Turkey Adventure Itinerary

  • Day 1: Istanbul
    From Istanbul Atatürk Airport: 25 min (16 km)

    Arrive in Istanbul and explore the historic district of Sultanahmet. Visit the iconic Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia museum. Take a walk through the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.

  • Day 2-3: Cappadocia
    From Istanbul: 1h 25min

    Travel to Cappadocia and join a hot air balloon ride to enjoy a breathtaking view of the region's unique natural land forms. Take a hike through the Red and Rose Valleys, visit the Underground City of Derinkuyu and experience a traditional Turkish bath.

  • Day 4-5: Olympos
    From Cappadocia: 8h 30min

    Arrive in Olympos and hike the Lycian Way, a marked trail between rocky cliffs and turquoise waters. Explore the ancient ruins of the Olympos city and experience a chimera tour after dark, where you can witness natural flames burning on rocks.

  • Day 6-9: Kaş
    From Olympos: 2h 30min

    Travel to Kaş, the perfect adventure spot with crystal clear waters to do activities like sea kayaking or scuba diving. Hike the Likya Yolu Trail, to see the scenic views of the coast. Visit the Saklıkent Canyon for a rafting adventure and relax at the Patara Beach.

  • Day 10-12: Pamukkale
    From Kaş: 5h 45min

    Arrive in Pamukkale and be amazed by the cascading white terraces and natural hot springs. Visit the Hierapolis Archaeological Site and see the well-preserved Roman ruins. Enjoy a sunset over the travertine terraces.

  • Day 13-15: Antalya
    From Pamukkale: 4h 45min

    Travel to Antalya, a city with a rich history and centuries-old ruins. Explore the Old Town (Kaleici) and visit the Antalya Museum, where exhibits take you back in time. Take a rafting tour on the Köprülü Canyon and admire the Düden Waterfalls.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride (1h, $200)
  • Chimera Tour (2h, $25)
  • Sea Kayaking (3h, $50)
  • Scuba Diving (3h, $60)
  • Rafting at Saklıkent Canyon (2h, $40)
  • Köprülü Canyon Rafting Tour (2h, $35)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $450 (excluding flights, accommodations, and transportation)

Transportation

Consider hiring a car to explore Turkey's magnificent countryside efficiently. Domestic flight is also an option to get from one destination to another quickly. Buses are the least expensive option, but the travel time is longer than driving or taking a domestic flight.

  • Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) - Istanbul City Center: 25 min (16 km) by taxi ($25)
  • Istanbul - Cappadocia: 1h 25min by domestic flight ($40)
  • Cappadocia - Olympos: 8h 30min by hired car ($150)
  • Olympos - Kaş: 2h 30min by hired car ($50)
  • Kaş - Pamukkale: 5h 45min by hired car ($100)
  • Pamukkale - Antalya: 4h 45min by hired car ($80)
  • Antalya City Center - Antalya Airport (AYT): 20 min (10 km) by taxi ($15)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other top-rated adventure destinations in Turkey like Fethiye, Bodrum, and Marmaris. If you have limited time, you might consider reducing the number of locations or flying directly to your preferred destination to avoid long drives.

Airports

Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) is located in Yeşilköy, 25 min (16 km) from the city center, and offers both domestic and international flights to many destinations worldwide.

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