10-Day Turkey History, Architecture, Cities and Vegetarian Food Itinerary

Morning

Start early at Hagia Sophia, ideally around 08:30–09:00, before the Sultanahmet crowds and tour groups build up. Allow about two hours for the dome, galleries, marble interiors, and the visible layers of Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque history. Visitor arrangements and prayer-related closures can change, so check the official visiting information the evening before; dress modestly, and remember that shoes must be removed in the prayer area. From here, it is only a five-minute walk through Sultanahmet to the Basilica Cistern. Spend roughly an hour among the illuminated columns and Medusa heads—this is especially atmospheric in the morning, before the narrow walkways feel congested. Tickets are generally in the several-hundred-lira range and may be timed.

Afternoon

Walk toward Topkapı Palace via Soğukçeşme Sokağı, a pretty, quiet lane lined with historic wooden houses. Set aside at least two and a half hours for the palace courtyards, treasury, imperial collections, and the terraces overlooking the Bosphorus; the Harem requires a separate ticket and is worthwhile if you have the energy. Wear comfortable shoes—the grounds are extensive and cobbled. Continue downhill or along the palace gardens to the Istanbul Archaeological Museums in Gülhane, allowing about 90 minutes for the sarcophagi, Greek and Roman sculpture, and the excellent ancient Anatolian collections. Museum hours commonly run from morning into the early evening, but last admission and weekly closures can vary, so verify the September schedule before setting out. For a relaxed break between the two, use one of the cafés around Gülhane Park rather than stopping in the busiest square.

Evening

Finish with dinner at Matbah Ottoman Palace Cuisine in Sultanahmet, an easy walk back from the museums. Its Ottoman-inspired menu is a good introduction to palace-style dishes, and the kitchen can usually accommodate vegetarians—ask specifically about meat stock, butter, and yogurt in individual preparations. Expect approximately ₺800–1,500 per person depending on courses and drinks, and reserve if possible, particularly for an evening with clear weather when terrace seating is popular. After dinner, take a short unhurried walk around the softly lit Sultanahmet square; the monuments are far calmer after the day-tripper crowds leave.

Morning

Walk from Sultanahmet toward Süleymaniye Mosque in about 20–25 minutes, climbing gradually through the university quarter; it is a more pleasant start than taking the tram for such a short distance. Arrive around 09:00, but check the prayer schedule at the entrance because the mosque closes to visitors during worship. Allow an hour for Sinan’s spacious interior, courtyard, and the superb view over the Golden Horn. Dress modestly, and women should carry a scarf; entry is free. From there, walk downhill for roughly 15 minutes through Tahtakale to Rüstem Pasha Mosque, usually reached via a tucked-away staircase near the spice-market streets. Its compact interior is the highlight: look closely at the unusually rich İznik tilework, and expect about 45 minutes.

Continue straight into the Spice Bazaar, where an hour disappears easily among displays of saffron, sumac, dried fruit, lokum, and local tea. Prices vary widely, so compare two or three stalls before buying and ask to taste anything sold by weight. Around midday, take a short walk through Sirkeci to Balkan Lokantası for a straightforward, inexpensive lunch: point to the vegetable dishes, beans, imam bayıldı-style eggplant, rice, soup, and meze in the bain-marie. Budget roughly ₺400–800 per person, depending on drinks and the number of dishes; go before 13:30 for the best selection.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, spend 45 unhurried minutes in Gülhane Park, entering from the Sirkeci side and following the shaded paths beside the palace grounds. It is a useful pause after the bazaar’s bustle, with benches and occasional Golden Horn glimpses. Then return toward the Eminönü ferry terminal—about a 15-minute walk—and check the electronic boards for the next public ferry to Üsküdar. Choose a regular city ferry rather than a sightseeing boat; the crossing is inexpensive with an Istanbulkart and generally takes around 20 minutes each way, though allow about two hours in total for waiting and the return trip. Sit outside if the weather is clear: the views back toward the minarets, Galata waterfront, and palace shoreline are the real reward. In Üsküdar, you can simply stretch your legs along the waterfront before boarding the next ferry back; evening departures are frequent, but verify the final sailing on the Şehir Hatları website or app.

Morning

Begin at Galata Tower around 09:00, before the narrow streets of Galata fill with tour groups. Allow roughly an hour for the compact exhibition and the 360-degree panorama over the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, and historic peninsula. The tower is usually open from around 08:30 until late evening, with admission commonly around ₺700–1,000; confirm the current price online before going. From Eminönü, take the T1 tram to Karaköy, then walk uphill for about 10 minutes. Afterward, descend toward the waterfront and spend about 90 minutes at Istanbul Modern, whose airy galleries and café make a good change of pace from the older city. It generally opens at 10:00 and is closed on Mondays; allow roughly ₺600–900 per adult for admission.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk a few minutes through Karaköy to Karaköy Güllüoğlu for a casual, very local break. Choose a small mixed tray of baklava alongside vegetarian börek, gözleme-style pastries, or lentil soup; ₺250–600 per person is plenty unless you buy a large gift box. After lunch, continue uphill or take the short walk toward İstiklal Avenue, following the lively streets around Tünel. Give yourself an unhurried hour for the historic apartment façades, old passages, bookshops, churches, and the red tram—this is better experienced as a wandering route than a checklist. Turn into Tepebaşı for Pera Museum, usually open Tuesday–Sunday from about 10:00 to 19:00, with late hours on some evenings; its Orientalist paintings and cultural-history displays take around 90 minutes, and admission is commonly around ₺300–500.

Evening

Finish in Cezayir Street, a five- to ten-minute downhill walk from Pera Museum through Asmalımescit. The restored buildings, balconies, and small terraces give the area a more relaxed evening atmosphere than the busiest stretch of İstiklal Avenue. Take an hour to settle in for drinks or a vegetarian-friendly dinner—look for meze, imam bayıldı, stuffed vine leaves, seasonal vegetables, and cheese-based dishes, and ask whether stocks or sauces contain meat. For the ride back, walk to Taksim and take the F1 funicular to Kabataş, then the T1 tram toward Eminönü; allow 25–35 minutes, with an Istanbulkart and a little extra time for the evening crowds.

Morning

After the early flight and airport transfer, check in or leave your bags at your Göreme hotel, then head straight to the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Aim for roughly 10:30–11:00, allowing two hours for the rock-cut chapels, monastic spaces, and frescoes. September is still hot in exposed areas, so carry water and wear shoes with good grip; the museum generally operates from morning until early evening, with the latest entry time varying seasonally. From the main village, it is about a 25-minute uphill walk or a short taxi ride, usually around ₺200–350. Continue next door to Tokalı Church, where the larger, more richly painted interior rewards a slower 45-minute visit; check whether it is included in your museum ticket or requires a small separate admission.

Lunch and Afternoon Exploring

Walk or take a short taxi back into Göreme for lunch at Aydınlı Cave Restaurant, a relaxed stone-and-cave dining room with good vegetarian options. Order several meze to share, then try the testi-style vegetables or another local dish prepared without meat; budget approximately ₺700–1,300 per person, and reserve ahead if you want a terrace table. After lunch, take a taxi toward the trailhead for Güllüdere Valley—the walk from central Göreme is possible but adds a steep, dusty stretch. Spend about two hours following the rose-colored cliffs past pigeon houses, orchards, and abandoned cave dwellings. Keep the hike flexible rather than chasing every side path, and bring at least a litre of water per person; there is little shade and mobile coverage can be patchy.

Evening

Return to Göreme in time for Sunset Point, reached by a short uphill walk from the village center. Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset, as the best viewpoints fill quickly, and bring a light layer once the sun drops. The panorama over the valley and cave-lined town is especially beautiful after a hiking day; allow about an hour, then wander back through the village for tea or a quiet dinner. Sunset is around 19:00 in mid-September, but confirm the exact time locally, and avoid walking the darker valley paths after dusk.

Morning

Arrange a private driver or taxi from Göreme for an early start—ideally 07:30—because today’s route covers a wide stretch of Cappadocia. The first stop is Kaymaklı Underground City, about 35–45 minutes away. Spend roughly 1.5 hours underground with a guide; the narrow passages, ventilation shafts, storage rooms, and communal spaces make much more sense with someone explaining how the settlement functioned. Wear sturdy shoes and avoid bringing a large backpack. Entry is generally around ₺750–1,000, with guides and transport extra; opening is usually around 08:00, but confirm locally the day before.

Continue by car toward Ihlara Valley, roughly 45–60 minutes from Kaymaklı. Allow about 2.5 hours for the riverside walk, choosing the gentler section along the Melendiz River rather than attempting the full valley. The path is shaded in places but still warm in September, so carry water and wear shoes with grip. Along the cliffs, look for the small rock-cut churches and faded frescoes; the atmosphere is much quieter than Cappadocia’s main viewpoints. After the hike, have a simple gözleme or gözleme-style lunch near the valley entrance—ask for ıspanaklı (spinach) or peynirli (cheese), and confirm that the dough is cooked separately if you avoid meat.

Afternoon and Evening

Drive about 15–20 minutes to Selime Monastery, where you should allow 1.5 hours for the steep climbs through the cathedral-like chambers, kitchens, and rock-cut rooms. The site is uneven and exposed, so take your time and keep the afternoon heat in mind; entry is commonly around ₺750–1,000. From Selime, the drive back toward Uçhisar takes approximately 1.5 hours. Finish at Uçhisar Castle for the late-afternoon panorama over the volcanic landscape—arrive before sunset, when the stone turns warm gold. The climb is short but steep, and entry is generally around ₺300–500. Afterwards, continue by taxi or prearranged driver to Ziggy Café in Ürgüp for dinner, allowing roughly 30 minutes from Uçhisar. Its terrace and old-stone setting suit a relaxed meal: ask for vegetarian meze, seasonal vegetables, stuffed vine leaves, and local cheeses, clearly confirming which dishes contain meat stock or butter. Budget approximately ₺900–1,600 per person, and reserve ahead for a terrace table; arrange your return to Uçhisar with the same driver, as taxis are less readily available in Ürgüp late in the evening.

Morning

Take the planned early bus from Göreme to Konya, leaving around 07:30; with the transfer and rest stops, expect to arrive around lunchtime or shortly after. Leave luggage at your Konya hotel, then walk or take a short taxi ride to the Mevlana Museum. The complex is generally open Tuesday–Sunday, with hours changing seasonally, and entry is usually free or modestly priced; allow 1½ hours for the tiled tomb chamber, dervish displays, and quiet courtyard. Dress modestly and keep voices low—the site remains an active place of pilgrimage rather than simply a museum.

Afternoon Exploring

Have a simple lunch near Mevlana Square, then spend about 45 minutes at Selimiye Mosque, whose pale stone façade and elegant Ottoman proportions make a lovely counterpoint to the museum. Prayer closures can interrupt visits, so check at the entrance and avoid the main prayer periods. From there, walk roughly 10 minutes through the central streets to Karatay Madrasa, usually open Tuesday–Sunday during daytime museum hours; its compact interior is particularly rewarding for the deep turquoise Seljuk tilework. Continue another 10–15 minutes toward the Ince Minare Museum, housed in a striking Seljuk monument and filled with finely carved stone portals, inscriptions, and architectural fragments. Combined tickets are not always available, so carry some Turkish lira or use a card; taxis are inexpensive if the September heat becomes tiring.

Evening

For dinner, go to Hacı Şükrü, a long-established local restaurant known for Konya’s paper-thin etli ekmek. Ask for the vegetarian pide or a meat-free version when ordering, and add seasonal salads, yogurt, and ayran; be explicit that you do not want meat stock or minced meat in the dough or toppings. Budget roughly ₺350–700 per person, depending on drinks and side dishes. Afterward, take an easy walk around Alaaddin Hill and the surrounding central streets rather than adding another major sight—Konya is at its most atmospheric after sunset, when families gather outdoors and the Seljuk-Ottoman skyline is softly lit.

Early Morning and Arrival

Leave Konya around 05:30–06:30 for the long rail journey toward Selçuk, allowing roughly 8–10 hours including the İzmir connection. Keep breakfast and water with you, and arrange luggage drop-off with your Selçuk hotel in advance; after such an early start, even a quick shower and a 20-minute rest will make the afternoon much more enjoyable. If the train connection runs late, shorten the castle visit rather than rushing through Ephesus.

Afternoon Exploring

Take a taxi from central Selçuk to the upper entrance of the Ephesus Archaeological Site—about 10 minutes and typically ₺300–500—or ask your hotel to arrange one. Spend around three hours following the main marble street downhill, with the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and Curetes Street as highlights. September afternoons remain hot, so carry water, wear a hat, and use the site’s shade wherever possible; tickets are around €40–50, with current prices and opening hours worth checking shortly before travel. Afterward, walk or take a short taxi back toward the town center to İsa Bey Mosque, usually visited outside prayer times; allow 45 minutes for its Seljuk columns, courtyard, and unusual architectural details.

A short uphill walk then leads to Ayasuluk Castle. Allow about an hour for the climb and the wide views over Selçuk, the olive groves, and the Aegean plain. The approach is uneven, so closed shoes are preferable; confirm the castle’s same-day opening before setting out, as hours can change seasonally. If you are tired after the train journey, enjoy the viewpoint and lower paths rather than forcing the entire climb.

Evening and Dinner

Finish at Selçuk Köftecisi, a casual local restaurant in central Selçuk, where you should clearly request vegetarian dishes rather than assuming the köfte menu will suit you. Order several meze, bean dishes, seasonal salads, grilled vegetables, and bread to share; expect roughly ₺400–800 per person depending on drinks and extras. Dinner around 19:30–20:00 lets you eat after the heat has eased, followed by an easy stroll through the town center and an early night.

Morning

Start in Selçuk at the Temple of Artemis, ideally around 08:30, before the heat and day-trip groups arrive. Only a few columns and scattered foundations remain, but the open, quiet setting makes it easy to understand the scale of this former wonder. Allow about 30 minutes, then walk or take a short taxi ride into town for the Ephesus Museum. Openings are generally around 08:30–19:00 in summer, with admission typically about ₺300–600; allow an hour for the richly carved statues, friezes, and smaller finds that give context to the ancient site. Keep this morning unhurried—the museum is compact, and the shaded displays are a welcome break from September sun.

Afternoon

Collect your luggage and take the regional train from Selçuk to Alsancak, roughly 1½ hours. Buy or top up an İzmirim Kart at the station if needed, and sit on the left-hand side when possible for glimpses of the Aegean plain. After checking in or leaving bags at your hotel, stroll the Kordon promenade for about an hour, particularly the stretch around Alsancak and Gündoğdu Square. Locals come here for sunset walks, tea, cycling, and seaside snacks; the breeze is usually strongest later in the afternoon.

Evening

From Alsancak, take the tram or a taxi south toward Kemeraltı Bazaar—allow roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic—and spend a couple of hours wandering its covered lanes, courtyards, spice stalls, and old hans. Go beyond the busiest shopping streets toward Kızlarağası Han, where the atmosphere becomes calmer and courtyard cafés make good pauses. Finish at Tarihi Hisarönü Şambalicisi, a long-established sweet shop near Hisar Mosque, for İzmir’s dense, syrup-soaked şambali; a portion is usually around ₺150–350 per person. Vegetarian food is easy to find around the bazaar, but many places close by early evening, so have a light meal or meze before dessert if needed.

Morning

Leave İzmir on an early Kamil Koç or Metro Turizm coach, ideally around 07:00–08:00; the direct journey to Bursa usually takes 4–5 hours, though traffic can make it closer to 5.5. Book on obilet.com and keep breakfast with you. On arrival at Bursa’s intercity bus terminal, take a taxi to central Osmangazi—about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic—and leave your luggage at the hotel. Start at Koza Han, the atmospheric 15th-century silk bazaar near the covered market. Its stone courtyard, tea garden, and arcades are best explored slowly; allow about an hour, and note that shops generally open around 09:00 and close around 19:00. A short walk along Uzun Çarşı brings you to Bursa Grand Mosque, usually open outside prayer times; dress modestly, remove shoes, and allow an hour for the huge calligraphic panels and twenty-dome interior.

Afternoon and Evening

After the mosque, walk or take a short taxi ride to the Bursa City Museum, allowing about an hour for its accessible account of Ottoman Bursa, silk production, guilds, and local crafts. For lunch, choose a central İskender kebab restaurant such as Kebapçı İskender near Kayhan—ask clearly for a vegetarian plate, since traditional İskender is meat-based. Vegetarian pide, vegetable dishes, meze, and seasonal salads are usually possible; budget roughly ₺500–1,000 per person and confirm ingredients if you avoid meat stock or yogurt. In the late afternoon, take a taxi or prearranged ride east to Cumalıkızık, around 25–35 minutes from central Bursa. Wander its steep cobbled lanes for 1.5 hours, looking for timber-framed Ottoman houses, small courtyards, and village stalls; late afternoon gives you softer light and fewer day visitors. Wear shoes with good grip, and arrange a return taxi in advance, as local transport becomes less frequent after sunset.

Morning

Take an early Bursa–Mudanya connection and aim for a morning BUDO sailing to Eminönü/Sirkeci; allow 2.5–3.5 hours door to door, including the bus to the terminal and boarding time. Check BUDO or İDO schedules the night before, as wind can disrupt services; if the sea bus is canceled, a direct coach is the dependable fallback. From Eminönü, take the T1 tram to Kabataş, then walk uphill along Dolmabahçe Caddesi to Dolmabahçe Palace. Allow about two hours for the Selamlık, ceremonial halls, and Bosphorus-facing rooms. Tickets are commonly around ₺1,000–1,500 for the main palace sections, with entry generally from 09:00 and the palace closed on Mondays; arrive before the final admission period and follow the fixed guided route.

Afternoon and Evening

Continue along the waterfront on foot for roughly 20 minutes to Ortaköy Mosque, passing cafés and the open Bosphorus promenade on the way. Spend 45 minutes here, remembering that mosque access pauses during prayer and modest clothing is required. Then walk or take a short taxi into Yıldız Park—the park’s wooded paths and old imperial pavilions make a welcome, quiet contrast to the palace, and an hour is enough for an unhurried stroll. From the Beşiktaş side, take a bus or taxi across toward Kadıköy; allow 35–60 minutes depending on traffic, or use a ferry if a convenient sailing is available. Finish at Çiya Sofrası on Caferağa Mahallesi, where the menu changes with seasonal and regional cooking: ask about vegetable stews, olive-oil dishes, lentil preparations, stuffed vegetables, and grains rather than relying only on the meze counter. Budget approximately ₺700–1,400 per person, and expect a lively, informal dinner; afterward, wander the nearby Kadıköy Market lanes for tea or a final Turkish sweet.