You’ll arrive in Istanbul in the morning and make your way to the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its striking blue tiles and grandeur. After the Blue Mosque, explore the Hagia Sophia Museum and the Topkapi Palace Museum, both within walking distance. End the day with Turkish coffee and Baklava in one of the many shops in Grand Bazaar.
Head towards the historical Gallipoli peninsula, where the WWI Battle of Gallipoli took place. Visit the Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and the former battlefields. In the evening, enjoy a walk on the beach and seafood dinner in the charming seaside town of Çanakkale.
Travel to the ancient city of Troy and see the ruins of pillars, ramparts, and walls. In the afternoon, head towards the ancient Greek city of Pergamon and see the impressive Acropolis and the Asclepion, known as the world's first medical center. Relax in the quaint town of Bergama, where you can also try traditional Turkish dishes like Manti or Cag Kebabi.
Visit Ephesus, one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities. Explore the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, and the Artemis Temple. In the evening, head to Sirince Village for wine tasting and have dinner at one of the village's local restaurants serving traditional Turkish food.
Visit the surreal and stunning Pamukkale travertine terraces, known as the Cotton Castle. Walk on the white terraces and visit the ancient Hierapolis city with its well-preserved ruins. Take a dip in the hot springs and end the day with a Turkish bath and massage.
Travel to the stunning coastal city of Antalya, known for its beaches, cliffs, and turquoise waters. Explore the ancient city of Perge and the Antalya Museum, showcasing ancient Roman and Greek artifacts. Wander through the charming old town and have dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants.
Travel to the surreal and mystical region of Cappadocia, known for its unique fairy chimneys, rock formations, and ancient cave dwellings. Explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum, take a hot air balloon ride, and see the underground city of Derinkuyu. Unwind in a local Turkish bath and have dinner with the locals.
Continue exploring the awe-inspiring Cappadocia region. Visit the Zelve Open-Air Museum and hike through the Rose and Red Valleys. End the day with a traditional Turkish folk dance show and indulge in some Turkish delight.
Travel to the Turkish Capital of Ankara and visit the impressive Anitkabir museum and mausoleum. Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the old citadel. Enjoy a traditional lamb dish and mint tea in one of the many restaurants near the Kızılay Square.
Head to the charming and historic Ottoman city of Safranbolu. Stroll through the cobbled streets and explore the old houses and bazaars. Visit the Cinci Inn and the Cinci Hammam and enjoy some Turkish tea and Halva.
Visit the picturesque and serene Black Sea coast town of Amasra, known for its stunning views, medieval fortress, and historic harbor. Visit the Boztepe Hill and experience the panoramic view of the town. Enjoy fresh fish and Turkish Raki in one of the many seaside restaurants.
Travel to the historic and scenic city of Trabzon, located on the Black Sea coast. Visit the ancient Sumela Monastery, the Ataturk Mansion, and the Trabzon Museum. Explore the charming Hagia Sophia Mosque, also known as Ayasofya Camii. Have dinner at one of the traditional Trabzon restaurants and enjoy the local specialties like Karalahana Corbasi and Hamsikoli Pide.
Visit the tranquil and scenic Uzungol, known for its emerald-green lake, pine forests, and breathtaking views. Take a boat ride on the lake, hike through the meadows, and have Turkish tea and fish in one of the restaurants.
Depart from Uzungol in the morning and travel to Istanbul to catch a flight back home. En route to the airport, stop by the charming town of Sapanca and walk around the Sapanca Lake.
For transportation, we recommend renting a car for the entire trip. This will allow you to explore each destination at your own pace and have the flexibility to make stops along the way. The total travel distance is approximately 4000 km and the estimated cost for gas is around $350. Alternatively, you can also take domestic flights between major cities, but this option may not give you the same scenic and cultural experience as driving across Turkey.
If you have more time, consider adding a stop at the beautiful city of Bursa, known for its Ottoman architecture and hot springs. If you have less time, skip Ankara and spend more time in Cappadocia or Antalya. It's also recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, as many attractions require walking on uneven terrain. Lastly, be prepared to spend some money on entrance fees, food, and gifts, as many destinations are significant tourist hotspots.
Turkey has two major international airports: Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Both airports serve numerous international airlines and are located within 50 km of the city center. Trabzon has a smaller regional airport, Trabzon Airport (TZX), which is approximately 6 km away from the city center.