6-Day Luxury Turkish Coastal Trip: Sun, Air, and Relaxation

  • Day 1: Istanbul- Alanya
    2-hour flight, 125 miles

    Start your Turkish luxury adventure with a visit to the beautiful town of Alanya, located on the southern coast of Turkey. Take a stroll down Cleopatra Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the area. You can also take a boat tour around the peninsula and enjoy the stunning views of medieval castle walls.

  • Day 2: Pamukkale-Hierapolis
    5-hour drive, 210 miles

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale-Hierapolis is a natural wonder of the world. You can spend your day relaxing in the thermal pools and exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis. Consider hiring a local guide to get the most out of your visit.

  • Day 3: Cappadocia
    6-hour drive, 265 miles

    Enjoy floating in the air on a hot air balloon ride across Cappadocia at sunrise. After an unforgettable flight, relax at a Turkish bath or visit the Goreme Open Air Museum to explore ancient cave architectures.

  • Day 4: Kalkan-Kas
    4-hour drive, 130 miles

    Indulge yourself and have a day of leisure in the picturesque seaside town of Kalkan-Kas. You can shop at the local bazaar, relax at the beach, or enjoy a day spa treatment. You can enjoy some fresh seafood at one of the coastal restaurants for dinner.

  • Day 5: Izmir
    4-hour drive, 240 miles

    Spend the day wandering around the lively city of Izmir. You can visit interesting museums, such as the Archaeological Museum of Izmir and the Ethnography Museum. After, take a walk through the Kemeralti bazaar and sample the local foods while shopping.

  • Day 6: Cesme-Izmir
    50-minute drive, 50 miles

    End your luxury vacation by unwinding in the town of Cesme. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Ilica Beach and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Pamukkale Thermal Pools-Hierapolis Ancient City (full day, $20)
  • Cappadocia Balloon Ride (2 hours, $300)
  • Izmir Archaeological Museum (2 hours, $5)
  • Kemeralti Bazaar (2 hours, $50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $375+

Transportation

When visiting Turkey, it's a great idea to fly between major cities, especially if you're short on time. You can rent a car to explore some of the smaller towns, or you can take advantage of the modern, extensive bus system. You can expect to pay about $80 per day for a rental car or $15 per bus ride.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider traveling along the Turquoise Coast or wandering through the ancient city of Ephesus. An extra day or two in Istanbul would also allow you to see the city's top attractions here at your leisure. For a shorter trip, consider skipping Alanya and spending more time in Cappadocia, where you'll be able to go hiking and visit ancient churches.

Airports

Turkey has two international airports, Istanbul Airport (IST/LTBA) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW/LTFJ). Istanbul Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers from central Istanbul, taking around an hour and a half to reach by car. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is about 50 kilometers on the Asian side of Istanbul and takes an hour by car.

0