂 This hotel is located in a traditional Ottoman mansion and within a block of the city center and the beach!  BOOK HERE
• Amasra Kerem Apart — For those who prefer to have the space and convenience of an apartment, Kerem Apart is within walking distance to the center and has an amazing view from the terrace. As a bonus, there’s free parking for guests.  BOOK HERE

SAFRANBOLU: 1 to 2 Days

Safranbolu is one of the most popular cities in the Black Sea, and it’s no wonder why. Once a stop along the Silk Road, Safranbolu has retained many of its traditional Ottoman mansions, as well as a fully-working caravansary (roadside inn) and a cobblestoned Old Town.  

Thanks to Safranbolu’s size, the city can easily be seen in one day. However, it’s so picturesque and charming that you might be tempted to extend your stay by a day or two! 

What to do in Safranbolu

📍 Walk through the historical bazaar — One of Safranbolu’s top attractions are the multiple bazaars scattered around the historic center. Be sure to get yourself a souvenir or two — the mini wooden houses are especially popular!

📍 Go hunting for Ottoman mansions — Safranbolu is home to more than 2,000 Ottoman-era konak (mansion) houses, each with its own history. The easiest way to get to know these historic beauties is to stay in a konak hotel (see Where to Stay in Safranbolu below), but walking around and admiring the houses is another great idea.

📍 Learn about the History of Kahve at the Coffee Museum — One of our favorite places in Safranbolu! The Coffee Museum is located on the second floor of the historic caravansary (roadside inn). Although the museum might look small at first, it’s a wealth of information (in English and Turkish) and interesting artifacts. Don’t forget to order a coffee from their cafe — they took historic recipes and recreated them for visitors!

📍 Relax at Cinci Hamam — If you’re feeling a little tired from the road trip thus far, then a visit to Cinci Hamam is sure to recharge your batteries! This historic 17th century hamam (Turkish bath) is located right next door to the caravansary (they’re part of the same complex) and is still working. Men and women have separate bathing areas, and there are various spa packages available. 

📍 City Museum & Clock Tower — This cheerful yellow building holds plenty of interesting exhibits relating to Safranbolu’s culture and history, including maps, coins, artifacts, photos, handicrafts, clothing, and much more. The Clock Tower is located right behind the City History Museum and features a dozen miniature clock towers from all around Turkey, as well as a larger clock tower that was built in the late 1700s. 

📍 Finish off your trip with a panorama at Hidirlik Hill — On your way to the next destination, be sure to stop at Hidirlik Hill and say one final goodbye to Safranbolu! Located on a hill above the city, Hidirlik Hill has a spacious terrace that opens up to a beautiful panoramic view of Safranbolu (great for taking photos!) and a small cafe. 

🍽️ Where to Eat: Safranbolu’s strategic location along the Silk Route means that the city has a rich gastronomic history, and you’re sure to find plenty of delicious local dishes! One of the best restaurants in Safranbolu is Safranbolu Zencefil Yöresel Lezzetler because their entire menu is almost all local food — try the Peruhi (Safranbolu-style manti), Bandurma (chicken piled on baked dough), Islama (meat with bread), and Zerde (rice with saffron) for dessert. Other excellent options include Hanim Sultan for local dishes and Arasta Kahvesi 1661 for coffee and desserts.

Where to Stay in Safranbolu 

Gunes Konak Otel Safranbolu — İf you’ve ever wanted to stay in a traditional Safranbolu house, here’s your chance, as Gunes Konak is an absolutely adorable konak (historical mansion). The hotel is situated on a quiet street and overlooks the city’s Old Town, which means you’ll get a ton of amazing views.

The Hotel: Our room (Deluxe Double Room) was well-appointed, with traditional design and a spacious sitting nook under the window. That nook became my favorite part, as I would drink my morning coffee and watch the sun set during our two days here! The hotel is also very small (i.e. peaceful) and is run by a very friendly owner that we had the chance to meet and talk to. 

Parking situation : Street parking, although it’s absolutely ideal: Gunes is located on a quiet side street (i.e. almost nobody drives by), and you have a view of your car from your room’s window. 🙂

Other excellent options:  You really can’t go wrong with booking a hotel in Safranbolu, because they’re all amazing! Here are some places to get you started:

• Hilton Garden Inn Safranbolu : For those who prefer the comforts of an upscale hotel (spaciousness, parking, WiFi, pool, etc), the Hilton Garden Inn is an excellent choice. It’s located in the ‘new’ city center (as opposed to the Old Town), but you can reach Safranbolu’s historic center with a quick 5-minute taxi ride. BOOK HERE
• Akbulut Konak : Perfectly situated between the new city center and the Old Town, Akbulut retains many of its elegant historic charms with a modern twist. Plus, the breakfast is absolutely epic!  BOOK HERE
• Gulevi Safranbolu : This hotel is actually made up of three Ottoman mansions (16 total rooms) and has a distinct boutique hotel feel — and a ‘secret garden’ out back!  BOOK HERE

DRIVE FROM SAFRANBOLU TO KURE DAGLARI NATIONAL PARK (1.5 hours) 

After exploring the city, it’s time to get back on the road — thankfully, there are plenty of interesting attractions on the drive from Safranbolu to our next destination!  Travel tip : If you’re short on time, you can do this part and visit Kure Daglari National Park (below) in one day if you wake up early. Note: All of the following places are located within 2 kilometers from each other. If you decide to do this road trip without a car (i.e. visiting only the major cities by plane or bus), you can still take a taxi and visit the following places. 

📍 Crystal Glass Terrace — Just outside of Safranbolu is this glass canyon with jaw dropping views of the river and canyon below. Entrance is 20 TL for adults, and there is also a cafe and zipline in the tourist complex.  📍 Tokatli Kanyonu — If you have some free time, you can also explore the aqueduct and canyon below the glass terrace.  📍 Nostalji Gezi Evi — Translated to ‘Nostalgia Travel House,’ this traditional mansion is full of interesting retro items from bygone years, including motorcycles, books, coins from around the world, and other vintage goods. There’s also a cafe with a terrace. 🙂

KURE DAGLARI NATIONAL PARK: 1 Day

Küre Mountains National Park (in Turkish, Küre Dağları Milli Parkı) is one of 45 national parks in Turkey, and one of the most popular in the Black Sea region. The park covers an area of more than 93,000 acres, although only a fraction is available to the public — which we’ll explore today!

Horma Canyon — The first stop is Horma Canyon, which is accessible thanks to a 3-kilometer wooden trail. You’ll walk through lush forests, above flowing rivers, and be treated to a natural pool at the end of the walk. Entrance is 16 TL for adults and 8 TL for children. 

After exploring Horma Canyon, you can take a taxi or dolmus back to the parking lot (or walk!). From there, it’s about an hour drive to our next destination… 

Çatak Canyon Observation Deck ( above) — Located some 450 meters above ground, the Çatak Canyon Observation Deck (Turkish: Çatak Kanyonu Cam Seyir Terası) offers visitors the chance to see beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding forest and canyon. Follow Google Maps for the observation deck until you reach a parking lot. From there, it’s a 1 kilometer walk to the deck. If you’re hungry, be sure to pack a picnic lunch, as there are open-air eating areas at the tourist complex. 

Where to Stay near Kure Daglari NP 

Kanyon Park Otel

The Hotel: A wonderfully cozy hotel complex with stand-alone ‘mini cabins’ and an on-site restaurant. Best of all, the hotel is a short ~15 minute drive to the Kure Daglari NP. 🙂 

Parking situation: There’s plenty of available parking inside the hotel complex, and we parked ‘behind’ our cabin.

KASTAMONU: 1 Day

While Kastamonu might look like an ordinary city at first glance, it turned out to be one of the most charming and memorable places during our road trip — and we’re sure that you’ll love it as well. 🙂 

Kastamonu is one of those cities that is often overlooked, yet offers so many delights and surprises to those who take the time to visit and get to know it. Kastamonu’s historical charms and an atmosphere of undeniable authenticity sets it apart from the mainstream tourist cities. 

What to do in Kastamonu

📍 Climb to the top of Kastamonu Castle ( above) — The diamond in Kastamonu’s crown is none other than the historical castle, which was built in the 12th century and still retains many of its original features. While the hike up is a bit challenging due to the elevation (and slopes), the view of the city is worth it! We recommend visiting just before sunset for the best experience. Entrance is free.

📍 Learn Kastamonu’s History at the City Museum — This cheerful yellow building… Just kidding, if you’ve been reading this whole blog post, you might have noticed that we copied the intro from Safranbolu’s city museum 😉 But really, Kastamonu’s city museum definitely deserves a visit! While not translated to English, you can easily spend an hour or two looking at the exhibitions (just be sure to have Google Translate open!) Just behind the museum is a Clock Tower with an excellent view of the city.

📍 See the Traditional Ottoman Mansions — One of life’s greatest pleasures is enjoying a quiet stroll in a new place, and Kastamonu is just the place to do so. Some of the best-preserved houses can be found in the Akmescit, Ismail Bey, and Hepkebirler (center) neighborhoods. 

📍 See the Home Tombs — One of the most unusual attractions in Kastamonu are the Ev Kaya Mezarları, which literally translates to Home Rock Tombs. These tombs were built by Paphlagonians in the 7th century BC and are known as the oldest rock tombs in the province. There are stairs that go to the tombs, as well as a board with information. Google Maps doesn’t have a marker for these tombs, so click here for the coordinates . 

📍 Go People Watching at Nasrullah Square — Visit the main square of Kastamonu to experience the local atmosphere, enjoy some tea at a traditional café, and see the impressive Nasrullah Mosque. Stop by Erdem Sepetçioğlu to buy some delicious goodies as souvenirs. 

🍽️ Where to Eat: Kastamonu has many delicious specialities, including banduma (pieces of boiled chicken placed on lavash and topped with sauce and crushed nuts), etli ekmek (gozleme-style bread with bits of pastrami inside), elma eğşisi (a cold drink from boiled wild apples), and cekme helva . 

We especially recommend eating at Penbe Han, which is a restored caravansary from the 15th century. The menu features plenty of local dishes (including those listed above) and a wonderful atmosphere — if the weather is good, enjoy your food in the garden. Likewise, Eflani Konağı is another great option for local food, especially their banduma. 

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION? We have an entire Kastamonu City Guide blog post – click here! 🙂 

Where to Stay in Kastamonu

Lidya Otel — One of our favorite hotels during the trip! Besides being one of the top-rated hotels in Kastamonu, it’s run by a very nice and hospitable family 🙂

The Hotel: The hotel has 20 rooms in total (16 standard + 4 family rooms), which were comfortable and very spacious. Breakfast was included. A cute fun fact: Each of the rooms is named after a city or town in Kastamonu province. It’s located on a quiet street and just a short 5-minute walk to the city center. 

Parking situation : There’s some street parking in front of the hotel (valet), as well as a free parking lot across the hotel. We dropped off our car in front and the owner reparked it in the parking lot. We met some other hotel guests from Poland who were traveling around Turkey in a large campervan-style car, and they had no problem parking either — the parking lot is spacious! 

OTHER EXCELLENT OPTIONS:

-Uğurlu Konakları — A typical Ottoman mansion with modern rooms. While it’s located close to Kastamonu’s city center, the hotel is on a quiet street. BOOK HERE

– Park Dedeman Kastamonu — The creme de la creme of hotels, Park Dedeman has absolutely everything you could ever want in a hotel, including a lounge, fitness center, terrace, in-house restaurant, pool, hammam, and spa!  BOOK HERE

DRIVE FROM KASTAMONU TO BOGAZKALE & Route Notes

After Kastamonu, it’s time to hit the road again 🙂  Unfortunately, the drive from Kastamonu to our next destination (Bogazkale) is a bit uneventful and bland, although you’ll get to see plenty of Anatolian steppes and farmland. The approximate driving time from Kastamonu to Bogazkale is around 4 hours. If you have a flexible schedule, you can drive from Kastamonu to Ankara (the capital) and spend a few days there. The driving time from Kastamonu to Ankara is about 3.5 hours, and then it’s another 2.5 hours from Ankara to Bogazkale. We didn’t go to Ankara on this trip, but it’s certainly a possibility if you would like to do so — just look for hotels with parking. Likewise, you can stop at Ilgaz Mountain National Park (Turkish, Ilgaz Dağı Milli Parkı) along the way, but there’s not much to see. The area is popular with skiers, and in early April, there was still snow when we visited.

BOGAZKALE: 1 to 2 days

While very much under the (tourist) radar, Boğazköy-Alacahöyük National Park is one of the most significant historical archaeological sites in this part of Turkey. The park is actually made up of two ancient cities — Boğazköy and Alacahöyük — which were among the most important Hittite settlements. While it’s written as Boğazköy-Alacahöyük Milli Parkı ( Bogazköy-Alacahöyük National Park ), it’s actually two separate parks that are 35 kilometers apart.

We spent most of our time at the Boğazköy site (in Bogazkale), since it was a short drive from our Airbnb. The Alacahöyük site is about a 30-minute (35 km) drive from the first park.

Since Google Maps doesn’t show to locations very well, here are the coordinates for both sites:

• Boğazköy site
• Alacahöyük site 

Boğazköy is best visited by car, as you’ll be driving around a very large area. There are about 6 parking spots where you can park your car and go exploring on foot, including the famous lion statues, the mysterious Potern tunnel, the remnants of the city walls, and the King’s gate. 

The site has plenty of informational signs in multiple languages (including English), but you can also buy an informational book from the gift shop if you want to get the full story. It’s written by a German professor who took part in the original excavations of the archaeological site, and we’re really glad that we bought it! 

After visiting the park, we opted to stay at an Airbnb because there was very little choice in terms of hotels and accommodations. We found this apartment and recommend it — the host is friendly, there’s plenty of space, and there’s a laundry machine. 🙂 

The next day, you can either go straight to the next destination (Amasya) or stop by the second archaeological site (Alacahöyük). When you drive from Bogazkoy to Amasya, you’ll see signs for Alacahöyük along the highway — follow them and they’ll lead you to the site. 

AMASYA: 2 Days

With its meandering canal splitting the city in two, charming antique houses, and soft green mountains in the background, it’s easy to imagine Amasya as a city fit for a fairytale. 

One of Turkey’s most underrated cities, Amasya is famous for many things, including its juicy apples, beautiful waterfront houses, and remnants of the Pontic Kingdom. Its laid back atmosphere reminded us of Amasra, its houses were similar to those in Safranbolu, and it has a well-preserved castle like that in Kastamonu. In short, Amasya has a little bit of everything from our trip!

What to do in Amasya

📍 Marvel at the Charming Antique Houses — These well-preserved wooden structures, called Yaliboyu , are adorned with intricate carvings that evoke a sense of nostalgia and offer a glimpse into the city’s rich architectural heritage. There are dozens of yaliboyu along Amasya’s waterfront, and the best way to see them is with a relaxing stroll parallel to the river. Some of these houses have also been converted into hotels — check the ‘Where to Stay in Amasya’ section for some of them! 

📍 Hike up to the King Rock Tombs — One of the first things you might notice in Amasya are the imposing tombs carved into the mountainside. They’re known as the Tombs of the Kings of Pontus, and consist of five ancient burial chambers that were created more than 2,000 years ago. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and have a bottle of water for the hike up!

📍 See the City from Amasya Castle — Make your way to Amasya Castle and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city below. This historical fortress offers a unique perspective on Amasya’s layout, the winding river, and the surrounding landscapes. It’s a great spot for capturing breathtaking photographs! You can either take a taxi or your own car, although the drive up can be daunting for some.

📍 Check out the Sabuncuoglu Medical and Surgical History Museum — This was our personal favorite, as it’s such a unique museum. Set in a historical building from the 1300s, the museum is mostly dedicated to the work of Şerafeddin Sabuncuoğlu, a local surgeon and physician who pioneered many groundbreaking treatments in the Ottoman empire. 

📍 Go Back in Time at the Amasya Archeology Museum — One of the most well-curated museums in the region, the Amasya Archeology Museum has more than 24,000 artifacts, including shipwrecks, gold jewelry, mosaics, and even mummies. The collections are beautifully exhibited, and everything is translated in English. 🙂  

🍽️ Where to Eat: Amasya is known as the City of Apples, and as such, you’ll find anything and everything with apples 😁 Be sure to try the apple tea — it’s like a mug of coziness!

Other local dishes include the Amasya doughnut (made with poppy filling), Helle soup (rice and butter soup), and Bakla Dolması dolma with beans).

You can try these delicacies at Amaseia Mutfagi , which has a whole menu with local dishes. Other great places include Çörekçi Galip for Amasya doughnuts and Emin Efendi Konakları . We also recommend the Amasya Anadolu Mantı Evi , which has a small but delicious menu of manti from different regions. 

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION? We have an entire Amasya City Guide blog post – click here ! 🙂 

Where to Stay in Amasya:

Ziyagil Konağı — This sweet family-run hotel made our trip to Amasya even more special because it’s a traditional yaliboyu house!  

The Hotel : This hotel has kept much of its original charm, including the beautiful wood carvings and windows. The rooms are comfortable, and the breakfast is delicious and homemade.

Parking situation : You’ll need to drive a narrow back road to get to the hotel (drive very slowly 😅), but there’s free parking about 5 minutes from the hotel. The owner helped us repark our car to the parking lot. 

•  Sarıkonak Boutique & Spa Hotel Amasya — Absolutely luxurious! One of the only hotels in Amasya with a spa and hammam.  BOOK HERE
• Uluhan Hotel — Be sure to book the Suite room and you’ll have a balcony with views of the river and city!  BOOK HERE
• Bayezid Han Konak — Another authentic Amasya-style house 🙂 The hotel is exceptionally decorated with elements of luxury and comfort. Note: This hotel is adults only – be sure to keep this in mind if you’re a family traveling with kids. BOOK HERE

(Optional) VEZIRKOPRU: 1 Day

After saying Hoşçakal to Amasya, it’s time to hit the road again. 🙂 

This next stop is optional — if you have an extra day and want to enjoy the Black Sea region’s beauty, you can stop at Vezirkopru and visit the Şahinkaya Canyon via boat tour. If not, you can skip this section and go straight to Samsun.

Here’s a quick overview of the drive:

Amasya to Vezirköprü: 77 km (1 hour 10 mins)  + Şahinkaya Canyon 20 km (30 min)  TOTAL = 100 km (2 hours) 

Amasya to Samsun : 126 km (2 hours)

If you decide to visit Vezirkopru, you can stay overnight. We booked Tarihi Taşhan Otel & Restoran and were pleased with the comfortable and spacious room. It’s also located in an old caravansary and has street parking right outside of the hotel 🙂 

After settling in, take the car and drive to Şahinkaya Kanyonu. There will be a large parking lot, and a little bit below there’s a pier where the tour boats are parked. The tour takes about 1 hour and costs 80 TL per adult. 

(Optional) SAMSUN: 1 Day

Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of the trip! 🎉

You have two options when driving to Samsun: you can either drop off the rental car and go straight to the airport (if your flight is soon), or drop off your car and head into the city for one day (i.e. fly out the next day).

Some places to visit in Samsun include Atatürk Park , taking a stroll along the waterfront , going to the Bandırma Ferry museum , seeing the Clock Tower , and taking the cable car to Amisos Hill .

Where to Stay in Samsun 

Osmanlı Paşa Otel- Konaklama

The Hotel : Located within walking distance to the center, Osmanlı Paşa Otel has very comfortable and clean rooms and a very friendly owner — we spent our last evening drinking tea and chatting with him about Samsun’s nature and tourist attractions. 🙂 

If the hotel has no availability, be sure to email him — he has another hotel nearby. 

Phew, that’s it!! Congratulations, you’ve just taken the trip of a lifetime around Turkey’s Black Sea!! We hope this guide was helpful in planning your trip. 🙂 

PHOTO CREDITS: Horma Canyon by Cems77 | Sahinkaya Canyon by Assyrtiko

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6 Amazing Turkey Road Trip Ideas for 2024

Some of the links may be affiliate links , and at no cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend stuff I love and use, and the income goes back into making this little blog successful!

Thinking of a Turkey road trip but unsure where, when, or even if it’s a good idea?

I spent a couple of weeks exploring this beautiful country with one of my Turkish girlfriends ( and sometimes solo on the road ), and I am here to tell you – this country gave me all the feels! 🥰

Not only is it safe to travel to as a solo woman, but it is also surprisingly diverse and beautiful. Turkey has so many amazing things to do , it’s cheap, and the infrastructure (i.e., roads) is great!

Below are my recommendations for do’s and dont’s in Turkey, along with several FAQs related to road trips around this beautiful land.

A Few Planning Resources

Travel Insurance for Turkey Check Prices with SafetyWing

Accommodations in Turkey Check Booking.com for Boutique Hotels

Guided Tours in Turkey Check the Day Trips on Viator

Rental Car in Turkey Check Discover Cars for the Best Deals

Table of Contents

Why Visit Turkey?

Turkey is an amazing and diverse country that just keeps on giving.

From breathtaking Ottoman and Arabic architecture, rich culture, and delicious foods I can’t always pronounce, to friendly locals and beautiful natural landscapes, there are countless reasons why it’s one of the top travel destinations in the world . And one of my favorite countries to road trip!

Fun Facts About Turkey

• Capital city  – Ankara
• Largest city  – Istanbul
• Currency  – Turkish Lira (1 USD = 18 TRY)
• Language  – Turkish (half of the people I met spoke decent English, and when I traveled to more rural towns, Google Translate worked wonderfully!)
• Geography  – Turkey is a vast country ( about 15% larger than Texas ) located on both the European and Asian continents. Terrain-wise, it has the Mediterranean Sea to the West, the Black Sea to the North, and mountains surrounding the south and east regions.
• Fun Fact: While most people know about Turkish coffee, drinking Turkish tea is way more popular with the locals.
• EXTRA Fun Fact: There are many beautiful stray cats roaming around Turkey – but they are not homeless. The locals leave food and water out for them, which is the most heartwarming thing to see.

6 Turkey Road Trip Ideas

These road trip options span all of Turkey. I’ve included the time I recommend for the road trip, noting that I like to take it a bit more easily.

1. Best Road Trip for History & Hot Air Balloons

📍 Route: Istanbul – Ankara – Cappadocia ⏰ Recommended Time: 5-7 days

Head south from Istanbul towards Ankara for a couple of days, where you can visit the  Museum of Anatolian Civilizations , and stop at the old citadel and the mausoleum of the country’s revered founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Afterwards, head further into the desert towards Cappadocia for a few days, the home of the unique experience of taking a hot air balloon ride as the sun rises of the desert land. The center of all Cappadocia is the town of Goreme . It is where you’ll want to stay, as it’s full of cute little boutique hotels that all have views of the balloons launching every morning.

I cannot stress enough booking your Hot Air Balloon ride ahead of time because they will book out, especially in the high summer season. The weather/wind may not be great one day, so they push your balloon flight to the following day.

➡️ Butterfly Hot Air Balloons fly the highest compared to other balloon companies. I highly recommend them.

Then there is the desert hiking itself that you can spend a couple of days enjoying. There are 2 main guided hiking tours in Cappadocia – The Red Tour and The Green Tour. I recommend buying the guided Green Tour and doing the Red Tour on your own. My favorite self-guided hikes were:

• Goreme, Love & White Valley, and Uchisar Castle (rating: easy )
• Rose & Red Valley (basically the Red Tour, rating: easy )

2. Best Road Trip from Istanbul for Turkey Highlights

📍 Route: Istanbul – Cappadocia – Ephessus – Pammukale ⏰ Recommended Time: 7 – 9 Days

While Istanbul itself is a mesmerizing city to explore that spans both the European and Asian continents, this particular road trip expands the itinerary to more highlights of ancient Turkey.

• 2 Days In Istanbul: Explore highlights like the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Ottoman Topkapi Palace.
• 3 Days In Cappadocia : Fly in the Hot Air Balloons at dawn and hike the region’s deserts.
• 2 Days in Izmir & Ephesus : Head to Izmir and explore the nearby ancient Ruins of Ephesus , where Cleopatra and Marc Antoni spent their honeymoon and Mother Mary from the Bible used to live.
• 1 Day in Pammukale: Take a dip in the Instagram-worthy Pammukale hot springs and relax at the nearby wineries!

I’ve outlined this 10-Day itinerary of Turkey in more depth , as I loved this little route best!

3. Best Road Trip for Food & Wine (+ A Side of History)

📍 Route: Istanbul – Gallipoli – Troy – Pergamum – Izmir – Urla ⏰ Recommended Time: 5 – 7 days

This road trip is easy enough and full of history, wineries, and delicious food!

As you drive from Istanbul towards Gallipoli, stay a night at Barbare Winery for Turkish wine and cuisine. Enjoy a bit of history the next day with the Gallipoli Battleground Tour.

Fun Fact: Most of the Gallipoli Peninsula is a national park with forests and secluded beaches to explore as well.

Then onwards to visit the ancient Ruins of Troy ( and yes, they do have the big wooden horse ), followed by a day at the Acropolis of Pergamum.

You’ll want to be in Izmir halfway through your trip as a home base . Besides being the closest hub city to Ephesus, this is Turkey’s third-largest city – it has a layered culture and cuisine influenced by the Greeks. I loved having lunch at this winery just outside town: Isabey Bagevi , and then visiting the little town of Urla.

Do a day trip from Izmir to Ephesus , strolling down the streets of the ancient ruins where Cleopatra and Mother Mary from the Bible used to wander. Followed by an afternoon at the 7 Bilgeler Saraphonesi Winery .

I also recommend trying meze platters stacked with sun-ripened olives and feta, as well as meaty kebabs cooked on open charcoal flames.

Do not shy away from köfte – ground meatballs served with herbs, salads, and yogurt – or anywhere that serves up generous plates of marinated and roasted lamb. And then the desserts – rosewater-scented baklava to traditional sütlaç rice pudding.

4. Best Road Trip for Epic Sea Views

📍 Route: Fethiye – Oludeniz – Patara – Kalkan – Kas ⏰ Recommended Time: 7-10 days

The Lycian Way is one of the most famous walks and trails, up there with the Silk Road and El Camino De Santiago De Compostela. This road trip is focused on hiking portions of the Lycian Way and enjoying the stunning Turquoise Coast of Turkey.

• 3 Days in Antalya:  Manovgat Waterfalls, Adrasan Hike, Beaches, Party in the Old Town
• 3 Days in Kalkan/Kas:  Beach Life, Boating Around the little coves, hiking the coastline
• 3 Days in Oludeniz/Fethiye:  Paraglide over the sea, swim in the famous Blue Lagoon, and hike the coastline along parts of the Lycian Way

5. Best Road Trip for Exploring Turkish Culture

📍 Route: Istanbul – Ankara – Konya ⏰ Recommended Time: 5-7 days

• 2 Days in Istanbul: Visit the mosques, nightlife, and neighborhoods of Kayakoy and Kadikoy on both the Asia and Europe side of the city.
• 2 Days in Ankara: Visit the  Museum of Anatolian Civilizations . Stop at the old citadel and the mausoleum of the country’s revered founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
• 2 Days around Konya: Head to the center of the mystical sect of Islam, Sufism, where the famous prophet and philosopher Rumi made his home, and watch the ceremony of the Twirling Dervishes.

6. Best Road Trip for Lazy Seaside Villages

📍 Route: Bodrum – Marmares ⏰ Recommended Time: 5 – 7 days

As I was passing through these little seaside villages, I couldn’t help but wonder what country I was in. The Mediterranean coast of Turkey is so similar to (and has been greatly influenced by) the Greeks. And it shows in the cuisine, the dress, the architecture, and the laid-back attitude.

• 3 Days Marmaris:  explore the old town, eat your heart out, lay out on the beaches
• 3 Days Bodrum:  party in the old town, sunsets by the windmills, a day trip on a catamaran

Getting Around Turkey

There are a few ways to get around Turkey if you’re going on a road trip. The best way would be to rent a car, especially if you stay more than 5-6 days.

Alternatively, flying and leveraging the bus system are also options, especially if the trip requires traversing long distances or staying on a tight budget.

Here are a few pros and cons for each.

This is the best option for a couple of scenarios.

• If you are staying longer than a week and want to explore a few large cities
• If you want to explore the hidden gems, local towns, remote beaches, unique hikes, etc.
• If you want the flexibility a car gives to the itinerary and your schedule

This is what I used to rent a car in Turkey: ➡️ DISCOVER CARS ⬅️

NOTE: You do not need an International Driver’s License to rent a car in Turkey. You just need to be 18 years old and have an English drivers license (or a translation of your driver’s license in English if it’s in another language).

Driving in Turkey

I’ll be honest, I was a little apprehensive about renting a car and doing a road trip in Turkey because I was concerned about safety, the road conditions, and police.

After all, most of the time, I would be traveling as a solo female, driving through smaller highway systems in the south of Turkey, with only my Google navigation and translator to help.

All that said, I had nothing to worry about . Turkey roads are great, tolls are automated, and the Turkish people were incredibly kind and helpful when I was lost or had to park somewhere super random at night.

This is what I used to see the best prices & rent a car in Turkey: ➡️ DISCOVER CARS ⬅️

You do not need an International Driver’s License to rent a car in Turkey. You just need to be 21 years old and have an English driver’s license (or a translation of your driver’s license in English if it’s in another language).

When you rent a car, it comes with an automated toll tag. Tolls are automated in Turkey, so you just pass through, and they are not expensive. As a comparison, they are one-tenth of the cost compared to the EU (France, Austria, etc.) and the US.

You will laugh at this, but I am not joking. In Turkey, one way the police scare drivers into obeying the speed limits is to place cutout cardboard pictures of cop cars on the side of the road with a little light or two.

These “cardboard cop cars” look real from the road until you get close enough to see that they are fake. Either way, it works, I freaked out and slowed down every time.

Roads / Speed Limits

The highways are fantastic, especially in Western Turkey, where a lot of tourism takes place. When I traversed into more rural areas of southeastern Turkey, the lanes became smaller and less well marked, but still a 3-way highway (middle lane for passing only).

Speed limits are as you might imagine.

• City Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Outside City Limits: 90 km/h (56 mph)
• Highways: 120 km/h (75 mph)

Driving In Istanbul

I’ve driven in some of the most insane cities of Italy and New York, and I’ll tell you, there’s nothing like the crazy roads, hills, and traffic of Istanbul. If you can avoid driving in Istanbul , especially at night or peak traffic hours, do it.

The sucky part of driving in Istanbul is that the roads are small and cluttered, and the taxis are aggressive. Meaning, everyone is squeezing into lanes that don’t exist, cat’s are jumping onto cars, and there are pedestrians coming out of nowhere.

It’s not impossible for a brave driver, just know it’s hectic.

Driving From Istanbul to Cappadocia

I actually did this drive at the start of my road trip, and for the distance and time it takes, it was quite pleasant. I left Istanbul around 12 noon and arrived at Goreme around sunset at 7pm.

The roads consist of mostly straight highway, are super well maintained, and have high speed limits so you can really put your car on cruise control most times. And with a good road trip playlist , time will fly by quickly!

Public Transportation: Flying

Most people choose to fly if they have less than a week in Turkey, especially when they travel between the big cities in Turkey because it is faster than driving. For example, it would take about 7 hours to drive from Istanbul/Izmir to Cappadocia, but a flight is only 1.5 hours.

What’s more, there are many local airports that offer cheap flights between cities. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines are great local carriers.

Public Transportation: Buses

Buses are a great and cheap way to travel in Turkey, but they also take a long time.

You can buy tickets directly at the bus station on the day you want to travel. Anadolu Bus Company is a good choice because it is clean and comfortable, and they have drinks and snacks on the bus.

Public Transport Words in Turkish:

• Otogar – Bus Station
• Otobüs – Bus
• Dolmuş – Local minibusses that run on set routes
• Tren istasyonu – Train Station
• Tren – Train
• Kaç para? – How much?
• Taksi – Taxi
• Bilet gişesi – Ticket Office

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Yes it is. The overall safety risk, even to a solo female traveler like myself, is low.

Fortunately, the overall security environment in Turkey is generally calm compared with past years, and authorities have put measures in place to ensure visitors’ safety and security.

Although some areas close to the Syrian border should still be avoided, safety measures in Istanbul and major cities are strict. That being said, it is still important to stay vigilant when travelling through Turkey and take the necessary precautionary measures when needed.

PRO TIP: My best advice is to learn to say “no” politely when haggling or buying things in big bazaars. Also to dress modestly out of respect for the culture . I always like to think that I am a guest in someone else’s home, and remember my manners!

If I was to rate the risk level through a variety of lenses, here’s what I would say:

✔️ Overall Risk: Low

✔️ driving/transport risk: low, ✔️ solo female travel risk: low, ✔️ tourist scams risk: low, ✔️ petty theft risk: high, ✔️ terrorism risk: medium, ✔️ natural disaster risk: low, should i get travel insurance.

Yes, especially if you’re about to embark on a road trip.

I say this not because I’m worried for safety reasons, but travel medical insurance is there for those unexpected food poisoning moments ( which all travelers get ), that random cold because you’ve stayed out by the dessert fire smoking hookah with the locals, or that rash on your left knee after hiking the Lycean Way that just won’t go away.

I use and recommend ➡️ Safety Wing Travel Insurance ⬅️

FAQs About Turkey

Beyond the transportation and safety aspects of going on a road trip in Turkey, here are a few other questions that may come up for you while planning.

Is Turkey cheap for tourists?

The short answer is yes, Turkey is incredibly affordable .

For starters, most domestic transportation, such as flights and busses, are surprisingly cheap. You can find amazing accommodation deals too if you shop around and don’t mind veering off the beaten path (ie. not in the exact city center or boutique hotels).

Food is also very reasonably priced – for just a few Turkish Liras, you can sample traditional dishes like kebab or çorba or get yourself a cheesy pastry and a cup of tea – all under $15 a meal.

All in all, turkey offers a fantastic tourist experience without breaking the bank.

Road Trip Costs & Budget

Turkey is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination, and it’s easy to see why – it’s a great value. Whether you want to indulge in luxurious experiences, the local cuisine or plan a Turkey road trip across the country, your budget won’t be stretched too thin.

I spent about $2,500 for 3 weeks on my Turkey road trip in September. Here is my budget as a solo traveler:

• Car Rental : $450 total (for 3 weeks, with tolls)
• Cheapest : $10 per night at a hostel in Bodrum (it’s rare I stay in hostels, but I was getting a bit lonely and wanted to meet some travel girlfriends)
• Most Expensive:  $100 per night boutique hotel in a Turkish Vinyar by the sea
• Turkish breakfasts are huge and cost about $5-10 max
• I ate out 70% of the time and cooked in the rest simply because local food is so good and cheap.
• Good Times :  Priceless!

Is a road trip in Turkey a good idea?

Absolutely! It is one of the better road trips I’ve taken because it had such a WOW factor to it. Coming to Turkey, I was only thinking about the big cities of Istanbul and tourist attractions like Cappadocia and Ephesus.

Having been on a massive road trip to the whole of western Turkey, I can say that you truly begin seeing Turkey when you leave Istanbul. And it is much more beautiful, authentic, and surprising than you can imagine.

Not only that, but a road trip through Turkey costs way less than staying in the major cities and popular destinations. Plus, you get the benefit of seeing the world outside of the tourist bubble.

How many days in Turkey is enough?

I would say a week is enough for a quick little road trip to see the highlights of Istanbul and Cappadocia, perhaps. This would be the minimum time you need.

Two weeks in Turkey is an ideal duration so that you can rent a car, see the major highlights, but also explore some of the hidden gem spots along the way.

Three weeks or more is an epic slow travel roll through highlights, local treasures, hidden beaches, quaint little Ottoman towns, and everything in between. If you are this lucky with your time, message me, and we can talk about custom itineraries.

When is a good time to road trip through Turkey?

Any time is a great time for a road trip, but ideal weather would be during the summer and fall seasons when the weather is hot and all the tours and accommodations are open and welcoming guests.

I went on my road trip through Turkey in September and October , when the heat had dissipated a bit (but I could still bathe in the sea and layout!), and the costs and crowds were lower than the full-on summer tourist season.

What would be a good Turkey road trip in winter?

Taking a Turkey road trip in winter is the perfect way to explore the country at its cheapest for tourism.

One thing that would be great right from the go is exploring the city of Istanbul and wandering through mosques and markets that have been around since Ottoman times – all without the crowds.

Getting off the beaten path, another great road trip option in the winter for Turkey would be to head down the Mediterranean coast to the party city of Izmir, explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, dip into Pammukale’s hot springs for a day trip, and then on to Bodrum and Marmaris for a relaxing coastal stay at one of the many boutique hotels in the area.

Do US citizens need a visa for Turkey?

Yes, you do need a visa to travel to Turkey. You can pay and get an e-visa before arriving or pay and get a visa when you land in Turkey. Here is the visa requirements information.

Turkey has become a special country for me because of its wonderful landscapes , incredibly diverse food and culture, and the immense hospitality of its people.

I hate to say it, but I was pleasantly surprised by how at home I felt in this country. So much so that I plan on going back in the coming years to explore even more. Who’s with me?!

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

Vibrant Dreamer

Globe Travel & Financial Independency Tale

Remarkable Self-Drive 2 Weeks Turkey Itinerary with Children – 4000 KM

For those of you who don’t know, here is how we ended up in Iraq during the Covid-19 global pandemic. We then took a bus from Baghdad to Istanbul through some adventures but tiring ride and toured Istanbul’s main historical and tourist attractions in 4 days.

Related : Adventurous Iraq to Turkey Journey & Amazing 4 days in Istanbul with Children

In this post, I will take you through our 2 weeks Turkey itinerary with children outside Istanbul where we set for a fantastic self-drive journey in a rental car. We first headed to the south before driving all the way to the north and back to Istanbul.

For our expenses, I mostly used my HSBC World Elite and Brim Financial Mastercard . Both cards offer no foreign transaction fees which is what I always take advantage when traveling abroad. You can sign-up for the Brim Financial Mastercard for free by going to this link .

I also withdrew money from an ATM twice by using STACK Mastercard which offers no foreign transaction and no international ATM Fees. Apply to STACK using my link to get a $5 bonus.

Last Day in Istanbul & Heading South

In our last day in Istanbul, as we had our rental car, I decided to drive a bit outside the main historical area of Istanbul to the Miniaturk which is a miniature park at the northeastern shore of Golden Horn in Istanbul.

Miniaturk displays 135 models, in 1:25 scales, of structures around Turkey and some Islamic historical structures from other parts of the world. Miniaturk contains bridges, stadium, pools, and waterfalls.

There was also a very nice 30 minutes 4D movie for extra charge flying you around Istanbul and the whole Turkey. This was one of the best 4D movies I’ve ever seen. There is also a helicopter ride simulation and a nice kids’ playground. We didn’t do the simulation, but the kids enjoyed playing in the playground including the small maze and huge chess game.

We spent 3 hours in Miniaturk before heading to Izmir which is 481 KM / 5 hours drive from Istanbul. The plan was to tour Izmir and stay somewhere close to our next destination.

After a bit of research, I booked a place called Ephesus Centrum in Selcuk for 1 night. This was a 1 night in a Quadruple Room with Balcony with no breakfast for $38 CAD or €26.48 .

We kept driving with one stop for lunch to make it to our destination before midnight. There was a bit of traffic before getting into Izmir, but everything went smoothly. We enjoyed a nice sunset view along the highway.

We made it to Izmir around 9 PM and went straight to the main landmark of the, Izmir Saat Kulesi . Izmir Saat is a historic clock tower located at the Konak Square of İzmir.

We then walked around the city, sat by the waterfront, had some snacks, and back to the car and drove to our amazingly great hotel in Selcuk. I was so much surprised by this nice hotel and its wonderful owners who are a family.

Parking was just by the front door. Its location was so convenient by the traditional town Bazaar with local vendors. We bought breakfast in the following day from lovely women who were baking it in their tent. She was so kind and asked us to take her photo.

Visiting the Ancient Greek City of Ephesus & Virgin Mary’s House

Today is going to be a busy day like most our days as we have some historical lands to visit. We first headed to the ancient Greek city of Ephesus which was founded in 10 th century BC and is one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.

This is truly a massive and beautiful site with so many details. I leave you with the photos below.

After enjoying Ephesus and learning more about the Greek empire, we headed toward Virgin Mary’s status and house. The House of the Virgin Mary is 7 km from Selcuk which was discovered in the 19 th century.

Catholic pilgrims believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there for the remainder of her healthy life. The Catholic Church has never pronounced in favor or against the authenticity of the house.

• Related : Why not checking out some of our Europe Adventures ?

There isn’t much to see in the house and they don’t allow taking photos inside. The outside is just a simple small stone house. Surprisingly, we also found a street sign pointing to the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers in Ephesus . There are different versions about the Seven Sleepers and their cave, so I leave the judgment about the authenticity of this place to the readers. Regardless, if you find yourself in Ephesus, go visit this place which takes just half an hour.

Do you think we are done for the day? Wrong answer! We are travelers not tourists, so we headed to the Ephesus Museum to enjoy the fantastic artifacts from the same Ephesus site we earlier visited. These artifacts were initially split between the British and Vienna Museums until 1964 when Ephesus Museum was founded.

We spent 2 hours in the museum before hitting the road to our next hotel, Pamukkale Batu Termal . This was for a 1 night which cost us €19 or $27 CAD .

Everything was perfect from the freezing AC to the super friendly owner and his Syrian wife. He was even waiting for us by the street to tell us where to park the car which was just in front of the hotel.

WiFi worked fine in the room. In addition, the location is super convenient which is by the entrance of the local bazaar where we bought food and had delicious Turkish Chai. We also bought clothes for the kids from this bazaar.

The only weird part of the motel is the bath. As advertised, this place is full of thermal water. This meant there is no clean water and we had to fill the tub with the brownish thermal water to take a shower. We weren’t in the mood of doing this so skipped the shower for that night.

The following morning, we just walked around the bazaar and picked a nice looking restaurant for the breakfast which ended up being way more than what we need and super delicious.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools & Hierapolis Roman Site

After breakfast, it was time to go check out Pamukkale Thermal Pools and the adjacent Hierapolis Roman site . This was one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited anywhere. I am so glad we did the 3 hours detour north of Selcuk to come see this majestic place especially during the sunset.

Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkish which is famous for its mineral rich thermal pools water flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. The ancient Greek city of Hierapolis was built around 190 BC on top of the travertine formation which is in total about 2,700 metres (8,860 ft) long, 600 m (1,970 ft) wide and 160 m (525 ft) high.

I didn’t expect this site to be so massive. It consists of many sites which makes the Pamukkale Thermal Pool a small attraction in comparison with the roman site itself. We spent the whole day here and were exhausted and ready to hit the bed by the time we left around sunset.

On our way out, we spotted a wedding briefly in the parking lot. After Pamukkale, we once again hit the road for another 3 hours drive to reach Antalya .

Antalya & Alanya for the Cheapest 5 Star AI Resort

While driving, I made a booking at Exporoyal Hotel for 2 night. This was €61.20 ($88 CAD) with breakfast include. After taking some good sleep and healthy breakfast, we hit the road to tour Antalya. I didn’t really have anything listed for Antalya but thought we could go to Antalya Aquarium.

However, when we got there and after checking the price and size, we decided to leave and just go to 5M Migros Shopping Center and walk around.

After some walking in the mall, we drove around the waterfront and then headed to Kursunlu Selalesi park which is 19 Km from Antalya. Kursunlu is a very beautiful park with fantastic waterfalls which I highly recommend it to other travelers in the region.

We walked around and through the park for 2 hours. By the time we left, it was almost getting dark, so we skipped the nearby Perga Archaeological Site and went straight to see the Sandland . We also heard that Sandland is more beautiful at night with all the colorful lightening.

One thing we didn’t know was that the ticket allows entry twice on the same day. Once during the daylight and a second time after it gets dark. The place is full of sand sculptures of iconic global landmarks & mythological creatures which was beautifully lit up at night. There was also a movie at the entrance showing how it the artists built the enormous sand sculptures.

After our visit, we went had some great Turkish Kebab before driving around Antalya at night seeing Hadrian’s Gate with its super bustling surrounding. We then went back to the hotel to rest and be ready for another full of adventures day.

The following day, after having breakfast at the hotel, we turned on the car and started driving toward Alanya with a stop at Dim Cave (Dripstone) .

I had no idea what to expect here and didn’t even have plans to stay in this city anymore. However, the kids insisted they wanted to stay somewhere with a waterpark.  

I wasn’t sure if I am going to spend couple hundreds in this touristy place where everything is priced in Euro rather than Turkish Lira. However, we just opened Booking.com app and started scrolling up and down without any hope until I eyed something unbelievable! An All-Inclusive with pools and multiple slides for $85.5 CAD per night.

I couldn’t believe the deal and was afraid to book it. Conveniently, as we had the car, I drove to the place and wow! This is a 5 star resort. I confirmed they do have pools and waterslides. I then asked if they could book it for me. However, their price was double what I saw on Booking.com so I ended up booking 2 nights initially before adding a 3 rd night in the reception by the app using my phone.

They then told me it can take up to 1 hour to get confirmation and prepare the room, so we just entered the facility and walked around enjoying our finding. Kids were so happy. Happy kids happy parents!

This was one of the best stays we have ever had during our many years of traveling and the price is unbelievable as the delicious food with its endless variety. There is also a nightly show and daily games to attend.

Everyone is Club Paradiso on Alanya was super friendly and attentive. I paid $256 CAD for our 3 nights stay including meals, snacks, drinks, and everything in between. My little one enjoyed it so much that she didn’t want to take off the bracelet.

Funny thing was that when I took the kids to the real beach, they were complaining saying it is hot and they don’t like the salty water. So we returned immediately to the pools and slides.

We have never been All-Inclusive resort kind of travelers and I think Club Paradiso raised the bar so high that we will probably will never find something with the same quality in this price range anytime soon.

Overnight In a Cave Hotel & the Underground City

After some fantastic relaxing time, we hit the road again to go to another fantastic Turkish attraction, Cappadocia in which was 7 hours away. However, we chose to stay in Nevsehir for a new experience I am going to talk about soon.

Before reaching Nevsehir, we stopped in 80 Binde Devri Alem Parki which is another very interesting park. The park’s name gets translated to Around the World in 80 Thousand Park. I underestimated this park which ended up being big and remarkable. The park is filled with dinosaur replicas, fairy tale figures and miniatures of historical significance.

We spent at least 2 hours in this park before continuing toward our destination, Nar Cave Hotel . Exactly! This is the unique experience of sleeping inside a room inside a real cave. It was such a special stay. Everything was perfect including the super delicious breakfast with magnificent views in the hotel.

The stay here cost us $59 CAD which was very much worth it. The whole area was full of houses inside the mountain. On the following day, we left early after breakfast to go to Cappadocia when spotted a castle on top of a hill which of course we had to go visit.

There was an elderly doll seller at the top which we bought 2 dolls for the kids from him. The views were worth the drive to the top and there were also some Greek ruins here and there.

After this short stop, we drove to Derinkuyu Underground City. The city is believed to have been built bythe Phrygians, an Indo-European people, in the 8th to 7th centuries BCE. After the population became Christian in Roman times, they began to include chapels in their underground dwellings.

The underground city felt never ending and we were glad it was very well lid and signage so we can navigate through it without stress. This visit took about 2 hours. However, there are some really narrow passages which sometimes get crowded, and visitors have to wait a bit to have it cleared.

Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia (No Balloons Sadly)

It was time to go see one of Turkey’s most visited places, the Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia with its Fairy Chimneys and magnificent views. By the time we got there, it started raining heavily so we just drove around and took quick pictures.

The following day, it was a better day to visit so we drove, stopped numerous times, took tens of photos, enjoyed the views, before leaving this amazing region. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating during our 2 nights stay so we couldn’t ride a balloon.

We stayed in Cappadocia Apartments for $32 CAD which was by far the worst place we stayed at ever. I won’t go into details but avoid this place.

After taking many photos from the amazing views, it was time to decide what to do next. We had time to explore Turkey more and enough kilometers to stay within our 4000 allowance. Well, we decided to see more of Turkey.

Initially, we decided on going to Nemrut Mount , but we were warned by locals that our tiny car won’t make it to the top plus it is too cold there. So instead, we opted to go to the north, Trabzon . This was the longest single day drive we did in Turkey. It took us all day to reach Trabzon where we stayed for 2 nights at White Golden Suit Hotel for 94 CAD .

We didn’t have any plans for Trabzon except enjoying the nature and seeing Sumela Monastery. We arrived at Sumela Monastery around 4 PM and the gate was closing by the time we reached its entrance. It was also pouring rain and we were super tired. We just took pictures from outside and walked down.

Luckily, as we were going to visit Greece after Turkey, we knew there are some wonderful monasteries in Greece to visit which made us feel less pathetic about missing on Sumela Monastery.

We enjoyed Trabzon’s nature during our short stay there before heading back to Istanbul with a short stop in Samsun and an overnight stay along the way in Kayi Apart Hotel in Bolu which is 3 hours from Istanbul. This hotel charged us $56 CAD .

For our last night, we stayed at Kervan Hotel which is the most budget place I could find close to the airport for $66 CAD a night including breakfast. The night before our flight, I dropped off the car at the airport and took a taxi back to the hotel.

We took another taxi to the airport on the following day to say Goodbye to Turkey and Hello to Greece!

In total we spent $921 CAD for our hotels in Turkey.

Final Thoughts About Our 2 Weeks Turkey Itinerary with Children

This was a truly fantastic experience. It was tiring but the rewards we gained especially the kids are uncountable. I am so thankful we had the opportunity to do this journey during the pandemic.

We usually go with a fast pace and you might think we lost a lot of time on the road. I think it is the opposite. It is not about the destination but the journey. We enjoyed all the scenery that Turkey provided.

Of course, I wish we had more time to spend in Turkey and surely we will be back in the future, but, I think we saw enough of Turkey during our first trip. Turkey is affordable, beautiful, full of history and culture, delicious food, and friendly helpful people.

Driving in Turkey is easy especially outside Istanbul. Tailgating and using high beam is normal especially by the German car drivers approaching with light speed! Gas stations are everywhere and they all accepted payment with credit card.

Gas (Benzine) is cheap but the tolls on the main highway are expensive. After paying for 3 tolls, I told Google to “Avoid Toll Roads” which led to some fantastic mountain or village views.

I hope you enjoyed reading and seeing the photos but I need to be honest. The pictures don’t do justice to any of the places we visited. You need to see it with your own eyes to absorb the history, culture, and beauty.

Thanks for reading & Stay tuned for next episode for our Greece adventure coverage!

Other Posts You Might Enjoy Reading

• Adventurous Iraq to Turkey Journey & Amazing 4 days in Istanbul with Children
• Best 7 Day Trip Full of History and Nature Driving Around Greece in a Week
• Our Scandinavia Trip – Sweden to Norway Drive Astonishing Fjords
• Our Scandinavia Trip – Almost Got My Family Killed in Sweden

2 thoughts on “ Remarkable Self-Drive 2 Weeks Turkey Itinerary with Children – 4000 KM ”

Wow, nice pictures, looks like a fantastic trip! Too bad there were no hot air balloons, but still looks very nice. Do you stay all together in one room or do you usually find 1 bedroom accommodation with your daughters?

Thanks GYM! Yes, it was one of our most unforgettable adventures ever!

For the accommodation, we get what we find at a reasonable price. Usually, if it is an Airbnb, there are multiple rooms. We had multiple rooms in the resort as well.

If we travel to chill and relax which doesn’t happen often, we make sure we have separated rooms.

Fun fact: Once we ended up in a place with 1 kind and 1 twin bed. My wife took the twin bed and the rest of us had a kind bed sleepover! We are flexible.

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Two Week Peru Itinerary: Planning an Amazing Trip from the Andes to the Amazon

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: May 23, 2024  - Last updated: August 19, 2024

Save this two week Peru itinerary for your first trip to this amazing country! We had an unforgettable experience in Peru, from Lima to the Andes to the desert to the Amazon. This Peru itinerary is doable with kids, or just adults, but it all depends on what you want to see most and how much time you have for your Peru trip.

For us, we built out this two week Peru itinerary based on the things our kids had researched and told us were most important to them. I’ve got to say, they hit the nail on the head for what us adults were interested in too. Running with their list, I built our whole itinerary and where we stayed to make sure we had the best time, enjoying the most interesting experiences possible for two weeks in Peru.

If you have any questions about logistics, our Peru itinerary and how to adjust it, or want to leave your own tips for how to have an incredible experience, please leave a comment or send us a note . We’re always happy to share more!

Join us for a Peruvian Amazon group trip! (Nov 2024, Mar 2025)

Getting to Peru from the USA

I was surprised how easy it was to get from the USA to Peru for our trip. If you have a USA passport you don’t need a visa and Peru customs is very easy to go through. Be sure that you have at least 6 months of validity left on your passport and that you’re ready to say exactly where you’re going, where you’re staying and when you’re leaving. That should be good to get through customs swiftly. You can visit for up to 183 days.

Other nationalities that don’t require visas include:

• All South American nations except Venezuela
• Canada and Mexico
• Most central American and Caribbean nations
• South Africa
• All EU countries plus Britain, Norway, Belarus and Russia

Visa entry or not, you do need to be able to prove you’re going to leave Peru at some point. “Continuing travel” is very important to be able to communicate or prove when you go through customs. A lot of people who are doing slow travel for their Peru trip will pop into Bolivia to the south to refresh their visitation clock. This is NOT an option for USA passport holders as Bolivia requires a visa for US citizens (but not most others).

To fly to Lima from the USA, you have a few options:

• Miami, Florida – MIA and FLL
• Los Angeles, California – LAX
• New York City, New York – JFK and EWR
• Houston, Texas – IAH
• Atlanta, Georgia – ATL

You’ll be surprised how inexpensive flights to Lima are, including the mileage exchange deals you can get from the USA to Peru. Listen to our podcast episodes about Using Points for Travel or Mastering the American Airlines Loyalty Program

Regions to Visit in Peru

Peru is a pretty large country, which includes 80+ of the 126 microclimates on earth. Visiting Peru means seeing the full spectrum of landscapes and ecosystems, whether you’re into science or not. There are six main areas visitors for the first time in Peru might plan on visiting:

• Lima – the capital city and historic center
• The Andes Mountains – Cusco / Machu Picchu / Sacred Valley
• The Andes Mountains South – Lake Titicaca / Arequipa / Colca Canyon
• Ica – Paracas / Ballestas Islands / Ica
• Southern Peru – Nazca Lines / Atacama Desert
• The Amazon – both the Jungle and the River itself

For a first time Peru trip, I would actually recommend keeping it simple and sticking close to sea level. The elevation of Cusco and the Sacred Valley really does have an impact on visitors, especially ones who live at sea level. We’re well traveled, healthy, and pretty resilient, but the altitude sickness hit us so hard that we were fairly miserable for most of our time in the Andes. We were careful and thoughtful, but still suffered intense vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and absolute fatigue. We actually changed our plans to get back to sea level ASAP because it was so intense. Just keep this in mind as you plan your first trip to Peru. Check out our tips for Preventing Altitude Sickness

Planning a Peru Trip Podcast Episode

We have several Peru podcast episodes including All About the Andes; Peru at Sea Level – Lima, the Desert and Islands; and the Peruvian Amazon! In our Peru trip planning podcast episode :

• Our transportation throughout Peru
• Itinerary highlights from Machu Picchu to seeing penguins and monkeys
• Tips for making the most of your Peru trip

Travel Within Peru

When building our Peru itinerary, travel within the country was the thing that was the most confusing to me initially. You can look at things on a map until the cows come home, but understanding the logistics of getting from place to place is a whole other thing. Before building our travel plan we’d heard about trains and a great bus system… Yeah, no. Those options are very limited and specific, and not a national thing.

There is NOT a train network in Peru. There is a train between Machu Picchu town, aka Aguas Calientes, and Ollantaytambo, or the train goes all the way to Cusco in the dry season. You cannot travel from Lima to Cusco or Pisco via train. The train to Machu Picchu town is awesome though, and you’ll love the scenery and experience as a part of your Peru trip.

Get train tickets to Machu Picchu!

There’s also not an extensive bus system to go beyond Lima, but you can book tour bus passes from Lima up into the Andes, to Arequipa and Cusco. Buses will get you where you need to go with some extra time, but it’s not just a simple bus ride on an afternoon. This is the way to go to slowly, working your way up in elevation, but it’s not a convenient, time-saving sort of transportation.

Get bus tickets from Lima -> Cusco

The regular visitor to Peru probably will need to fly between destinations, or get a rental car. Driving in Peru isn’t weird or scary, but driving in Lima is an absolute nightmare. Between the intense traffic and the aggressive blinker-less road rage, it’s one big anxiety attack. Once you’re on the PanAmerican Highway though, it’s smooth sailing and one of the best roads we’ve driven anywhere in the world. Driving to Arequipa, Cusco or Ollantaytambo is not bad, so if you’re comfortable and confident, go for it.

When it comes to flying, getting to Peru is easy (see above) and once here you’ll be surprised at the ease of travel. From Lima, you can easily fly to Iquitos (the Amazon), Cusco (Machu Picchu/Sacred Valley), Arequipa (colonial area/Colca Canyon), Chiclayo (northern coast), Juliaca (Lake Titicaca) and more. LATAM flights are consistent and are inexpensive for regional travel. You will pay more than a bus ticket, but you will save whole days in travel, allowing you more specific experiences that transportation during your Peru trip.

See regional Peru flights on LATAM

Need to Know to Visit Peru

There are a few things to know before you visit Peru, just because it really is different than the USA or Canada. If you’ve traveled in South or Central America, this might not seem unusual to you, but if this is a first for you, pay attention:

• The money is the Sol or Soles (multiple; said “sole-ais”) – it’s about 4 soles per US dollar (Spring 2024 exchange rate)
• The primary language is Spanish, with Quechua being second, and then a lot of people working in tourism speak English. If you ALWAYS attempt to use Spanish as best as you can before just speaking English, as that’s most polite and sets you up for the most successful conversation.
• When you use a toilet in Peru, any paper does NOT go into the toilet. There are trash cans by toilets for the waste paper, no matter how you think it’s just fine to flush it.
• Wherever you go, you should always bring your own TP. Yes, it is sometimes provided but also more often than not there will not be toilet paper in public restrooms, even when you pay the common 2 soles to use the restroom.
• There are LOTS of potatoes in Peru no matter what region you’re in. You’ll get to try lots of different potato varieties and preparations, so even if you’re not into potatoes, keep an open mind.

I’m sure there are more helpful things to keep in mind before visiting Peru, but these are the things that really stand out to me as unique and important for a great Peru trip.

Two Week Peru Itinerary

Now it’s time to get into our two week Peru itinerary. We’ve got a great plan that includes the Andes Mountains, Lima, the desert coast, and the Amazon rainforest. You’ll love it! As you look at our Peru itinerary and start planning, keep in mind that if you can add four more days, you can take your time ascending up into the Andes, which will be very helpful to acclimate.

Begin in Lima, Peru

Since you’ll be flying into Lima, Peru from nearly anywhere you’re starting, you should plan to spend a few days exploring Lima. It’s a really cool city with lots of history and beautiful buildings, so you’ll enjoy having time here to get used to being in Peru. I don’t recommend getting a rental car for your time in Lima, as driving here is a stressful and horrifying experience (worse than Mexico, France or Croatia), but you can easily use Uber to get wherever you need.

Historic Lima Sightseeing

Lima has more people than New York City , so keep that in mind as you’re exploring. The historic core is less densely populated, but still crowded. We visited during Semana Santa (Easter week) and it was so very busy, with long lines to get into the historic churches. Any other time of year you should have no problem visiting historic religious sites throughout the day, but during Easter and Christmas you’ll see that the areas directly surrounding the famous churches are very crowded. Plan your Peru trip to fall just before or after major religious holidays.

How can you get around the issues with crowds? If you book a walking tour, many of the guides have the correct license to be able to detour away from crowds and enter churches that are a part of their tour, including the Cathedral of St Francis where you’ll find the catacombs. You can visit places like the Plaza Mayor or Hotel Bolivar on your own, and the churches too, but it’s much easier with a guide.

We did a historic walking tour of Lima with Lima Experience. Our guide, Joseph, was great and spoke excellent English. He was able to field questions from the kids and explain so much of what makes Lima and Peru the interesting, diverse place that it is today.

Book this exact tour!

If there’s one museum you must visit in Lima, it’s the Larco Museum . Not close to the historic core (a 20 minute Uber ride), the Larco Museum has the most incredible collection of Inca and pre-Inca artifacts in Lima. There is the Inka Museum in Cusco that is larger and more comprehensive with grand exhibits, but the Larco is where you’ll find golden Inca artifacts, aisles and shelves of figures and pottery, and the very unique… adult section of Incan art and artifacts. Yes, it’s what you are picturing and there are some fascinating pieces depicting all varieties of intercourse, human anatomy and birth. The Larco Museum is really a wonderful addition to your Peru trip.

Get advanced tickets for Larco Museum

Neighborhoods to Visit

The most popular neighborhoods that are good for tourists to visit in Lime include Miraflores (we stayed here), the historic downtown and Barranco neighborhoods. These are good neighborhoods for getting the vibe of life in Lima for a few reasons:

• They are more upper class residential, meaning well maintained with good pedestrian access
• There are lots of cafes and restaurants for eating Peruvian foods
• Because they’re known for being tourist friendly, they are diversely populated and welcoming
• There are parks and plazas that you can enjoy, and lots of murals around the neighborhoods.

There are more parts of Lima than these, but when it comes to being able to easily access parts of the city, these three neighborhoods are the easiest and most vibrant. I don’t recommend driving in Lima (it’s intense, as I’ve said) so taking an Uber wherever you need to go that’s not walking distance is a good idea.

Exploring the Andes Mountains

Before thinking about Lima or the Amazon, most people are excited to visit Peru to go to Machu Picchu. For many, their knowledge of Peru stops at “That’s where Machu Picchu is.” There’s so much more to the Andes than this one site. There are actually many Inca and pre-Inca sites from the mountains just south of the Amazon all the way to Lake Titicaca and into Bolivia and Chile. For our two week Peru itinerary, we are focusing on Machu Picchu and the most famous sites in the state of Cusco.

We have our Andes stops in order of how you can do them to gradually increase your elevation, so hopefully that’ll help make the experience better for you.

Listen to our Andes podcast episode to hear about our stops and activities. This part of the trip was fun, but also a struggle.

Reality of Altitude Sickness in the Andes

Most of us don’t live at high altitudes like you’ll face in the Andes mountains. We live at sea level in Florida, so aren’t used to the elevation, despite doing mountain trips throughout the year. When you visit the Peruvian Andes, the elevation ranges from 6,693 feet in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) to 12,556 feet at Puno (Lake Titicaca). If you’re visiting the famous Rainbow Mountain area, you’ll go even higher to 17,060 feet. That’s 3k feet higher than the summit of Mount Rainier !

The altitude really does have an impact on the human body, so you should be cautious as you plan your travel to the Peruvian Andes. After 5k feel you may feel like you’re huffing and puffing when you go up stairs. At 8k feet your insides feel a bit weird and have a difficult time processing food as usual. Higher than that and you become dehydrated easily in addition to the other side effects. All this can present as fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and more. We suffered headaches, fatigue and horrible vomiting and diarrhea during our time in the Andes, and we only made it as high at 12,163 feet up.

While not everyone suffers from altitude sickness , there are ways to prevent or mitigate it:

• Ascend from sea level as gradually as possible, staying a few nights at different higher elevations
• Drink LOTS of water and get solid rest
• Take it easy while you acclimate
• Eat small meals, especially as the day winds down
• Don’t drink alcohol, but DO drink coca tea and suck on coca candies
• Keep your overall Peru trip joy in mind when deciding if you want to tough out the elevation

For some travelers, there is a pill you can take called Diamox that helps acclimate to the altitude. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION FOR EVERYONE, SO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. This was not an option for our family due to some medical stuff, but it may work for others. Everyone told us just to get it, but upon research and talking to our family doctor we discovered that it could be a very dangerous situation for us, so I’m glad we didn’t just jump into taking a pill without getting info from our trusted medical professional.

Visiting Machu Picchu

To start, you can either take the bus over several days from Lima up to Cusco, or you can fly into Cusco and then travel to Aguas Calientes, aka Machu Picchu Town. If you have the time to take the bus, do it! To stick with our two week Peru itinerary, you’re flying to Cusco (CUZ). With this, the best option is to immediately exit the city and make your way to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes.

Note: during the dry season of April – October you can start the train journey IN Cusco, but during the rainy season the train route is only from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes due to landslides that frequently happen during the rain. This just means you need to plan your Peru trip properly to get the train in the correct town.

For visiting Machu Picchu, you will need to get your entry tickets IN ADVANCE. Entries to the archaeological site sell out days or weeks before, so as soon as you know when you’ll be there, secure your tickets. We missed out on getting tickets for ourselves and had to book a private tour, as registered guides have access to additional entries. This turned out to be FANTASTIC as our guide, Percy with Wonders of Peru Expeditions was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and very patient with us, both for our questions and our struggles of climbing stairs at such high elevation.

Book our exact Machu Picchu tour here!

Be sure to bring water, snacks, sunblock and ponchos for visiting Machu Picchu. Once you enter the site there are no services and umbrellas are not allowed. You’ll need to be self-contained and ready to brave the elements as the weather can change quickly. If you arrive early, you have great chances of getting a beautiful day at Machu Picchu, because even if there are clouds to start, they’ll probably clear and you’ll have at least a few moments of sunshine.

Touring the Sacred Valley

I actually enjoyed our time in the Sacred Valley more than visiting Machu Picchu. This part of the Andes is one of the coolest parts of our two week Peru itinerary. Here you’ll get to see really neat, old towns built by both the Incas and pre-Inca civilizations. There are farms, rivers, plateaus, narrow cobblestone streets, and awesome people. If you choose to rent a car in Cusco and drive yourself, you can take several days exploring the Sacred Valley and really taking your time.

You can also see most of the Sacred Valley sights on a guided tour with a driver. I know, I’ve already recommended two other tours during our two week Peru itinerary, but it’s because here in the Andes and in such historic places, having a specialist who knows infinitely more than we did made each experience exceptional. For our Sacred Valley tour, we spent a very long day with Oscar from Exclusive Inka Tours. He was such a wealth of information and was great with our kids.

Book our exact Sacred Valley tour here!

The main sites to visit in the Sacred Valley include:

• Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site and town
• Moray Incan horticultural laboratory
• Salinas de Maras salt mine – amazing!
• Pisac Archaeological Site and town
• Chinchero Inca town and historic sites
• Mountain View restaurant and llamas

There are more sites to visit, including more archaeological sites, but either doing a tour to cover ⅔ of these spots or spending two days to explore the Sacred Valley on your own is wonderful and will give you a comprehensive visit. This may just be one of your favorite parts of your Peru trip.

Tip: you can purchase a multi-site ticket to cover the Peruvian archaeological park sites and get a bit of a discount. It’s time limited though, so you may need to manage yourself well to be able to get the full value of the ticket (valid 2 days for adults, 10 days for child tickets).

Cusco and More Andes Sightseeing

Cusco is the former capital of the Incan Empire and is one of the most unique cities we’ve been to. The colonial structures are built on top of Incan structures, such as churches built on top of palaces… Cusco is big and densely populated. Because the city is built into the hills and valleys, the streets zigzag their way to the valley floor. There are staircases and flood gutters everywhere, and in the historic core, the streets are tight!

While in Cusco , take it easy as it’s higher in elevation than Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes. Spend your time checking out the main historic area around the Plaza de Armas and visiting the Inca Museum, the Historical Museum of Cusco, the cathedral , the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art and more. There is a really cool aqueduct, el Acueducto da Sapantiana , more Inca ruins at Saqsaywaman , Q’enco and others. Cusco is really cool and you can easily spend three or four days here. Before arriving we didn’t realize just how many ruins and archeological sites in Cusco you can visit.

Note: we had to cut our time in the Andes short and skipped most of Cusco because we were suffering from altitude sickness so badly. In any scenario, it’s okay to adjust your travel plans if you’re physically suffering and need to move on. Don’t feel bad about it.

More Andes destinations to add if you have time and are feeling good:

• Puno (highest Andes) and Lake Titicaca
• Rainbow Mountain / Montana Vinikunka
• Colca Canyon for the Andean condors
• Arequipa (low Andes) – for a longer trip to sea level or onto Bolivia

Ica – Where Desert Meets Sea

Never have I ever… been so excited to be back at sea level. After an intense week in the Andes, being back at sea level was such a welcome change. We immediately felt better upon landing in Lima and driving to the state of Ica. Getting out of Lima takes at least an hour (remember, it has more people than New York City) but then once you’re on the Panamerican Highway it’s driving bliss!

Note: ALWAYS DRIVE WITH YOUR LIGHTS ON. You will get pulled over or held back at a checkpoint and ticketed if you don’t have your lights on. We got pulled over and were being cited for 1300 soles… and then the police officer offered us a cash discount on the ticket if we could pay on the spot. Yes, exactly what you’re thinking – IF WE GIVE THE OFFICER CASH WE WON’T GET A TICKET. It was a bribe. Good times.

As your using out two week Peru itinerary, this is a great part of the trip to add time, particularly if you cut some time from the Andes. The Ica region is awesome and NOT what you’re expecting to find during your Peru trip!

Listen to our Peru Itinerary Planning podcast episode to hear about Ica and how we scheduled our time.

Paracas – Peru Beach Days

I love Paracas! Of all the towns and cities in Peru that we visited, Paracas was my favorite. Maybe it’s because we live in a beach town or maybe because for me it’s nostalgic of Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Morelos in Mexico , but I loved it. The town is full of small restaurants, ceviche and cafes. There are Peruvian coffee shops and little markets. The waterfront has a promenade and a beach.

Visiting Paracas is a complete vibe change over the Andes or Lima. It’s a breath of fresh air and relaxation. While it isn’t as built up and fancy as most Mexican beach towns, Paracas is well maintained with lots of beautiful murals and shops. And it’s home to the largest inflatable water park in South America. Yes, you read that correctly.

We usually opt for historic sites and nature over any sort of modern or kitschy activity, but after a week in the Andes and still being in recovery mode, when we walked onto the beach and saw Yakupark (an inflatable water park / giant obstacle course) we decided it would be good to just do it and chill. The kids had the best time and needed this sort of wild and fun activity.

Why are most people coming to Paracas, Peru though? For the PENGUINS!!! (keep reading)

Ballestas Islands

Just off the coast of Paracas is one of my favorite wildlife sites on earth. I geek out over birds and other animals, so getting to visit the Ballestas Islands was a Peru trip highlight for me. Part of the Peruvian national parks system, the islands are a preserve and people aren’t allowed on them anymore, except for research purposes. So how do you actually visit the Ballestas Islands?

Book our exact Ballestas / Paracas Reserve tour here!

From the pier in Paracas you’ll board a tour boat (there are several companies) and head out to sea. You’ll see the fascinating landmark, La Candelabra, in the dunes as you make your way to the islands, and then as you approach you’ll start to see sea lions. Once there, it’s time to start wildlife watching. For us, the highlight was the humboldt penguins. We saw penguins in the wild!!

Here’s what to watch for when you do the boat tour to the Ballestas Islands:

• Humboldt penguins
• Lobos marinos aka the Southern sea lion
• Gray boobies
• Peruvian pelicans and more

For the kids, their favorite part was actually visiting Maternity Beach. This part of the Ballestas Islands is where the sea lion colony has its babies and there are hundreds of animals on the shore and in the water. There were countless baby sea lions and it was adorable.

Paracas National Reserve

I had no idea how cool the Paracas National Reserve was going to be. I had seen photos but pictures never really do justice for certain places. The desert as it meets the ocean, both as beaches and sea cliffs is just amazing. Vast expanses of sand dunes with zero vegetation and seemingly no wildlife is really something to take in. It’s fun to explore though, as there are quite a few interesting sites to visit within the Paracas National Reserve.

Oh, and there are flamingos! I know! Pair a visit to the Paracas National Reserve on the same day with the Ballestas Islands and you’ll get to have a day that includes both flamingos and penguins on your Peru trip. Something that really wowed me about this area was how untouched it seems, and perhaps that’s just the nature of the desert, but it was very unique to experience.

Add the Paracas National Reserve to your two weeks in Peru itinerary to get in some quality beach time. There are beaches here, both for viewing AND for swimming. While you’re not permitted to swim at the red sand beach or the beaches at Cathedral Rock, Playa La Mina is awesome with wonderfully clear water and perfect small waves. There is a fee to use the beach even if you’ve already paid entry to the National Reserve, so have a few soles ready.

Tip: if you’re limited for time, you can book a tour that covers both the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve in the same day. This tour includes both areas.

Visiting Ica and Huacachina Oasis

To add onto your time in Paracas, head to Ica. Ica is a larger city with a historic core and great restaurants. It’s half the size of Cusco with about 283k residents. There are a few cool museums, in particular El Museo de Javier Cabrera where you can see countless etched/carved glyphtoliths from pre-Inca times. Ica has historic sites, a cool old cathedral and more.

Just outside of the city is why most tourists head to Ica: the Huacachina Oasis! This is a natural oasis in the desert and it’s beautiful. It’s built up around the edge now, so there are hotels and restaurants, but the phenomenon of the oasis is still very cool and unique. If you tell somebody that you’re heading to Huacachina, no doubt they’ll say “Ooh, are you going sand boarding?!” Sand boarding is a very popular thing to do when you visit Huacachina. It’s just what it sounds like: snowboarding but on sand dunes. If this is on your Peru to-do list, we recommend booking a tour to visit Huacachina so you can enjoy the experience with a guide and the proper gear.

Find a Huacachina tour here!

When you’re done visiting Paracas and Ica, it’s time to head back north to Lima to continue on with your two week Peru trip.  I think this part of the trip really is a great way to feel refreshed after the Andes mountains, and you’ll be able to head to the Amazon with lots of energy and excitement!

The Amazon River and Rainforest

Our time in the Amazon rainforest was amazing! This was all of our favorite part of our two weeks in Peru. A lot of people think of visiting the Amazon as being something you do when you go to Brazil, but it’s actually very easy to do in Peru and there are lots of wonderful options for how to go about it.

Join us on a group trip to the Peruvian Amazon!

We really enjoyed exploring the Amazon river and rainforest. It was the best part of our Peru trip. Be sure to listen to our podcast episode all about it !

Getting to the Amazon

To get to the Amazon from Lima or anywhere else in Peru, the easiest way is to fly to Iquitos. You cannot drive to Iquitos, Peru, but must either fly or arrive via boat on the Amazon river. To fly to Iquitos, you have to leave from Lima. There are some small regional flights to even smaller towns, but from anywhere a tourist might be, the only option is to go from Lima. Don’t worry, it’s a cheap flight and there are a few every day.

Iquitos is actually a large city, even if it doesn’t seem like it when you land at the tiny airport. Iquitos is larger than Cusco with nearly 500k residents in the city and surrounding area. It’s the launch point for exploring the Peruvian Amazon, including doing one of the many multi-day Amazon River cruises. For us, we were picked up from the airport by our driver from our lodge and then continued on an hour and a half drive to the town of Nauta, where we boarded a small passenger boat for a 45 minute ride south on the Amazon River, and then to our accommodations.

Activities in the Amazon Jungle

Wherever you’re staying for your Peruvian Amazon adventure, you’ll find a variety of activities. Of course the exact execution of the many adventures you’ll find in the Amazon will vary depending on where you’re staying for this part of your Peru trip or who you’re doing your daily excursions through, but you should be able to enjoy AT MINIMUM the following things to do:

• Photo safaris
• Guided bird and wildlife watching
• River cruising (day trips)
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Jungle walks / hikes
• Fishing trips (including piranhas)

Everybody has a different reason for wanting to spend time in the Amazon Rainforest, so as you’re planning your time, do what’s most important to you! For us, we were mostly excited for seeing wildlife of every sort, so we did photo safaris every day and were treated to monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws and so much more. I can’t imagine another Peru trip without this experience!

Yes, there are mosquitos, but with some planning you’ll be able to enjoy exploring the jungle and cruising along the river without suffering. A combination of bug spray, wearing appropriate clothing to cover as much skin as possible, and even wearing mosquito net jackets can all be good ways to stay itch free. The mosquitos aren’t a problem everywhere or every time of day, but if you’re out at sunset or after, and you’re in the slower flowing parts of the Amazon tributaries or on a lake, the bugs are intense. Just be prepared and you’ll be fine.

Staying at the Treehouse Lodge

Our whole two week Peru itinerary began with us planning our adventures around getting to stay at the Treehouse Lodge in the Amazon rainforest. We had seen pictures online and watched videos of this awesome looking place, so we did more research. Staying at the Treehouse Lodge means that you have an all-inclusive experience where your meals, lodging and ALL excursions are included in your cost.

Our accommodations in our treehouse were perfect for our family of four, including a bathroom in our treehouse, seating, mosquito netting, fans, and getting to shower and watch toucans outside the window. It was wonderful, to say the least. The food was also great, with three meals each day using locally sourced food, prepared in fresh, healthy, Peruvian styles. (Alcohol is the only thing not included, but there is a bar at the Treehouse Lodge.) Across our whole two week Peru trip this was the most magical and comfortable accommodations we had.

Our daily excursions were amazing. We had our own dedicated guide and river captain, Edgar and Roger. They took great care of us and made sure that we saw the absolute most wildlife and habits that we could in the Amazon Rainforest. We went out at sunrise, morning, midday and sunset. We went fishing multiple times and saw more monkeys and sloths than we could keep track of. Our experience was unmatched in any travel we’ve ever done.

Are you excited to plan a two week Peru trip?! You should be. This itinerary really is solid for having diverse experiences no matter what your interests or travel chops lead you to. Peru is fun, beautiful and unlike what you expect. Please, if you have any questions about either this two week Peru itinerary, planning your trip, or if you want to join us on an upcoming Peruvian Amazon adventure , leave a comment or send us a note . We’re happy to help!

IDOT: Work coming to two Morton bridges spanning I-155

Two bridges in Morton will have lane closures starting Aug. 19 through the end of November, according to a release from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Construction projects on Queenwood Road and Broadway Road bridges over Interstate 155 in Morton will begin Monday, Aug. 19, says IDOT. The project involves replacing bridge joints and resurfacing the bridge decks.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area.

Illinois road work: 4 major state road projects for the Peoria-area identified by IDOT

To avoid the work area, IDOT encouraged drivers to use alternate routes when feasible. IDOT urged travelers to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey posted speed limits and refrain from using mobile devices, and be alert for workers and equipment.

For more information on IDOT projects, visit idot.illinois,gov.