A Week Exploring Turkey

Day 1: Istanbul Exploration

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the iconic Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing the rich history of Turkey.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Topkapi Palace

Head to the Topkapi Palace, once the lavish court of the Ottoman Empire, to admire its opulent architecture, courtyards, and impressive collection of artifacts.
60 TRY, 2-3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Deraliye Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at Deraliye Restaurant, known for its authentic Ottoman cuisine and charming ambiance.
40 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Blue Mosque

After lunch, visit the stunning Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and take in its breathtaking architecture and serene atmosphere.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Grand Bazaar

Conclude the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a vibrant shopping experience with diverse goods and souvenirs.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Asitane Restaurant

Savor a delightful dinner at Asitane Restaurant, known for its refined Ottoman cuisine and charming setting, offering a perfect end to the day.
80 TRY, 2 hours

Day 2: Historical & Cultural Wonders

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise to witness the beauty of Istanbul from the water, passing by historical landmarks, palaces, and charming neighborhoods.
50 TRY, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Pandeli Restaurant, located in the Spice Bazaar, offering a variety of Turkish and Ottoman dishes in a historical setting.
50 TRY, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Spice Bazaar

After lunch, take a stroll through the vibrant Spice Bazaar, where you can indulge in the rich aromas of spices, teas, and traditional Turkish delights.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Süleymaniye Mosque

Visit the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece and an important part of Istanbul's skyline, offering panoramic views of the city.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar

Indulge in a sophisticated dinner at Sunset Grill & Bar, known for its panoramic views of the city and delicious fusion cuisine, providing a memorable dining experience.
120 TRY, 2 hours

Day 3: Modern & Traditional Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

10:00 AM

Modern Istanbul - Taksim Square

Explore the modern side of Istanbul by visiting Taksim Square, a bustling area filled with shops, cafes, and vibrant street life, offering a contrast to the historical sites.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Mikla Restaurant

Enjoy a contemporary Turkish lunch at Mikla Restaurant, known for its innovative dishes and stunning views of the city from its rooftop location.
100 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Walk through Balat and Fener Neighborhoods

Take a leisurely walk through the colorful and charming neighborhoods of Balat and Fener, known for their historic houses, vibrant street art, and cultural diversity.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ciya Sofrasi

Experience a traditional Turkish dinner at Ciya Sofrasi, offering a wide array of regional dishes and authentic flavors, providing a true taste of Turkish cuisine.
70 TRY, 2 hours

Day 4: Cappadocia Adventures

Cappadocia, Turkey

9:00 AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Begin the day with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, offering breathtaking views of the fairy chimneys and rock formations.
250 USD, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Anatolian lunch at Dibek Restaurant, known for its homely atmosphere and mouthwatering local dishes, providing a true taste of Cappadocian cuisine.
60 TRY, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum

Visit the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum to explore the ancient cave churches adorned with stunning frescoes, offering insight into Cappadocia's rich history.
45 TRY, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Sunset at Red Valley

Witness the magical sunset at Red Valley, known for its striking rock formations and captivating hues during the golden hour, providing a perfect end to the day.
Free, 1-2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Old Greek House

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Old Greek House, a charming restaurant housed in a historic cave dwelling, serving delicious local dishes in a unique setting.
80 TRY, 2 hours

Day 5: Pamukkale Wonder

Pamukkale, Turkey

9:00 AM

Pamukkale Travertines

Begin the day by exploring the otherworldly Pamukkale Travertines, a natural wonder of terraced pools formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, offering unique photo opportunities and a chance to bathe in the warm pools.
35 TRY, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at White House Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch at White House Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the travertines and serving a variety of Turkish and international dishes.
50 TRY, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Hierapolis Ancient City

Explore the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its well-preserved ruins, including the impressive theater, necropolis, and historical artifacts, providing insight into the region's past.
30 TRY, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Alis 2 Rooftop Restaurant

Indulge in a delightful dinner at Alis 2 Rooftop Restaurant, offering a scenic view of the sunset over Pamukkale while enjoying a mix of Turkish and international cuisine.
70 TRY, 2 hours

Day 6: Ephesus Exploration

Ephesus, Turkey

9:00 AM

Ephesus Ancient City

Embark on a guided tour of the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world, where you can marvel at the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, and the Temple of Artemis.
50 TRY, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ejder Restaurant

Relax and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at Ejder Restaurant, offering a peaceful setting and a variety of regional dishes to savor.
40 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

House of Virgin Mary

Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site where it is believed that Mary spent her last days, offering a serene and spiritual experience for visitors.
25 TRY, 1-2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Terrace Houses Restaurant

Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at Terrace Houses Restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance and a selection of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, providing a pleasant end to your visit to Ephesus.
60 TRY, 2 hours

Day 7: Relaxation & Departure

Izmir, Turkey

9:00 AM

Leisure Time in Izmir

Take some leisure time to relax in Izmir, strolling along the picturesque Kordon Promenade, exploring the Kemeralti Market for last-minute souvenirs, or simply enjoying a Turkish coffee at a local cafe.
Free, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Deniz Restaurant

Savor a delicious seafood lunch at Deniz Restaurant, located by the sea and offering a variety of fresh fish and seafood dishes with stunning views of the Aegean coast.
80 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Transfer to Airport

Head to the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport for your departure, ensuring a smooth transition to your next destination with wonderful memories of your time in Turkey.
Varies based on transportation choice, 1-2 hours