Ultimate 7-Day Turkey Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring menemen and local cheeses at this cozy eatery.
Walk or use a tram to the next destination.
TRY150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hagia Sophia

Explore the stunning architecture and rich history of this iconic landmark, a former basilica, mosque, and now museum.
Walk 10 minutes.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Blue Mosque

Just a stone's throw away, marvel at the intricate tile work and serene ambiance of this famous mosque.
5-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Savor delicious Turkish meatballs served with pita bread and salad in an eatery loved by locals.
Walk 10 minutes.
TRY100, 1 hour

2:00PM

Topkapi Palace

Visit the vast palace complex, once home to Ottoman sultans, featuring beautiful gardens and opulent rooms.
Walking distance.
TRY300, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Grand Bazaar

Get lost in the colorful maze of shops selling everything from spices to carpets in one of the world's oldest covered markets.
20-minute walk.
Free to enter., 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ziya Şakir

Indulge in traditional Ottoman cuisine with a modern twist at this charming restaurant.
15-minute walk.
TRY250, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey

6:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia from above as you soar over fairy chimneys at sunrise.
Pick-up from hotel arranged.
TRY2200, 2 hours

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring local ingredients provided by your hotel after your balloon ride.
Back to hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Discover ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes that tell the history of early Christianity in the region.
Drive or take a tour bus.
TRY300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Seten Restaurant

Taste authentic local dishes with a view over the stunning Cappadocian landscape.
Drive 10 minutes.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Uçhisar Castle

Climb to the top of this natural rock formation for panoramic views of Cappadocia.
Drive 10 minutes.
TRY100, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley)

Stroll through the valley known for its fairy chimneys and unique rock formations.
Drive 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dibek Restaurant

Relish traditional pottery kebabs served in clay pots at this authentic local restaurant.
Drive 20 minutes.
TRY200, 2 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Try fresh simit (Turkish sesame bagel) and tea at a local bakery to kickstart your day.
Walking distance.
TRY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ihlara Valley Hike

Embark on a scenic hike through a breathtaking canyon dotted with ancient churches and lush vegetation.
Drive 1 hour.
Free, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ihlara Valley Restaurant

Enjoy delicious gözleme (Turkish flatbread) made fresh while you enjoy the beautiful valley views.
On-site.
TRY100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Selime Monastery

Explore this massive rock-hewn monastery that dates back to the early Byzantine era.
Drive 20 minutes.
TRY50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)

Marvel at the unique animal-shaped rock formations and let your imagination run wild.
Drive 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Göreme

Head back to your hotel to relax for a bit after a fun day of exploration.
Drive 30 minutes.
N/A, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Experience a unique dining atmosphere inside a cave as you enjoy local flavors and warm hospitality.
Walking distance.
TRY180, 2 hours
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Day 4: Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Travel to Pamukkale

Make an early journey to Pamukkale to enjoy the stunning travertine terraces.
Drive 6 hours.
N/A (Rental car), 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at White Springs Restaurant

Enjoy a light meal while overlooking the beautiful travertine terraces.
Walk to the restaurant.
TRY120, 1 hour

3:00PM

Pamukkale Travertines

Take a dip in the healing thermal waters and enjoy the stunning surrounding scenery.
Walking distance.
TRY200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Hierapolis Ancient City

Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, including its impressive amphitheater and well-preserved necropolis.
Walking distance.
TRY150, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Venus

Unwind with delicious Turkish cuisine at this excellent local eatery.
Close to hotel.
TRY180, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Ephesus Culture

Ephesus, Turkey

9:00AM

Travel to Ephesus

Drive to Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient ruins.
Drive 2.5 hours.
N/A (Rental car), 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Selçuk Koftecisi

Grab a tasty lunch at this popular spot known for its Turkish meatballs.
Drive 10 minutes.
TRY90, 1 hour

12:30PM

Ephesus Ancient City

Wander through the ruins of one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.
Short walk from lunch spot.
TRY350, 2.5 hours

3:00PM

House of Virgin Mary

Visit the revered site where it is believed Mary spent her final years.
Drive 15 minutes.
TRY80, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

St. John’s Basilica

Explore the remains of this historically significant basilica built over the tomb of Apostle John.
Drive 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ejder Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional dishes at this friendly local restaurant.
Drive 10 minutes.
TRY200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Beach Time in Bodrum

Bodrum, Turkey

9:00AM

Travel to Bodrum

Drive to the beautiful coastal town of Bodrum to experience the Aegean Sea.
Drive 2 hours.
N/A (Rental car), 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Marina Yacht Club

Dine with a view at this upscale restaurant offering fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
Walking distance.
TRY250, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Relax at Bodrum Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
Walk to the beach.
Free, 4 hours

4:30PM

Bodrum Castle

Visit the impressive castle, which offers panoramic views of the harbor and houses a fascinating museum.
Short walk.
TRY200, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kocadon Restaurant

Savor traditional Turkish dishes in a charming atmosphere at this well-rated restaurant.
Walking distance.
TRY220, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Travel Back to Istanbul

Catch a morning flight back to Istanbul for some last-minute exploration.
Fly from Bodrum to Istanbul.
TRY800, 1.5 hours (flight time)

11:00AM

Breakfast at Hafiz Mustafa

Indulge in a selection of traditional Turkish desserts and strong coffee to fuel your last day.
Drive or use metro.
TRY100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Spice Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the scents and sights of vibrant spices, nuts, and sweets at this bustling market.
Walking distance.
Free to enter., 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine at this historic eatery known for its take on traditional Turkish cuisine.
Walk 5 minutes.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Basilica Cistern

Explore the ancient underground water reservoir built in the 6th century, featuring impressive columns.
Walking distance.
TRY300, 1 hour

5:00PM

Final Shopping at Istiklal Street

Enjoy your last moments in Turkey shopping for memories along this vibrant street.
Take the tram.
Free to explore., 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Celebrate your final night with a stunning view of the city at this rooftop restaurant with modern Turkish cuisine.
Taxi to restaurant.
TRY500, 2 hours
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