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Unforgettable Adventure in Turkey: A 12-Day Journey

Viewed by 66 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on December 9, 2024

9:00AM

Airport Arrival

Upon landing at Istanbul Airport, go through customs and collect your luggage.
You can take a pre-booked transfer or a taxi to your hotel in the city.
TRY400, 1 hour

10:30AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Indulge in a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and honey.
Located in Cihangir, a short drive from the airport.
TRY120, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Explore the splendor of this architectural marvel that served as a church, mosque, and now a museum.
Take a taxi or tram to Sultanahmet.
TRY200, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Enjoy delicious meatballs (köfte) at one of Istanbul's most famous eateries.
Located near Hagia Sophia.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Dive into the history of the Ottoman Empire while wandering through the stunning palace grounds.
Just a short walk from Sultanahmet Köftecisi.
TRY220, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Taste authentic kebabs while enjoying panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
Head to the restaurant via taxi; it's close to the Grand Bazaar.
TRY250, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 2: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey on December 10, 2024

6:00AM

Early Flight to Cappadocia

Catch a morning flight to Cappadocia, one of Turkey's most magical destinations.
Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri Airport.
TRY800, 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple Turkish breakfast at your cave hotel.
At your accommodation in Göreme.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar above the fairy chimneys and valleys of Cappadocia during this unforgettable experience.
Transfers are included from hotels to the launch site.
TRY3500, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Savor delicious local dishes in a cozy cave setting.
Located walking distance from the town center.
TRY180, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

Explore rock-cut churches adorned with fascinating frescoes.
A short bus ride or taxi from the restaurant.
TRY150, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Dibek Restaurant

Experience traditional pottery kebabs prepared in clay pots.
Walk from Göreme Open-Air Museum to the restaurant.
TRY200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 3: Explore Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey on December 11, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy another delightful breakfast before starting your day.
At your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Pasabag Valley

Wander through the valley known for its impressive fairy chimneys.
Take a short taxi from your hotel.
TRY100, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Avanos Town

Visit the famous pottery workshops and take a stroll along the Kızılırmak River.
Taxi from Pasabag Valley.
TRY80, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Han Cirag Cafe

Savor hearty Turkish dishes in a quaint café atmosphere.
Walking distance from pottery workshops.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the Cappadocian landscape.
A short bus or taxi ride away.
TRY120, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Seten Restaurant

Enjoy regional specialties and amazing views from the terrace.
Back to Göreme by taxi.
TRY220, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 4: Pamukkale’s Natural Wonders

Pamukkale, Turkey on December 12, 2024

7:00AM

Travel to Pamukkale

Catch a morning flight from Kayseri to Denizli and transfer to Pamukkale.
Flight from Kayseri to Denizli Airport.
TRY800, 2 hours including transfers

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Recharge with breakfast at your accommodation.
At your hotel in Pamukkale.
Included in stay, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Pamukkale Travertines

Walk along the stunning white travertine terraces and enjoy the thermal waters.
Short walk from the hotel.
TRY300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at White Butterfly Restaurant

Have a delicious local meal with views of the terraces.
A quick walk from the travertines.
TRY180, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Hierapolis Ancient City

Explore the ancient ruins and enjoy the stunning views.
Adjacent to the travertines.
TRY150, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy an enjoyable dinner featuring local cuisine and relaxing ambiance.
Back at your hotel.
TRY200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Pamukkale

Day 5: Ephesus Exploration

Ephesus, Turkey on December 13, 2024

7:30AM

Travel to Ephesus

Take a taxi to the Ephesus ruins located nearby.
Short taxi ride from Pamukkale.
TRY100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Breakfast at Ephesus

Enjoy a quick breakfast at a local café.
Near the entrance of Ephesus.
TRY120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Ephesus Ruins

Wander through one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.
Entry is right at the entrance.
TRY250, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Agora Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal after your morning of exploration.
A short walk from the ruins.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Temple of Artemis

Learn about one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
A short taxi ride away.
TRY80, 1 hour

3:30PM

Dinner at Ephesus Selcuk

Dine at a local spot famous for its traditional flavors.
At a restaurant in Selcuk.
TRY200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Ephesus

Day 6: Exploring Izmir

Izmir, Turkey on December 14, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in Izmir.
At your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Konak Square

Visit the iconic clock tower and check out the local market.
Walking distance from your hotel.
FREE, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Kemeralti Bazaar

Shop for local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
Very close to Konak Square.
FREE, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pideci Ahmet

Devour delicious pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread dish.
A short walk from the bazaar.
TRY130, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Asansör

Travel up the historical elevator for panoramic views of the city.
A quick taxi ride from the restaurant.
TRY20, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at Topçu Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Turkish grilled dishes in a stylish setting.
Back towards the waterfront.
TRY200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Izmir

Day 7: Relaxing Bodrum

Bodrum, Turkey on December 15, 2024

8:00AM

Travel to Bodrum

Take a bus from Izmir to Bodrum enjoying beautiful coastal views.
Get a bus ticket easily at your hotel or bus station.
TRY150, 3 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Kick start your day with a beachside breakfast.
On Bodrum's waterfront.
TRY100, 1 hour

12:30PM

Explore Bodrum Castle

Absorb history at this stunning medieval fortress.
Walking distance from breakfast spot.
TRY200, 2 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Orfoz Restaurant

Feast on fresh seafood while overlooking the marina.
Located nearby the castle.
TRY250, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon on Bodrum's beautiful beaches.
Walk to a nearby beach.
FREE, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kocadon Restaurant

Savor Mediterranean dishes in a charming courtyard.
Located in the town center.
TRY220, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Bodrum

Day 8: Adventuring in Fethiye

Fethiye, Turkey on December 16, 2024

8:00AM

Travel to Fethiye

Bus ride from Bodrum to vibrant Fethiye.
Book your bus ticket in advance.
TRY150, 3 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Cin Bal Restaurant

Enjoy delightful Turkish breakfast options at this local spot.
Located by the marina.
TRY150, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Oludeniz Beach

Relax and unwind at one of Turkey's most beautiful beaches.
Short bus ride from Fethiye.
FREE, 4 hours

4:30PM

Lunch at The Fish Market

Choose from fresh catches of the day that are grilled on the spot.
Return to Fethiye town.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Visit Lycian Rock Tombs

Admire the ancient tombs carved into the cliffs.
Short walk from the town.
FREE, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Mozaik Bahçe

Relish authentic Turkish dishes in a lush garden setting.
In Fethiye town center.
TRY220, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Fethiye

Day 9: Exploring Antalya

Antalya, Turkey on December 17, 2024

8:00AM

Travel to Antalya

Catch a bus from Fethiye to the beautiful city of Antalya.
Ensure to check bus schedules.
TRY150, 3 hours

11:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Relax with breakfast at a café in the Old Town.
Walking distance from your bus station.
TRY120, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Hadrian's Gate

Marvel at the impressive Roman architecture at this historical landmark.
Located near the Old Town.
FREE, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Seraser Fine Dining

Indulge in gourmet dishes in a luxurious setting.
In the center of Old Town.
TRY300, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Kaleiçi

Wander through the charming old streets lined with boutique shops.
Self-guided exploration from lunch.
FREE, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at 7 Mehmet

Enjoy stunning views and delicious Turkish cuisine.
Short taxi ride from the Old Town.
TRY250, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Antalya

Day 10: Cultural Journey in Konya

Konya, Turkey on December 18, 2024

6:30AM

Travel to Konya

Begin your early trip to Konya via train from Antalya.
Check train times in advance.
TRY200, 3 hours

9:30AM

Breakfast at Mevlana Restaurant

Start your day with a breakfast inspired by the Sufi culture.
Near the Mevlana Museum.
TRY100, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Mevlana Museum

Explore the stunning museum dedicated to the mystical poet Rumi.
Walking distance from breakfast.
TRY150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Mevlana

Savor authentic local dishes in the heart of Konya.
Short walk from the museum.
TRY120, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Karatay Medrese

Marvel at the intricate tile work in this historic Islamic school.
Just around the corner from the café.
TRY80, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Hacı Şükrü

Experience regional specialties in a traditional atmosphere.
In the center of Konya.
TRY200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Konya

Day 11: Final Day in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on December 19, 2024

8:00AM

Travel back to Istanbul

Take a morning flight from Konya back to Istanbul.
Flight from Konya to Istanbul.
TRY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Replenish your energy for the day at your hotel.
At your accommodation in Istanbul.
Included in stay, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Spice Bazaar

Wander through the vibrant market, filled with spices, sweets, and souvenirs.
Take tram or taxi to Eminönü.
FREE, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pandeli

Taste delicious traditional Turkish dishes in a historic setting.
Right by the Spice Bazaar.
TRY200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Galata Tower

Climb to the top for amazing views of Istanbul's skyline.
Take a short walk from lunch.
TRY250, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Mikla

Enjoy a fine dining experience with stunning views of the city.
A taxi ride or tram to the restaurant.
TRY400, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 12: Departure Day

Istanbul, Turkey on December 20, 2024

8:00AM

Last Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in the beautiful city of Istanbul.
At your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last-minute Shopping

Grab souvenirs from the Grand Bazaar.
Make your way via tram or taxi.
Depending on purchases!, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kiva Han

Indulge in delicious Turkish pizza (pide) for your last meal.
Located near the Grand Bazaar.
TRY150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Transfer to Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight.
Pre-booked transfer or taxi.
TRY300, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Istanbul
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