Explore the stunning Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine cathedral turned mosque turned museum. Wander through the colourful Grand Bazaar and sample Turkish delights at the Spice Bazaar. End the day with a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait at sunset.
Witness the sunrise from a hot air balloon over the unique Cappadocia landscape. Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum to see early Christian cave dwellings. Walk through the fairy chimneys at Pasabag Valley and visit the underground city of Derinkuyu.
Relax in the thermal pools of Pamukkale, known as Cotton Castle for its white, terraced travertines. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and see its well-preserved Roman theatre. End the day with a sunset view of the pools while sipping Turkish tea.
Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Kaleici, the historic centre of Antalya. Visit the Antalya Museum to see ancient artifacts and mosaics. Take a dip in the blue waters of Konyaalti Beach and catch the sunset from the top of the Antalya Lighthouse.
Step back in time at the ancient city of Ephesus, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins. Visit the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the Temple of Artemis. Walk through the streets of the picturesque village of Sirince and taste the local wine.
Visit the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Wander through the colourful streets of the Balat neighbourhood and admire its vibrant street art. End the trip with a traditional Turkish bath experience to relax and rejuvenate before heading back home.
For a more relaxed itinerary, consider removing a location or activity and spend more time in the remaining destinations. To add more fun, add a day trip to the picturesque Prince Islands near Istanbul. Don't forget to try traditional Turkish food like shish kebab, baklava and Turkish delight. Lastly, keep in mind that Turkey can get hot during summer, so bring sunscreen and a hat.