Kick off your trip in Istanbul, the cultural and economic hub of Turkey. Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the world's most recognized historical landmarks. Experience the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace, a historic palace and UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a relaxing Bosphorus boat tour to enjoy the beautiful views of Istanbul from the water.
Visit the enchanting region of Cappadocia, where you can witness surreal fairy chimneys, ancient underground cities, and rock-cut churches. Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise to experience a breathtaking aerial view of Cappadocia's unique landscape. Walk through the Ihlara valley to see the Green River and visit nearby cave churches.
Head to Antalya, located on the southern coast of Turkey, and explore the incredible Düden Waterfalls and the Antalya Museum, which features historical artifacts from the Paleolithic era to Ottoman times. Relax and enjoy the sun and sandy beaches at Lara Beach or Konyaaltı Beach.
Visit Pamukkale to see its famous white terraces formed by the natural hot springs. Take a dip in the warm waters of the Antique Pool, where ancient ruins are submerged under the water. Don't forget to explore the ancient nearby city of Hierapolis and its impressive archaeological sites.
Head to Ephesus, once the second largest city in the Roman Empire, and tour the monumental Library of Celsus, the incredible Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visit the nearby House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final resting place.
Spend your last day in the coastal town of Bodrum, where you can visit the Castle of St. Peter, a 15th-century crusader castle that now serves as a museum of underwater archaeology. Take a stroll through the Bodrum Marina or relax on one of its beautiful beaches.
Transportation options include flights, buses, and private transfers between destinations, with prices ranging from TRY 100 to TRY 600 per person. It's recommended to book transportation and accommodations in advance.
If you have more time, consider visiting other popular destinations in Turkey such as the seaside towns of Alanya and Marmaris, the ancient city of Troy, or the Mount Nemrut National Park. For those with less time, consider focusing on Istanbul and Cappadocia, as these two destinations offer the most unique experiences in Turkey.
Turkey's busiest airport is Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST), located 24 kilometers west of downtown Istanbul. Other major airports include Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), Antalya Airport (AYT), Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) in Izmir, and Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV) in Bodrum.