7-Day Itinerary for Turkey in October 2023

1. Day 1: Istanbul
   20 minutes (10 miles) from Istanbul Airport

   Start your day in the historic Sultanahmet district, visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Enjoy an afternoon boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait and visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping. End your evening with a traditional Turkish dinner in Taksim Square.

2. Day 2: Cappadocia
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   1 hour 20 minutes (474 miles) flight from Istanbul

   Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the unique landscape of Cappadocia. Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, hike through the Love Valley and enjoy the sunset at the Uchisar Castle. End your day with a traditional Turkish meal in a cave restaurant.

3. Day 3: Ephesus
   8 hours (470 miles) drive from Cappadocia

   Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean. Explore the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the Temple of Artemis. End your day with a traditional Turkish meal in Selcuk.

4. Day 4: Izmir
   1 hour (49 miles) drive from Selcuk

   Visit the Kemeralti Bazaar, the Agora Open Air Museum and the Konak Square Clock Tower. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast in a local cafe and end your day with a seafood dinner on the Aegean coast.

5. Day 5: Pamukkale
   3 hours 30 minutes (197 miles) drive from Izmir

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale, famous for its white terraces and mineral-rich thermal waters. Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and swim in the Cleopatra Pool. End your day with a traditional Turkish meal in Denizli.

6. Day 6: Antalya
   4 hours 20 minutes (261 miles) drive from Pamukkale

   Explore the old town of Antalya, known as Kaleici, and visit the ancient Roman Harbor. Take a cable car to the top of Mount Tahtali for panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast. End your day with a traditional Turkish meal in a seaside restaurant.

7. Day 7: Istanbul
   7 hours (419 miles) drive from Antalya

   Return to Istanbul and visit the Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace and the Basilica Cistern. Take a ferry ride along the Bosphorus Strait and enjoy the nightlife in the Ortakoy district. End your day with a traditional Turkish meal in the Kadikoy district.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the coastal cities of Bodrum and Marmaris. Side trips to the nearby Greek islands of Rhodes and Kos are also recommended. To maximize your fun, try a traditional Turkish bath and attend a Whirling Dervishes Ceremony. Don't forget to try the Turkish tea and coffee!

Click here to find hotels and flights for your trip to Turkey in October 2023.