Turkey, straddling between Europe and Asia, offers travelers an extraordinary mix of ancient history, rich culture, and stunning landscapes. From the exuberant bazaars of Istanbul to the surreal landscape of Cappadocia and beach life along its Mediterranean coastline, diverse experiences await you in Turkey. Turkey Itinerary This 10-day itinerary in Turkey will take you to the most iconic of destinations and will be sure to get you fully feeling the essence of this beautiful country.
Turkey Itinerary
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Exploring the Heart of Istanbul – Day 1-3
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul and an Introduction to the City
Today your Turkish odyssey begins in Istanbul. After landing at the Istanbul Airport and completing the entry formalities, proceed to check in at a hotel located in the historical Sultanahmet district of the city. Spend today with visits to some excellent walls with prominent city landmarks:
- Hagia Sophia: Start your tour with this marvel of architecture. It was first built as a church, then a mosque, and now a museum. The Hagia Sophia has always been one of the most beautiful artifacts depicting the grand history of Istanbul.
- Blue Mosque: Just a few steps from Hagia Sophia stands the Blue Mosque, with its remarkable blue tiles mingled in with six soaring minarets. The juxtaposition here creates a contrast of serenity as compared to the high-energy city found outside these walls.
- Topkapi Palace: Observe the luxurious life of Ottoman sultans in this vast palace compound, which also holds the holy relics of Prophet Muhammad.
Day 2: Tracing Deeper into Istanbul’s History and Culture
On the second day in Istanbul, trace a little deeper into the annals of heritage and culture:
- Grand Bazaar: It is one of the greatest, with more than 4,000 shops, the world’s first covered market. Walk and haggle your way through color, scent, and sound. Spices, textiles, and jewelry are in the many offerings.
- Basilica Cistern: The ancient underground reservoir is a marvel of architecture, with hundreds of illuminated columns reflecting in the shallow waters.
- Bosphorus Cruise: Enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait today. This channel divides Istanbul into two parts: the European side and the Asian side, though it also provides magnificent views of the city, studded by minarets interspersed with modern high-rises.
Day 3: Day Trip to Princes’ Islands
Escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul in favor of a day trip to the Princes’ Islands. Devoid of motor vehicles, this little archipelago, located in the Marmara Sea, just suits the purpose. The biggest island of the group, Büyükada, offers bike and horse carriage rental for touring its quiet streets, lined with lovely old, wooden, Ottoman mansions, and having lunch at an unhurried seaside restaurant.
Day 4-5: Cappadocia – Land of Fairy Chimneys and Cave Dwellings
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Day 4: Arrival and Sunset in Cappadocia
Take a short flight to Cappadocia. The region is famous for the geological wonder of the “Fairy Chimneys,” antique cave dwellings, and the most enchanting hot air balloon rides globally. Arrive and check into your cave hotel.
- Göreme Open-Air Museum: Begin your sightseeing in this UNESCO World Heritage site filled with rock-hewn churches and their amazing frescoes.
- Sunset Viewpoint: In the evening, head to any of the endless viewpoints, because the sunset over that otherworldly landscape is something special.
Day 5: Hot Air Balloons and Underground Cities
Get up early for one of the most unforgettable experiences this trip has to offer: a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. Floating above the valleys, the sunrise adorns the landscape with its golden light; a magical moment.
- Kaymakli Underground City: After your beautiful balloon flight, walk in and explore one of the underground cities of a time when even 4,000 people inhabited these subterranean labyrinths. They now are a fascinating way to get a look into ancient living.
- Pasabag (Monks Valley): After that, take your car to Pasabag, which is a place featuring some of the most interesting fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. The valley is also well known under the name of Monks Valley, by the hermit cells that people carved into the rocks.
Day 6-7: Pamukkale and Hierapolis – Natural Wonders and Ancient Ruins
Day 6: Drive to Pamukk
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Day 6: Take a trip to Pamukkale, known for its terraces: natural pools that have been formed by calcite-laden waters that follow down the mountainside. It’s a must-see landscape.
- Cleopatra Pool: After enjoying the beauty of the terraces, desiring swimmers will have the opportunity to take a dip in the ancient Cleopatra’s Pool. The legend holds that it was a gift to Cleopatra from the spring waters and that the mineral-rich water holds some incredible healing properties.
Day 7: Exploring Hierapolis and Surrounds of Pamukkale
Spend the morning exploring the pamukkale terraces, where sits the ancient city of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city. Hierapolis houses some well preserved ruins; these include a grand theatre, temples and a necropolis.
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- The Theatre of Hierapolis: This is well preserved and, with the splendid, mystic backdrop of the Pamukkale terraces, it was a setting one would relive ancient entertainment.
- Laodicea: In the afternoon, proceed for a short drive to Laodicea; turn off; visit the ancient grand colonnaded street and large ancient churches.
Day 8-10: Antalya and the Turquoise Coast
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Day 8: Arrive in Antalya
Fly to Antalya, the gateway to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Naturally beautiful, with gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, and a leading nightlife, it is sure to provide that much-needed ease you will be craving as a compensatory after all the hectic traveling.
- Old Town (Kaleiçi): Walk the narrow streets of Antalya’s old town, Kaleiçi, on your first evening. Stroll through t he old town, with its brick streets and Ottoman buildings, the Roman old port, and its captivating shops.
- Antalya Museum: If time allows, visit one of the largest and most complete museums in Turkey, exhibiting artifacts and statuary of the great empires from antiquity.
Day 9 : Exploring Ancient Ruins and Perfect Beaches
Day 9: Full-day excursion along the Turquoise Coast
- Perge: Start your day with a visit in this ancient city, sprawling from the Bronze Age and adorned by Greco-Roman ruins, a Roman theatre, a stadium and an agora along the procession street.
- Aspendos: Next, come over to Aspendos to see one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. Acoustics in this theater, which is more than 2,000 years old, are so perfect that performances still go on here.
- Side: Conclude your day in beautiful Side, a coastal town surrounded by ruins. Particularly engaging is a visit to the Temple of Apollo at sunset, when the building appears to light up with the colors of the setting sun.
Day 10: Languishing on the Turquoise Coast
Spend your final day lying on one of Antalya’s lovely beaches. Whether you opt for the pebbly Konyaaltı Beach or the more resorty feel of Lara Beach, you’ll find clear waters and stunning views of the mountains in the background.
For your last evening, enjoy your farewell dinner at one of Antalya’s beachside restaurants on the Mediterranean, serving fresh seafood.
Conclusion
This 10-day Turkey itinerary offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and natural beauty: from its bustling streets in Istanbul to the surreal landscape in Cappadocia and the heavenly beaches on the Turquoise Coast, all in one destination that warms one’s heart and soul.
