Turkish Delights: A 7-Day Adventure in Turkey

Day 1: Exploring Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Begin your day at the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture turned museum, showcasing centuries of history.
Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet Square, easily accessible by tram from most parts of the city. It takes about 30 minutes to get there.
50 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Grand Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, offering a variety of goods.
The Grand Bazaar is a short walk from Hagia Sophia. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there.
Free to explore, shopping costs vary, 2 hours

2:00PM

Bosphorus Cruise

Relax on a scenic Bosphorus cruise, enjoying panoramic views of Istanbul's skyline and the strait connecting Europe and Asia.
Head to Eminonu Pier to catch a Bosphorus cruise boat. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the pier.
100 TRY, 3 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Magical Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia from a hot air balloon, as the sun rises over the fairy chimneys and rock formations.
Hot air balloon tours usually depart early in the morning from various locations in Cappadocia. It takes about 1 hour to reach the launch site.
300 EUR, 2 hours

11:00AM

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Explore the ancient cave churches and frescoes of Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Cappadocia's rich history.
Goreme Open-Air Museum is located near the town center and can be reached by taxi or local minibus. It takes about 15 minutes to get there.
45 TRY, 2 hours

2:00PM

Pottery Workshop

Get hands-on at a pottery workshop in Avanos, where you can learn about traditional Turkish pottery making techniques and create your own masterpiece.
Avanos is a short drive from Goreme. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Avanos by taxi.
75 TRY, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Tranquil Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Hierapolis Ancient City

Step back in time at Hierapolis Ancient City, an archaeological wonder with well-preserved ruins, including a theater and Roman bath.
Hierapolis is located near Pamukkale's travertine terraces and can be accessed on foot. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
30 TRY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Pamukkale Travertines

Relax in the thermal waters of Pamukkale's travertine terraces, natural mineral pools formed by calcium deposits over centuries.
The travertines are within walking distance from Hierapolis. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the terraces.
60 TRY, 2 hours

2:00PM

Cleopatra's Pool

Indulge in a swim in Cleopatra's Pool, a thermal pool with submerged Roman columns believed to have been a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra.
Cleopatra's Pool is located near the Pamukkale travertines. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
50 TRY, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Historical Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey

8:00AM

Ephesus Ancient City

Discover the ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, with highlights including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
Ephesus is a short drive from Pamukkale and can be reached by bus or taxi. It takes about 3 hours to get there.
50 TRY, 3 hours

12:00PM

Temple of Artemis

Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and marvel at the remnants of this once-magnificent structure.
The Temple of Artemis is a short drive from Ephesus. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the temple.
25 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ephesus Museum

Explore the artifacts and treasures of Ephesus at the Ephesus Museum, which houses a collection of historical relics from the region.
The museum is located near the ancient city of Ephesus and can be reached by taxi. It takes about 15 minutes to get there.
20 TRY, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Seaside Kusadasi

Kusadasi, Turkey

9:00AM

Kusadasi Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of Kusadasi Beach, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and gentle Mediterranean breeze.
Kusadasi Beach is within walking distance from the town center. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Marina

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Kusadasi Marina, savoring the fresh catch of the day while overlooking the picturesque harbor.
The marina is a short walk from Kusadasi Beach. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there.
100 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kusadasi Castle

Climb to the top of Kusadasi Castle for panoramic views of the town and the Aegean Sea, and explore the historical fortress.
Kusadasi Castle is located near the marina and can be reached on foot. It takes about 20 minutes to walk there.
20 TRY, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Sunny Antalya

Antalya, Turkey

9:00AM

Antalya Old Town

Stroll through the charming streets of Antalya's Old Town, known for its Ottoman-era architecture, boutique shops, and cozy cafes.
Antalya Old Town is easily accessible on foot from most hotels in the city center. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hadrian's Gate

Dine al fresco near Hadrian's Gate, a Roman triumphal arch marking the entrance to the old city, while enjoying Turkish cuisine.
Hadrian's Gate is located in the Old Town area. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
80 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Antalya Museum

Discover the rich history of the region at Antalya Museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.
The museum is a short drive from the Old Town. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the museum by taxi.
40 TRY, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Back to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Topkapi Palace

Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring lush gardens, stunning architecture, and historical artifacts.
Topkapi Palace is located near Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet Square. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there.
100 TRY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Karakoy Gulluoglu

Indulge in traditional Turkish baklava at Karakoy Gulluoglu, a renowned baklava shop in Istanbul, offering a sweet and flaky treat.
Karakoy Gulluoglu is a short walk from Topkapi Palace. It takes about 5 minutes to walk there.
30 TRY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping at Istiklal Street

Browse the shops and boutiques along Istiklal Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue in Istanbul known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings.
Istiklal Street is easily accessible by tram or taxi from Karakoy Gulluoglu. It takes about 20 minutes to get there.
Varies based on shopping, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability