12-Day Budget Adventure in Turkey: Culture, Food, and Nature

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Van Breakfast Room

Start your Turkish adventure with a traditional breakfast filled with omelettes, cheeses, olives, and fresh bread.
Take a tram to the Karaköy district, then walk to the restaurant.
TRY 50, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Hagia Sophia

Visit this iconic monument and marvel at its historical architecture.
Walk to Hagia Sophia, it's a short 10-minute walk.
TRY 200, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Turkish dishes with a great view of the city and the Bosporus.
A 5-minute stroll gets you to the restaurant.
TRY 80, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Topkapi Palace

Explore the lavish courtyards and museums of the former Ottoman palace.
It's about a 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
TRY 200, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Sultanahmet Square

Wander through this vibrant square filled with culture and history.
A 10-minute walk will take you to the square.
FREE, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Doy Doy Restaurant

Return for a second serving to Doy Doy for a delicious kısır and grilled meats.
Same route back, about a 5-minute walk.
TRY 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Istanbul to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mado Café

Savor a selection of pastries and tea before traveling.
Take a taxi to the café.
TRY 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Flight to Cappadocia

Catch a morning flight to Cappadocia to start exploring its unique landscapes.
Taxi to the airport and take a direct flight.
TRY 700, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Check-in and Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Enjoy local specialties served in a traditional setting.
Transfer to the hotel and then a short walk to the restaurant.
TRY 100, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Explore complex rock-cut churches and frescoes that date back to the Byzantine period.
A 10-minute taxi ride to the museum.
TRY 150, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Love Valley Hike

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique fairy chimneys on a guided hike through Love Valley.
Get a taxi to the trailhead.
FREE, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Seten Restaurant

Indulge in local Turkish cuisine in an atmospheric setting.
Return to Cappadocia town by taxi.
TRY 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cappadocia Adventures

Cappadocia, Turkey

5:30 AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience breathtaking views of Cappadocia at sunrise, an unforgettable adventure.
Pickup from your hotel is usually included.
TRY 2500, 3 hours

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Recharge with a hearty breakfast back at your accommodation.
Back to hotel after balloon ride.
Included in stay, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Uchisar Castle

Explore the highest point in Cappadocia with panoramic views.
Take a taxi to Uchisar.
TRY 150, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Kelebek Café

Enjoy local dishes and great coffee.
A 15-minute taxi ride from Uchisar.
TRY 80, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Avanos for Pottery Making

Take part in a pottery workshop in the heart of this artisan town.
Taxi to Avanos, about 20 minutes.
TRY 150, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Ziggy Cafe

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring regional dishes and the famous Meze platter.
A taxi ride back to Goreme.
TRY 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cappadocia to Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast as today is travel day.
Enjoy your meal at the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Flight to Denizli

Head to the airport for your flight to the historic town of Denizli.
Taxi to the airport, then a short flight.
TRY 700, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Transfer to Pamukkale

Take a bus/taxi to Pamukkale and check into your accommodation.
Bus station is a short walk from the airport.
TRY 100, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at White House Restaurant

Dine on fresh Mediterranean dishes overlooking the travertines.
A short 10-minute walk from your hotel.
TRY 90, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Pamukkale Travertines

Stroll the stunning white travertine terraces and take a dip in the thermal pools.
Entrance is nearby.
TRY 100, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Kayas Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Turkish dishes prepared from local ingredients.
A short 10-minute walk.
TRY 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Pamukkale to Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a Turkish breakfast before the next leg of your journey.
Hotel dining area.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Transfer to Ephesus

Head to Ephesus via bus to uncover its ancient history.
Catch a bus from Pamukkale station.
TRY 50, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Ephesus Ancient Ruins

Walk through the grand ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus.
Follow signage to entrance.
TRY 200, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Selçuk Koftecisi

Enjoy a casual meal of kebabs and local meatballs.
10-minute walk from the ruins.
TRY 70, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit House of Virgin Mary

Explore the sacred site believed to be the last residence of Mary.
Taxi to the site, about 15 minutes.
TRY 50, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at Artemis Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with vegetarian options available.
Return to Selçuk for dining.
TRY 90, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Ephesus to Izmir

Izmir, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a simple breakfast in a local café.
Cafe nearby hotel.
TRY 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Izmir

Take a comfortable train ride to vibrant Izmir.
Train station is a short walk from Selçuk.
TRY 30, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Konak Square

Explore the historical clock tower and bustling market in the heart of the city.
Walking through the area.
FREE, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Asansör Restaurant

Try delicious seafood dishes with scenic views of the city.
10-minute walk from the square.
TRY 80, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Kemeralti Bazaar

Wander through this historic bazaar filled with shops, spices, and local treats.
Walk from the restaurant for sightseeing.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at Cezayir Restaurant

Dine on traditional Turkish favorites in a lovely ambiance.
A short walk from the bazaar.
TRY 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Izmir to Fethiye

Fethiye, Turkey

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to get ready for travel.
Dining area in your accommodation.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Fethiye

Take a bus journey through beautiful scenery to the coastal town of Fethiye.
Bus station is nearby.
TRY 60, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Yengec Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood and mezze dishes while overlooking the marina.
Short walk to the waterfront.
TRY 100, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Fethiye Fish Market

Experience the vibrant local fish market and select your ingredients for dinner.
Walk to the market just a few minutes from the restaurant.
FREE, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Calis Beach

Unwind by the sea and enjoy the beautiful views.
Take a bus or walk to the beach.
FREE, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Fish Market

Choose fresh ingredients and let the restaurant cook it up for you.
Choose from vendors in the Fish Market.
TRY 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Fethiye to Antalya

Antalya, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast in your hotel before heading out.
Dining area in your accommodation.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Bus to Antalya

Enjoy a scenic bus ride along the Mediterranean coast to Antalya.
Bus station is close to your hotel.
TRY 70, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Akra Bar

Indulge in various wraps and Turkish sandwiches overlooking the sea.
A short walk from the bus station.
TRY 90, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Old Town (Kaleici)

Explore the charming narrow streets filled with history and shops.
Walk through the scenic streets of Kaleici.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Antalya Aquarium

Experience marine life at one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Taxi to the aquarium, about 15 minutes.
TRY 150, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at 7 Mehmet

Enjoy a delightful dining experience with traditional Turkish dishes.
Taxi back to town area.
TRY 120, 2 hours
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Day 9: Antalya to Konya

Konya, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before your trip to Konya.
Dining area at your accommodation.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Bus to Konya

Travel to Konya, a city known for its rich history and culture.
Bus station close by.
TRY 70, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Kebapçı Kadir

Try the famous Etli Ekmek, a local specialty.
A short walk from the bus station.
TRY 80, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Mevlana Museum

Explore the mausoleum of the famous Sufi philosopher Rumi.
10-minute walk from lunch.
TRY 30, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Explore the Alaeddin Hill Park

Relax in this beautiful park and take in the local atmosphere.
Walking distance from the museum.
FREE, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hacı Şakir

Savor authentic Turkish cuisine just like the locals.
A 10-minute walk from the park.
TRY 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Konya to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before the last leg of your journey.
Dining area at the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Train to Istanbul

A 2.5-hour train ride back to Istanbul, enjoy scenic views.
Train station nearby.
TRY 40, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Çiya Sofrası

Experience famous Turkish dishes in this well-known restaurant.
A short taxi ride to the restaurant in Kadıköy.
TRY 100, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore Kadıköy Market

Wander through the lively market and shop for local foods and souvenirs.
A short walk from the restaurant.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Basilica Cistern

Discover this ancient underground water reservoir topped with beautiful columns.
Take a ferry or short metro ride back to the old city.
TRY 50, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Indulge in mouthwatering kebabs with stunning views of the Golden Horn.
Walk or taxi to the restaurant.
TRY 120, 2 hours
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Day 11: Istanbul Cultural Day

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Beşamel Cafeteria

Enjoy classic Turkish pastries and coffee to start your day.
Short walk to the café.
TRY 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Grand Bazaar

Explore one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
Walk to the bazaar from the café.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pandeli Restaurant

Dine in this famous restaurant located in the Spice Bazaar.
Walk from the Grand Bazaar.
TRY 80, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit Spice Bazaar

Experience the colorful and aromatic spices of this historic bazaar.
Walking distance from Pandeli.
FREE, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Taksim Square and Istiklal Street

Stroll through one of the busiest areas in Istanbul filled with shops, cafés, and bars.
Transport to Taksim by metro.
FREE, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Zubeyir Ocakbasi

Conclude your day with grilled meats served in a traditional environment.
From Taksim Square, walk to the restaurant.
TRY 100, 2 hours
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Day 12: Departure from Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a final breakfast before departing.
Dining area of the hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Last-minute Shopping

Pick up souvenirs and local treats for your journey back home.
Explore nearby shops.
Variable, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Transfer to Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight.
Arrange for taxi to the airport.
TRY 50, 1 hour
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