turkey tour 7 days

An Epic 7-Day Turkey Itinerary (Plus Option For 10 Days)

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

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If you’re planning for a week in Turkey, you’re in for a fantastic trip. In this 7 day Turkey itinerary , you’ll get to see some of the most fascinating historical landmarks, and unique and unspoiled natural landscapes and get familiar with the warm-hearted Turkish culture.

If you want to see all the highlights of the country, this itinerary will show you the best of the country. We’ll also show you how to travel from A to B and which order to see things in, to avoid spending too much time traveling and spend more time exploring.

Are 7 Days Enough for Turkey?

But first, the question we always get asked is; are 7 days in Turkey enough? The truth is, Turkey is a big country, 783,562 km² to be exact, and to really see all of it, you’re going to need more than 7 days.

Even to see the highlights, we recommend at least 10-14 days so you don’t have to rush around and exhaust yourself seeing everything.

However, if you only have 7 days in Turkey we totally understand that not everyone is blessed with time. You can see the highlights of Turkey in seven days, but you do need to sacrifice some landmarks unless you want to burn out with all the traveling.

This is why we have prepared two 7 day itinerary options. This is so you can decide which attractions to sacrifice and which side of Turkey you want to see most.

The Best Turkey Itinerary for 7 Days

Fitting everything into 7 days is no easy task. So to help you pick the right itinerary for you, we’ve given you two options.

The first option is a history and culture tour of Turkey, taking you to some of the oldest and most beautiful historical landmarks in the country.

The second option covers some history, natural landscapes, and the iconic Turkish Riviera for some beach days.

Whatever brings you to Turkey, you’ll find our 7 day Turkey itineraries will cover it all. Let’s take a look…

Suggested Itinerary 1: Istanbul > Cappadocia > Izmir

Below you’ll find our first option for this 7 day Turkey itinerary. This is what we consider to be the best itinerary for seven days and covers the most iconic Turkey landmarks .

Day 1: Istanbul

Our itinerary begins in the enchanting city of Istanbul. This once capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire, named then as Constantinople, is brimming with history and culture. It’s also the biggest city in the world to span two continents; Europe and Asia.

On the first day of your visit to Istanbul, you’re going to want to explore the neighborhood of Sultanahmet . This is where you’ll find the most iconic landmarks in the city, including the Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.

This day will do a lot of walking but it’s all within the same area, so you won’t need to travel far today, but you’re going to see exactly why Istanbul is a city worth visiting .

Stop 1: The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is the most beautiful work of architecture in Istanbul, so it makes sense to visit this attraction first. It was built between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I. It became famous for its hand-painted Iznik blue tiles that you can see inside.

The mosque features more than 200 stained glass windows, as well as a stunning carved marble mihrab that’s worth checking out. It’s also the resting place of Sultan Ahmed I.

The Blue Mosque has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is one of Turkey’s most famous sites.

Stop 2: Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is just across Sultanahmet Park from the Blue Mosque and is another one of the most important mosques in Turkey. It was built in 537 by the Roman Emperor Justinian. It was originally used as a cathedral for Constantinople, where it remained the largest Christian church in the Eastern Roman Empire for over 1,000 years.

After Constantinople was seized by the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a mosque. It was a museum for a short time between 1935-2000 but was converted back into a mosque. It has some of the most stunning architecture, mosaics, and artistic coverings of all the mosques in the city.

📚 Read more: The Most Beautiful Churches in Istanbul

Stop 3: Topkapi Palace

Around the corner from the Hagia Sophia is the Topkapi Palace . The palace was the former home of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Today, it is a large museum, showcasing artifacts from the Ottoman era. Not all rooms are open to the public, but the most beautiful ones are. The Ottoman Imperial Harem and the treasury are the main reasons to visit this palace in Istanbul .

The Topkapi Palace was also declared a UNESCO site in 1985 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Stop 4: Basilica Cistern

During the Byzantine Empire, the Byzantines built several cisterns under the city as a water storage system for the city’s palaces. The largest and best-preserved cistern in the city is the Basilica Cistern .

The cistern is approximately 138 meters long by 64.6 meters wide, covering a total area of 9,800 square meters — roughly the size of two football fields. It has the capacity to store 100,000 tons of water. It is one of the greatest engineering achievements of the East Roman Empire.

It is just 150 meters away from the Hagia Sophia, so it makes sense to see this historical landmark on the same day.

Stop 5: Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Another one of the major landmarks in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. It is the largest and oldest covered market in the world, with 61 streets and over 4,000 shops. It began operating in 1455 after the Ottomans captured Constantinople.

The vibrant Grand Bazaar is the best place to pick up Turkish souvenirs , from Turkish delights to Turkish lamps, rugs, towels, and clothes.

Around the corner from Grand Bazaar is the Spice Bazaar. This is another souk market where you can shop for various teas and spices. The spices are said to help with certain medical conditions, from diabetes control to weight loss, and mood enhancers.

Stop 6: Turkish Hamam

After all this walking around, you’re going to want to relax a little. We recommend finishing off the day in a Turkish Hamam, which is similar to a Roman Bath. It’s not just a public bathing space, but a spa where you can get massages and beauty treatments.

Located next to the Hagia Sophia is the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, which was built in the 16th century. It’s a little pricey, but if you’re going to enjoy a Turkish bath in Istanbul , you might as well go to an authentic one!

Day 2: Istanbul:

On the second day we’re going to cross the Galata Bridge and explore the Kabataş neighborhood. This is still part of Europe and features many iconic attractions that should not be missed.

Stop 1: Galata Bridge

We’ll begin at Galata Bridge, a 19th-century bridge that crosses Istanbul’s Golden Horn channel. The bridge is famous because of the fishermen who cast their lines here, attracting hundreds of seagulls.

The bridge has two parts, the top part is where the cars cross the bridge and also where you’ll find the fishermen, and along the bottom part you’ll find many restaurants serving fresh seafood meals. Though as scenic as it sounds, we cannot recommend you to eat at one of the restaurants underneath the bridge – they are pricey and not the best in terms of quality.

Stop 2: Galata Tower

Next, we’ll visit the iconic Galata Tower. By now you have probably noticed the tower in the skyline, given that it is the city’s watch tower.

It was built as a part of the Walls of Galata in 1348 by Byzantine Empire. The Galata Tower has had a tumultuous past, having caught fire in 1794 and 1831. It was also badly damaged in a storm in 1875.

The tower was renovated in the 1960s to look like the original but using concrete instead of wood. You can climb to the top of the tower and witness 360-degree panoramic views of the city. The museum and exhibition hall inside the tower is also one of the best museums in Istanbul .

Stop 3: Istiklal Street

Istiklal Street is the most famous street in Istanbul and is where you’ll find a blend of historic and modern. It was historically known as Grand Avenue of Pera, and is a pedestrian street made famous for its red tram that rides from one end to the other.

There are many high-street brands setting up shops here in the old buildings that were once apartments for the Romans. It’s a great place to pick up some street food or find a traditional Turkish restaurant down one of the side streets. If you’re into nightlife, you’ll find vibrant bars and clubs in this area.

This area also has some of the best rooftop restaurants in Istanbul , offering patrons sweeping views of the area around it, including Sultanahmet and even the Asian side on a good day.

Stop 4: Bosphorus Cruise

If your legs are a little tired from all this walking, then a Bosphorus cruise is a great way to enjoy the sunset.

The cruise takes you through Istanbul’s Golden Horn and out into the Bosphorus Strait, the body of water separating the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. It goes as far as the Bosphorus Bridge before returning back to the harbor, which is usually in Eminönü.

It gives you a unique perspective of the city from the water, and it’s also the best way to see the palaces in Istanbul . Many of the palaces were built next to the water, and their beautiful decoration and architecture are best seen from the water.

If you want the nicer cruises, we highly recommend that you book your tickets online in advance. You can get some of the lower quality ones at the harbor, but you’ll want to reserve the better ones.

Stop 5: Whirling Dervishes Show

If you went for a sunset cruise, then you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy a whirling dervishes show in the evening. This is a traditional Turkish dance where dancers look as though they are floating across the floor.

As well as being a dance, it’s an active meditation exercise, which originated from the Sufi tribes in the 13th century. This is one of our favorite things to do in Istanbul at night .

Day 3: Istanbul

No Istanbul visit is complete without exploring the Asian side, which is what you’ll be doing on the third day in Istanbul. We’ll be visiting the largest mosque in Istanbul, the hip and vibrant area of Moda, and tasting delicious Istanbul street food .

Stop 1: Çamlıca Mosque

The first stop is Çamlıca Mosque, located at the top of Çamlıca Hill. To get here from the historic center, you must first take the metro to Üsküdar and then change to the metro to Kısıklı. From here, you simply walk up the hill.

The Camlica Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul and measures 72 m (236 ft) tall. The six minarets measure even higher to 107.1 m (351 ft). This stunning mosque is a sprawling complex large enough to house 63,000 worshipers at one time.

There’s also an art gallery, library, and conference hall. It was designed by two female architects, Bahar Mızrak and Hayriye Gül Totu, and was said to have cost $110 million USD to make.

Stop 2: Kadikoy and Moda

After spending time admiring the mosque, head over to the area of Kadikoy. Here you’ll find bustling markets and fishermen on the waterfront. This is the perfect place to sample some street food. We highly recommend the balık ekmek (fish sandwich). There are also plenty of cute cafes and restaurants.

After wandering the neighborhood of Kadikoy, head further south to Moda. This is a residential neighborhood with street art, boutique stores, cool coffee shops, and a relaxing park. If you haven’t tried Turkish ice cream, dondurma, yet, this is the perfect place to do so!

Stop 3: Uskudar

Uskudar is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Istanbul’s Asian side. It is situated adjacent to the Bosphorus, and facing west, naturally offers some of the best sunset views in Istanbul.

There are many things to do in Uskudar; if you have some time, we recommend you to walk around the neighborhood and check out some of the fresh fish markets. If it’s closer to sunset time, make sure you grab a spot by the promenade with a great view of the Maiden’s Tower!

After exploring Istanbul for the third day, you’re going to need to get to Cappadocia. To do this, you’ll want to take an evening flight to Cappadocia as the bus is 12 hours overnight. Flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia take just over 1 hour and flights run regularly every day. There are two airlines that regularly operate this route:

• Turkish Airlines
• Pegasus Airlines

There are two airports in Cappadocia – Kayseri Airport (ASR) and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). Both are quite similar in terms of distance to Goreme, the historic center of Cappadocia, so we recommend just booking the cheapest one.

Similarly, there are two airports in Istanbul – Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Both offer flights to Cappadocia but IST is usually easier to get to, but it depends on where you are staying.

When planning your route to the airport, just keep in mind that the traffic in Istanbul can be terrible, so allocate your time accordingly.

When you arrive in Cappadocia, we HIGHLY recommend you to have an airport transfer to your hotel. This is because the taxi drivers at the airports in Cappadocia are known to overcharge tourists. You’ll definitely save money with the airport transfer!

Day 4: Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a vast desert landscape in the Anatolia region of Turkey. It’s set at 1,050m above sea level, so the temperature gets cold at night, even in the summer. You’ll want to base yourself in Goreme, one of the best areas to stay in Cappadocia . From Goreme, a lot of the places to visit in Cappadocia will be within walking distance away.

The entire region is famous for its fairy chimneys, which are ancient cave dwellings that people used to live in, as well as its unique rock formations that are unlike anything else in the world. You can stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia , which is a unique experience in itself.

Cappadocia is notoriously hard to get around, so most travelers decide to take tours or rent a car in Cappadocia . This is the best way to see a lot of attractions in just a short time. Public transport in Cappadocia is unreliable, and it takes 2 hours on a bus to cover a distance that can take 30 minutes by car.

📖 Read More: Most Stunning Hotels In Cappadocia With Views Of Hot Air Balloons

Stop 1: Hot Air Balloon Flight

Without a doubt, Cappadocia is most well known for its hot air balloons that float through the skies during sunrise. Since the hot air balloons fly depart at sunrise, you’ll want to book this in advance so you can try and do this on your first day.

The reason we recommend doing it on the first day is that the flights are weather-dependent, so if the weather isn’t good for flying the trip can be moved to the following day.

You will only have two days in Cappadocia on this itinerary, so you do need to understand hot air balloon flights are really a stroke of luck.

Assuming you were able to have your hot air balloon flight in the morning, you’ll be back at your hotel by 9 am and ready to have breakfast. After breakfast, you can start exploring some of the best Cappadocia’s attractions .

Stop 2: Red and Rose Valley

There are many valleys in Cappadocia worth visiting, but if we had to choose just one (or two) then we would definitely say to visit the Red Valley and Rose Valley . These two valleys are located right next to each other, so it’s easy to visit both.

The valleys are some of the easiest hikes in Cappadocia and take you through stunning landscapes. You’ll pass fairy chimneys, cave churches, ancient cave dwellings, and impressive rock formations.

If you have more time, you can also visit Love Valley or Pigeon Valley , which are located just outside Goreme’s town center.

Stop 3: One of the Underground Cities

There are several underground cities in Cappadocia, but the main ones are the Kaymakli Underground City and the Derinkuyu Underground City. These underground cities were built in the 7th and 8th centuries as a way for the local Christians to hide from the Arab invaders.

The Derinkuyu Underground City is the most popular one as it’s the largest underground city open to the public. It is eight levels deep and once housed 20,000 people. Only four levels are open to the public.

Kaymakli is the oldest underground city and also allows visitors to explore four levels, but it is much smaller than Derinkuyu.

The two cities are only a 15-minute drive from one another so it’s possible to see both, but they offer much of the same experience so we recommend you pick one. If you’re not sure which one to visit, we have a guide on which is better; Derinkuyu or Kaymalki.

Stop 4: Sunset Viewpoint

By now you’re probably feeling a little tired from all the exploring, so we recommend you take a trip to one of Cappadocia’s famous sunset viewpoints . There is one in the center of Goreme town called Lover’s Hill , if you don’t feel like driving far. These sunset viewpoints give you the best views of the valleys, fairy chimneys and rock formations of the region.

Alternative itinerary:

If you don’t want to rent a car and drive, you could do one of the red tours or green tours of Cappadocia.

These are popular tours that allow you to see as much of the region as possible, from the underground cities to the vast valleys in Cappadocia. Both tours have different attractions, so it’s best to look up which one is best for you.

Luckily, we have a helpful guide on this; red tour vs green tour .

There’s also the blue tour , which is a small group tour that also visits some of the best sights in Cappadocia, but the itinerary for the blue tour differs depending on the company you book with.

Day 5: Cappadocia

On the second day in Cappadocia, you’re going to need to go slow as you’ll have a flight to catch later in the day.

We suggest you explore the Goreme Open Air Museum in the morning, followed by one of the valleys after lunch.

Pigeon Valley or Love Valley is a good choice because they are close to Goreme. But if you have the extra time, we recommend heading to Ihlara Valley , a stunning canyon that stretches for 15 kilometers and reaches depths of up to 150 meters.

We don’t recommend hiking the entirety of it because it’ll take too long, but check out some of the landscape, cave churches, and especially the iconic Selime Monastery .

If you don’t have a long time to spend, then you can see Devrent Valley or Monks Valley , which take about 30 minutes to see.

Take an evening flight to Izmir. There are no direct flights from Cappadocia to Izmir. You’ll first need to catch a flight to Istanbul and change. Flights take around 4-5 hours with the change over in Istanbul but remember you need to get to and from the airport.

📖 Note: It is also possible to catch a flight tomorrow morning from Cappadocia to Izmir, because Izmir Airport has a direct train to Selcuk, which is where Ephesus (your next destination) is located.

Day 6: Izmir (Ancient City of Ephesus)

One of the biggest reasons to visit Izmir is to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus. This well-preserved city dates back to the 10th century BC at the time of the Ancient Greeks. The city is huge, spanning an area of 6.6 square kilometers.

Visitors can still see the well-preserved Greco-Roman architecture from the remains of the city which gives you a glimpse of what life would have been like many years ago.

The most notable landmarks in Ephesus Turkey are the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, as well as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Roman Amphitheater that was once large enough for 24,000 spectators.

You can get to Ephesus directly from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport. We recommend getting an early flight to Izmir, storing your luggage in the airport, then going to Ephesus by train. It is the most time-efficient way to see Ephesus, especially since the train departures aren’t too frequent.

📖 Read More: How to Get from Izmir to Ephesus

You could easily spend a day exploring Ephesus, but if you have time to spare we recommend visiting the nearby village of Sirence, which is a quaint market village that only has 600 residents.

It’s located about 8 kilometers from Ephesus and features many small houses dating back to the Hellenistic period. It’s also a great place to pick up handmade crafts to take home as souvenirs.

Day 7: Izmir

On your final day in Izmir, you’ll want to explore Izmir before you head back home. We suggest visiting the ancient ruins of Smyrna Agora Ancient City in the morning, followed by one of the green parks in the city.

The Kültürpark İzmir Park is a nice and relaxing area to wander around before getting a flight. Make sure to check out the stunning Izmir Clock Tower before you go, too. The Kemeraltı Bazaar is the perfect place to grab some Turkish souvenirs, if you haven’t done so already!

Don’t miss out on the Alsancak district . It is one of the busiest districts in town and where you can truly feel the spirit of Izmir!

Are you reading this from Turkey? Maybe you need a VPN!

If you’re already in Turkey, there is one thing you absolutely NEED: a reliable VPN .

You may find some of your favorite websites and apps are blocked in Turkey , such as popular hotel site booking.com

A VPN allows you to get passed this ruling and enables you to browse these sites without any hassle, and it’s completely legal.

We use Express VPN when we’re in Turkey and we’d recommend it to anyone. It’s affordable, quick, and easy to use.

Suggested Itinerary Option 2: Istanbul > Cappadocia > Antalya

For the second option of our 1 week Turkey itinerary, we have swapped out Izmir for Antalya. Izmir is definitely worth a visit if you love history, but another reason to visit Turkey is for the iconic Turkish Riviera.

If you would like some time by the beach, then you should make a stop by Antalya instead, one of the best coastal cities in Turkey . Don’t worry though, there’s still plenty of history to explore here, you just will have to miss the famous Ephesus.

For this itinerary, we would recommend you spend two days in Istanbul, two days in Cappadocia , and three days in Antalya .

You can follow the same itinerary as option one up until Cappadocia, but instead, follow these three days at the end.

Day 5-7: Antalya

The great thing about Antalya is not only its beaches but its location. Nestled in the center of Turkey along the coast, it’s possible to take day trips from Antalya to other areas that you might want to visit, such as Pamukkale, Alanya, Kemer and Side.

During these three days in Antalya, we’ll be exploring its incredible history, stunning surrounding nature, and beaches. We’ll also give you one day to pick a day trip of your choice.

Here’s where you can find airport transfers to make this part of the trip smooth:

• To Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)
• To Kayseri Airport (ASR)
• From Antalya Airport to hotel

Day 5: Antalya Beaches

After all the exploring you’ve done so far, you deserve a rest. We recommend you take the first day in Antalya to explore one (or two) of Antalya’s beaches.

If you are staying in Antalya’s historic center (Kaleici), which you totally should, then the city’s most popular beach – Konyaalti Beach, is only a short 30 minutes away by public transport. It is a beautiful beach with the famed Taurus Mountain Range in the background, however, it is quite a rocky beach.

Konyaalti Beach is one of the best beaches if you are traveling as a family in Turkey because it is super accessible and easy to get there.

If you want something more sandy, you can check out:

• Lara Beach – an hour away from Antalya historic center
• Kaputaş Beach – 3 hours away from Antalya in Kas, only recommend if you have the time.
• Cleopatra Beach – 2 hours away from Antalya in Alanya, super beautiful.

Day 6: Day trip from Antalya

We mentioned earlier that Antalya is a great location for day trips. It’s possible to take a day trip to Ephesus and Pamukkale from Antalya, but there’s a lot of travel involved.

If you want to take a day trip to somewhere historic, then the Ancient City of Perge or the Lycian Rock Tombs of Myra are only a short drive away.

Alternatively, you can take a boat tour from the historic Roman harbor. This is a great way to explore the turquoise blue waters of the Turquoise Coast and admire the stunning Lower Duden Waterfalls , one of the greatest attractions in Antalya.

Another popular day trip is to Antalya’s stunning nature spots. The Taurus Mountains and Koprulu Canyon are all a short distance from Antalya city center and provide excellent hiking, biking, and white water rafting facilities.

Day 7: Antalya Old Town

On the last day, you will need to fly back home, so you won’t want to travel too far that day. This is why exploring the Old Town of Antalya is best kept to the end. Antalya has a long and fascinating history, having been conquered by many tribes – from the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and even Egyptians.

The Old Town is the best place to see all that history come to life. Make sure to include the old Roman Harbor, Hadrian’s Gate, and the beautiful Antalya Clock Tower on your Antalya itinerary .

Extend to 10 Days Turkey Itinerary

You might be realizing by now that 7 days is not a lot of time to see the whole of this massive and diverse country. If you would like to extend your Turkey trip from 7-10 days, here’s what we recommend you do.

For a 10 day Turkey itinerary, we recommend you combine our two options. We recommend you spend three days in Istanbul , two days in Cappadocia, two days in Antalya, and then fly to Izmir for the final three days, spending one of those days taking a day trip to Pamukkale .

Your 10 day Turkey itinerary would look something like this.

• Day 1-3: Istanbul
• Day 4-5: Cappadocia
• Day 6-7: Antalya
• Day 8: Izmir
• Day 9: Pamukkale
• Day 10: Izmir to home

📚 Read More: The Ultimate Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale Itinerary!

Getting Around Turkey

Turkey has quite a decent transport system, especially for internal flights. You can fly directly from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Cappadocia to Antalya , Antalya to Izmir, and Izmir to Istanbul, which really reduces the amount of travel time you spend. Especially as you only have 7 days.

You can also take long-distance night buses. The advantage of this is that you don’t lose a day of traveling by traveling overnight. The downside is it’s exhausting. After trying to sleep on a 12-hour bus journey, you’re going to feel very drained exploring all the attractions.

The same goes for if you are driving. It’s quite inexpensive to hire a car and drive, however, we don’t recommend this option for getting around Turkey for a 7 day itinerary. This is because you will be far too exhausted to see and do anything.

In Cappadocia, there is a minibus network that connects you to all the main attractions, and it’s also possible to hire a car in Cappadocia or take taxis from A to B. Most attractions are within a 30-minute drive from one another so if you hire a car in Cappadocia you can see more, and also won’t be too tired after driving.

To get around the cities – Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya have a great internal transport service, including a tram service that connects you to many of the main attractions.

For each city, you don’t need to buy a ticket, you can simply use your contactless payment card to pay for any public transport.

📖 Note: Contactless cards are now accepted in most of the major cities in Turkey, including Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, Fethiye, Marmaris, Bodrum, Oludeniz, Alanya, and more.

Best Time to Visit Turkey

We know that we’re not all lucky enough to pack our bags and zip off at a moment’s notice, so if you’re planning a trip to Turkey in advance, then you’ll need to consider when is the best time to visit.

Fortunately, any time would be a good time to visit. Even in the winter! During the winter, temperatures in Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya are mild at a comfortable 15°C on average. Winter in Cappadocia is a sight that you’ll never forget.

Cappadocia is at a much higher elevation than the other spots on our itineraries, so you can expect it to be much colder. In fact, it even snows here.

Imagine seeing a desert in the snow? Magical. If Cappadocia is one of the main reasons for your trip to Turkey, then check out our complete guide on the best time to visit Cappadocia .

The wettest months of the year are December – February. This is when Turkey receives most of its rainfall, with a 19% chance of rain most days.

The hottest months are July and August. The temperatures can reach as high as the low 40°C’s in August, so if you’re visiting this time of year then make sure to prepare for it to be hot and bring plenty of sun protection.

Perhaps the best time of year to visit is during the shoulder seasons (April, October, and November), as the weather is dry, a comfortable temperature, and nearly always sunny. Plus they are considered the quiet season so you can visit without the crowds. This is the best time to visit Bodrum and destinations on the coast.

Tips for Visiting Turkey

Before you start packing your suitcase and booking places to stay in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir, or Antalya, we have just a few words of advice to help you make the most out of your trip to Turkey,…

• Get your e-Visa before you fly – Americans now need a visa to enter Turkey. Though you can get one on arrival, it is much cheaper to get it ahead of time on the government’s official site. If you’re not from America, it’s a good idea to check the entry requirements from your country, which you can also do at the official site .
• Pick up a Turkish SIM card or an eSIM – Make sure you are always connected and have plenty of data, as you’re going to need to use Google Maps to find your way to attractions.
• Get a museum pass if you want to see more than one museum – If you’re interested in seeing more than one museum, you can save money by using the city pass which allows you to enter multiple museums. There is a city pass for Istanbul and Antalya.
• Get the museum pass for Cappadocia if you are doing independent sightseeing – The Cappadocia Museum Pass covers 13 attractions in Cappadocia, including the underground cities and Goreme Open Air Museum. You could potentially save some money by getting the Cappadocia Musuem Pass.
• Book internal flights early – You can typically save a bit on your travel budget for Turkey if you are prepared and book your flights in advance.
• Be prepared for disappointment with hot air balloons in Cappadocia – The hot air balloons can only fly when weather conditions are optimal, which is not every day. As you only have a short time in Turkey, you would need to be lucky for the weather to be good on your trip. For hot air balloons, it’s best to visit Cappadocia in June – August.
• Drink plenty of water – Turkey is hot pretty much all year round, so be prepared for this and carry plenty of water with you.
• Wear appropriate clothing when traveling in Turkey – You should cover your shoulders and knees when entering a mosque, and women need to cover their hair.

How Many Days In Turkey To Spend?

Generally speaking, you can spend as many as a few weeks to as little as a few days in Turkey . As we mentioned, Turkey is a massive country with plenty of things to do and see. Each region of Turkey provides a different experience for travelers – from rich historic cities like Istanbul to beautiful beaches in the Turkish Riviera.

If this is your first trip to Turkey, we recommend you to spend at least a week to two weeks. This will give you enough time to explore one region of Turkey thoroughly and understand its cultural significance as part of the Republic of Turkey.

For people with only a few days, it is best that you spend it in one city or part of Turkey, whether that would be Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Antalya.

FAQs About This 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

Here’s what people usually ask us about this 7 day Turkey itinerary…

Is 7 Days Enough to Visit Turkey?

7 days is not enough time to see all of the highlights in Turkey. We recommend to spend at least 10-14 days to see it all comfortably. But if you only have limited time on your itinerary, you can However, you can see many of the top landmarks in 7 days.

Where Should I Go in Turkey for a Week?

If you have one week in Turkey, you should focus your time on Istanbul, Cappadocia, and either Antalya or Izmir. This way, you can experience some of the best our every region in Turkey.

Which is better Bodrum or Antalya?

Antalya and Bodrum are both amazing places to visit in Turkey. We recommend Antalya over Bodrum since it is a little bit more historical, cultural and affordable.

Final Thoughts on Turkey Itinerary 7 days

So there you have it, this is how you can spend a week in Turkey. As you can see, there’s a lot to pack into a 7 day Turkey itinerary, which is why we have given you two options. We hope that this Turkey itinerary helps you plan your adventure.

If you have any questions, let us know in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Louisa Smith

Louisa is a professional travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust for exploring the captivating country of Turkey. With a deep appreciation for the country’s diverse history and natural beauty, Louisa has made it her mission to share the wonders of Turkey with the world. Born in the UK and raised by two Travel Agent parents, she was born with a perpetual case of the travel bug and now travels full time as a travel writer. Louisa has embarked on numerous adventures across Turkey, and shares her first-hand expertise and experience about her favorite destinations in Turkey, such as Antalya, Alanya, Fethiye and Bodrum.

18 thoughts on “An Epic 7-Day Turkey Itinerary (Plus Option For 10 Days)”

Excellent and detailed itinerary . Thanks a ton for the efforts. If you could share the 14 day itinerary recommendation, that would be very helpful

Thank you! We will prepare a 14 day itinerary in the future. But in the meantime, if I had 14 days, I would do something like this:

Day 1-3: Istanbul Day 4-6: Cappadocia Day 7-10: Antalya Day 11: Pamukkale Day 12-14: Izmir

Honestly, I wouldn’t add any more places to this as there are so many great day trips you can take from Izmir and Antalya, so I would prefer to spend more time there.

Thanks a ton.

Many thanks for such a detailed itinerary.

I am planning to visit Turkey during Eid holidays for 7 days in April and was actually struggling with the various tour agents to finalize the places. But this is very concise and informative.

I will definitely consider this.

Best comprehensive summary on visiting Turkey and to visit all the historical sites in 7-10 days itinerary.

Is there a ballpark budget you have for the 10 day trip (excluding flights)?

Hi Khadija, we have a complete guide on budgeting in Turkey. You can view that here: https://theturkeytraveler.com/is-turkey-expensive

hi planning to do a solo travel to turkey In Aug (12th-19th) with the following iternary.

3 days-Istanbul 2 days – capadocia 2 days- Antalaya

just wanted to know should i do bookings in advance for tours, ( i know balloon rides needs to be booked in advance). need some help and clarification on following:

1. is it safe to use the metro and tram for commuting in city? 2. should i book tours in advance since i heard its peak tourist season in Aug

Hi Sheetal, since you’re traveling in August I would recommend you book tours and hotels in advance as this is one of the busiest seasons in Turkey. If for any reason a tour can’t happen, you will be refunded. The hot air balloon rides for example can only fly when weather conditions are optimal so if the weather isn’t on your side you can reschedule or be refunded the full price of the ticket. Yes it’s safe to use the metro in Istanbul, it’s much safer than using public taxis in our opinion. You can use the tram in Istanbul and Antalya as well which is also safe. However, be aware of your belongings and keep an eye out for pickpockets when they are crowded. I recommend you get the Istanbulkart and Antalyakart, which are travel cards that you can top up and use on all public transport in the city.

I have 7 days and I want to visit – Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale. My in and out flights are from Istanbul. I have planed Istanbul and Cappadocia but I am struggling to plan beyond Cappadocia to Pamukkale. Any suggestions?

It’s quite a long distance from Cappadocia to Pamukkale, so because you are short on time your best option is to either take the night bus from Cappadocia to Denizli and then a bus to Pamukkale so you can save a day of your itinerary for exploring (assuming you can sleep on a night bus), or you can fly to Denizli and take a bus. Here is a complete guide on how to get from Cappadocia to Pamukkale that has more detail on how to do this.

hi guys, i have a trip to Turkey next week (20 Sept onwards). My planned route is Istanbul – Alacati – Cesme – Ephesus – Pammukale – Cappadocia – Istanbul.

I’m having trouble finding the right info for my travel from Izmir-Ephesus-Pammukale . 1. If i were to take the train in the morning from Izmir to Selcuk & then a taxi/minivan to Ephesus, is there any luggage storage place at the Selcuk Train station ? 2. From Selcuk in the late noon/evening, what is the best public transport to get me to Pammukale and stay the night there? 3. Early morning visit Pammukale pools and is there a bus to Cappadocia ? or any other suggested public transport?

kindly advise.

Hi D, there is no luggage storage at Selcuk train station, but there is luggage storage at Selcuk bus station which you can use for a fee. You can then get a train to Denizli after exploring Ephesus from Selcuk (I believe there are several throughout the day and the last one is around 8pm, but do check with the ticket office when you arrive). I suggest you stay in Denizli overnight and then get the minibus to Pamukkale the next morning. After exploring Pamukkale you should return to Denizli and then you can then get a night bus from Denizli bus station to Cappadocia, or you can fly from Denizli to Cappadocia if you don’t like long-distance buses. I hope this helps!

Hello Sean and Louisa! I came across your page while planning for my 12 days Turkey itinerary, which is happening end of Oct 2023. This would be my first time to Turkey and your page has been really helpful. Would like to get your thoughts & advice on my planned itinerary.

My planned route currently looks like this:- Istanbul – 3 days Cappadocia – 3 days Antalya – 3 days Pamukkale – 1 day Izmir – 3 days

Questions: 1. Is it advisable to rent a car to travel between Cappadocia > Antalya > Pamukkale > Izmir? I’m planning to fly from Istanbul > Cappadocia, and from Izmir > Istanbul on the final day. Can you recommend a good car rental contact? Are public transportation ie. buses frequent and reliable in this route? What would be the best way to get around? 2. Is it worth spending a night in Pamukkale or should I travel directly from Antalya to Izmir, and plan a separate day for Pamukkale? 3. Should I make a stop in Fethiye, in between Antalya and Pamukkale?

Thanks in advance 🙂

Hi Ade, we’re pleased you found this guide helpful. Your itinerary plan looks good! You can rent a car which is the easiest way to get around, but it’s also possible to get from place to place via bus. Buses are frequent between these places and you also have the option of taking night buses, which helps to give you more time for exploring. The bus company we like is Metro, and you can find bus tickets from their website here . If you prefer to rent a car, we recommend using Discover Cars. We have found the best prices with them and we have used them ourselves and know them to be reliable. You can browse car rental options here . If I were you, I would get the bus from Cappadocia to Antalya and take a day tour from Antalya to Pamukkale so you don’t need to worry about traveling yourself and spending the money on a car hire. Here is a link to a great tour from Antalya to Pamukkale . Then you can fly from Antalya to Izmir directly. I don’t think you will have time to fit Fethiye in on this trip, as it’s about 3-4 hours from Antalya to Fethiye depending on whether you drive or take a bus, and also not really on the route to Pamukkale. If you get the day tour as we mentioned then you should have plenty of time to fit everything in.

Thanks for the advice and reco! Would definitely consider them. Can I opt to take the bus from Antalya to Pamukkale (spend a night here) and then take another bus to Izmir the following day?

You can take the bus from Antalya to Denizli, and then there is another bus to Pamukkale. If you spend the night in Pamukkale, I recommend you get up early in the morning and visit the Travertine Terraces at sunrise, and explore the ruins and swim in the hot spring pools. Then you can leave late morning and catch a bus from Pamukkale to Denizli, and then another bus from Denizli to Izmir. It’s a lot of road travel, but it’s possible. I recommend you check out this guide on how to visit Pamukkale for sunrise .

This has been really helpful. Thank you so much!

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At Farout we have put together the best selection of 7 days Turkey tours that bring together the best that Turkey has to offer. Our 7 day Turkey tourism packages explore the most wonderful cultural hotspots and locations during your 1 week trip to Turkey. How would you spend a week in Turkey? Exploring the most beautiful natural locations? Trying the best local food? Marvelling at thousands of years of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history? Whatever your answer, Farout has the perfect tour package to make sure your Turkey 7 day tour is unforgettable. Here are some of the spectacular destinations included in our 7 day Turkey tourism packages that you can visit. Istanbul is a city simply drenched in history, having been the capital city of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Istanbul boasts some of the world's finest examples of Turkish and Byzantine architecture, world-class shopping, a kaleidoscope of delightful Turkish and international food options from street food to fine dining. The capital of culture not only for Turkey but for Southeastern Europe, Istanbul masterfully combines old-world charm with modern cosmopolitan vibrancy. Ephesus was, at one time, the second-largest city in the Roman Empire. Ephesus is home to the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and as such is regarded as one of the world's best archaeological sites. Cappadocia presents one of the most outlandish and otherworldly landscapes you are likely to ever see. Here, “fairy chimneys” rise out of the ground, rock formations created by millions of years of erosion. Houses, churches and monasteries are carved into the soft Cappadocian rock, and there are vast, complex underground cities – some of them as many as 13 levels deep! The low winds in Cappadocia create ideal conditions for hot-air ballooning, and with the spectacular scenery to take in, Cappadocia is undoubtedly the world's premier hot-air ballooning location. Pamukkale , which is Turkish for “cotton canyon”, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unusual white cliffs (travertines) and hot springs, which have been used as a spa for over 2000 years. Overlooking the travertines is the 12,000 seats ancient Roman amphitheatre of Hierapolis. Antalya is a charming and gorgeous town on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. When it comes to ancient Roman sites, there are very few places outside of Italy that have more to offer than Antalya. Key sites include Perge, a city featuring baths, acropolis and a well-preserved stadium, as well as Aspendos, which is the best-preserved ancient Roman theatre in the world. With its fertile location surrounded by mountains and cliffs, Antalya also boasts beautiful national parks and waterfalls.

Discover the wonders of Turkey with our unique 7-day vacation tour packages that include domestic air travel, and all your travel needs such as accommodation, food and transportation. From luxury tour packages to the cheapest Turkey tour packages, with Farout there is something for everyone. You will access all-inclusive deals that allow you to take advantage of trips to a wide range of fantastic destinations in a relaxing and explorative atmosphere. With our unique Blue Cruise vacation packages, you can discover Greece and Turkey and the incredible natural beauties of the Mediterranean, with pine-clad mountains, pristine bays and fantastic turquoise waters. So what are you waiting for? Book your adventure now!

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How To Plan An Epic 7-Day (Or 10-Day) Turkey Itinerary

So much of my travel is a long weekend here, five days there.  But putting together a longer trip in a large country takes work.  And so as I was planning what I hoped would be an epic 35th birthday adventure, I eventually settled on Turkey, and then set about figuring out how to put together a 7-day Turkey itinerary.

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The thing is, you’re just…spoiled for CHOICE when it it comes to Turkey.  I could easily spend a couple months there and still feel like I’m only scratching the surface.  Do you want history?  Landscapes?  Culture?  Do you want to go deep in one or two places, or skim across several?

The great thing is that with a 7-day Turkey itinerary (or even better, a 10-day itinerary) you can choose a few of those things.  And I have a lot of individual posts diving DEEEEEP into individual pieces of my Turkey travels, this post is more about putting the itinerary together and how the pieces worked together.

This packing list has all the details you need for this itinerary!

How this post is laid out:

• General tips for planning a trip in Turkey
• Overview itinerary for 7-day or 10-day Turkey itinerary
• Fethiye and Olüdeniz
• Göcek Islands / Sailing

How to plan a trip to Turkey

I’ve written a SUPER IN-DEPTH post detailing tips for planning a trip to Turkey —covering visas, transportation, safety, currency, clothing, and more.  I definitely recommend you check it out no matter how you’re structuring your itinerary.  So here I’ll speak more to how I approached this specific itinerary.

First off, you need to remember that Turkey is massive, so transportation times will need to factor heavily into your itinerary.  Flights will be the fastest and often most cost-effective means of getting between parts of the country, rather than long overnight buses or car trips.  Make sure to plan in plenty of time in your itinerary for delays or cancellations though…assume a whole day of travel to be safe.

You’ll be able to use credit cards in most places, but will absolutely need cash on hand for smaller purchases, or for spending in smaller, more remote areas.  Cappadocia in particular felt like I needed to use cash more.  I have a detailed post on how to deal with money overseas that I recommend looking at…what to look for at ATMs, the types of credit cards that are best, etc.

These are my fave lightweight pants for traveling in Turkey

Where to stay in Turkey

I’ll show more about each of the individual places I stayed in each section as well, but you have a lot of great options for accommodation throughout Turkey.  And it’s quite affordable so you can splurge without it hitting your wallet that hard.

I typically tend to default to apartment or house rentals rather than hotels, but there are exceptions and I mostly went with hotels on this itinerary—short stays, easier access to food, and I looked for something that felt kind of luxury.  It was a big birthday, after all 🙂  I was in love with these stays in Cappadocia , Fethiye , Istanbul, and Gocek if you want a sneak peek!

Rentals were a little weird for a while in Istanbul but I believe that VRBO and Airbnb are now much smoother to use (legally; this post provides more details).

I’ve frequently used Booking.com with great success in Turkey, though it’s important to know their website can’t operate in Turkey (unless you have a VPN) so have their and their or your hotel’s phone numbers handy when you travel just in case.  TripAdvisor is great as well.

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A perfect 7-day Turkey itinerary (or 10)

To put this itinerary together, I started with my #1 “must-have”, then went to #2, and filled in from there.  To start, I knew I was dying to visit Cappadocia (top of my bucket list for a few years), and secondarily I wanted to experience the Turquoise Coast.  So I started with those as my two tentpole pieces.

On top of that, I’ve fallen in love with sailing, and given how gorgeous the Turquoise Coast is, I wanted to build in 2-3 days for a boat trip.  That ate up quite a bit of a 7-day itinerary, so I sacrificed Pamukkale (looks amazing but I’ve heard it doesn’t live up to its Instagram rep) and extra time in Istanbul.  I’d been to Istanbul a couple times (one of my fave cities ever!!) so could live with that.

Here’s what the 7-day itinerary looked like then:

• Day 1:   Arrive in Istanbul, transfer flight to Cappadocia (this entire day is travel)
• Day 2:   Explore Cappadocia
• Day 3:  Morning in Cappadocia, fly to Fethiye
• Day 4:   Explore Fethiye, Olüdeniz, other towns (consider paragliding!)
• Day 5:   Get to Gocek mid-morning, board boat for sailing trip
• Day 6:  Sailing
• Day 7:  Return to Gocek, fly from Dalaman to Istanbul; explore Istanbul
• Day 8 (through 10):   Istanbul in the morning, fly home

Istanbul could technically go on either end of the itinerary.  HOWEVER, there are some logistics to consider.  If you decide to return to your home country NOT from Istanbul (e.g. take a flight from Dalaman), it will need to connect through Istanbul anyway, and there’s always a chance of delays or cancellations that could make you miss your international flight home.

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So with that said, I decided to do Istanbul at the end because it felt safer to fly TO Turkey and immediately catch the connection to Cappdocia (with a long enough layover built in).

If you can make your itinerary a couple days longer, I definitely would recommend spending more time in Istanbul.  For a 10-day Turkey itinerary, add two days in Istanbul (and maybe even a day trip to Ephesus).  You can also skip the extra days of sailing if that’s not your thing and add more time along the coast, or make it to Pamukkale.

Planning a trip to Turkey??  Here are some posts to help you out!

Tips For Turkey Trip Planning: A First-Timer’s Guide

Istanbul For First-Timers: Planning Guide & 3-Day Istanbul Itinerary

20+ Turkish Foods You Have to Try

What to Do in Istanbul if You Only Have 24 Hours

A First-Timer’s Guide to Cappadocia

A Weekend in Fethiye and Oludeniz

2 Days Sailing Turkey’s Amazing Turquoise Coast

Or explore all my Turkey posts!!

What to pack for this itinerary

Obviously this will depend on what time of year you’re visiting Turkey (and to some extent what area).  I visited in late September, a perfect time for temperatures and not typically too rainy.  I’ve talked more about clothing considerations in my Turkey travel tips post as well as my Middle East packing list but overall I always make sure to dress a little more conservatively in Turkey than I might at home.

Istanbul is definitely more urban and a little less conservative, while more remote areas (and less-touristy ones) will be more conservative.  Along the Turquoise Coast it will have more of a beach town feel, and there will be some bikinis.  I wore a combination of maxi skirts, swingy sundresses and cardigans, and lightweight pants (I’m OBSESSED with these cute, versatile pants ).

If you’re planning to visit any mosques, you will need to plan ahead.  Women are required to have shoulders and upper arms covered, and knees as well (as well as head/hair).  I kept a scarf with me in case I needed to cover my head or shoulders in a pinch.

I typically try to group my mosque visits together on one day and wear a long skirt and have a cardigan with me for safety (my headscarf can cover my shoulders as well).  Pants are fine, but I’ve seen mosques make women put skirts on over leggings or tight pants.  Men should wear pants (no shorts) and have their upper arms covered as well (no tank tops).

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Days 1-3:  Cappadocia

So let’s dive into the itinerary pieces.  I flew Turkish Airlines and landed in Istanbul, and made sure my flight to Cappadocia also flew out of IST (rather than the domestic SAW airport).  There are two airports close to equidistant from Cappadocia, Kayseri and Nevşehir.  Of the two, Nevşehir is a little closer to Göreme but either will work.  I flew into one and out of the other.

I arrived around midnight after 24+ hours of travel, so just crashed, but was up fairly early.  I only had a little over a full day in Cappadocia, so wanted to make the most of it.  I’d specifically made sure I had two mornings there, as I was DYING to experience the famous hot air balloon ride there (as well as also watch it from my hotel one morning).

The hot air balloons fly all year (about 250 days on average), but the weather does ground them some mornings, and sadly my luck was terrible.  Both mornings the wind kept the balloons down…I still got a gorgeous (freezing!) sunrise on my second morning though.

See my super in-depth guide to Cappadocia here!

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Cappadocia is famous for its fascinating landscape, dominated by caves and “fairy chimneys”.  You can see them from overhead in the balloons, but you also need to make sure you explore them up-close.  I took a taxi to Uçhisar Castle as a starting place, then negotiated with my taxi driver Osman to take me to several other places.

I lucked out on getting a great taxi guide, but you may not want to take your chances…if you have a limited time and won’t have your own car, I’d definitely look into some of the best guided tours in the area .

From there we made a quick stop at Pigeon Valley and the Panoramic Viewpoint, then Love Valley (which was a little more cheesy feeling).  I spent some solid time exploring Pasabag (Monks) Valley, with its unique mushroom-cap tops and caves you can actually climb into.

He took me to Zelve, which I hadn’t even heard of (more on that later!), and then watched pottery being thrown in the ancient Hittite way and bought a gorgeous turquoise owl statue.  We made a quick stop at Devrent Valley (totally skippable) and the ended at the surprisingly small but very cool Gorëme Open Air Museum.

It was a very cool day!  Only bummer is, I wish I’d had blue skies because wow these pics would have popped.

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So back to Zelve Open Air Museum.  This hadn’t really shown up on my research AT ALL.  And I have no idea how that is, but this was hands-down the best part of the day!

Zelve is dotted with cave houses and churches, showcasing the oldest examples of Cappadocian architecture and religious paintings.  And you can really get up close and personal, and feel like you have the place all to yourself!  It’s the opposite of the Gorëme Open Air Museum.  I’ve written an in-depth post all about visiting Zelve , and I highly recommend you have this on your itinerary!

The other cool thing about this stop was that Osman took me to a little shop in the parking lot where women make gozleme the traditional way.  Gozleme is an Anatolian flatbread filled with cheese, meat, or a combination of fillings (a little like a quesadilla or crepe).  I loved watching the women roll out the dough CRAZY thin and cook it on their special griddle.  And it was DELICIOUS!

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We got a sunset of sorts, though due to the clouds it wasn’t as epic as I’d hoped.  I watched it from Sunset Point in Gorëme because it was close, but there are lots of great places for sunset viewing if you plan ahead.

One other Cappadocia tip:  personally I’d skip the famous testi kebab (or “pottery kebab”) dish.  Check out my deeper Cappadocia post for restaurant recommendations and more!

Where to stay in Cappadocia

Once I started planning my trip here, I was 100% sure I wanted to stay in a cave hotel.  My travel planner and I did a ton of research and got down to a short list, and eventually I chose Mithra Cave Hotel .  It got great reviews, had amazing views (for sunrise and the balloons), an insane breakfast spread, and looked really cool.

I’ve written a separate post all about my stay at Mithra and also talking about a couple of the other hotels that were on my short list, if you’re interested!

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From Cappadocia I flew to Dalaman to begin my adventure along Turkey’s magical Turquoise Coast!

Days 3-4(ish):  Fethiye and Oludeniz

There are many places you can base yourself along the coast, but I chose Fethiye since it was supposed to be a little quieter and less of a party atmosphere.  Once known as the ancient city of Telmessos, Fethiye has a beautiful shoreline and hills in the distance, and some easily-accessible ancient Lycian tombs to explore.

I hiked up to the Tomb of Amyntas, which is right in town and has great views over the city.  It would be amazing at sunset, but I wanted to see the sunset from my lovely hotel balcony so scurried back down the hill.

Read all about my wonderful two days in Fethiye and Olüdeniz here!

The next morning, Deep Blue Travel picked me up at my hotel and drove me to nearby Olüdeniz.  The paragliding here ranks among the top in the world .  And since I went  skydiving in New Zealand  in honor of my 30th birthday, this seemed like a nice throwback and possible new “technicolor birthday” tradition in the making!

If this is something you’re considering and you want to research companies ahead of time and book, I’d start here !

(Note, you can see some of my Athleta pants here that I love, though don’t be fooled by how tight the harness makes them look…they’re stretchy but look dressy, I call them my “business yoga pants”)

Want more details on paragliding in Olüdeniz?? I’ve got you covered!

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I spent the entire day in Olüdeniz, enjoying the stunning beaches and peaceful atmosphere.  I did pay to enter the famous Blue Lagoon, but ended up finding the main Olüdeniz Beach more to my liking.

You can park yourself on the (pebble) beach and listen to the waves lap while the paragliders silently float overhead.  Or grab a drink and lunch somewhere along the boardwalk and people-watch.

Where to stay in Fethiye

For this part of the trip I stayed in the utterly charming Hotel Unique , a beautiful boutique hotel with great water views.

I stayed in a deluxe double room, which was open and airy, with two separate balconies and gorgeous sunrise and sunset views over the water.  The service was wonderful, pool area beautiful, and food good.  Totally recommend!

See my detailed review of Hotel Unique here!

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Then it was a short taxi ride down the coast to Göcek to set sail (figuratively, given my boat had no sails)…finally, my boat trip adventure was here!

Days 5-7:  Sailing the Göcek Islands

Now THIS is how you need to see Turkey’s famous Turquoise Coast!  Stretched all along the southwestern half of the country, you’ve got rugged tree-lined mountains, ancient tombs, sun-kissed sand and turquoise sea, filled with idyllic little islands and private beach alcoves.

I met Sadi and Meryam at the harbor and was welcomed aboard their boat, the “Nirvana S” (2023 update, they’re not currently running it).  I grabbed some snacks and drinks at the grocery store, but from a meal standpoint (and some snacks) they had me covered with Meryam’s awesome cooking.

We headed out in to the Göcek Islands, making an initial stop at Paradise Island.  Meryam led me up a trail to the top of the island, where I had a fairly panoramic view of the different shades of turquoise water, several other islands, and a few other lucky fellow boaters.

If you’re looking for a similar experience, I’d start here and here !

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We spent a lot of time out on the water itself, which I personally love.  I soaked in the sun, drank tea and wine, read my Kindle, and generally basked in my good life choices.  We stopped a few different places throughout each day (including Cleopatra/Hamaam Bay and Seagull Bay), and anchored somewhere different each night.

I swam occasionally and got fat off of Meryam’s insanely good cooking.  The water changed colors constantly, and we got glimpses of Lycian tombs along the shore from time to time.  We stopped at Seagull Bay where Meryam led me over the top of the island to my own MAGICAL PRIVATE BEACH!

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One of the mornings we had rain, and I cozied up in the cabin with tea and my Kindle.  And the second morning, my birthday dawned cool and clear, and I watched the sun rise over the water with a few glasses of tea and took approximately 300 pictures.

About the boat I chartered

My travel planner and I did a TON of research on boat trip options, especially since I’d be traveling alone so safety was also a consideration.  I ended up choosing the “Nirvana S” off Airbnb, for a number of reasons but also because I liked that Meryam (Sadi’s wife) was traveling with us rather than just a crew of all guys.  They were a very warm and hospitable couple in their 50s/60s, and I absolutely loved my time with them.

The cost of the boat included three meals a day, with Meryam’s phenomenal cooking.  I was stuffed all the time, and Meryam also was always adding beautiful little extra touches…trays, pretty accents, and the like.  It made me feel so special and welcomed!  I enjoyed talking with Sadi as well, hearing about their life in Turkey.  Sadly they’re no longer offering tours (online at least).

So here are a couple places to get you started on finding your own awesome boat experience…I’d start here and here !

See even more details & amazing photos of my sailing trip here!

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After waking up to that beautiful sea sunrise on my birthday, we headed back to the marina and I grabbed a taxi to the Dalaman airport, for a short stint in Istanbul.

Days 7-8 (or 10):  Istanbul

And then I had a very brief time in one of my favorite cities in the world!  As I mentioned in the outset, Istanbul is absolutely amazing and it definitely deserves 2-3 days if you’ve never been before.  I’d already been able to see many of the most famous sights during previous visits, so wasn’t feeling as pressed for time despite having less than 24 hours here on this particular itinerary.

BUT even if you only have a short time in Istanbul, so many of the iconic places are clustered together, so you can still do a lot.  I have a more detailed post on how to see the biggest historical sites in 24 hours , everything from Hagia Sofia to the Blue Mosque to Basilica Cistern and so much more.  And some other ideas if you only have a long layover .

One of your biggest considerations will be what day of the week you’re visiting.  Most mosques are closed to visitors or have extremely limited hours on Fridays, and Hagia Sofia is generally closed on Mondays.  Look up closings, opening times, dress requirements, COVID issues, and more ahead of time for anywhere you’re wanting to visit.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the different options, you could consider a private 1-day or multi-day tour with a local, as they can help you get places smoothly, figure out tickets, and more.

Read my super detailed Istanbul Planning Guide & 3-Day Itinerary !

Related:   Is Turkish Airlines Business Class Worth It?

If it were me on a first visit, I’d roughly prioritize in this order:

• First:  Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, food tour, ferry ride on a beautiful day, Galata Bridge at sunset
• If time allows:  Galata Bridge area (soaking up the ambiance of Eminonou), Galata Tower up to Istiklal Street, Spice Market
• Fine but not highest priority:  Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome, climbing to the top of Galata Tower

The thing is, Istanbul is one of those cities that really grabs you by the heart and squeezes …don’t try and fit so many “must do” things in that you don’t have time to just BE.  To really get a feel for the city, just wander around, maybe get lost in some of the twisty alleys of Beyoğlu looking for a cool piece of art to take home, eating every piece of street food and baklava you can get your hands on.

I had such a short time so I wandered some of my favorite areas, including getting some delicious burek and eating it on Galata Bridge.  I re-visited the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, since I hadn’t loved my pics from the first time.  I made sure to watch the sunset from Galata Bridge.  And then I did two new things, which I speak to more below.

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One thing I treated myself to since it was my birthday was dinner at Mikla , one of the top 100 restaurants in the world.  Billing themselves as a “new Anatolian Kitchen”, Mikla is a really interesting modern take on ancient Anatolian dishes, flavors, and ingredients.  It was delicious and special, and honestly wasn’t overly expensive by nice restaurant standards either.  I did get reservations a few weeks ahead.

Whether it’s a fancy dinner or not, food should definitely play a role in your visit.  Turkish food overall is AMAZING—it’s one of my favorite cuisines in the world.  If you’re able to make the time, one of my favorite things to do in Istanbul is take a walking food tour.  It lets you try a lot of different things, usually in more local-known places than you might discover yourself.  I did two food tours on my first visit to Istanbul and loved them!

Here are some of the best-rated food tours in Istanbul!

And on my last morning in Turkey, I knew I had to head to the airport around 11am so decided to spend my morning wandering through the narrow, hilly streets and alleys of Beyoğlu.  I soaked in the ambiance, discovered fun street art, meowed at all the cats—and drank an insane amount of coffee.

I did some research ahead of time and wanted to try out some of the best coffee shops in the neighborhood.  Even in the short time I had, I managed to hit five of the best!  You can also consider a half-day guided tour of coffee experiences in Istanbul , for something richer.

Read more about the coffee scene In Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district!

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Where to stay in Istanbul

My first time here, I stayed in an awesome Airbnb apartment with a view, but this time due to the short stay I opted for a lovely boutique hotel.  I love the Beyoğlu neighborhood (the historic European side), and specifically between Galata Bridge and Galata Tower, so concentrated my search here and found the Hotel DeCamondo .

The building and the Camondo family have a really interesting history (which you can learn more about in my review), and it’s a beautiful blend of historic, modern, and fashionable.  The service was wonderful, the room comfy, and the location super convenient.  You absolutely need to stay here if you’re visiting Istanbul!

Read my in-depth review of Hotel DeCamondo here!

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And there you have it!  An amazing 7-day Turkey itinerary that will give you a little of everything…crazy landscapes, gorgeous beaches, culture, food, and more.  Heck, make it 10 days and really explore Istanbul.  Hopefully I’ve convinced you to plan a trip RIGHT NOW M’KAY!

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Comments (8)

Turkey trips

November 10, 2023 at 5:25 pm

Hi Jessica,

Thank you for this detailed and informative article about Turkey, it has been extremely useful to me.

August 9, 2022 at 10:07 pm

Hi Jessica! I I can’t tell you how happy your post made me. I’ve read everything you posted over and over. I’m really trying my best to research before I go. This will be my second time in turkey. The first was over 15 years ago for my honeymoon. We didn’t know anything about it except where the honeymooners went at that time which was marmaris. Fifteen years and five kids later… my husband and I will be away from the kids for the first time ever and we are going for about 3 weeks. I wanted to see what you thought would be an ideal itinerary for that amount of time. I do want to mention we decided that for sure we will spend a day or 2 in istanbul, do all of our traveling, and then leave at least 4 days for istanbul at the end. Also, we will be going to Gaziantep for sure because we want to visit someone there. Thanks!!

August 10, 2022 at 7:29 am

Wow, 3 weeks in Turkey will be so amazing! I think doing Istanbul on either side makes sense. And if you’re over in the Gaziantep area, there’s a city (I think it’s Mardin?) that my boat captain had told me about that he said was absolutely amazing on history and architecture, and since it’s in the area you might check it out. Beyond that, two areas I would definitely recommend are somewhere on the Turquoise Coast, and Cappadocia. I ended up in the Fethiye/Gocek area on the coast and loved it, but others might be Kas, Marmaris/Bodrum, or Antalya. For me, spending a few days on a boat was a dream, and I absolutely loved the boutique hotel I stayed at in Fethiye. And worth looking into Pamukkale and Ephesus but the didn’t make the top of my list. Have you checked out the other Turkey posts I have on the site? You might also want to peruse through my Turkey Pinterest board for ideas and links to other blog posts: https://www.pinterest.com/1girlwholeworld/planning-a-trip-to-turkey/

August 1, 2022 at 1:43 pm

I really love this itinerary! We are going to Turkey at the end of this month thru first full week of September. I’m interested if you can recommend a company to sail around Fethiye (1-3 nights).

August 1, 2022 at 7:47 pm

Hi Emma! I wish I had good recommendations for you, but the person I did my boat trip with isn’t sailing this year. I found him through Airbnb and you could definitely check that, or I’d maybe recommend asking on TripAdvisor forums for the area as your best bet. I hope you have an amazing time!

August 1, 2022 at 8:01 am

thank you so much for this! I’m gonna have so much fun with my friends this november!

March 20, 2022 at 5:18 pm

Thank you for sharing your itinerary and plan from your trip. I am looking at something similar but getting stuck on one piece – flying from Cappadocia to Dalaman – was that a stop over via IST? B/c of the stop over, I am debating doing Cappadocia – Istanbul – Fethiye/Oludeniz and then back to Istanbul the morning of my afternoon international flight back home. Appreciate the help/insight. Thanks.

March 20, 2022 at 6:23 pm

Yes, as far as I can tell basically all domestic flights within Turkey have to go through Istanbul on a layover. I’m not positive if they’ve changed up any of the flight schedules post-COVID, but that was how the whole system was set up before. So yes, that order you mentioned makes sense…HOWEVER (and it is a big however)…delays of a few to several hours can be common on those domestic flights for many reasons (mechanical, weather, etc), so I’d recommend getting back to Istanbul the night before your international flight to be safe. It would be terrible to miss an international flight because of that. Hope this helps and that you have an amazing time!! Turkey is one of my favorite places in the world!

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I'm Jessica!

Who am I? I’m not a digital nomad or backpacker. I have a demanding full-time career but still find ways to fit in tons of travel. I believe that sometimes you save and sometimes you splurge, and I’ll help you figure out how to have the best experiences regardless. My goal is to go everywhere, see everything, eat all the pastries, and soak up as much food, wine, culture, and amazing views as I can in this crazy life!

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The Ultimate 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

My Turkey fascination started years ago with my son’s school report on the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Our Turkey trip exceeded every expectation and we’re sharing our 7 Day Turkey Itinerary so you create your own incredible adventure.

Turkey travel has something thrilling for everyone. With 7 days in Turkey , you can experience Cappadocia hot air ballooning, Turkish Riviera beaches, historic biblical sites, iconic Grand Bazaar shopping, and the bustling metropolis of Istanbul.

In this Turkey itinerary, you will find all the practical information from the best time to visit Turkey, safety in Turkey, and exactly what to see and do with one week in Turkey . Get ready for one exciting globetrotting moment after the next!

Planning Your Turkey Trip Itinerary Last Minute?

If you are trying to pull together your Turkey itinerary quickly, here is a quick reference guide to the tours and hotels we recommend, along with practical travel information.

You can get more detailed information on What to Wear in Turkey with a packing list , the Best Istanbul Boutique Hotels and the Best Cave Hotels in Cappadocia .

This site uses affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. You can read our full disclosure policy  here .

• From Istanbul: 2-Day Trip to Cappadocia with Flights (fully organized tour to Cappadocia)
• Istanbul private city tour (top private day tour tour in Istanbul)
• Cappadocia Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight (#1 selling balloon tour in Cappadocia)
• Soho House Istanbul  – ISTANBUL (one of the coolest places to stay)
• Hotel Poem – ISTANBUL (well located near the Bosphorus and many tourist sights)
• Artemis Cave Suites & Spa – CAPPADOCIA (more luxurious with a spa)
• Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum – BODRUM
• Visa for Turkey
• Travel insurance with Safety Wing
• Skyscanner is great for booking flights to Turkey and Cappadocia
• A Turkey plug adapter and a step down voltage converter for anything that’s not dual voltage.

Table of Contents

7 Day Turkey Itinerary Days 1-3: Istanbul

The first stop on our Turkey itinerary was 3 days in vibrant Istanbul. Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia and is a mesmerizing mix between ancient and modern.

In the city center there are historic mosques and buildings right near hipster cafes and designer shops.

With a population of 15 million, Istanbul is the largest city in Europe. You will likely spend most of your time on the European side but you can take a Bosphorus cruise right down the middle to see both sides.

Even with its enormous size, if you like finding your way around the city, it’s very easy to walk or take an Uber to most of the sightseeing spots. If you prefer having a guide, this Istanbul private city tour comes highly recommended.

Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque are “Must Sees” on Your 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

To put this “historic” city into perspective, the oldest buildings in Istanbul are more than 600 years older than oldest buildings in Paris.

Our first stop was the Hagia Sophia since I had been captivated years prior by it’s complex religious history. This 6th Century cathedral was transformed into mosque in the 15th century.

You can take a Hagia Sophia Guided Tour to learn more about its fascinating history.

RELATED POST: 15 BEST ISTANBUL BOUTIQUE HOTELS & WHERE TO STAY

The photo above and indoor shot below are the Hagia Sophia. Below right is the Blue Mosque , the neighbor to the Hagia Sophia, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.

In case you’re thinking “a mosque is a mosque.” These two mosques could not be more different from the inside.

The Hagia Sofia (above left) is very dark and dramatic in black and gold while the Blue Mosque is a stunning display of intricate tile work and windows as seen in the photo of the ceiling below. It’s an architectural masterpiece.

Topkapi Palace

In this same area, you can check out Topkapi Palace, a former royal residence that is now a museum. This UNESCO Heritage site is the oldest surviving palace in the world. Make sure to check out the harem rooms.

Skip the line with a Topkapi Palace guided tour to learn about the history of the Ottoman Era.

Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

Still in the old city, we headed to the Grand Bazaar and found this cute, colorful street. You can grab a quick bite to eat before you delve into the biggest shopping area you’ve ever seen.

The Spice Bazaar was my favorite. It conjures up images of traders traveling the Silk Road to bring precious and exotic spices to market.

The Grand Bazaar is a great place to pick up souvenirs. Some Turkey souvenir ideas: ceramics • lamps • kilim Rugs • spices • Turkish Delight • Turkish coffee & tea • jewelry • Turkish towels

Add a Bosphorus Cruise to Your Turkey Itinerary to See the Best of Istanbul

You can take a Bosphorus Cruise through the middle of 2 continents, Europe and Asia.

We hopped on from the area called Ortaköy. For $5 it’s a delightful, hour long cruise that gives a completely different view of Istanbul.

You will see Ciragan Palace, the beautiful church at Ortaköy, amazing waterfront estates, city scapes with famous mosques, bridges and palaces. Plus, it’s such a lovely experience being out on the water.

There are a few Bosphorus cruises you might like to take that are a bit more expensive but very affordable.

The first is a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht . This is what we would have done if we had planned ahead.

Many people opt for an evening Bosphorus cruise with dinner and entertainment . It’s actually one of the most popular activities in Istanbul.

It’s such a romantic view of Istanbul lit up at night and they offer an unlimited drinks package too.

Out of 7 days, cruising the Bosphorus Strait was one of our favorite activities on the Istanbul part of our Turkey itinerary.

Galata Tower and Galata Bridge

Galata Bridge connects two major parts of the European side of Istanbul over the waterway known as the Golden Horn.

There have been 5 iterations of this bridge dating back to the 6th century. If you walk across the bridge, you get a great view of both sides.

Galata Tower, which was built in 500 A.D. as watchtower to help defend the city stands taller than everything else.

Get a 360 degree view of Istanbul from the upper viewing deck and check out the museum with artifacts from all periods of Istanbul’s storied past.

Local Life & Night Life – Istiklal Caddesi, Karaköy, Besiktas & Nisantasi

We love to ditch the travel guide and walk between tourist spots to see what cool local hangouts we can find. This is where Istanbul shines.

The restaurant culture and plethora of awesome places to go is outstanding. Istanbul is full of trendy cafes and bars. We spent time in each of the areas below.

You might also want to make time for this Whirling Dervish show that visitors LOVE!

• Istiklal Caddesi – On Sundays, the Grand Bazaar is closed so it’s the perfect day to check out this lively pedestrian shopping area by Taksim square with tons of restaurants and stores. We had the yummiest healthy lunch at EK BİÇ YE İÇ. For lunch or dinner with a view, check out 360 Istanbul.
• Nisantasi – The posh area with designer stores. A fun place to people watch, shop and grab lunch. Check out the rooftop bar at Swisshotel for a killer sunset over the Bosphoros.
• Besiktas – We accidentally ended up finding this super cool area on our way way from Ortakoy. Definitely a great place to go out for dinner and drinks. It was packed and so much fun at this bustling part of town. There are a zillion choices of restaurants and bars here.
• Karakoy – A revitalized neighborhood, total hipster spot where you’ll find great galleries, charming coffeehouses like Karabatak. This area is really close to Galata Tower.

7 Day Turkey Itinerary Days 4-5: Cappadocia

Cappadocia (pron. Cap-uh-dokia) is a region in the middle of Turkey comprised of multiple towns and villages.

We almost didn’t include Cappadocia in our 7 day itinerary because it seemed so inconvenient to everything else in Turkey. That would have been a huge mistake – it was definitely a trip highlight.

You can check out a short video with things to do in Cappadocia on our YouTube channel.

Getting from Istanbul to Cappadocia is easiest by plane. Take a 1 hour flight into Kayseri or Nevsehir airports and then an hour drive to your hotel. If you plan ahead, the flights are inexpensive.

If you are on a tight budget, there is an overnight bus from Istanbul to Gorëme, the main downtown area. The train is inconvenient so – a plane, bus, rental car or a guided tour are your options.

You should plan at least 2 nights here so you have 2 chances to watch or take a hot air balloon flight in case there are weather issues.

Cappadocia has some really interesting and fun things to see. Two to three days will give you plenty of time.

RELATED POST: 12 MAGICAL CAVE HOTELS IN CAPPADOCIA WITH AMAZING VIEWS

A Hot Air Balloon Ride is a Highlight of a 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

Cappadocia is world famous for hot air ballooning. The experience was spectacular. There are 2 take off times so you are able to fly and enjoying watching them afterwards.

Tip: Book your flight in advance . We had to scramble at the last minute because we didn’t realize that the 150 balloons a day are regularly full.

After waiting hours, we got word that someone missed their flight to Cappadocia and we got their spot.

The prices vary between $200-400 per person for a Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight and champagne toast.

Visiting the Valleys

If you plan to take a hot air balloon flight, you will get a bird’s eye view of the Cappadocia valleys. One of the top things to do in Cappadocia is see all the different valleys from the ground level too.

The landscape is otherworldly and there are interesting caves everywhere. We did a 2 hour sunset ATV tour with some local guides to Love Valley, Red Valley and Rose Valley.

It’s a great place to hike and experience the fascinating landscape. But I’m not going to lie – riding the ATVs was super fun! Our guide took me on the back of his and made it go on 2 wheels.

Plan to get dirty and wear something that can cover your face. We recommend bringing a lightweight neck gaiter that will keep dust out of your mouth or work as a headband for your hair.

Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) above right is a popular spot to visit. You’ll see excellent examples of fairy chimneys and you can walk into the caves where monks lived.

RELATED POST: 27 ADVENTURES TO ADD TO YOUR EUROPE BUCKET LIST

Underground Cities

There are 200 underground cities in Cappadocia. The most famous and largest is Derinkuyu. Going 200 feet underground, it could house 20,000 people including their livestock stables. If you are claustrophobic, skip this.

Kaymakli, an underground city that’s further away, was discovered in 1963 when a local found a room behind a wall in his house.

I’ve had dreams where I find a hallway and think that my house was so much bigger than I thought, but could you imagine finding a whole city!!

Downtown Goreme

Downtown Goreme is a great place to walk around and shop for souvenirs like Turkish rugs, beautiful lamps and more. You’ll also find delicious restaurants.

We ate at Peking Chinese Restaurant and had an unexpected delicious Chinese meal in Turkey.

Work off lunch by taking a 15 minute walk to Goreme Open Air Museum and see churches from the 10th-12th centuries.

Cappadocia Red, Green & Blue Tours Are a Great Way to See the Area

There are 3 main tour routes in Cappadocia. They are full-day, small group tours in a minivan. The hardest part is deciding which tour to take.

The Red Tour stays the closest to Goreme and will take you to Dervent Valley, the Open Air Museum, Uçhisar Castle, Pasabag and more.

The Red Tour covers all the places that are close proximity to Goreme. You can easily do these places on your own and choose a different tour for the places that are harder to get to.

The Green Tour takes you to the underground cities, Selime Monastery, rock carved churches and cave houses among other sights.

The Green Tour goes to places that are much harder to see on your own unless you have a car. The underground cities are the highlight.

Lastly, the Blue Tour is the furthest off the typical tourist track and visits Turkish villages and beautiful landscapes.

For those that want the most authentic Turkish experience, the Blue tour is the best choice. You will see more locals and see what real life is like in Cappadocia.

Staying in a Cave Hotel is Must for your 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

Staying in a cave hotel is a prime attraction in the area.

We stayed at Local Cave House because they had the coolest pool (see above) and we were only staying for a day so we wanted to be walking distance from shopping and restaurants in town.

Here are some Cappadocia cave hotel tips and other great cave hotel choices that are a little more upscale:

• Sultan Cave Suites is also centrally located and very popular because of the incredible view. They have a beautiful set up for you to get amazing balloon photos at the crack of dawn.
• Museum Hotel – This is probably the most sought after upscale cave hotel because of the stunning balloon views and beautiful pool.
• Our Blog Post on the Top 12 Cave Hotels in Cappadocia will help you pick the perfect hotel at your price point.

7 Day Turkey Itinerary Days 6-7: Bodrum & Ephesus

Bodrum is known for its luxurious seaside hotels, and the Susona Bodrum LXR Hotels & Resorts (former Nikki Beach hotel) is a total stand out!

The private pool, turquoise coast villas have “to die for” unobstructed views of Torba Bay. Our first thought, and honestly every thought after was – we want to live here!

Go totally low key and just enjoy the villa or the hotel’s infinity pool. If you have kids, there’s a nice family beach.

Fun Things to Do in Bodrum

• Spend an afternoon in Bodrum town. The charming harbor has restaurants and souvenir shopping.
• Take a day cruise from Bodrum harbor on a wooden Gulet boat and spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the coastline and bays.
• This is a great place to hop over to Greece. You can do a full day trip to the island of Kos. It’s only a 40 minute ferry ride to be in another country. Even though it’s so close, it really feels like Greece and different from Turkey. You can also start your journey to Santorini if you are planning a Turkey and Greece Itinerary.
• Take a day trip to Ephesus or Pamukkale.

RELATED POST: 3 Days in Santorini Itinerary

Ancient City of Ephesus – 1/2 Day

From Istanbul or Cappadocia, fly into Izmir airport. Ephesus can also be visited as a day trip from Bodrum.

This UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important ancient ruins in Turkey was the 4th largest city in the Roman Empire.

A veritable who’s who of famous figures spent time in Ephesus including Paul the Apostle, Alexander the Great, Anthony and Cleopatra. Pretty mind blowing, right!

The thing that really struck me here with the grand size of everything.

The theater that held 25,000 spectators, the Arcadian Way, a 500 meter marble road lined with 50 streetlights and shops that connected the theater to the sea and the ancient Library of Celsus that housed 12,000-15,000 scrolls shown above.

You should definitely use a tour guide here to learn all of the historical significance. Either find a guide at the gate or book a Small Group Tour of Ephesus with the House of the Virgin Mary Hours: 8am – 5pm (7pm April to October).

Plan your visit to be at the opening or the late afternoon to avoid big tour groups and the heat.

Why We Left Pamukkale Off Our 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

7 days in Turkey is a whirlwind trip for a country with so many things to do, so you have to pick what to include and leave off of your itinerary.

We opted not to go to Pamukkale because it’s a trek to get there and many of the pools that look beautiful in photos were dried up at the time of our visit.

Before you head to Pamukkale, check out Trip Advisor where people post current conditions and photos so you can decide if you want to visit.

How to Get a Turkish Visa

Getting a Turkish Visa was really easy. Just fill out the online application , make the payment and you will get your document emailed to you. At the airport, just show your passport and visa document to enter Turkey.

Electronics in Turkey

Turkey uses a 220V voltage supply that uses a Type F converter. Here is a quick list of what you will need for your electronics in Turkey.

• Portable Charger Power Bank – You will definitely need back up power for long sightseeing days.
• Turkey plug adapter with USB Ports – Type F outlet converter for mobile phones and computers.
• Step Down Voltage Converter  – very important for anything that’s not dual voltage. We never travel without this.

Wondering what to wear in Turkey? We put together a comprehensive Turkey Packing List with everything you need to bring including outfit ideas, the dress code for women and men and things you might be forgetting.

Transportation in Turkey

• Air travel – the flight system within Turkey is very affordable and there are a surprising amount of flights The 2 main airlines that fly to almost every airport are Turkish Airlines and Pegasus.
• Rental Car – Many people choose this option because the roads are good. One thing to keep in mind is that you will be looking at some long drives. Cappadocia to Istanbul is 10-12 hours. Cappadocia to Ephesus is 12-14 hours. If you don’t mind and you have time for a 7 to 10 day itinerary, then this would be a great way to see Turkey.
• Bus – The distances are the same as the car rides but someone else is doing the driving and you can take the bus overnight. If you are looking for the budget option, this is it.
• Train – The train doesn’t easily go everywhere in Turkey but it does go to some places. It seems too complicated to get around this way.
• Turkey Tour – Some people opt for a 7 to 14 day Turkey tour so everything is planned out for them. It will definitely involve bus travel.

Is Turkey Safe to Travel?

The #1 question we were asked about traveling to Turkey – is it safe? The #2 question – did we feel safe?

All of the areas we visited in 7 days on this Turkey itinerary were safe according to the Travel.State.Gov website. The area of Turkey near the Syrian border is and has been off limits for some time but we were no where near there.

Here are the links to the the current status of Turkey for American citizens and British citizens . My advice for anyone is to look up any country you plan to visit and follow the Government recommendations.

As things can change, it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance in case you need to change your trip due to some unfortunate change.

SafetyWing is a great travel insurance plan that will cover you for trip cancellation or emergency medical expenses and they have 24 hour assistance when you need help.

Best Time to Visit Turkey

We went to Turkey in May and the weather was perfect! The most comfortable months are April-May and September-October. Visiting during the shoulder season will allow you to avoid crowds and hot temperatures.

• Istanbul is hot and swarming with tourists in June-August. The shoulder season of April/May and September/October is pleasant weather wise but expect some rain like we had in May. November – March has cooler temps and rain but you’ll be free of the tourist crowds.
• Cappadocia – You can go year round, but balloon flights can be cancelled due to weather. If you are going during an iffy weather time, stay an extra day to get an extra chance at flying or seeing the balloons fly. Best months are April, May, September and October. June – August is HOT! The winter gets snow. We had perfect weather in May.
• Bodrum – High season in Bodrum is July and August. If you prefer a more relaxing vacation with great weather, go in May, June, or September. Some hotels shut down during the off season.

Final Thoughts About This Turkey Travel Itinerary

If you’re planning 7 days in Turkey, we hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip and fall in love with this country the way we did. To make a shorter trip, you’ll have to decide between Cappadocia and the Turkish Riviera.

Other Great Itineraries You Might Like:

• GREECE: 3 Days in Santorini Itinerary & Travel Guide
• CROATIA: The Ultimate Guide to Croatia Island Hopping
• EGYPT: 15 Egypt Travel Tips You Need to Know
• PORTUGAL: How to Spend 2 Perfect Days in Lisbon
• ICELAND: Iceland Ring Road Itinerary

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57 comments.

Hi Jenifer Thanks for sharing your experience. Is it affordable to visit Cappadocia and visit the Blue and Green tours by renting a car? Any idea about the parking situations at tourist sites?

Hi Romita – it is definitely affordable and if you want something even less expensive, you can rent a scooter. That’s what we did, because it was easier than a car. There was plenty of parking at tourist sites.

Turkey trips

Thanks for sharing such an informative piece; it’s been incredibly helpful.

Sutoyo Sugiharto

We just came back from a road trip in Turkey 7-15 September 2023. It is safe to rent a car and drive in Turkey. We drove from Istanbul , Izmir, Antalya , Ankara and back to Istanbul no problem. Thank you for your information.

Thanks for letting us know. We will make sure to recommend a rental car to other travelers.

Turkey tours

Thank you for the blog post. I really appreciate it. Fantastic!

Hi! Loved this so much! Just curious if you had more time when would you have squeezed in Pamukkale? We would like to add that to our trip and based on your knowledge what would you say is the best route to see istanbul, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, and Bodrum if we have 8 days?

We had originally planned to visit between Cappadocia and Bodrum on our itinerary. To get there you can rent a car, take a tour or bus from Izmir (which has plenty of flights) or there’s an overnight bus from Cappadocia. It’s definitely worthwhile, especially if the pools have water.

padmini sharma

Hi jenifer. I plan on visiting turkey end March early April your itinerary looks amazing. How do you go from capadocia to bodrum. Thanks so much

You can either fly from Cappadocia to Bodrum with a stopover in Istanbul on Turkish Airways. It takes about 8 hours and is the fastest option. Or you can take the overnight bus, which is what we did – very inexpensive and a funny experience, plus you sleep for most of it. I don’t think I would do it again but I’m glad we did it once because it was an interesting insight into life in Turkey and it worked best with our schedule. We started looking into the bus because we wanted to go to Pamukkale and the bus was the best way to get there. Since the water was low at Pamukkale, we opted to go to Izmir instead to see Ephesus. From there, we went to Bodrum.

Thanks for sharing this. Did you book a round trip from Istanbul? I need to fly from SFO to Istanbul. But our last stop can either be Bodrum of Cappadocia. I am thinking if it might be better to book the return from one of the cities, that way, we do not have to come back to Istabul and stay at a hotel there!

Also, do you recommend going to Cappadocia first?

Hi Anna – We flew LAX – Istanbul and then departed Turkey from Bodrum on a ferry to Greece. My best advice would be to set your itinerary based on whatever works best with the flights you find. If you can get to Cappadocia easily, it’s a great place to start. We had planned to do that but our flight got into Istanbul late and we missed our flight to Cappadocia. We ended up eating the cost and going to Cappadocia 3 days later. There are tons of flights to Cappadocia every day. Just leave enough time for your connection or book one airline straight through so they can get you on a different flight if you miss the connection.

This exact itinerary inspired me to book our 15 yr anniversary trip… and we followed it to a T! We are going in June and cannot wait!!

Thank you so much for your help!!

How exciting! You’re going to have the best trip.

Tammi Kaeberlein

I so appreciate this detailed and thoughtful post. And the photos are a dream! I’ve never been to Turkey but it keeps popping up in conversations and I”m taking that as a sign. Pinned and will revisit for later. Thanks so much!

Thanks Tammi. You will love it when you get a chance to visit!

Hi Jennifer, This is truly an elaborate and helpful post for anyone looking to visit Turkey. I am planning to visit Turkey this month and would love to your recommendations or tips for winter travel. Any places to add/replace/avoid from this itinerary?

Winter would be a great time to go, especially to Cappadocia when there’s snow that will make it even more beautiful. Istanbul will be chilly but have less tourists and lower hotel rates. You could add skiing at Uludağ (near Istanbul) to your itinerary. If you choose to go to the Turkish riviera, some resorts will be closed for the season but you can still find places to stay.

Amazing photos! Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?

Hi Kala – I personally felt safe 100% of the time in Turkey. Definitely use the same good judgement you would use at home. I’ve heard some weird things about cabs from the airport so you might want to set up a transportation service ahead of time. Also, it’s always good to check for any state department travel warnings.

Love your posting on Turkey. Just wondering is it safe to travel in Turkey on our own – drive on our own with friends in cappadocia, oludeniz and just purchase activities when we reach their or should we join a tour group. What tour group can you recommend . Thanks!

It seemed safe to drive a car, however we flew and took busses. We aren’t really the types to do multi day tours. If you’re the same, you will have an easy time booking excursions and day tours. In Cappadocia there is no shortage of tour operators and our hotel helped connect us with one that had space on a balloon. I recommend booking that as early as possible because they sell out. If they don’t fly for weather reasons, they will refund you. I recommend talking to the hotel because they have good local connections. Turkey is very well set up to accommodate tourists and you’ll have the best trip!

Loved your post!

aditi oberoi malhotra

Such amazing pictures, hon! I’d love to visit Turkey someday. Adi xx

It’s such an amazing trip. You are going to love it when you get a chance to go!

The Exclusive Beauty Diary

Istambul is such a magical city. Architecture and colors are amazing. Also Acient city of Ephesus, Cave Hotel as well as Cappakdocia are on my list for visiting for such a long time. After your photos I thing that I definitely need to go there. Thank you so much for sharing.

Glad you liked it. We were enthralled with Turkey and would love to go back again to see more.

All you’re shots are truly amazing! I’ve seen so many pictures of Cappadocia with all those balloons and it looks very stunning. I do love Turkey so much but I’ve only been to the beaches and Istanbul so far. The country has so many gorgeous sights to discover.

Thank you. I agree that Turkey has so much to offer. I’d love to go explore more!

That Topkapi Palace is absolutely stunning! Lovely snaps you have here dear. Thanks for sharing your itinerary!

Thank you so much!

What a beautiful post! And your pictures are stunning. Who would not want to go after seeing and reading this article. You have totally inspire me! I am going to check out your other posts as well.

Thank you so much! Turkey is such a beautiful and interesting country.

Looks like the trip of a lifetime! xo

Thank you. It’s truly an amazing trip.

Grace Liang

Looks like such a incredible place to visit! I’ve always wanted to go to Turkey. Thank you for sharing this great Itinerary!

https://colorandgrace.com/

So glad you liked the itinerary. You’ll absolutely love Turkey!

Phyllis Lerner

My husband spent time in Turkey many years ago when a connecting flight got delayed. He had an amazing time there. I would be a little nervous to go now but you certainly make it sound like an awesome experience!

It is such a terrific trip. I know some people are nervous to travel but I didn’t feel unsafe at all. I used the state department website to make my decision about the safety.

Allie Mackin

Oh this looked likes such a beautiful trip! Your photos are stunning and really bring the trip to life. How cool to go here and capture it so well.

Sakshi Sharma

Hi there Jenifer , what a lovely itinerary. I just had a doubt can you please suggest the best and cheapest way to get from Cappadocia to Bodrum ? And between Izmir and Ephesus which place would you suggest we combine with Bodrum ? We want a little bit of history and beach both Thank you

The easiest way to get from Cappadocia to Bodrum is to fly. It takes 4 hours with a 1 hour stopover in Istanbul. If you book ahead, it’s very affordable. You can also fly non-stop from Cappadocia to Izmir and Izmir to Bodrum. We ended up taking the overnight bus from Cappadocia to Selçuk (Ephesus). It’s 13 hours and approximately $30. It turned out to be the most convenient since it leaves right from Downtown Goreme and most of the travel happens while you are sleeping. The seats are comfortable and if you can handle a little roughing it, it’s approximately $30 and you save one night of hotel costs. From the bus station, you can take a quick taxi to Ephesus. I really recommend going to Ephesus. It’s one of the largest cities from ancient times and referred to in the Bible. Then you can catch the bus to Bodrum which takes around 3 hours for $7.

Wow, thank you so much again for this insight and help but last and not the least , if I want to enjoy some beach and sun for one night and 2 days Where do you suggest I go ? We have only 7 days and we are doing 3 days in Istanbul and 2 days in cappadocia , wud we enjoy the see in Izmir / ephesys or bodrum or somewhere around the Bosporus side of Istanbul

We personally chose Bodrum. It’s beautiful. Izmir would also be a good choice. We never went to any of the Bosphorus beaches.

Thanks for touring me to Turkey!

Grace Louise

Gorgeous post Hun, I really want to go to Turkey soon! x

It’s definitely a worthwhile trip!

Thanks for sharing Jennifer!

I’ve been to Turkey once and it was certainly mixed in terms of how we felt about it, I feel there are really beautiful areas which you’ve showcased here I would love to visit 🙂

Thanks for your wonderful feature and tips!

We definitely had an amazing experience. The only thing we didn’t love was that Cappadocia was touristy but it was easy to escape it and that’s why we felt 2 days was enough there.

Barbara Eskowitz

Oh how I love your travel blog posts Jenifer! Always so informative and the photos are absolutely amazing. Saving this one. xx

Thank you so much! Turkey is a fascinating and fun trip!

Thanks for these precious tips, I’d like to visit places like these!!

https://julesonthemoon.com/

Definitely a great place to visit!

I love this place❣

This is really great information for a trip to Turkey. Thanks!

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7 Days Turkey Tour Packages - Best Itineraries for 2024

7 Days Istanbul Cappadocia Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour

7 Days Cappadocia Konya Antalya Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour

7 Days Istanbul Cappadocia Pamukkale Ephesus Tour by plane and bus

7 Days Turkey Tour Package with Troy

Our 7 Day Turkey Tou r Packages

Are you ready for an unforgettable journey through the beautiful country of Turkey? Look no further than our 7 day s Turkey tour packages! These tours offer a week-long adventure with a comprehensive travel itinerary that includes visiting Istanbul, the historical and cultural capital of Turkey. For travel tips, we recommend taking a Bosphorus cruise to get a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. With various itineraries available, you can customize your trip to suit your interests, whether it's exploring historical highlights or indulging in Turkish delights.

Our private tours are perfect for travelers who want to visit Turkey and explore its tourist attractions. You can customize your itinerary and travel at your own pace, including a Bosphorus cruise to see the beautiful scenery of Istanbul. Departing on specific days throughout the year, our tours include flights, accommodations, and entrance fees so all you need to worry about is enjoying your trip.

With options for day historical highlights tours, day Turkish delight tours, day private turkey adventures, day farout explorer tours and more - there is something for everyone visiting Istanbul. From the iconic tourist attractions to the hidden gems in Fethiye, our travel tips will ensure you make the most out of your 7-day Turkey itinerary . So why wait? Book now and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Keywords: turkey tour, 7-day turkey tour , day turkey adventure tour, turkey itinerary, day private turkey adventure tour, day turkish delight tour, day historical highlights tour ,day farout explorer tour ,depart days ,flight ,sites ,night ,season ,entrance fees, visiting istanbul, travel tips, tourist attractions, cappadocia --- Your 7-day Turkey tour will take you on a day Turkish adventure tour where you can explore the country's tourist attractions. Your Turkey itinerary includes visiting Istanbul and Cappadocia. Here are some travel tips for your day private Turkey adventure tour: book your flight in advance and check the depart days for the

Questions: What can I expect from a 7-day Turkey tour? What are some popular itineraries for 7-day Turkey tours? Can I customize my own itinerary for a private tour? What are some travel tips for visiting Istanbul, Ankara, and the Turkish Riviera?

Top 10 Best 7 Day Turkey Tours and Trips Av ail able

If you're planning a trip to Turkey, but only have a week to spare, don't worry! There are plenty of amazing 7-day tour packages available that allow you to see the best of what this beautiful country has to offer. Here are the top 10 best 7 day Turkey tours and trips available for travelers like you, including Istanbul, Turkish Riviera, Ankara, and Trabzon.

Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale Tour

This travel itinerary takes you through four of Turkey's iconic sites: Istanbul , Gallipoli , Cappadocia , and Pamukkale . You'll start in Istanbul and explore the city's rich history and culture before moving on to Gallipoli where you can pay tribute to the ANZAC soldiers. Next, you'll head to Cappadocia where you can witness the stunning landscapes of fairy chimneys and underground cities. Finally, you'll end your journey in Pamukkale where you can soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools. If time permits, consider adding a stop in Fethiye to enjoy its beautiful beaches and sea views.

Best of Turkey Tour

The Best of Turkey Tour travel itinerary is a comprehensive package that covers all major tourist attractions in just seven days. From Istanbul's Blue Mosque to Ephesus' ancient ruins, this tour will take you through all the highlights of Turkey's cultural heritage. Plus, you'll get to explore the stunning beaches of Fethiye, the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, and the charming city of Trabzon.

Aegean Delight Tour

The Aegean Delight Tour travel itinerary focuses on exploring the western coast of Turkey along the Aegean Sea, starting with a day in Istanbul. You'll visit places like Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Izmir , and Bodrum while enjoying stunning views along the coastline. Unfortunately, Fethiye cannot be included in this tour.

Turkish Adventure Tour

For those looking to visit Turkey and seeking adventure in their travels, this custom Turkey itinerary offers hiking opportunities in Cappadocia as well as white-water rafting in Saklikent Gorge in western Turkey. You'll also get to experience traditional Turkish cuisine during your stay and explore the stunning natural wonder of Pamukkale.

Highlights of Turkey Tour

This custom Turkey itinerary offers a great balance between cultural experiences and natural beauty. You'll visit famous sites such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Goreme Open Air Museum while also enjoying scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the unique landscape of Cappadocia. For those seeking travel tips Turkey, consider booking a day private Turkey adventure to fully experience all the wonders this country has to offer.

Ancient Wonders of Turkey Tour

This custom Turkey itinerary is perfect for history buffs who want to learn about ancient civilizations. With travel tips Turkey, you'll visit sites like Ephesus, Troy, and Pergamon where you can witness the ruins of once-great empires. For a day private Turkey adventure, don't miss the chance to explore the unique landscapes of Cappadocia.

Black Sea Magic Tour

The Black Sea Magic Tour takes you along Turkey's northern coast where you can witness stunning views of the Black Sea. Starting from day Istanbul, you'll visit places like Trabzon, Sumela Monastery and Rize while learning about local traditions and culture. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to explore Cappadocia's unique rock formations and visit Pamukkale's famous hot springs. To top it off, a relaxing cruise is also included in this unforgettable journey.

Eastern Explorer Tour

The Eastern Explorer Tour takes you on a journey through lesser-known destinations in eastern Turkey such as Van, Mt. Nemrut and Harran. Starting with a day in Istanbul, you'll then head to Cappadocia before embarking on the cruise. You'll get to experience unique cultures and landscapes that are not often seen by tourists.

Make sure to check availability for each tour in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Cruise to ensure a hassle-free booking process. With so many amazing options available, you're sure to find a package that suits your interests and budget. Experience the best of Turkey's culture, history, and natural beauty in just 7 days with one of these top 10 best tours !

Detailed Itinerary for a 7 Day, 6 Night "Best of Turkey" Tour Package with Stops in Istanbul

Are you planning a vacation to Turkey and looking to explore the best of the country? Look no further than our 7-day, 6-night "Best of Turkey" tour package! This itinerary covers all the top attractions in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale, as well as a cruise, giving you a comprehensive experience of this beautiful country.

Day Details: Visiting Istanbul's Top Attractions Including the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace

Your first day of travel tips in Turkey will be spent exploring the old city of Istanbul. You'll start by visiting the Blue Mosque , also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul and renowned for its stunning blue tiles. If you're planning a Cappadocia tour , make sure to check out the Cappadocia highlights tour for a chance to see the amazing rock formations and hot air balloon rides. And don't forget to add Pamukkale to your itinerary for a chance to soak in the natural hot springs and witness the beautiful white terraces.

If you're planning a day in Istanbul, make sure to visit Topkapi Palace , the former residence of Ottoman sultans. This must-see attraction is a highlight of any Istanbul tour and offers a glimpse into the rich history of Turkey. Marvel at the impressive collection of jewels, weapons, and clothing on display, and don't forget to explore the Harem section. And if you have time, consider adding a visit to Pamukkale to your itinerary for even more unforgettable experiences in Turkey.

Afterward, head over to Hagia Sophia Museum during your Istanbul tour to marvel at its grandeur. Once a church and later converted into a mosque during Ottoman rule before being transformed into a museum in modern times, this is a must-visit Turkey attraction. If you have a day in Istanbul, make sure to include it in your itinerary. And if you have more time, don't miss the chance to join a Cappadocia tour for an unforgettable experience.

Saturday Details: Bosphorus Cruise and Uchisar Castle Visit

On Saturday morning, as part of your private tour to visit Turkey, we will take you on an unforgettable Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul where you can enjoy panoramic views of both Europe and Asia while sailing through the strait that separates them. The cruise takes about two hours and passes many important sites such as Dolmabahce Palace or Rumeli Fortress, making it a must-see highlight of your trip to Turkey. And after this scenic experience, don't miss out on our Cappadocia highlights tour for even more breathtaking views and cultural immersion.

After lunchtime we will embark on a day tour of Turkey, starting with a day Turkey adventure tour to Pamukkale. Later, we will drive towards Cappadocia region where Uchisar Castle awaits us with its enchanting view overlooking surrounding valleys.

Night Blue Gulet Cruise: Exploring More Destinations Along the Coast

We offer an amazing night blue gulet cruise along some of Turkey's most beautiful coastline where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean. You will have the opportunity to explore some of Turkey's most beautiful beaches and bays, including Cleopatra Beach in Alanya or Olympos Beach near Antalya. If you're looking for more adventure, we also offer a day tour in Istanbul or a day Turkish delight tour as part of our tour package.

Ask for More Details at the Hotel Lobby About Ancient Ephesus and Other Destinations

If you're interested in exploring more destinations beyond Istanbul, make sure to ask our friendly staff at the hotel lobby about ancient Ephesus, Pamukkale, or other locations that we can help you arrange transportation to. Additionally, we offer day Turkey tour packages and day Turkey adventure tours to Cappadocia, as well as multi-day Turkey tour packages for a more comprehensive experience.

Recommendations and Insights for Travelers Interested in Booking a 7 Day Turkey Tour Package

If you're planning to visit Turkey, booking a 7-day tour package is an excellent way to see the country's top tourist attractions. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best itinerary for your trip. To help you make the most of your journey, we've compiled some recommendations and insights for travelers interested in booking a 7-day Turkey tour package . Our tours include popular destinations such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale, with year-round departures available for your convenience.

Choose Your Destinations Wisely

Turkey is a vast country with many stunning destinations, but when you have only seven days to explore it all, you need to be strategic about where you go. We recommend booking a tour package that includes the highlights of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale, staying at a comfortable hotel during your trip. Consider the season when planning your itinerary for the best experience.

Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, is a perfect starting point for your Turkish adventure. Take a day tour to Cappadocia or Pamukkale and witness the stunning natural beauty of these unique destinations. Alternatively, opt for a tour package that includes visits to the iconic Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia Museum, followed by indulging in delicious Turkish cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants.

Cappadocia and Pamukkale are famous tourist destinations in Turkey. Cappadocia is known for its unique rock formations called "fairy chimneys," while Pamukkale is famous for its natural hot springs and travertine terraces. You can visit both places during your trip to Turkey and stay at a comfortable hotel in Istanbul before exploring these incredible structures on foot or taking a hot air balloon ride.

Finally, Pamukkale and Cappadocia feature natural hot springs that cascade down terraces made of travertine limestone. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its stunning beauty and therapeutic properties. If you're planning a trip to Turkey, consider booking a hotel in Istanbul and taking a day Turkey tour package to explore these breathtaking destinations.

Guided Trips and Packages from the USA for a 7 Day Turkey Tour

Are you planning to visit Turkey but don't want to deal with the hassle of arranging travel arrangements? Look no further than guided trips and packages from the USA for a 7 day Turkey tour that includes Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale. These packages offer convenience, personalized itineraries, and a wide range of activities to make your trip unforgettable. Plus, you can stay in a comfortable hotel during your travels.

Custom Turkey Itinerar ies

One of the biggest advantages of opting for a guided tour package is the ability to customize your itinerary according to your preferences. Whether you're interested in visiting Istanbul's iconic landmarks, exploring the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, or marveling at the natural wonder of Pamukkale, there's a package that can cater to your needs. You'll have the opportunity to work with a tour guide who can help you plan each day of your trip, ensuring that you get the most out of your time in Turkey.

Western Turkey Travel Packages

Western Turkey is home to some of the country's most popular tourist destinations, including Istanbul, Ephesus, and Cappadocia. Many guided tour packages focus on this region, offering travelers an immersive experience that includes private tours, day trips, gulet cruises along the coast, private boat tours on turquoise waters, and even hot air balloon rides over stunning landscapes. If you visit during the right season, you can also enjoy a trip to Pamukkale and stay in a luxurious hotel.

Round Trip Flight Included

Most 7-day turkey tour packages include round-trip flights from major cities in North America like New York City or Los Angeles. This means you won't have to worry about booking separate flights or dealing with layovers during your journey. Instead, you can sit back and relax as you make your way across the Atlantic towards Istanbul and Cappadocia, two of Turkey's must-visit destinations. With departures available throughout the year, you can choose the best time to embark on your 7-day adventure .

Blue Cruise Experience

For those looking for an alternative way to explore Turkey's coastline beyond traditional land-based tours should consider taking part in a blue cruise experience. A blue cruise is essentially a leisurely boat trip along Turkey's coastal waters aboard traditional Turkish gulets - wooden boats that are typically used for fishing. These cruises offer a unique perspective of the country's stunning coastline, as well as opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters and visit secluded coves and beaches. Whether you want to sail from Istanbul or Cappadocia, the blue cruise is available all season long. Contact us for day details.

Tourist-Friendly Packages

Guided tour packages are designed with tourists in mind, meaning you can expect everything to be taken care of from the moment you arrive in Turkey. You'll have access to an experienced tour guide who will accompany you throughout your trip, ensuring that you don't miss any must-see sights or experiences in Istanbul and Cappadocia. Plus, all transportation, accommodation, and meals are included in most packages, giving you peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of. You can also expect day details to be planned out for your visit to make the most of your time.

Affordable Pricing

Contrary to popular belief, guided tours aren't always more expensive than planning a trip on your own. In fact, many 7-day Turkey tour packages that include visits to Istanbul and Cappadocia are surprisingly affordable and offer great value for money. Plus, by opting for a package rather than arranging everything yourself, you'll save time and avoid the stress that comes with travel planning. These packages depart throughout the year, so you can choose the best time to visit these incredible destinations.

Istanbul, Cappadocia & Pamukkale Tour by Plane: 1 Day Itinerary

Are you ready to visit the most iconic sites of Turkey today, no matter the season? Look no further than this Istanbul, Cappadocia & Pamukkale tour package. In just seven days, you will have the opportunity to witness some of the most breathtaking natural wonders and historical landmarks that Turkey has to offer.

Explore Kaymakli Underground City and South Cappadocia

Your day tour to Cappadocia begins with a visit to the ancient underground city of Kaymakli. This unique site, located just a few hours from Istanbul, dates back to the Hittite period and was used as a shelter during times of war. As you explore these underground tunnels on your Turkish delight tour, you'll be transported back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Turkey's rich history.

If you're planning to visit Turkey, don't miss out on a day tour to South Cappadocia from Istanbul. Witness some of the most stunning rock formations on earth, also known as fairy chimneys, which are a result of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. This day turkey tour package is truly a sight to behold and offers endless Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

Marvel at Iconic Sites in Istanbul

Today, on one of your days in Turkey, you'll embark on an afternoon tour through Istanbul's most iconic sites. Let's dive into the day details with a visit to Hagia Sophia Mosque , which dates back over 1,500 years and is considered one of the greatest examples of Byzantine architecture in the world. Don't forget to check your depart days to make sure you don't miss out on this incredible experience.

On this day tour, you'll start by visiting Istanbul before heading over to Cappadocia to explore its unique landscape. From there, you'll visit Pergamon, one of Turkey's best-preserved ancient cities. The highlight here is undoubtedly the Celsus Library - an impressive structure that housed over 12,000 scrolls during its peak.

Admire Pigeon Valley and Experience Highlights of Cappadocia

Today, on day three of your 7 days Turkey trip , it's time for more exploration in Cappadocia. Starting from Istanbul, you'll witness the beauty of this season in Turkey. You'll start with a visit to Pigeon Valley - named for the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. From there, you'll embark on a guided tour through some of Cappadocia's most iconic sites including Uchisar Castle and Goreme Open-Air Museum .

Relax in Pamukkale Pools and Witness Cotton Castle

After your thrilling Cappadocia adventure and exploring Istanbul with a Turkey tour package, it's time to visit the natural Pamukkale pools . These mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties and are the perfect way to unwind after your busy itinerary.

While you're in Turkey, don't forget to visit the stunning Cotton Castle in Pamukkale, which can be easily accessed on a day tour from Cappadocia or Istanbul. This mesmerizing white terrace is formed by calcium carbonate deposits and is truly a sight to behold.

Airport Options

This tour package offers three airport options for your convenience - Izmir, Kayseri, or Istanbul airport. Whether you're coming from within Turkey or abroad, getting here is easy and stress-free. You can visit the stunning Cappadocia and explore all its day details with our guided tours.

Experience the Best of Turkey in 7 Days

If you're looking to explore the beauty and culture of Turkey in just 7 days, we've got you covered with our top 10 picks of the best tours and trips. These packages include visits to Istanbul, Cappadocia, and other must-see destinations. Whether you want to depart any time of the year or have limited days, we have a tour that fits your needs.

Our detailed itinerary for a 7-day, 6-night "Best of Turkey" tour package includes stops in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale. You'll get to visit these destinations this year, departing on your chosen days. Experience the rich history and stunning landscapes that these destinations offer, no matter the season. Book your tour today!

For travelers interested in booking a 7-day Turkey tour package , we recommend researching and comparing different packages before making a decision. Consider factors such as accommodations, transportation, activities included, and overall cost. Make sure to include visits to Istanbul and Cappadocia, two must-see destinations in Turkey. Also, keep in mind the season you plan to travel as it can affect your itinerary and experiences.

If you're based in the USA, there are guided trips and packages available that offer convenience and peace of mind when planning your trip. These packages typically include flights from major US cities to Istanbul or other Turkish cities. You can also opt for a days Turkey tour or a day tour to visit popular destinations such as Cappadocia.

One popular day trip package we recommend for your days in Turkey today is the Istanbul, Cappadocia & Pamukkale Tour by Plane. This tour allows you to visit all three destinations in just one day during any season!

Overall, a 7-day Turkey tour package is an excellent way to visit Istanbul and Cappadocia and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer within a short amount of time. Whether you're planning to depart this year or next year, this tour package is perfect for those who want to explore both cities in just 7 days. Book your trip today and create unforgettable memories!

We also offer 8 days Turkey tour packages  may check it out.

Articles about the most important places

Hagia Sophia  

Blue Mosque

Grand Baz a ar

Topkapi Pal ace

Basilica Cistern ​

Göreme

Devrent Valley

Uchisar Castle

Ephesus Ancient City

House of Virgin Marry

Library of Celsus

Temple of Hadria n

Duden Waterfall

Perge, Aspendos 

Mount Ararat

​ Canakkale

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Turkey Vacation & Tour Packages

Overflowing with Mediterranean energy and Middle Eastern hospitality, Turkey feels like a continent unto itself.

With Greco-Roman ruins, a sun-drenched Turquoise Coast , tiny hillside villages, delicately decorated minarets, and the world’s most spectacular historic mosques – Turkey is impossible to pigeonhole. If you know where to look among the shifting mountain backdrops, you’ll find one-of-a-kind sights and experiences that will set up camp in your heart. Break bread (and the fast) with new friends during Ramazan in the courtyard of the 17th-century Blue Mosque. Explore the hand-forged cave churches of Cappadocia in a landscape of towering wind-carved fairy chimneys. Sink your teeth into a gozleme filled with veggies you pulled from the dirt yourself. Discover Turkey with a local who is passionate about the land they call home.

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Culture and customs.

Turkey has a strong national identity and both its location and the legacy of the Ottoman Empire have contributed to a cultural mix of influences from  Europe ,  Asia  and the  Middle East . Cultural practices vary significantly depending on which region of Turkey you are travelling in. It's important to remember that while most Turkish cities are modern metropolises, Turks can still be quite traditional.

Travelers will find Turkish people to be polite and quite formal in their greetings, kind and hospitable as hosts and friendly as new acquaintances. While bars and nightclubs are common in big cities like Istanbul, outside of these environments it’s a good idea to take your cues from the locals and behave in a subdued manner. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, but raucous behavior should be contained to the appropriate venues and kept off the street.

While Turkey is nominally secular, the vast majority of the population identifies as Muslim and Islamic holidays like Ramazan (Ramadan) and Eid are widely observed and recognized as public holidays.

How to be a respectful traveler in Turkey

• Clean your plate If you’re eating with locals (particularly as a guest in their home), you’ll make them very happy if you eat multiple servings and finish everything on your plate. Plan ahead and arrive on an empty stomach for extra points.
• Know when to haggle Remember the first rule of bartering is to decide how much you’re willing to spend beforehand and use that as your guide. In regular shops – as opposed to markets – don’t attempt to haggle over prices.
• Respect the elderly Small gestures like letting elderly folks go ahead of you through doors, offering them your seat on public transport and generally being considerate and respectful of older people will be greatly appreciated.
• Keep criticism private It’s a good rule of thumb not to criticize the culture, government or politics of Turkey. While not all Turks are strict nationalists, you could cause a lot of trouble and offense. You should especially avoid discussing topics related to the Kurdish or Armenian people. When in doubt, follow the conversational lead of the locals. If you’re traveling with Intrepid, ask your leader for guidance. If you’re after a little insight into the geopolitical complexities of Turkey, check out the 'further reading' list below for some perspectives from Turkish authors.

History and government

Ancient history.

There is evidence of hominin habitation in the region known as Anatolia, or Asian Turkey, that dates as far back as 500,000 years and ample evidence of numerous Neolithic settlements popping up between 8000 and 10,000 years ago. 

Notable civilizations who occupied the prehistoric Anatolian region were the Hattians (circa 2500 BC to 2000 BC), the Hittites (circa 1700 BC to 1200 BC) and the Assyrians. From around 2000 BC, Greeks began settling in north-western Anatolia and the southern coasts, establishing individual city-states.

Pre-modern history

The majority of Anatolia was conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 BC. After his death, a succession of various Greek-Macedonian rulers controlled the area until 133 BC when the region was given to the Roman Republic.

Roman control had little impact on the dominant classical Greek culture, which continued to thrive in Anatolia until the region’s absorption into the Byzantine Empire.

Between the sixth and 11th centuries a massive wave of what is known as the ‘Turkic migration’ occurred, and millions traveled across Central Asia into Europe and the Middle East . Among this migratory wave were various Turkic tribes who brought the Islamic religion and Turkic languages that dominate modern Turkey.

The Byzantine Empire sustained a number of invasions and limped forward before finally collapsing in the 14th century, by which point much of Anatolia was already controlled by tribal micro-kingdoms. One of these Turkic tribal groups, the Ottomans, emerged as the dominant regional power during the 15th century and enjoyed a few hundred years of expansion and growth until territorial losses forced its eventual decline in the 19th century.

20th century

The final dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after defeat at the hands of the Allies in WWI was followed by a brief period of Allied occupation before the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk became the republic’s first president and introduced radical reforms to modernize Turkey and imbue it with a unique identity that was separate from that of the former empire. His ideas continue to be influential in contemporary politics today.

In the decades since the death of Ataturk in 1938, Turkey has seen a number of swings between democratic and autocratic governance, interrupted by brief periods of military governance and occasional political chaos.

Turkey today is a presidential republic where the ruling political parties have historically been nationalist and somewhat economically liberal, with a varying amount of Islamic influence. 

Far-left political activist groups and minority rebel groups have waxed and waned in terms of public and political influence. The most notable is the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a militant political group originally formed with the intention of creating a Kurdish separatist state. The arrest of PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan in 1999 was a crushing blow to the once-powerful group, though they continue to operate with the stated aim of ensuring the rights and autonomy of the Kurdish people in Turkey and beyond.   

More recently, Turkey has experienced relative prosperity and political stability, though the economy – based on mineral mining, agriculture, tourism and construction – continues to fluctuate between growth and stasis.

Eating and drinking

Home to some of the tastiest produce you can get your hands on, traditional cooking methods and influence from Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Turkey’s food is surprising, delicious and delightful (pun definitely intended).

Plant-based options

Many Turkish favorites are already non-meat. Gozleme, simit and cig kofte are all vegetarian and easy to find in markets, street corner food stands and restaurants. Vegans will have a trickier time finding pre-made dishes that contain no animal products. However, Turkey has an abundance of markets selling fresh produce, bread and extras like hummus and fava bean dip. With a little planning, vegans will be able to assemble meze-style lunches when pre-made options aren’t available.

In dishes like soups and stews it’s a good idea to watch out for beef stock – called et suyu – as it is used frequently even in ‘vegetarian’ dishes.

Must-try Turkish dishes and beverages

• Gozleme This spinach and cheese pastry is a tasty budget-friendly bite that will satisfy everyone (especially vegetarians).
• Lokum Love it or hate it, this divisive treat (known internationally as Turkish delight) can be found in shops, bazaars and street stalls nearly everywhere in Turkey. Made from rosewater, lemon, sugar, cornflour and water, it's relatively easy to make… and even easier to eat.
• Simit As far as quick and easy snacks go it’s hard to pass up simit, a bread similar to a sesame-encrusted bagel. Carts selling simit can be found at bus and train stations, main streets and other busy thoroughfares in most cities.
• Cig kofte Made with bulgur, onion, tomato paste and spices, this south-eastern specialty is essentially a big ol’ vegetarian ‘meatball’. The traditional kind (made with raw meat) is now banned, so you can eat without fear of food poisoning.
• Fish sandwiches Particularly if you’re spending time in the Bosphorus, a fish sandwich (or balik ekmek) is a must-try local dish. Made with white fish, onion and salad, it’s a simple classic that hits the spot.
• Manti Though the ingredients that fill these handmade dumplings vary, the best kind are filled with lamb and served with yogurt and butter. It’s hard to move after polishing off a plate, but so worth it.
• Turkish coffee Turkish coffee is known around the world for its unique brewing method. It's made with arabica beans which are ground into a fine powder and boiled with cardamom and water in a cevze – a pretty copper or brass pot with a long, thin handle.

Learn more about what to drink in Turkey

Turkey travel highlights

One of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world, the ruins of Ephesus are essential viewing for amateur historians.

Turkey Highlights, 8 days

Turkey: Bike & Kayak, 12 days

Boasting incredible Roman ruins and a harbor that proves the term ‘Turquoise Coast’ is well-deserved, Antalya is a sophisticated slice of Mediterranean Turkey.  

Turkey Encompassed, 15 days

Essential Turkey, 11 days

3. Istanbul

People are passionate about Istanbul. Allow at least a few days to explore the sights of this continent-straddling city and discover the indefinable quality that inspires such devotion.

Taste of Istanbul, 3 days

Turkey Real Food Adventure, 11 days

 The main base for exploring stunning Cappadocia, Goreme has many buildings that are carved into the same soft volcanic rock that forms the fairy chimneys and spires the region is famous for.

Turkey Uncovered, 14 days

5. Mt Nemrut

Hike to the summit of this remote mountain and you’ll be rewarded with the ruins of an ancient mausoleum, including gigantic stone heads which are all that remain of epic statues of various gods.

Turkey Backroads, 5 days

Turkey Explored, 18 days

Cruise to the sunken city of Kekova, where you can swim and snorkel in crystal blue waters, taste fabulous local cuisine, float over an ancient sunken city or explore Lycian tombs.

Geography and environment

A fairly mountainous country sharing borders with Bulgaria , Greece , Syria, Iraq, Iran , Armenia , Georgia and Azerbaijan , Turkey also has wide stretches of coastline along the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Blessed with large tracts of fertile soil, Turkey is one of the world's biggest agricultural producers, and visitors can expect to see many farms, orchards, plantations and areas of permanent crops occupying certain regions.

Due to its location, Turkey is home to a wide variety of landscapes, from the rocky, forested coastline of the Black Sea region to the fertile plateaus of the Marmara, the white sand beaches of the Aegean and the limestone formations of the Mediterranean. Adding further environmental diversity, the Anatolia highlands (considered the heartland of the country) feature rugged snow-capped peaks and crystalline lakes.

With one of the biggest bazaars in the world, flea markets aplenty and a cutting-edge contemporary fashion scene in the bigger cities, shopping in Turkey is more diverse than you might think.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country, particularly perishable items. Australia and New Zealand, for example, generally have strict quarantine laws.

A note on ceramics

While beautifully decorated tiles and ceramics overflow from Turkey’s market stalls, you should keep in mind that their point of origin can be hard to decipher. In other words, watch out for fakes. The real deal tends to be pretty expensive (but worth it, if you ask us). Of course, if you’re just after something pretty to remind you of your travels, don’t feel too bad about reaching for the inexpensive option.

Things to buy in Turkey

• Handwoven carpets Turkish carpets are a worldwide phenomenon and represent centuries of artistic tradition woven into a beautiful work of art. Go in with an idea of how much you’re willing to pay and don’t be afraid to bargain a little. Just keep in mind that quality craftsmanship deserves to be rewarded with a fair price. A lot of vendors and stores will give you the carpet in a bag suitable to transport as luggage, or you might consider shipping it back home.
• Nazar boncuk (evil eye talisman) Want to bring home a little piece of Turkey and ward off evil spirits and intentions at the same time? An evil eye talisman is a perfect thing. You’ll see these little blue ‘eyes’ in every shop and the majority of Turks carry one with them wherever they go.
• Jewelry Turkey's artisan-made gold and silver earrings, rings and bracelets are good buys. Bazaars, boutiques, museum gift shops and silversmiths offer a wide range of designs from modern to Ottoman-inspired.
• Brass and copper You can find an assortment of brass and copper decorative objects for the home in the bazaars of Turkey. Serving platters, pitchers, trays, pots and urns will add some souvenir flair to your kitchen.

Festivals and events

If you want an adventure with a point of difference, consider planning your travels to coincide with these popular events.

Whether or not you want to travel during Ramazan (Ramadan) will depend on what kind of adventure you’re after. If you love immersing yourself in local culture and religious practices (and don’t mind a little inconvenience) you might just find traveling during this holy month a fascinating and enriching experience. While the days are dedicated to fasting and contemplation, the evenings are full of colorful celebration and, of course, feasting! Plus, there are fewer tourists around to compete with.

Anniversary of the Anzac campaign

Thousands of people head to Gallipoli every year to pay their respects to fallen Australian , New Zealand and Turkish soldiers who died during the bloody Gallipoli campaign of WWI. The moving dawn ceremony is an iconic event that grows in popularity each year, so if you're hoping to head to Gallipoli in April for Anzac Day, plan ahead.

Efes Pilsen One Love Festival

This annual summer music festival held in Istanbul presents two days of rock, pop, folk and electronic entertainment for masses of locals and visitors keen on soaking up some tunes and summer love.

Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Championships

Want to see thousands of oiled-up men wrestle and grapple with each other? Then this is the festival for you! This wrestling championship is held over several days, usually in late June, when Turkey's national sport is celebrated with gusto and fanfare. Apart from the one-on-one wrestling bouts, there’s Romani bands, traditional food and belly dancers providing the perfect sideshow attractions.

Cappadox Festival

Set in the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia, this eco-friendly music festival features artists and musicians performing on solar-powered stages and inside the ancient caves that the region is famous for. Held around June, the festival was originally an annual event but has moved to a biennial timetable.

Learn more about festivals in Turkey

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Turkey adventure, check out these books:

• Turkey: A Short History – Norman Stone
• The Bastard of Istanbul – Elif Shafak
• Last Train to Istanbul – Ayse Kulin
• Poems of Nazim Hikmet – Nazim Hikmet
• Istanbul: Memories and the City – Orhan Pamuk
• Portrait of a Turkish Family – Irfan Orga
• A Fez of the Heart – Jeremy Seal
• Turkish Coast Through Writers' Eyes – Rupert Scott (ed.)

Similar destinations

Thinking about a trip to Turkey but still browsing other destinations? Or, maybe you've already traveled to the crossroads of Europe and Asia and you're looking for somewhere similar? Check out tours to neighboring locations:

• Greece tours
• Cyprus tours
• Bulgaria tours

Turkey travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa to travel to Turkey?

You may need a visa to enter Turkey depending on where you’re from. Foreign nationals from several countries will need an e-visa that allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, including:

• South Africa

Travelers from many countries – including  New Zealand , the  United Kingdom , Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,  Japan , Norway, Sweden and  Switzerland  – don’t require a visa for stays of less than three months if the trip is for tourism or business purposes.

When is the best time to visit Turkey?

The best time to visit Turkey is typically during the shoulder seasons of March to May or September to October when the temperatures are still warm and there aren't yet large summer crowds.

For the best beach weather, the hottest time of year is June and July, however, this collides with the summer holidays, so it will be busy.

The cooler months are quieter and accommodation (when still open) is cheaper.

If you are planning to travel to the eastern reaches of Turkey during Ramadan/Ramazan, it’s important to consider that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating at reduced hours. However, the carnival atmosphere that erupts when the fast breaks in the evening is magical, so travelers who enjoy immersive cultural experiences might prefer to travel during the holy month.

What's the weather like in Turkey?

The weather in Turkey depends on the time of year and region you're visiting. The southern coastlines typically experience a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and wet winters, while the interior regions can experience drastic temperature changes and even snow.

If you're planning on swimming, the water is generally still warm up until the start of November and October is great as it's much quieter.

Weather in Istanbul is fairly temperate, sheltered from severe weather by its proximity to the coastlines.

Is tipping customary in Turkey?

While tipping isn't mandatory in Turkey, a cash tip that equals a small percentage of the total bill is very much appreciated in restaurants.

It's also customary to tip staff while visiting hammams (bathhouses). It's not necessary to tip taxi drivers, although rounding up the fare for convenience is commonplace.

What is the internet access like in Turkey?

Free wi-fi is common in Turkey’s cities, but the quality of connection varies. Alternatively, Turkey has an abundance of internet cafes in large cities, and most of them serve coffee and snacks so you can refuel while you catch up with folks back home.

Internet access can be spotty or non-existent in rural areas, so it’s best to treat travel in these regions as an opportunity for a digital detox. 

Can I use my mobile phone while in Turkey?

Mobile phone coverage is good in Turkey, especially in large cities. Coverage may not be available in more remote areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile.

What are the toilets like in Turkey?

Turkey has a mix of Western-style and squat-style toilets, sometimes with a jug of water for manual flushing. The latter becomes more common the more remote the region, however, there's typically a Western-style toilet in every bathroom.

Toilets are known as WCs (short for water closets) in Turkey.

Many public toilets require a small payment of roughly 2-10 TRY for use, so make sure you carry change when out and about.

You may find the standards of hygiene and sanitation in Turkey are laxer than you are used to so it's a good idea to carry toilet paper and hand sanitiser if you are concerned.

What will it cost for a…?

Turkey's unit of currency is the lira (TRY). Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

• Half-litre of beer = 50-60 TRY
• Simit (local bread roll) = 10 TRY
• Casual restaurant meal = 300 TRY
• Mid-range restaurant meal = 600 TRY
• Basic hammam visit = 1000 + TRY/50 EURO

Can I drink the water in Turkey?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Turkey. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water or carry water purification tablets with you. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables rather than eating washed or unwashed produce.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Turkey?

Major credit cards are widely accepted in tourist shopping areas and large hotels in Turkey, but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors, in remote towns and rural areas. We recommend carrying cash for purchases to avoid being caught out.

What is ATM access like in Turkey?

ATMs are available in large cities in Turkey but are not common in rural areas and smaller towns. Be prepared for this by having enough cash before traveling out of the city.

What to wear in Turkey

Turkey can get quite warm in summer and during the shoulder seasons but it’s important to remember that clothing that covers you from elbows to below the knee is appropriate in (or even around) mosques. Think linen pants, lightweight tops/shirts and long dresses. Female travelers should also carry a scarf on them to wear when visiting mosques.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Turkey?

• 1 January New Year's Day
• 23 April National Sovereignty and Children's Day
• 1 May Labour Day
• 19 May Youth & Sports Day
• 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day
• 30 August Victory Day
• 29 October Republic Day

View a full list of public holidays in Turkey .

The 30-day Islamic holy month of Ramazan (Ramadan) is widely observed in Turkey. The exact dates change every year, so it’s important you check when Ramazan will take place in the year you plan to travel. As a general rule, there are five consecutive public holidays observed at the beginning of the month and a few observed at the end.

The level of celebration varies considerably depending on what part of Turkey you are in. The east has a larger Muslim population and therefore a more devoutly observed Ramazan, whereas the southern and western coasts will be less affected.

Kurban (Eid al-Adha)

A four to five-day public holiday is observed during Kurban (Eid al-Adha), though like Ramazan the exact dates of this observation change every year.

Is Turkey safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

LGBTQIA+ travelers should be aware that while Turkey is nominally secular it can also be very conservative. As such, negative attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ individuals are common, particularly outside major cities.  

While same-sex relationships and non-normative gender presentation are not against the law in Turkey, LGBTQIA+ people have no legally enshrined protection from discrimination. Legal prohibitions against ‘ offenses against public morality’ can and have been used to persecute LGBTQIA+ folks, though the likelihood of this being used to target travelers is low.

Transgender travelers, in particular, should be aware that trans people in Turkey report being the targets of violence and overt discrimination. 

Istanbul and Ankara have established queer scenes, both of which are primarily oriented around cisgender gay men and to a lesser extent cisgender gay women. However, same-sex couples are still unlikely to engage in public displays of affection in these cities.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

Is Turkey accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

While infrastructure is improving, much of Turkey remains difficult to navigate for wheelchair users and people with mobility concerns. Many cities in Turkey have been occupied for thousands of years and their design reflects that, with little regard given to making streets and attractions accessible. Travelers with impaired mobility will find that while tourist locales in Istanbul, such as hotels and mosques, are fitted with ramps and connected by an accessible tram, getting around the rest of the city can be challenging. Rural regions like Cappadocia will be difficult for travelers with mobility impairment to navigate independently. 

Squat toilets remain the norm in many parts of Turkey, which can pose problems for travelers with certain disabilities.

Traffic in Turkey can be chaotic, and even when traffic lights and pedestrian crossings exist drivers do not always obey them. Taxis are, for the most part, not wheelchair-friendly.         

Travelers who use battery-operated hearing aids should consider bringing a stash of extra batteries, as they can be difficult to locate in Turkey.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

Does my trip to Turkey support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Turkey directly support our foundation partner, C ontemporary Life Support Association (CYDD) . 

Contemporary Life Support Association (CYDD) provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey. Donations from our trips fund a program where young scholarship awardees undertake outreach workshops with marginalized children in regional villages. Workshops include information sessions on gender equality, health, law, culture, and other human rights topics.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What kind of accommodation will I be staying in?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in Turkey you may find yourself staying in a:

These locally run guesthouses are the perfect blend of a comfortable homestay and a hotel, combining well-situated and authentic Turkish accommodation with modern conveniences.

Immerse yourself in local village life and enjoy Turkish hospitality (and food) during a homestay. Share a home-cooked meal with your hosts and embrace the slow life.

How will I be traveling around Turkey?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport – which usually have less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending what trip you're on while in Turkey, you may find yourself traveling by:

Explore the rugged beauty of Turkey’s coast on a traditional Turkish sailing gulet. Spend days exploring submerged ruins and nights cozied up on deck under the stars.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

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Home > 7 Days In Turkey Itinerary: 5 Trip Ideas From Istanbul & Beyond

7 Days In Turkey Itinerary: 5 Trip Ideas From Istanbul & Beyond

Written by our local expert Enes

Originally from North Macedonia, Enes is a well-traveled enthusiast residing in Türkiye. He combines his extensive knowledge and avid wanderlust to bring you insightful narratives of his Turkish adventures.

Here are several 7-day in Turkey itinerary ideas to get you started from Istanbul to ancient cities all the way to the beach.

These 7 day Turkey tour options are sure to impress no matter if you are planning a trip in the summer months or in the chilly winter season.

There are far too many highlights of Turkey to see in just 7-days; even if you pack in full days and book direct flights, there is not enough time – that said, the options below will give you a list of my favorite places and essential sites I know you will love – especially for first-time visitors.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

One Week In Turkey

Turkey is a country rich in history and culture; every corner of the land is full of historical monuments, architectural wonders, and  natural attractions . Nevertheless, since my beautiful country is large and there are too many things to do, it might be challenging to plan a one-week trip to Turkey.

Yet, you need not worry! If you want to spend a memorable seven days in Turkey, you are in the right place! In this article, we’ll discuss the best 7-day Turkey itinerary options for exploring Turkey and making the best of your stay there.

These 7 days in Turkey ideas will show you how you can see the historical streets of Istanbul , explore the picturesque Cappadocia, and swim in the turquoise waters of Antalya.

7 Day Turkey Itinerary Ideas

Turkey is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a fun and action-packed trip. There’s so much to see and do in this vibrant country; as we have 7 days in Turkey, it is a way to get a taste of everything it offers. Here are some great ideas for your week-long Turkey itinerary:

Option 1. Classic Turkey Tour: Istanbul And Cappadocia

This option will provide you with a classic, yet fantastic, Türkiye tour. You’ll first arrive in Istanbul, and after checking up at your hotel, you can start exploring Istanbul . Visiting the Old City, including the Blue Mosque , Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace, is the first thing on your itinerary.

The initial exploration shouldn’t be too tiring since you’ll be travel-sore; you have two days to spend in Istanbul , so you can take it easy and try to enjoy the change of environment.

The second day will be full of shopping, exploration, and amazement. You’ll see the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, which have plenty of shops selling a wide variety of products. After purchasing souvenirs and memorabilia, you can visit the Bosphorus Strait for a cruise.

The sunset over Istanbul is an incomparable sight you should experience, and the ideal spot to observe this phenomenon is at a  local Bosphorus restaurant.

On your third day, you’ll take a domestic flight to Nevsehir Airport, Cappadocia, to explore the unique landscape. You can start exploring as soon as you arrive as the flight shouldn’t take too long. The underground cities and rock formations in this region are just unique.

On your fourth day, you should visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, and the Uchisar Castle to gain a glimpse into the region’s past. You can also enjoy a hot-air balloon ride in the early morning or late afternoon.

You’ll spend your fifth and sixth days in Antalya . You can start your journey by exploring the historic old town, or Kaleiçi, and visiting the famous Antalya Museum. The next day, visit the ancient city of Perge and the stunning Aspendos Theatre.

After basking in the rich history of the Mediterranean region, you can finally visit the pristine beaches of  Antalya to take a dip in its sea.

On the seventh day, you’ll head back to Istanbul to either rest or further explore the colorful culture in the city. You can spend this day on a culinary expedition and enjoy the local cuisine.

• Day 1: Arrival in İstanbul
• Day 2: Visit the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, the Bosporus Strait
• Day 3: Take a flight to Cappadocia
• Day 4: See Goreme Open Air Museum and Uçhisar Castle
• Day 5: Fly to Antalya
• Day 6: Visit Perge and Aspendos Theatre
• Day 7: Return To Istanbul

Option 2. Western Türkiye Tour: Marmara And Aegean

For an exquisite experience of discovering the western part of Turkey, you should first travel to İstanbul. As the city is the cultural capital of Turkey , you will spend your first two days exploring the Old City, eating and drinking local delicacies, and strolling through the historic streets.

On the third day, you’ll travel to Çanakkale; since the city isn’t as big as İstanbul, you can explore the main attractions on the first day. The fourth day will be a historical pilgrimage to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a prominent location for the history of the Republic of Turkey and the Turks as a nation.

The rest of your itinerary will be in İzmir. On day five, you’ll fly to İzmir; once you check in to the hotel, you can explore the environment. On the sixth day, you can visit Selçuk and the ancient ruins of Ephesus , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since Selçuk is a historic region, visiting its museums might be an excellent idea for history enthusiasts.

You can visit Konak, the city’s heart, on your last day in İzmir. The historic Kemeraltı is a renowned bazaar with exquisite artisan pieces, souvenirs, and antique items.

• Day 2: Explore the Old City
• Day 3: Travel to Çanakkale
• Day 4: Visit Gallipoli
• Day 5: Fly to İzmir
• Day 6: Explore Ephesus and Selçuk
• Day 7: Visit Konak

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Option 3. an exclusive aegean tour: izmir, muğla & ephesus.

With its majestic sea, colorful culture, and unfathomable mountains covered with olive trees, the Aegean is a must-see region in Turkey . It is the third-largest city in Turkey, known for its beautiful coastline, historic landmarks , and bustling bazaars. As it’s called “the Pearl of the Aegean,” an Aegean tour should start from this famed city.

On the first day, you’ll arrive in İzmir and check in to the hotel. You may have some free time to explore the city, depending on your arrival time.

On the second day, you’ll begin your tour at the Kemeraltı Bazaar, a vast open-air market with hundreds of stores and stalls selling everything from traditional textiles and pottery to spices and sweets. Next, you’ll visit the iconic Clock Tower, the Kızlarağası Hanı, and, finally, the Archaeological Museum of İzmir.

On day 3, you’ll travel to the small town of Urla, known for its vineyards and olive groves. You’ll visit a local vineyard to learn about the history of winemaking in the region and taste some of the best wines in the area. You can also visit the ancient city of Klazomenai to learn about the olive oil industry in ancient Smyrna.

On the fourth day, you’ll travel to Ephesus , one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. There, you will see some of the most beautiful architectural monuments of the ancient world, including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre.

The rest of your tour will be in Muğla. On day 5, you’ll leave İzmir and travel to Muğla, a beautiful coastal city in southern Turkey . You can spend your first day resting or trying the local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

The next day, you’ll visit the Kedrai Ancient City, once a critical commercial center for the Hellenic world during antiquity, the city is in ruins today. Nevertheless, the main structures in the city, the acropolis, the agora, and the theatre, are very well preserved.

On your last day of the tour, you’ll have a free day to enjoy the pristine beaches of Muğla. Since Muğla has a wealth of beaches, you won’t have difficulty finding the ideal area to unwind and bask in the sun. Consider visiting Bodrum , one of Turkey’s most popular holiday spots, as it offers some of the prettiest beaches in the country.

• Day 1: Travel to İzmir
• Day 2: Explore the city
• Day 3: Vine tasting in Urla
• Day 4: Visit Ephesus and Selçuk
• Day 5: Travel to Muğla
• Day 6: See the Kedrai Ancient City
• Day 7: Take a Beach Day

Option 4. From Western To Central Turkey By Train

If you are already familiar with some parts of Western Turkey, you can add a flavor to your journey and travel from west to east by train . At this point, you should decide where to start your journey; both İstanbul and İzmir are great options for traveling by train as they have more routes.

If you decide to travel to İstanbul, you can spend your first day preparing for the train journey and warming up for a new adventure. You may consider visiting the historical parts of İstanbul or visiting malls and famous attractions. If you’ve already seen most of Istanbul, you can travel on a beach trip to the Black Sea coast .

If you decide to travel to İzmir, you can spend your first day discovering the city center, the Old City, and Kemeraltı Bazaar. The second day might involve a culinary exploration or a visit to some nearby beaches to unwind on the turquoise waters of the Aegean. However, try not to become too exhausted because you’ll take a train the next day.

The following day will be a bit tiring; you’ll take your train to Eskişehir, a journey that takes several hours. Thankfully, the route offers you exquisite scenery, which might compensate for the time it takes. You’ll spend days 4 and 5 discovering the city, visiting museums, and trying the local cuisine.

On the sixth day, you’ll take a train to Ankara , which is relatively close to Eskişehir. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore the city. On your last day of the tour, you’ll take a city tour of Ankara. You’ll visit the famous Atatürk Mausoleum, the historic Ankara Citadel, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

• Day 2: Explore İstanbul
• Day 3: Take a Train to Eskişehir
• Day 4: Visit the museums of Eskişehir
• Day 5: Taste the Local Cuisine
• Day 6: Take a Train to Ankara
• Day 7: Take a city tour

Option 5. Izmir To Ankara

• Day 2: Explore İzmir

Turkish Transport Options For Your 7-Day Turkey Itinerary

Because Türkiye is so enormous, it is crucial to know how best to travel in Turkey and what the upsides and downsides of the transport options across Turkey are.

There are many different transportation options available when traveling in Turkey . The most favored option is to use the public transportation system, which includes buses, trains, and trams. However, several private transport companies also offer services to tourists.

Some of the best ways to travel while on your 7-day trip to Turkey are:

• Using the public transport system: This is the most popular option for travelers as it is efficient and relatively cheap. You can use the metro, bus, or tram system to get around Istanbul and other major cities in Turkey
• Utilize the vast domestic airways network: Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier airline of Türkiye, and it has a broad network of options to crisscross the country easily
• Hiring a car: This is an excellent option if you want the freedom to explore at your own pace. Many rental car companies are located across Türkiye , and the freeways and highways are of an excellent standard
• Taking a taxi or booking private transfers: Taxis are widely available in all major cities and towns in Turkey. They are generally reasonably priced, although it is always best to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi. Get a quote on your private transfers here.

Transport Trip To Turkey FAQS

How can i travel the fastest between different parts of turkey.

Flying: Turkey is vast, so flying is a common and convenient way to travel between various regions. Flights are relatively short, affordable, and frequent. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus are the main carriers.

Are internal flights in Turkey safe?

Turkish Airlines is recognized as a reputable airline with a strong safety record. However, some travelers may have concerns about Pegasus, so it’s important to research and choose an airline that aligns with your comfort level.

Is driving a good option for exploring Turkey?

Driving can be a fun option if you have more than seven days for your vacation or you cut back the number of stops. Roads are generally in good condition, but it’s recommended that you avoid driving in Istanbul due to heavy traffic.

What about coach travel in Turkey?

Coaches are a budget-friendly option, although travel times can be long. The coaches are clean and offer regular stops for toilet and food breaks.

Is it worth considering an organized tour in Turkey?

Organized tours can be a convenient way to explore Turkey, especially if you’re short on time or don’t like planning. They offer a stress-free travel experience, and you can choose tours based on your interests and preferences.

Are there different types of tours available in Turkey?

Yes, there are various types of tours in Turkey that cater to different preferences. Some focus on history and culture, while others emphasize beaches and nightlife. Tour group sizes, pacing, and activities can vary, so research thoroughly to find the right fit for you.

How do I book public transport in Turkey?

You can book bus journeys online through platforms like this. If seats are still available and you book too close to departure time, you may need to get a physical ticket at the bus station.

Can I customize my travel itinerary in Turkey?

Yes, you can choose a tailored private tour for maximum flexibility in your itinerary. This allows you to create a personalized experience based on your interests and preferences.

Are trains a viable option for travel in Turkey?

Trains may not be the best option for a 7-day itinerary, but for longer trips, you can consider train travel between certain destinations. Check The Man In Seat 61 for details on train routes and schedules.

How should I choose the best travel option for my trip to Turkey?

Consider your budget, time constraints, and travel preferences. Whether you prefer flying, driving, taking a coach, or joining a tour, research and plan your trip accordingly to make the most of your visit to Turkey.

Where Are The Biggest Cities In Turkey

How To Get To Türkiye To Start Your 7 Day Turkey Tour

With its world-renowned airline and strategic location, it’s easy to travel to Turkey . The following are the most common ways to travel to Turkey:

• By Air : You can find international flights to Turkey from most airports in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. Istanbul, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, is only a few hour’s flight away from many major European capital cities . Try to find an early morning flight to make the most of your time
• By Land : Turkey shares borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Armenia and Syria. Therefore, you can easily travel to the country by land
• By Sea: Many Mediterranean ports, especially Greek and Italian ports, have ferry routes to Turkey. Turkey is also a popular destination for cruise ships

Is 7 Days Enough To Discover Turkey

In short, no.

That said, seven days is all it takes to get a sense of Turkey’s heritage, culture, and spectacular nature. Especially if you’re planning to visit a particular city, you can enjoy everything it offers and immerse in its unique culture.

Seven days isn’t enough time to fully discover Turkey , as every region has a unique culture and history, making even a 70-day expedition insufficient. Nevertheless, if you have a solid plan, you can make the most of your seven-day trip to Turkey—and then we bet you’ll be planning a second (and third) trip back to Turkey.

• 14-Day Itinerary In Turkey
• 10-Day Itinerary Ideas In Turkey

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When Is The Best Time To Visit Turkey

The Turquoise Coast is best enjoyed in April, May, June, September, and early/mid-November when the weather is good without excessive heat and crowds. Cappadocia can be pretty hot in summer, so it’s best to avoid July and August. Istanbul is incredible to visit during the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn, but even winter can be a good time with fewer crowds.

It’s always a good idea to compare the weather to your planned itinerary. Here is what the weather is usually like for the main regions in Turkey.

7 Days In Turkey FAQs

What are some must-visit destinations for a 7-day trip to turkey.

Consider including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Antalya in your 7-day itinerary to experience Turkey’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.

How many days should I spend in Istanbul?

Istanbul deserves at least 2-3 days to explore its iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

Is 2 days enough to explore Cappadocia?

While two days will give you a glimpse of Cappadocia’s unique landscapes and fairy chimneys, consider extending your stay to fully experience a hot-air balloon flight and the underground cities. Be sure to book a cave hotel to get the maximum wow factor.

How can I travel between different cities in Turkey?

You can travel between cities by domestic flights, long-distance buses, or a guided tour. Domestic flights are convenient for covering larger distances quickly, while buses offer a budget-friendly option.

What are some off-the-beaten-path destinations to include in my itinerary?

For a unique experience, consider visiting places like Pergamon, Aphrodisias, or the ancient city of Termessos. These sites offer fascinating historical sites with fewer crowds.

Can I include a beach destination in my 7-day itinerary?

Absolutely! You can add a beach destination like Antalya to relax and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean coastline during your 7-day trip.

What should I pack for my Turkey trip?

Pack comfortable clothing suitable for the season. Comfortable shoes for walking, and don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a scarf to enter religious sites.

What do I need to know about voltage and travel converters in Turkey?

Make sure you have the right adapters for electronic devices. The voltage in Turkey is the same as in Greece, so if you have a European adapter plug, you’re all set. Check if you need a voltage converter as well.

Should I get a Turkish SIM card for internet access?

Consider getting a Turkish SIM or eSIM to have convenient and secure access to data. You can get them at the airport, and they offer options for data-only or packages that include calls and texts.

What currency should I use in Turkey?

The official currency is Turkish Lira, but due to the lira’s weakness and fluctuation, prices for hotel and tour-related charges are often given in euros. Credit cards are widely accepted.

How can I ensure my safety while traveling in Turkey?

Follow general safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Check official travel guidelines from your government. For more specific information, refer to resources that cover safety in Turkey, especially Istanbul.

Now that you have our seven days in Turkey itinerary ideas, please tell us how far you’ll explore beyond Istanbul on your 7 day Turkey tour.

• Spending 5 Days In Turkey
• 14 Day Turkey And Greece Itinerary
• 5 Days In Istanbul – 3 Perfect Itinerary Ideas
• How To Spend 1 Day In Istanbul
• 4 Days In Istanbul

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7 Days Turkey Tour Package – Istanbul, Ephesus, and Cappadocia Tours with the best deals and exclusive services during 7 Days Turkey Tour. Guided Group and Private Turkey Tour Packages.

7 Days Turkey Tour

ISTANBUL → EPHESUS → CAPPADOCIA

Day 1 – Arrive in Istanbul Welcome to Istanbul! Where the continents meet.

Meet at Istanbul Airport: Once you arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, after the luggage claim, you will be greeted by a Romos Travel Representative at the meeting area.

Transfer to the hotel: You will be taken to your hotel, and after check-in, you will have time for leisure, and the rest of the day is yours.

Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 2 – Istanbul Old City Tour After breakfast, your pick-up will be scheduled for 8:30 am from the hotel to start the Private Istanbul Old City tour. Our professional tour guide will be introducing the ancient sights of Istanbul.

Today you will explore the following highlights of Istanbul.

Hippodrome: An ancient Roman and Ottoman square where the chariot races were held. Within the square is some Roman remains, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and Constantine Columns.

The Blue Mosque: An Ottoman Imperial mosque built by Sultan Ahmet I in 1609-1616 CE, famous for the blue Ottoman tiles.

Hagia Sophia: Once the largest cathedral of Christianity when it was built in 532-537 CE by the Roman Emperor Justinian; later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans.

Topkapi Palace: The Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built the palace after the conquest of Constantinople. Topkapi Palace was the home of the royal family and the headquarters for the Ottoman Empire’s administrative center.

Grand Bazaar (Covered Market): The largest and oldest functioning shopping center in the world. The Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built the Grand Bazaar in the 15th century. The market consists of 5,000 stores, 66 streets, 24 gates, and much more eye-pleasing architecture. Within the bazaar are many Turkish handicraft stores such as rugs, carpets, kilims, and beautiful Turkish tiles. Upon your request, our guide will be more than happy to help you find your masterpiece of Turkish art.

After the Istanbul Old City sightseeing tour, you will be driven back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Note: Breakfast at hotel and lunch at a local restaurant is included

Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise, Two Continents Tour After breakfast, your pick-up will be scheduled for 8:30 am from the hotel to start the Bosphorus tour. Our professional tour guide will be introducing you to the Bosphorus.

Today you will explore the following highlights of the Bosphorus:

Spice Market ( Egyptian Bazaar): The Ottomans built the market in the 17th century. Unlike the Grand Bazaar, the Spice market is much smaller but full of beautiful fragrances of mixed spices, herbs, and traditional sweets. It consists of around 100 stores, 2 streets, and 5 gates.

Bosphorus Cruise: The channel divides Istanbul into two continents and stretches about 32 km between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Along the Bosphorus, there are many settlements to see, such as great Palaces, hotels, yali (private houses), etc. While you are on the boat, you will see the highlights of the Bosphorus including the Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Çırağan Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Küçüksu Palace, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge ( the second bridge on the Bosphorus), Maiden’s Tower to name a few.

Beylerbeyi Palace: After the sultans westernized the Ottoman Empire, they built some Palace’s modern-western architectural styles. The Beylerbeyi Palace is one of them, located on the Asian side by the Bosphorus. The garden is full of statues, and the rooms with handcrafted arts will take you back in time to the 19th century.

Çamlıca Hill: The highest hill of Istanbul, situated on the Asian side. The walking path with 360 panoramic views will let you take the best pictures of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

After the Bosphorus sightseeing tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4 – Flight to Izmir/ Ephesus Tour After breakfast, we will pick you up from the hotel and head towards the airport for the domestic flight to Izmir. Meet at Izmir Airport with your professional guide and start the tour.

We will drive to Virgin Mary’s House, upon the dream of German nun Anna Katherina Emerich, the Lazarist priests followed the descriptions and the signs then discovered the house 1891 CE. According to Catholic belief, Mary was taken here by St. John, and she spent the rest of her earthly life there.

After the Virgin Mary’s House, we proceed to Ephesus Ancient City, the capital city of Asia Minor during the Roman era. According to myth, Ephesus was founded by Greek commander Androculos around 1,000 BCE. Moreover, Alexander the Great, Lysimachus, Coressus, Antiochus II either invaded or ruled in this city.

While the excavations are still going on, you will see the ancient remains such as State Agora (a marketplace and meeting point), Odeon (Bouleuterion) concert house and council, Town Hall and Artemis Sanctuary, Domitian Square, a complex consisting of temple fountain and a bath, Curetes Street colonnaded and monumental Street in Ephesus, The Hadrian Temple dedicated to Emperor Hadrian dating to 200 BCE, Latrines the public toilets, Celsus Library proves us that how Ephesians were intellectual and dates back to 200 BCE with the library having had 12,000 scrolls, Forum a commercial center located by the port and finally The Great Theater the largest ancient theater with 25,000 capacity.

After Ephesus ancient city, we drive to lunch at a local restaurant, and thereafter the next stop is Isa Bey Mosque, built-in 1375 by the Anatolian Seljuks. Unlike Modern Ottoman architecture, it has a geometrical architecture roof and two minarets. The mosque is still functioning today for the five-time prayers. After Isa Bey Mosque, we drive to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven ancient wonders of the World.

After the Ephesus sightseeing tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Note: Breakfast & Dinner at hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 5 – Flight to Cappadocia/ Cappadocia Tour After breakfast, we will pick you up from the hotel and head towards the airport for the domestic flight to Cappadocia. Meet at Cappadocia (Kayseri) Airport with your professional guide and start the tour.

Devrent Valley, known as imagination valley or pink valley. The geological situation of Cappadocia gives different shapes and colors to the rocks. Some of them look like animals or humans. In here, prominently, there is a camel-shaped rock formation. Dervent valley is located in the North of Cappadocia between Urgup and Avanos road.

Love Valley the valley is situated a few kilometers away from Goreme. Mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys are located here. Some of those cones split into several cones on the upper side of the valley.

Avanos is situated on the North of Cappadocia by the Red River, the longest river in Turkey. The river’s name derives from its red clay, which still makes the most beautiful potteries in Turkey. Avanos is a local town where you can see ancient streets, dwellings, and artisans.

Goreme Open-air Museum dates back to the 2nd century where the ascetic monks who adopted seclusion lived. They had their own independent churches and monasteries where they created a community. Today, the museum houses St. Basil’s Church, Elmalı Church, Boys and Girls, St. Barbara Church, Serpent Church, etc.…

Esentepe Hill, located on the way to Goreme and Avanos road. As an observation hill, it allows you to explore the landscape of Cappadocia, where you can see the fairy chimneys and take remarkable photos.

Uchisar Castle, almost the peak point of Cappadocia, which you can see miles away, about 60 meters high, and located on the edge of Goreme. It served as a residential place to the locals for many years. The caves and the dwellings still exist on the slopes.

After the Cappadocia sightseeing tour, we will drive you back to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6 – Cappadocia Day Tour After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and then start the Cappadocia Day Tour.

We will now be visiting other highlights of Cappadocia.

Fairy Chimneys: What makes Cappadocia so popular are those rock formations, called “ fairy chimneys” by the people. Those different rock formations result from millions of years of natural events, such as; rain, wind, erosion. The fairy chimneys had been dwellings, churches, shelters, and natural fortresses for many years. Although the locals live in the town today, the fairy chimneys can be visited by travelers/tourists.

Red Valley: a hiking trail and famous for its red-rose color. The valley is located in the middle of Goreme town, where they appreciate sun-rise and sun-set. The Red Valley houses some abandoned churches, Uzumlu Church, Hacli Church, and Direkli Church, with murals and frescoes.

Cavusin Village: located on the way to Avanos. The rarest residents were still some people follow the ancient attitudes by using the old stuff. You can see those villagers farming, making potteries, and carving. Cavusin Village houses two churches; one dedicated to St. John the Baptist and the other Nicephorus Phocas. Until the 1920’s the Turks and The Greeks were living there together. After the exchange population, The Greeks left the village.

Kaymakli Underground City: rather than Derinkuyu and the other underground cities, Kaymakli Underground City is different as it has much lower and narrower passageways. But it has more levels than the others. In recent years, four other floors have been unearthed, and some chapels, wineries, kitchens stalls have also been discovered.

Pigeon Valley: one of the panoramic spots of Cappadocia, which is located between Uchisar and Goreme. Since ancient times, there has been feeding the pigeons resulting in the carved soft tuff on the slopes to make dovecotes. You can also see Uchisar Castle from a different perspective and may feed the pigeons around you.

After the Cappadocia sightseeing tour, we drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 7 – Transfer to Airport Breakfast at the hotel, Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport, flight to istanbul for your International flight.

After completing the amazing “ 7 Days Turkey Tour Package ”, Package Tour Turkey wishes all guests a very healthy and wonderful life ahead…

7 Days Turkey Tour Package Details

Departure & Return Location

Istanbul Airport & Sabiha Gokcen Airport – Can be supplied depending on your International flight details.

Price Include

Flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir Flight tickets from Izmir to Cappadocia Flight tickets from Cappadocia to Istanbul Entrance fees, mentioned in itinerary Professional tour guide at tours Air-conditioned vehicle for tours and transfers Accommodation is as below: Istanbul: Albatros Hagia Sophia Hotel or a similar hotel Kusadasi: Hotel By Karaaslan Inn, Ilayda Hotel or a similar hotel Cappadocia: Diamond of Cappadocia or a similar hotel 6 Breakfast at the hotel 5 Lunch at the tour 3 Dinner at hotel

Price Exclude

Gratuities to guide and driver Personal expenses Visa & International flight ticket

PER PERSON PRICE IN SINGLE ROOM

Per person price in double room, per person price in triple room.

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The 7-Day Turkey Tour Package: An Introduction

Are you ready to learn about Turkey’s long past and beautiful scenery? This 7-day Turkey tour package includes visits to the busy city of Istanbul, the beautiful area of Cappadocia, and the ancient city of Ephesus. In this piece, we’ll give you an overview of each place you can visit, pointing out the must-see sights and unique things you can do there.

Exploring Istanbul

The historic peninsula, hagia sophia.

Start your trip to Istanbul, which is on two continents and has a rich past that goes back thousands of years. One of the first places you will visit on your tour is the Hagia Sophia, a beautiful building that has been a church, a mosque, and is now a museum.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is just a short walk from Hagia Sophia. It is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. Look at its six thin minarets and the beautiful blue Iznik tiles that are used to decorate the inside.

Topkapi Palace

Next, go to Topkapi Palace, which is where the Ottoman sultans used to live. Here, you can look around the beautiful gardens, rooms full of treasures, and harem quarters, which give you a glimpse into the luxurious lives of the ruling class.

The Vibrant Culture of Istanbul

Grand bazaar.

Visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the world, to learn more about Istanbul’s rich culture. There are more than 4,000 shops where you can buy everything from spices and fabrics to jewelry and gifts.

Spice Bazaar

Don’t pass up the chance to visit the Spice Bazaar, where the smells of foreign spices, dried fruits, and Turkish delight will draw you in. Try some of the local specialties and buy a few treats to take home.

Discovering Cappadocia

The fairy chimneys and unique landscape, göreme open air museum.

Cappadocia is your next stop. This area is known for its strange landscapes, mysterious underground towns, and unique cave homes. The Goreme Open Air Museum is a must-see. Its rock-cut churches and beautifully preserved frescoes show off the fascinating past of the area.

Pasabag Valley

Pasabag Valley, which is also called Monks Valley, is a must-see. You can see the well-known “fairy chimneys” in this area, which are incredible rock sculptures that have evolved over many years as a result of natural erosion. Walk through this strange scenery and look at the strange buildings.

Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia

Take a hot-air balloon ride over the beautiful scenery of Cappadocia for an experience you will never forget. As you fly over the fairy chimneys, cave homes, and vines, you’ll see this magical area in a new way.

The Underground Cities of Cappadocia

Derinkuyu underground city.

Derinkuyu Underground City is one of many underground towns in Cappadocia. It is a great place to learn about the mysterious past of the area. Early Christian groups used these cities, which were cut into the volcanic rock, as safe places to live. Explore the maze-like halls and rooms and try to picture what life was like for the people who used to live here.

Exploring Ephesus

The ancient city of ephesus, temple of artemis.

The next stop on your 7-day Turkey tour is the historical city of Ephesus. Ephesus was once a busy city, but now it is an amazing archaeological site. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is one of the top things to see and do. Even though there are only a few columns left, the place still gives off a feeling of awe and grandeur.

The Celsus Library

The Library of Celsus is another must-see in Ephesus. It is a work of art that used to hold over 12,000 books. Look at its fancy front and think about all the knowledge that was once inside its walls.

The House of the Virgin Mary

Visit the House of the Virgin Mary at the end of your tour of Ephesus. This holy place is thought to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, died. Even if you don’t believe, the peaceful atmosphere at this pilgrimage spot is sure to stick with you.

Additional Activities and Experiences

Turkish bath experience.

If you go to Turkey, you have to try a traditional Turkish bath, called a “hammam.” You can relax and feel better when you get a massage, a steam bath, and cleaning all at the same time.

Turkish Cuisine

During your 7-day tour of Turkey, you’ll have plenty of chances to taste the delicious flavors of Turkish food. Your taste buds will love everything from savory kebabs and meze plates to sweet baklava and Turkish delight.

In the end, this 7-day tour of Turkey takes you to Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus, where you can learn about its history, culture, and natural beauty. You’ll see the best of what Turkey has to offer, from old ruins and busy bazaars to strange landscapes and delicious food.

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7-Day Highlights of Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia

$ 1,294.00   per person

Experience the top attractions with our 7-Day Highlights of Turkey Tour. Wander through Istanbul’s historic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, soak in Pamukkale’s natural beauty, unearth the timeless charm of Ephesus, and gaze at Cappadocia’s ethereal landscape. This journey offers an ideal snapshot of Turkey’s rich heritage.

Obtain your tour price in USD by selecting tour dates and specifics below:

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Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international line of the Airport, holding a sign with your name written on it. After which, you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Alternatively, you can join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show .

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel OR Ayasultan Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After having breakfast at the hotel, start your day by visiting the  Hagia Sophia , the  Blue Mosque  (Sultan Ahmet Mosque), and the  Hippodrome  (Sultanahmet Square). Have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your tour to the  Topkapi Palace , and the  Grand Bazaar . After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 5:00 pm. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: Fly to Denizli – Pamukkale Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel for your transfer to the airport to catch your early morning flight to Denizli. (between 6:00 – 7:00 am as per your e-ticket) from Istanbul to Denizli airport. Upon arrival at the Denizli airport, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to Pamukkale where you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your tour with a professional guide to begin your full-day tour of Pamukkale. Around 10:45 am you will visit the first destination of Karahayit to see the  Red Spring Waters . After Karahayit we will drive to Pamukkale and begin the visit to the ancient city of  Hierapolis  around 11:30 am. The highlights of Hierapolis are Necropolis,  Roman Baths , Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinious Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium,  Theater , and  Cleopatra’s Ancient Pool . You will also be able to take some photos from the nicest corners of Pamukkale.  Around 12:30 pm you will be given some free time for approximately 60 minutes to explore the natural beauties of Pamukkale. As an option, you may choose to swim in the  Pamukkale Antique Pools  (at your own expense) during this free time.  At 1:30 pm you will meet the guide and will get a chance to walk in the middle of the  Pamukkale travertines (White Cliffs) from top to down without shoes and socks. At 2:30 pm you will be taken for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch at approximately 3:30 pm, you will visit an Onyx Factory for approximately 30 minutes. Upon completing the tour at approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Kusadasi and are expected to arrive around 7:30 pm.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 4: Ephesus Tour – Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Izmir

After breakfast at the hotel around 8:30 am you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus . Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s activities. You will first visit the  Temple of Artemis  which was once one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Next, you will visit the world-famous ancient  Greco-Roman City of Ephesus , the most well-preserved example in the world. After visiting this impressive site, you will have a break for lunch. After lunch, you will visit the  House of the Virgin Mary , where it is believed she spent her last days. This is a holy place for both Christians and Muslims. Afterwards, you will visit the  Isabey Mosque . Next, you will be taken to the  Sirince Village;  which is an old Greek village and is well-know for its quaint beauty and wine tasting and production. Here you will have one hour free to explore on your own without a guide the different foods and wines of the area and visit various small traditional village shops. At the end of the tour around approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Izmir airport for your late evening flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir through Istanbul. Upon your arrival at the Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, a representative will be present holding your name sign to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia .

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Holiday Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: North Cappadocia Tour

For an additional option, you can book an early morning   hot air balloon ride   and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please be aware that this activity comes at an extra cost.

After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to join the full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your tour will start with a visit to the  Devrent Valley  to see the unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit the  Pasabag Valley  (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles. After this visit, you will drive to the city of  Avanos . After lunch, you will visit the  Zelve Open Air Museum in Cappadocia. The museum features a series of carved caves and ancient churches, providing a glimpse into the region’s monastic history. Finally, towards the end of the day tour before returning to your hotel, you will have around 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of the natural  castles of Uchisar . After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 4:00 pm. You will have the rest of the day free to relax, explore the city on your own, or take part in any optional activities that are offered.

Day 6: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel around 9:30 am you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s activities. Your tour will begin with a visit to the  Red Valley  where you will be able to explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the  Rose Valley  (Gulludere Vadisi). Next, you will visit  Cavusin Village  which is famous for its houses and churches of Christian Clergymen. We will take a break for lunch around noon. After lunch, you will drive to the  Pigeon Valley  (Guvercinlik Vadisi). In the afternoon you will visit the  Kaymakli Underground City  or  Ozkonak Underground City where early Christians lived. After finishing the tour at approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transported to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport to catch a late evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, a representative will meet you at the airport and arrange for your transportation to your hotel.

Day 7: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• All transfers mentioned in this itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
• Domestic flight tickets specified in the itinerary
• Tours and activities as indicated in the itinerary
• 3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star Hotels including breakfast
• 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel including breakfast
• 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast
• English-speaking guide during the tours
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch)
• Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary
• Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Visa to enter Turkey .
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
• For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation.
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation.
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation.
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the  Basilica Cistern  (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
• On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.

WHEN TO BOOK?

• Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
• You can book up to 2 days before (Istanbul local time) if there are still places available. If less than 2 days before start of your requested tour date, please contact us by email or phone as it would be a last-minute booking that will need to be checked for availability before your tour reservation is confirmed.

Inquire About this Trip

Please fill out the information below and we will be in touch shortly with your personalized quote.

8 reviews for 7-Day Highlights of Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia

Omesh N. – October 6, 2021

The 7 days Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia tour we booked through one nation travel were excellent! The tour guides spoke great English. I highly recommend One Nation Travel for your guided tour requirements.

Rajesh P. – October 15, 2021

We enjoyed the 7 day trip to beautiful Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia. Visited unique places, learned a lot about Turkey history and mythology. Our guide Aylin was knowledgeable and easy to understand. Hotels were comfortable and at Cappadocia had beautiful views. Definitely a worthwhile trip, that is good value for money.

Sohan K. – October 19, 2021

Thank you to the wonderful team for a great Turkey experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting the sights of your wonderful country. Thank you Onenationtravel.com

Aryan R. – October 22, 2021

We had an amazing Turkey trip with One Nation Tours, who tailored the itinerary to our interests and carefully organised everything. Can Berber was very knowledgeable and helped us define our itinerary highlighting the best things to do and booked very nice locations throughout our stay. I would recommend their services to anyone travelling to Turkey.

Natasha H. – January 10, 2022

Just finished 7 days of a Turkey trip. Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia. Can Berber helped me plan the trip and picked the hotels and they were all fantastic. All the transfers were seamless. Her knowledge and expertise and helpfulness were beyond great. I wouldn’t hesitate to use One Nation Travel when we travel to Turkey again.

Kayo Y. – February 15, 2023

My family and I recently enjoyed a fantastic 7-Day Turkey tour with One Nation Travel. The well-organized itinerary showcased Turkey’s breathtaking landmarks, history, and culture.

We stayed in clean, comfortable hotels with friendly staff. The local guides were knowledgeable and engaging, making each site visit even more memorable.

Meals, especially lunch, featured delicious Turkish cuisine, leaving us excited to try more local dishes.

Overall, the unforgettable experience with One Nation Travel exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend this tour for a true taste of Turkey’s beauty and hospitality.

Padma Dash – June 11, 2023

Our week-long tour of Turkey was a splendid blend of culture, history, and nature. The vibrant Istanbul with its lively bazaars, the ethereal Pamukkale with its thermal waters, the historical Ephesus with its ancient ruins, and the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, each location captivated us in its unique way.

The services were impeccable. Transportation was always on time, ensuring smooth transfers between our destinations. Adding to the charm of our trip were the delightful luncheon meals that introduced us to the delectable local cuisine. Accompanied by well-informed guides, we found this Turkish escapade to be above and beyond our expectations. We highly recommend this tour!

Selemeng Mokose – October 6, 2023

I took a solo one week tour organised by One Nation Travel which included travel to Istanbul, Pammukale, Ephesus, Kusadasi and Cappadocia. The booking was professionally handled as also the pickups from the airport and for the respective tours. Can Berber, the One Nation representative was available at all times and also kept abreast of travel between the different destinations including the airline delays thus ensuring your safe return to the hotels. The hotels which were booked for us were extremely clean with attentive and professional staff. The tour guides were exceptional and very informative. I would recommend this tour any day. I intend coming back to Turkey for another tour which I will definitely arrange with One Nation Travel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resources You’ll Need to Plan a Turkey Itinerary

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

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

Is One Week in Turkey Enough Time?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7-Day Turkey Itinerary – 4 Sample Routes

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

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

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

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

ISTANBUL – IZMIR – EPHESUS – SIRINCE – KUSADASI – PAMUKKALE

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

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

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

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

Highlights of this Turkey Itinerary:

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

Day 1-3: Istanbul city and Surroundings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4-5: Izmir-Ephesus-Sirince

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6-7: Kusadasi-Pamukkale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Itinerary #2: One Week Istanbul Pamukkale Cappadocia Itinerary

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

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

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

Day 1-4: Istanbul

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

Day 5: Pamukkale

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

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

Day 6-7: Cappadocia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Optional Extra Detour: Konya or Mersin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Dalaman-Dalyan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2-3: Marmaris

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4-5: Fethiye-Oludeniz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6-7: Alanya-Side

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

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

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

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

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

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

Itinerary #4: 7 Days Turkey Itinerary in Winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turkey Itinerary 7 Days Budget

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

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

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

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

The Last a Few Words on 7 Day Turkey Itinerary  

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

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

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

More Posts to Extend Your 7 Days in Turkey

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

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

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

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7 Day Turkey Itinerary – The Seven Apocalyptical Churches

Enjoy a classic private guided 7 Day Turkey itinerary that will see you visiting some of the very best attractions in Istanbul, including the magnificent, Hagia Sophia, and the breathtaking Topkapi Palace. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, then head off the beaten track to see seven apocalyptical churches, and the remains of an ancient altar known as the Throne of Satan.

End your sightseeing extravaganza in Pammukkale, with a visit to the Cotton Cliffs, one of the Natural Wonders of the World, and then return to Istanbul to board your flight out of this absolutely fascinating destination.

NOTE: Our 7- day Turkey itinerary is a private tour that runs everyday.

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DAY 1 – Arrival at Turkey International Airport

When you arrive in Turkey for your 7 day Turkey itinerary, one of our travel representatives will be standing by to meet and greet you at the airport. Once you have completed immigration procedures you will then be transferred to your hotel in one of our deluxe air condition vehicles.

On arrival at your hotel you will be assisted with check-in and then our travel representative will go over your itinerary with you and confirm pick up times for your upcoming tours. After this you will have the remainder of the day free to enjoy as you wish.

DAY 2 – Private Guided Istanbul City Tour

Begin the 2nd day of your 7 day Turkey itinerary with a good breakfast at your hotel, and then at the confirmed time, your personal guide will meet you and your Istanbul city tour will begin. Your first stop today will be at Istanbul’s most famous and most popular attraction, the magnificent Hagia Sophia.

Originally built by Emperor Constantine during the 4th century to serve as a Christian basilica, the Hagia Sophia was later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans during the 15th century. Much later in history, it was converted into a museum but today it is once again a functioning mosque.

People of all faiths are welcome to visit and explore this architectural wonder, although non-Muslims should avoid entering the prayer area during prayer times.

After your visit to the Hagia Sophia, you will then head to the splendid Topkapi Palace which served as the official residence of numerous Sultans between 1478 and 1856. Today the palace, along with its Treasury and Harem is a museum, and one which houses a huge collection of antiquities.

After your Topkapi Palace tour, you will then make your way to the breathtaking Blue Mosque. This stunning architectural masterpiece is considered to be one of the world’s most important religious buildings. When you are finished at the mosque, you will then take a short break, during which you will have the opportunity to enjoy some lunch.

Once you have finished eating you will then visit the Roman Hippodrome which once hosted chariot races and traveling circuses. For more than 1,000 years, this was the primary source of entertainment for the inhabitants of Constantinople.

Your final stop of the day will be at the city’s famous Grand Bazaar which is the largest covered bazaar in the world. Enjoy some free time at the bazaar for shopping or simply for exploring, and then once you are done, you will be transferred back to your hotel for the second night of your 7 Day Turkey itinerary.

Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 3 – Istanbul Religious Tour

Begin the third day of your 7 day Turkey itinerary with another good breakfast at your hotel. At the time which will have been confirmed with you, your personal guide will meet you at your hotel and then your second Istanbul tour will get underway.

Your first stop of the day will be at the Sveti Stefan Church. Also known as the Bulgarian Orthodox Church or the Iron Church, it is famous for having been constructed from prefabricated cast iron segments and sections. The church, which essentially belongs to the city’s Bulgarian Christian minority, has a typical Neo-Byzantine style.

Next, you will visit the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate, and then you move on to the beautiful Süleymaniye Mosque which was designed by the renowned architect, Sinan. After visiting the mosque you will then head to the Egyptian Bazaar where you will have some free time to shop and explore before moving on to the Istiklal pedestrian street. There is also a possibility that you may be able to attend mass at the Church of Saint Antonio before returning to your hotel for the third night of your 7 Day Turkey itinerary.

DAY 4 – Istanbul to Izmir via Pergamon and Tiatira

Enjoy a good breakfast at your hotel, and then at the confirmed time, you will check out from your hotel and you will be transferred to the airport to board a short domestic flight to Izmir. When you land at the airport in Izmir, your personal guide will be there to meet and greet you and then you will head to Pergamon.

Pergamon was once one of the richest cities in the region and also the place where parchment was first created. When you get to Pergamon, you’ll be taken to explore the ruins of an ancient Acropolis located on the top of a mountain in the center of the modern day city of Bergama.

While you are at the Acropolis you will visit a number of its top highlights, including: the world’s steepest theater, the Temple of Trajan, the Temple of Athena, and the remains of the Altar of Zeus which is referred to as the “Throne of Satan” in the letter of Saint John.

Next, you will visit the Red Basilica and the Temple for the Egyptian Gods, which the Byzantines later converted into a basilica. From here, you will be taken to see the ruins of El Asclepeion hospital, a hospital that was founded by Galan, one of the most renowned doctors of antiquity.

After visiting the hospital ruins, you will then make your way to Thyatira, the current Akhisar which is famous for its beautiful Purple Tints. Finally, you will visit the remains of a Byzantine period Basilica and from there you will drive back to Izmir for the 4th night of your 7 Day Turkey.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

DAY 5 – Izmir, Sardes, Philadelphia, Laodicea and Pamukkale

Shortly after you have enjoyed your breakfast your personal guide will meet you and you will check out from your hotel. Today will see you heading to Pamukkale, with stops at Sardes, Philadelphia and Laodicea.

Sardes, which is the present capital of Salihli, was the capital of Lydia, an ancient and very opulent city credited with being the first place to produce gold coins. Interestingly, the Myth of Midas takes place in the  Pactolo River which runs through the ruins of the ancient city of Sardes. While you are here you will visit a number of the top attractions, including the Temple of Artemis, the Gymnasium and the Synagogue before continuing on your way to Philadelphia.

On arrival at Philadelphia you will visit an ancient church that bears the name of St Juan. Thia was a spectacular church in its day with six imposing colors and its pillars constructed from recycled stone while the upper levels were constructed from brick.

Next, you will make your way to Laodicea which is located near the modern-day city of Pumukkake. While you are here, you will visit an ancient basilica, a temple and some theaters. It was here that St John wrote his last and final letter to the city.

Following your visit to Philadelphia you will then make your way to the hotel where you will be staying for the 5th night of your 7 day Turkey itinerary.

DAY 6 – Pamukkale to Ephesus and Return to Istanbul

Begin your day with another delicious hotel breakfast, and then at the confirmed time you will be met at your hotel by your English speaking guide and you will check out. Today your sightseeing will begin with a visit to the Cotton Cliffs, a natural wonder of the world which has been formed by a buildup of white calcareous deposits over thousands of years.

Next, you will head to the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis were you will visit the ruins of an ancient temple complex and also the largest ancient necropolis in Anatolia. You will also visit the Matrium of Saint Felipe before moving on to Ephesus which is the best preserved ancient city of Asia Minor.

While you are at Ephesus, you will visit a number of the area’s top attractions including, Hadrian Temple, the Roman Baths, the Library of Celsus, and the Odeon, a theater which had the capacity to accommodate up to 24,500 spectators.

Finally you will be driven to the airport in Izmir where you will board A short flight back to Istanbul. On arrival at the airport in Istanbul, you will be met by one of our travel representatives and you will be transferred to the hotel where you’ll be spending the last night of your 7 Day Turkey itinerary.

DAY 7 – Your 7 Day Turkey Itinerary Ends and Final Departure

Wake up and enjoy one last breakfast in Istanbul and then at the appropriate time you will need to check out from your hotel so that we can transfer you to Istanbul International Airport in time for you to board your flight out of Turkey.

Your incredible 7 day Turkey itinerary has sadly come to an end, but you can be sure that you will be returning home with lifelong memories, guaranteed!

Inclusions – What is included in our 7 day Turkey itinerary:

• Arrival and departure private transfers with assistance.
• Accommodation 4 nights in Istanbul including breakfast.
• Accommodation 1 night in Izmir including dinner & breakfast.
• Accommodation 1 night in Pamukkale including dinner & breakfast.
• Domestic Flights (Istanbul – Izmir – Istanbul) ( 1 luggage 15 KG + Handbag 8 KG ).
• Professional English-speaking guides during all sightseeing tours.
• All transfers in deluxe air-conditioned vehicles.
• Meals as indicated in our 7 day Turkey itinerary.
• Entrance fees to attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
• All taxes are included.

Exclusions – What is not included in our 7 day Turkey itinerary:

• International Airfare.
• Turkey visas.
• Any optional tours, personal spending money, tipping or any extras not mentioned in the 7 day Turkey itinerary.

Accommodation Plan

• Arts Hotel, Istanbul  (5*)
• Adempira Termal Hotel and Spa, Capadocia  (5*)
• Hilton Garden Inn, Izmir (5*)
• 9 – 10 Persons from US$1,390
• 7 – 8 Persons from US$1,495
• 5 – 6 Persons from US$1,675
• 3 – 4 Persons from US$2,025
• 2 Persons from US$3,080

Turkey Tour Packages

Still searching for the perfect Turkey tour package ? Explore a wider range of exciting Turkey itinerary options below!

The Ultimate 16-Day Turkey and Greece Tour

11-Day Turkey Group Tour – The Best of Turkey

10-Day Turkey Small Group Tour – The 5 Cities

10-Day Turkey-Greece Trip Itinerary [Group Tour]

10-Day Turkey Private Tour – Provincial Capitals of Asia Minor

7-Day Istanbul and Athens Tour

6-Day Turkey Itinerary – Istanbul and Cappadocia

4 Days in Istanbul Itinerary [Small Group Tour]

Last Updated on April 25, 2024

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Ultimate 7 Day Turkey Itinerary for the First-Timers

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

Planning to spend 7 days in Turkey and contemplating how to craft an ideal 7 day Turkey itinerary for a first-time visitor? I’m here to help. I’ve created an easy-to-follow itinerary for spending one week in Turkey that covers almost all the highlights of Türkiye – from intriguing cultural gems, iconic historic landmarks, unusual natural landscapes, and traditional artistic heritage, to the breathtaking Turkish Riviera, and unforgettable gastronomic experiences.

Excited? Let’s dive in!

Planning Your Trip to Turkey: Quick Tips

Visa for Turkey: Know if you need a visa for Turkey . Many countries, including India and the USA, need to apply for an e-Visa for Turkey. Get your visa for Turkey quickly and effortlessly through  iVisa . Also,  OneWayFly  is an excellent resource if you need to show proof of onward travel (flight itinerary) or hotel reservations. Travel Insurance:  Travel insurance is vital for peace of mind while traveling. No two ways about it. Get reliable travel insurance from  Heymondo . They offer wider and more flexible coverage at good value for money and dependable 24/7 customer service. How to Get to Turkey:  The best way is to fly directly to Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST). Check out  Skyscanner  and  WayAway  for the best and most affordable flights to Istanbul. Airport Transfer:  You can choose to travel by airport taxi, bus, subway, or rental car from Istanbul Airport to your hotel or accommodation depending on the time, budget, and travel style. There are three types of airport taxis viz. orange taxis (cheap), blue taxis (more expensive), and black taxis (luxurious). Havaist and IETT buses and Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11 run between the airport and downtown, however, you might need to take an additional ride from the stop to your accommodation. For a truly hassle-free experience, you can  pre-book the fast and reliable private transfer from the airport to the city . Rent a Car in Turkey : We recommend using Local Rent for all your car hire needs in Turkey. Getting Around Turkey:  Flying is by far a more accessible and cheaper option that helps you make the most of your time (if you just have a few days to explore the country) in Turkey. If you’ve more time, driving is a great option – it gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility. We spent one month driving around the country and managed to cover some offbeat hidden gems. Guided Tours:  A tour with a local guide is the perfect choice if you’ve limited time on your hands or if you are interested in diving deep into the history and culture of the country. We use and recommend Viator ,  Get Your Guide , or Klook to book guided tours and Civitatis for free walking tours. Top Experiences & Tours for 7 Days in Turkey: ♥ 7-Day Turkey Classics Tour from Istanbul ♥ 7 Days Turkey Tour Package ♥ 7 Days Highlights of Turkey Tour Where to Stay in Turkey:  Turkey has a nice range of accommodation options for every kind of traveler. We use and recommend Booking.com to find the best accommodation at great prices. It not only gives you a price match guarantee but allows you to cancel anytime without a fee. Bed and breakfast to apartments, villas, and guesthouses to hostels, resorts, and homestays, it also offers lots of variety.

Turkey Trip Itinerary: An Introduction

This itinerary for Turkey includes the main sights the country is known for with the exception of Pamukkale – it’s one attraction that’s highly overrated and doesn’t live up to expectations at all (believe me, it’s not what it looks like on Instagram) so I feel it can be easily skipped when you have a limited time.

However, if you still want you can tweak the itinerary by swapping Ephesus for Pamukkale. Personally, I’d prefer the former over the latter.

The itinerary starts and ends in Istanbul and needs you to use flights, exclusively as Turkey is huge and it takes a lot of time to travel from one destination to another owing to the large distances.

It makes sense to fly between the destinations when you have just a week in Turkey. You must plan in some buffer time!

Although 7 days for exploring the cultural, historical, and natural abundance of Turkey is quite a short time, yet, following our itinerary, you can explore the vibrant capital of Turkey, Istanbul (however thronged and chaotic it is, you can’t help but fall for it – that’s its charisma), the other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia (it’s another level) and of course, the once-in-a-lifetime hot air ballooning, the mesmerizing beaches of Turkish Riviera, the historic wonders of the central Aegean region, and not to mention, taste local delicacies.

Looking for reliable & affordable car hire in Turkey?

We trust and recommend Local Rent which promises transparency, security, convenience, personal touch, and incredible savings.

Brief 7 Day Turkey Itinerary

Here’s what a brief Turkey itinerary for 7 days looks like!

Day 1, 2 & 3: Istanbul Day 4 & 5: Cappadocia Day 6 & 7: Bodrum & Ephesus

Detailed One Week in Turkey Itinerary

Are you ready to plan the perfect 7 days in Turkey?

Day 0: Arrive in Istanbul | Day at Leisure

After a 3-hour flight from Baku and an hour-long taxi ride from Istanbul Airport, it was already midnight when we reached our accommodation in Beyoğlu. We had no option but to sleep 🙂

Anyhow, we recharged our batteries with a good night’s sleep so we could start exploring Istanbul bright and early.

So, depending on when you arrive in Istanbul, you can plan your day accordingly.

If you reach early, head straight to your hotel. Finish the check-in formalities, freshen up, and get out to stroll the charming streets of Istanbul – a kinda formal introduction.

If you’re feeling tired or jetlagged after a flight journey, you can choose to relax because you have a lot to do the next day.

There are two airports in Istanbul – Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gokcen Airport ( SAW) on the Asian side.

Both are far from the city center so, I recommend scheduling a private airport transfer to secure comfortable and fast transportation from the airport to your hotel.

Note: Make it a point to book a hotel in the city center to minimize the transportation hassle and expenses.

Day 1: Explore Classic Istanbul (District Fatih – Sultanahmet, Fener, & Balat Neighborhoods)

Start day 1 of your Turkey one week itinerary in Sultanahmet, the heart and soul of Istanbul.

Soaked in rich culture and history, each corner of the historic district of Sultanahmet narrates a story, It’s not just a place, it’s an EXPERIENCE.

The neighborhood is home to iconic architectural and religious marvels like the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Blue Mosque , both beautifully defining Istanbul’s majestic skyline.

The other highlights here include Sultanahmet Square or the Hippodrome of Constantinople , Basilica Cistern , Cistern of Theodosius , Gulhane Park , Topkapi Palace Museum , Grand Bazaar , Spice Bazaar aka Egyptian Bazaar , & Arasta Bazaar

Also, you are sure to walk the cobbled street lined with charming Ottoman wooden houses between Hagia Sophia and the walls of Topkapi Palace, Sogukcesme Street .

Each named after a flower planted beside them, 9 out of 12 imperial houses are a part of the luxury hotel – Hagia Sophia Mansions Curio Collection by Hilton .

Former Eastern Orthodox church, now a museum & a concert hall, Hagia Irene within the courtyard of Topkapi Palace hosts classical music concerts and art exhibitions.

The best way to explore Sultanahmet is on foot as all the attractions are located within walking distance.

You can map out your own self-guided walking tour or book a free walking tour or a private guided walking tour – whatever fits your bill.

Whatever and however you do – make sure you put aside at least 7 hours (half a day) to explore this classic neighborhood.

You’d definitely need a place to refill with a dose of caffeine, Hafız Mustafa , a cafe with a touch of history, lets you unwind in style. It’s one of the most historic cafes in Europe .

And I recommend Matbah – a perfect place to taste Turkish food and history.

In the late afternoon, head to the vibrant and multicultural neighborhoods of Fener and Balat best known for quintessential pastel-colored two-storey wooden rowhouses called cumba.

You can spot the houses from the roadway, in fact, they are spread out all over Fener-Balat, however, Merdivenli Yokuş and Kiremit are full of them making them Instagram-worthy streets.

Incir Agaci Cafe with its rainbow stairs is also worth a stop.

Though the bohemian decor with colorful umbrellas at Balat Antique Café (next to Rainbow Stairs) attracts a lot of tourists, the host seems to be rude.

He has a board displayed in front of the cafe that reads – You can take photographs only if you order something at the cafe and tbh, the food and drinks are expensive and mediocre.

If you are up for an authentic cup of Turkish coffee, I’d recommend Velvet Cafe , a lovely cafe with creatively decorated vintage interiors, a friendly vibe, and a delightful menu.

Twin your coffee with a Turkish classic – un helvasi and thank me later.

The neighborhoods are sprinkled with cute sidewalk cafes and bistros, and impressive little religious monuments like Saint Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church , Church of St. Mary of the Mongols , and Balat Mosque .

And it’s almost impossible to miss a colossal redbrick building, Phanar Greek Orthodox Lyceum – the oldest surviving Greek Orthodox School in Istanbul.

After you are done exploring Fener-Balat, head to Old Balat Cafe & Kitchen for an authentic dining experience.

With an ambiance that shouts culture, warm hospitality, tasty Turkish delicacies, and an interesting setting, it’s a popular dining spot among locals and tourists, for a reason.

After a hearty dinner, cross the roadway to reach Sair Nedim Park and follow the walking path along the Golden Horn for a refreshing walk with scenic views of the bay before you take a taxi or bus back to your hotel.

This winds up a rewarding day in Istanbul !

Day 2: Explore the New European Side of Istanbul (District Beyoglu – Galata & Karakoy Neighborhoods & District Besiktas – Bebek & Arnavutköy Neighborhoods)

Day 2 of your Turkey 1 week itinerary is dedicated to the Beyoglu and Besiktas districts of Istanbul.

Located north of the Golden Horn consisting of neighborhoods such as Karakoy, Galata, and Taksim (Beyoglu), Ortakoy, Bebek, and Arnavutkoy (Besiktas), and Nisantasi (Sisli), this part is considered the New or Modern Istanbul.

If you want to see the charming neighborhood of Arnavutkoy , you’ll have to start your day super early (as early as 7:00) as it’s a bit away from the center of Istanbul and needs you to mix two or more modes of transportation.

I found the neighborhood worth a hassle!

If you are staying in Sultanahmet, you’ve to take a tram (T1) to Kabatas and then one of the Bosphorus line buses ( routes 22, 22RE, and 25E) to Arnavutkoy.

Bus routes 40,40T, and 42T travel up the coast from Taksim to Arnavutkoy.

The easiest and fastest way, and of course, a little pricey way, is to ride with Uber or BiTaksi.

Noted for its ethnic diversity (Greek, Jewish, Armenian, and Turkish communities co-exist here since ancient times), Arnavutkoy attracts travelers for its wooden Ottoman mansions known as yalis , cute side streets, and seafood restaurants.

A stroll around this atmospheric area is a soul-stirring experience that you must add to your Turkey travel itinerary.

You can choose to have breakfast at Cafe Hide in Arnavutkoy or ride a cab or bus to characterful Besiktas Breakfast Stree t packed with cafes mastered in the art of breakfast.

Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu is the classic here as it’s recognized as the mastermind behind the breakfast street concept.

A short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk takes you to Dolmabahce Palace , the largest palace in Turkey and the classiest in the world.

Located right on the coast of the Bosphorus, the palace is an architectural masterpiece, however, you can’t capture the opulence in your camera as photography is prohibited, nevertheless, worth a visit.

Jump on an F1 line in Kabatas to reach Taksim Square , a center of Istanbul’s European side.

At the heart of the square, the Republic Monument celebrates the formation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.

Extending from Taksim Square to Karakoy is a 1.4 km long pedestrian street, one of the most famous in Istanbul, Istiklal Street .

While you window-shop here, look out for a historic tram.

One of the many narrow alleys on the edges of Istiklal leads you to Turnacibasi Street where Aga Hamam , the oldest Turkish bath in Istanbul is located.

You can check it out from outside or book a traditional hammam experience.

As you walk downhill from the street, you’ll reach the quaint neighborhood of Karakoy.

It’s here where centuries-old architecture lay side by side with hipster cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

The beautiful street art murals on every façade set a unique and contemporary vibe.

Hoca Tahsin Street attracts Instagrammers for its striking wall graffiti art and colorful umbrellas overhead.

Some of the notable historic buildings in Karakoy include Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque , Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate , Ceceyan Han , Kemankes Karamustafa Pasa Mosque , Tophane Fountain , and Arab Mosque .

While in Karakoy, you must stop by Karaköy Güllüoğlu , the makers of traditional baklava since the 1800s and the most famous place to taste baklava in Istanbul.

Banks Street , the financial heart of the erstwhile Ottoman Empire is another high point for history and architecture lovers.

Located on the same street is Salt Galata , an art and culture complex in a former bank building featuring a gallery, a library, and a cafe.

Climb the Kamondo Stairs from Banks Street to reach Galata, a multicultural neighborhood where Greek, Armenian, Italian, and Jewish heritage flourished.

Galata Tower , the major landmark and the real showstopper in Istanbul’s majestic skyline is located here.

An ancient watchtower in Galata citadel, the tower now houses a museum and an exhibition space.

You must climb the tower for the sweeping views of the Bosphorus.

The area around the tower is charming with winding cobbled alleyways dotted with cute little cafes and bakeries, chic boutiques, traditional restaurants, small shops selling souvenirs, ancient synagogues, churches, and mosques.

If you have time, choose one of the best cafes near Galata Tower and relish a cup of coffee with snacks with a view of the historic tower and its charming surroundings.

We loved Sirin Firin Bakery and Galata Art Smyrna Restaurant Cafe .

Give a beautiful ending to your day by watching the sun going down on Golden Horn from the Galata Bridge .

The upper deck of the bridge is alive with insane levels of traffic and has pedestrian walkways along either side where local fishermen make a beeline to lure in their daily catch while the lower deck is packed with seafood restaurants and bars.

PS: Galata Mevlevi House Museum and Cultural Center between Istiklal Street and Galip Dede Street towards the Galat neighborhood is known for its authentic Whirling Dervish Sema Ceremony that takes place every Sunday at 6 pm. If you wish to witness this beautiful religious ceremony, I highly recommend you book one here. It’s currently closed for renovations.

🧿 Find Out How to Spend 2 Days in Istanbul

Day 3: Explore the Asian or Anatolian Side of Istanbul (District Kadikoy – Moda & Yeldegirmeni  Neighborhoods & District Uskudar – Kuzguncuk & Beylerbeyi Neighborhoods) + Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia (Late Evening)

Day 3 of your Turkey travel itinerary takes you to the more authentic side of Istanbul – the Asian or Anatolian Side.

It’s less touristy and carries a local feel.

Enjoy a ferry ride from Eminonu, Karakoy, or Besiktas to Kadikoy across the Bosphorus.

Set on the shore of the Sea of Marmara, Kadikoy is largely residential and suburban and makes for a laid-back exploration.

If you haven’t had your breakfast, Dun Moda is a perfect place for a hearty breakfast. They have plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

The district has its own heritage tram line ( T3 Kadıköy-Moda Nostalgia Tramway ) 2.6 kilometers (1.6 mi) and there are 10 stations. With 10 stations, it loops around as it runs from Kadikoy Square along a bus lane through Bahariye Street and Moda Street.

It is a great way to discover the local gems of Kadikoy.

As you stroll Bahariya , the local boutiques, cute coffee shops, and hole-in-the-wall cafes on either side catch your attention.

The Sureyya Opera House is a notable building here.

A famous bronze statue of a bull known as the Kadikoy Bull Statue at an intersection connecting the six roads – Altiyol is a famous landmark here.

Moda Seaside or Moda Coastal Park makes for a picturesque stroll by the Bosphorus while Moda Caddesi with its lush surroundings, trendy boutiques, quaint cafes, tea gardens, ice cream shops, chic restaurants, stately mansions, and historic architecture gives you a chance to spend a quiet and pleasant day away from the chaos of historic and touristy Istanbul.

I recommend Meshur Dondurmacı Ali Usta for the best ice cream and Dem Moda for the best tea.

Kadikoy is also known for the unique murals adorning its walls. In fact, while walking back and forth in the narrow pedestrian alleys in search of street art, we found ourselves in a cozy and alternative neighborhood of Yeldegirmeni and spent a beautiful time at Roots Cafe & Botanique – special appreciation for its vegan delicacies and artsy and lush ambiance.

I love second-hand books because they have nostalgia attached to them. If you too love them, you’d love to visit Akmar Alley in Kadikoy, best known for secondhand bookshops.

Kadikoy Market is a small traditional market where you’ll find stalls selling local produce like seasonal fruits, vegetables, fish, olives, vine leaves, cheese, pickles, spices, herbs, and honey – basically, you’ll find just about everything you might need at your home and beyond.

You can try fresh local delicacies and pick up a few packaged items to take back home.

Jump back on the ferry or board a bus (14M, 14R, 14YK, and MR9) to travel up the coast to Uskudar, a historic and sublimely beautiful district on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Over 1-mile Uskudar Coast Walkway is a perfect place to start your journey into Uskudar.

Overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, this seaside promenade affords amazing views of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace across the water.

Located on an islet in the Bosphorus Strait, just about 200 meters off Uskudar’s shoreline is a medieval lighthouse/tax collection center/defense tower – Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) that now houses a restaurant and a bar.

You can enjoy the sight of it from the coastline or you can hop on one of the shuttle boats to relish the food with the unparallel views at its restaurant.

Uskudar is home to quite many beautiful mosques such as Shemsi Ahmet Pasha Mosque , Mihrimah Sultan Mosque , Cinili Mosque , and Sakirin Mosque .

As you move away from the coast, a little walk inland, you’ll spot Nevmekan Sahil , a lovely multifunctional space that serves as an art gallery, library, academic spot, and cafe.

As soon as you enter the building, the resplendent circular library with an awe-inspiring domed ceiling catches your attention.

Apart from the architectural beauty, the cafe here serves tasty food at economical prices – a perfect lunch spot !

Your next stop is Kuzguncuk , a traditional, beautiful, quaint, and quiet neighborhood at the base of the Bosphorus Bridge in Uskudar, a bit away from the center. You can walk or ride a taxi to get here.

Known for keeping the tradition and old-hat values alive, the neighborhood lets you peek into the Istanbul that was.

The stories of the past linger in the streets and buildings of Kuzguncuk imparting a nostalgic feel.

This tiny village-like neighborhood has beautifully preserved its heritage amid the fast-changing world.

The quarter is dotted with numerous synagogues, churches, and mosques attesting to the peaceful coexistence of Jews, Greeks, Armenians, and Turks.

Most traditional bakeries, intimate restaurants, chocolatiers, antique boutiques, art galleries and studios, beautiful bookshops, charming cafes, and historical mansions are located on the main street, Icadiye.

Photographers and Instagrammers flock here to capture the row of Ottoman wooden homes with colorful doors and windows.

Simitci Tahir Sokak is where you can get the most beautiful perspective of Kuzguncuk Evleri or Houses .

Kuzguncuk Bostani , a community vegetable garden is also worth a stop here. This 700-year-old urban garden has been painstakingly maintained by the locals.

If you still have some energy left, make your way to Camlica Hill Park , the most famous picnic spot among the Istanbulaties.

The top of Camlica Hill offers the most indulgent views of Istanbul ever!

You can sit at one of the cafés situated on the hilltop and drink in the views with Turkish tea or coffee.

You can also climb the viewing platform of Camlica Tower for a gorgeous view of the Bosphorus Strait. There’s also a cafe and restaurant on the observation deck.

If you don’t have time and energy to summit Camlica Hill or climb Camilica Tower, you still can relish the view of the tower rising ostentatiously amid the patchwork of buildings – it can be seen from almost anywhere in Istanbul.

All lit up at night, the tower bedazzles the city’s skyline!

I’m sure you’d want to sit at one of the lovely cafes and restaurants to absorb the unique life of Kuzguncuk. Here are a few of my favorites for your perusal – Nail Bookstore & Cafe (Nail Kitabevi & Cafe), Galette Kuzguncuk , Glow Coffee , Historical Kuzguncuk Bakery (Tarihi Kuzguncuk Firni), Ekmek Teknesi , Ismet Baba Fish Restaurant , Chocolatier Aziz Bey , and Cinaralti .

Take a late evening or night flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia so you can have two full days in Cappadocia.

You fly into Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) for Cappadocia, of which NAV is the nearest and most convenient.

🧿 Follow Our Itinerary for Spending Three Days in Istanbul

Day 4: Hot Air Balloon Ride + Explore North Cappadocia

A surreal rock-sculpted region in Central Anatolia, Turkey – Cappadocia is made up of numerous cities, towns, and villages spread out around the provinces of Nevsehir, Kayseri, Aksaray, Kırsehir, Sivas, and Nigde.

Nevsehir , Kayseri , Aksaray , Goreme , Avanos , Urgup , Uchisar , Ihlara , Derinkuyu , Kaymakli , Mustafapasa , and Cavusin are the most popular cities, towns, and villages in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from every corner of the globe for its hot air balloon rides, and otherworldly landscapes featuring fairy chimneys sprinkled in massive volcanic valleys, ancient underground cities, historic rock-cut churches, and caves.

Tourists mostly base themselves in Goreme and Uchisar, mostly. Urgup and Ortahisar are also popular choices among travelers seeking a peaceful stay, away from the tourist crowds.

Coming back to the itinerary, your first day in Cappadocia is dedicated to the iconic hot air balloon ride and the top sights in North Cappadocia – Göreme Open Air Museum , Uchisar Castle , Pottery in Avanos , Monks Valley aka Pasabag , Devrent Valley , and Zelve Open Air Museum .

Note: It’s vital to book your hot air balloon ride beforehand, especially when you limited days in Cappadocia. The balloon flight completely depends on the weather conditions and gets canceled if the weather isn’t favorable. If your ride is canceled, you don’t lose your booking or money, it automatically gets moved to the next day. So, if you’ve 2 days in Cappadocia and your flight gets canceled, you still have another day to go.

The highlight of your first day in Cappadocia is a hot air balloon ride provided there’s no cancellation (amen). Your tour company will pick you up from your hotel at around 4:00 to drive you to the take-off site.

The site itself feels magical as you see the team of pilots and staff preparing the balloons for the ride. And, I have no words to describe the feeling of flying high over the magical landscape, steadily floating over fairy chimneys, rugged valleys, and rock-hewn structures while hundreds of diversely colored balloons around you with the sun rising on the horizon add to the experience.

I highly recommend  joining a Red Tour that lets you explore the highlights of Northern Cappadocia in half a day and saves a lot of time when you just have limited time in Cappadocia. Also, it takes away the hassle of planning an itinerary and the challenges of transportation.

Alternatively, if you are a DIY person, you can rent a car or hire a taxi to explore on your own.

If you are doing it yourself, start your day bright and early (TBH getting up super early while traveling always paid off for me and thus, I always underline it) to make the most of your day.

The first stop of the day is at a viewpoint in Esentepe overlooking the moonscape landscapes of Uchisar and Goreme.

Next up is Uchisar Castle , an ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop. The highest point in the region, climbing to the top of the castle awards you with the imposing view of Cappadocia.

Following that, meet the celebrity of all the attractions in Cappadocia , the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum ! With well-preserved Byzantine-era cave churches, chapels, and monasteries carved into limestone cliffs featuring impressive frescoes, the museum takes you back in time.

Dark Church is the most stunning of all! You can’t help but stare in wonder at the beautifully preserved vivid frescoes adorning the walls and the domed ceilings. Take your time to absorb the ancient beauty and capture it with your eyes because, well, capturing it with the camera isn’t allowed here. And, yes, to see the Dark Church you’ll have to pay an additional 100 TL.

I also loved the Buckle Church for its unique frescoes – beautiful visually as well as narratively. It’s located outside the Goreme Open Air Museum, however, is included in the entrance ticket.

Have a cup of coffee or maybe a light lunch at Lavanta Panorama Cafe before dropping in on Ortahisar Castle , an ancient fortress perched on the biggest fairy chimney in Cappadocia. If you manage to climb the metal staircase to the vantage point, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised by the view below!

Finally, it’s time to get up close to the exotic rock formations called fairy chimneys Cappadocia is known for! The fairy chimneys were created over millions of years by continuous volcanic eruptions and erosions and were used as troglodyte dwellings, chapels, and hermit hideaways.

The two most famous valleys with interesting ensembles of fairy chimneys are – Monk’s Valley aka Pasabag and Devrent Valley .

Monk’s Valley features huge mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and Devrent Valley aka Imagination Valley is home to rock formations that resemble various animals. Some of the most famous ones are camel, snake, seal, and dolphin. Let your imaginations run wild and see how many more animal shapes can you spot!

Just about a mile from Pasabag is the Zelve Open Air Museum , one of the earliest monastic settlements that remained inhabited up until 1952. It’s a 1.5-kilometer dramatic walking trail through three valleys that house historic houses, caves, churches, a mosque, and a town square from the 9th to the 13th century, mostly in ruins.

And last but not least, drive to Avanos, a town located on the banks of Kizilirmak River aka Red River , the longest river in Turkey.

The pottery center of Anatolia since ancient times (dating back to the Hittite period), and the paradise for handicraft lovers, the local craftsmen in Avanos cast a spell in otherwise ordinary red clay (which comes from the residue of the Red River) to craft world-renowned pottery items. You can visit pottery shops and museums and join a pottery workshop as well.

We visited the pottery workshop of Chez Galip , a world-famous potter who has been titled the Einstein of the Pottery.

When in Avanos, you must make time to visit one of the weirdest museums in the world, the Chez Glaip Hair Museum .

I suggest Dibek, Lagarto, Zen Cappadocia, Zeferan, and Tandir House for a traditional dinner in Cappadocia. And, we also recommend Dolphin Restaurant, a not-so-popular dining place in Goreme, however, surprisingly good – in terms of food, prices, services, and a thoughtful host.

Day 5: Watch the Sight of Hot Air Balloons + Explore South Cappadocia + Fly from Cappadocia to Bodrum (Late Evening)

Now that you’ve experienced the hot air balloon ride, it’s time to see those balloons flying over Cappadocia from afar.

Most hotels in Cappadocia have private terraces to catch the unreal sight of colorful balloons as they fill up the sky. The famous hotels with the best roof terraces in Cappadocia to view the balloons include Sultan Cave Suites and Mithra Cave Hotel .

If your hotel doesn’t offer a proper view, you can join one of the balloon-watching tours which drive you to one of the best hot air balloon viewpoints in Cappadocia – the most desired ones are Love Valley Viewpoint and Göreme Hill Viewpoint .

We had a rental car so we took the privilege to drive through different viewpoints for an alternative experience.

You’ll be dropped off at your hotel maximum by 7:30. Freshen up, have breakfast, and head out to see the highlights of South Cappadocia – the secret underground cities, picturesque valleys and villages, some more cave churches, a scenic walk, and a monastery.

For today, I’d advise signing up for a Green Tour because you are short on time and you have a flight to catch at the end of the day. The tour covers all the attractions in South Cappadocia at a prescribed time.

Dating back to the Bronze Age, Cappadocia has hundreds of underground cities, out of which 36 have been discovered up until and a handful of (6 to be precise) are open to the public. Derinkuyu & Kaymakli are the two most visited underground settlements.

Derinkuyu is one of the largest and deepest while Kaymakli is one of the oldest underground settlements in the region. Both are unique and equally fascinating.

If you’ve time to visit only one, I’d nominate Kaymakli owing to the fact that it has fewer floors and wider spaces with several passages and tunnels and is much better lit making it more photogenic and claustrophobic-friendly. Also, it’s quieter compared to Derinkuyu.

Nevertheless, Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, whatever you choose to visit – venturing into these subterranean settlements feels like entering into a completely new world. It’s interesting to discover the way ancient dwellers worked out a way to live here.

As you make your way through the convoluted cave network, you’ll find bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, storage rooms, wine cellars, churches, schools, stables, graves, and just about everything you’d expect to have in a developed city.

Also, there are huge stone doors that intelligently roll to close the entrance and impressive natural ventilation shafts that double as wells – truly an ancient architectural wonder!

The next destination on the list is Ihlara Valley aka Peristrema Valley  – 14 km long and over 150 m deep lush-green gorge lying between the villages of Ihlara , Belisirma , Yaprakhisar , and Selime along the Melendiz River . There are 50 Byzantine-era rock-cut churches sprinkled throughout the stretch.

You don’t need to walk the entire trail. There are four entrances to the valley – the Ihlara village entrance, the main entrance, the Belisirma village entrance, and the Selime village entrance.

Most tours enter via the main entrance (which involves climbing 300 steps down into the valley) and walk for about 4 km to exit via the Belisirma village entrance.

Selime Monastery is the last attraction of the day. It’s located near the Selime village entrance of Ihlara Valley. It’s the largest and most fascinating rock-cut cave complex in Cappadocia that holds great religious and cultural significance.

Built around the 8th century, the structure holds a cathedral-sized church, living quarters, a kitchen, a missionary school, and camel stables. The monastery was converted into a caravanserai for the merchants to lay their heads while traveling along the ancient Silk Road.

A steep staircase leads you to the top of the monastery structure that overlooks the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia.

Quick Note: The best ways to explore Cappadocia include a rental car and/or guided tours because public transportation here is scarce and the network isn’t well-designed.

Catch a late evening flight from Cappadocia to Bodrum. Please note all the flights from Cappadocia to Bodrum include a layover in Istanbul.

Day 6: Bodrum to Selcuk | Explore Ephesus

Today, you are going to discover the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ephesus , a fascinating Greco-Roman site.

It’s roughly a 2.5-hour journey from Bodrum. You can hire a chauffeur-driven car for the entire day or sign up for a guided day tour . I’d recommend a tour as it not only saves you time and the hassle of arranging your own transport but comes with a seasoned local tour guide.

Walking the satiny marble-paved streets of one of the largest and best archeological sites in the world feels like stepping back in time. You can imagine what life was like back then.

As you stroll through the crumbling ruins, each and every structure intrigues you, however, the terrace houses, the main amphitheater, and the library particularly catch your attention.

The Temple of Artemis , one of the seven wonders of the world is NOT located in the ancient city of Ephesus. It’s located about 2 km from the ruins and a km from the center of Selcuk. There’s no entrance fee to visit the temple.

The other attractions to explore in Selcuk include the House of the Virgin Mary , the Basilica of St. John , Isa Bey Mosque , Selcuk or Ayasuluk Castle , the Cave of Seven Sleepers, Ephesus Museum , and the mountain village of Sirince .

Mehmet and Ali Baba Kebab House, Pidecisi, and Ejder are some of the best places to dine in Selcuk.

Day 7: Explore Bodrum | Fly Back Home

One of the most sought-after destinations on the Turkish Riviera aka Turquoise Coast, Bodrum is known for its virgin natural beauty, rich art, history, & culture, cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and mild climate all through the year. The town is famous as Saint Tropez of Türkiye.

Once known as  Halicarnassus , Bodrum is home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus aka Tomb of Mausolus , Castle of St. Peter or Petronium or Bodrum Castle , a 15th-century crusader castle settled on a rocky peninsula between the two beautiful twin bays, and a couple of breathtaking beaches.

Bodrum Old Town with a maze of narrow streets sprinkled with traditional white and blue houses is a delight to stroll.

A day cruise along the coast or to nearby islands on a gulet, traditional Turkish wooden boat is a must-do in Bodrum.

You can also visit the iconic 18th-century stone windmills on the hills and enjoy the panoramic view of the azure bays. Yalikavak, Gumusluk, Turgutreis, Akyarlar, Gundogan, and Gokcebel are some of the most beautiful sleepy villages and towns on the Bodrum Peninsula.

When in Gumusluk, take time to visit the historic Rabbit Bay to witness the ruins of the ancient city of Myndos.

If you can add another day to your 7-day itinerary for Turkey, you can even take a day trip to the Greek island of Kos .

If you only have time for one thing to do in Bodrum, slow down, enjoy the peace, appreciate the beauty all around, order a nice cup of coffee along with a divine dessert at one of the charming cafes here, and forget the rest – Hey Joe Coffee Co., Kaktüs, Joy Art Cafe & Bistro, and Maride Café are some of our favorites.

After spending half a day exploring Bodrum, hop on a flight back to Istanbul to fly back home.

In a country as diverse as Turkey, a week might not be enough to soak it all in. We’ve covered the must-visit spots like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Bodrum in this 7-day itinerary. But if you’re thirsting for more, you might want to consider extending your journey to discover the coastal towns of Alacati and Ayvalik . Trust us, they’re worth every additional day, offering a slower pace and more intimate feel. Be sure to check out our 2-week and 3-week Turkey itineraries (coming soon), where we dive deeper into these charming coastal gems.

Tips for a 7-Day Turkish Itinerary

⦿ Carry a scarf to cover your head for visiting mosques. ⦿ If you want to experience a traditional hammam at historic hammams like Aga Hamam and Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam, it’s recommended to book in advance. ⦿ English is not widely spoken in Turkey, you should learn a few basic Turkish words and also, keep a Google Translate app handy on your phone. ⦿ Be cautious while hiring a taxi, as taxi scams are common in Turkey. I’ll write a detailed post about the scams in Turkey.

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Anjali Chawla

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Tour of Turkey: Tobias Lund Andresen wins stage 4 sprint, moves into race lead

Dane claims first professional victory ahead of Van Poppel in second and Uhlig in third

Tobias Lund Andresen ((Dsm-firmenich PostNL) emerged from a hectic finish to win stage 4 of the Tour of Turkey in Bodrum.

The Dane needed a late bike change but returned to the peloton and then timed his effort perfectly on the rising finish after Manuele Tarozzi (VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè) and the remains of the early break were caught in the final kilometre.

Danny Van Poppel (Bora-Hansgrohe) finished second and Henri Uhlig (Alpecin-Deceuninck) third as other riders slowed each other in the search for the best wheel to follow.

Thanks to his stage victory and the time bonuses, Lund Andresen also took the race leader’s blue jersey, which he will wear during the 177.9km fifth stage from Bodrum to Kuşadası.

Lund Andresen was overjoyed to win his first professional race.

“The plan was that if Fabio made it over the climb, we’d go with him but he didn’t have the leg, so we made a nice plan for me and the team did an amazing job and I was able to take the win,” he said.

“It was a hard stage, with a lot of climbing. The roads are not the best, so it’s almost like riding cobblestones the whole day. It was grippy but that was quite nice for me.”

A breakaway again tried to foil the sprinters’ teams and the peloton, with eight riders going away with 110 km to race of the 137.9 km stage.

They worked well together and extended their lead to close to 2:00 but then Polti-Kometa and Astana Qazaqstan drove the chase. The Italian team was keen to defend Giovanni Lonardi’s race lead, while Astana Qazaqstan rode for stage 2 winner Max Kanter.

The hilly profile of the stage again ruled out the pure sprinters, with Mark Cavendish (Astana Qazaqstan), Fabio Jakobsen (Dsm-firmenich PostNL) and others dropped from the peloton.

The break reduced to five riders over the final climb after 95 km but James Whelan (Q36.5), Calum Johnston (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA),  Tarozzi, Owen Geleijn (TDT - Unibet) and Gianni Marchand (Tarteletto-Isorex) pushed on and held a lead of 40 seconds on the fast ride to Bodrum.

Whelan split the attack on a late climb with 10km to go, with only Tarozzi, Johnston and Marchand able to go with him. They attacked each other and the pace eased so the peloton closed the gap on the run-in to the finish.

Tarozzi refused to give up hope and attacked alone inside the final kilometre. He got a gap but then faded on the rising finish as Lund Andresen timed his effort to perfection.

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Stephen is the most experienced member of the Cyclingnews team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. He has been Head of News at Cyclingnews since 2022, before which he held the position of European editor since 2012 and previously worked for Reuters , Shift Active Media , and CyclingWeekly , among other publications.

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Fantastic Turkey and Luxury Dubai - 13 Days

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 ISTANBUL
• Day 2 ISTANBUL / FREE DAY
• Day 3 ISTANBUL / BOSPHORUS TOUR / BALAT / FREE AFTERNOON
• Day 4 ISTANBUL / FLIGHT / CAPPADOCIA
• Day 5 CAPPADOCIA
• Day 6 CAPPADOCIA / PAMUKKALE
• Day 7 PAMUKKALE / EPHESUS / KUSADASI / IZMIR
• Day 8 IZMIR / FLIGHT / ISTANBUL
• Day 9 ISTANBUL / DUBAI.
• Day 10 DUBAI / DESERT SAFARI
• Day 11 DUBAI / CITY VISIT
• Day 12 DUBAI / ABU DHABI / DUBAI
• Day 13 DUBAI / AIRPORT

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Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours 4.0
• Gavin · 27th January 2023 This tour was well-run, as described, friendly and efficient. I was lucky in that all the various other people I met... Show more
• ZAKARIAH · 20th August 2022 Very good services for the whole package..love the hotel and the itinenery.thumbs up for all d english speaking guide
• Samantha · 29th November 2021 Very well arranged tour with constant communication. The package included everything I wanted to see. We had the... Show more

Dates & Availability

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• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
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• January 2025
• February 2025
• Monday 29 Apr, 2024 Saturday 11 May, 2024 English, Spanish Multiple Room Types €1,720 Confirm Dates
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• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 10 May, 2024 Wednesday 22 May, 2024 English, Spanish Multiple Room Types €1,720 Confirm Dates

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• Currencies $ US Dollar د.إ UAE Dirham United Arab Emirates

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Turkey. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Turkey and United Arab Emirates. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Turkey and United Arab Emirates. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for United Arab Emirates. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 5th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 5th July 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Receptivo Aborigen Tours. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 70 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Receptivo Aborigen Tours will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Receptivo Aborigen Tours" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Receptivo Aborigen Tours. Please familiarise yourself with the Receptivo Aborigen Tours payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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