7-Day Istanbul Adventure Itinerary

• Day 1: Explore the Grand Bazaar
  30 minutes (4.4 km) from Istanbul Airport

  The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops stretching across 60 streets. Here, you can haggle for textiles, leather goods, jewelry, and more.

• Day 2: Go Caving in Belgrad Forest
  45 minutes (16.3 km) from the Grand Bazaar

  Belgrad Forest is a large, nature-rich area with cool caves to explore. Guide tours usually provide a helmet and headlamp for an unforgettable adventure. The caves can be slippery and require some physical exertion, so bring appropriate footwear and clothing.

• Day 3: Paragliding in Ölüdeniz
  1 hour and 32 minutes (505 km) from Belgrad Forest

  Ölüdeniz is one of the world’s top paragliding destinations, due to its stunning turquoise waters and stunning views. You can soar through the sky with an experienced pilot, admiring the Mediterranean coastline and other landmarks.

• Day 4: Scuba Diving in Kaş
  3 hours and 19 minutes (228 km) from Ölüdeniz

  Kaş is a small, cozy town sitting between Antalya and Fethiye. The pristine Mediterranean Sea creates a perfect, clear environment for a scuba dive. The town is surrounded by secluded beaches and bays, where diving is safe and easy for all levels of experience.

• Day 5: Trekking in Bozcaada Island
  6 hours and 17 minutes (584 km) from Kaş

  Bozcaada Island offers a stunning, unspoiled environment ideal for trekking. It is one of the least developed destinations in the country, with crystal-clear and picturesque beaches, making it a hidden gem in Turkey. Bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes for a challenging but refreshing hike.

• Day 6: Abseiling in Saklikent Gorge
  6 hours and 17 minutes (580 km) from Bozcaada Island

  Saklikent Gorge, also known as "Hidden City," offers a unique opportunity to experience the magical force of nature. The gorge, which spans 18 km, is perfect for abseiling down waterfalls and climbing on rocky terrain. The water in the river originates from the snow melting on Akdağ Mountain creating icy-blue, fast-flowing streams, so bring appropriate clothing.

• Day 7: Take a panoramic flight tour in Istanbul
  7 hours and 34 minutes (670 km) away from Saklikent Gorge

  End your adrenaline-packed week by taking a helicopter or hot air balloon ride for incredible views of Istanbul’s landmarks from a bird's-eye perspective. You'll be able to spot everything from the Golden Horn to the Bosphorus Strait and the various historic buildings that line the skyline. You can tailor the flight path to your interests.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Grand Bazaar (2 hours, Free)
• Belgrad Forest (5 hours, 120 TRY)
• Ölüdeniz (3 hours, 840 TRY)
• Kaş (3 hours, 400 TRY)
• Bozcaada Island (6 hours, 50 TRY for ferry)
• Saklikent Gorge (8 hours, 200 TRY)
• Panoramic flight tour (1 hour, 400 TRY)
• Total Estimated Costs (1925 TRY)

Transportation

Due to the shared taxis’ availability and low prices, we recommend that you use this mode of transport for day-to-day sightseeing tours. People often find the metro and tram systems unreliable and chaotic.

• Istanbul Airport is 50 minutes and around 40TRY away from the city center. Transfer services are also available on prior booking.
• Shared taxis are inexpensive and can be found easily throughout the city.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, visit the following places:

• The hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia offer a surreal view of the volcanic rock formations.
• The Dalyan Mud Baths are a unique mud bath where the mud is infused with local minerals and is believed to have therapeutic properties.
• The Turquoise Coast is possibly one of the world's most stunning and unspoiled coastlines with hidden bays and an alluring deep blue sea perfect for swimming.

Airports

Istanbul is served by two airports; Istanbul Airport (IST), located in the suburb of Arnavutkoy, serves international flights, and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), located in Pendik, serves domestic and budget airlines.