Visit the Blue Mosque, an iconic landmark with intricate blue tiles and grandeur architecture. Then, head to the Hagia Sophia, a museum that was once a Greek Orthodox church, an Ottoman imperial mosque, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day at the Grand Bazaar, a traditional marketplace for shopping and enjoying local delicacies.
Start your day with a hot air balloon ride to see the aerial view of stunning landscapes in Cappadocia. Then, visit the Özkonak Underground City, an ancient cave city used as a shelter in time of war. After that, you can hike to the Love Valley, a picturesque place with phallic-shaped rock formations. End the day watching the sunset at the Göreme Open Air Museum, a complex of rock-carved churches with beautiful frescoes.
Begin the day at the Travertine Pools of Pamukkale, famously known as "Cotton Castle." It is a natural thermal spa with terrace pools formed over thousands of years from calcium-rich water. After that, visit the Hierapolis Archaeological Site, a sprawling ancient city ruins with a Roman amphitheater, necropolis, and thermal baths. End the day at the Cleopatra Pool, where you can take a dip and relax in the hot springs.
Start the day at the Hadrian's Gate, a monumental marble archway that serves as one of the entrances to the old town. After that, visit the Antalya Museum, an award-winning museum showcasing artifacts and objects from ancient times to the Ottoman era. End the day at the Düden Waterfalls, a breathtaking waterfall system with lush greenery and picturesque landscapes.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Ephesus from Pamukkale. If you have less time, you can skip Pamukkale and plan more activities at Istanbul or Antalya.