Istanbul is the perfect place to begin your journey in Turkey. Visit Hagia Sophia Museum and be amazed by its architecture and history. Roam around the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. End your day with a boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait during sunset.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Göreme National Park and marvel at the uniquely shaped rocks known as fairy chimneys. Explore the Underground City and take a hot air balloon ride the next day to get a bird's eye view of the region.
Take a stroll through the Old Town and wander through the winding streets surrounded by ancient walls while visiting Hadrian's Gate. Later, visit the beautiful natural formations of Pamukkale and take a dip in its thermal springs.
Take a break and relax in Bodrum. Visit the stunning Bodrum Castle and Museum of Underwater Archaeology, followed by a swim at the Türkbükü Beach. End your day with a visit to the Bodrum Windmills and The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.
Discover the beautiful city of İzmir. Visit the Konak Square and observe the famous clock tower. Take a scenic ride on the İzmir Ferris Wheel or enjoy a picnic at the Küçükyalı Park.
Explore the historical town of Selçuk. Visit the impressive Ephesus Ruins, be awed by the Basilica of St. John, and take a dip in the Pamucak Beach.
Visit the city of Bursa, known for its historic landmarks and beautiful mosques. Visit the greenest Green Mosque, relax at the Bursa Zoo and Botanical Park, and take a walk in the Heykel Atatürk Urban Forest.
Your final stretch of the journey takes you back to Istanbul, where you can indulge in the Turkish cuisine and culture. Witness the stunning Topkapi Palace. Learn about the city's history by visiting the Istanbul Archaeology Museum. Finally, enjoy a peaceful boat ride to the Prince Islands.
Domestic flights, rental cars, and taxi services are readily available in Turkey. Domestic flights may cost anywhere between $50 and $150 USD per person. Rental cars may cost $30 to $60 USD per day, while taxis would cost around $1 USD per kilometer. Keep in mind the traveling distances between locations.
If you have more time, visit Artvin Sahil Yolu and Trabzon in the Black Sea region. For those with less time, consider skipping İzmir and Bursa or reducing the places you visit in Istanbul. Remember to double-check opening and closing times for specific locations because some sites may have altered their hours of operation. Also, keep in mind that Turkey can get crowded during peak seasons, so plan accordingly.
Istanbul has two major airports: Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Both airports are located within the city limits and are approximately 30-40 minutes from the city center. Other frequently used airports in Turkey include Esenboga International Airport (ESB) in Ankara, Antalya Airport (AYT), and Adnan Menderes International Airport (ADB) in İzmir.