How many days do you need in Turkey?

This itinerary covers 11 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 11 days trip to Turkey. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

11-Day Relaxation and Cultural Immersion in Turkey

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

10:00AM

Check-In at Hotel

Arrive in Istanbul, check into your hotel, and relax before your afternoon explorations.

EUR100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matbah Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch with stunning views of Topkapi Palace.

EUR15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Topkapi Palace

Explore the opulent gardens and museum, celebrating the rich history of the Ottoman Empire.

EUR15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Stroll at Sultanahmet Square

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere surrounded by the famous Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Taste authentic kebabs while enjoying a panoramic view of the Golden Horn.

EUR20, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 2: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi

Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring köfte and simit.

EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hagia Sophia

Marvel at this architectural wonder, rich in history and beauty.

EUR12, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Grand Bazaar

Wander through this iconic marketplace filled with authentic Turkish goods.

Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant

Have lunch with spectacular views of the city rooftops.

EUR12, 1 hour

3:30PM

Boat Tour on the Bosphorus

Relax on a scenic cruise of the Bosphorus, enjoying the juxtaposition of Europe and Asia.

EUR15, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mikla Restaurant

Savour contemporary Turkish cuisine paired with exceptional city views.

EUR50, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 3: Journey to Cappadocia

Cappadocia, Turkey

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for Cappadocia.

Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Flight to Cappadocia

Board your flight for a picturesque journey to the magical land of fairytale chimneys.

EUR70, 1 hour

11:00AM

Arrival and Check-In

Arrive at your cave hotel and get settled in your luxurious, unique accommodation.

EUR30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Dibek Restaurant

Savour traditional pottery kebab in a magical, rustic atmosphere.

EUR18, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site filled with rock-cut churches and ancient frescoes.

EUR10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Enjoy local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients in a charming cave setting.

EUR25, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 4: Cappadocia Adventures

Cappadocia, Turkey

5:30AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s surreal landscape at sunrise.

EUR160, 3 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Return to your hotel for a delightful breakfast after your adventure.

Included, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Ihlara Valley

Hike through this stunning gorge abundant with greenery and historic churches.

EUR50, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Belisirma Restaurant

Enjoy lunch along the river with a serene view of the valley.

EUR15, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

Delve into the depths of this ancient subterranean city built for protection.

EUR8, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Seten Restaurant

Dine on authentic regional dishes while enjoying a lovely ambiance.

EUR22, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Cappadocia

Day 5: Relaxing in Pamukkale

Pamukkale, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your journey to Pamukkale.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Pamukkale

Travel to Pamukkale to admire its stunning travertine terraces.

EUR40, 6 hours

3:30PM

Visit Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Take a refreshing dip in the renowned thermal pools surrounded by natural beauty.

EUR10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at White Springs Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with views of the terraces in this tranquil setting.

EUR20, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Pamukkale

Day 6: Journey to Selçuk

Selçuk, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a local breakfast at your accommodation.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Selçuk

Travel to Selçuk, the gateway to Ephesus.

EUR25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aysel's Restaurant

Savour delicious home-cooked meals with ingredients sourced locally.

EUR15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ephesus Archaeological Site

Discover the ancient city that once thrived with commerce and culture.

EUR12, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ephesus Restaurant

Indulge in an authentic meal featuring local dishes near the ancient site.

EUR20, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Selçuk

Day 7: Exploring Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before exploring more of the area.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Temple of Artemis

See the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

EUR8, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the House of Virgin Mary

Visit this revered site; serenity awaits at the home of the Virgin Mary.

EUR5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Şirince Village

Savour local wines and meze dishes in this charming village.

EUR20, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Şirince Village

Stroll through this picturesque village known for its fruit wines and beautiful views.

Free, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Selçuk Kebab House

Enjoy delicious kebabs and pide in a local eatery.

EUR15, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Ephesus

Day 8: Relaxing in Fethiye

Fethiye, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to the coastal town of Fethiye.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Fethiye

Drive to Fethiye, where the turquoise waters await.

EUR30, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Café Park Restoran

Relish fresh seafood with a view of the marina.

EUR20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Oludeniz Beach

Relax on one of Turkey’s most famous beaches and soak up the sun.

EUR5, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Mozaik Bahçe

Savour a traditional Turkish dinner at this beautiful garden restaurant.

EUR15, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Fethiye

Day 9: Exploring Bodrum

Bodrum, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel before heading to Bodrum.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Bodrum

Travel to the lively coastal town of Bodrum known for its nightlife and history.

EUR20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mimoza Restaurant

Dine at a seafront restaurant famous for its fresh seafood.

EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Bodrum Castle Visit

Explore this historic castle with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

EUR9, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset Boat Cruise

Sail into the sunset with magnificent views over the bay from a relaxing boat.

EUR25, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Limon Restaurant

End your day with delightful regional cuisine at this charming spot.

EUR20, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Bodrum

Day 10: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Before departure, enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Istanbul

Board your flight back to Istanbul for further exploration.

EUR70, 1 hour

11:00AM

Arrival and Check-In

Arrive in Istanbul and check back into your hotel.

EUR30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Konyalı Restaurant

Delight in traditional Ottoman cuisine at this renowned eatery.

EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Spice Bazaar

Engage your senses in this aromatic marketplace full of spices and sweets.

Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mezzaluna

Savour Mediterranean fare and experience a fusion of flavours.

EUR35, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Day 11: Final Day in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you soak in the last moments at your Istanbul hotel.

Included, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Basilica Cistern

Explore the ancient underground water reservoir decorated with beautiful columns.

EUR5, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore the Art Galleries in Karaköy

Discover contemporary artworks as you wander through the vibrant Karaköy district.

Free (entry fee may vary), 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Indulge in a meal of delicious baklava and Turkish delight.

EUR10, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at a Hamam

Experience traditional Turkish bathing at a local hamam, a perfect way to unwind.

EUR40, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at 360 Istanbul

Delight in your final dinner overlooking the city as you reflect on your Turkish adventure.

EUR45, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Istanbul

Step 1 Outline Preview:

11-Day Relaxation and Cultural Immersion in Turkey

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

10:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Explore Istanbul

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Journey to Cappadocia

7:00AM

8:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Cappadocia Adventures

5:30AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

2:30PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 5: Relaxing in Pamukkale

8:00AM

9:30AM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Journey to Selçuk

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Exploring Ephesus

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:30PM

7:00PM

Day 8: Relaxing in Fethiye

8:00AM

9:30AM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:30PM

Day 9: Exploring Bodrum

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

8:30PM

Day 10: Return to Istanbul

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 11: Final Day in Istanbul

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

More About Turkey

Plan Your Turkey Trip