How many days do you need in turkey?

This itinerary covers 7 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 7 days trip to turkey. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

7-Day Shoestring Adventure in Turkey

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your day feasting on a traditional Turkish breakfast, complete with fresh olives, cheeses, and honey.

TRY50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Marvel at the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture.

TRY200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk to the Blue Mosque

Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its blue tiles and six minarets.

Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sultanahmet Köftecis

Enjoy a delicious plate of köfte (meatballs) in the heart of the city.

TRY40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Topkapi Palace

Stroll through the opulent Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans.

TRY300, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Doy Doy Restaurant

Wrap up the day with a traditional Turkish dinner, sampling local dishes like kebabs.

TRY80, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 2: Further Discover Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ağa Kapısı

Start your day with a traditional simit and tea.

TRY25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Basilica Cistern

Explore the underground Basilica Cistern, where ancient columns create a mystical atmosphere.

TRY300, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Grand Bazaar

Roam through one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Kuru Fasulye

Enjoy home-cooked Turkish beans and rice for a budget-friendly meal.

TRY30, 1 hour

3:30PM

Cruise the Bosphorus

Take a scenic ferry ride on the Bosphorus Strait and soak in the views.

TRY50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Neye Söz?

Indulge in a budget-friendly meal with a stunning view of the Bosphorus.

TRY70, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 3: Cappadocia Wonders

Cappadocia, Turkey

7:00AM

Flight to Cappadocia

Catch an early flight to Cappadocia and prepare for the day ahead.

TRY500, 1.5 hours (flight)

9:00AM

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Fuel up with a filling breakfast of menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes).

TRY35, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Göreme Open Air Museum

Witness stunning frescoes and rock-cut churches in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

TRY200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Savor traditional pottery kebab in a cozy setting.

TRY60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hiking in Ihlara Valley

Take a hike through the beautiful Ihlara Valley to discover its nature and rock formations.

TRY50, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Enjoy dinner in a unique cave setting with delicious Cappadocian dishes.

TRY80, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 4: Cappadocia Adventure

Cappadocia, Turkey

5:30AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride for stunning aerial views.

TRY1200, 3 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Enjoy breakfast with a view while reminiscing about the balloon ride.

TRY40, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top of Uchisar Castle for panoramic views of Cappadocia.

TRY50, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Café Safak

Savor a hearty meal of gözleme (Turkish stuffed flatbread).

TRY40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Pasabag Valley

Explore the fairy chimneys and unique rock formations in Pasabag Valley.

TRY50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine

Indulge in traditional Anatolian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

TRY90, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 5: Pamukkale's Natural Wonder

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Bus to Pamukkale

Travel by bus to Pamukkale, home to the stunning white travertine terraces.

TRY150, 10 hours (includes travel time and breaks)

6:00PM

Check-in and Dinner at White House Restaurant

Relax and enjoy a meal while soaking in the ambience.

TRY70, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Pamukkale

Day 6: Nature Meets History

Fethiye, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a simple Turkish breakfast at your hotel to fuel your day.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Fethiye

Take a bus from Pamukkale to Fethiye.

TRY60, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pasa Kebap

Enjoy hearty kebabs in the lively market area.

TRY50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Ölüdeniz Beach

Relax and soak up the sun at one of Turkey's most famous beaches.

TRY20 for entry, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hangout

Enjoy a lively atmosphere with a Mediterranean dinner of fresh fish.

TRY75, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Fethiye

Day 7: Chill in Antalya

Antalya, Turkey

8:00AM

Bus to Antalya

Travel to Antalya, enjoying the scenic coastal view along the way.

TRY40, 3 hours

11:00AM

Check-in and Relax

Get settled in your accommodation and relax.

TRY150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Serpme Kebab

Taste local specialties at this popular eatery.

TRY50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Old Town (Kaleiçi)

Wander through the historic streets filled with shops and charming cafés.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Konyaaltı Beach

Spend the afternoon at the famous Konyaaltı Beach, enjoying sun and sea.

Free, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at 7 Mehmet

Finish the trip with a traditional meal with stunning views of the Mediterranean.

TRY100, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Antalya

Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Shoestring Adventure in Turkey

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Further Discover Istanbul

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Cappadocia Wonders

7:00AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Cappadocia Adventure

5:30AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Pamukkale's Natural Wonder

8:00AM

6:00PM

Day 6: Nature Meets History

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Chill in Antalya

8:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

8:00PM

More About turkey

Plan Your turkey Trip