12 Days Itinerary in Turkey: Explore History, Culture, and Nature

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on March 1, 2025

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi

Start your journey with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvaltı Evi, famous for its diverse spread of cheeses, olives, and fresh bread.
TRL200, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Hagia Sophia

Visit the architectural marvel, Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases stunning mosaics and a rich history.
TRL200, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Doy Doy Restaurant

Savor delicious kebabs and traditional Turkish dishes at Doy Doy, located nearby the Hagia Sophia.
TRL150, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Topkapi Palace

Explore the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, home to Turkish sultans and filled with treasures and beautiful gardens.
TRL300, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

Enjoy panoramic views of the city while indulging in flavorful lamb dishes at Hamdi Restaurant.
TRL250, 2 hours

Day 2: Istanbul Adventures

Istanbul, Turkey on March 2, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Mimari

Start the day off with a hearty Turkish breakfast at Cafe Mimari, known for its pastries and rich coffee.
TRL100, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Basilica Cistern

Visit the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir known for its stunning columns and eerie atmosphere.
TRL300, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Grand Bazaar

Stroll through the vibrant Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for unique souvenirs, carpets, and spices.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Pudding Shop Lale Restaurant

Relish simple yet delicious Turkish dishes at Lale while soaking in the historic ambiance.
TRL100, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Spice Bazaar

Explore the Spice Bazaar, a feast for the senses with its colorful spices, sweets, and local delicacies.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner on a Bosphorus Cruise

Enjoy a magical evening with dinner on a Bosphorus cruise, experiencing the charm of Istanbul's skyline.
TRL600, 2.5 hours

Day 3: Cappadocia Unveiled

Cappadocia, Turkey on March 3, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Han Cafe

Fuel up with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Han Cafe before exploring the unique landscapes of Cappadocia.
TRL90, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience breathtaking views of Cappadocia from a hot air balloon, floating over fairy chimneys and valleys.
TRL1500, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Topdeck Cave Restaurant

Enjoy authentic local dishes in a cozy cave setting at Topdeck, known for its warm hospitality.
TRL200, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Göreme Open-Air Museum

Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to explore ancient rock-cut churches with fascinating frescoes.
TRL300, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Uçhisar Castle

Climb to the top of Uçhisar Castle for panoramic views of Cappadocia’s surreal landscape.
TRL150, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Seki Restaurant

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Seki while tasting local wines and gourmet dishes.
TRL350, 2 hours

Day 4: Cappadocia Landscapes

Cappadocia, Turkey on March 4, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café Safak

Start your day with fresh bread, local cheese, and olives at Café Safak, a favorite among travelers.
TRL80, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Ihlara Valley Hike

Embark on a scenic hike through Ihlara Valley, where you can explore the lush surroundings and rock-cut churches.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Belisirma Restaurant

Dine along the Melendiz River at Belisirma, where you can enjoy grilled trout and fresh salads.
TRL120, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Derinkuyu Underground City

Explore the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City, a multi-level ancient city carved into the soft rock.
TRL300, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Avanos Pottery Workshop

Visit a local pottery workshop in Avanos and try your hand at making traditional pottery.
TRL100, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Ziggy Café

Savor delicious mezes and Turkish wines at Ziggy Café, known for its cozy and inviting atmosphere.
TRL250, 2 hours

Day 5: Pamukkale Wonder

Pamukkale, Turkey on March 5, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a convenient breakfast at your hotel before heading to Pamukkale.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Pammukale Travertines

Visit the stunning travertine terraces of Pamukkale, known for their white mineral-rich pools.
TRL400, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Hierapolis Ancient City

Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, which includes a well-preserved theater and Roman baths.
TRL150, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at White House Restaurant

Enjoy delightful local cuisine with a view of the travertines at White House Restaurant.
TRL200, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Cleopatra Pool

Relax in the historical Cleopatra Pool, filled with ancient columns and warm mineral waters.
TRL500, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Kayas Restaurant

Taste local delicacies and flatbreads at the family-run Kayas Restaurant.
TRL150, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Discover Ephesus

Ephesus, Turkey on March 6, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before departing for Ephesus.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Ephesus Ruins

Walk through the impressive ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
TRL300, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Ejder Restaurant

Feast on Turkish classics at Ejder Restaurant, known for its flavorful mezes and attentive service.
TRL180, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

House of Virgin Mary

Visit the sacred site believed to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary.
TRL100, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at Artemis Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful dinner with views of the ruins at Artemis Restaurant.
TRL220, 2 hours

Day 7: Bodrum Bliss

Bodrum, Turkey on March 7, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel before exploring Bodrum.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Bodrum Castle

Explore Bodrum Castle, which includes a museum of underwater archaeology and offers stunning views of the town.
TRL200, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Cafe Del Mar

Indulge in fresh seafood and local dishes at Café Del Mar, with a lovely seaside view.
TRL250, 2 hours

2:00 PM

St. Peter's Castle

Visit St. Peter's Castle, a stunningly preserved site that showcases the history of Bodrum.
TRL200, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Bodrum Marina

Relax at Bodrum Marina, where you can enjoy local shops and cafes.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Turgutreis Restaurant

Enjoy a lovely dinner with Mediterranean cuisine at Turgutreis, famous for its relaxed ambiance.
TRL220, 2 hours

Day 8: Fethiye Features

Fethiye, Turkey on March 8, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at your hotel in Fethiye.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Ölüdeniz Beach

Visit Ölüdeniz Beach, famed for its crystal-clear waters and panoramic views, perfect for sunbathing or swimming.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Sunset Beach Restaurant

Dine at Sunset Beach Restaurant, known for its delightful menu and phenomenal views.
TRL220, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Paragliding Experience

Experience an exhilarating paragliding adventure over Fethiye with breathtaking views of the turquoise coast.
TRL700, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Mozaik Bahçe

Savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy garden setting at Mozaik Bahçe.
TRL250, 2 hours

Day 9: Antalya Escapade

Antalya, Turkey on March 9, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel before venturing into Antalya.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Old Town (Kaleiçi)

Wander through the charming streets of Kaleiçi, where you can see the ancient city walls and Hadrian's Gate.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at 7 Mehmet

Savor local delicacies for lunch at 7 Mehmet, a well-known restaurant with a variety of options.
TRL300, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Antalya Museum

Visit the Antalya Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.
TRL150, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Düden Waterfalls

Enjoy the beauty of Düden Waterfalls, where you can take a peaceful stroll amidst nature.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Serpat Restaurant

Dine with a sea view at Serpat Restaurant, offering fresh seafood and Turkish cuisine.
TRL280, 2 hours

Day 10: Cultural Konya

Konya, Turkey on March 10, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before discovering the spiritual city of Konya.
Included, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Mevlana Museum

Visit the Mevlana Museum, a beautiful center of Sufi mysticism, dedicated to Mevlana Rumi.
TRL100, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Alaaddin Mosque

Explore the majestic Alaaddin Mosque and its surrounding park for a moment of serenity.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Gazi Mevlana Restaurant

Try local dishes at Gazi Mevlana Restaurant, a popular dining spot for authentic Konya cuisine.
TRL150, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Karapınar Mevlana Culture Center

Visit this cultural center to learn about Konya’s heritage and art.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Takkeli Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Takkeli Restaurant, known for its tasty meat dishes.
TRL180, 2 hours

Day 11: Return to Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on March 11, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading back to Istanbul.
Included, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Shopping at Istiklal Street

Explore Istiklal Street for shopping, featuring local boutiques and international brands.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Zubeyir Ocakbasi

Savor delicious grilled meats at Zubeyir Ocakbasi, a traditional Turkish charcoal grill house.
TRL180, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Dolmabahçe Palace

Visit Dolmabahçe Palace, known for its opulent interiors and stunning gardens.
TRL350, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Konyalı Restaurant

End your day with dinner at Konyalı, known for its traditional Turkish cuisine and waterfront views.
TRL250, 2 hours

Day 12: Explore Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey on March 12, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a day of exploration.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Chora Church

Visit the Chora Church, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.
TRL150, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Bosphorus Strait Tour

Take a ferry tour of the Bosphorus Strait for unique views of both Europe and Asia.
TRL100, 2.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Asitane Restaurant

Experience exquisite Ottoman cuisine at Asitane, celebrated for its historical dishes.
TRL300, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Turkish Bath Experience

Unwind and relax with a traditional Turkish bath (Hammam) experience to rejuvenate yourself.
TRL250, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at360 Istanbul

Celebrate your trip with a farewell dinner at 360 Istanbul, an upscale restaurant with a panoramic view.
TRL450, 2.5 hours