7-Day Turkey Itinerary for Shoestring Budget in July 2023

1. Day 1: Istanbul - Sultanahmet Square
   30 minutes (13.5 km) from Istanbul Airport

   Explore the iconic Sultanahmet Square, visit the Hagia Sophia Museum, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace Museum.

2. Day 2: Bursa - Ulu Camii
   4 hours (235 km) from Istanbul

   Visit the Ulu Camii, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the historic Cumalikizik Village.

3. Day 3: Pamukkale - Hierapolis
   8 hours (592 km) from Bursa

   Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and take a dip in the famous travertine terraces of Pamukkale.

4. Day 4: Antalya - Old Town
   3 hours (205 km) from Pamukkale

   Wander through the charming streets of Antalya's Old Town, visit the Hadrian's Gate, and relax at the Konyaalti Beach.

5. Day 5: Konya - Mevlana Museum
   5 hours (422 km) from Antalya

   Visit the Mevlana Museum, the resting place of the famous poet Rumi, and explore the historical sites of Konya.

6. Day 6: Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
   4 hours (298 km) from Konya

   Explore the unique rock formations and cave dwellings of Cappadocia, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, and take a hot air balloon ride (optional).

7. Day 7: Ankara - Anitkabir
   4 hours (287 km) from Cappadocia

   Visit the Anitkabir Mausoleum, the resting place of the founder of the Turkish Republic, and explore the historic sites of Ankara.

Recommendations

Consider experiencing the hot springs of Bursa, taking a boat tour along Antalya's coast, and trying Turkish street food, such as simit, doner kebab, and baklava. Side trips could include a visit to the Duden Waterfalls in Antalya and the Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia. To maximize the fun, consider joining a local tour group to save on costs and gain insider knowledge from a guide.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Hagia Sophia Museum (2 hours, 100 TL)
• Blue Mosque (1 hour, free)
• Topkapi Palace Museum (3 hours, 100 TL)
• Ulu Camii (2 hours, free)
• Cumalikizik Village (2 hours, free)
• Hierapolis (3 hours, 120 TL)
• Pamukkale Travertine Terraces (2 hours, 70 TL)
• Hadrian's Gate (1 hour, free)
• Konyaalti Beach (3 hours, free)
• Mevlana Museum (2 hours, 40 TL)
• Goreme Open Air Museum (2 hours, 45 TL)
• Anitkabir (2 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: 525 TL (excluding transportation and accommodation)