How many days do you need in Turkey?

This itinerary covers 8 days in Turkey, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Turkey?

Plan your perfect 8 days trip to Turkey. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

8-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Turkey

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Mangerie

Start your day with a delicious Turkish breakfast featuring Menemen and fresh simit while enjoying stunning views of the Bosphorus.

TRY150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Spend time marveling at the architectural brilliance and history of Hagia Sophia.

TRY200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Ottoman dishes such as Lamb Tagine for lunch.

TRY250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Discover Topkapi Palace

Explore the grand halls and treasures of Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans.

TRY300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Grand Bazaar

Wander through the labyrinth of shops selling everything from spices to carpets.

FREE, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Have dinner enjoying the incredible views of the Golden Horn with delicious kebabs.

TRY300, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Çakmak Kahvaltı Salonu

Feast on a variety of Turkish breakfast items including olives, cheeses, and eggs.

TRY120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Blue Mosque

Visit one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, famous for its stunning blue tiles.

FREE, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Basilica Cistern

Discover the mysterious underground world of the Basilica Cistern, filled with ancient columns.

TRY300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant

Savor Turkish pide and fresh salads while enjoying panoramic views of the city.

TRY220, 1 hour

2:30PM

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing scenic boat ride along the Bosphorus, taking in both sides of the city.

TRY150, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace

Explore this lavish palace known for its European architecture and stunning gardens.

TRY500, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Aker Kafe

End the day with a delightful meal overlooking the Bosphorus Bay, featuring fresh seafood.

TRY350, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 3: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before your adventure.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fly to Cappadocia

A quick flight to experience the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia.

TRY800, 1.5 hours (including flight time)

11:00AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Soar over the fairy chimneys and unique rock formations for breathtaking views.

TRY2000, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at House of Memories

Enjoy delectable homemade Turkish cuisine with an authentic atmosphere.

TRY180, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Göreme Open Air Museum

Explore rock-cut churches and frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible.

TRY300, 2 hours

6:00PM

Explore Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top of this natural rock fortress for panoramic views of Cappadocia.

TRY80, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Saklı Konak

Indulge in a traditional Turkish feast in a cave setting.

TRY400, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 4: Cappadocia Explorations

Cappadocia, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Seten Restaurant

Pamper yourself with a traditional breakfast including local cheeses and fresh bread.

TRY150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Pasabag Valley

Explore the fairy chimneys and unique rock formations often called monks' valley.

FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Savor local dishes like pottery kebab in a cozy cave setting.

TRY220, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Devrent Valley

Marvel at the unique animal-shaped rock formations and whimsical landscapes.

FREE, 2 hours

4:00PM

Pottery Workshop

Get hands-on experience crafting your own pottery in a local workshop.

TRY300, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Zeytin Cafe

Delight in delicious Middle Eastern and Turkish food at an outdoor patio setting.

TRY250, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 5: Relax at Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a laid-back breakfast before your journey to Pamukkale.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Pamukkale

Take a scenic drive or bus ride to the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale.

TRY500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at White Springs Restaurant

Recharge with a delicious meal overlooking the travertine pools.

TRY180, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Take a dip in the hot mineral waters and walk the stunning travertine terraces.

TRY350, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Hierapolis Ancient City

Marvel at the ancient ruins, including a Roman theater and necropolis.

TRY200, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with a view of the terraces, savoring Mediterranean-style dishes.

TRY300, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Pamukkale

Day 6: Adventure in Fethiye

Fethiye, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Savor a delightful breakfast before heading out for an adventurous day in Fethiye.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Fethiye

Make your way to Fethiye, a beautiful coastal town by the Mediterranean.

TRY300, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Ölüdeniz Beach

Relax on one of Turkey's most beautiful beaches, famous for its turquoise water.

FREE, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Olive Garden Restaurant

Dine on delicious local seafood while overlooking the beach.

TRY250, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Paragliding Adventure

Experience the thrill of paragliding over the stunning coastal scenery.

TRY1500, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Mozaik Bahçe

Enjoy a cozy evening meal with a wide range of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes.

TRY300, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Fethiye

Day 7: Relaxation in Fethiye

Fethiye, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out for a day of relaxation.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Boat Trip to Butterfly Valley

Spend a serene day sailing to Butterfly Valley, a beautiful hidden spot in Fethiye.

TRY350, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch on board

Enjoy a simple yet delicious picnic lunch as you soak up the sun.

Included, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend some time swimming and relaxing on the serene shores of Butterfly Valley.

FREE, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Fethiye

Sail back while enjoying the sunset views.

Included in boat trip., 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Address Restaurant

Indulge in a fine dining experience with local specialties and seafood.

TRY400, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Fethiye

Day 8: Departure from Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy one final Turkish breakfast before packing up.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fly Back to Istanbul

Travel back to Istanbul for your onward flight home.

TRY800, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the airport

Grab a quick bite at one of the airport's many restaurants.

TRY250, 1 hour

1:00PM

Departure

Bid farewell to Turkey as you catch your flight back home.

FREE, Varies

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Step 1 Outline Preview:

8-Day Family-Friendly Adventure in Turkey

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 3: Cappadocia Adventure

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 4: Cappadocia Explorations

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Relax at Pamukkale

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 6: Adventure in Fethiye

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

3:00PM

4:30PM

8:00PM

Day 7: Relaxation in Fethiye

8:00AM

9:30AM

3:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 8: Departure from Istanbul

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

1:00PM

More About Turkey

Plan Your Turkey Trip