2 Weeks in Turkey: Our Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary (2026)

Are you planning a trip to Turkey? Our 2 week Turkey itinerary will help you plan the perfect first visit. Turkey is a large country, but with 14 days you can explore many of its most famous highlights and still have time to enjoy the country at a reasonable pace.

Our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary includes 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.

Each day we provide a range of suggestions to suit different travel styles, budgets, 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 nightlife.

Laurence and I have visited Turkey a handful of times, most recently in 2019, 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 places to visit.

This itinerary works no matter how you plan to get around Turkey. We’ve included advice for those traveling by bus, car, train, plane, or as part of a guided tour. If you’re considering a tour, we also give recommendations for tours of Turkey similar to our itinerary.

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

Quick Verdict: Who This Itinerary Is For

This is a comprehensive first-visit itinerary for travelers who want to see the highlights of western Turkey across two weeks at a steady (not slow, not punishing) pace. It covers the cosmopolitan side of Istanbul, the major historical sites at Gallipoli, Troy, and Ephesus, the natural wonder of Pamukkale, the Mediterranean coast at Fethiye and Antalya, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and the cultural capital of Ankara.

You will get the most from this itinerary if you enjoy a mix of history, archaeology, culture, and a few coastal days, and don’t mind some long travel days between regions. We’ve designed it to work for travelers using public transport, renting a car, or joining a tour.

This itinerary may not be the right fit if:

• You only have 10-12 days. We’ve included shorter-trip variants further down. The full itinerary is paced for 14 days.
• You want a beach-heavy holiday. We include coastal days but the focus is broader. For a beach-focused trip, more time in the Antalya/Fethiye/Bodrum area makes more sense.
• You want to focus on hiking the Lycian Way. That deserves its own dedicated trip of 1-3 weeks rather than slotting it into a country tour.
• You’re not interested in archaeological sites and historical context. Several days lean heavily on ancient Greek, Roman, and Hittite sites.

For everyone else, this is a strong starting point that you can adjust based on your interests. Now let’s get into the practical planning before we go day-by-day.

Preparing for Your Trip to Turkey

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

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

Best Time of Year to Visit Turkey

Turkey is a year-round destination, but the best months to visit are generally April, May, September, and October. These months offer warm temperatures without the summer heat.

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

The busiest period for tourism is April to September. If visiting then, expect crowds at the most popular sites.

The least busy times are the winter months. If you don’t mind cooler weather, November through March can be a good time to visit. Just note that these are also the windiest and wettest months, and some attractions may close or have reduced hours.

Turkey is a large country, so the weather in Istanbul may be very different from Antalya, Bodrum, Ankara, or Kars at the same time of year. Check average temperatures and weather forecasts for the specific places you plan to visit.

We’ve been to Turkey at different times of year. For those who don’t love hot weather, we’d definitely recommend against visiting in summer if you can avoid it. Spring and autumn are ideal. We’ve also visited in late November and early December and found it cool but pleasant, with much more manageable crowds. You do need to be more prepared for rain and bad weather then.

A Note on Visiting During Ramadan

If your trip falls during Ramadan, your trip is not ruined. It just means a few practical things shift, and it helps to know about them in advance.

In 2026, Ramadan ran from approximately February 17 to March 18. In 2027, it falls roughly from February 8 to March 10 (subject to moon sighting in Turkey). Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year on the Western calendar.

During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. In tourist-heavy areas of Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, and the resort towns, most cafes and restaurants stay open as normal, and international chains and hotels operate as usual. In more conservative areas, particularly inland cities like Konya, you may find some restaurants closed during the day or operating on reduced hours.

The most pleasant time to be out in cities during Ramadan is the iftar meal at sunset, when streets fill with families breaking the fast together. It’s a memorable experience if you’re open to it. Some restaurants offer special iftar menus.

You can travel in Turkey during Ramadan with no real disruption to your sightseeing. Just plan to do most of your eating in tourist areas, and consider stocking up on snacks if you’re heading off the beaten path.

Türkiye or Turkey?

You may have noticed both spellings used in the press. The country officially changed its English-language name from Turkey to Türkiye in late 2021, with the United Nations adopting the change in June 2022 and the US State Department in January 2023.

Both names are correct. Turkish people and the official tourism board (now GoTürkiye) use Türkiye. Most English-language travel resources, search engines, and booking sites still use Turkey, and that’s what most travelers search for. We use Turkey throughout this article for clarity, since that’s what most readers will recognize, but Türkiye is the country’s preferred name internationally.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Turkey?

Turkey is a relatively affordable destination compared to most of Western Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia. You can find good value at every budget level.

Our 2026 daily-spend estimates per person, based on our trips and current research:

Budget travelers: Around $50-80 per day per person. This covers hostel dorm beds or basic guesthouse rooms, eating mostly at local lokantas and street food, public buses for transport, and skip-the-line attraction tickets where they save you time. A 2-week trip on this budget runs around $700-1,100 per person, plus international flights.

Mid-range travelers: Around $120-200 per day per person. This covers comfortable 3-4 star hotels with breakfast included, mix of restaurants and local food, occasional taxis or domestic flights between cities, paid attractions and a few guided tours. A 2-week trip runs around $1,700-2,800 per person, plus flights.

Luxury travelers: $300+ per day per person. This covers 5-star hotels and resort stays, fine dining, private transfers and domestic flights, private guided tours, and experiences like the Cappadocia hot air balloon. A 2-week trip easily runs $4,200+ per person, plus flights.

The biggest single expense is usually international flights. Within Turkey, accommodation is your largest day-to-day cost, followed by transport between regions. Food is generally inexpensive even in mid-range restaurants, and most major attractions cost between 200-700 TRY (roughly €5-15) for entry.

Imported goods are often the same price or more expensive than at home, including imported groceries, electronics, alcohol, and cars. Fuel is also relatively expensive.

Turkey Travel Practicalities

Turkey is a country of around 86 million people, with Ankara as its capital and Istanbul as its largest city. Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, where eastern and western cultural practices mix.

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

Language

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 larger cities and in all the main tourist hot spots. However, most Turkish people speak little or no English. If you’re planning to travel independently, it’s a good idea to have a Turkish-English phrasebook or translation app with you.

Religion

There is no official religion in Turkey, but the vast majority of the population is Muslim, with Sunni Islam being the largest sect. You’ll also see Christian and Jewish places of worship.

It’s 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 in mosques.

We recommend that women always carry a scarf or travel wrap to cover their head and shoulders as needed.

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 don’t have Type C or Type E plugs, you will need to take some plug adapters such as these ones.

If you’re traveling from a country with 120V voltage (such as the United States or Canada), make sure to only bring electronics that support 220V voltage, or you’ll need a separate voltage converter. You can read our guide on choosing a travel adapter for travel for more.

Currency

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, 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’ll also need cash for tipping. So it’s wise to have some lira on you when traveling.

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

Just note that the Turkish lira has been historically volatile, and many tourist activities and tour operators price in euros, US dollars, or British pounds. It’s worth having a small backup of any of these on you if your hotel or tour quotes prices in foreign currency.

Drinking Water

Reports vary on whether tap water is safe to drink in Turkey. The tap water in some areas is considered safe, but not in others. Most travelers stick to filtered or bottled water. The water is considered safe for bathing.

Bottled water is available everywhere and is inexpensive, but the environmental impact of plastic bottles is significant. We recommend taking a reusable water bottle along with a water filtration system or purification tablets. Then you can fill it up from tap water just about anywhere.

Our preferred travel water bottles are from Klean Kanteen. They’re insulated stainless steel, durable, and easy to clean. Combined with a filtration cap or separate filter, they handle just about any travel scenario.

Getting Online

Wireless internet is freely available at most hotels and other types of accommodation in Turkey, so that’s the easiest way to stay in touch and get online.

If you want phone service while exploring, the easiest option these days is an eSIM. Apps like Airalo let you buy and activate a Turkey-specific data plan in minutes, with no need to swap physical SIM cards. Most modern smartphones support eSIM. We use Airalo regularly when we travel, and you can read Laurence’s full Airalo review for our take.

You can also read our guide on staying connected while traveling for more options. For those concerned about online security, we also recommend using a VPN while traveling.

Safety

Turkey has generally been considered a safe country for travelers. As always, check the latest travel advisories from your home country and any issued in Turkey.

There has been ongoing instability in countries neighboring Turkey, particularly Syria, with reports of violence and protests along its borders. You’ll likely see travel advisories advising against travel to some border areas.

As with any country, we always recommend protecting your valuables, watching for pickpockets in crowded areas, and being aware of your surroundings.

The main thing we’ve experienced is needing to be careful when handing over cash or exchanging money. Be sure to count what you hand over, say the amount aloud, and confirm the change you get back. We had a taxi driver in Istanbul scam us once by claiming we’d given them a smaller note than we actually had, and refusing to give back the correct change. We ended up paying about four times the regular taxi fare. We’ve heard similar stories from many other travelers.

Do I Need a Visa for Turkey?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Turkey has expanded its visa-free entry list in recent years, and most European nationals can now enter Turkey for tourism without a visa. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several other countries currently need an e-visa.

The e-visa is applied for online before you travel at the official portal, evisa.gov.tr. The fee varies by nationality, and the application typically takes only a few minutes. We strongly recommend using only the official portal — many third-party sites charge significant markups for the same service.

Visa on arrival has been phased out for nationalities that require an e-visa, so you must have your e-visa before boarding your flight to Turkey. Airlines routinely deny boarding to passengers without one.

For the current visa requirements specific to your nationality and the current fee, check evisa.gov.tr directly. Policies and fees can change, and the official site is always the most up-to-date source.

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.

By Air

The main international airport in Turkey is Istanbul Airport (IST), located on the European side of Istanbul. There is also a second international airport in Istanbul, Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), on the Asian side. SAW is generally smaller and used more by budget airlines and some domestic routes. When booking flights, double-check which Istanbul airport you’ll be using, as they’re on opposite sides of the city.

Other major international airports in Turkey include those in Ankara, Antalya, Izmir, and Bodrum.

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

By Car

It’s possible to drive to Turkey via Bulgaria or Greece, or by taking a car ferry.

At the border you’ll 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 in Turkey. If the vehicle isn’t registered in your name, you may need a power of attorney document.

It may be possible to enter by car from countries to the east such as Iran or Georgia. However, the eastern borders are sometimes closed to private drivers, and an authorized tour guide may be required. Many rental car agencies will not allow some of these border crossings. Do your research before your trip — it’s often easier to take a bus or train across the border.

By Bus

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.

By Ferry

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

By Train

Turkey has train links with Eastern Europe and the Middle East, though these are limited. Most international trains are not daily, so plan ahead.

Currently, the two main places you can regularly reach Turkey by direct train are from Bulgaria and Iran.

If you’re traveling in Europe by train and including Turkey in your trip, you’ll most likely head to Sofia, Bulgaria and then connect to Istanbul via the Istanbul-Sofia Express train service. We took this train a few years ago. As of February 2026, you can finally book the sleeper online via Turkish State Railways, which used to require a ticket counter visit.

If you’re planning to take train journeys around Europe and want a flexible pass that includes Turkey, both Eurail and Interrail passes can now be purchased through Trainline. The pass selector helps you pick the right option based on your residency.

The most famous train service in the world, the Orient Express, once linked Western Europe with Istanbul. It was a favorite of many famous writers, and we recommend taking along a book or two to enjoy if you’re 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 The Great Railway Bazaar. He retraces those journeys over 30 years later in Ghost Train to the Eastern Star.

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

How to Get Around Turkey

You have a variety of options for getting around Turkey: bus, train, plane, rental car, or 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.

By Bus

Turkey has a good bus system that connects much of the country. There are both daytime and overnight buses, and there are usually a few services to choose from on the popular tourist routes, including those on our suggested itinerary.

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

In places where regular buses don’t have a route (such as suburbs or tourist attractions outside a city), there are often dolmuş. These are shared taxis or minivans that run a set route for a set price. Passengers get out at any point along the route by notifying the driver. See advice on using a dolmuş here.

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

By Train

Turkey has a train network, but it’s not as comprehensive as the bus network. However, on the routes where it does run, the train is sometimes faster than the bus or driving. So while you can use it to get to some major destinations, you’ll likely also need to use the bus.

The railway network is run by the government-operated Turkish State Railways (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları or TCDD), which operates long-distance, regional, commuter, and high-speed trains. You can check routes and buy tickets on the official TCDD site.

If you’re planning to take several train journeys in Turkey or combine Turkey with European train travel, you might want to consider a Eurail or Interrail pass. Both passes are now available through Trainline, which sells both pass types from a single page and helps you select the right one based on if you’re a Europe resident. The Global Passes work in 32 European countries, including Turkey, and are valid on trains operated by TCDD.

You’ll probably find a combination of train and bus is optimal for getting around if you’re using public transport. Bus and train prices are often similar, so take whichever is more time-efficient.

By Car

If you’d prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car in Turkey. This works well if you want a flexible itinerary and don’t want to take public transportation.

To rent a car in Turkey as a foreign visitor, you’ll typically need a valid passport and visa, a valid credit card, a valid driver’s license in a Latin alphabet, and to be age 21 or older (some agencies require 25 or 27). If you don’t have a driver’s license in a Latin alphabet, you’ll need an International Driving Permit before your trip.

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

Many of Turkey’s fastest highways and bridges have tolls. To use these, you need an electronic toll payment device on your car. You can’t pay the toll with cash or credit card at the toll booths. Rental cars typically come with the device fitted — ask about it and any associated fees when you collect the car.

Driving is generally the most expensive way to get around Turkey. You can often buy 2 or 3 bus or train tickets for the cost of just the fuel between two cities. Once you factor in rental fees, insurance, parking, and highway tolls, driving a car is often more expensive than flying.

Drivers should always keep local cash on hand, as most tourist sites have paid parking fees, and some only accept cash.

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

By Plane

As Turkey is a big country, there are a number of domestic flight routes that can help you cover large distances quickly. There are over 50 airports in Turkey.

Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive if booked in advance, although they’re usually more expensive than taking a train or bus. The main airline in Turkey is Turkish Airlines, with budget carriers like Pegasus also operating widely.

Flights help you cover large distances in a short time. Just remember to factor in the time required to get to and from the airport and to check in. It’s also worth considering the environmental footprint of taking numerous flights versus other modes of transportation.

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

By Carpooling or Ridesharing

You can use carpooling or ridesharing services like BlaBlaCar in Turkey. However, given that the established bus network gets you almost anywhere you need to go, that bus tickets are inexpensive, and that carpooling isn’t very popular here, you’re probably better off using the bus or train.

By Tour

One of the most popular ways to explore Turkey is to join a guided tour. We can recommend it if you’re considering a trip 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 time driving or finding parking, and everything is planned ahead.

The best thing about joining a tour is that you have a tour guide to explain what you’re seeing and give you advice on places to go, dishes to eat, and things to see. Many attractions in Turkey have very little posted explanation, so having a guide (whether a person, audio guide, or book) helps you get more from your visit.

Private tours with a guide are also possible and can be a good value for families or small groups.

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

How Long Should I Spend in Turkey?

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

For a first trip, an ideal length is 10 to 14 days. This gives you time to get a taste of Turkey and see some of its most famous cities, historical attractions, and beaches.

Most first time visitors focus on the western part of Turkey, and that’s what we’d recommend. With 2 weeks, you can cover many of the highlights. With more time, or on a return visit, you can explore the lesser-known destinations of the west or the much-less-touristed eastern part of Turkey.

For what to see with 2 weeks, see our suggested itinerary below.

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

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

Shorter Variants: 7-Day, 10-Day, and 12-Day Turkey Itineraries

If you don’t have a full two weeks, here’s how we’d suggest cutting the itinerary down. The reader question we get most often is some version of “I have X days, what should I cut?” — so this section addresses that directly.

If You Have 12 Days

Cut Ankara entirely. From Cappadocia, fly directly back to Istanbul. This saves you 2 days. Your itinerary becomes:

• Days 1-2: Istanbul
• Day 3: Gallipoli
• Days 4-5: Troy + Kuşadası + Ephesus
• Day 6: Pamukkale + Fethiye
• Day 7: Fethiye
• Days 8-9: Antalya
• Days 10-11: Cappadocia
• Day 12: Istanbul

If history is more important to you than the coast, you could alternatively keep Ankara and trim a coastal day instead.

If You Have 10 Days

Cut Ankara, drop one of the coastal days, and consider skipping Gallipoli + Troy if World War I and ancient archaeology aren’t priorities for you. Many of our readers in this position fly directly from Istanbul to Izmir or Kayseri to skip the long western land transit.

A reasonable 10-day plan:

• Days 1-3: Istanbul
• Day 4: Fly to Izmir, base in Kuşadası or Selçuk
• Day 5: Ephesus
• Day 6: Day trip to Pamukkale (or fly to Antalya)
• Days 7-8: Antalya or Fethiye
• Days 9-10: Cappadocia, then fly back to Istanbul for departure

If You Have 7 Days

Pick three places, no more. The classic week-long combination is Istanbul + Cappadocia + one coastal or historical stop. For example:

• Days 1-3: Istanbul
• Days 4-5: Cappadocia (fly there)
• Days 6-7: Antalya or Fethiye (fly there) — or a second coastal/Ephesus day, then fly back to Istanbul for departure

With one week, the math doesn’t really work for trying to also fit Ephesus, Pamukkale, Gallipoli, and Ankara. Pick the things you most want to see and go deep rather than spreading thin.

Book in Advance vs Book on the Ground

Turkey is a country where most things can be booked spontaneously. But a few items really do benefit from advance booking, and missing them can either cost you the experience or cost you a lot more money.

Book well in advance:

• Cappadocia hot air balloon flight. Book at least a few weeks ahead in peak season (April-October). Sells out completely on busy weekends. Cancellations due to weather are common, so a longer Cappadocia stay gives you a backup morning if your first flight is canceled.
• Cappadocia cave hotels. The most distinctive ones (the unique architectural cave rooms, rather than a hotel that just happens to call itself “cave”) sell out months ahead in peak season.
• Domestic Turkish Airlines or Pegasus flights. Booking 2-3 weeks ahead saves significant money over walk-up fares. Booking the day before can be expensive.
• Overnight buses on weekends and holidays (e.g. the popular Antalya-Cappadocia overnight). Sells out, especially during Turkish school holidays.
• Multi-day organized tours of Turkey. If you want a specific dates-and-itinerary tour, book months ahead, especially for spring and fall departures.

Fine to book day-of or a few days ahead:

• City attraction tickets (Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Blue Mosque, Ephesus, Pamukkale, etc.)
• Most local day tours and city-walking tours
• Most hotels in the off-season or in larger cities
• Intercity buses on weekdays
• Restaurant reservations

Always book ahead for a specific situation:

• Anything during Ramadan iftar — restaurants get busy at sunset
• Antalya and coastal resorts during August (Turkish school holiday peak)
• Anything in Cappadocia during the May 1 holiday or local festival weekends
• Train sleepers on the Istanbul-Sofia Express in summer

Tours of Turkey

Turkey is a big place, and it’s often a long distance between popular tourist attractions, which means a lot of transit time. While the public transport network is fairly good and you can hire a car, for many people a tour is the best way to get around.

This way you can let someone else handle the logistics — transport, accommodation, day trips — and just focus on sightseeing. It also means you don’t have to worry about booking individual day trips for out-of-town sights, as most tours include stops at the main attractions. You’ll also have a tour guide for the duration who can explain everything along the way.

You can spend the time on the coach reading, chatting with travel companions, catching up on sleep, or browsing 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 reasonably priced, with lots of budget and mid-range options.

When choosing a tour, pick the style that’s right for you. Some tours have small groups, others are large. Some are geared to younger travelers, others to a more mature audience. Some include more time at historical and cultural sites, others lean toward beaches and seaside destinations. Check the comfort level of the accommodation and transport included.

It’s also important to read what’s included when comparing tours. For example, some tours include all your entry fees and meals while others let you choose what you want to pay for. So don’t just look at the price — check what is and 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’ve taken a tour with Travel Talk Tours in Turkey, and most of their budget-oriented tours work out to around $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.

Here are tours of Turkey similar to our itinerary, so you can pick one that’s right for you. Most start in Istanbul, and a couple start in Ankara.

• This 11 day small group tour includes Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia.
• This 12 day Best of Turkey by Land tour includes Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia.
• This 12 day Turkey by Gulet tour includes Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia, plus 3 nights on a gulet boat. You can read about Laurence’s experience taking this tour of Turkey here.
• This 12 day private tour from Ankara includes Ankara, Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Kaş, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kuşadası, Troy, and Gallipoli.
• This 14 day private tour of Turkey includes Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia.
• This 19 day All About Turkey tour could be great for those with more time. It includes Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia, plus 7 nights on a gulet to visit nearby seaside towns and islands.

You can see lots more tours from various operators on TourRadar.

You can also mix independent travel with a tour, which we find a good way to enjoy 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 at a glance:

• Day 1: Istanbul
• Day 2: Istanbul
• Day 3: Gallipoli
• Day 4: Troy & Kuşadası
• Day 5: Kuşadası & 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

Our 2 Week Turkey Itinerary, Day-by-Day

The goal of this itinerary is to visit some of the many highlights Turkey has to offer in 2 weeks.

Obviously, in a country with such a long history, there’s no way to see everything in two weeks. Turkey is a big country, so factor in distance and travel times when planning.

This itinerary makes a strong starting point for anyone planning to spend between 10 days and two weeks in Turkey. It can be tweaked and adjusted based on how much time you have and your own personal interests, but we hope it gives you inspiration for your own trip.

If you’re booking a tour, this 14 day itinerary helps you decide which destinations to make sure are included in your tour. For those traveling independently, we give travel suggestions for those going by bus, train, plane, and car throughout.

Turkey Itinerary Day 1: Istanbul

The best place to start (and end) your trip to Turkey is 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 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 one of the largest cities in Europe by population, though it’s not the capital of Turkey — that would be Ankara. Founded over 600 years before the birth of Christ, Istanbul has 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.

Two full days in Istanbul let you see many of the highlights, but it will definitely leave you wanting more. Prioritize what you want to do and see most.

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

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

Just note that Topkapi Palace is closed Tuesdays, so plan around that if your day-1 timing allows. Hagia Sophia upper-gallery access (for non-Muslim visitors) requires a ticket.

These sites are relatively close together and 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’ll be journeying 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 many things, including ceramics, lanterns, rugs, clothing, tea, jewelry, and books. Be careful of what you’re buying — you’ll find everything from locally handcrafted rugs and jewelry to cheap souvenirs of variable quality.

Another market worth a visit is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, or Mısır Çarşısı. Vendors here are known primarily for selling spices, but you can also find sweets, tea, dried fruit, Turkish delight, and souvenirs.

If you’d like a guided walking tour, several cover all the historical highlights. A few options include this small group highlights tour and this customizable private tour.

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

A cruise on the Bosphorus lets you appreciate the incredible size of the city. The Bosphorus separates the European and Asian parts of Istanbul, so you’ll be floating along the continental divide. Many 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 accommodation options across a range of budgets. Istanbul has a huge number of properties to choose from, and prices are very reasonable.

• Cheers Hostel – A long-running, well-reviewed budget hostel in the heart of Sultanahmet, just a one-minute walk from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Offers a mix of dorm beds and private rooms, en-suite or shared bathrooms, and an included breakfast served on the rooftop terrace with views of Hagia Sophia. A great pick for solo travelers and budget-conscious couples.
• Agora Guesthouse — A well-reviewed guesthouse offering both dormitory and private rooms. Breakfast included on the rooftop terrace. A few hundred yards from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
• Tulip Guesthouse — Good value private rooms with shared or en-suite bathrooms, breakfast served on the top floor terrace with nice views. About a 5-minute walk from Hagia Sophia.
• Berk Guesthouse – Grandma’s House — Well-rated guesthouse with en-suite rooms, included breakfast, and a rooftop terrace with city views. A 2-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
• Meserret Palace Hotel — Well-reviewed 4-star with en-suite rooms, 24-hour desk, room service, and included breakfast. Near the Spice Bazaar and about a 10-minute walk from the Old City.
• Obelisk Hotel & Suites — Well-rated 4-star with en-suite rooms, 24-hour front desk, and on-site restaurant. Breakfast included. A few hundred yards from Hagia Sophia.
• Boutique Saint Sophia — A 4-star boutique hotel offering private en-suite rooms with breakfast included and an on-site cafe and bar. Near Hagia Sophia, with some rooms offering views of the attraction.
• Régie Ottoman — A stylish boutique hotel set in a 150-year-old renovated Ottoman building. Modern amenities, breakfast included, on-site restaurant, and located about a 10-minute walk from Sultanahmet. We’ve stayed here and really enjoyed our stay.
• Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul — 5-star luxury hotel near the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. Modern amenities, 24-hour desk, room service, and on-site restaurant.

For self-catering, options include these apartments in the Fatih district on Booking.com and Istanbul apartments on Vrbo.

Turkey Itinerary Day 2: Istanbul

For your second day in Istanbul, cross the Galata Bridge and explore that side 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 with an observation deck, the European-style buildings and shopping along the picturesque Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi), and the Taksim Square area featuring the Republic Monument — a lively area for shopping and nightlife. There are a lot of art galleries and museums in this area, including SALT Galata, the Pera Museum, and the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.

We can also recommend visiting Dolmabahçe Palace. This beautiful 19th-century palace was once home to 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. Note that Dolmabahçe is closed Mondays.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and have a coffee, 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, with past guests including Agatha Christie. Or find a street cafe along Istiklal Avenue to people watch, or a seaside cafe to enjoy the view over the water.

You might also want to try a traditional Turkish hamam experience such as this one at Aga Hamami, the oldest hamam in Istanbul. This is a traditional Turkish bathing practice rather than a spa, but it’s a relaxing and cleansing experience.

Depending on what you want to do and how far you’re willing to walk, you can explore entirely on foot or use public transit. 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 there’s a steep hill to get from the Galata Bridge up to Istiklal Avenue. You can take the Tünel funicular to skip the climb. This is one of the oldest subway stations in the world.

For a guide on your second day in Istanbul, 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 Dolmabahçe Palace.

For your second evening in Istanbul, finish your day with an evening food tour, sample some local nightlife, or take in a cultural event.

Those interested in the local food scene may want to consider this evening food trail tour or this small group food tour.

For an evening cultural performance, check what’s playing at the local theaters or see a Turkish dance performance or whirling dervishes show at the Hodjapasha Cultural Centre. Those looking for a more lively night out might check the nightlife 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 driving themselves. However, those traveling by bus may want to head to Çanakkale today instead, so they have more time to explore Gallipoli the next day.

How to Get from Istanbul to Gallipoli

If you’re not joining a tour, you have three main options for getting from Istanbul to Gallipoli. If you take a flight or bus, head to Çanakkale (or Eceabat) first and then take a tour or arrange transport to the Gallipoli sites.

By Car: About a 186 mile (300 km) drive from Istanbul to the Gallipoli peninsula, taking around 3 to 4 hours. Since the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge opened in March 2022, the drive is faster and simpler than it used to be: the bridge crosses the Dardanelles between Lapseki and Gelibolu in about six minutes, eliminating the old ferry crossing entirely. Leaving on the morning of your third day gives you time to stop and see the main sights in Gallipoli before overnighting in Çanakkale.

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

By Bus: Around 4.5 to 5.5 hours from Istanbul to Eceabat or Çanakkale, depending on the route. Most buses now use the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge rather than the older ferry route, which has cut journey times. Check bus times and prices, and book online here. Depending on schedules, those wanting to explore Gallipoli may want to catch a late afternoon or evening bus on Day 2 to have more time on Day 3.

Turkey Itinerary Day 3: Gallipoli

Today, leave Istanbul after breakfast and head southwest to the Gallipoli peninsula. The peninsula lies between the Dardanelles and the Gulf of Saros and is best known as the location of 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 to 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 key supply route. After about 9 months of fighting, minimal gains, and around 250,000 casualties on each side, the Allies withdrew.

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

Turkey was at the 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 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. 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.

Just note that if you happen to be visiting around April 25 (ANZAC Day), the Gallipoli sites can be very busy with commemorative services and large crowds, and some areas may have access restrictions. If you’re traveling in late April, plan your Gallipoli day for a date other than the 25th if possible, or be prepared for a different kind of visit.

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

There are also a few museums in the area focused on the Gallipoli campaign, including the Kabatepe Promotion Center and Museum in Kabatepe, the Salim Mutlu War Museum in Alçıtepe, and the Gelibolu War Museum in Gelibolu.

If you want to know more about the battles, we recommend a book such as Gallipoli: The Battlefield Guide. We’d recommend some sort of guidebook if you’re planning to explore on your own without a tour guide.

Expect to spend a few hours here. It’s a challenging place to get around without your own vehicle, so we’d suggest taking a tour if you don’t have transport. There are a lot of tour options, so it’s 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

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

If you’re staying in Eceabat, you can also spend time relaxing on the beach.

Where to Stay Near Gallipoli

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

If you’re traveling by bus, choose a place near the bus station.

Here are some options at both locations. Note that Eceabat is a small town with limited Booking.com inventory, so we list more Çanakkale options:

• Set Özer Hotel in Çanakkale — A centrally located good value hotel offering private en-suite rooms with breakfast. Very close to the ferry, waterfront, and main town attractions.
• Kinzi House in Çanakkale — A well-reviewed and centrally located self-catering option with full kitchen, laundry facilities, and flat-screen TV. Great value for a few people who want to cook for themselves.
• 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.
• Hotel Crowded House in Eceabat – A family-run hotel right opposite the ferry terminal, just steps from the seafront and a 7-minute walk to Eceabat Public Beach. Offers private en-suite rooms, an included breakfast buffet, and the staff can help arrange tours of Gallipoli battlefields. Excellent value for those visiting the war memorials.
• Eceabat Doğa Pansiyon-Hotel in Eceabat – A beachfront pension just 100 metres from Eceabat Public Beach, with a private beach area, garden, and free private parking. All rooms are sea-view with a balcony or patio, and a continental breakfast is included. A relaxed waterfront option for those wanting a quieter base.
• Hotel Casa Villa in Eceabat — Well-reviewed hotel in Eceabat a few hundred yards from the beach. Features private rooms with en-suite facilities and breakfast included.

How to Get from Çanakkale to Troy and Kuşadası

Your next stop is Troy, after which you’ll head south via Izmir to Kuşadası. If you visited Troy today, skip that stop and head straight to Kuşadası.

If you’re not taking a guided tour, you have a few choices today. Heads up: this is one of the longer travel days on the itinerary. The combination of a Troy visit followed by a 5-6 hour drive or bus to Kuşadası makes for a full day even if everything goes smoothly. Plan to start early.

By Car: About a 30 minute drive to Troy from Çanakkale, then a little over 5 hours down to Kuşadası. Spend a couple of hours at Troy and aim to arrive in Kuşadası mid-to-late afternoon.

By Plane: You can fly from Çanakkale to Izmir for part of the day. However, you’ll still need to arrange a bus, taxi, or tour to get to and from Troy and onwards from Izmir to Kuşadası. Those planning to fly may want to base in Izmir instead of Kuşadası.

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

By Bus: Regular buses run from Çanakkale to Troy (about every hour, around 45 minutes). To head onto Izmir, you’ll need to backtrack to Çanakkale or head to Ezine, then catch a bus to Izmir (about 5.5 hours). From Izmir, it’s about a 90-minute bus journey to Kuşadası.

You might also consider a local taxi or shared dolmuş to and from Troy, then connect to intercity buses in Ezine or Çanakkale onwards to Izmir and Kuşadası.

Check bus times and prices, and book online here.

Turkey Itinerary Day 4: Troy & Kuşadası

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

This is a long travel day no matter how you do it. If you can, head out straight after breakfast so you have time to explore Troy in the morning. Don’t plan anything ambitious for late afternoon — getting to Kuşadası in good time is the goal.

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

Of course, as it existed for almost four millennia, Troy saw a lot of changes in its time. There were no fewer than nine cities on this location, which was favored due to its waterfront position. 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 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, 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 Hisarlık 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 Hisarlık 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’d recommend allowing 2 to 3 hours to visit Troy.

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

Izmir offers lots of attractions and services. 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 Kemeraltı shopping district. There is also a rich Jewish heritage here, with several synagogues and other Jewish landmarks, especially in the Kemeraltı district.

Izmir may be a good place to stretch your feet and maybe visit an attraction or two. You could also overnight in Izmir, but our advice is to press on to Kuşadası — it’s closer to upcoming highlights and has its own attractions.

Kuşadası is a popular coastal town in Turkey, with a wide range of accommodation, beaches, and attractions. It’s also very close to Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most famous ancient ruined cities.

Today is a long journey regardless of your transport, so we recommend a relaxing evening once you arrive. Maybe a stroll around town or a dip in the hotel pool, then a nice dinner.

We recommend spending two nights in Kuşadası. Travelers using public transport may want to consider Selçuk (the town next to Ephesus) instead, as the transit connections are a bit easier there.

Where to Stay in Kuşadası

Kuşadası is a popular resort town and there are many hotels to choose from, the majority offering excellent value. Most have pools, and some are next to a beach.

Kuşadası is pretty spread out, and we generally recommend staying within walking distance of the city center and seaside. Bus travelers will want to stay within walking distance of the bus station and stops:

• Hotel Stella — A well-reviewed good value 2-star hotel offering en-suite rooms with balconies, a pool, on-site restaurant, and inclusive breakfast. About 100 yards from the harbor.
• Grand Sahin’s Hotel — Well-reviewed 4-star hotel with en-suite rooms with balconies, inclusive breakfast, on-site restaurant and bar, outdoor swimming pool, private beach area, and free parking. Next to the seaside.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Kuşadası — A popular city-center hotel with 5-star facilities, en-suite rooms with balconies, rooftop restaurant and bar, 2 swimming pools, fitness center, and a spa.
• Akman City Hotel – A central 2-star value hotel just a 3-minute walk from Kuşadası Sahil Beach. Offers private en-suite rooms with balconies, a seasonal outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and an included breakfast. A good budget pick in the heart of town.
• Hotel By Karaaslan Inn – A 4-star beachfront hotel directly opposite Kuşadası Marina, with every room offering a sea-view balcony. Features a seasonal outdoor pool, sun terrace, multiple restaurants, and a poolside bar. Walking distance to the marina, beach, and city center.
• Derici Hotel – A well-established 4-star hotel in central Kuşadası, just across the seafront promenade with rooms offering port and sea views. Features a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, a spa with a Turkish bath, sauna, fitness center, and an included breakfast. A 5-minute walk to the marina.

Where to Stay in Selçuk

Travelers using buses or trains may prefer to spend the two nights in Selçuk. Stay in central Selçuk within walking distance of the bus station and train station:

• ANZ Guest House — A budget-friendly hostel with dorm beds, private rooms, and family rooms. Breakfast included, with a rooftop terrace. Centrally located, about a 12-minute walk to the bus and train stations.
• Queen Bee Hotel — A good value bed-and-breakfast with private bathrooms and included breakfast. There’s a cafe on the ground floor. Centrally located, about a 12-minute walk to bus and train stations.
• Celsus Boutique Hotel — Boutique hotel with outdoor swimming pool, garden, shared lounge, and inclusive breakfast. Centrally located, about a 10-minute walk to the bus and train stations.
• Vinifera Vineyards Hotel — If you’re looking for something different and don’t mind being outside Selçuk, this hotel sits next to a vineyard and offers large en-suite rooms with patios, on-site restaurant and winery, swimming pool, and inclusive breakfast. Best suited for those traveling by car or taxi, though you can reach Selçuk by train (the Çamlık station is about a 7-minute walk from the hotel).

Turkey Itinerary Day 5: Kuşadası & Ephesus

Today, head to Ephesus after breakfast to explore the archaeological sites. Then return and spend the latter part of the day exploring Kuşadası 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’s also easy to get to on your own. It’s about a 25-minute drive, bus, or taxi ride away. If you’re using public transport, you can take a dolmuş from Kuşadası that drops you at the lower gate of Ephesus.

Ephesus is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Turkey. 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, the seven major early Christian communities, as noted in the New Testament Book of Revelation.

It’s 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, the Church of the Virgin Mary, and The House of the Virgin Mary.

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

For those interested in seeing some of the artifacts found here, 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.

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 (an additional ticket is 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 between the two if you wish.

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

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

There’s more to explore outside the main complex if you have time. Sites located outside include the Temple of Artemis, House of the Virgin Mary, St. John’s Basilica, and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Other attractions include Selçuk Castle, Ayasuluk Citadel, and Isa Bey Mosque.

If you’re considering a tour from Kuşadası (or Izmir), there are a variety of options. Around 4 to 5 hours would work and give you time to sightsee in Kuşadası in the afternoon, but you could also do a full-day tour if you want more time. Some tours from Kuşadası to consider:

• 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 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’ve finished touring Ephesus, return to Kuşadası. The town has cafes, restaurants, and beaches. Depending on your time and energy, visit one of the beaches (Ladies Beach is the most popular public beach), spend time exploring the town’s attractions, or relax by the hotel pool.

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

How to Get from Kuşadası to Pamukkale & Fethiye

This is another long travel day. The attractions are spaced far apart, and Pamukkale itself is only a half-day site sandwiched between two transit legs. If you’re not taking a tour, your best options are public transit or driving.

If you’d rather break this day in two, consider overnighting in Pamukkale or nearby Denizli, then continuing to Fethiye on Day 7. Several of our readers have done this and found Day 6 much more relaxed. The trade-off is one less night in Fethiye.

By Car: If driving, Pamukkale is about a 120 mile (190 km) drive from Kuşadası, taking around 3 hours on the toll roads (4 hours without). From Pamukkale, it’s another 125 mile (200 km) drive to Fethiye, around 3 more hours.

If that sounds like too much, you could skip Pamukkale and head south along the coast from Kuşadası to Fethiye, giving you more time in either Kuşadası or Fethiye.

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

By Bus: From Kuşadası, it’s relatively easy to get to Pamukkale by public transport. You can go by bus directly from Kuşadası or via Selçuk. The bus takes 3 to 4 hours depending on the routing. From Pamukkale (or Denizli, the larger town next door where most buses terminate), you’ll catch an onward bus to Fethiye. There’s no direct route — buses generally route via Muğla, taking about 4 to 5 hours total. The full Day 6 transit is 7 to 9 hours of travel time on top of your Pamukkale visit, which is why we suggest considering an overnight in Pamukkale or Denizli if you want a more relaxed pace.

Check bus times and prices, and book online here.

Turkey Itinerary Day 6: Pamukkale & Fethiye

Today, leave Kuşadası after breakfast and head inland to Pamukkale, then continue on to your overnight stop in Fethiye on the southern coast.

A note on pacing. Pamukkale itself is a 2 to 3 hour visit for most travelers. The site doesn’t take all day — but the day does. The transit legs on either side of Pamukkale are what makes Day 6 long. If you want a more relaxed visit, overnight in Pamukkale or nearby Denizli and continue to Fethiye on Day 7.

Pamukkale is famous for its travertine terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing thermal spring water. The terraces look almost like snow, with pools of water cascading down the hillside. They’re a striking sight, and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (jointly listed with the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, which sits on top of the hill).

You can walk along the travertine terraces in your bare feet (shoes are not allowed on the terraces themselves to protect them). Most of the pools are now closed to bathers in order to protect the formations, but there are designated pools where you can wade.

The remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis sit at the top of the hill above the travertines. Hierapolis was a Greek and Roman spa town, and you can wander among the ruins of its theatre, necropolis, agora, baths, and city walls. The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum is on site and worth a visit if you have the time.

You can also pay extra to swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, a thermal pool with submerged Roman columns. It’s a unique experience — swimming among ancient marble columns in 36°C water — though it does get very busy.

For most travelers, 2 to 3 hours is enough time to walk the terraces, see the main highlights of Hierapolis, and have a quick swim if you want one. Archaeological completionists could easily spend 4 to 5 hours here exploring the full Hierapolis ruins, including the Necropolis, Roman gates, and bath complex. Decide based on your interests.

Pamukkale gets very busy in the middle of the day, especially when tour buses arrive. If you want quieter photos, arrive early or stay until late afternoon.

The site closes around 7pm in summer and 5pm in winter, so factor in opening hours when planning your visit.

From Pamukkale, continue on to Fethiye on the Mediterranean coast. Fethiye is a popular coastal town and a great base for exploring the Turquoise Coast.

If you’ve gone the long-day route, plan to arrive in Fethiye in the evening and have a relaxed dinner.

Where to Stay in Fethiye

Fethiye has a wide range of accommodation, from budget-friendly options to seaside resorts. Fethiye town has the marina and city center, while Çalış Beach (a few km west of the town center) has more beachfront options. Pick the area that matches your priorities:

• Pinara Pension & Guesthouse – A well-reviewed 2-star guesthouse in central Fethiye, a 3-minute walk to Fethiye Marina and 300 yards from Ece Saray Marina. Offers private en-suite rooms with included breakfast, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a terrace with views over the harbor. Note: this property does not accept children, so it suits couples and solo travelers best.
• Chillsteps Hostel – A laid-back beachfront hostel near Çalış Beach with a garden, sun terrace, shared lounge, and a children’s playground. Offers both dormitory beds and private rooms with sea views. Great for travelers wanting a beach base outside the city center.
• Infinity Exclusive City Hotel — A well-reviewed good-value city center hotel with en-suite rooms, breakfast included, on-site restaurant, and a pool. Within walking distance of Fethiye’s main attractions and the marina.
• Orka Boutique Hotel — A boutique mid-range hotel offering en-suite rooms with balconies, swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and breakfast included. A short walk to the seafront.
• Ece Marina Suit — A beachfront marina hotel with apartment-style rooms (kitchenette and lounge area), good for families. Includes breakfast, pool access, and is right by Fethiye Marina.
• Hotel Delta — A well-rated hotel on Çalış Beach with en-suite rooms, swimming pool, on-site restaurant, and inclusive breakfast. Steps from the beach.

For self-catering or longer stays, Fethiye also has plenty of vacation rental apartments available through major booking sites.

Turkey Itinerary Day 7: Fethiye

Today is for enjoying the Turkish coast. Fethiye is a popular base on the Turquoise Coast, with beaches, mountains, and ancient ruins all nearby.

Fethiye itself is a charming town with a marina, a daily market, ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above the town, and a small archaeological museum. You can spend a relaxed morning exploring the town and the harbor area, then head out for the afternoon to one of the many activities in the area.

The most popular thing to do from Fethiye is to take a boat tour. The classic option is the 12 Islands Boat Trip, a full-day trip that visits a series of small islands and bays in the Gulf of Fethiye, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. The boats are typically traditional wooden gulets, and the trip is a relaxing way to see the coast.

You can book this 12 Islands Boat Trip with hotel transfer and lunch in advance, or arrange one in town the day before.

Another option is to head to Ölüdeniz, a famous lagoon with turquoise water and a long beach, about a 20-minute drive from Fethiye. The beach is one of the most photographed in Turkey. You can swim, sunbathe, or take an Ölüdeniz boat trip to Butterfly Valley and St. Nicholas Island.

For the more adventurous, Ölüdeniz is also one of the world’s top spots for tandem paragliding. You take off from the top of Mount Babadağ and glide down over the lagoon. It’s an incredible experience if you’re up for it. You can book a tandem paragliding flight from Ölüdeniz in advance.

Other day trip options from Fethiye include Saklıkent Gorge (a dramatic 18 km canyon you can walk through), Patara Beach (one of the longest in Turkey and home to ancient ruins), Tlos (an ancient Lycian city in the mountains), and Kayaköy (an abandoned Greek village now a ghost town).

Visitors here in winter (November to March) should note that boat tours don’t run, paragliding is weather-dependent, and many seasonal restaurants close. The land-based options like Saklıkent, Tlos, and Kayaköy still work year-round, and the Lycian Way hiking trails are at their most pleasant in the cooler months.

End the day with a sunset stroll along the marina or at Çalış Beach, which is famous for its sunsets, then dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

How to Get from Fethiye to Antalya

Tomorrow you head east along the coast to Antalya. This is a more manageable transit day than Days 4 or 6.

By Car: About a 200 km drive, taking around 3 to 4 hours depending on whether you take the inland highway or the slower but more scenic D400 coastal route. The coastal route adds 1 to 2 hours but is one of the most beautiful drives in Turkey, passing through Kaş, Kalkan, Demre, and Olympos. If you have time and a car, it’s worth the extra time.

By Bus: Regular buses run from Fethiye to Antalya, taking around 4 hours. Multiple companies operate this route. Check times and book online here.

By Plane: There’s no direct flight option that’s worth taking — connecting via Istanbul takes longer than the bus. Stick with bus or car.

Turkey Itinerary Day 8: Antalya

Today, head east along the coast to Antalya, the largest city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and a popular resort destination. With over 2.5 million people, Antalya is also the fifth-largest city in Turkey.

Aim to arrive by early afternoon so you have time to settle in and start exploring. Antalya is sometimes called the Turkish Riviera, and the city has a beautiful old town, a long beachfront, and is surrounded by mountains.

The main attraction is Kaleiçi, the historic old town. It’s a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with restored Ottoman houses, boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops. Highlights include Hadrian’s Gate (a 2nd-century Roman triumphal arch), Yivli Minaret (a fluted minaret from the 13th century), the Clock Tower, and the old harbor.

The old town backs onto cliffs that drop down to the harbor, and there are several spots where you can look out over the water. From the harbor area, you can take boat trips along the coast.

The Antalya Museum is one of the largest archaeological museums in Turkey and houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the surrounding region, including pieces from Perge, Aspendos, and other ancient sites. It’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in archaeology. Note that the museum’s hours can be reduced in winter.

Other things to do in Antalya proper include visiting the Düden Waterfalls (both the Upper and Lower falls), Konyaaltı Beach, Lara Beach, and the Tünektepe Cable Car for panoramic views over the city.

If you’d like a guided overview, this full day city tour with boat trip and waterfalls covers the main Antalya highlights.

For dinner, the old town has dozens of restaurants serving everything from Turkish classics to international cuisine. The harbor restaurants come with a view but are pricier.

Where to Stay in Antalya

Antalya has accommodation options for every budget. We generally recommend staying in or very near Kaleiçi (the old town) for easy access to the main sights, restaurants, and harbor:

• Kuyu Beergarden Hostel – A budget beachfront hostel in the historic Kaleiçi old town, a 6-minute walk to Mermerli Beach and 600 metres from the Old City Marina. Offers dormitory and private rooms, a garden, on-site restaurant, and beer garden. Note: this property does not accept children and dormitory beds are restricted to guests aged 18 to 45, so it suits adult solo and couple travelers.
• Atlas Pansıyon – A central, good-value pension a 16-minute walk from the Antalya Clock Tower and just over a mile from Hadrian’s Gate. Offers private en-suite rooms, free WiFi, a garden, free shuttle service, and a 24-hour front desk with English-speaking staff. A quiet budget base for exploring Antalya’s old town.
• White Garden Hotel — A well-rated hotel near the old town with a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, beach access, and breakfast included.
• Tekeli Konakları — A restored Ottoman pasha’s residence in the old town, featuring traditional rooms with modern amenities, an on-site cafe, garden, and breakfast included. Atmospheric and centrally located.
• Cap d’Perge Hotel — An adults-only hotel near the historic center with en-suite rooms, swimming pool, on-site restaurant and bar, and breakfast included.
• ATICI Hotel — A central Antalya hotel with en-suite rooms, on-site restaurant, and breakfast included. Convenient location near the historic center.

For a resort experience, Antalya has many large all-inclusive resorts in the Belek and Lara Beach areas, just east of the city. These are good for a beach holiday but less convenient for sightseeing in the old town:

• Xanadu Resort Belek — A 5-star all-inclusive resort in Belek with multiple pools, private beach, spa, multiple restaurants, and golf course access. About 35 minutes east of Antalya.
• Gloria Serenity Resort — A luxurious 5-star resort in Belek with villas, private beach, multiple pools, golf course, spa, and several restaurants. We have stayed in one of the villas here and it is a great place.
• Land of Legends Hotel — A theme park hotel ideal for families, with on-site theme park, water park, dolphin shows, and shopping. About 30 minutes east of Antalya.

For self-catering apartments in Antalya, options include vacation rentals through Booking.com and similar sites.

Turkey Itinerary Day 9: Antalya

Spend your second day in the Antalya area exploring further afield. There are several great day trips from Antalya, depending on your interests.

One of the most popular is to visit the ancient sites of Perge and Aspendos, both within an hour of Antalya. Perga was a major ancient Greek and Roman city, with extensive ruins including a Roman theater, stadium, agora, and necropolis. Aspendos is famous for its remarkably preserved Roman theater, considered one of the best-preserved in the world. It’s still used for performances today, including an annual opera and ballet festival in summer.

Many tours combine Perge, Aspendos, and Side (another ancient coastal town) into a single full-day trip, such as this Antalya cable car, boat, and waterfalls full day tour.

For families or those looking for a fun day, Land of Legends Theme Park has rides, a water park, dolphin shows, and shopping. You can book a Land of Legends entrance ticket in advance.

Nature lovers might want to head to Saklıkent Gorge (different from the one near Fethiye), or to one of the many waterfalls in the Antalya area, such as Kurşunlu Waterfalls. This Kurşunlu Waterfalls 5-hour tour covers a few of the local waterfalls.

You can also take the cable car up to Tahtalı Mountain (formerly known as Mount Olympos) for spectacular views over the coast, or visit the eternal flames of Yanartaş, where natural gases burn from cracks in the rocks (best seen at night).

For an evening cultural experience, the Fire of Anatolia Dance Show in Antalya is a popular Turkish folk dance performance.

If you’d rather relax, head to one of the beaches. Konyaaltı Beach (west of the city, with mountain views) and Lara Beach (east of the city, with finer sand) are the two main options. Both have plenty of beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports.

Or you could simply take it slow and enjoy more time exploring Antalya’s old town, swimming at your hotel pool, or doing some shopping at one of the modern shopping malls.

How to Get from Antalya to Cappadocia

This is the longest single transit day on the itinerary. Antalya and Cappadocia are around 535 km apart, with mountains in between. There’s no quick option — every route involves a long day. Here’s how to make it work for each transport mode:

By Overnight Bus: This is what we’d recommend for most travelers, and it’s how many of our readers have done it. The overnight bus from Antalya to Cappadocia (Göreme or Nevşehir) takes 9 to 11 hours, leaves in the evening, and arrives early in the morning. You save a day of daylight transit and a night’s hotel cost. Several companies run this route, with reasonably comfortable reclining seats. Book ahead in summer and on weekends. Check times and book online here.

By Plane: There are no direct flights from Antalya to Cappadocia. You’ll connect via Istanbul, which makes the total flight time (with layover) around 4 to 6 hours, plus airport transfers on both ends. Add 2 to 3 hours of ground transit time and the time savings versus a daytime bus are minimal. Cappadocia has two airports — Kayseri (ASR), about 1 hour from Göreme, and Nevşehir (NAV), about 40 minutes. Kayseri has more flights; Nevşehir is closer to most cave hotels.

By Day Bus: The daytime bus takes about 9 hours and is best avoided unless you have a specific reason to travel during the day.

By Car: About 7 to 8 hours of driving via the inland route. You can break the journey with a stop in Konya (the city of the whirling dervishes), which adds time but breaks up the day. If driving, leave Antalya at first light to arrive in Cappadocia before dark.

Whichever option you choose, plan for Day 10 to be primarily a transit and arrival day, with light evening sightseeing only.

Turkey Itinerary Day 10: Cappadocia

Welcome to Cappadocia, one of the most distinctive landscapes you’ll see anywhere in the world. The region in central Turkey is known for its surreal rock formations called “fairy chimneys,” ancient cave dwellings carved into the soft volcanic stone, underground cities, and the famous hot air balloons that fill the sky at sunrise.

Today is primarily an arrival day. Whether you’ve come by overnight bus, plane via Istanbul, or driven yourself, you’ll likely arrive tired and ready to settle in. Plan a relaxed first day — the real Cappadocia exploration starts tomorrow.

If you arrived early in the morning by overnight bus, you may have most of the day ahead of you. Check into your hotel (most cave hotels will let you store luggage even before formal check-in), grab breakfast, and consider a nap before heading out.

If you arrived by flight in the afternoon, you’ll have time for a sunset viewpoint visit and dinner only.

For your first afternoon or evening in Cappadocia, here are some lower-key options that don’t require a full day:

• Watch the sunset from one of the famous viewpoints. Sunset Point in Göreme and Red Valley are both excellent. The light on the rock formations during the golden hour is spectacular.
• Take a short walk through Göreme village and explore the cave shops, restaurants, and bakeries.
• Book a sunset ATV quad bike tour through the valleys. These typically run 1 to 2 hours and end at sunset, and they’re a fun way to see the landscape.
• Visit a Turkish night dinner show such as the Turkish Night at a Göreme Cave Restaurant.

Importantly, if you’re planning to take a hot air balloon flight tomorrow morning, confirm your booking and pickup time today. Balloon companies pick up guests very early — usually between 4:30am and 5:30am — so you’ll want a clear plan and an early night.

If you haven’t booked a balloon flight yet, see the standalone callout below for our full guidance on booking. Tomorrow morning is the prime balloon morning of your itinerary, so today is your last chance to book.

Get to bed early. Tomorrow starts before sunrise.

Turkey Itinerary Day 11: Cappadocia

Today is the big Cappadocia day. If the weather cooperates, you’ll start with a hot air balloon flight at sunrise, then have a full day to explore the region’s caves, valleys, and underground cities.

Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise

The Cappadocia hot air balloon flight is one of the most famous travel experiences in the world. Hundreds of balloons take off at first light, drifting silently over the fairy chimneys and valleys as the sun rises. It really is as good as the photos suggest, and for many visitors, it’s the highlight of their entire trip to Turkey.

★ Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon — Our Recommended Flight

We’ve been to Cappadocia twice and have done hot air balloon flights with two different companies. Based on our experience, we wholeheartedly recommend booking with Royal Balloons. The flight included hotel pickup, a light breakfast before the flight, the balloon ride itself (about an hour in the air), and a champagne toast and certificate at the end.

What you need to know before booking:

• Book in advance. Balloon flights sell out quickly in peak season (April through October). Book at least a few weeks ahead, longer for May or October. Even in shoulder season, popular operators like Royal Balloons fill up.
• Weather cancellations are common, especially in winter. The annual average cancellation rate is around 30 to 35%. August is the most reliable month at roughly 7%, with May through July averaging 15 to 25%. Winter is much riskier: December cancellations run around 55% and January can reach 70%. This is why we suggest two nights in Cappadocia rather than one in peak season, and at least three nights if you’re visiting between November and March. Most operators will rebook you for the next available morning at no cost, or refund in full if no rebooking is possible.
• Expect an early start. Pickup is between 4:30am and 5:30am to make the sunrise launch. Coffee and a light snack are typically provided before the flight; you’ll have a proper breakfast later.
• It’s not cheap. Balloon flights are one of the bigger single expenses on a Turkey trip. Prices vary by operator and balloon size, but expect to pay a premium for this experience. It’s worth it.
• Confirm what’s included. Most flights include hotel pickup and drop-off, light pre-flight refreshments, the flight (typically 60 to 90 minutes), and a post-flight celebration. Check details when booking.

Recommended booking: Royal Balloons Cappadocia (the company we’ve used)

Alternative if Royal Balloons is sold out: Cappadocia Göreme Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise is a wildly well-rated alternative.

After the flight (you’ll likely be back at your hotel by 8:30am), have a proper breakfast and rest for a bit before continuing the day.

Full Day in Cappadocia

There’s a huge amount to see and do in Cappadocia. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Göreme National Park, and the cave-carved monasteries, churches, and underground cities are among the most extraordinary historical sites in Turkey.

The two most popular full-day tour options are the Red Tour and the Green Tour. They cover different parts of the region.

The Red Tour typically focuses on the area around Göreme, including Göreme Open-Air Museum (with its frescoed cave churches), Avanos (a town known for pottery, including the Güray Museum), Pasabag (also known as Monks Valley, with mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys), Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), and various viewpoints. This is the more accessible of the two tours and works well for first-time visitors.

The Green Tour covers further afield, including the Derinkuyu Underground City (a multi-level underground refuge that once housed up to 20,000 people), Selime Monastery (a multi-story rock-carved monastery), Ihlara Valley (a 14 km hiking gorge), and Pigeon Valley. This is a more physical day with a hike included. We recommend this guided Green Tour with lunch and entry tickets, which has consistently strong reviews.

For private tours, this private full day tour can be customized to your interests, and this Cappadocia highlights tour with lunch covers the main sights at a steady pace.

Other Cappadocia activity options include:

• Walking through the Rose and Red valleys at sunset, which has some of the best views in the region.
• Visiting one of the underground cities. Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are the two most famous — both close around 5pm in winter, so plan your timing.
• Pottery making in Avanos, the regional pottery center for over 4,000 years.
• A sunset horseback ride through the valleys (“Cappadocia” actually means “land of beautiful horses” in old Persian).
• Quad biking through the Sword, Love, and Rose valleys.
• The Cappadocia mud baths and spa experience. Laurence did this on one of our trips and reports it was a lot of fun — different from the rest of the Cappadocia activities and worth doing if you have a half-day to spare.
• Exploring on your own with a rental car if you have one, hitting valleys and viewpoints at your own pace.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is famous for its cave hotels — actual hotels carved into the rock formations or built around restored cave dwellings. Staying in a cave hotel is part of the experience. Most are in or near Göreme village, with others in Ürgüp, Üçhisar, and Uçhisar.

Note: The most distinctive cave hotels (the architecturally unique ones, as opposed to any hotel calling itself “cave”) sell out months in advance during peak season. Book early.

• Homestay Cave Hostel — A budget-friendly cave hostel with dorm beds and private cave rooms, breakfast included, and a shared lounge. Good value for travelers wanting the cave experience without the cave-hotel price tag.
• Guzide Cave Hotel — A well-rated good-value cave hotel in Göreme with private rooms, breakfast included, and a panoramic terrace.
• Grand Elite Cave Suites — A boutique cave hotel with a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, breakfast included, and lovely views.
• Aydinli Cave Hotel — A well-reviewed cave hotel with terrace views over Göreme, en-suite cave rooms, and breakfast included.
• Zara Cave Hotel — A popular cave hotel offering a range of room types from standard cave rooms to suites with terraces, breakfast included.
• Kayakapi Premium Caves Ürgüp — A 5-star luxury cave hotel set in restored historic cave dwellings in Ürgüp. Spacious cave suites, on-site fine dining, spa, swimming pool, and breakfast included. We’ve stayed in this cave hotel and really loved it.

How to Get from Cappadocia to Ankara

Tomorrow you head to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. This is a more reasonable transit day than the Antalya–Cappadocia leg.

By Car: About 3.5 hours via the inland highway. Easy enough drive.

By Bus: About 4.5 to 5 hours, with multiple departures throughout the day. Check times and book online here.

By Train: There’s no direct rail link from Cappadocia (the nearest station is in Kayseri). It’s possible to take a bus to Kayseri then the high-speed train (YHT) to Ankara, but the bus alone is more efficient.

By Plane: You can fly from Kayseri or Nevşehir to Ankara, but flights generally connect via Istanbul, making the total journey 4 to 5 hours including airport transfers. Not worth it for this leg.

For most travelers, the bus or driving is the simplest option. Aim to leave Cappadocia mid-morning so you have time to see Anıtkabir or the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara that afternoon (both close around 5pm in winter, 6:30pm in summer).

Turkey Itinerary Day 12: Ankara

Today, head to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. While Istanbul is the country’s largest and most famous city, Ankara is the political and administrative capital and a city of around 5.7 million people.

Ankara doesn’t get the international tourism volumes that Istanbul does, but it’s an interesting and worthwhile stop, especially for travelers interested in Turkish history, archaeology, and the modern Turkish state. The city has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, and it served as the capital of various empires and kingdoms before becoming the capital of the modern Turkish Republic in 1923.

Aim to arrive by early afternoon so you have time to visit a major site or two today.

The single most important site in Ankara is Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. The complex includes the mausoleum itself (a vast columned hall), an excellent museum about Atatürk’s life and the founding of modern Turkey, and ceremonial guards. Even visitors with limited interest in modern political history find the scale and significance of the place striking. Anıtkabir is free to visit and closes around 5pm.

If you have time, also visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. This is one of the best archaeological museums in Turkey, housed in a restored 15th-century covered bazaar. It tells the story of the region from the Paleolithic era through the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, and beyond, with major artifacts from Çatalhöyük (one of the oldest known human settlements) and the Hittite empire. It is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm, with last entry at 4:45pm.

Unlike many Turkish museums, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is open every day of the week, so it works as a Monday option when other Ankara sights may be closed. Anıtkabir is also open daily.

For an overview of Ankara, this private tour with a local covers the main highlights with a local guide.

For dinner, the Hamamönü neighborhood has a number of restaurants in restored Ottoman houses. Just note that Hamamönü is quieter on Mondays.

Where to Stay in Ankara

Ankara has accommodation across all budget levels. Most travelers stay in or near Kızılay (the central district) or Ulus (the historic old city). If you’re using public transport, staying near the train station or central bus station can save time. Both renamed properties below kept their Booking.com URLs through the rebrands:

• Köse Pension in Göreme – A long-running family-run pension just 200 metres from Göreme town center and a 10-minute walk to the bus station. Offers a mix of dormitory beds and private rooms with en-suite or shared bathrooms, a swimming pool open mid-April through November, and a peaceful garden. Affordable, well-reviewed, and centrally located, with the rooftop offering a great view of the morning balloon launches.
• Deeps Hostel — A central, well-rated hostel in Kızılay with dorm beds and private rooms, breakfast included, and a shared kitchen and lounge.
• Mercure Ankara Kızılay (formerly Sahinbey Hotel) — A central 2-star hotel that has been rebranded under the Accor Mercure umbrella. En-suite rooms with breakfast included, on-site restaurant, and walking distance to Kızılay’s main attractions and metro.
• SVEO Business Hotel (formerly Kahya Hotel Ankara) — A central 4-star business hotel with comfortable en-suite rooms, on-site restaurant and bar, fitness facilities, and breakfast included.
• Güvenay Business Hotel — A well-reviewed central business hotel with en-suite rooms, breakfast included, on-site restaurant and bar, and 24-hour service.
• Divan Cukurhan — A historic boutique hotel set in a restored Ottoman caravanserai right opposite Ankara Castle. En-suite rooms, on-site restaurant, breakfast included. One of the most atmospheric stays in the city.
• The Ankara Hotel — A 4-star hotel inside Ankara’s main train station building, ideal if you’re arriving or leaving by train. Modern en-suite rooms, on-site restaurant, breakfast included.

For self-catering apartments in Ankara, options include Booking.com apartment search for Ankara and Vrbo Ankara apartments.

Turkey Itinerary Day 13: Ankara

Spend your second day in Ankara exploring more of the city. Whatever you didn’t get to on Day 12 should top your list — particularly the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations if you missed it.

One of the most atmospheric parts of the city is the area around Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi). The castle sits on a hill in the old city of Ulus, and its origins date back at least 2,000 years, with various civilizations building and rebuilding it over the centuries. You can walk along parts of the walls for excellent views over Ankara, and the surrounding old quarter is full of restored Ottoman houses, antique shops, and small cafes.

The Hamamönü district near the castle is another good area to wander. It’s been restored to feature traditional Ottoman architecture, and there are art galleries, handicraft shops, restaurants, and tea gardens. It’s a lovely place for an afternoon stroll.

Other notable Ankara attractions include:

• The Kocatepe Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey, completed in 1987 in classical Ottoman style.
• The Roman Temple of Augustus and Rome, with the inscribed political testament of the Roman Emperor Augustus on its walls.
• The Ethnography Museum, which covers Turkish culture and folk traditions.
• For something different, you can visit a traditional Turkish hamam at Tarihi Şengül Hamamı, a hammam dating back to the 15th century. (The original sengulhamami.com URL is no longer the official site — make sure you’re on the new tarihisengulhamami.com page when booking.)

For shopping, Ankara has several modern shopping malls (CEPA, Ankamall, Panora) along with the bazaars and antique shops in Ulus. Most shops are closed Sundays.

If you have a particular interest in Hittite history, you can take a day trip to Hattuşa, the ancient Hittite capital, located about 200 km east of Ankara. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with extensive ruins. This is a long day from Ankara — usually only worth it for serious archaeology enthusiasts, but tours are available.

Ankara has a more local, less tourist-focused atmosphere than Istanbul, which can be a refreshing change after the more visited destinations earlier in the trip. The food scene is solid, with many regional Anatolian specialties available. Try restaurants in Kızılay or Çankaya districts for a mix of traditional Turkish and international options.

How to Get from Ankara to Istanbul

Tomorrow you’ll head back to Istanbul to complete your two weeks. Ankara to Istanbul is one of the easier transit legs, with multiple fast options.

By High-Speed Train (YHT): The fastest and most pleasant option. Turkey’s YHT high-speed train runs frequently between Ankara and Istanbul, taking about 4.5 hours. It’s comfortable, reliable, and arrives at Söğütlüçeşme on the Asian side or Halkalı on the European side. Book in advance for the best fares via TCDD.

By Plane: Frequent flights between Ankara (Esenboğa Airport) and both Istanbul airports take around 1 hour, plus airport transfer time at both ends. Total door-to-door is usually 3 to 4 hours.

By Bus: Around 5 to 6 hours by intercity bus. Cheaper than the train but slower. Check times and book online here.

By Car: About 4.5 hours of driving on toll motorways.

For most travelers, the high-speed train offers the best balance of speed, comfort, and convenience. It also drops you in central Istanbul without the airport-transfer overhead.

Turkey Itinerary Day 14: Istanbul

Today is your final day in Turkey. Depending on your departure flight time and how you’ve enjoyed Istanbul, you can use this day in different ways.

If you have a full day before an evening flight, revisit anything you missed on your first two Istanbul days. Common picks include:

• The Asian side of Istanbul (Kadıköy in particular), which has a more local feel, great food markets, and good cafes.
• A morning Bosphorus ferry ride to the Princes’ Islands (Adalar). The largest, Büyükada, is a popular day trip — no cars allowed, just bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. The ferry costs only a few lira each way with an Istanbulkart.
• A return visit to a favorite Istanbul site you didn’t get enough time at on Days 1-2 (the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace harem section, or the Hagia Sophia upper galleries).
• A Turkish hamam experience at one of Istanbul’s historic baths, if you didn’t already do one.
• A final round of shopping for souvenirs, Turkish delight, spices, or ceramics.

If you have a morning or early afternoon flight, use the time for a relaxed final breakfast and a short last walk through Sultanahmet or along the Bosphorus.

Make sure to allow plenty of time to get to the airport. Istanbul Airport (IST) is about 1.5 to 2 hours from central Istanbul depending on traffic — even longer during rush hour. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side is similarly distant from the European-side neighborhoods. Build in extra time, and confirm which airport your departure is from.

The Havaist airport bus runs from Taksim and other central locations to Istanbul Airport (IST). Havabus serves Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Fares vary, so check the current price at istairport.com or the Havaist app before traveling. Taxis are also available but cost considerably more, especially to IST.

And that’s the end of your two weeks in Turkey.

Map of Our 2 Week Turkey Itinerary

To help you visualize the route, we’ve put together a map of the full 14-day Turkey itinerary. You can view the interactive version on Google Maps and use it for your own planning:

View our 2 Week Turkey Itinerary Map on Google Maps

The map shows all the destinations covered, in order, plus key sights and recommended hotels at each stop. You can save it to your own Google Maps for easy reference during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Turkey

Here are answers to some of the questions we get asked most often by readers planning a trip to Turkey.

Is 2 weeks enough time for Turkey?

Two weeks is enough time to see the major highlights of western Turkey at a reasonable pace, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, the Mediterranean coast, and Ankara. It’s not enough to see eastern Turkey or to do extensive hiking trails like the Lycian Way.

If you have less than two weeks, you can still have a great trip — see our shorter-trip variants section above for 7-day, 10-day, and 12-day suggestions. The simplest cut is dropping Ankara, which saves two days without losing the most photogenic destinations.

How far in advance should I book the Cappadocia hot air balloon?

Book at least a few weeks in advance during peak season (April through October), and longer if you’re traveling in May or October. The most popular operators sell out completely on busy weekends, even in shoulder season.

Also build in a backup morning. The annual cancellation rate averages around 30 to 35%, with August the most reliable month (around 7%) and winter months the riskiest (December around 55%, January up to 70%). Most operators will rebook you for the next available morning at no cost, so two nights in Cappadocia gives you a backup in peak season, and we’d suggest at least three nights if you’re visiting between November and March. We recommend Royal Balloons based on our own experience.

What’s the best way to get from Antalya to Cappadocia?

For most independent travelers, the overnight bus is the best option. It takes 9 to 11 hours, leaves Antalya in the evening, and arrives in Cappadocia early in the morning. You save a day of daylight transit and a night’s hotel cost.

Flying is technically possible but flights connect via Istanbul, so the total journey time including airport transfers ends up being 4 to 6 hours and meaningfully more expensive. Driving takes 7 to 8 hours and is best done with a stop in Konya to break up the journey.

Should I rent a car in Turkey?

It depends on your itinerary and comfort with driving in unfamiliar conditions. A rental car gives you flexibility and access to off-the-beaten-path destinations, but Turkey has a high accident rate, traffic in cities is intense, and tolls and parking add up.

For a 14-day itinerary that focuses on major cities (Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, Ankara), public transport works well — the bus and high-speed train network covers all the main routes. If you want to explore the Mediterranean coast in depth or hit smaller villages, a car becomes more useful. You can compare rental rates on Discover Cars.

One practical note: do not drive in central Istanbul. The traffic is overwhelming and parking is a nightmare. If you want to drive in Turkey, pick up your rental on the way out of Istanbul or rent at the airport when leaving Istanbul behind.

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?

It depends on your nationality. Turkey has expanded its visa-free entry list over the past few years, and most European nationals can now enter Turkey for tourism without a visa. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several other countries currently need an e-visa.

The e-visa is applied for online before travel at the official portal, evisa.gov.tr. The fee varies by nationality. We strongly recommend using only the official portal — many third-party sites charge significant markups for the same service. Visa on arrival has been phased out for nationalities that require an e-visa, so you must have your e-visa before boarding your flight.

What’s the difference between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)?

Istanbul has two international airports on opposite sides of the city. Istanbul Airport (IST) is the larger main international hub, located on the European side and used by Turkish Airlines and most international carriers. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side and is used more by budget airlines like Pegasus and some domestic flights.

When booking flights, double-check which airport you’re flying into and out of. They are far apart, and getting between them takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The Havaist airport bus serves IST; Havabus serves SAW.

Is it safe to visit Turkey?

Turkey is generally considered safe for travelers, with the major destinations on this itinerary being well-established tourist areas. As always, check the latest travel advisories from your home country before planning, particularly regarding the eastern border regions which sometimes have advisories against travel.

The main practical safety issues we’ve experienced are around money — be careful counting cash and confirming change with taxi drivers and street vendors. We had a taxi driver in Istanbul scam us once by claiming we’d given a smaller note than we actually had. Standard travel precautions apply: protect valuables, watch for pickpockets in crowded areas like the Grand Bazaar, and be aware of your surroundings.

Can I visit Turkey during Ramadan?

Yes. Visiting during Ramadan is fine and your sightseeing won’t be significantly disrupted. In tourist areas like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and the resort towns, most restaurants and cafes stay open as normal, and international chains and hotels operate as usual.

In more conservative cities like Konya, you may find some restaurants closed during the day or operating on reduced hours. The most pleasant time to be out is the iftar meal at sunset, when families fill the streets to break the fast together — it’s a memorable experience.

Ramadan 2027 falls roughly from February 8 to March 10 (subject to moon sighting). The dates shift about 11 days earlier each year on the Western calendar.

What should I pack for a 2 week trip to Turkey?

What to pack depends on the time of year, but a few essentials apply year-round.

For sightseeing, bring comfortable walking shoes — many sites involve cobblestones, hills, or uneven ground. Women should bring a scarf or travel wrap for covering shoulders and head when visiting mosques. Both men and women should plan to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

For the climate, summer (June through August) is hot, so bring lightweight, breathable clothing, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Spring and autumn are mild but can have rain, so bring a light rain layer. Winter (November through March) requires warm layers, especially in Cappadocia and Ankara, where it can be quite cold.

Other practical items to bring: a Type C/E travel adapter, a reusable water bottle (we use Klean Kanteen), and a Turkish phrasebook or translation app.

Final Thoughts & Further Reading

So that’s our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary. We’ve tried to share enough detail to help you plan your own trip, while leaving room for you to adapt based on your own interests and travel style. With two weeks, you really can see and do a lot in Turkey — and you’ll almost surely leave wanting to come back for more.

For more on planning your trip to Turkey, you might also like:

• Our review of our 12 day Turkey tour with Travel Talk
• Our guide to choosing a travel adapter
• Our Airalo eSIM review for staying connected while traveling
• Our guide to getting online while traveling
• Our guide to using a VPN while traveling
• Our guide to the best travel scarves for women
• Our guide to the best travel wraps and shawls for women
• Our guide to booking apartments online
• Our review of the Venice Simplon Orient Express luxury train
• Our roundup of the top Winston Churchill sites in England

If you’re looking for a guided tour of Turkey similar to this itinerary, see our recommended tours section above or browse Turkey tours on TourRadar.

Have you been to Turkey, or are you planning a trip? What would you include on your own 2 week Turkey itinerary, and is there anything we’ve missed that you think other readers should know about? Let us know in the comments below — we love hearing from fellow travelers and reading about your experiences. If you have any questions about planning your own trip to Turkey, we’ll do our best to answer.