Begin your experience with a visit to the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a historical and architectural masterpiece that was once a church, mosque and now museum. Explore the Blue Mosque, known for its intricate blue tiles and domes. Take a walk through the Grand Bazaar and enjoy the bustling atmosphere and the variety of products ranging from spices to Turkish carpets.
Experience the magic of Cappadocia through a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cave churches and monasteries nestled in fairy chimneys. Take a walk through the Pasabag Valley, also known as Monks Valley, because of the hermits that settled here and try pottery at a local shop.
Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos before taking a dip at the Lower Düden Waterfall. For a fun shopping experience, check out the Kaleiçi Bazaar to find unique and handmade souvenirs.
Visit the Ephesus Museum that houses artifacts pertaining to Ephesus, an ancient Greek city. Get lost in the beautifully preserved ruins of Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city of the Eastern Mediterranean.
Visit the Green Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its exquisite tilework, decoration and calligraphy. Learn about the history of silk production and processing at the Koza Han, a historic silk bazaar. Hike through the scenic Uludağ National Park, one of the highest mountains in Turkey.
Visit the Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey, and learn about the country's history. Check out the exhibits, artifacts and multimedia presentations at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which showcases the many ancient civilizations that have inhabited the region.
*Costs can vary depending on the season, exchange rate, and personal expenses.
It is recommended to take domestic flights to minimise travel time since most of the cities are far apart. If one prefers to travel by car, they can rent a car and drive on the well-maintained highways.
The estimated cost for domestic flights ranges from TRY 50-3000 depending on the duration and timing of the flight. Renting a car would cost around TRY 150-200 per day.
If you have more time, consider visiting other cities such as Bodrum or Pamukkale. If you have less time, you can skip Izmir and Ankara and spend more time in Istanbul or Antalya for a more relaxed experience.
The main airport in Turkey is Istanbul Airport (IST) which is located on the European side of Istanbul, 30 km northwest of the city centre. Other major airports include Antalya Airport (AYT), Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) in Izmir, and Esenboğa International Airport (ESB) in Ankara.