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Discovering Turkey in 7 Days

Viewed by 56 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Start your day by exploring the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a symbol of Istanbul's rich history.
Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet Square, easily accessible by tram or taxi from most parts of the city. It takes about 30 minutes to get there.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Blue Mosque

After Hagia Sophia, head to the iconic Blue Mosque known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture.
The Blue Mosque is right next to Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet Square, a short walk away. It takes around 1 hour to explore.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Turkish meal at Pandeli Restaurant, offering a variety of traditional dishes with a view of the Bosphorus.
Pandeli Restaurant is located in the Spice Bazaar area, approximately 15 minutes by tram or taxi from Sultanahmet. It takes about 30 minutes to have lunch.
80 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Topkapi Palace

Visit the Topkapi Palace, a historic palace complex that was once the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
Topkapi Palace is a short walk from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It takes around 2-3 hours to explore the palace and its grounds.
100 TRY, 2-3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Mikla Restaurant, known for its modern Turkish cuisine and panoramic views of the city.
Mikla Restaurant is located in the Beyoglu district, a 15-minute taxi ride from Sultanahmet. It takes about 2 hours for a leisurely dinner.
250 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 2: More of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Bosphorus Cruise

Embark on a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise to admire the city's skyline and iconic landmarks from the water.
Head to the Eminonu or Kabatas pier to catch a Bosphorus cruise boat. The cruise typically lasts 2 hours.
50 TRY, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Ciya Sofrasi

Savor authentic Turkish cuisine at Ciya Sofrasi, a renowned restaurant offering a variety of regional dishes.
Ciya Sofrasi is located in the Kadikoy district on the Asian side of Istanbul. Take a ferry from Eminonu to Kadikoy, which takes about 20 minutes. Lunch usually lasts an hour.
70 TRY, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Grand Bazaar

Explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a unique shopping experience.
The Grand Bazaar is located in the heart of Istanbul's historic center. It's a short tram ride from Sultanahmet and takes about 2-3 hours to browse through the maze of shops.
Free to enter, shopping costs vary, 2-3 hours

5:00 PM

Spice Bazaar

Visit the Spice Bazaar to discover a colorful array of spices, sweets, and souvenirs in a bustling market atmosphere.
The Spice Bazaar is adjacent to the Grand Bazaar, easily accessible on foot. It typically takes 1-2 hours to explore.
Free to enter, shopping costs vary, 1-2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Ciya Kebap

Enjoy a dinner of mouthwatering kebabs and traditional Turkish dishes at Ciya Kebap in Kadikoy.
Ciya Kebap is a short walk from the Kadikoy ferry terminal. It takes about 2 hours for a relaxed dinner.
120 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Magical Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00 AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the breathtaking sunrise over Cappadocia with a memorable hot air balloon ride.
Hot air balloon tours usually depart from Goreme. It's advisable to book in advance and the ride typically lasts 1-1.5 hours.
600 TRY, 2-3 hours

11:00 AM

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Explore the ancient cave churches and frescoes at the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The museum is a short drive from Goreme town center. It takes around 2-3 hours to explore the site.
30 TRY, 2-3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Cappadocian meal at Dibek Restaurant, known for its authentic local cuisine.
Dibek Restaurant is located in the town of Goreme. It takes about 1 hour for lunch.
60 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Hiking in Rose Valley

Embark on a scenic hike through Rose Valley to admire the unique rock formations and lush landscapes of Cappadocia.
Rose Valley is a short drive or hike from Goreme. Plan for 2-3 hours to enjoy the hike and scenery.
Free, 2-3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at A'la Restaurant

Savor dinner at A'la Restaurant, offering a blend of Turkish and international cuisine with a cozy ambiance.
A'la Restaurant is located in Goreme town center. It takes about 2 hours for a leisurely dinner.
100 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 4: More of Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

9:00 AM

Balloon Ride

Take another breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia.
Head to Goreme for the hot air balloon ride. The experience usually lasts 1-1.5 hours.
600 TRY, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Underground City of Derinkuyu

Explore the fascinating underground city of Derinkuyu, an ancient complex carved into the Cappadocian rock.
Derinkuyu is a short drive from Goreme. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the underground tunnels and chambers.
25 TRY, 2-3 hours

3:00 PM

Pottery Workshop at Avanos

Visit a pottery workshop in Avanos to witness the traditional art of pottery-making and try your hand at crafting.
Avanos is a short drive from Goreme. Spend about 1-2 hours at the workshop.
50 TRY, 1-2 hours

5:00 PM

Sunset Point

Head to a scenic viewpoint for a mesmerizing sunset over the fairy chimneys and valleys of Cappadocia.
Sunset Point is accessible by car or short hike from Goreme. Enjoy the sunset for about an hour.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Old Greek House

Dine at the charming Old Greek House restaurant, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious Turkish dishes.
Old Greek House is located in the heart of Goreme town. Spend around 2 hours for a delightful dinner.
80 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 5: Tranquil Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey

9:00 AM

Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Explore the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down the mountainside.
Pamukkale is a short drive from Denizli. Spend 2-3 hours soaking in the thermal pools and admiring the natural beauty.
100 TRY, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tripolis Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at Tripolis Restaurant with a view overlooking the travertines of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Tripolis Restaurant is located near the Pamukkale travertines. Lunch usually lasts around an hour.
70 TRY, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Hierapolis Ancient City

Discover the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, including the well-preserved theater, necropolis, and historical artifacts.
Hierapolis is adjacent to Pamukkale. Plan for 2-3 hours to explore the archaeological site.
50 TRY, 2-3 hours

5:00 PM

Relaxing at Cleopatra's Pool

Unwind and rejuvenate at Cleopatra's Pool, a mineral-rich thermal pool believed to have been a favorite of Cleopatra.
Cleopatra's Pool is within the Hierapolis complex. Enjoy a couple of hours of relaxation.
32 TRY, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at White House Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner at the White House Restaurant, offering a mix of Turkish and international cuisine.
White House Restaurant is located near Pamukkale. Spend around 2 hours for dinner.
90 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 6: Historic Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey

9:00 AM

Ephesus Ancient City

Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Artemis.
Ephesus is near the town of Selcuk. It takes about 2-3 hours to explore the ancient city.
100 TRY, 2-3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Ejder Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at Ejder Restaurant, offering Turkish cuisine with a view of the surrounding countryside.
Ejder Restaurant is located near Ephesus. Lunch usually lasts around an hour.
80 TRY, 1 hour

2:00 PM

House of Virgin Mary

Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary.
The House of Virgin Mary is a short drive from Ephesus. Allocate about 1-2 hours for the visit.
25 TRY, 1-2 hours

4:00 PM

Basilica of St. John

Explore the Basilica of St. John, a historic site built over the believed burial site of St. John the Apostle.
The Basilica of St. John is located in Selcuk, close to Ephesus. Plan for about 1 hour to visit.
20 TRY, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Mehmet and Ali Baba Kebab House

Indulge in delicious kebabs and Turkish dishes at Mehmet and Ali Baba Kebab House in Selcuk.
The restaurant is situated in the center of Selcuk. Enjoy a relaxed dinner for about 2 hours.
70 TRY, 2 hours
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Day 7: Scenic Bodrum

Bodrum, Turkey

9:00 AM

Bodrum Castle

Start your day by exploring the impressive Bodrum Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Bodrum Castle is located in the heart of Bodrum. Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring the castle and its museum.
60 TRY, 1-2 hours

11:00 AM

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

Visit the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Mausoleum site is a short walk or drive from Bodrum Castle. Allocate about 1 hour for the visit.
25 TRY, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Limon Cafe

Enjoy a Mediterranean lunch at Limon Cafe, offering a variety of fresh seafood and local dishes.
Limon Cafe is located near Bodrum Castle. Lunch usually lasts around an hour.
90 TRY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Bodrum Amphitheatre

Explore the ancient Bodrum Amphitheatre, an impressive Roman structure with panoramic views of the city and sea.
The amphitheater is a short drive from the town center. Allow about 1-2 hours to explore the site.
40 TRY, 1-2 hours

5:00 PM

Relaxing at Bodrum Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Bodrum Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Bodrum Beach is easily accessible from the town center. Spend a couple of hours relaxing by the sea.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at Marina Yacht Club

End your journey with a memorable dinner at Marina Yacht Club, savoring gourmet cuisine with a view of the marina.
Marina Yacht Club is located in the Bodrum Marina area. Enjoy a leisurely dinner for about 2 hours.
150 TRY, 2 hours
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