cheap tours of turkey

No products in the cart.

Cheapest Turkey Tour Packages

Discover the beauty of Turkey without breaking the bank. One Nation Travel offers budget-friendly Turkey tours that cover Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus. Experience authentic culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Book now for an unforgettable vacation!

Explore Affordable Turkey Tour Packages: A Blend of Culture and Scenery

Showing all 23 results

8 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Troy and Gallipoli Tour

Embark on this 8 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Troy and Gallipoli Tour for an unforgettable journey. Explore the mesmerizing beauty of Istanbul, the historical charm of Cappadocia, the natural wonders of Pamukkale, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the legendary city of Troy. This Turkey tour package also includes a visit to the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. Book now and experience the best of Turkey!

Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul by Bus

Experience the enchanting wonders of Cappadocia on a budget-friendly bus tour departing from Istanbul by local bus. Embark on a remarkable journey through this captivating region, where you’ll encounter an array of extraordinary fairy chimney formations and delve into the rich heritage of ancient Cappadocia.

3-Day Ancient Turkey Tour: Pamukkale, Ephesus, Troy & Gallipoli

Join a group tour starting and ending in Istanbul, available every day, to explore the captivating world of ancient Turkey. Embark on a 3-day round-trip adventure visiting the remarkable sites of Ephesus, Pamukkale, Troy, and Gallipoli. Local tour guides at each destination will share their expertise, immersing you in the history and stunning beauty of these iconic sites as you journey through Turkey’s rich past.

4-Day Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Kayseri Airport

Start in Kayseri or Nevsehir and end in Kusadasi or Izmir! We have prepared a tour that you can visit Cappadocia and Pamukkale and Ephesus in just 4 Days. With this tour, you will have a chance to see the most beautiful natural realness of Turkey. This 4-Day Cappadocia Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Kayseri Airport is available with daily departure so you can book for any day online.

4-Day Pamukkale, Ephesus, Troy and Gallipoli Tour starting from Cappadocia

Start your adventure in Cappadocia and end in Istanbul on this captivating 4-day tour! Discover Pamukkale’s thermal pools, Ephesus’ ancient ruins, Troy’s legendary city, and Gallipoli’s historic battlefields. Dive into a journey of natural beauty and historical depth. Ready to explore?

7-Day Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia Tour by Plane & Bus

Experience the best of Turkey on this 7-day tour by plane and bus. Start in Istanbul, steeped in history and culture, visiting landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Next, explore the ancient city of Ephesus, before unwinding in the stunning thermal waters of Pamukkale. Finally, discover the surreal landscapes and rock formations of Cappadocia. From cityscape to countryside, this tour offers an unparalleled Turkish adventure, combining comfort, convenience, and discovery.

3-Day Cappadocia and Pamukkale Tour from Kayseri Airport

See two of Turkey’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites on this 3-day tour of Cappadocia and Pamukkale from Kayseri or Nevsehir Airports. At each stop, your local expert guide shares highlights such as rock-cut churches and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, travertine terraces in Pamukkale, and thermal hot springs in Hierapolis. This action-packed tour helps you maximize your time in Turkey by covering a lot of ground in three days.

9-Day Tour of Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia

Experience the best of Turkey on our 9-day tour visiting Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia. This tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the country while taking in some of its most stunning natural beauty. Book now for an unforgettable journey.

4 Days Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour

Discover western Anatolia’s main highlights on a 4-day adventure from Istanbul. The tour focuses on several ancient Greek and Roman ruins, as well as more modern monuments from World War I. Visit key landmarks, like the ANZAC Commemoration Site, the ruins of Troy, the Library of Celsus , the Travertines of Pamukkale, and more. Includes accommodation as well as meals, transport, and more. This tour departs from Istanbul but will end in Kusadasi or Izmir.

5 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Kayseri Airport

This is a 5 days / 4 nights tour that departs from Kayseri and ends in Kusadasi or Izmir. On this tour, you will visit the popular tourist destinations of Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus covering some of the major sightseeing attractions in Turkey .

6 Days Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia Tour

Discover the rich history and natural beauty of Turkey with our 6 Days Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul. Visit the ancient city of Troy, where the legendary Trojan War took place, and the well-preserved ruins of Pergamon, home to the famous Pergamon Altar. Explore the impressive ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, and relax in the thermal baths of Pamukkale. Finally, marvel at the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, with its fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. Book now for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Turkey.

2-Day Tour of Pamukkale and Ephesus from Cappadocia by Overnight Bus

Embark on a two-day, one-night journey, including an overnight bus trip from Cappadocia, where you’ll explore the major highlights of Pamukkale and Ephesus through comprehensive full-day tours. The tour will commence from Cappadocia and conclude in Kusadasi or Izmir.

5 Days Cappadocia and Pamukkale Budget Tour from Istanbul by Bus

Take a 5-day tour of Cappadocia and Pamukkale and experience two of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions! Visit the fairy-tale-like landscape of Cappadocia and explore the underground cities, caves and tunnels. Then, head to Pamukkale to see the famous travertine pools and waterfall. This tour is perfect for those who want to see a lot in a short amount of time!

6 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Gallipoli & Troy Budget Tour from Istanbul by Bus

This 6-day Turkey tour, traveling by intercity bus, is curated for visitors who are constrained by time but aim to explore Turkey’s finest destinations. Starting from Istanbul, the tour covers Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Gallipoli, and Troy, ensuring a rich and diverse experience.

6 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale Budget Tour by Bus

This is a classic Turkey budget tour concluding the best highlights in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale, which are the top best tourist destinations in Turkey.

8 Days Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya and Cappadocia Budget Tour by Bus

Recommended for the visitors who come to Turkey for the first time, the 8 days Turkey Highlights tour goes across four main cities of Turkey – Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia.

7 Days Ephesus, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Pamukkale and Cappadocia, Budget Tour from Istanbul by Bus

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey through Turkey, starting in the vibrant city of Istanbul. This budget-friendly tour is tailored for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike. Explore the ancient wonders of Ephesus, Priene, Miletus, and Didyma, each offering a unique glimpse into Turkey’s rich past. Marvel at the natural beauty of Pamukkale’s thermal waters and traverse the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia. This tour is perfect for those looking to experience Turkey’s top attractions without breaking the bank. Get ready for a trip filled with culture, history, and breathtaking sights!

6 Days Istanbul and Cappadocia Budget Tour By Overnight Bus

On this 6 days Istanbul and Cappadocia budget tour by overnight bus, you will discover the highlights of Turkey on a journey that will take you through the history and culture of two diverse cities. You will discover the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul. Your travel will continue to Cappadocia where you will enjoy the natural landscapes of Cappadocia, accommodation at the cave hotel, and the magical Underground Cities of Cappadocia.

10 Days Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia Budget Tour

Experience the essence of Turkey on a budget without compromising quality. This carefully curated itinerary features iconic destinations such as Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia, showcasing Turkey’s cultural and natural wonders.

8 Days Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia Budget Tour by Bus

This 8-day Turkey budget tour definitely amazes you with the unforgettable discovery of magnificent Istanbul, breathtaking Bosphorus by cruise, Goreme open-air museum, Kaymakli underground city , Pamukkale Travertines, Temple of Artemis, and House Of Virgin Mary.

Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul with overnight Bus

Embark on a fascinating journey from Istanbul to explore the timeless marvels of Ephesus and Pamukkale, utilizing local bus services for an overnight voyage. Wander through the astonishingly well-maintained remnants of Ephesus, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and let the breathtaking white travertine terraces of Pamukkale captivate you. Enrich your travel experience with an infusion of history, culture, and nature as you navigate through Turkey’s remarkable heritage.

6 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Budget Tour from Istanbul by Bus

Discover the three most popular travel highlights of Turkey on this 6 days Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Budget tour by overnight bus. Your tour will start from Istanbul on Day 1 and will end on Day 6 with arrival back to Istanbul around 9:30 am by overnight bus. On this tour, you will take three overnight buses and will stay one night at the Cave Hotel in Cappadocia and one night at a 4-star hotel in Kusadasi.

6 Days Istanbul, Troy, Gallipoli and Ephesus Tour

Ideal for brief visits and cruise stopovers from Kusadasi, this tour from Istanbul to Canakkale and Kusadasi encompasses the major highlights of Western Turkey. It begins in Istanbul and concludes in Kusadasi.

End of content

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Affordable Budget Tours to Turkey

Get ready for an incredible adventure to Turkey without breaking the bank with these fantastic budget tours. We've carefully analyzed a wide range of tours from highly reviewed companies, ensuring that you get the best value for your money. From affordable prices and positive guest ratings to excellent service, exciting destinations, and engaging activities, these handpicked tours prove that you can have a remarkable travel experience on a budget. So pack your bags and get ready to explore Turkey on a fantastic organized tour without compromising on fun and adventure.

• Hiking Turkey's Lycian Way 8 Days, $930.00
• Anzac Day Gallipoli - 2 Day Tour 2 Days, $194.58
• Walking Turkey's Turquoise Coast 8 Days, $850.00

What are budget and low-cost tours like in Turkey?

Here are the important factors:

• 79 trip options analyzed
• $121 average price per day (USD)
• 1 to 18 days in length
• 4.67 of 5 average rating
• 28 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of budget tours in Turkey, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 28 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 9 days, with tours ranging from 1 to 18 days long. Regarding physical activity , the tours are categorized as easy, moderate, heart-pumping, and serious, with the majority being easy. With our thorough analysis of 79 budget tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that Turkey has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Budget Tours in Turkey

Hiking turkey's lycian way.

• On Sale: 15% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

This fantastic trip has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Experience the excitment of hiking and coastal walks on your journey. This trip visits 8 destinations, including Oludeniz, Fethiye, Gelemis, and Kas along the way. Your journey will begin in Kayakoy and end in Dalaman. Lasting 8 days, the maximum group size is 16 people, and it's good for guests age 16 to 85. Organized by Explore! , this is a great deal because it's only $99 per day. Act fast to take advantage of the current sale.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Coastal Walks

Anzac Day Gallipoli - 2 Day Tour

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary voyage is the perfect choice. Istanbul will be the beginning and end of your trip. Spanning across 2 days, the voyage accommodates 50 individuals, and is suitable for guests age 16 to 75. Offered by PP Travel , this remarkable voyage is priced at just $97 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

• Festival & Events

Walking Turkey's Turquoise Coast

This exceptional trip offering by Explore! has received a 4.5 out of 5 rating. On this 8-day voyage you can unwind while also making new memories. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Kas. Get ready to fully embrace hiking and coastal walks. With a group size of 16 people, it's suitable for guests age 16 to 85. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $90 per day. It's also on sale right now!

Turquoise Blue - Fethiye / Kekova / Fethiye

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 4 out of 5 rating. Discover a journey that spans 10 destinations, with notable stops in Gokkaya, Oludeniz, St. Nicholas Island, and Kas. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Fethiye. Spanning across 8 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 16 participants, and it's great for guests age 12 to 80. Brought to you by the renowned Fez Travel , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $99 per day - an unbeatable value.

KACKAR SUMMIT TRANS

This 6-day trip is ideal for guests age 15 to 75. And priced at only $140 per day, it's a great value, too. Rize kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. It's offered by FONTE TURIZM , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

Family Turkey Coastal Active Adventure

Priced at just $124 per day, this terrific 8-day trip is ideal for guests age 7 to 85. Guests on this trip get to partake in sailing and sightseeing. With 6 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Demre, Kekova, Simena, and Gelemis, and more. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Kas. Organized by the reputable Explore! , this is one of the best tours on this list. Don't miss out on this limited-time sale.

• Sightseeing
• Walking Tour

Cycle Turkey

Check out this incredible voyage that has received a 4.3 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With a duration of 8 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 16 people, and is good for guests age 16 to 85. Along the way, this journey encompasses 8 destinations, including Koycegiz, Gocek, Fethiye, and Saklikent Gorge. Your journey will begin in Dalyan and end in Dalaman. This fantastic option, organized by Explore! , presents an unbeatable value at just $140 per day. It's also on sale right now!

Turkey Uncovered

Spanning over 14 days, this journey has a maximum size of 16 individuals. Welcoming guests age 15 and older, it is organized by Intrepid Travel , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This itinerary covers 9 captivating destinations, with stops in Antalya, Konya, Gallipoli, and Selcuk, among others. Begin your trip in Istanbul and complete it with a memorable finale in Cappadocia. Available at an unbeatable price of only $100 per day, this option also has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

• In-depth Cultural

Classic Istanbul Mini Adventure

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional trip that has garnered a 4.9 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 4 days, this jouney will have 16 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests age 12 to 90. Expertly organized by G Adventures , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $100 per day.

10 Days Turkish Delight Vacation Package With Guaranteed Departure

This memorable journey is offered by TravelShop Turkey which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $104 per day. Uncover the beauty of 6 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, and Kusadasi. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Istanbul. The maximum group size is 99 people, welcoming guests of all ages.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Turkey , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Turkey , The Best Historical Tours in Turkey , The Best 10-Day Tours in Turkey , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey , The Best 3-Day Tours in Turkey , The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Turkey , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey , The Best Adventure Tours to Turkey , The Best Eco Tours in Turkey , The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Turkey , The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Turkey , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Turkey , The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Turkey , The Best Religious Tours in Turkey , The Best Walking Tours in Turkey , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Turkey , The Best Luxury Tours to Turkey , The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Fethiye , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Antalya , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bodrum , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kas , The Best 10-Day Tours from Istanbul , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul for more package tour options.

How much do budget tours cost in Turkey?

Visitors will find a large range of terrific options for budget tours when planning a visit to Turkey. The price of these specific trips can vary according to length, destinations, and travel style. The average price of budget tours in Turkey based on data from 79 options is an affordable $121 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Turkey .

And for more information on Turkey, see Turkey Travel Costs and Turkey Hotel Costs .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Budget Your Trip

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

• Europe Tours
• Turkey Tours

Turkey Tours and Trips 2024/2025

Chances are you have seen breathtaking photos of hot air balloons floating above Cappadocia or shots of the spectacular Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Turkey tours are fascinating, including those offering glimpses into its Ottoman history. Whether you are looking to travel on our new Turkey group tours , create an experience that is all your own on our Turkey private tours , or splurge on one of our Turkey luxury tours , we deliver tours that meet your every need.

• Turkey Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Turkey
• Top 14 Things to do in Turkey

+300 Trips in Turkey with 348 Reviews

• Starts Istanbul, Turkey
• Ends Istanbul, Turkey
• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Boat & Bus
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• May 06 10+ seats left
• May 13 10+ seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Turkey Highlights

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Train tours 'data-more-tripid='18192'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus, Flight & Minibus
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,780
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 178
• Total Price from: US$ 1,602
• May 07 Only 1 seat left
• May 16 Only 3 seats left

Premium Turkey in Depth

• Activities Luxury & Cultural, religious and historic sites Luxury , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture & Chill out 'data-more-tripid='35836'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Flight & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,580
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 837
• Total Price from: US$ 4,743
• May 16 Only 2 seats left
• May 19 Only 7 seats left

• Starts Ankara, Turkey

Turkey ExclusiveTour

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='23756'>+2 more
• Transport Boat
• Age Range 6-85 yrs
• Operated in English, Turkish
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,200
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 330
• Total Price from: US$ 1,870

The Best of Turkey

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Walking tours & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='4993'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Resort
• Transport Flight, Boat, Bus, Private Vehicle & Ferry
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,349
• Special Deal (30%): - US$ 405
• Total Price from: US$ 944
• May 12 Only 5 seats left
• May 26 Only 1 seat left

Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on the Asian Side

• Activities Cruise
• Accommodation No Accommodation
• Age Range 1-99 yrs

Turkey Encompassed

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Walking tours Cultural, religious and historic sites , Walking tours , Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3124'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Bus, Flight & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,595
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 539
• Total Price from: US$ 3,056
• May 10 Only 1 seat left
• May 13 Only 5 seats left

Popular Destinations in Turkey

Absolutely Turkey

• Activities City sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='40669'>+1 more
• Transport Coach, Ferry, Private Vehicle & Bus
• Age Range 6-80 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,925
• Special Deal (50%): - US$ 963
• Total Price from: US$ 962
• May 20 10+ seats left

Bosphorus and Black Sea Cruise with Lunch

Istanbul, Ephesus & Pamukkale in 5 Days

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing , Sightseeing Tours & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='40422'>+2 more
• Transport Flight & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 1-79 yrs

• Starts Rize, Turkey
• Ends Rize, Turkey

Trans Kackar Summit Tour

• Activities Walking tours & Nature and bush walks Walking tours , Nature and bush walks , Trekking and Hiking , Sightseeing Tours & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='40253'>+3 more
• Accommodation Camping, Hostel, Hotel & Tent
• Transport Private Vehicle
• Age Range 12-84 yrs

• Starts Fethiye, Turkey
• Ends Fethiye, Turkey

Sail Turkey

• Activities Sailing, yachting and motor boating & Lagoons Sailing, yachting and motor boating , Lagoons & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='19583'>+1 more
• Accommodation Yacht Cabin
• Transport Boat & Yacht
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,766
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 795
• Total Price from: US$ 971
• May 11 Only 4 seats left
• May 18 Only 9 seats left

Amazing Turkey by Gulet (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , War sites & Gulet cruise 'data-more-tripid='14726'>+2 more
• Transport Bus, Coach, Boat, Yacht & Flight
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,110
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 1,400
• Total Price from: US$ 1,710
• May 25 10+ seats left
• Jun 08 10+ seats left

Amazing Turkey by Land (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Walking tours 'data-more-tripid='14725'>+1 more
• Transport Boat, Bus, Coach & Flight
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,862
• Special Deal (45%): - US$ 1,288
• Total Price from: US$ 1,574
• May 18 10+ seats left

Traveling to Turkey? Chat with a local travel specialist in Turkey who can help organize your trip.

Turkey Tour Reviews

• Vikas Kantharaju
• Lyndal Kerri Clayton

Traveller Photos for Trips in Turkey

Turkey - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Tour Highlights

• Take the Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul and appreciate the city skyline dotted with spires of countless mosques.
• Tour the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul, which abounds with Byzantine and Turkish structures.
• Visit the Topkapi Sarayi in Istanbul, a longtime residence of the Ottoman sultans.
• Lay eyes on rich Christian and Islamic artwork in the splendid Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
• Discover Goreme in Cappadocia on foot and from the balloon. The region is an open-air museum renowned for interesting rock formations and Christian churches in cavities of large rocks.
• Enjoy calcium-filled waters that flow over white travertine terraces in Pamukkale, the mineral-bath spa. Pamukkale is the UNESCO site, located next to ancient Hierapolis, the Greco-Roman spa town.
• In the Turkish capital of Ankara, take a look at items and artifacts exhibited in the Anatolian Civilizations Museum.
• Visit spectacular and peaceful Oludeniz Beach and enjoy scuba diving, jet skiing and paragliding that reveals marvelous vistas.

Travel Tips

• Turks are great hosts and you will be welcomed regardless of your background.
• Just pay attention not to show disrespect to national symbols and local customs and you shouldn’t have problems.
• Same sex relationships are still not fully accepted in Turkey. Try to avoid same sex PDA.
• ATMs are available in most cities. You won’t have trouble to use your credit and debit cards in the tourist resorts and cities.
• Traffic in Istanbul tends to be chaotic, so pay close attention when you cross the street.

Turkey has seasonal weather so please do check up on the  best time to visit Turkey  before planning your tour. And if you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in Turkey, do check out our Turkey Travel Guide for more information.

Popular Tour Types in Turkey

• Turkey private tours:  If you are looking to explore this beautiful country with a personalized touch, our Turkey private tours are for you. Hike to the outstanding town of Rize or witness the iconic hot air balloons at Cappadocia at your own convenience and comfort. You will get to see and experience everything you want in Turkey, without large tour groups to crowd your holiday experience.
• Turkey group tours:  Looking to make new friends and explore the vast history and culture of Turkey? Book onto one of our Turkey group tours , where you can wander the bazaars of Istanbul or learn more about the history at Ephesus, and more!
• Turkey luxury tours:  If you are feeling like splurging on your Turkish holiday, why not opt for one of our Turkey high-end tours . Stay in 4 and 5-star hotels throughout your travel period while indulging in Turkey’s rich hammam culture and learning about the country’s storied past at sights like Gallipoli.
• Turkey customized tours:  Sometimes you just want something a little more bespoke when it comes to traveling. Speak to our travel experts and create your dream Turkey tour, from sailing around the shores of Bodrum to historical walking tours of the ruins of Ephesus and beyond. You dream it, and we will make it come true with our Turkey tailor made tours .
• Turkey family tours:  Traveling with little ones in tow? Find activities and excursions to suit the whole gang with our Turkey family tours . From immersing yourself in the culture in Ankara to enjoying the open water on a boat trip from Fethiye, our family tours are made to ensure fun times for kids and adults alike.
• Turkey budget tours:  With more wallet-friendly accommodation items and plenty of optional excursions to take part in at your leisure, our Turkey budget tours are a great way to experience the country’s rich culture, all on a shoestring budget.

Activity Based Turkey Tours

• Turkey history tours :  From ancient Greeks to the Ottoman empire, Turkey is filled to the brim with historical landmarks and artifacts. With influences from Europe, the Middle East and Asia, there is a lot to see and learn. See the ruins of temples in Ephesus and the Trojan horse in Troy to get your fill of medieval history.
• Turkey adventure tours:  It is a well known fact that Turkey is a cultural melting pot with amazing food, historical landmarks and temples, but not many people know that it is also a great destination for adventure junkies. Go scuba diving in the Aegean, sail the Black Sea, zip down the rugged landscape on a bike or take to the sky on a hot-air balloon on your Turkish adventure tour .
• Turkey sightseeing tours:  Natural as well as man-made marvels, Turkey has it all. See the unique fairy chimney rock formations in Cappadocia and then head to Istanbul to marvel at the Hagia Sophia. Then, wrap your head around the sheer genius of Roman architects in your trip to the ancient amphitheater in Ephesus on Turkey sightseeing tours .
• Turkey cruise tours :  Turkey boasts a long and beautiful coastline, and one of the best ways to see the country is by hitting the water on a cruise. From bigger ferries to small, sleek, and private Gulet sailboats, there are plenty of options to enjoy. There are also plenty of rivers and canals, such as around Kemer, that are worth exploring during your Turkey holiday.
• Turkey beach tours:  Turkey has a warm and sunny climate, making it an ideal destination for a beach holiday. Soak up the sun in Kas, journey around the coast in Fethiye, or go to the beach parties in Bodrum. Whatever beachside vibe you are looking for, our Turkey beach tours can provide.
• Turkey hiking tours:  Turkey’s diverse and scenic landscapes offer plenty of amazing hikes and long distance trails. Follow the coast from Marmaris, complete the iconic Lycian Way, or hit up the Turquoise Coast for an outstanding backdrop to your trek on one of Turkey hiking tours .

Popular Durations for a Turkey Trip

Turkey Tours - Top Destinations To Visit

• Marvel at Turkish architecture in Istanbul:  A cultural treasure trove, Istanbul is one of the most popular destinations among travelers visiting Turkey. Explore this amazing city on a guided tour and learn everything about Turkish architecture. Visit sites like Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern. These landmarks have influences from the Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman empires. Explore these sites at your own pace by booking an Istanbul tour .
• Fly in a hot-air balloon in Cappadocia:  If you look for Turkey, you are bound to find an image of hot-air balloons flying high over rugged landscapes in Cappadocia. But that is not all this place is. Discover the ancient underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli and take a hike in the Ihlara Valley and explore its deep gorges. Every picture you take on these sites will be postcard worthy. Book your tour to Cappadocia now.
• Relax in a thermal pool in Pamukkale:  Famous for its mineral-rich thermal pools, Pamukkale is the perfect place to relax your travel-weary feet. Right next to Pamukkale is Hierapolis, where you can see ancient ruins and visit the archeology museum to see the artifacts from the Roman times. So, on your Turkish trip, do make it a point fo visiting Pamukkale .
• Sunbathe in the amazing beaches in Antalya:  The ancient port city of Antalya is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. This is also a resort city where you can walk on the cobblestone streets which lead you to museums with artifacts of the classical era, ruins from the period of Alexander the Great, and snaking rivers which are ideal for rafting. Your holiday to Antalya is bound to be a great one.
• Explore Turkish history in Ephesus:  Known as Selcuk in the present day, Ephesus is heaven for a history buff. Located in the Central Aegean coast, Ephesus is home to several Greco-Roman ruins. Explore the Library of Celsus, see the Ephesus amphitheater, and marvel at the ancient paintings and mosaics. Ephesus is also a city with deep Christian ties. It is believed that it was in Ephesus where seven Christian followers (Seven Sleepers) hid inside a cave to escape religious persecution and woke up 200 years later.
• Go on a cruise in the Black Sea Region:  Want to spend your time on a cruise? A tour to the Black Sea Region is ideal for exactly this. Go island hopping, view Sumela Monastery, visit the city of Trabzon and relax on the beach in the scenic coastal area. But the sea is not the only thing on offer if you are traveling in this region. If you are a tea lover, head to the tea plantations in Rize. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of the city while sipping a hot cup of tea.

Peak Season and Low Season Tours in Turkey

• Turkey in April
• Turkey in May
• Turkey in September
• Turkey in October
• Turkey in November
• Turkey in December
• Turkey in January
• Turkey in February
• Turkey in March

Popular Turkey Trip Travel Guides

If you are planning a trip to Turkey , you will want to know about the best time to visit Turkey as well as checking out all the available Turkey tours. You may also wish to learn more about the top things to do in Turkey . Once you are sure about some of the activities you wish to experience in Turkey, along with the destinations you want to visit, you may want to consider how many days to stay in Turkey . We generally recommend to stay at least 7 days in Turkey , but to get the most out of your trip to Turkey you can stay 14 days in Turkey or more.

Next, we recommend you start thinking about the money you can allocate to the trip to know whether you should be looking for a budget tour, a luxury tour, or perhaps a completely customized tour to Turkey . If you are in doubt, check all our Turkey tours at the top of this page.

Turkey is an amazing country to visit, and there may be other key factors that you wish to consider before traveling there. Please check our ‘' Turkey travel guide ” which will give you a lot of relevant information about traveling to Turkey.

• Turkey budget tours
• Eco tours in Turkey
• Turkey guided tours
• Turkey family tour packages
• Turkey luxury tours
• Turkey private tours
• Turkey self-guided tours
• Turkey small group tours
• Turkey solo trips
• Turkey tailor-made vacation packages
• Turkey tours for senior citizens
• Turkey tours for young adults
• Turkey group tours
• Turkey last minute deals
• Turkey travel deals

Popular Destinations

• Antalya Tours
• Cappadocia Tours
• Ephesus Tours
• Goreme Tours
• Istanbul Tours
• Izmir Tours
• Konya Tours
• Kusadasi Tours
• Pamukkale Tours

Popular Activities

• Adventure tours
• Art and architecture tours
• City sightseeing tours
• Cruise tours
• Cultural, religious and historic sites tours
• Explorer tours
• Hot air balloon rides tours
• Local culture tours
• Museum and gallery visits tours
• Natural landmarks sightseeing tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking tours
• War sites tours

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025

Best price guaranteed - No booking fees

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Vacations in Türkiye

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for vacation package deals in türkiye.

Let KAYAK do the searching

Save on your next vacation

Search and compare hundred of travel sites at once for vacation packages in Türkiye

We’re completely free to use - No hidden charges or fees

Filter by free cancellation, free breakfast and more

Cheap Türkiye package deals

Most popular türkiye flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to türkiye, last minute vacation packages to türkiye, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in türkiye, tips for finding türkiye package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Türkiye and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $378; Family vacation $368; Romantic vacation $379; Luxury vacation $410; Budget vacation $358.

Why should you book a vacation package to Turkey?

When should you book a vacation package to turkey.

The best time to visit Turkey is in the spring when prices are more affordable and the weather is more temperate. Make sure to stop by Istanbul for the annual tulip festival which honors the city's signature flower. The Istanbul Tulip Festival takes place in most city parks throughout April.

Where should you stay in Turkey during your vacation?

For any vacation type in turkey:.

Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahment is a stone's throw away from the old city center which houses the famous Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar. The Istanbul metro will easily transport you between Sultanahmet and Ataturk International Airport just under 10 miles away.

Swissotel in Istanbul offers some of the best views of the Bosphorus strait and has conference rooms and spa facilities available whether you're travelling for business or pleasure. Take advantage of the Swissotel's shuttle service to easily connect with Ataturk or Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

For family vacations in Turkey:

Sealife Family Resort Hotel in Antalya offers a wide array of kid-friendly activities including arts and crafts, outdoor pools, and nightly performances. Conside renting a car from Antalya Airport to take advantage of other day excursions in the area.

Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel has a little bit of something for everyone including nearby Istanbul parks for the kids and relaxing Bosphorus café views for the adults. This hotel allows you to pre-book your airport transfer for ease of mind when traveling as a family.

For romantic vacations in Turkey:

Rixos Pera in Istanbul is located in the heart of Turkey's biggest city, with upscale furnishings and professional staff who can guide you towards the best local attractions. Take the Havtas bus from Ataturk International Airport for a cheap and fast trip to Rixos Pera.

Limak Lara Deluxe Hotel in Antalya offers all-inclusive accommodation on the Mediterranean coast and boasts several restaurants, pools, game rooms, and a nightclub. Shuttles from Antalya International Airport can be pre-arranged for a smooth transition to your relaxing Turkish beach getaway.

For luxury vacations in Turkey:

Club Hotel Sera in Antalya offers luxurious middle-eastern décor that will make you feel like a sultan while you sit back and enjoy serene Mediterranean views. Taxis are available at Antalya International Airport to help you relax and enjoy the journey to Club Hotel Sera.

Daru Sultan Hotel Galata is just a 10 minute walk from the famous Galata Tower in the center of Istanbul's main shopping district. The fixed price Havatas shuttle will take you from Ataturk International Airport to Taksim without worrying about your directions getting lost in translation with local cab drivers.

For budget vacations in Turkey:

The Ibis Izmir Alsancak offers clean, safe, mid-level accommodation close to the center of one of Turkey's most progressive cities. A wide selection of taxis is available to transport you from Izmir Airport to your downtown Izmir hotel.

Julian Club Hotel in the Mediterranean city of Marmaris is a cheaper alternative to other coastal destinations such as Antalya and Izmir, offering outdoor pools and spa services. There are regular shuttle services with fixed prices between Dalaman airport and Marmaris city center.

Where to stay in Türkiye

Türkiye vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

• Vietnam package vacations
• Bulgaria package vacations
• Croatia package vacations
• Cuba package vacations
• Cyprus package vacations
• Egypt package vacations
• Gibraltar package vacations
• Guadeloupe package vacations
• Crete package vacations
• Goa package vacations
• Sardinia package vacations
• Tuscany package vacations
• Madeira package vacations
• Canary Islands package vacations
• Malta package vacations
• Portugal package vacations
• Switzerland package vacations
• Italy package vacations
• Greece package vacations
• Iceland package vacations

• Turkey and Greece Tours
• Turquía Tours en español
• TURKEY TOURS REVIEWS

Turkey Tours 2024/2025, Turkey Tours Packages

Let's customize your trip, 01 destinations, 02 your information, 04 number of travelers, turkey tour packages 2024 toursturkey.com has been the most preferred local tour in turkey since 1999 ✔ plan your perfect trip with over   1800 unbiased tripadvisor reviews   the following escorted turkey package tours have been in continuous operation with a great success for 25 years and enjoyed by thousands of guests each year. below are our recommended turkey itineraries from 2-3 days to 16 days to give you the best possible overview of turkey. if you travel more than 16 days in turkey please   contact us   so we can customize your trip according to your dates. we also organise   istanbul shore excursions   ephesus shore excursions   as well as   turkey tour packages, discover turkey with local tour operator.

• 2 - 4 Day Turkey Tours Packages

• 5 - 6 Day Turkey Tours Packages

• 7 - 8 Day Turkey Tours Packages

• 9 - 10 Day Turkey Tours Packages

11 - 16 Day Turkey Tours Packages

Cappadocia Tours

Ephesus Tours

Istanbul Tours

Pamukkale Tours

Turkey Budget Tours

Turkey Private Tours

Turkey Tours From Istanbul

Best turkey tour packages.

4 Days Cappadocia and Ephesus Tour

• 4 Days 3 Nights
• From : USD 790

4 Days Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour

5 Days Cappadocia Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour

• 5 Days 4 Nights
• From : USD 985

6 days Istanbul Cappadocia Pamukkale Ephesus Tour

• 6 Days 5 Nights
• From : USD 1190

7 Days Istanbul Cappadocia Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour

• 7 Days 6 Nights
• From : USD 1445

8 Days Istanbul Cappadocia Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour

• 8 Days 7 Nights

10 Days Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya and Cappadocia Tour

• 10 Days 9 Nights
• From : USD 2130

12 Days Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Blue Cruise, Antalya, Konya and Cappadocia Tour

• 12 Days 11 Nights
• From : USD 2475

16 Days Istanbul Gallipoli Troy Pergamum Ephesus Pamukkale Fethiye Blue Cruise Antalya Konya and Cappadocia Tour

• 16 Days 15 Nights
• From : USD 3355

We always knew we promote only the very best tours in Turkey, but we are now able to say they are truly award-winning. We are proud of being   Most Recommended Tour Company in Turkey   on   TripAdvisor   in a row 2010-2024 for Turkey Tours. We have been awarded the 2010-2024   TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence   for our   Turkey Tours   14 times! You can book your tour with confidence.

• Our Company
• How Do I Make Reservation
• Cancellation Policy
• Secure Booking

Turkey Tour Packages

• Alemdar Cd. No:12 3th Floor Sultanahmet-Fatih/Istanbul / TURKEY
• +905077632447
• bookings@toursturkey.com

© Copyright 1999-2024 ToursTurkey.com All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

• 1800-123-5555
• Travel Agent? Join Us

Get Travel Triangle in your pocket.

Get your app via sms

• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Holiday Packages
• Holiday Deals
• Luxury Holidays
• Destination Guides
• Holiday Themes
• Plan My Holiday

Indian Destinations

• Uttarakhand

International Destinations

• Switzerland

• Sikkim - Gangtok - Darjeeling
• South Africa

Seasonal Packages

• Water Activities

Turkey Budget Packages

• Tour Packages
• International

About turkey : rated 4.5 /5 (based on 355 reviews) | Packages starting from ₹23,520/-

Turkey Budget Package

Major places of tourist attraction in turkey.

Turkey is a popular tourist destination in today’s world. The picturesque landscapes, the lush green valleys, the snowy mountains, the ancient buildings, the old-fashioned villages, the rugged coastline, and the courteous locals make this country a perfect destination for tourists. The main places tourist attractions here are:

• Istanbul: It is the heart of this country. Istanbul is the largest and the most populated city in Turkey. It is the main area of tourist attraction. There are many heritage sites in Istanbul which makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, and the Dolmabahe Palace are the most famous places here. Include this is in the itinerary of Turkey cheap tour plan that is made within a less budget.
• This is one of the oldest and the largest cities in Turkey and is a mixture of both western and eastern culture. The beautiful beaches are another attraction here.
• Ankara is the administrative center of Turkey. It is the second largest city in Turkey. This is one of the most modernized and greenest cities in the world.
• Kas is famous for its sea beaches and adventure sports. You can do scuba diving and various other underwater sports in Kas.
• This city is more than 4000 years old. It is a perfect place for nature lovers as green valleys and majestic mountains surround this city.

Best Things to Do in Turkey

• Visit the city of Cappadocia to enjoy a hot-air-balloon ride and capture the bird-eye view of the whole city.
• Pay a visit to Aqua Vega Aquarium, which is located in Ankara. This is the third largest tunnel aquarium in the world and is a must visit place.
• Visit Ankara Castle, which is an example of an entirely different style of architecture.
• Indulge in paragliding and other adventurous sports activities in the city of Antalya.
• Get involved in boating, fishing, and hiking in the beautiful lake of Suluklugol, located near Istanbul.

Ideal Time for Planning a Vacation to Turkey

The temperature remains enjoyable in Turkey during the spring and autumn seasons, which are the most favorable times to visit the region.

Different Ways to Reach Turkey

Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are some of the major international airports in Turkey. Major international airports in India offer a plethora of options as far as direct and indirect flights to Turkey are concerned. It takes around 6 hours to travel from Istanbul to New Delhi via a direct flight. In order to reach Istanbul from New Delhi, the only and the best way is via airways. You may avail the services of numerous airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia, IndiGo, Saudia, and many more. And, if you are short of time to search about and then book a flight that matches with your budget and other preferences, then you can always avail one of our Turkey budget trip packages with airfare, and we would be happy to help you get a great deal, and offer a traveling experience that you may remember for a lifetime.

So, are you planning to get on a journey to this fascinating travel destination? Then, wait no more, and book a tour plan with us. You may scroll through our exhaustive list of holiday packages, and read through the well crafted itineraries in order to get a clear picture of what your excursion would really look like. What’s more? You can always connect with our respective tour agents, and avail a customized vacation package that describes your idea of exploring a new place. Our portal, TravelTriangle, has a good range of tour plans in its store for you. You can browse through each one of them, and find the one with the Turkey budget tour cost that fits your bill completely

Bestselling Turkey Budget Packages

Shortlisted Packages

• No packages to compare. Please add using ‘Add to compare’ button.
• Select at least two packages

Duration ( in Days )

Budget Per Person ( in Rs. )

Hotel Star Rating

Showing 20 Turkey Budget Packages

Wonderful And Memorable Turkey Trip

₹ 79,519/- ₹ 87,384/-.

Per Person on twin sharing

Hotel included in package:

• Istanbul (2D)
• Kusadasi (2D)
• Pamukkale (1D)
• Antalya (2D)
• Cappadocia (3D)

The rich heritage, the nature beauty, a plethora of experiences, the culture, the rich ....

Upto 3 Stars

• Sightseeing

5 Nights 6 Days Alluring Turkey Holiday Package

₹ 44,240/- ₹ 49,635/-.

• Sultanahmet Centre
• Blue Mosque
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Cappadocia (4D)

Teleport yourself back in time by visiting Turkey this time with this 5 nights 6 days T....

Summer Special Turkey Tour Packages

₹ 33,600/- ₹ 36,923/-.

• Cappadocia (1D)
• Kusadasi (1D)

The middle-eastern country of Istanbul beckons travelers to plan a vacation to this mul....

Turkey Tour Package

₹ 74,704/- ₹ 81,495/-.

• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
• Pasabaglari (Monks Valley)
• Ihlara Valley
• Ephesus Full Day Tour
• House of Virgin Mary
• Istanbul (4D)
• Cappadocia (2D)

Relive the Golden old times with the 8 Night 9 Day Turkey Package. Designed to make you....

Greece And Turkey Summer Special Tour Package

₹ 156,800/- ₹ 172,480/-.

• Tour of Volcano
• Mykonos Cruise
• Suleymaniye Mosque
• Devrent Valley
• Athens (2D)
• Santorini (2D)
• Mykonos (2D)

The 11 Night 12 Day summer special Greece and Turkey tour package from....

Astonishing Turkey Family Package

₹ 23,520/- ₹ 25,846/-.

• Hill station
• Cappadocia Green tour

Travel Triangle tour packages to Turkey will be a treat for your eyes and undoubtedly y....

10 Days Tour Package To Turkey-Greece With Airfare

₹ 150,000/- ₹ 163,043/-.

• Island Tours
• National Gardens

Turkey was once a historical place for Ottoman Empire and is located at the Northeaster....

4 Days Tour Package To Istanbul With Airfare

₹ 65,519/- ₹ 70,451/-.

Planning a dreamIstanbul itinerary 4 days? Avail four days in Istanbul ....

12 Days Tour Package To Turkey With Airfare

₹ 120,960/- ₹ 130,064/-.

• Fethiye (2D)
• Kusadasi (4D)

Turkey is an amalgamation of alluring landmarks and modern colonies. The city doesn&rsq....

Mesmerizing Istanbul Tour Package From Mumbai

₹ 45,360/- ₹ 49,846/-.

• Boat Safari

Delight in the Turkish luxury as you take up this Istanbul tour pack....

11 Days Tour Package To Turkey With Airfare

₹ 132,160/- ₹ 143,652/-.

• Paragliding
• Istanbul (3D)
• Athens (6D)

From church bells to prayers, Turkey is a great travel destination for adventure enthus....

10 Days Tour Package To Greece With Airfare

₹ 157,499/- ₹ 169,354/-.

Greece is the land of the Olympians where Greek gods ruled. On this magical land, prese....

4 Days Tour Package To Turkey With Airfare

₹ 78,400/- ₹ 84,301/-.

• Historical Sites

Turkey offers endless numbers of entertainment activities which are dotted with excitin....

15 Days Tour Package to Turkey with Airfare

₹ 195,000/- ₹ 211,957/-.

• National Monument
• Mediterranean Sea

Turkey has got a wonderful and enriching experience. One can able to find the ancient t....

14 Days Tour Packages To Turkey With Airfare

₹ 180,000/- ₹ 195,652/-.

• Hot air balloon
• Kusadasi (3D)

Turkey is known to be a great travel destination which is located near Italy and Greece....

Spend a Relaxing Few Days In Turkey

₹ 78,399/- ₹ 86,153/-.

• Grand Bazaar

Romantic Istanbul Honeymoon India

₹ 39,760/- ₹ 43,692/-.

• Belly Dance

The beautiful and popular city of Istanbul is the only city on the globe that lies in t....

Popular Istanbul Package From Kerala

₹ 71,679/- ₹ 78,768/-.

• Adventure Activities

Gorgeous Greece Tour Package From Bangalore

₹ 136,500/- ₹ 150,000/-.

• Hop on Hop off tour
• Hot Springs

Rise the adventurous spirits in you as you are showered with luxury and comfort o....

Majestic Istanbul Package

₹ 42,560/- ₹ 51,072/-.

Treat yourself with a splendid holiday experience with the 3 nights 4 days Turkey Tour ....

Turkey Tour Packages by Theme

Hotels in turkey by star ratings, property types in turkey, faqs for turkey, is turkey a safe tourist destination.

Yes, Turkey is very much a safe travel destination for the tourists as there is no political unrest in Turkey. It is absolutely safe as well as relaxing for tourists from India.

What are the best modes of public transport to avail in Turkey?

Buses or coaches are the best modes of transport in Turkey.

Which currency is used in Turkey?

Lira is the currency which is officially used in Turkey.

Will the travel plan be affected due to religious events in Turkey?

There are two main religious events in Turkey that may affect the tour plan. Road trips become difficult during these events as traffic remains heavy. They are Sekar Bayram, a three-day festival that occurs during July and Kurban Bayram, a four-day festival, which takes place in the months of September-October.

What are the famous things to buy in Turkey?

Hand-painted ceramics, Bilgeoglu Baklava (a famous dessert), Turkish coffee of Nuri Toplar, Turkish carpets, Turkish towels, and Turkish glass lamps are some famous souvenirs to buy in Turkey.

Why Book With Our Agents?

Only The Best Agents

Travelers deal with only the top 10% reviewed agents who are selected after a 23 step rigorous assessment procedure by TravelTriangle.

Ensuring Quality

TravelTriangle ensures quality service via verified partners by releasing the payment only after the booking vouchers/receipts are received by the traveler.

24*7 On-trip assistance by Local Travel Agents

turkey Tour Packages

Read on to find out why our customers love us!

Shubhammanchanda's 8 days trip to Turkey

Shubhammanchanda

Gupchat's 7 days trip to Turkey

Prasad's 9 days trip to turkey, rachit's 8 days trip to turkey.

Rachit Nayak

Anita's 6 days trip to Turkey

Anita Pious

Raza's 8 days trip to Turkey

Rajesh's 9 days trip to turkey.

Rajesh Ramamurthy

Ankur's 7 days trip to Turkey

Ankur Dutta

Abhishek's 11 days trip to Turkey

Abhishek Deshpande

Maina's 7 days trip to Turkey

Maina Hegde

Places To Visit In Turkey

Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination

Dolmabahce Palace In Istanbul

Nestled on one of the most spectacular parts of the Bosphorus, the grandeur of the Dolmabahce Palace leaves everyone in awe. Constructed during the Ottoman area, it later became the Presidential Palace. The attraction still holds a significant place in Turkey . Built by an Armenian architect, Garabet Amira Balyan, Dolmabahce...

• Dolmabahce Palace
• Ideal for friends
• Ideal for families

Galata Tower In Istanbul

No trip is ever complete without a journey to view one of the light towers or normal towers. In Turkey too, there is one such tower in Istanbul, which not only offers a great view but also gives you the ancient chills that one can only feel at the viewing of amazing architecture and scriptures. Apart from these euphoric fee...

• Breathtaking views

Hagia Sophia In Istanbul

A country with both Islam and Christian histories, Turkey is a delight to visit; and Hagia Sophia is one of the go-to places in Turkey. Located in the old capital Istanbul, it is a cathedral that was later found out to be a mosque and now runs as a museum, mainly as a tourist spot that runs on the visits of foreigners as we...

• Hagia Sophia
• Ideal For Family

Suleymaniye Mosque In Istanbul

A tribute to Suleiman- the Magnificent, Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most famous mosques of Istanbul. Built in between 1550- 1557, its construction took almost 8 years; however, the architectural design of Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul is still worthy of appraisal. Designed by the architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque attrac...

• Religious Tour

Topkapi Palace In Istanbul

Looking for a great time exploring the royalty of the Turkish kings or sultans? Look no further. ‘Topkapi Palace’ is the place to be. Of the many things to see in Turkey, mainly Istanbul, the museum is definitely a must-see. Its ancient carvings are one to watch out for. Topkapi Museum is the subject of many colorful storie...

• Topkapi palace

Things To Do In Turkey

Your list of the best things to do, compiled on the basis of actual traveler experiences

Grand Bazaar In Istanbul

As the name suggests, the Grand Bazaar is one of the largest markets in Istanbul with a variety of shops selling different souvenirs. It is one of the oldest covered markets with around 4000 shops and covers almost all the main streets of the city. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul attracts lots of people from all around the world thr...

Taksim Square In Istanbul

Considered as the heart of the modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is one of the major cities in terms of economy, entertainment and tourist attraction. The Istanbul metro is located here, making it a lot more important. Many monuments and statues can even be found in here. The Taksim Square even has a meaning of its name; Taksi...

The geographical location of Turkey is very much interesting. Half of it lies in the Asia and the other half lies in Europe and acts as a bridge between the two continents. There is a huge difference in the culture between the western and the eastern part of the country. Here are some things you must know if you’re planning a Turkey budget trip.  Now you can also save a great deal of money by making a smart Turkey cheapest trip plan and reserve the packages for the same .

Best Shopping Places to Explore in Turkey

Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the most famous place for shopping in Turkey. Carpets, ceramics, are some of the most famous things to buy here. Baghdad Street in Istanbul is famous for cafes, restaurants, bakeries, etc. ANKA mall in Ankara is known as “The Shopping Centre of Turkey” and is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Apart from them, Terracity in Antalya, Oscar Bazaar in Kemer, Arasta Bazaar in Istanbul are some of the famous shopping places here.

Best Restaurants in Turkey

Hunkar and Borsa restaurant are two most famous restaurants in Istanbul. Other famous restaurants are Orfoz (famous for seafood), Karakoy Lokantasi, Yeni Lokanta (famous for its Anatolian recipes), Memdof is some of the well-known restaurants in Istanbul.

Best Turkish Dishes to Try

The most famous Turkish dish is Kebap. Other popular dishes are Kofte, Lahmacun, Doner, Corba, etc. Book our budget Turkey tour packages and create some wonderful memories in this land of unique culture.

Turkey is a strikingly beautiful country that is straddling effortlessly amidst two continents. Whether you are visiting Turkey to enjoy the culture of both Asia and Europe, or spend some peaceful days in its water bodies, you will have all you want. While the regular packages may seem a bit expensive to you, our cheap budget Turkey packages offer you a budget deal to enjoy Turkey. Now, you do not have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket while traveling to Turkey. The best of Turkey has been brought to you in the form of these affordable packages. Apart from being inexpensive, these packages also include all the best facilities that you otherwise avail through the regular package. We have not compromised with the comforts but surely with the price. Get the best experience today by booking with us!

• We are hiring!
• Testimonial
• Travelogues
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Corporate Office:

Holiday Triangle Travel Private Limited

Address: Plot No - 52 , 3rd Floor,

Batra House , Sector 32,

Gurugram - 122001 ,Haryana

Landline: 1800 123 5555

Connect with us on :

All rights reserved © 2024

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

See All Turkey Tours

Trending Turkey tours

Save up to $200

Best of Greece

14 Locations

2 Countries

Consider extending your holiday beyond The Best of Greece. Set your sights on the Cyclades and cruise to the idyllic Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini.

Best of Turkey

17 Locations

From the legends of Troy to ancient Greek cities, your travels will reveal the places where history happened. On this in-depth Best of Turkey voyage, you’ll also venture into the Taurus Mountains for lunch with the Yazir community and relax on the shores of the Turkish Riviera.

Save up to $553

Best of Italy and Greece

16 Locations

4 Countries

Admire the art and architecture of Rome and the rich cultural heritage of Florence. Visit the monasteries of Meteora and see the site of the most important oracle in the classical world.

Save up to $375

Highlights of Turkey

15 Locations

Travel along the age-old trading routes that linked East and West, where the Highlights of Turkey are revealed. Haggle in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, daydream through the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in Ephesus.

Internal flights included

See More Turkey Trips

5 million happy guests and counting

Turkish lira

Capital City

Good morning

Good evening

İyi akşamlar

"It is always my pleasure to introduce my country to our guests. Trafalgar trips in Turkey, the cradle of civilisations, offer not only deep history, wonderful museums, great cities, amazing architecture but breathtaking natural beauty as well"

Barcin, Travel Director

Dine listening to Turkish folk and watching belly dancing

Slip into the Karsilama rhythm for a night of Turkish dance and folk music. The seductive art of belly dancing originated in Egypt but has found an energetic form here in Turkey. Take to the stage and try your hand and hips at these skillful moves. 

See the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos

A humble stone house dating back to the Apostolic Age, the significance of Mt. Koressos's House of Virgin Mary sits within its Catholic mythology. The site where Jesus's mother was said to spend her last days on earth, this shrine attracts pilgrims from near and far.

Relax in the water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs

Found in River Menderes valley, the Cotton Castle Springs of Pamukkale will leave you in awe of Mother Nature. Soak in the steaming waters of the travertine terraces that are known for their dense mineral content, allowing plenty of time to photograph the milky blue pools and the snow-like setting.

Savor the intoxicating smells of the Spice Market in Ankara

In the nation's capital, dried fruits, nutty sweets and endless spices will entice your senses. Take time to wander the street of Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu before moving closer to Ankara Castle, where you can shop for silver and ceramics while eating your delicious snacks.

Visit the peculiar landscapes of Cappadocia

One of the top things to do in Turkey, be amazed by the peculiar landscapes of Cappadocia covered in cave hotels and hot air balloons. Visit the so-called fairy chimney rock formations and discover remarkable beauty in the underground Bronze Age homes.

Our top 5 things to do in Turkey

From the otherworldly hot springs of Pamukkale to the balloon covered valleys of Cappadocia, these are just some of the pinch-me moments to experience on our trips to Turkey.

Hagia Sophia

A 6th-century masterpiece showing the opulence of distant eras, Hagia Sophia is a former cathedral transformed into a mosque before finding its current form as a museum. Stare upwards in awe of dome ceilings and ornate chandeliers before stepping outside to take in the external beauty from various angles.

Istanbul Archeology Museum

Connect with an unfathomable depth of history in Turkey's Archaeology Museums. Featuring three buildings, the collections found here unlock the ancient orient and showcase the finest in Islamic art. Allow a whole day to get lost in the depths of distant eras.

Istanbul Modern

Contemporary Turkish artists take the stage in the museum of Istanbul Modern. Housed in a former maritime warehouse, the building now features a cinema, library, gift shop and restaurant with views of the Bosphorus River. Find hours of entertainment within these progressive walls.

Best museums in Turkey

Ready yourself for dazzling cathedrals, contemporary artworks and archaeological marvels on your Turkey trip. Trafalgar will take you under the skin of this country through its soul-stirring museum collection.

Pistachios, pastry and honey come together to create the delicious sweet of baklava. Connected to stories of Sultans and layered with history, sample this treat many times over in the name of culture. Find many moreish trays in any Turkish food market.

Fill your tour of Turkey with copious amounts of the country's famous bread. Typically filled with stringy cheese and spinach, the pie meets pizza snack perfectly compliments a cup of sweet Turkish tea or a stroll around the city.

Balik Ekmek

Balik Ekmek is a popular street food of oily fish wedged between two layers of soft Turkish bread. Traditionally dished up on a boat direct from the fisherman, find this lunch staple and enjoy it while walking along the Bosporus River.

Best food in Turkey

A tantalizing blend between Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, we'll uncover the very best of Turkish food. From baklava to cheesy pides, with many glasses of hot tea in between.

What to pack for Turkey

A thirst for adventure

A Turkish Hammam scrub is a ritual you need to enjoy when visiting this country. Often teamed with communal bathing and occasionally requiring full nudity, pack your confidence to enjoy this tradition that is truly doing as the locals do.

Modest clothing

Turkey is a religious and somewhat traditional country. Pack modest full-length clothing so you can respectfully enjoy momentous religious sights.

A good camera

A smartphone won't suffice when trying to capture a peculiar desert framing a sky of hot air balloons. Pack a good camera so you can snap Turkey to its full beauty.

Old swimwear

Dense in minerals, Turkey's Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs may aggravate your swimming clothes should you take a dip. Pack something old and submerge until your heart is content.

Spare suitcase space

Baklava, tea, carpets and jewelry are just some of the goods that will entice you when shopping in Turkey. Leave space for the many treats and trinkets you will want to take home.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Treasures of Türkiye (Turkey)

Save $25 per Traveler When You Book Online.

• Dates & Pricing
• Enhance Your Trip

Home › All Tours › Middle East › Türkiye (Turkey) › Treasures of Türkiye (Turkey)

ISTANBUL, ANKARA, CAPPADOCIA, ANTALYA, PAMUKKALE, EPHESUS, CANAKKALE, AND TROY

From the unique rock formations and soaring hot air balloons in Cappadocia to the marvelous cities of Istanbul and Ankara, our Treasures of Türkiye tour takes us to the country’s most captivating sights and scenic landscapes. In Istanbul, we visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Spice Market, and Grand Bazaar. In Ankara, we’ll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk and delve into history at the Anatolian Civilization Museum. We’ll make our way to Cappadocia via the scenic countryside and explore the Open Air Museum in the Goreme Valley and the Kaymakli Underground City. Then, we’ll travel through beautiful Konya to reach Antalya, a town overlooking the Turquoise Coast with a lovely Old Town. We’ll also visit the incredible Pamukkale hot springs and Ephesus, where we’ll see the Temple of Artemis and much more. We’ll round out our trip with stops at the historical and classical cities of Pergamum, Canakkale, and Troy.

Note: The spelling of the country’s name was updated from “Turkey” to “Türkiye” in early 2022 to best represent and express “the culture, civilization, and values of the Turkish nation in the best way.”

Itinerary at a Glance

2024 Tour Itinerary:

• 2 nights in Istanbul
• 1 night in Ankara
• 2 nights in Cappadocia
• 2 nights in Antalya
• 2 nights in Kuşadası
• 1 night Canakkale
• 1 night in Istanbul

Tour Highlights

• Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace (Istanbul)
• Grand Bazaar & Spice Market (Istanbul)
• Cappadocia Rock Formations
• Turquoise Coast (Antalya)
• Pamukkale hot springs
• Ephesus & the House of Virgin Mary
• Acropolis (Pergamum)
• Wine tastings
• Lunch at a Women's Coop

Your Tour Includes

• Optional round-trip airfare from New York area (varies by departure) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
• Intra-Turkey ground transportation and transfers
• Accommodations at first class hotels
• 21 meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 9 dinners
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary
• English-speaking tour director throughout

Is this tour right for you? Find out What to Expect

2024 Tour Itinerary

Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.

Note: Flights may not be available on all departures.

You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive program will be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. This evening your tour director hosts a welcome dinner and orientation.

Day 2: Istanbul

Situated at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, Istanbul offers a fascinating blend of East and West. Our guided morning tour includes a visit (exterior) to Hagia Sophia, a once-great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century which now serves as a mosque. We'll delight in a visit to the Spice Market, an exotic food market selling dried fruits and spices; and the underground cistern, the water source of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Our tour ends with a visit to the vast and bustling Grand Bazaar, a world-famous labyrinth of passages housing numerous stores where we'll have shopping opportunities galore. The balance of the day is at leisure and we might consider joining a leisurely cruise on the Bosphorus.

Day 3: Istanbul – Ankara

Today we depart for the Turkish capital of Ankara, the country's second-largest city. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder of the first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum is a vast brick courtyard and a monumental avenue lined with Neo Hitite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. We'll also visit the fascinating Anatolian Civilization Museum. The balance of the day is free.

Day 4: Ankara – Cappadocia

We'll travel by road today through the Turkish countryside to the world-renowned region of Cappadocia, a breathtaking landscape with striking and bizarre rock formations and underground cities. Along the way, we'll enjoy a short stop on the shore of the biggest salt lake in Türkiye where we might spot some flamingos. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, we'll visit a private cave home where we can learn more about traditional Turkish life. Next, we'll enjoy a relaxing wine-tasting experience with wines produced from Cappadocian grapes before we check into our Cappadocian hotel.

Day 5: Cappadocia

Early this morning, we could take an exhilarating optional hot-air balloon ride above Cappadocia's river valleys and cliffs. Later, on today's guided excursion, we'll visit the Open Air Museum in the Goreme Valley to view early Christian churches decorated with beautiful frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. We'll also visit the Kaymakli Underground City, which was hollowed out of volcanic rock and extends seven to nine floors deep into the earth. This city is made up of a maze of corridors, chambers, storehouses, kitchens, and churches. Finally, we'll visit the village of Avanos, famous for its beautiful old houses as well as pottery and onyx workshops.

Day 6: Cappadocia – Konya – Antalya

This morning, we'll visit the 13th-century Sultan Han located at a secluded point on the ancient Silk Road between Aksaray and Konya. It was used as a caravanserai during the Seljuk period when trade flourished, requiring roads for caravan transport and inns for the traveling traders and their camels. Next, we'll stop in Konya for lunch with a visit to the Museum of Mevlana Rumi. Afterward, we'll continue our journey by road and passing through lush forests, orchards, and olive groves on the sloping hills downward to the splendid Mediterranean Sea.

Day 7: Antalya at Leisure

Today is at leisure, so we can enjoy Antalya at our own pace. We can explore Antalya's Old Town independently or join an optional tour of ancient Perge and Aspendos. Considered the most attractive and well-preserved Pamphylian city, Perge reached its apex during the reign of Alexander the Great. Aspendos was founded by the colonists from Argos and is best known for its huge theater. On this optional tour, we'll also visit Antalya's Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts and antiques from 2,500 years of Anatolian culture.

Day 8: Antalya – Pamukkale – Kuşadası

Today we journey to Pamukkale and visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hieropolis ("Holy City"), situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs. These hot springs have served as thermal baths since the 2nd century B.C. Later, we'll drive further west to the Aegean Coastal city of Kuşadası, which is not only one of Türkiye's most popular holiday destinations but also convenient for visiting the ancient city of Ephesus. Kuşadası was a popular port during the middle ages for exporting the figs and cotton of the Meander Valley to Europe and was the very last stop for the caravans.

Day 9: Ephesus & Sirince Excursion

Today, we venture to Ephesus—considered the world's best-preserved classical city and famous for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world and among its impressive structures are the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Odeon. Next, we'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a shrine said to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. We'll also visit a Women's Weaving Co-Op for a Turkish BBQ lunch, a wine tasting, and lastly, Turkish coffee, which plays a central role in the culture of Turkish hospitality and friendship. After a short drive, we'll visit the village of Sirince, one of the few historical villages kept as a national monument with some of the best examples of Greco-Ottoman architecture. As a popular wine-producing center, we'll also have a chance to taste some of the locally produced wines.

Day 10: Kuşadası – Pergamum – Troy – Canakkale

We'll drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period, and visit the Acropolis, an impressive structure that houses the Temple of Trajan; the Heroon Shrine; the Sanctuary of Athena, and the Altar of Zeus. We'll also view the Theater and the Library of Pergamum, whose collection came second only to that of Egypt's Alexandria. After our independent lunch, we'll stop at an olive oil museum en route. We'll marvel at the classical city of Troy as you tour this 4,000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer's epic poem the Iliad. Later, we'll arrive in Canakkale and check into our hotel with the balance of the day free to relax or explore.

Day 11: Canakkale – Istanbul

This morning, we'll depart for Istanbul, crossing the Dardanelles, a narrow strait connecting the Aegean and the Black Sea by ferry. Upon arrival, a local expert will introduce us to some of the highlights of the city, previously known as Constantinople, and the seat of the Eastern Roman Empire. We'll visit the splendid Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 600 years and now a fascinating museum. Here, we'll see the crown jewels and the unique collection of Chinese porcelains in the Treasury Section. We'll continue to the ancient Hippodrome, where the chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period, and finally, explore the elegant Blue Mosque, a 17th-century Ottoman Mosque famous for its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles. This evening, we'll savor a festive farewell dinner.

Day 12: Depart Istanbul

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive program will transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.

Guided Tour Pricing

Plan ahead to maximize your savings!

Prices listed as “with flights” below include round-trip airfare from one or more airports in the USA. Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only, and arrange their own arrival in destination. Please note this may change your tour start date.

Because we can’t secure airline pricing more than a year in advance, some dates and prices listed below are for the tour only. Once flights are available, we’ll notify you of your options.

Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure.

For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern) at 1.800.337.7773 .

Reservations and Payments Reservations can be made online or by phone ( 1.800.337.7773 ) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $300 per person. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.

Featured Accommodations

The marmara pera.

Asmalı Mescit, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:15, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Holiday Inn Ankara Cukurambar

İşçi Bloklari Mah. 1484. Sk., No. 3 (Konya yolu üzeri) Çukurambar, Çankaya / Ankara

Mustafa Cappadocia Resort

Fatih Mahallesi Mehmet Dinler Bulvarı No:17 50400 Ürgüp/Nevşehir–Türkiye

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Antalya

Fevzi Cakmak Caddesi No 22, Antalya, Türkiye 07100

Charisma De Luxe Hotel

Türkmen, Gazi Beğendi Sk. No:7, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın, Türkiye

DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale

Barbaros Mahallesi, Ataturk cd. 306, Canakkale, 17020, Türkiye

Optional Tours

Enhance your trip with these optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.

Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.

Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise

• $46 per person

No stay in Istanbul would be complete without a memorable cruise by a private boat along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. Transfer from the hotel to the pier and embark on your delightful cruise boat. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Rococo and Baroque style buildings, impressive Ottoman villas and marble palaces. You’ll also see humble fishing villages set against the dramatic outline of the Strait of Istanbul and the architectural wonder of the Bosphorus Suspension Bridges, which exemplify the newest symbols of the link between East and West. At the conclusion of the cruise transfer back to your hotel.

AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!

Whirling Dervishes Performance

• $35 per person

The "Whirling Dervishes" performance is also called "the Sema ritual." The Sema ritual began with the inspiration of Mavlana Jalaleddin Rumi who is one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. The captivating dance of the whirling dervishes, which displays infinite spinning in perfect harmony, is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture. It's a rare opportunity to experience a seven-century old ritual, featuring beautiful costumes, live music with flutes, string and percussion, and the amazing sight of the Dervishes whirling on the stage.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride

• $360 per person

Enjoy the most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia and the view from the sky through the 1-hour flight. Cappadocia is an amazing and spectacular landscape that has been sculpted by erosion over thousands of years.

Note: Participants must be of reasonable fitness and not appropriate for women who are pregnant or people with osteoporosis, etc. You must have the physical strength to stand for 1 hour and to get in/out of the basket.

Tour to Perge, Aspendos and Antalya Archeological Museum

• $61 per person

Drive to Perge, a Pamphylian city founded between BC12-13. It is the most attractive and well-preserved Pamphylian city. View the highlights of this ancient city including the theatre, towers, Agora, Acropol and the Palaestra that was given to Imperial Claudius. Continue to Aspendos and view the well renowned Roman theatre that is still being used for contemporary concerts. Before returning to your hotel visit the Archeological Museum of Antalya later this afternoon.

2025 Tour Itinerary:

• Pamukkale Hot Springs
• Aegean Coastal city of Kuşadası
• Ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
• Experienced, English-speaking Tour Director

2025 Tour Itinerary

Welcome to Istanbul! Full of history, this city once served as the capitals of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. This evening, we'll meet our tour director for a welcome dinner an orientation.

Today we depart for the Turkish capital of Ankara, the country's second-largest city. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, founder of the first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum is a vast brick courtyard and a monumental avenue lined with Neo Hitite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. We'll also visit the fascinating Anatolian Civilization Museum. The balance of the day is free.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today.

Elite World Kuşadası

Türkmen, Atatürk Bulvarı, 3. Sokak, No: 2, 09400 Kuşadası / Aydın

Pre- & Post- Night Stays

Slow the pace of your tour with a pre- and/or post-night stay so you can arrive refreshed, acclimate to the time zone if needed, and depart leisurely, ensuring a seamless transition into and out of your journey.

Pre-Night in Istanbul

• From $135 per person based on double occupancy

Start our tour off on the right foot! Arrive a day early and enjoy more time to recover from travel, adjust to any time differences, and feel well-rested and relaxed on our first day of touring.

Post-Night in Istanbul

Extend your stay by one night at the end of our tour to make the most of additional free time for exploring our final city, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or dining at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Or, use this extra day to relax before beginning the journey home or to your next destination.

Bosphorus Cruise

• $55 per person

Day 2 Afternoon Tour

• $45 per person

Day 4 Evening Tour

• $390 per person

Day 5 Morning Tour

Tour to Perge, Aspendos & Archeological Museum

• $69 per person

What to Expect

Max group size: 30 travelers, activity level: level 2.

Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 4 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day). Included touring may feature light hiking, and/or stairs on some hilly and/or uneven terrain. Learn More

Pacing Level: Moderate

Expect full-day tours most days with some limited free time at specific sites, for meals, and/or in the evenings. You can expect several early mornings and/or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 2+ nights (with limited 1-night stays). Learn More

No Additional Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders

A valid passport is required for international tours. Currently, there are no additional entry requirements for U.S. passport holders, but this can change at any time. Before travel, both U.S. and non-U.S. passport holders should visit our Passports & Visas page to reconfirm entry requirements.

All ancient sites have some steps and uneven surfaces with easy to moderate walking conditions. There are three days of long drives with sightseeing stops en route.

For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.

Elizabeth Y

Other tours you may like.

Three Continents Mediterranean Cruise

Marvel at ancient wonders like the famed Acropolis in Athens, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Library of Celsus at Ephesus. Visit the Old City of Jerusalem, beautiful Cyprus, the island of Rhodes, and more! View Tour ❯

• North America
• South America
• Health & Safety Information
• Passports & Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Travel Smart Blog
• Senior Travel
• Solo Travel
• Travel Alerts
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Deals Newsletter
• Refer a Friend
• Veterans Discount
• Find a Roommate
• smarTours Catalog
• Why We’re Different
• How We Travel
• In the News
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Destinations

Ways to save.

Join Our Email List

Best of Turkey

15 days | get to know a turkish way of life, from coast to city.

Get your Turkish delights on a 15-day adventure in Istanbul. This trip is a mix of ancient ruins and modern cities, Islamic mysticism and Ottoman influence, inland discoveries and coastal cruising, and everything in between! Discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about its significance during the First World War, unlock the secrets of the ancient city of Ephesus, admire Oludeniz’s Blue Lagoon from high up on the ancient Lycian Way and swim and snorkel in the Mediterranean on a traditional gulet cruise from Kas. From the winding laneways of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to the bizarre landscapes of Cappadocia, take the plunge and discover a new way of experiencing Turkey.

Trip overview

• Discover the ancient and modern lives within Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history in the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, discover a WWI battlefield in Gallipoli, and immerse yourself in the vibrant vibe of the university town Eskesihir.
• Take in the dizzying diversity of this epic landscape with a visit to the stunning natural hot springs of Pamukkale, a cruise along the picture-perfect Turkish coast over Sunken Cities, and an optional hot-air balloon ride over the fairy-tale land of Cappadocia.
• Get to know the friendly locals with a fruit wine tasting in the serene village of Sirince and a home-cooked dinner at a local cave home in Cappadocia, then get treated to a Turkish BBQ feast by your local hosts in Kayakoy and get your hands dirty making ci borek – a popular local snack.
• Pull on your walking shoes and set out on a half-day trek along a section of rugged coastline, following part of the ancient walking trail of the Lycian Way and exploring the exotic landscape of Cappadocia on a short hike in the valley.
• Get among local life, from taking local buses and trains to enjoying a traditional gulet (boat) trip and staying in one of the cave hotels that Cappadocia is famed for.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.
• This trip uses a combination of public and private transport, and all vehicles are modern and have air-conditioning and most are fitted with seat belts. Some journeys can be long in order to maximise the areas visited, but this gives you a chance to interact with the local community and see more of the country. You'll also be pleasantly surprised to find most Turkish buses have wi-fi and serve coffee and cake! Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the bus, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.

Hoş geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure kicks off in Istanbul – the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have all called home. There’s a welcome meeting at 1 pm, where you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. After, maybe get out and explore the frenetic streets of Turkey's crown-jewel metropolis. Your group leader will take you on a walking tour of the nearby neighbourhoods so you can get your bearings on what’s around. Later, why not gather together your new pals and seek out some Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Istanbul - Orientation Walk
• Istanbul - Whirling Dervish show - TRY1500
• Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY1500
• Istanbul - Turkish Hamam (inc. massage) - EUR100
• Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
• Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - EUR15
• Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - EUR17

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

If you have extra time in Istanbul, you may consider purchasing the Istanbul Museum Pass, which cost 2500TRY. The pass is valid for 5 days and includes 13 museums. Please be aware that some of the most popular ones like Dolmabahce Palace, Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are not included by the pass though. Topkapi Palace is also closed on Tuesdays so please plan your visit accordingly. please check this website for more details of the validity of the pass https://muze.gen.tr/MuseumPasses

After breakfast this morning, hit the road to Canakkale – a port city on the southern shore of the Dardanelles. You’ll stop along the way to explore Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events and history embedded in this area. Your guide will take you to ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and ANZAC commemorative Site. You’ll also take in the views across the Dardanelles Strait and the Gallipoli Peninsula. This evening, we’ll spend the night in Canakkale with free time to grab dinner and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

• Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning, drive to Selcuk with a stop in Troy – where history and mythology sit side-by-side. You’ll wander the ancient city walls with your leader and even get a chance to enjoy a photo op with a replica Trojan Horse. You’ll learn more about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists, before continuing on to Selcuk, which will be your base for exploring the nearby ruins of Ephesus tomorrow. After arrival in the town, on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll follow your leader on an orientation walk, passing Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built by Justinian I in the sixth century. A short distance out of Selcuk is one of the ancient world's Seven Wonders – the Temple of Artemis – although, sadly, only a single column (of 127 originally) remains. It was destroyed in AD401, after being successively damaged by floods, a Greek arsonist seeking notoriety, and the Goths. You’ll arrive in Selcuk with enough time to check in to the guesthouse and then take a leader-led orientation walk around town.

• Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
• Troy - Archaeological site visit
• Selcuk - Basilica of St John - EUR6

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours. Please note that Isa Bey Mosque is under renovation now, so you won't be able to visit it.

This morning, take a private minivan to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. Once the capital city of Roman Asia Minor, the city has a fascinating history, which really comes alive with a local guide to enhance your experience. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible shape, and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory over 2000 years ago, equipped with running water, public toilets, a medical institute, and Roman baths. The theatre is well preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but it's perhaps the magnificent library that is the most striking. This afternoon, drive out to the nearby picturesque village of Sirince and taste some locally produced fruit wines. This authentic Greek Ottoman village seems to have been overlooked by modern development and the unique local architecture nestled in the hills make for a photographer's dream.

• Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
• Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
• Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - EUR10
• Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) - EUR15
• Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - EUR15

A train ride inland through mountainous landscapes brings you to one of Turkey's most photographed sites – Pamukkale – which literally translates to ‘cotton castle’. Here, natural hot springs with a high calcium content cascade over the edge of the cliffs, leaving the earth bright white, hence the ‘cotton’. Though you won't be able to bathe in these travertines, you can wade through them, and these pools are said to have many healing properties. Take some time to visit the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis and have a dip in what used to be Cleopatra’s old pool. You can also check out the other ruins of the city – Hierapolis is known for its abundance of temples and religious structures, vast necropolis, amphitheatre and strange tombs.

• Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park
• Pamukkale - Hierapolis Museum - Free
• Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool - TRY200

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Take a bus ride south – off the tourist trail – to the village of Kayakoy. This small town acts as your base for exploring the Mediterranean coast, including the resort town of Fethiye and the renowned Blue Lagoon. Kayakoy was once a thriving place and now it’s considered a ghost village, as its ancient stone houses were abandoned after their Greek inhabitants left Turkey during the great population exchange of the 1920s. Now protected by the Turkish government, it provides the opportunity to see an untouched, traditional Turkish town in quite an eerie location. One church in the lower area of the village, Kataponagia, is of particular interest due to an interesting room out the back – it was used to collect the bones of the dead. Pay to wander the ruins, enjoy the solitude, or simply chill out with a game of backgammon and sip tea with the locals.

• Kayakoy - Village visit

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Today, set out on a half-day trek along a section of rugged coastline, following part of the ancient walking trail of the Lycian Way to nearby Oludeniz, where you can swim in the Blue Lagoon. You’ll walk up a steep rocky path up the hillside, make your way through forest, and then up a hill with fantastic views out across the Mediterranean. At the final descent into Oludeniz, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking view of an arching peninsula of white sand beach separating the crystal waters from its lush banks and the town’s trademark panorama. The myriad hues of colour between the waters and pine-forested hills is a sight to behold, and you’ll soon realise why this is one of the most photographed beaches in Turkey. This evening, join your hosts for a Turkish barbecue dinner, relaxing in their garden and enjoying some delicious local food and lively company.

• Lycian Way - Hike from Kayakoy to Oludeniz Beach
• Kayakoy - Home-cooked Turkish BBQ dinner

Your trekking distance today will be approximately 6 km.

The trek to Oludeniz is rated moderate to difficult, and a good level of fitness is required. The terrain under foot is sometimes slippery and uneven and there are periods of ascent and descent. Good walking shoes are certainly required. If you do have a good level of fitness, this will be an enjoyable and rewarding walk. If you are unsure as to your capability to complete this walk, please discuss with your group leader before undertaking so that other transport arrangements can be made. Fires over the last few years have caused several temporary closures of sections of the Lycian Way at very short notice. Should this occur a different activity will be arranged.

Make your way the short distance from Kayakoy to Fethiye by dolmus – a Turkish shared taxi. From there, take a public bus to Kas or Kekova, with some spectacular coastal scenery along the way. The picturesque village of Kas – whitewashed buildings covered in bougainvillea and cobbled streets – is the southernmost of all the Turkish resorts. The best places in town to swim are from the waterfront restaurants that have their own private water access. For the price of an occasional drink, you get your own deck chair, umbrella and unbeatable views. When the sun goes down there is the chance to explore the handicraft markets, where you can find beautiful handmade wares with a distinctly Turkish flavour.

• Hotel/Guesthouse (1 night)
• Kas - Leader led orientation walk
• Kas - Handicraft market

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Depending on the season, you’ll stay either in Kas or Kekova for these two nights. Kekova is a smaller village, away from the tourist crowds for you to enjoy the sun and salt by the Mediterranean Sea. But in colder months, you’ll stay in Kas, where there will be a bit more happening and more things to explore.

Today, head to the shimmering turquoise waters on your gutlet and enjoy a day of fun, swimming, snorkelling, sun bathing and cruising over the ancient Sunken cities, with your lunch included on board. Disembark in the late afternoon and transfer back to your accommodation.

• Kekova - Turkish Coast Cruising & Sunken Cities

This morning, take a private bus inland towards Konya. While it’s a long day of travel, the scenery will keep you entertained as you cross the Toros Mountain range. The city is closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed by Celaleddin Rumi – one of Islam's greatest Sufi mystics. Mevlana – ‘our master’ – as he came to be known, believed that music and dance could induce a state of love and divine union, and so devised the whirling sema ritual. In town, you can visit the original Tekke of Mevlana, which holds many relics and is also the final resting place for Rumi. Get your bearings on an orientation walk to Aladdin Hill in Konya’s centre. On the side of the hill are the sheltered remains of the palace of the Seljuk Sultans of Rum, while beneath the Alaettin Mosque are artefacts dating back to the Stone Age. Tonight, perhaps enjoy a refreshing tea or try some central Anatolian cuisine.

• Konya - Mevlana Museum
• Konya - Karatay Museum - EUR3

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Leave Konya this morning by bus and head to The Cappadocian town of Urgup – with a vibrant, modern downtown area, plenty of boutique hotels built into the surrounding caves, it’s perfectly positioned to springboard you into your Cappadocia explorations tomorrow. The surrounding areas are honeycombed with caves scooped out to make churches and dwellings that are known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people in this region lived on the land, but in times of war or persecution they took to living underground. This is a fascinating place, get prepared see some incredible stuff! Follow your leader on an orientation walk on arrival. This evening, you’ll get to settle in and enjoy a special stay in a cave hotel – accommodation that is specific to this area. Don't forget to pack sturdy walking shoes or boots and a comfortable daypack for exploring the valleys of Cappadocia.

• Cappadocia - Leader-led orientation walk
• Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

This morning is an ideal time to discover Cappadocia’s unique landscapes from above – in a hot air balloon! Although this activity isn’t included, it's a highly recommended experience that most travellers opt for to see the wondrous desert scenes at sunrise. This afternoon, take a walk through one of the nearby valleys with your group leader. It could be the Valley of Love where the fairy chimneys, deserted rock cut homes, and churches with frescoes will astound you, or any of the other fantastic scenic routes that your leader knows. There’ll also be some time this afternoon to visit the Open Air in Goreme if you wish. It’s a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings, and one of the earliest centres for religious education. There are at least 10 churches and chapels in the museum area, dating between AD900 and 1200, each one named after a prominent attribute by the local villagers, who were exploring these caves long before there was an entrance fee. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into a local cave home. The family will prepare a special home-cooked dinner for your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and perhaps top off the night with some Turkish delight.

• Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
• Goreme - Valley walk
• Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR330
• Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR260
• Goreme - Open Air Museum - EUR20
• Goreme - Underground city - EUR13

Hot air balloon in Cappadocia can be booked directly with your trip leader. Please speak to your group leader on Day 1 in your trip to secure a spot for this popular activity.

Due to local regulations, sunrise hot air balloon excursion times do vary which may result in your excursion beginning just after sunrise. This is subject to the tour provider’s discretion and is not within our control.

Say goodbye to the fairytale Cappadocia and head to Eskisehir this morning. A fascinating city, often known as the ‘students’ city by the locals, is a change of scene, and you can expect a refreshing and vibrant vibe. Arrive in the afternoon and visit Eskişehir Odunpazarı Village, where you'll dig into a ci borek lunch (a type of layered pancake) after a cooking demonstration at a local restaurant run by local women. This is the most popular snack in Eskisehir and you’ll see what all the fuss is about when you taste some! After, wander the quaint and colourful houses nearby with your leader. Enjoy some free time later this afternoon, where you may like to take a gondola ride along the Porsuk River to get a glimpse into why they call this the Venice of Turkey.

• Eskisehir - Odunpazarı Village Visit
• Eskisehir - Ci Börek making & tasting

After breakfast this morning, depart on a fast train bound for Istanbul. The afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. This glorious city is a gorgeous spot to toast to a great adventure and your leader will be able to recommend the best places to visit and eat, depending on your interests. Tonight, why not toast to newfound friends and an epic adventure with an optional dinner.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 to 3 hours.

With no activities planned for today, your Turkish adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend a few more days checking out the sights of Istanbul, just speak to your booking agent.

14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Private Bus, Public Bus, Train, Dolmus, Gulet (boat)

Hotel (10 nights), Guest house (4 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. This trip starts in Istanbul on Day 1 at 1.00 pm. This allows time after the joining meeting to explore Istanbul with your Leader. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Filter by rating

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Turkey

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Turkey. There are 497 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 25 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Turkey.

250+ Fully Guided tour packages in Turkey with 3,453 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Absolute Turkey

Absolutely amazing experience in Turkey with a great selection on the itinerary. Our tour guide Ihsan with brilliant too extremely knowledgeable and approachable. Highlights of the trip being the hot air balloon ride and the day out on a boat in Demre visiting a sunken village. I would highly recommend this trip

Essential Turkey

Enjoyable tour that took you around some must-see parts of Turkey. Highlight of the trip was the 2 night stay on the boat- the couple who owned the boat were so lovely and they cooked phenomenal meals for us during our stay. Accommodation was decent and we were lucky to have had a private bus that took us around during the first part of the tour. Highly recommend!

• Christmas & New Year

Turkey Classics Tour

Excellent tour and very good value for price. Tamer was a professional, informed, communicative and considerate guide. The tour was well planned and delivered to schedule without being to rushed. I was pleased with the food and accomodation.

Anatolian Civilizations | 10 Days

My son and I had a great time during this tour. Everything was arranged very well. We had an English speaking guide who had so much knowledge, and made everything easy for us. The old historical sites we visited were very interesting and beautiful. Our group was small, 14 people, which was really nice. The hotels were all good, some were extra good with fitness or swimmingpools, which my son liked a lot.

Best of Turkey- 10 Days

Great tour , seen some awsome places and we had a great guide she was able to explain every thing and answer all your questions , it was a small group and the food and hotels were great .

• Coach / Bus

Magic Carpet Tour

The tour was excellent. The only suggestions I have would be to ask the group if they want to see the places that were not on the itinerary, such as the jewelery store, ceramic store, etc. No one in our group purchased anything there and it was a waste of time. It would have been better to have more free time in the town we were staying in. Also, some of the lunch stops had very limited food choices and were expensive. Tamer was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable, personable and always made the best interests of the group a priority.

Absolutely Turkey

Exelente Thank you very much Great experience

Turkish Breeze-10 Days

Excellent experience wonderful tour beautiful country excellent and knowledgeable guides wonderful and courteous people Turkey was fantastic the history of Anatolia is rich and is a must for everyone. Our local tour operator was more than fantastic keeping us informed everyday. Cannot say enough of Tour ALTINKUM Travel they were fantastic all round and highly recommend them

Premium Turkey in Depth

The six of us enjoyed an excellent stay in the multicity tour and would gladly tour again with this company.

Turkey Encompassed

Great tour, our tour guide Işil was fantastic

The Best of Turkey

Everything was first rate. Tour Radar quickly answered all questions and took care of the many details.

Best of Turkey by Land (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

Yield us on a wonderful tour of Turkey He was informed.ative and helpful and went out of his way to make sure all of his dear guests were happy. Sights were amazing, hots very good and food authentic and varied. No compulsory shopping stops and refreshing not to get the daily tip re.inders that often come with tours. Highly reco.me ded.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

10 Days Turkey Escapades Tour

The tour was very well informed and organised by our support team Mr. Mete. Very happy with their service and had a memorable holiday

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Turkey ( 10 days )

Turkish Secrets

We are satisfied with the arrangement s. But we requested some extra coverage but not given.

What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Turkey

Very good trip. The leader Engin was excellent and was at our Bec and call 24/7. I feel for his sanity he needs some nights off and just tell us about a few restaurants but not take us there - do his own thing. The whole group doesn’t need to always be together. We had one person that struggled to keep up with group and I felt some pressure to wait for her or help her- I don’t think she had much insight into the affect she was having on group. Otherwise was a great and diverse group.

Great bunch of people, tour guide was personally involved as part of the group, incredible sights and activities. 10/10 Would recommend.

We did a private, personalised tour, with a driver and guide. We were in Turkey for over a week and were amazed at how much our guide Halil, knew. Being a personal tour with just my husband and I, Halil was able to change things around if we had enough in a day. Even though he was only 27, he had unlimited knowledge and we came away with such a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of his country. Thankyou, Fez, and Halil

Regions in Turkey

• Western Turkey (142)
• Aegean (66)
• Anatolia (61)
• Cappadocia (44)
• Marmara (31)
• Thrace (25)
• Eastern Turkey (16)
• Turquoise Coast (10)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• Turkey Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

TURKEY TOURS

BEST SELLER TURKEY TOURS

2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul - Optional Balloon Flight

2 Days Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul

5 Days Turkey Trip from Istanbul - Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight

7 Days Travel in Turkey Tour Package

8 Days Travel to Turkey Package

8 Days-Cappadocia, Ephesus, Fethiye, Antalya Tour Package

We are a family-based local travel agency based in Turkey that operates Turkey Tours . We create our own Travel Packages includes; Istanbul, Cappadocia , Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya Tours , and provide them on our official website with the possible best quality at possible best prices .

We are specialized in leading Small-Group Turkey Tours & Private Turkey Tours which are created according to preferences, interests, time-wise, and budget-wise of our travelers . Our Local Small-Group Tours  include max. 15 persons. And, our Private Turkey Tours are only for the person who books or his/her party! This is one of our strong sides as compared to big tour operators; we have fewer persons in our tours that enable us to provide a more personalized experience to our valued guests!

Our Turkey Tour Packages include; Centrally located hotels, licensed Tour Guides, entrance fees to the Museums & Attractions, domestic flights, transportation with A/C minivans, airport transfers, and many more items that you might need during your Tours in Turkey ! 

By booking a Private Turkey Tours through us; you will be able to customize all the details of your Tour to Turkey ! No need to follow fixed itineraries & timings prepared for the Group Tours ! Able to decide about your own timing, skip or add destinations to your Turkey Tour Packages , and fully flexible to customize your entire schedule. Recommended for those who are more flexible on budget and seeking more comfort during their Turkey Tour.

As we are a Local Tour Operator in Turkey, we create our own Turkey Packages and offer them online on our official website. So, this brings us to provide more affordable prices and more control over our services!

Our Turkey Tour Packages are prepared to make your Travel Plan easier! By purchasing one of these packages, you can get rid of hours of researches, question marks, and many other challenges since we handle all travel needs in Turkey ! The only thing that you need to do is booking your international flights and one of our Turkey Tour Packages !

Almost all of our Turkey Tours  have all year round guaranteed departures . So, you do not need to limit yourself to certain departure dates! You are able to book our Turkey Travel Packages to any date you wish…

As a Local Travel Agency based in Turkey , our agency legally licensed by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies and documented by the Government! You may read about us and find our license details by clicking here! Or, read our blog post about the Online-Turkey Travel Agencies!

Above all, one of the most important services that we provide to our guests is the 7/24 accessible Support Line during their entire Tours in Turkey . When you contact us for any of our Turkey Tour Packages , one of our consultants will answer you, and the same person will assist you till the end of your Turkey Tours . You will be miles away from your home; whenever you need help, have a question, or urgent issue, our assistant will be just a message or call away from you!

It is a pleasure to organize & assist you in any way we can make your Turkey Tours as pleasant as possible while your dream Trip to Turkey comes true.

We look forward to seeing you in our Turkey Tours !

• Living In Croatia
• Croatian Recipes
• Balkan Recipes

Home > Turkey On A Budget In 2024 – Affordable Türkiye Guide

Turkey On A Budget In 2024 – Affordable Türkiye Guide

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

I have been living in Türkiye for more than 12 years now, and prices have been going up exponentially. Here are my local tips on how you can save money in Turkey during your holiday.

In my guide, I have all the tips for traveling to Turkey on a budget, as well as what you can expect to pay for items like beer, ice cream, and food. I wrote this to show you that Turkey is a budget-friendly destination for both budget travelers and people who like the finer things.

Turkey is one of the hottest countries to visit in southeastern Europe right now. That’s hardly surprising when you think about the fantastic summer weather, the wealth of history and culture to experience and see, and the beaches that glisten in the sun.

Whether you’re thinking about heading to the Mediterranean coast and hitting the beach , looking for some cosmopolitan city time in Izmir , or considering immersing yourself in culture in Istanbul , Ankara , Trabzon, Adana, or Bursa, there is plenty to see and do in Türkiye. However, nothing comes for free.

However, the great news is that you can save a large amount of cash in Turkey by being smart with your money and knowing the hacks to keep your hard-earned Lira in your pocket.

The Turkish Lira is at an all-time high against most other currencies at the moment, which means you get a lot more Lira than you ever could before. So, when visiting Türkiye , you have more to spend from the get-go.

To help you make the most of your cash while visiting this beautiful and cultural country, let’s check out some hacks to save money in Turkey.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Hacks To Save Money In Turkey

1. be savvy when choosing accommodation.

It’s a good idea to avoid all-inclusive resorts on the south coast , instead opting for a self-catering apartment.

Yes, you save money on food and drink when staying at a resort, but trust me, all-inclusive food in Türkiye is never delightful, and you’ll end up going out for a meal in a top restaurant nearby anyway.

Suppose you opt for a self-catering apartment, on the other hand. In that case, you can buy some essentials cheaply at the local supermarket (there are always plenty around) for daytime meals while going out and trying some authentic Turkish cuisine in the evening.

Catering for yourself is almost always cheaper than the cost of an expensive all-inclusive getaway, no matter how many things and services are “free” or “complementary.

2. Don’t Be Afraid Of Hostels

If you’re staying in a city , try a hostel instead of a hotel. You’ll find countless high-quality hostels in Istanbul, many of which are in the Taksim, Fatih, or Sultanahmet areas. Many also offer private rooms.

Hostels are a great way to socialize with other like-minded travelers. You can enjoy the hostel bar and go out for delicious local food while saving cash on an expensive hotel.

• Best Hostels In Istanbul

3. Cook If You Can  

Don’t be afraid of cooking if you’re staying in an apartment or have a shared kitchen in your hostel. You can cook a seriously impressive meal for a much lower price than in a restaurant. All you need to do is head to the local bazaar and pick up plenty of delicious vegetables, meat, and fish.  

4. Fill Up At Breakfast

We know that Turkish breakfasts are pretty large, and most traditional breakfast places serve breakfast until late into the afternoon. In that case, indulge in a late breakfast and fill up . You won’t be hungry until much later; it’s incredibly healthy, and you’ll save on lunch! 

• What Is A Turkish Breakfast
• Guide To Turkish Breakfast In Istanbul

5. Eat Where The Locals Eat

If you want to eat out, the same advice applies to Turkey as most other tourist destinations: eat where the locals eat, and you’ll save money and enjoy more authentic, delicious food.

All tourist hotspots in Türkiye have a tourist area. In Istanbul, that’s Taksim . In every tourist resort, it’s beachfront, while in Izmir , it’s the waterfront. These areas have plentiful bars and restaurants, but the prices are higher, and the food, while good, cannot compare with authentic Turkish fare.

Be a real traveler and try something different! Venture away from the tourist streets and head to an ockabasi. This is a traditional BBQ restaurant where you’ll fill your belly with meat, meze, bread, and all manner of other delicious treats for a quarter of the price of a tourist-focused restaurant.

Of course, you can always head back to the tourist areas for a drink afterward because you’ll have saved plenty of cash on your meal.

If you’re in Istanbul , try some of the street food—super-cheap and delicious! This way, you’ll keep cash in your pocket without going hungry.

As a side note, avoid Sultanahmet in Istanbul if you’re looking to eat out. Sure, it’s great for history during the day, and it’s a must-visit because of that, but the “authentic” restaurants around here are vastly overpriced. Moreover, the food isn’t as good as the fare you enjoy at a traditional restaurant in a non-touristic area.

• Where To Eat In Istanbul On Any Budget

6. Use Your Debit Card

If you have a Visa debit card, it’s a good idea to use it in large bars and restaurants to pay your bill. Not only will you benefit because of the exchange rate against major currencies, but you also don’t need to have large amounts of Lira on you.  

• Guide To The Turkish Lira

7. Always Change Your Money When You Arrive

Never change your money before you arrive in Turkey , as you’ll always get a lower rate. Also, avoid changing your money at the airport because their prices are usually lower than the exchange offices at your resort or the city you’re staying in.

If you want to keep a little local cash with you for when you arrive to tide you over for a day, keep it minimal. Remember that tourist resorts and cities have numerous ATMs to draw out Lira using your international card.

You’ll also find many exchange offices around. You need to find the one offering the best rate and change your cash there. Do check; they don’t charge commission first, though!

• Where To Exchange Money In Istanbul For Turkish Lira

8. Get An Istanbul Museum Pass

Suppose you want to visit several locations around Istanbul . In that case, you can purchase a museum card, which gives you cut-priced admission to major attractions while also giving you cheaper public transport.  

You’ll find different prices for different packages when visiting large attractions, not only in Istanbul. E.g., You’ll be told you pay x price for the basic access, and you pay extra to get into another part. The question is whether you need to pay the extra; from experience, you can see everything you want with the basic price.  

• Turkey Museum Pass Options
• The Istanbul Museum Pass

9. Get Your Haggle On

Don’t be shy! When you’re browsing for souvenirs at the markets and the bazaar, you’re expected to haggle . If you do this well, you’ll save a lot of cash, which you can then spend on experiences and create even more memories.

On a side note: don’t attempt to haggle in shops, though, or anywhere that has marked prices on goods.

However, prices are usually fair game on markets and in large open and closed bazaars. It’s great fun to try and see how cheap you can get your items. It’s almost like a game of cat and mouse; once you get over the cringe factor, it’s quite an entertaining activity!

• Turkish Souvenirs To Bring Home
• Best Shopping Places In Istanbul

10. Avoid Buying Excursions From Your Rep

Most hotels in the beach resorts have an in-house rep who’ll try and sell you their excursions. Avoid doing this and, instead, head out onto the street and buy from one of the local operators .

These trips are almost always the same and far cheaper. By doing this, you’re also doing your bit to support the local economy and make your travels a bit more sustainable.

Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s even better to head off and see the local sights on your own without having a tour guide with you.

However, this is not always possible for some trips, such as boat trips or jeep safaris. They might sound touristy, but they’re great fun, so don’t miss out.

• Tours From Istanbul To Ephesus
• Best Cappadocia Excursions
• Bosphorus Cruise Tours

11. Avoid The Buy-One-Get-One-Frees

This isn’t so much of an issue in Istanbul and other cities. Still, if you’re visiting tourist resorts like Bodrum , Alanya, Side, Kemer, Marmaris, Icmeler, Gumbet, etc., you will see the inevitable BOGOF offers everywhere. They might seem like a great idea, but they’re false advertising, especially on alcoholic drinks .

BOGOF cocktails are no stronger than just one drink, and most of the time, it’s so watered down that you might as well have bought a regular spirit for a lower price.

It’s far better to stick to locally produced drinks, such as Efes beer, which are far cheaper and very enjoyable to drink, too.

• Turkish Alcohol & Drinking Laws
• Turkish Drinks To Try On Your Travels

12. Travel Outside Of July And August

Every place and everything in Turkey is more expensive during July and August. This is the peak tourist high season , and flight prices, accommodation rates, and everything else shoots through the roof.

Instead, June and September are great months to visit for both lower prices and smaller crowds. October is also an excellent time for anyone who doesn’t mind the slight possibility of rain, with very cheap deals to be found.

One of the best tips to save money in Türkiye we can offer you is to plan to go to Turkey in June, September, or October.

If you’re visiting Istanbul , December is always very busy. The New Year period is packed, and you’ll struggle to find a hotel that isn’t extremely expensive. However, January is a cheaper month, on the other hand, and will show you the authentic way of life in this beautiful city .

• Why Visit Turkey In The Winter
• Istanbul In January
• Turkey In December – Is It A Good Idea?

13. Use Internal Flights  

If you’re flying to Turkey and you have a specific place you want to go to, e.g., Cappadocia, the ancient city of Ephesus , etc., it’s a good idea to fly into Istanbul first. You’ll find cheaper cost of flights to this huge city, and you can then find a domestic flight to your desired location. These are pretty cheap, even with rising costs, and it saves many hours on a bus.  

Domestic flight prices vary according to the time of the week and day, so set your search parameters to ‘whole month’ to find the best prices.  

The amount of money you need per day in Turkey can vary depending on various factors such as your travel style, accommodation choices, dining preferences, and activities. On average, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day in Turkey, EXCLUDING accommodation.

However, if you prefer mid-range or luxury restaurants or engage in more expensive activities, your daily expenses will be higher. It’s always a good idea to plan your budget based on your specific travel plans and preferences to get a more accurate estimate of how much you’ll need per day in Turkey .

Here are some examples in USD to help guide you to know how much you need per day in Turkey:

• $10 to 30 a day for meals. It will be more expensive when you are in Istanbul or eat in touristy areas
• $10-20 a day for miscellaneous things like drinking drinks and souvenirs
• $5 a day for tips
• $15-30 for tickets and activities

14. Choose Accommodation Away From Tourist Spots

It might sound counterproductive because you want to see those areas, but choosing to stay right in the heart of a busy tourist area is going to cost you more, especially in Istanbul, or if you decide to stay on the beachfront of one of the south coast resorts.

Instead, don’t be afraid to venture a bit further back; you can always use Google Maps to help you find out how far it is to walk before booking.

15. Eat The Hotel Breakfast

If you choose a hotel that offers breakfast, you’ll save money from the get-go! A Turkish breakfast these days isn’t cheap; you’re looking at around 450TL for two people at least.

However, if you eat the breakfast buffet, you’re basically getting the same as you would in a restaurant, and it’s free! Most breakfast buffets include the usual eggs, omelets, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, cheese, and bread combination; that’s what you’ll get in a restaurant, too.

16. Avoid Private Transfers

I know it’s tempting to pay a little more and get a private transfer to your hotel after a long flight, but you’ll save more if you use a shuttle bus. If you’re visiting the South Coast resorts, search for shuttles, and you’ll be able to share with several other people and save cash.

You can also use the Havas bus from all major airports to most resorts and neighborhoods. HavaIst is the main option in Istanbul and travels to both airports.

• Is There Uber In Turkey?

17. Use Long Distance Buses To Get Around

If you want to travel around to other parts of the country, you could use domestic flights, and sometimes you’ll find a cheap option, but long-distance buses are always cheaper and surprisingly comfortable.

Pamukkale, Metro, and Kamil Koc are the main options that cover the whole country, and while travel times might be extended (it is a big country, after all), you’ll save cash and see the passing landscapes as you go.

• Bus Travel In Turkey

18. Use Free Tours The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Tours

In most cities, you’ll find free walking tours or local tours for a cheap price. For instance, in Istanbul, you’ll find walking food tours and history tours.

These teach you a lot, you see plenty, and you have a great experience without spending a fortune. Many tours also ask you to pay the guide what you think the tour was worth, and while you should always be fair with what you tip, it isn’t going to be as much as a commercial tour.

Brands We Use And Trust

Logistical costs to help you plan.

Now you know how to save money , you’ll still need a few general numbers to help you plan your break before you go.

Remember that the cost of living is rising worldwide, so the numbers you see here may not be exact. However, they are ‘rough estimations’ that should help you determine how much cash you might need for your break.

Getting To & Around Türkiye

You can find cheap flights as long as you avoid the peak summer months, and even then, if you use sites like Skyscanner and try using indirect flights or arriving and departing from different airports, you can sometimes grab a bargain.

Again, the cost of flying is rising, but generally speaking, you can often find return flights from a European city, such as London, Manchester, Paris, Berlin, etc, to Dalaman on the south coast for around 350 euros, including baggage.

Remember, this is approximate and depends on the airline – budget airlines like Peguses vs. Turkish Airlines are the way to go!

If you find a cheap flight to Istanbul and you want to visit another part of the country, the good news is that getting around the country is very easy and cheap. You can take a domestic flight from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gocken Airport to most large cities around the country or take a long-distance bus using companies such as Pamukkale , Metro, or Kamil Koc.

The only downside to using a bus is the length of time it takes to get from A to B. A journey from Istanbul to Marmaris on the south coast takes around 11 hours! However, buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, have WiFi, and you’re offered refreshments regularly. You’ll also get to see the country for a bargain price.

Domestic flights can be as low as 30 Euros, but the earlier you book, the cheaper they tend to be. You can fly from Istanbul to Izmir in an hour. If you want to go to Cappadocia , you can fly to Konya in just over an hour and then take a bus for a couple of hours.

Once you’re at your location, getting around is very easy. Some minibusses travel through resorts and cities and get you around cheaply. For instance, a dolmus (minibus) from Icmeler to Marmaris ( south coast resorts ) costs just 10 lira – less than 1 Euro!

Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya all have public transport cards you can top up and use on different public transport methods, therefore saving money. And if you choose to get a taxi, make sure you ask the price before you get in to avoid scams .

Accommodation Costs

We’ve mentioned you should try and use hostels wherever possible, but how much do regular hotels and apartments cost?

Well, it depends on where you want to go, the type of area, the star rating, and the time of year you visit. However, if you’re savvy and you see out-of-peak times, choosing a site that isn’t totally central but isn’t too far away from where you want to be either, you can grab a bargain.

For instance, five-star resorts in Antalya can cost anything from 130 Euros per night upward, but you can also choose to stay somewhere less fancy and spend your time exploring the place instead of sitting in your room. Hostels start at around 10 – 20 Euros per night, whereas a 4-star hotel costs somewhere between 50-70 Euros per night.

• Best Hotels In Istanbul
• Hotels On The Asian Side Of Istanbul
• Top Hotels In Cappadocia
• Where To Stay In Izmir

Unexpected Costs To Think About

As with anywhere in the world, there are hidden extras you need to know about. These can be a little unpleasant if you’re not aware of them!

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but very much appreciated. If you enjoyed the service, tipping 10% is a good suggestion. For taxis, round up the amount to the nearest whole if you want to tip the driver, but again, it’s not a definite thing you have to do.

• Tipping In Turkey

Most beaches are free to enter, and if there is a fee, it’s because it’s a special location, e.g., Incekum Beach in Marmaris or the Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz. You’ll know about this before you get to the beach, and it’s likely to be a low cost anyway – often around 50 lira per person at most.

However, some public beaches do charge for sun loungers or parasols. If you go to a beach owned by a hotel (if they allow non-residents), a bar, or a restaurant, you’ll usually have free access to facilities as long as you buy food and drinks throughout the day . But if it’s a standalone beach, there will probably be a charge.

For a full day, sun loungers and umbrellas tend to be anywhere between 50-100 lira (2.50 – 5 Euros).

• Best Beach Towns & Coasts In Turkey
• Best Beaches In Istanbul
• Sandy Beaches In Turkey You’ll Love

You may be charged a fee if you’re using an overseas bank card in a Turkish cash machine. This depends on the Turkish bank and whatever rules are in place for your particular bank. Some Turkish banks charge for foreign card use, while others don’t. However, you’ll be warned on the screen before you go ahead with the transaction so that you can make an informed decision.

At most, a fee will be 100 liras maximum (5 Euros). You might also be charged a cash conversion fee by your own bank if you take out foreign currency, so that is something to check before you travel if you intend to use your card in ATMs.

Public Transport

You might look at Türkiye’s public transport system and panic, thinking it’s too hard to use and you’ll never master it. Yet, try it once, and you’ll wonder what you were worrying about.

Taxis are always expensive, and you run the risk of getting into the cab of a driver who wants to make a little extra cash. One of their tricks is taking you longer “the scenic route” to your destination and charging you for the “experience.”

However, if you take the bus or Metro, you can save a lot of money in Turkey , and you’ll have done something authentic!

Istanbul has many different public transport options to choose from. All you need to use is an Istanbul Kart, a prepaid card you top up at local markets or Metro stations. You can use this card on the ferries, Metro, buses, and trains .

Other cities have regular bus and train services, which are all very clear and easy to use. This includes Izmir, which has a very effective and reliable train service to other nearby cities.

In the beach resorts , you’ll find that you’re relying on dolmus. These are smaller local buses than regular ones, but they’re cheap and run frequently.

In Marmaris , for example, it will cost you 10 Lira to go from the town center to Icmeler, the neighboring resort. Compare that to the taxi price of 130 Lira, and you can understand why the bus, albeit busy, is a better option! The journey is picturesque, too, taking you along the mountaintop overlooking the sea.

Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie

No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Average Costs Last Year (2023)

Prices in Turkey have increased a fair amount over the last couple of years, so it’s helpful to have a general guide on how much things are likely to cost. Remember that things can fluctuate at any given time, but below, you’ll find a table of average price for the most common things you’ll need to add to your daily budget.

Is Türkiye a cheap travel destination?

Turkey is known for being a budget-friendly travel destination, offering affordable accommodations, food, and attractions compared to many other countries.

Can you have a cheap holiday in Turkey?

Absolutely! With careful planning and budgeting, you can enjoy a cost-effective and enjoyable holiday experience in Turkey without breaking the bank.

Is Türkiye expensive to visit?

No, Turkey is generally considered to be a reasonably priced travel destination, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

Saving money in Turkey is easy; you must know the hacks to keep cash in your pocket!

• Best Places To Visit In Turkey For Every Type Of Traveler
• Incredible Black Sea Resorts
• Hotels In Cappadocia Turkey
• What To Pack For Turkey
• Should You Visit Southeastern Turkey
• How To Get From Istanbul To Cappadocia
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride Tips
• Greek Island Budget Trip From Southern Turkey
• Turkish Bath Tips To Know Before You Go
• How To Get From Pamukkale To Cappadocia
• Things To Do In Kas, Turkey

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe To Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List & All Our Best Tips!

Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List!

Subscribe Now For Instant Access To Stress-Free Packing

Savvy Travel Advice

2 Weeks in Turkey: The Perfect Turkey Itinerary

Last updated: April 17, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 92 Comments

If you are planning a trip to Turkey, our 2 week Turkey itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip. Turkey is a large country, but if you have 14 days in Turkey you have time to explore many of the country’s most famous highlights.

Our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary includes visits to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Kuşadası, Ephesus, Troy, Çanakkale, Gallipoli, and Ankara. You’ll have time to explore Turkey’s most cosmopolitan cities, marvel at its ancient archaeological sites, relax on its beaches, shop at its traditional bazaars, visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and enjoy its scenic landscapes. The detailed day-by-day itinerary covers some of the most famous and iconic places in Turkey as well as some lesser known spots.

Each day we provide a range of suggestions for what you might want to do to suit just about any person’s travel style, budget, and tastes. Activity suggestions include hot air ballooning, food tours, hiking, museum visits, boat trips, cable car rides, art tours, Turkish hamam experiences, watching the sunset, cultural performances, and enjoying the local night clubs.

Laurence and I have visited Turkey several times and wanted to share this 14 day itinerary to help you plan your own trip. With 2 weeks in Turkey, you can see and do a lot, but you do need to be choosy as Turkey is a big country with lots of interesting attractions!

This itinerary can work no matter how you plan to get around Turkey. We have provided advice for those planning to travel by bus, car, train, plane, or as part of a guided tour. If you are thinking about booking a tour, we also give some recommendations for tours of Turkey that are similar to our itinerary.

Our 2 week Turkey itinerary includes day-to-day transport details, sightseeing highlights, activity options, and lodging recommendations. In addition, we’ve also included loads of tips, advice, and recommendations to help you get the most out of your Turkey vacation!

Table of Contents:

Preparing for your Trip to Turkey

Before we share our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary, we wanted to share some tips and advice and answer some frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Turkey.

These include travel basics like knowing the local language and currency, the best time of year to travel to Turkey, how to get a visa, how to budget for your trip, and the best ways to get around Turkey.

The most important things you need to decide before planning out your itinerary is when you plan to visit, how long you plan to visit, and how you plan to get around the country.

Best Time of Year to Visit Turkey?

Turkey is a year-round travel destination. Generally, the months that are considered the best months to visit Turkey are April, May, September, and October. They are months when it is warm but not super hot outside.

The summer months of June through to August are often very hot in most parts of Turkey and can make it uncomfortable to spend long periods of time exploring outdoors. So be prepared for the sun and heat if you visit during the summer.

The busiest time of year to visit Turkey is from April to September. So if visiting during this period, just note that places will be busy. So expect crowds at the most popular sites.

The least busy times of the year are the winter months. If you don’t mind a bit of cold weather, you might consider traveling between November and March. Just note that these also tend to be the windiest and wettest months as well as the coldest. Also some attractions in Turkey are seasonal and may be closed for part of this period.

It should also be noted that Turkey is a large country so the weather in Istanbul may be very different than that of Antalya, Bodrum, Ankara, or Kars at the same time of year. So best to check average temperatures and weather for the specific places in Turkey you plan to visit.

We’ve been to Turkey at many different times of the year, and for those who don’t love hot weather, we’d definitely recommend against visiting in the summer if you can. The spring and autumn are definitely ideal for temperature.

We have also visited in late November and early December and found it cool but pleasant and crowds were much more manageable. But you do need to be more prepared for rain and bad weather.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Turkey?

Turkey is a relatively inexpensive country to travel to and it is easy to find affordable lodging, food, clothing, and transportation.

In Istanbul, you can pay USD $8.00 for a hostel bed or you can pay USD $500 for a luxury hotel room. Turkey can be a great destination for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers alike.

If you are traveling on a budget, you can easily travel in Turkey for very little. You can get a bed in a hostel for under USD $10 and meals in inexpensive restaurants for under USD $5.00. Bus fares and train fares are also inexpensive. Even domestic flights are generally reasonably priced, especially if you book in advance.

To find out an idea of the current prices for things in Turkey we recommend checking out a site called Numbeo. Here you can check for the average prices of basic goods (bananas, taxis, gasoline, restaurant meals, wine) in Turkey or check on prices of goods for a particular city (see here for Istanbul ).

Although most things in Turkey that travelers are likely to be purchasing are inexpensive compared to say the USA, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe, imported goods are often the same price or more expensive. This includes imported grocery items, electronics, alcohol, and cars. Fuel can also be expensive.

Turkey Travel Practicalities?

Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a huge country of over 75 million people and its capital city is Ankara. The largest city is Istanbul. Turkey straddles Europe and Asia and is a place where eastern and western cultural practices mix.

Here are some things you should know about Turkey before your trip.

Language in Turkey

The official language is Turkish and that is the first language of most Turks. Many people in Turkey also speak Kurdish.

You’ll find English speakers in the larger cities and in all the main tourist hot spots; however, most Turkish people speak little or no English. If you are planning to travel independently, it is a good idea to have a Turkish-English phrasebook or translation app with you.

Religion in Turkey

There is no official religion in Turkey but the vast majority of the people are Muslim, with Sunni Islam being the largest sect. However, it is common to also see Christian and Jewish places of worship.

It is important to follow local customs regarding modesty and dress when visiting religious places. Both men and women are asked to dress modestly and you may also be asked to remove your shoes. Women will be asked to cover their heads.

We recommend that women always carrying a scarf or travel wrap with you to cover your head and shoulders as needed.

Electricity in Turkey

In terms of electricity, Turkey operates on 220 volts / 50 Hz and uses round-prong Type C or Type E plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets. If your devices do not have Type C or Type E plugs (common in many European countries), you will need to take some plug adapters such as these ones .

If you are traveling from a country with 120v voltage (such as the United States or Canada), you will want to make sure to only bring electronics that will support 220v voltage, or you’ll need a separate voltage converter. You can see more in our guide about choosing a travel adapter for travel .

Currency in Turkey

The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey, with Mastercard and Visa being the most commonly taken.

However, many small businesses, street vendors, taxi drivers, and market sellers do not take credit cards. You also will need cash for tipping. So it is always wise to have liras on you when traveling.

The best way to get liras is from a local ATM once you arrive in Turkey. But you can also get them from a currency exchange bureau or bank before or during your trip. You can check the current exchange rate here .

Drinking Water in Turkey

There are mixed reports about whether the tap water is safe to drink in Turkey. The tap water in some areas is considered safe to drink but not in other areas. So it is generally recommended that travelers do not drink tap water in Turkey. However, the water is considered safe for bathing and cleaning.

Although bottled water is available everywhere, the environmental impact of these plastic bottles is terrible. So we recommend instead that each person takes a reusable water bottle along with a water filtration system or purification tablets. Then you can fill it up with tap water from just about anywhere.

We use the LifeStraw water bottle and it not only filters out any bacteria and dirt, but also filters out chlorine and other chemicals that cause the water to taste bad.

Getting Online in Turkey

Wireless Internet is freely available at most hotels and other types of accommodation in Turkey. So that can be a free way to stay in touch and get online. If you want to be able to use your phone’s service, you might want to consider getting a local SIM card .

If it is important for you to be able to get online easily during your trip, you might consider taking along a mobile hotspot. On our last 2 week trip to Turkey, we used a mobile hotspot from MyWebspot and it worked very well.

You can read our guide for more tips on staying in touch and using the Internet while traveling . For those concerned about online safety, we also recommend using a VPN while traveling in Turkey if you plan to use WiFi.

Safety in Turkey

Turkey has generally been considered a safe country for travelers. However, you should always check the latest travel advisories in your country and those issued in Turkey

There has been a lot of unrest in countries neighboring Turkey, particularly Syria, and there has been noted instances of violence, protests, and fighting along its borders. So you will likely see some travel advisories advising against travel to some of the border areas.

As with any country, we always recommend protecting your valuables, protecting yourself against pickpockets, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

The main thing we have experienced is that you need to be very careful when handing over cash or exchanging money. Be sure to carefully count what you hand over and say the amount out loud, and make sure you get the correct change back.

We’ve had a taxi driver in Istanbul scam us by claiming we gave them a much smaller denomination note than we did and would not give us back the correct change. We ended up paying about 4 times the regular amount for a taxi ride. We’ve heard similar stories from many other travelers as well.

Do I need a Visa for Visiting Turkey?

Yes, most people, but not all, will need a visa to visit Turkey. Turkey has recently changed its policy so that residents of most European nations can enter Turkey without a visa.

You should check the current requirements for your particular country. Some countries may also have additional entry requirements.

Most nationalities that require a visa are eligible to apply for an e-visa in advance which is what we’d recommend doing. There are visa application places at the main ports of entry in Turkey but these can take longer and if your application is refused for any reason, you will be in a very undesirable situation. Best to apply and have it before you leave home.

With the e-visas, at most places the border patrol and authorities can check it in their system. But you will also want to bring along a digital and/or paper copy of your approved e-visa as well for back-up documentation.

How to Get to Turkey

Most visitors will arrive into Turkey via the international airport in Istanbul, but there are several ways to get to Turkey.

The main international airport in Turkey is the recently built Istanbul Airport in Istanbul. However, there are several major international airports in Turkey, including ones in Ankara, Mugla, Izmir, and Antalya.

There are direct or indirect flights to Istanbul from most parts of the world. The main airline operator in Turkey is Turkish Airlines.

It is possible to drive to Turkey via Bulgaria or Greece or to by taking a car ferry.

At the border you will need to provide a valid passport, visa (if needed), international driving license, vehicle license, international green card, vehicle registration details, and proof of insurance. Make sure your car insurance is valid for travel within all of Turkey. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you may need a power of attorney document.

It may be possible to also enter by car from other countries to the east such as Iran or Georgia; however, the eastern borders are sometimes closed to private drivers and sometimes an authorized tour guide is required. Many rental car agencies will also not allow many of these border crossings. So do your research before your trip as it is often much easier to take a bus or train to make the crossing is there is one available.

If you want to travel to Turkey by bus there are regular services between Turkey and several European and Middle Eastern countries. You can check bus routes and book tickets on  BusBud .

There are ferry connections to Turkey for both cars and passengers, mainly from Greece and Cyprus.

Turkey has train links with eastern Europe and the Middle East; however, they are fairly limited and most trains are not daily so you will want to plan ahead. Wars and economic issues have closed a number of the long-distance international routes.

Currently, the two main places you can regularly get to Turkey directly by train are from Bulgaria and Iran.

If you are traveling in Europe by train and including Turkey in your trip, you will probably need to head to Sofia, Bulgaria and then connect to Istanbul via the Istanbul-Sofia Express train service. We took this train a couple of years ago.

If you are planning travel around Europe by train then you might want to consider a Eurail Global Pass (European rail pass for non-Europe residents) or Interrail Global Pass (European rail pass for residents of Europe). The Global Passes work for travel in over 30 European countries, including Turkey. The pass includes the Istanbul Sofia Express train service.

The most famous train service in the world, the Orient Express, once linked western Europe with Istanbul. It was a favored train by many famous writers, and we recommend taking along a book or two to enjoy if traveling by train.

A couple of novel suggestions include Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie and Stamboul Train by Graham Greene. For a travel memoir, Paul Theroux writes about his experiences traveling by train in 1973 from Paris to Istanbul and from Istanbul to Tehran in his book The Great Railway Bazaar . He then retraces his train journeys over 30 years later in Ghost Train to the Eastern Star .

The terminus train station for the old Orient Express service is still there and once a year the Venice Simplon Orient Expres luxury train still makes this trip from Paris (or London) to Istanbul.

How to Get Around Turkey

You have a variety of options for getting around Turkey. These include traveling by bus, train, or plane, renting a car, or joining a guided tour.

The easiest way is to take a tour, where someone else handles all your transport, accommodation, and sightseeing. The cheapest is to travel by bus and train.

In terms of public transport, Turkey has a good bus system which connects much of the country. There are both daytime and overnight buses, and there are usually a few services to choose from if you are heading to some of the more popular destinations, including those on our suggested itinerary.

There are several bus companies in Turkey. Many of the buses have amenities such as power outlets, WiFi, and onboard entertainment. Bus prices are very reasonable.

In places where the regular buses don’t have a route (such as to suburbs or to tourist attractions located outside of a city) there are often dolmus that run in these areas. These are shared taxis or minivans that run a set route for a set price. Passengers can then get out of the dolmus at any point along its route by notifying the driver. See advice for using a dolmus here .

For most of the regular buses, you can check the routes and buy tickets online in advance. The best tool we’ve found for comparing timetables and booking bus tickets in Turkey is BusBud and you can check prices and book online here .

There is a train network in Turkey, but it is not as comprehensive as the bus network. However, it is sometimes faster to take a train than to drive or take the same bus route when it is an option. So while you can use it to get to some of the main travel destinations in the country, you will likely need to also use the bus.

The railway network in Turkey is run by the government-operated Turkey State Railways (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryollari or TCDD). This includes a network of long-distance, regional, commuter, and high-speed trains. You can check routes and buy tickets here .

If you are planning to take a few train journeys in Turkey then you might want to consider a Eurail Pass (European rail pass for non-Europe residents) or Interrail Pass (European rail pass for residents of Europe). You can get a Global Pass that works for 32 countries in Europe (including Turkey) or a Turkey Select Pass (only valid for Turkey). The Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on all trains in Turkey operated by Turkey State Railways.

You will probably find a combination of train and bus will be the optimal way to get around if you are taking public transport. Bus and train prices are often similar, so in those cases, you’ll want to take whichever option is more time-efficient.

If you’d prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car in Turkey. This can be a good way to get around if you want to have a more flexible itinerary and don’t want to take public transportation.

To rent a car in Turkey as a foreign visitor, you will normally be required to show a valid passport and visa, have a valid credit card, a valid drivers’ license in a Latin alphabet, and be age 21 or older (some age requirements may be as high as 27). If you don’t have a driver’s license in a Latin alphabet you will need to get an International Driving Permit prior to your trip.

The main roads in Turkey are in good condition and there are roadside services along the way. However, Turkey is known for a high number of accidents and bad traffic, especially in the cities. It can be a stressful experience for tourists not familiar with driving in Turkey. This is not to say you shouldn’t consider renting a car in Turkey, just be aware of the situation, get insurance, and be prepared to drive defensively.

Many of Turkey’s fastest highways and bridges have tolls. To drive any of these roads, you will need to first sign up for Turkey’s high-speed toll system called Hizli Geçis Sistemi (HGS) and have an electronic toll payment device on your car. You can’t pay the toll with cash or credit card at the toll booths. If renting a car, your rental car will likely come with the sticker and you should ask about it and any associated fees.

Just note that driving a car is generally the most expensive way to get around Turkey. You can often purchase 2 or 3 bus or train tickets for the cost of just the fuel between two cities. Given that drivers also have to take into account rental fees, insurance, parking, and highway tolls, driving a car is often even more expensive than flying.

Drivers should always keep local cash on hand as most of the tourist sites have paid parking fees and payment at some of these places is only accepted in cash.

You can rent a car in any of Turkey’s main cities, and many people rent a car in either Istanbul or Ankara. If you want to rent a car, you can compare and check prices online with Discover Cars here .

Finally, as Turkey is a big place, there are a number of domestic flight routes which can help you to get between some of the major locations quite quickly. There are over 50 airports in Turkey.

Flights are relatively inexpensive if booked in advance, although they are usually more expensive than taking a train or bus. The main airline in Turkey is Turkish Airlines.

So flights can help you cover large distances in a relatively short time. Just don’t forget to account for the time required to get to and from the airport and to check in and go through security. It is also important to think about the environmental footprint of taking numerous flights versus other modes of transportation.

However, airports are often located a fair distance from the tourism destinations so you will still need to combine flying with other modes of transportation such as a bus, train, car, taxi, or tour.

By Carpooling or Ridesharing

You can use carpooling or ridesharing services like BlaBlaCar to find rides in Turkey. However, given that the established bus network will get you to almost anywhere you need to go, that bus tickets are so inexpensive, and that carpooling is not that popular in Turkey means that you are probably better off using the bus (or train).

One of the most popular ways to explore Turkey is to join a guided tour. We can definitely recommend it if you are considering a trip to Turkey similar to the one we suggest in this itinerary.

A tour makes travel in Turkey much easier. You don’t have to figure out public transportation schedules or how to buy tickets, you don’t have to spend long periods of time driving or figure out where to park, and everything is planned ahead for you.

The best thing about joining a tour is that you have a tour guide who can help explain all the things you are seeing and give you lots of great advice for places to go, dishes to eat, and things to see.

Many attractions in Turkey include very little posted explanations so having some sort of guide (whether a person, audioguide, or book) is important to get the most from your visit.

Private tours in Turkey with a guide are also possible and can be a good value for those traveling with a family or small group.

We have a selection of recommended tours that are similar to this itinerary in this guide. We also suggest taking a look at Turkey tours on TourRadar here , where you’ll find a range of tours from various tour operators at different price points and durations.

How Long Should I Spend in Turkey?

It really depends on what you want to do and see in Turkey. Turkey is a huge country and it would take months to see all of its highlights.

I would say an ideal amount of time for a first trip would be 10 to 14 days. This will give you plenty of time to get a taste of Turkey and see some of the country’s most famous cities, historical attractions, and beaches.

Most first time visitors spend most of their time focused on the western part of Turkey and this is what we’d recommend. If you have 2 weeks, you can cover many of the highlights. If you have more time, or come back a second time, you can cover the lesser-known destinations of the west or expand your trip into the lesser-explored eastern part of Turkey.

For what to see with 2 weeks in Turkey, see our suggested itinerary below for an itinerary and day-by-day suggestions for what to see and do.

If you want to spend less time moving from place to place, you can easily just split your time between two places, for instance spending several days in Istanbul and then several days in another town or city, like Antalya, Fethiye, Ankara, or Izmir. You can spend time exploring the cities and take day trips to visit nearby attractions.

We’ve visited Istanbul several times now and still haven’t seen everything the city has to offer!

Tours of Turkey

Turkey is a big place and it is often a long distance between popular tourist attractions, resulting in quite large amounts of time transiting. While there is a fairly good public transport network and it’s possible to hire a car, we think for many people a tour is the best way to get around.

This way you can let someone else handle all the logistics of your trip, from transport to accommodation, and you can just enjoy yourself and focus on the sightseeing

. It also means you don’t have to worry about booking individual day trips for out of town sights, as most tours will already include stops at these attractions. You’ll also get a tour guide for the duration who can help explain all the amazing things along the way.

You can also spend the time on the coach reading, chatting with your travel companions, catching up on sleep, or surfing the Internet rather than driving or negotiating public transit.

Turkey is a popular destination, and there are a huge number of tours to choose from, varying from a few days to a few weeks. Most are offered at a reasonable price, with lots of budget and mid-range options.

When choosing a tour, it’s important to pick the style of tour that is right for you. Some tours are smaller groups, others are quite large. Some are geared to a younger traveler whereas others are more focused on a more mature traveler. Some include more time at historical and cultural sites whereas others may spend more time at beaches and seaside destinations. Check the comfort level of the accommodation and transport included.

It’s also important to read what is included when comparing tours. For example, some tours might include all your entry fees and meals whereas others will allow you to choose whether you want to pay for those things or not. So don’t just look at the price of the tour but also check what is and what isn’t included.

A good tour company should also be able to give you an estimate of the costs for all the optional activities and attractions that aren’t included, so you can budget accordingly.

For instance, we have taken a tour with Travel Talk Tours in Turkey and most of their budget-oriented tours work out to being about $50 to $80 per day per person for all inclusions, including transport, guide, attractions, meals, and lodging. You can read about our 12 day Turkey tour experience here .

We’ve put together a selection of tours of Turkey below which are quite similar to our itinerary, so you can pick a tour that is right for you. Most start in Istanbul but a couple start in Ankara.

• This 10 day small group tour includes visits to Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia
• This 12 day tour includes visits to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia.
• This 12 day Turkey by gulet tour includes visits to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia. It also includes 3 nights on a gulet boat. You can read all about our experience taking this tour of Turkey here .
• This 12 day private tour from Ankara includes visits to Ankara, Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Kaş, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Efes, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Troy, and Gallipoli
• This 13 day tour which includes Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum, Pamukkale, and Ephesus
• This private 14 day tour of Turkey which includes Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia
• This 19 day tour could be great for those with more time in Turkey. It includes visits to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia, plus 7 nights on a gulet to visit nearby seaside towns and islands.

As you can see, there are lots of tours to choose from so you can probably find a tour that suits your travel needs. You can see lots more tours in Turkey from various tour operators on TourRadar here .

You can also consider mixing independent travel with a tour as we find this a good way to enjoy some time sightseeing on our own (such as in Istanbul) and then taking a tour to explore further afield.

14 Days in Turkey Itinerary Summary

Here’s a summary of our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary to help you visualize what your two weeks in Turkey will look like:

• Day 1: Istanbul
• Day 2: Istanbul
• Day 3: Gallipoli
• Day 4: Troy & Kusadasi
• Day 5: Kusadasi & Ephesus
• Day 6: Pamukkale & Fethiye
• Day 7: Fethiye
• Day 8: Antalya
• Day 9: Antalya
• Day 10: Cappadocia
• Day 11: Cappadocia
• Day 12: Ankara
• Day 13: Ankara
• Day 14: Istanbul

2 Week Turkey Itinerary

The goal for this two week Turkey itinerary is to visit some of the many highlights the country has to offer.

Obviously, in a country with such a rich history, there’s no way to see everything on offer in two weeks. In addition, Turkey is a big country, so you also will want to factor in distance and travel times.

However, we feel that this itinerary would make a great starting point for anyone planning to spend between 10 days and two weeks in Turkey. It can, of course, be tweaked and adjusted based on how much time you have and your own personal interests, but we hope it gives you some inspiration for your own trip.

If you are planning to book a tour, this 14 day Turkey itinerary can help you decide which destinations you want to make sure are included in your tour itinerary. For those not taking a tour, we give travel suggestions for those traveling by bus, train, plane, and car throughout the itinerary.

Turkey Itinerary Day 1: Istanbul

We think the best place to start (and end) your trip to Turkey is in Istanbul. The city has the best international connections, especially by air, meaning it’s easy to get here from elsewhere in Europe and further afield.

As an introduction to Turkey, Istanbul is also a great starting point. Known as the “bridge” between Europe and Asia, the city is literally split between continents. The Bosphorus Strait separates Europe and Asia, and Istanbul spreads across both sides of this divide.

Istanbul is the largest city in Europe by population; however, it’s not the capital of Turkey—that would be Ankara. Founded over 600 years before the birth of Christ, Istanbul has literally seen the rise and fall of empires. It is a city that has been known by many names over the centuries, including Byzantium and Constantinople.

In terms of what to see when you’re in Istanbul, two full days will let you see many of the highlights, but it will definitely leave you wanting more! So you will want to prioritize what you want to do and see most in the city.

We’d suggest that you spend your first full day exploring the most famous of the historical sites and attractions in Istanbul, most of which are part of the World Heritage Site in Istanbul . Most of the main historic sites in Istanbul are located in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul within the Fatih district which is where we recommend you start.

Some of the highlights you might want to visit in this area include the 6th century Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), the 17th century The Blue Mosque (officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Topkapi Palace , the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople , the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici), and the Istanbul Archaeological Museums . A bit further away is also the impressive 16th-century Süleymaniye Mosque which is well worth a visit if you have the time.

These sites are all relatively close together and are easy to visit on foot, although taxis, public buses, and sightseeing buses are also options. As you visit these sites and wander the streets of the Old City, you will be taking a journey across thousands of years of history, including the Roman, Egyptian, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods!

You’ll also want to make time for a visit to the Grand Bazaar , which began in the 15th century and is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here you can buy a lot of things, including ceramics, lanterns, rugs, clothing, tea, jewelry, and books. But do be careful of what you are buying as you’ll find everything from locally handcrafted rugs and jewelry to cheap Chinese made souvenirs, so price and quality varies widely.

Another market you might want to visit is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar , or Misir Çarsisi, which is another large market in Istanbul. Vendors here are known primarily for selling spices, but you can also find sweets, tea, dried fruit, Turkish delight, souvenirs, etc.

If you are looking for a guided walking tour of the historical area of Istanbul, there are several tours you can join that cover all the highlights of the historical area of Istanbul. A few options include this full day tour with lunch , this small group highlights tour , and this customizable private tour .

After a day full of sightseeing, we recommend ending your day with a relaxing Turkish dinner at a local restaurant or consider a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus Strait.

A cruise on the Bosphorus allows you to truly appreciate the incredible size of the city. The Bosphorus separates the European and Asian parts of Istanbul so you will be floating along the continental divide. Many of the cruises include dinner and entertainment, such as this cruise and this one .

Where to Stay in Istanbul

We suggest staying in or near the old part of the city (the Sultanahmet neighborhood in the Fatih district) for easy access to the city’s most popular sights.

Here are some accommodation options to consider in Istanbul across a range of budgets. Istanbul has a huge number of properties to choose from and prices are very reasonable.

• Big Apple Hostel & Hotel – This well-reviewed good-value hostel offers both shared dormitory rooms and private rooms. Breakfast is included in room rates, and there’s an on-site restaurant for other meals. A good budget option as dorm beds are usually around $17 with breakfast. Located a 10-minute walk from the highlights of the Old City
• Agora Guesthouse – This is a well-reviewed guesthouse offering both dormitory and private rooms. An included breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace. Located just a few hundred yards from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia
• Tulip Guesthouse – This guesthouse offers good value private rooms with either shared or en-suite bathrooms. Breakfast is included and is served on the top floor terrace which offers lovely views. It is about a 5 minutes walk from attractions like the Hagia Sofia.
• Berk Guesthouse – Grandma’s House – A well-rated guesthouse with en-suite guest rooms, included breakfast, and a rooftop terrace with nice views over the city. A 2-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
• Meserret Palace Hotel – A well-reviewed 4-star hotel offers en-suite rooms with tea/coffee making facilities and flat-screen TVs, 24-hour desk, room service, and an included breakfast. Located near the Spice Bazaar and about a 10 minute walk from the Old City.
• Obelisk Hotel & Suites – This well-rated 4-star hotel offers en-suite rooms with tea/coffee making facilities, 24-hour front desk, and an on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included with rates. Located just a few hundred hard from the Hagia Sophia.
• Boutique Saint Sophia – This 4-star boutique hotel offers private en-suite rooms with breakfast included and an on-site cafe and bar. The hotel is located near the Hagia Sophia with some rooms offering views of the attraction.
• Régie  Ottoman – This stylish boutique hotel is set in a 150-year  old  renovated  Ottoman building and offers all the normal modern amenities and breakfast is included. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and is located about a 10-minute walk from the historic Sultanahmet area. We’ve stayed here and really enjoyed our stay.
• Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul – This 5-star luxury hotel centrally located hotel offer guestrooms with modern amenities, 24-hour desk, room service, and an on-site restaurant. A great option if you are looking for a luxury property in this part of Istanbul. Located near the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.

If you are looking for a self-catering stay, options include these apartments in the Fatih district on Booking.com and these Fatih district apartments in Istanbul on Vrbo. If you are not finding what you want, you can see this list of apartment booking websites .

Turkey Itinerary Day 2: Istanbul

For your second day in Istanbul we recommend crossing across the Galata Bridge and exploring this part of the city. The Galata Bridge, which crosses the Golden Horn, is often seen as the link between the traditional and the more modern areas of Istanbul.

Highlights include the Galata Tower , a restored 15th-century tower that has an observation deck on top, enjoying the European style buildings and shopping along the picturesque Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi), and the Taksim Square area which features the Republic Monument and is a lively area for shopping and nightlife. There are a lot of art galleries and museums in this area including SALT Galata , Pera Museum , and the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art Museum .

We can also recommend visiting Dolmabahçe Palace , this beautiful 19th-century palace was once the home of the sultans as well as the first President of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It is the largest palace in Turkey and today is a museum.

If you are looking for a place to relax and have a coffee, you might want to make a stop at the cafe or tea lounge at the luxurious Pera Palace Hotel . The hotel is one of the most famous historical hotels in the city having such past guests as Agatha Christie. Or find a street cafe along Istiklal Avenue to people watch or wander over to a seaside cafe to enjoy the view over the water.

Or maybe you’d like to try a traditional Turkish hamam experience such as this one at Aga Hamami , which is the oldest hamam in Istanbul. Note that this is a traditional Turkish bathing practice, not a spa but it is a relaxing and cleansing experience.

Depending on what you want to do and see on this side of the bridge and how far you are willing to walk, you can explore entirely on foot or you can take public transit just about everywhere. Transport options include public buses, trams, taxis, and sightseeing buses . Or you can join a tour that includes transport.

For those on foot, note that Turkey has a lot of hills and there is a steep hill to get from the Galata Bridge to Istiklal Avenue. However, you can take the Tünel funicular that will take you up this incline. This is one of the oldest subway stations in the world.

If you are looking for a guide on your second day in Istanbul, this walking tour focuses on this area north of the Golden Horn, this small group art expert-led tour covers the main modern art museums and art spaces in this part of Istanbul, and here is a guided tour of the palace .

For your second evening in Istanbul, you might want to finish your day with an evening food tour, sampling some local nightlife, or a cultural event in the evening.

Those interested in seeing and sampling more of the local food scene in Istanbul may want to consider a food tour. There are several food tours in Istanbul to choose from such as this evening food trail tour and this small group food tour .

Those looking for an evening cultural performance might see what is playing at the local theaters, Süreyya Opera House , or see a Turkish dance performance or whirling dervishes show at the Hodjapasha Cultural Centre. Those looking for a more wild night out might want to check out the nightlife in and around Taksim Square or join a local-led pub crawl .

We then recommend spending a second night in Istanbul. This works well for those taking a tour, flying, or those driving themselves. However, those taking a bus may want to consider heading to Çanakkale today instead so you have more time to explore Gallipoli the next day.

How to Get to from Istanbul to Gallipoli

If you are not joining a tour in Istanbul, you have three main options for getting from Gallipoli from Istanbul. If you decide to take a flight or bus, you’ll want to head to Çanakkale (or Eceabat) and then take a tour or find transport to the nearby historical sites at Gallipoli.

By Car: It is about a 186 mile (300 km) drive from Istanbul to the Gallipoli peninsula which takes about 4 hours. If you leave on the morning of your third day, this will give you time to stop and see the main sights in Gallipoli before overnighting in Çanakkale.

By Plane: The fastest option is to fly. Flights take around an hour from Istanbul to Çanakkale and are usually reasonably priced if booked well in advance.

By Bus: The bus journey is generally about 6 hours from Istanbul to Çanakkale, or a little less if you go to Eceabat. Check bus times and prices, and book online here . Depending on bus schedules, those wanting to explore Gallipoli may want to catch a late afternoon or evening bus on Day 2 to have more time to explore Gallipoli on Day 3.

Turkey Itinerary Day 3: Gallipoli

Today we recommend leaving Istanbul after breakfast and heading southwest to the Gallipoli peninsula. The peninsula lies between the Dardanelles and the Gulf of Saros and is best known as being the location for the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I.

Most of the area is part of the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park which was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. Whereas most historical attractions in Turkey date back thousands of years, this is a place where you can learn about more recent history.

On the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915, Allied Forces (which included British, Australian, New Zealand, Indian, French, and Newfoundland troops) mounted an ultimately doomed attack on the Ottoman Empire to try to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul) and take control of a vital supply route. After about 9 months of fighting and minimal gains, and with around 250,000 casualties on each side, the Allies withdrew.

The event was a huge disaster for the Allied war effort, and had lasting repercussions. For Winston Churchill , then First Lord of the Admiralty, his promotion of the failed campaign would lead to him having a demoted role in politics and the failure would haunt him for years. It would have been difficult for anyone to imagine him as a later wartime Prime Minister!

Turkey was at that time part of the Ottoman Empire and was fighting on the side of Germany. For the Turks, one of the army officers for the Ottoman defense at Gallipoli, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk , would later become the first president and founder of modern Turkey.

The Gallipoli Campaign was one of the most important events in the war to take place from an Australian and New Zealand perspective. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were deployed, and like many of the countries involved, suffered heavy losses. The campaign is largely regarded as the trigger for the national consciousness of both countries, and to this day both countries formally remember their fallen on ANZAC Day (April 25th) each year.

For Australians and New Zealanders visiting Turkey, a trip to the Gallipoli peninsula is usually high on the priority list. However, we think this is a trip that should be of interest to anyone, regardless of nationality, in order to learn more about this event and reflect on the effects of war.

There are a number of places to visit across the Gallipoli Peninsula, including landing sites, memorials, and graveyards. A few of the more popular places for visitors include ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial, and Canakkale Martyrs’ Memorial. What you want to visit probably depends on your specific interests and your nationality, and y ou can see a full list of the sites here .

There are also a few museums in the area that focus on the Gallipoli campaign, including the Kabatepe Promotion Center And Museum in Kabatepe, Salim Mutlu War Museum (Salim Mutlu Özel Harp Anilar Koleksiyonu) in Alçitepe, and the Gelibolu War Museum in Gelibolu.

If you want to know more about the battles that took place here, we recommend getting a book such as Gallipoli: The Battlefield Guide . We would definitely recommend some sort of guidebook if you are planning to explore on your own without a tour guide.

Expect to spend a few hours here. It is a challenging place to get around unless you have your own vehicle, and we would definitely suggest taking a tour if you don’t have your own transport. There are a lot of tour options so it is usually easy to find a good value tour.

Here are some day tour options to consider, some also include Troy, which is on our itinerary for the next day.

• An 8 hour tour of the Gallipoli sites with lunch from Çanakkale
• A 6 hour tour of Gallipoli with lunch from Çanakkale
• A full day tour of Gallipoli and Troy with lunch from Çanakkale
• Another full day tour of Gallipoli and Troy with lunch from Çanakkale
• A private tour of the Gallipoli sites from Çanakkale
• A 6 hour Gallipoli tour with lunch from Eceabat

Now if you have extra time in Çanakkale, there is a fortress (Çimenlik Castle), an enclosed market called the Mirror Bazaar, a few museums you can visit (Military Marine Museum, city history museum, and Ceramics Museum), and a harbor area you can stroll around where you can find the wooden Trojan horse from the 2004 film Troy starring Brad Pitt. There is also Kilitbahir Fortress located just across the strait.

If you are staying in Eceabat, you can also spend some time relaxing on the beach there.

Where to Stay in Gallipoli

We would recommend spending the night in either Çanakkale (a short ferry ride from the Gallipoli Peninsula) or Eceabat. Eceabat is slightly closer to the Gallipoli sites, but Çanakkale has more services and attractions.

If you are traveling by bus, you’ll probably want to choose a place near the bus station.

It is easy to find good value accommodation in this area. Here are some options to consider at both locations:

• Set Özer Hotel in Çanakkale – A centrally located good value hotel that offers private en-suite rooms with breakfast. Very close to ferry, waterfront, and main town attractions.
• Kinzi House in Çanakkale – A well-reviewed and centrally located self-catering accommodation that offers a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and flat-screen TV. This is a great value option if you are traveling with a few people and want to cook yourself.
• Artur Hotel in Çanakkale – A popular and well-reviewed hotel in the center of Çanakkale with private en-suite rooms and an on-site restaurant.
• Kolin Hotel in Çanakkale – A 5-star hotel with all the modern guestroom amenities, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants and bars, and a free airport shuttle. A good option for those looking for more amenities.
• Eceabat Gezen Hotel in Eceabat – A very well-reviewed value hotel offering private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Has a private beach area and a garden, as well as a bar and inclusive breakfast
• Villa Bagci Hotel in Eceabat – This is a well-reviewed hotel offering private en-suite rooms with breakfast. Located a few hundred yards from the beach.
• Hotel Casa Villa in Eceabat – Another well-reviewed hotel in Eceabat a few hundred yards from the beach. Features private rooms with en-suite facilities and breakfast is included.

How to Get from Çanakkale to Troy and Kusadasi

Your next stop of the trip is going to be Troy, after which you’ll head south via Izmir to Kusadasi. If you happened to already visit Troy today, then you can skip that stop and head straight to Kusadasi.

If you are not taking a guided tour, you have a few choices today:

By Car:   It’s around a 30 minute drive to Troy from Çanakkale, and then a little over 5 hours down to Kusadasi. We’d suggest spending a couple of hours at Troy, and then aiming to arrive in Kusadasi mid-afternoon if you are driving yourself.

By Plane: You can do part of the day by plane if you wish as you can fly from Çanakkale to Izmir. However, you will need to take a bus, car, taxi, or tour to get to and from Troy and then from Izmir to Kusadasi. Those planning to fly may want to base in Izmir instead of Kusadasi.

By Train: Part of today’s journey can be done by train as there is a train that you can take between Izmir and Selçuk (town next to Ephesus).

By Bus: There are regular buses (approximately every hour) from Çanakkale to Troy, the journey takes around 45 minutes. To head onto Izmir, you’ll need to backtrack to Çanakkale or head to Ezine, and from either you can get a bus to Izmir (about a 5.5 hour journey). From Izmir, it is about a 90-minute bus journey to Kusadasi.

You might consider taking a local private or shared taxi (called dolmus) to and from Troy. Then connect to the intercity buses in Ezine or Çanakkale onwards to Izmir and Kusadasi.

Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 4: Troy & Kusadasi

For your fourth day in Turkey, you’re going to visit the ancient city of Troy and then head down the western coast of Turkey to the city of Kuşadası. You may also want to make a stop in Izmir, along the way.

We recommend heading out straight after breakfast so you have time to explore Troy in the morning.

The first stop of the day is Troy which is only about a 30-minute drive south of Çanakkale. A city has been at this location known as Troy from around 3,000 years B.C. right up until about 450 A.D.

Of course, as it existed for almost four millennia, Troy saw a lot of changes in its time. In fact, there were in fact no less than nine cities on this location, which was favored due to its waterfront location. Reasons for its demise are unclear, but the fall of the Roman Empire was likely a factor in its final abandonment.

The main reason that Troy is famous today is that it was the main setting of Homer’s Iliad about the Trojan War. This ancient Greek epic poem gave us the famous story of the Trojan Horse and the disastrous love triangle between Helen of Troy, King Menelaus, and Paris. The historical accuracy of the tale is highly debated but many historians do believe there was some sort of war and siege of Troy by Spartan and Achaean warriors in the 12th or 13th century BC.

The actual location of the ancient city of Troy was lost to history in the subsequent centuries. Later travelers and archaeologists searched for the location of the famous city and many believed it was somewhere in the Anatolia region of Turkey, particularly the Troad peninsula. It was Englishman Frank Calvert who would first excavate the hill at Hisarlik and find what is now believed to be the remains of the ancient city of Troy.

Whether the events of the Iliad took place here or not, UNESCO notes that the archaeological findings at Troy are the “most significant demonstration of the first contact between the civilizations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world”. Structures have been found at Hisarlik from a number of periods including the Bronze Age and the Roman and Greek periods.

Today, Troy is a protected archaeological site, a national historical park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a visitor, you can wander around and learn about the history of the place while seeing the various layers of the different cities. Naturally, there’s a giant wooden horse you can take a photo of as well. The recently opened Troy Museum (Troya Müzesi ) holds a number of artifacts from the archaeological site. We’re recommend allowing 2 to 3 hours to visit Troy.

From Troy you’ll continue south along the coast to the city of Kusadasi. Along the way, you’ll go through Izmir. Izmir is one of the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean, and was originally believed to have been settled in 6500 BC! It is now the third-largest city in Turkey by population.

Izmir offers lots of attractions and services. Some of the main tourist sites include the Roman Agora of Smyrna , the hilltop castle of Kadifekale (the “Velvet Castle”), the seafront and Kordon esplanade, Konak Square and its clock tower, several museums, and the Kemeralti shopping district. There is also a rich Jewish heritage here with several synagogues and other Jewish landmarks to be found here, especially in the Kemeralti district.

So Izmir may be a good place to stop and stretch your feet, and maybe visit an attraction or two. You could also decide to overnight in Izmir; however, our advice is to press on to Kusadasi as it’s closer to upcoming highlights and also has its own attractions.

Kusadasi is a popular coastal town in Turkey, which offers a wide range of accommodation options as well as beaches and attractions. It is also very close to Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most famous ancient ruined cities.

Today will be a long journey, regardless of your means of transport, so we recommend having a relaxing evening once you arrive in the Aegean seaside town of Kusadasi. Perhaps a stroll around town or a dip in the hotel pool, and then a nice dinner.

We recommend spending two nights in Kusadasi. However, those who are traveling by public transportation may also want to consider Selçuk (town next to Ephesus) as a base instead for the two nights as the transit connections are a bit easier there.

Where to stay in Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a popular resort town and there are a great many hotels to choose from, the majority of which offer excellent value. Most have pools and some are next to a beach.

Kusadasi is pretty spread out and we generally recommend staying within walking distance of the city center and seaside. Those traveling by bus will want to stay within walking distance of the bus station and bus stops. Some options to consider for your 2-night stay are as follows:

• Hotel Stella – A well-reviewed good value 2-star hotel that offers en-suite rooms have balconies, a pool, an on-site restaurant, and inclusive breakfast. Located about 100 yards from the harbor.
• Sezgin Boutique Hotel – A popular budget hotel with en-suite rooms, inclusive breakfast, and a swimming pool. Located about 150 yards from the city center.
• Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel – This well-rated 4-star hotel offers ensuite rooms with views over city or water, a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, and inclusive breakfast. Located near the city center and water.
• Grand Sahin’s Hotel – This well-reviewed 4-star hotel offers ensuite rooms with balconies, an inclusive breakfast, on-site restaurant and bar, outdoor swimming pool, private beach area, and free parking. Located next to the seaside.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Kusadasi – A popular city-center hotel offering 5-star facilities, ensuite rooms with balconies, a rooftop restaurant and bar, 2 swimming pools, fitness center, and a spa.
• LaVista Boutique Hotel & SPA – This is a very well rated centrally located boutique hotel that offers large en-suite rooms, an on-site bar and restaurant, a fitness center, inclusive breakfast, and a lovely outdoor pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Where to stay in Selçuk

Those traveling by bus or train may prefer to spend the two nights in Selçuk instead of Kusadasi. For those using public transit, we recommend staying in central Selçuk within walking distance of the bus station and train station.

Here are a few accommodation options in Selçuk:

• ANZ Guest House – A budget-friendly hostel that offers dorm beds as well as private rooms and family rooms. Breakfast is included and there is a rooftop terrace. Centrally located, about a 12-minute walk to bus station and train station.
• Queen Bee Hotel – A good value bed-and-breakfast that offers rooms with private bathrooms and included breakfast. There is also a cafe on the ground floor here.  Centrally located, about a 12-minute walk to bus station and train station.
• Celsus Boutique Hotel – A boutique hotel featuring outdoor swimming pool, garden, shared lounge, and inclusive breakfast. Centrally located, about a 10-minute walk to bus station and train station.
• Vinifera Vineyards Hotel – If you are looking for something different and don’t mind being outside Selçuk, this hotel sits next to a vineyard and offers large ensuite rooms with patios, onsite restaurant and winery, a swimming pool, and inclusive breakfast. Located well outside of Selçuk so is best suited for those who plan to get around by car or taxi; however, you can get to Selçuk by train as the Çamlık station is about a 7-minute walk from the hotel.

Turkey Itinerary Day 5: Kusadasi & Ephesus

Today, we recommend heading to Ephesus after breakfast to explore the archaeological sites there. Then return and spend the latter part of the day exploring Kusadasi itself. Ephesus is very popular and can get very crowded, so going early is a good idea to avoid some of the crowds and the afternoon heat.

Many people visit Ephesus as part of a tour, but it is also easy to get to on your own. It is about a 25-minute drive, bus, or taxi ride away. If you are taking public transport, you can take a dolmus (shared taxi or minibus) from Kusadasi which can drop you at the lower gate of Ephesus.

Ephesus is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Turkey so it is on many visitors must-see lists. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was an ancient Greek city, founded in the 10th century BC, and only abandoned around the 15th century AD after centuries of decline, mainly due to the harbor silting up. At its height, it was second only to Rome in size and importance in the ancient world.

Today, Ephesus is a large and important archaeological site where you can see the remains of temples, theaters, wide marble streets, agoras, bathing complexes, tombs, aqueducts, fountains, terrace houses, and more. Some of the main sights include the spectacular Library of Celsus , the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre.

Ephesus is an important religious destination too, especially for Christians. It was the location of one of the Seven Churches of Asia (or Seven Churches of the Apocalypse), the seven major early Christian communities, as noted in the New Testament Book of Revelations in the Bible.

It is believed that the Gospel of John may have been written here, and that Mary, mother of Jesus, lived out her final years nearby in the care of John. Important early Christian sites in Ephesus include St. John’s Basilica , Church of the Virgin Mary , and The House of the Virgin Mary .

Also located nearby is the ruins of the Temple of Artemis , one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately today, very little remains of the ancient temple.

For those interested in seeing some of the artifacts found here, you may want to take time to visit the nearby Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk after visiting the archaeological sites. It contains a number of statues, columns, coins, sarcophagi, tools, and other artifacts uncovered in Ephesus.

Most visitors just visit the main archaeological complex which contains over 25 main points of interest. There is an entry fee that covers all the sites (there is an additional ticket required if you want to go inside the terrace houses), and you can enter at the upper or lower gates and exit from either side. There are taxis, shuttles, and carriages that can transport you between the two if you wish.

It’s quite a large site, which runs from the top of a hill to the bottom, but once you get here you can visit everything on foot. Just be prepared for a bit of walking by wearing comfortable shoes and bringing your water bottle.

As you would imagine, there is a lot to see and take in here, and there isn’t a lot of information on display. We would recommend renting an on-site audioguide, joining a guided tour such as this one , or bringing a guidebook (like this one ) so you have an idea of what you are looking at. Most people spend 2 to 4 hours exploring the complex.

There is more to explore outside the main archeological complex for those with more time and interest. Sites located outside the main archaeological complex include the Temple of Artemis, House of the Virgin Mary, St. John’s Basilica, and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Other attractions in Ephesus include Selçuk Castle, Ayasuluk Citadel, and Isa Bey Mosque.

If you are considering a tour from Kusadasi (or Izmir), there are a variety of tours of differing lengths. We think that around 4 to 5 hours would work and then give you time to sightsee in Kusadasi in the afternoon, but you could also do a full-day tour if you want more time in Ephesus. Some tours to consider to Ephesus from Kusadasi are:

• This 4 hour small group morning tour of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis
• This 3.5 to 4.5 hour private tour of Ephesus
• This 5 hour small group tour of Ephesus , which includes the house of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus Terrace Houses, and the Temple of Artemis
• This 6 to 8 hour small group tour of Ephesus , which includes the house of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, and Isa Bey Mosque.

Once you have finished touring Ephesus, it’s time to return to Kusadasi. Kusadasi is a popular resort town and has a lot of cafes and restaurants as well as beaches. Depending on how you are feeling and how much time you have, you might want to visit one of the beaches (Ladies Beach is the most popular public beach), spend some time exploring the city’s attractions, or just relax by the hotel pool.

Our favorite thing to do is to take a walk over to Güvercinada , or Pigeon Island, a small island linked to the mainland by a causeway. There is a castle here that you can visit if you wish.

How to get from Kusadasi to Pamukkale & Fethiye

The next part of the trip involves a long day of travel, no matter what method of transportation you choose as the attractions are spaced far apart.

If you are not taking a tour, your best options are to take public transit or drive.

By Car: If you are driving, Pamukkale is about a 120 mile (190 km) drive from Kusadasi, and that drive takes about 3 hours if taking the toll roads (about 4 hours if not). From Pamukkale, it is another 125 mile (200 km) drive to Fethiye which is around another 3 hours of driving.

If that sounds like too much driving, you could skip Pamukkale, and just head south along the coast from Kusadasi to Fethiye. Then you would have more time to spend in either Kusadasi or Fethiye.

By Plane : You can fly from Izmir to Denizli (town near Pamukkale) and then from Denizli to Fethiye (airport in Dalaman). However, many of these flights connect via Istanbul meaning the flights often take as long (or even longer) than taking public transit or driving.

By Bus: From Kusadasi, it’s relatively easy to get to Pamukkale by public transport. You can go by bus, either directly from Kusadasi or via Selçuk. The bus takes between 3 to 4 hours.

Note that some of the bus companies (and the train) terminate in the town of Denizli and do not go directly to Pamukkale. So you may need to take a short 25-minute minibus or taxi ride to get from the bus station to Pamukkale which is located just outside Denizli. Just be sure to ask so you know if you need to transfer or not.

Then from Denizli, you can then take a bus to Fethiye, which will take around 4 hours. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

By Train: You can do part of the route today by train. Take the local bus from Kusadasi to Selçuk (the town next to Ephesus), from where you can catch a train to Denizli. The train takes around 3 hours, and the first departure is usually around 9:00am. You can check train times and tickets here .

Then from the Denizli station, you can get a 25-minute minibus or taxi ride to Pamukkale. There is no train between Denizli and Fethiye, so you will have to take a bus from Denizli.

Turkey Itinerary Day 6: Pamukkale & Fethiye

For your sixth day in Turkey, our suggestion is to head east inland to Pamukkale and then south to the coastal town of Fethiye.

Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle” in Turkish, is another of Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s famous for two reasons. First, it well-known for its photogenic natural white travertine (a type of limestone) terraces which are filled with thermal water. Second, the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis are located here.

Springs in a cliff above the terraces provide the mineral-rich waters which have created the incredible landscape of petrified waterfalls and terraced basins of thermal water at Pamukkale. The milky white water is due to the large amount of calcium carbonate found in the water.

A thermal spa at Hierapolis was built on top of Pamukkale to take advantage of the hot springs in the 2nd century BC by the kings of Pergamon. It grew into a small city and you can see the Greco-Roman ruins here today. Pamukkale has been a popular tourist destination for about two thousand years.

The main reason people visit Pamukkale today is to see the white limestone terraces here, which are really quite incredible. These terraces cover a large area of almost 2 miles (3 km) in length. Although the terraces are natural, the bathing pools are artificial and have been created for tourists. Some of these are open to bathing or swimming.

Unfortunately, the thousands of years of tourism, as well as the more recent rise in mass tourism, has taken its toll on the location. Large sections of the pools don’t look like you see them in photos as many often have little water in them and the ones open to the public are often crowded with people.

To protect the site, most of the pools are now closed entirely to bathers, with only a small area accessible for swimming at one time. The water can be a bit dirty with all the people in them and they can also be very slippery so do be careful if you plan to go in them.

In addition to the small terraced pools, you can pay extra to swim at Cleopatra’s Pool, a former Roman pool, which is a thermal pool and spa that is privately run and includes locker rooms and showers. You need proper swimwear to enter this pool.

However, the good news is that the Pamukkale site is very large, and if you move away from the main crowds you can enjoy lovely views of the terraces with hardly any people around you.

After seeing the thermal spa and perhaps dipping your toes into one of the thermal pools, you can then take some time to explore Hierapolis. Many people come and just see some of the thermal pools and leave, but if you are going to take the time to come all the way to Pamukkale, we recommend taking some time to explore the rest of the site.

The city has Greek and Roman ruins, including ancient bathing complexes, gates, a huge theatre, temples, shrines, a martyrium, and an extensive Necropolis. The site has the Tomb of Philip the Apostle and the earliest evidence of the use of a crank and rod mechanism (as depicted on a sarcophagus). Housed in the former Roman Bath building is the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum which you can see some of the many artifacts unearthed at the site.

If you don’t have a guide but want to learn more about the history of Pamukkale and Hierapolis, we recommend taking along a good guidebook like this one .

There’s lots to see here, and it’s all included on the entry ticket, so take advantage of it. Most people spend about 3 hours here, but you’ll want to plan to spend longer if you want to fully explore Hierapolis.

Once you are done sightseeing in Pamukkale, continue on to Fethiye where we recommend you spend the night. Fethiye is a city (and district) located in the southwestern area of Turkey along the Aegean Sea. It is a popular tourist area and there are a lot of attractions in and around the city.

Given that you will likely be coming from a long day of travel and sightseeing, we recommend using your first evening in Fethiye to relax. We recommend spending two nights here.

Where to stay in Fethiye

You have two main options for where to stay in Fethiye. You can stay near the marina and old town for easy access to the sights, or you can stay a little further north on the 4km long Çalis Beach. So just depends if you prefer to be near the city center or have easy beach access.

Here are some options for places to stay in Fethiye:

• Turunç Hostel – If you’re looking for a hostel, this is a great value and well-reviewed option in the heart of the town. Private and dorm rooms are available, with a good value breakfast on offer.
• Infinity Exclusive City Hotel – A great value budget to mid-range option offering private en-suite rooms in the city center.
• Orka Boutique Hotel – This popular and well-reviewed mid-range boutique hotel offers en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant, and inclusive breakfast. Located a few yards from the sea, and a short walk from the city center.
• Ece Marina Suit – This well-rated beachfront hotel near the old town overlooks the marina and has a private beach. Rooms are designed to be family-friendly and offer good value comfortable accommodation with living area and apartment-style facilities.
• Hotel Delta – Found on Çalis Beach around 3 miles north of the old town, this well-reviewed hotel offers en-suite rooms with balconies and an on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included.
• Eyna Hotel – This popular beach front property on Çalis Beach has great reviews, en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant, and breakfast is included.

Turkey Itinerary Day 7: Fethiye

Fethiye is a beautiful coastal city and resort town on Turkey’s Aegean Sea. The area is known as the Turquoise Coast because of the incredible color of the water you’ll find here.

Fethiye has a lot to offer, but one of the most popular things to do here is to get out on the water and take advantage of the scenic coastline, beautiful waters, and nearby islands. Popular water activities include boating, swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, fishing, and water skiing.

The Travel Talk tour we did included 3 nights on a traditional gulet boat. This might be too much boat time for many, but we definitely recommend considering spending part of a day on the water here.

On a boat trip, you can take in the scenery, swim, snorkel, and sightsee at a relaxed pace. Then you can return to your hotel, take a shower, and head out to watch the sunset and enjoy a bit of the city’s culture and nightlife.

Or if a day on a boat sounds like too much, you can just find a pretty beach to lie on! Çalis Beach is a popular beach that stretches along the city or you can find a smaller and less crowded one further away.

Alternatively, if you are up for some more sightseeing and cultural sites today, there are a number of attractions in and around Fethiye. These include the Fethiye Museum, Saklikent National Park, the rock tomb of Amyntas, the Roman theatre above Fethiye, ancient Lycian hilltop citadel of Tlos, ancient Lycian city ruin of Cadyanda, Butterfly Valley, and the spectacular beach at Ölüdeniz Lagoon. Paragliding is also a very popular activity in this area.

Of course, many of these attractions and activities are located outside the city, so you’ll either need to have your own transport, take a bus, or take a tour to experience them.

Below, we’ve put together some recommend boat tours, as well as other day tours from Fethiye you might consider. Alternatively, feel free to just wander the city itself, which is very beautiful and has a number of sights worth visiting.

• A full day boat tour from Fethiye with swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Lunch included.
• A full day boat tour from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz with swimming, lunch, and stops at Butterfly Valley and St. Nicholas Island
• A popular tandem paragliding tour over beautiful Ölüdeniz

Hopefully, this gives you some inspiration for your day in Fethiye. We recommend enjoying the sunset from the beach, a seaside cafe, or your hotel balcony. Lots of nightlife opportunities here in the evening to enjoy in this popular resort town.

How to Get From Fethiye to Antalya

We recommend heading to Antalya on the next part of your trip. If you are not taking a tour, you have three options for getting from Fethiye to Antalya:

By Car: If you are driving, it’s about a 125 mile (200 km) drive if you take the most direct route which takes about  2.5 to 3 hours.

However, you can take the more scenic coastal route along the D400 between Fethiye and Antalya if you have more time and want to enjoy the scenery. It’s a nice drive. Taking the scenic route will add another 2 hours to your drive so I’d estimate about 4.5 hours.

By Plane: It is possible to fly from Fethiye (Dalaman Airport) to Antalya . Most flights are 3.5 to 4.5 hours long as most make a stop in Istanbul.

By Bus: In terms of public transport, there are regular direct buses from Fethiye to Antalya, with journey times taking around 3 to 3.5 hours on average. You can check bus routes and ticket prices online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 8: Antalya

Today, we recommend leaving Fethiye in the morning and heading to the southern coastal city of Antalya. But there’s no rush today so feel free to spend some more time in Fethiye if there is something you missed yesterday.

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to get to Antalya, depending on route and transport. So if you leave in the morning, you’ll still have half the day left to explore Antalya. Those traveling by car or tour bus may take the coastal route along the D400 which is slower but a very nice scenic route.

Antalya is believed to have been founded by King Attalus II of Pergamon around 150 B.C. and so has a long history. Most of the historical architecture in the city now dates to the medieval Ottoman period. The city is situated along the Turkish Riviera and has become Turkey’s most important international seaside resort.

There is a lot to do in Antalya and we recommend spending two nights here, giving you about 1.5 days to explore Antalya and the surrounding area. Once you arrive in Antalya and check into your hotel, we recommend spending your first afternoon exploring the town of Antalya and its city center attractions and perhaps spending some time on the beach.

In the town itself, we can recommend exploring the old town (Kaleiçi) on foot as there are a number of things to see here including Hadrian’s Gate, the Roman Tower (Hidirlik Tower), Yivli Minare Mosque (Fluted Mosque), and the Antalya Museum (regional history museum).

The Old Marina area is also worth exploring and is a great place to enjoy a meal or drink. You can also take a sightseeing boat tour from here.

Elsewhere in town you’ll also find a panoramic elevator for views over city, several city parks, a toy museum, and lots of other historical attractions.

If you prefer something more relaxing, you may also want to head to one of the area’s beaches. There are also some nice beaches within 10km of the city center, including Lara Beach (sandy beach) and Konyaalti Beach (pebble beach).

In the evening, Antalya is a lively place with lots of restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. The city also has cinemas and some movies are shown in their original English (with Turkish subtitles). There are also regular shows which include traditional Turkish music and dance and belly dancing performances.

Those who enjoy the theater or opera will also find the Antalya State Theater and the Antalya State Opera and Ballet here. There is also the popular Fire of Anatolia Dance Show that is regularly held at the Gloria Aspendos Arena.

If you are visiting in the summer months, you may want to see if the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is taking place during your visit. Throughout this popular festival, regular performances are held at the ancient Aspendos Roman theater.

Where to Stay in Antalya

Antalya is a large city and there is also a lot of accommodation throughout the Antalya region along the coast. We have two different recommendations depending on your interests and budget.

Our first recommendation is to either stay close to the Antalya Old Town center so you are within walking distance of the majority of attraction in the city itself. This is great for those who are are interested in the city attractions and nightlife here, and for those needing the public transit connections here.

Our other recommendation is to consider spending these two days at a nice coastal resort outside of the city. Antalya boasts some of the nicest hotel resorts in Turkey and if you are looking for an all-inclusive resort, you have a lot of options. These all tend to have multiple restaurants and bars, swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, and kids’ activities. Some also have beach access.

Here are some lodging options near the Antalya Old Town:

• Hostel Vague – If you’re looking for a budget option in Antalya, this hostel is a great option. It’s centrally located, offers shared and private accommodation and an on-site kitchen, lounge, terrace, and garden for guest use
• Beyaz Butik Hotel – A well-reviewed homestay option offering private en-suite rooms and breakfast. A short walk from the old town.
• White Garden Hotel – With a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and easy beach access, this is a great value and well-reviewed hotel near the old town
• Tekeli Konaklari – Located in a restored Ottoman Pasha’s residence, this property features private rooms set around a central courtyard, with easy access to the old town. Rooms are en-suite and breakfast is included.
• Cap d’Perge Hotel – This well-reviewed adults-only hotel offers private en-suite rooms with lots of amenities, a private beach, and an on-site restaurant. This one feels a bit tucked away but is still within easy walking distance of the historic center of the city
• ATICI Hotel – A popular and central hotel located right in the heart of the city center offering private en-suite rooms.

Here are a few resort hotel options to consider near Antalya:

• Xanadu Resort – This 5-star resort near Belek includes swimming pools, water slides, a kid’s club, fitness activities, several restaurants, a spa, and access to a private beach.
• Gloria Serenity Resort   – This 5-star resort includes swimming pools, a fitness center, sports center, several restaurants and bars, a spa, a game room, kids’ club, and beach access. We have stayed in one of the villas here and it is a great place if you want a relaxing place to stay on your trip.
• Land of Legends Hotel – This family-friendly hotel is geared to kids and all guests get free access to the Land of Legends theme park. The hotel and park feature roller coasters, a water park, pools, restaurants, children’s shows, and more.

Turkey Itinerary Day 9: Antalya

Today you’ll spend a second day exploring Antalya. There are lots of options for how you can spend your day, depending on your interests.

If you didn’t explore the historic city center and Old Marina areas yesterday, you might want to do that today. You can wander this area easily on foot.

Or perhaps head to the Beydaglari Coastal National Park. Here you can take the cable car (Olympos Telferik) to get a great view of the area. The park offers opportunities for hiking, paragliding, climbing, and other outdoor activities. In the winter there is skiing and snowsports.

For those interested in waterfalls, there are several waterfalls in the area. The most popular are the Upper Duden Falls and Lower Duden Falls. We can also recommend a visit to Kursunlu Waterfall.

For those looking for historical and archaeological sites outside the city, we can recommend the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aspendos . Here you can see the impressive remains of a Roman theatre, aqueduct, and basilica are well worth the visit. Another option is the ancient Greek city of Perga (or Perge) that contains a Bronze Age acropolis among many other of its ruins.

Those who like theme parks may want to spend the day at The Land of Legends , which is an amusement park with roller coasters, water slides, live shows, a surf pool, and a cinema. Very popular with families visiting the area.

Golfers may want to hit the links and try one or two of the many golf courses in the area. Belek and the surrounding area is considered the top golf destination in Turkey with over 20 different golf courses in Antalya. In 2012, the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final was hosted at the Antalya Golf Club in Belek.

If you are feeling like a lazy and inexpensive day out, consider just heading to a beach and having a relaxing day in the sun. Or if you are staying a resort, you can just spend your full day enjoying the resort amenities.

Note that many of these attractions, like the waterfalls, Aspendos, and the national parks, are located outside of the city center. Some you can reach by public bus, but many you will need to either hire a taxi or join a tour if you don’t have you own transportation.

Here are some day tours you might consider taking today:

• This 8 hour tour includes a guided city tour of Antalya, a boat tour, a visit to Duden Waterfalls National Park, and lunch
• This full day tour includes the Tunektepe cable car ride, visit to Duden Waterfalls National Park, Antalya city tour, lunch, and a boat ride
• This 9 hour tour from Antalya includes visits to the ancient cities of Aspendos, Perge, and Side as well as a stop at the Kursunlu Waterfall
• This 5 hour waterfall tour includes visits to three different area waterfalls in the Antalya region plus lunch
• This full day jeep safari includes Saklıkent Gorge, Patara beach, and Kaputaş as well as a buffet lunch

In the evening, we recommend enjoying more of the Antalya nightlife. There is something to suit just about any taste whether you are looking for a relaxing seafood dinner at the harbor, a dance performance, a sunset cruise, or a night out at the clubs.

Those traveling by bus may want to consider taking an overnight bus to Cappadocia tonight instead of spending the night in Antalya.

How to Get from Antalya to Cappadocia

Your next destination in Turkey is Cappadocia. Note that Cappadocia is the name of the region, rather than a specific city. The main tourist destinations in the region are in and around the town of Göreme.

By Car: It is a long 310 miles (500 km) drive from Antalya to Göreme, and the drive will take you about 7 hours. So this will use up most of your day. You may want to stop to visit the Derinkuyu Underground City before heading into Göreme today.

By Plane: Flying is the quickest option to get from Antalya to Cappadocia. Direct flights take about 1 hour, but those with connections usually take about 3.5 hours. In the summertime, there are often direct flights, but off-season you’ll likely have to connect through Istanbul.

The two main airports in Cappadocia are Kayseri Erkilet Airport in Kayseri, around a 1 hour drive from the main tourist sights, and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport in Gülsehir, around a 40 minute drive away. From the airports, you can book an airport transport service to hotels in the region here .

By Bus : If you are traveling by public transport, there are a number of buses from Antalya to Göreme. The buses take about 9 hours, and most are overnight buses although there are some daytime routes as well. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 10: Cappadocia

Today we recommend leaving Antalya after breakfast and heading to Cappadocia . Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most well-known tourist regions and it is definitely an area worth exploring.

Cappadocia is a region of central Turkey that has been inhabited since at least the 5th century BC. It is best known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys” and rock formations formed by erosion, the many rock dwellings carved into the rock valleys by the troglodytes (cave dwellers), and the carved rock churches, some of which still have existing frescos. There were entire underground villages here.

Cappadocia today is one of the most popular and visited areas of Turkey by international travelers. Visitors come to see its surreal landscapes, interesting rock formations, and ancient cave dwellings. It is also one of the most popular places in the world to take a hot air balloon flight!

The main town is Göreme and we recommend using this as a base to explore this region. There is a lot that you can see and do in the region, so you’ll want to prioritize your time here.

One of the most popular places to visit in the area is the Göreme Open Air Museum . The large outdoor complex contains ancient rock-hewn homes and some of the area’s most important rock churches and chapels. Many contain well-preserved frescos dating back to the 9th to 12th centuries. This site is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, along with several other locations in the region, including the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu.

A number of underground complexes built in this area. In terms of ones you can visit, Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are both partially open to visitors. The two underground cities were once connected. At Derinkuyu, it is believed that as many of 20,000 people could have lived there at one time!

Most of the area’s rock formations are made of soft volcanic tuff, which made it easy to carve and some of the dwellings were quite large. One of the better-known formations is the so-called Uçhisar Castle which is a mountain-castle that served as both a monastery and residential housing for up to 1,000 people in the Byzantine era.

Natural erosion of the rock has also lead to the interesting rock formations found throughout the region. There are lots of places to see these formations as they are scattered throughout the region.

For seeing local rock formations, you can visit one or two of the many valleys that feature a large concentration of these formations. These include Pigeon Valley (or Valley of the Dovecotes is full of dovecotes carved into the volcanic rock), Ihlara Valley (canyon full of cave dwellings and rock churches), Love Valley (full of phallic-shaped pillars), and Monk Valley (full of fairy chimneys and other rock pillars).

Most of these valleys offer plenty of opportunities for hiking as well. Some valleys also permit quad biking tours which are also popular.

This region is also known for its traditional arts and crafts, particularly pottery, and earthenware pottery has been made here for centuries. If you are interested in pottery and handicrafts, you’ll want to visit the town of Avanos which has a number of shops and galleries. We recommend a visit also to the Güray Museum in Avanos, which is an underground cave museum filled with antiques, ceramics, and pottery.

This is also an important region for those interested in the Hittites who were a people in the central Anatolia who established a Bronze Age empire in the region. The empire’s capital was in Hattusa, and the ruins of the ancient city can be visited today and are another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hattusa and the main Hittite archaeological sites are about a 2.5 hour drive from Göreme.

As Cappadocia is a bit spread out, again you will either need your own transport or to take a tour for the majority of these attractions.

There are lots of tour options around Cappadocia so they are all pretty competitive with each other so you should be able to find one at a decent price. Most include lunch in the tour price. Here are some tours of Cappadocia to check out:

• A full day small group tour of Cappadocia which includes lunch and visits to Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Göreme Valley
• A full day private tour of Cappadocia which includes Göreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and other highlights
• A 6.5 hour tour of Cappadocia , including Devrent Valley, Zevle Open Air Museum, Pasabag, Göreme Open Air Museum, and Pigeon Valley. Lunch is included.
• A 6 to 7 hour tour of Cappadocia, including Uchisar Castle, Love Valley, Göreme Open Air Museum, Monks Valley, Avanos, and Devrent Valley. Lunch is included.
• A full day private tour of Cappadocia , includes lunch and visits to Göreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Pigeon Valley, and Kaymakli Underground City.
• This full day tour with trekking explores south Cappadocia and includes visits to Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Belisirma, and Selime. It also includes a 4 km trek in Ihlara Valley and lunch.
• This private Anatolian art tour focuses on the local art and handicrafts of the region, particularly in Avanos. This includes carpet weaving, pottery, Ebru (water marbling), and jewelry. You get a chance to watch some of the art being made and chances to shop for local pieces.

Depending on how you travel to Cappadocia, you are likely spending a large portion of today traveling between Antalya and Cappadocia. So you may not have much time to explore on your first day.

If you don’t get into Cappadocia until the late afternoon or evening, there are still some activities you might consider on your first day.  For example, you might consider a sunset ATV tour, sunset horseback riding tour , or night show performance and dinner . Or maybe just heading to Sunset View point to watch the sunset before dinner.

We recommend going to bed early so you can be up to take a hot air balloon flight or watch them take off from afar in the morning!

Where to Stay in Cappadocia

Our recommendation for your time in Cappadocia is to stay in Göreme, Ortahisar, or Ürgüp. These three towns are next to each other and all feature a wide range of accommodation options.

You can see the hot air balloons from all of them, depending on weather conditions, with Göreme being the closest to the main launch sites.

Our recommendation is to stay in one of the many cave hotels on offer in this area, which is a unique experience! Just be aware that many of the cave hotels offer a range of accommodation options, and not all of them will be in a cave, so do double check before booking a specific room type if this is important to you.

Here are some accommodation options to consider in Cappadocia:

• Hostel Terra Vista in Göreme – This is a well-reviewed budget hostel option that offers both dormitory and private rooms with included breakfast. It’s not in a cave, but it does offer lovely views across Göreme.
• Homestay Cave Hostel , Göreme – This is a well-rated hostel with some of the dormitory rooms located in a cave. Breakfast is included.
• Guzide Cave Hotel in Göreme – This good value cave hotel offers a range of en-suite cave room types with breakfast included.
• Grand Elite Cave Suites in Göreme – This well-reviewed cave hotel offers room types to suit most budgets, and also has an outdoor swimming pool and breakfast is included.
• Aydinli Cave Hotel in Göreme – This cave hotel offers ensuite rooms, inclusive breakfast, and a lovely rooftop terrace that offers great views across Göreme.
• Zara Cave Hotel in Göreme – This is another wonderfully reviewed cave hotel offering a range of en-suite cave rooms across a variety of budgets. Breakfast is included and the hotel has a shared lounge and terrace area for nice views.
• Kayakapi Premium Caves in Ürgüp – This upscale cave hotel offers stunning cave rooms in restored historical caves, a magnificent view across the surrounding landscape, an on-site restaurant, a swimming pool, a spa, and breakfast is included. We’ve stayed in this cave hotel and really loved it.

Turkey Itinerary Day 11: Cappadocia

This morning we recommend getting up early to enjoy a hot air balloon flight. Cappadocia is very well-known for hot air ballooning and up to 100 balloons fly here on most days (weather permitting). Due to the unusual landscapes and wide open places, it is considered one of the best places in the world to experience a balloon flight.

If you want to take a hot air balloon flight, just be sure to book once in advance. If you are traveling with a tour, almost all tours offer this as an optional activity.

You’ll need to get up early as the balloons fly in the morning around sunset. How early will depend on the time of year and this can range from a very early 4:00am to 7:00am. Most balloon companies offer pick-up from your hotel and many also include breakfast (or at least coffee and a snack).

Most flights last between 1 hour and 1.5 hours in the air and you travel slowly over the scenic landscape. It is great to see all the interesting rock formations from above as well as see all the other hot air balloons in the sky. If you are looking for a splurge experience in Cappadocia, this is a good one to consider.

We’ve been to Cappadocia twice and have done hot air balloon flights with two different companies, and we can say that some companies definitely are better than others. We can wholly recommend booking a flight with Royal Balloons based on our experience. The staff, food, and safety precautions were all excellent.

Hot air balloon flights are widely available from many companies, but you will want to book in advance to secure a spot. Here are some few suggested options to consider for a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia.

• This 2.5 hour experience with Royal Balloons includes flight, hotel pickup, champagne toast, and breakfast. We did this trip and it was excellent; highly recommend!
• This 2 hour experience includes breakfast, champagne, souvenir flight certificate, and hotel pickup
• This 2.5 hour experience includes breakfast, champagne, and hotel pickup
• This private balloon experience is exclusively just for you and your group and includes hotel pickup and champagne toast.

Just remember that hot air balloon flights are weather dependent so cancelations are common if the winds are too strong or the weather is bad. So we recommend trying to have flexibility in your schedule for the next morning to do the flight if it is canceled. This will allow you to reschedule and hopefully get a chance to go up the next day.

If you are not interested in taking a balloon flight or the flights are a bit above your budget, you might still want to get up to watch them take off in the morning. The majority of hot air balloon flights launch from around Göreme. You can see them from many of the hotels (ask at yours specifically) and from many parts of the city.

The Sunset View point we mentioned for sunset is also a good place to watch sunrise and the balloon launch, and take photos.

After your morning balloon experience, you may be tempted to crawl back into bed for a nap, but we’d recommend using the rest of your day to see more of the wonderful landscapes and explore the local cultural attractions. There is plenty to see and do in the region to keep you busy all day!

If you are planning to take a balloon flight and then join a day tour today, just make sure that you will have time to get back from your flight before the tour departs.

For those who do want a more relaxing day time activity, you might consider shopping, spending time at one of the local spas (some hotels have their own spas) or hotel pools, going hiking in one of the valleys, or enjoying a mud bath at the Cappadocia Mud Baths & Spa . Laurence found a visit to the mud baths invigorating after a day of travel.

In the evening, we recommend enjoying the sunset and having a nice dinner. There are plenty of evening experiences you can enjoy as noted on Day 10. But if you got up early today, you are probably ready for an early night!

How to Get from Cappadocia to Ankara

Your next destination in Turkey is Ankara, the country’s capital. You have several options on getting between the Cappadocia area and Ankara. If you are planning to use public transportation, we’d recommend checking the schedules in advance.

Those with less than 2 weeks in Turkey may want to skip the stop in Ankara and head onwards to Istanbul today.

By Car : It is about a 180 mile (290 km) drive from Göreme to Ankara, which takes about 3.5 hours.

By Plane : You can fly from Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevşehir airport) to Ankara, but there are rarely direct flights so you will likely need to layover in Istanbul. Flights often take 4 to 5 hours.

By Train : There are usually two regular trains a day that run from Kayseri to Ankara, one during the day and one overnight train. They are not high-speed trains so the journey takes about 6.5 hours. Check train times and book online here .

By Bus : You can take the bus from Göreme (or other town in Cappadocia) to Ankara. The bus journey takes about 5 hours on average. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 12: Ankara

If you had a really early morning the day before, you may want to enjoy a relaxing later breakfast to start the day. Then it is time to head onward to Ankara.

If you weren’t able to take a balloon flight on the previous morning for any reason, you could do that this morning. Also if there is anything else you missed in Cappadocia, you could fit it into your morning and then head to Ankara in the late morning or early afternoon.

Ankara is the capital of Turkey, and the second-largest city after Istanbul. Like most cities in Turkey, it has a long and rich history and has been inhabited since at least the Bronze Age. The city became the capital of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and is today a major center of government, industry, and culture.

Despite being the capital city, Ankara is not nearly as well-known to travelers and is not as touristy as Istanbul. Many of its attractions are focused more to Turkish people than to international visitors, giving the city a much different feel than that of Istanbul and the more touristed regions of the country.

It is a great place to see and learn more about how Turkish people live, eat, work, and play. We recommend taking the time to explore this city and to consider hiring a local guide or joining a local walking tour during part of your time here.

The most popular visited attractions in Ankara is the Anıtkabir or the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk was the first president of Turkey, and is regarded as the founder of modern Turkey and was a leader of the Turkish War of Independence. He died in 1938, having served 15 years as President. Anıtkabir is a monumental complex of plazas, towers, statues, and a museum.

The city’s second most visited attraction is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and this is probably the one must-see place for most foreign visitors. The museum’s galleries tell the story of Turkey’s people in the past 8,000 years in chronological order, including the Neolithic, Early Bronze, Assyrian, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuq, and Ottoman periods. The museum is especially known for holding the most comprehensive exhibition on Hittite artifacts in the world. It was named the first “European Museum of the Year” in 1997.

Ankara has many archaeological and historical sites. These include the Ankara Castle (a.k.a. Ankara Citadel), Roman Theatre, Temple of Augustus and Rome, the Roman Baths, and the Roman Road. Most of the Roman ruins can be found in or near the Ulus quarter in central Ankara.

The largest mosque in the city is the Kocatepe Mosque which has become a landmark of the city. Other impressive mosques the 16th-century Yeni Mosque, the 15th-century Haci Bayram Mosque, and the 12th-century Alâeddin Mosque.

Ankara offers a lot of shopping opportunities, from traditional bazaars to modern shopping malls. The street bazaar along Cikrikcilar Yukusu, also known as the “Weavers’ Alley”, is one of the best places to go in the city for traditional shopping. Another nearby popular market is Bakicilar Carsisi which is famous for its copper products. Those looking for more modern stores may want to head to the Kızılay area.

We also recommend a wander around the Hamamönü, which is a restored late Ottoman neighborhood in the center of Ankara. The area has been restored and amongst the historical structures are handicraft markets, shops, cafes, and restaurants.

If you enjoy museums, there are about 50 of them in and around Ankara. They focus on everything from war to art to steam locomotives to technology. In addition to those already mentioned, some museums you might consider are the Ethnographic Museum, Çengelhan Rahmi Koç Museum (technology), Independence War Museum, and Republic Museum.

Ankara is also a cultural performance hub. You can see the state opera and ballet companies of Turkey perform, as well as classical music orchestras and theatre performances.

For those looking for a different type of nightlife, the large student population of Ankara means there are also things happening in the bars, clubs, and cafes located in the more student-friendly areas of the city.

Here are a few tour ideas in Ankara:

• This private full-day tour of the city’s highlights is designed to help you understand the history of Ankara with visits to some of the city’s main attractions including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara Citadel, Ataturk Mausoleum, and the Old Copper Market.
• This private tour with a local guide can be booked from 2 to 6 hours and focuses on introducing visitors to Ankara. This tour is designed to show you the local side of Ankara and help you plan the rest of your time in the city.
• This full day private day tour visits the Hittites sites of Yazilikaya and Hattusas. Includes hotel pick-up and lunch.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do to fill a couple of days in Ankara!

Where to Stay in Ankara

Ankara is a big city, so ideally you will want to stay relatively close to the center to minimize transport times. We recommend staying near the city center, so in the area around Ankara Castle and the train station, as this will put you in walking distance of most of the main sights in the city.

Here are some accommodation options in Ankara to consider:

• Deeps Hostel – This budget-friendly hostel offers both dormitory and private rooms, an on-site shared kitchen, and a dining room. It is also centrally located and is about a 5 minute walk from the main train station.
• Sahinbey Hotel – This great value central 2-star hotel offers rooms with private bathrooms and an included breakfast. It is located about a 5 minute walk from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and also near Ankara Castle.
• Kahya Hotel Ankara – This centrally located 4-star hotel offers en-suite rooms, 24-hour front desk, free on-site parking, terrace, and an on-site restaurant.
• Güvenay Business Hotel – This well-rated central business-focused hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant, a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, and inclusive breakfast
• Divan Cukurhan – This very well-reviewed historical hotel offers lovely en-suite rooms, with an on-site restaurant, 24 hour front desk, and optional breakfast. Located directly opposite of Ankara Castle and a 5 minute walk from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
• The Ankara Hotel – Another well-reviewed 4-star hotel offering modern en-suite rooms with lovely views of the city, an on-site bar and restaurant, free on-site parking, and inclusive breakfast. Located within the train station so a great place to stay for train travelers.

If you are looking for a self-catering option in Ankara, there are a number of options to rent a private room, apartment, or villa. You can check out these city center apartment options on Booking, and these city center options on Vrbo.

Turkey Itinerary Day 13: Ankara

For your second day in Ankara, we recommend you use it to do the things that you didn’t have time to do on the first day.

If you visited many of the most popular attractions like Anitkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and Ankara Castle yesterday, you might want to spend a more relaxing day wandering around one of the neighborhoods, doing a local food tour, and shopping. Ankara is a good place to search out any Turkish foods you haven’t had the chance to try yet or buying any last minute souvenirs or gifts.

Also a good time to do anything you had been wanting to do in Turkey that you hadn’t been able to do yet. For instance, if you had been wanting to try a Turkish hamam, you could do that today. One central historical hamam to consider is Şengül Hamamı .

If this is your final night in Turkey, we recommend planning something nice to do in the evening!

How to Get from Ankara to Istanbul

As the two largest cities in Turkey, Istanbul and Ankara are very well connected so you have lots of options on how to travel between them. The fastest way to get from Ankara to Istanbul is to fly although taking a direct high-speed train is also a good option.

By Car: If you’re driving, it’s around a 280 miles (450 km) drive from Ankara to Istanbul, and the drive takes around 5 hours.

By Plane : There are many daily direct flights between Ankara and Istanbul and these flights take about 1 hour.

By Train: The direct train takes around 4 to 4.5 hours. Several trains run this route each day and there is also an overnight sleeper train.

By Bus: Bus journeys between Ankara and Istanbul take between 6 and 7 hours on average. There are a great many bus services to choose from, including overnight options. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 14: Istanbul

You’re back in Istanbul, having completed your fantastic 2 week trip in Turkey!

If you have more time in Istanbul, you can see anything that you didn’t have time to see during your first visit here. There are plenty of things to see and do in the city. You can also do some final souvenir shopping and enjoy a final Turkish meal.

If you are flying home from the Istanbul airport, you may want to pre-arrange an airport transfer .

Our 2 Week Turkey Itinerary Map

We have marked out our suggested route for our 2 week Turkey itinerary on Google maps. This should help you more easily visualize the route over the 14 day trip through Turkey.

You can access our route map  here or by clicking on the map image below:

There you have it, our suggestions on where to travel in Turkey for 2 weeks!

Like what you see above but don’t want to book the transport, hotels, and activities yourself? Considering booking a guided tour, you can see our list of recommended tours of Turkey earlier in the post.

Which of these places would be on your Turkey travel itinerary? Have you been? If so, we’d love to hear about your favorite places or tips on traveling in Turkey.

If you have any questions about traveling to Turkey or our 2 week Turkey itinerary, just leave them as a comment below and we’ll try our best to answer them. As always, we love to hear from you!

Share this Post!

There are 92 comments on this post.

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Isha Post author

March 24, 2024 at 3:23 pm

I will be in Turkey on Tuesday. This guide has been an extremely useful resource in planning my 14 day trip. I will be starting from Istanbul to Izmir (stay in kusadasi) – Cappadocia – Antalya (from Antalys day trip to Heirapolis and Permukkale). Thank you very much

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

March 25, 2024 at 4:26 am

So happy to hear our Turkey itinerary has been helpful in planning your own 14 day trip. Sounds like you hae a great trip planned. Hope you have a wonderful time and just let us know if you have any questions!

Best, Jessica

April 10, 2024 at 2:02 am

Hi, thanks again for this blog which was the best resource in planning my trip. I am back. I had an amazing time. The only thing i did not need was a water bottle (which i packed). I also downloaded the vpn.

Istanbul – toured by myself and didnt need a tour guide as most places are accessible by wandering around-4 days flew to Izmir-kusadasi-ephesus. did a tour with a guide. 2 days

flew to cappadocia did the green and red tours, skipped the balloon. Also did the turkish night dance which was overpriced in my opinion. 4 days

flew to Antalya. did day tour and went to permukkale and hierapolis by road.

Thank you so much for this amazing blog resource.

April 14, 2024 at 1:00 am

You’re very welcome and thanks for taking the time to tell us about your travels in Turkey. So glad you had such a great trip to Turkey and that our Turkey itinerary was a helpful resource in planning your trip and thanks for letting us know where you went and how you organized your time. Sounds like you did a mix of independent travel and guided travel, which sounds nice. I am sure it might be helpful to future readers looking to plan a similar trip.

Hawa Post author

February 20, 2024 at 4:33 am

Thank you so much for sharing your 14 day itinerary as well as tips! Extremely useful and no doubt that you guys had an amazing time! My hubby and I are planning to visit Turkey in September. Overall itinerary is 16-17 days. We want to visit the following places but are not sure which way to plan the routing. Can you please advise/assist us based on the places that we want to visit. We also not keen to hire a car and would prefer flying wherever possible. If there are no flights available for certain routes, then we opt to take a bus. The places are: Istanbul, Izmir, Pamukkale, Cappadocia and Antalya. Please assist us. Also we were planning to spend 3 full days in Antalya and about 2 and half days in Cappadocia. Is this okay? Or would you suggest us staying longer in Cappadocia then Antalya. Thank you! Kind regards,

February 20, 2024 at 12:44 pm

Happy to try to help with your trip. I am going to assume you are flying in and out of Istanbul? In that case, you could do Istanbul – Izmir – Pamukkale – Antalya – Cappadocia – Istanbul or do that in reverse ordering, leaving Istanbul and going to Cappadocia first. It really makes little difference which way you go, just that you on in an order that makes logical sense.

So a trip based on those locations and some of your plans you stated might be:

Istanbul – 3 nights Izmir – 4 nights Pamukkale – visit as part of a day trip from Izmir? Antalya – 4 nights Cappadocia – 3 nights Istanbul – 2 nights

Above is 16 nights in total

So it is easy to fly from Istanbul to Izmir. When in Izmir, you can either use local buses, taxis, or join day tours to visit places like Epheseus and Kuşadası. I’d also consider taking a day tour from here to Pamukkale. You can see a number of day tours available from Izmir here on GYG and here on Viator .

For Pamukkale, you can visit by public bus, join a day tour from Izmir (or Antalya), fly into Denizli airport and then take a taxi or bus. I’d probably opt to just join a day tour as you don’t have to worry about getting to the actual sites from a bus station or airport. Most of the tours include stops at both the hot springs and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Then from Izmir, you can take a flight to Antalya and then taxi to your hotel. Then from Antlaya, you can take a flight to Cappadocia (2 different airprot options). Then from Cappadocia, fly back to Istnabul for a couple of days before your flight howm.

Our suggested itinerary has lots of info on things to do at each of these locations, but feel free to ask if you have further questions.

Anyway hope that helps answer your questions and get you started in planning out your itinerary and starting to book your trip.

Just let us know if you have more questions as you continue to research your trip!

Linda Post author

January 14, 2024 at 6:50 pm

Hi Jessica and Lawrence, Your post is so amazing and helpful for me to understand traveling in Turkey! My partner and I are thinking of hiking the Lycien Way. Do you have any recommendation regarding tour group and how to do it? This will be our first time going to Turkey. Thank you! Linda

January 15, 2024 at 4:49 pm

So glad that our Turkey itinerary has been helpful to you and your partner. So are you looking to extend a 2 week trip around Turkey by adding in the hike, or are you going to to focus on doing the hike? The full hike is about a month but you can easily do a shorter section of it which can range from 1 day to a couple of weeks.

So if you want to do a general trip around Turkey (similar to the one we wrote about) and hike the Lycien Way as part of a guided tour, I’d probably do a regular guided tour around Turkey first, exploring places like Istanbul, Epheseus, Antalya, Troy, Cappadocia, etc. first. We give lots of suggestions for tour companies that do similar itineraries to the one above as well as those for slightly shorter or longer trips.

Then after that ends (almost all begin and end in Istanbul) add on a second hiking specific tour of the Lycien Way after that you can get a flight down to Dalaman Airport (DLM) or Antalya Airprot. Most of the hiking trips end/begin at the Dalaman Airport (or in nearby Fethiye) or in Antalya. Domestic return flights within Turkey are normally pretty cheap (about $150 to $250 per person). You just need to be sure to book your tours in advance and leave a little leeway in case there are delays or anything, so I’d probably leave a full day at beginning and end (also nice to have a day to relax in between tours).

So as you probably already know the Lycien Way is an approximately 760 km (472 mile) way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, stretching from Fethiye to Antalya. However, the exact length and such is different depending on map and guidebook, and has changed over time. But generally it takes about 30-40 days to walk the full path. It is generally recommended to do it in the Spring by most sources although autumn also can be nice. I can’t give any specific personal advice on hiking it or a tour group as we have never tried hiking any more than a short section.

Now if you are looking for a tour group, I don’t know of any that regularly do the full path from start to finish with English speaking guides (I would check local hiking/trekking companies in Turkey or ask in a Turkey hiking forum) but there are several companies that do group or private 6-10 day hiking highlights tours of the Lycien Way so that you experience some of the main and more scenic and easy to reach sections. But they also arrange your transport, food, luggage, accommodation, etc. Tour companies like Intrepid, Explore, and UTracks all seems to offer them, and the Explore one in particular seems to get a lot of really good reviews online. You can compare various tours here that include the Lycien Way.

If you want to do the Lycian Way, I would recommend getting a copy of the English guidebook on this by Kate Clow (she is the authority on the route as she waymarked and promoted it). Note that the latest version of this guidebook was published in 2022 (it can be hard to find so you may need to order it directly from her website Trekking in Turkey). This guidebook along with free online resources and mapping apps should help inform and guide you whether you choose to do it on your own or with a guide.

Hope the above helps, but let me know if you have more questions as you research and plan your trip to Turkey!

Charles Post author

December 15, 2023 at 4:18 pm

Istanbul, Turkey is such a captivating destination, love the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. This website offers such valuable insights into these attractions, as well as local cuisine and practical travel advice. Had such an enjoyable visit to this enchanting city. Would love to return to follow your whole itinerary but not the time on this trip. Thanks so much and Happy travels!

December 16, 2023 at 8:18 am

Hi Charles,

So glad you had such a wonderful visit to Istanbul and glad you found our Turkey articles helpfull. Hope you get a chance to return to Turkey soon and see more of the country beyond Istanbul – lots of great places to visit!

Georges Chahoud Post author

October 11, 2023 at 11:09 am

Thanks a lot for the precious informations two weeks in turkey , what do you suggest me if I would like to visite the princesses islands ( Istanbul) and more excursions tour three weeks .

October 12, 2023 at 11:30 am

Hi Georges,

Glad you are finding our 2-week Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your trip. So with three weeks, I would probably just spend some more time at the cities and stops that are of most interest to you. It can also give you more time to do day trip and excursions from those places such as Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, or Kuşadası. Or if you are planning to join a tour, it will likely allow you to choose a longer tour with more stops.

I think you mean the Princes’ Islands in Turkey, near Istanbul (I am not familiar with any Princesses Islands)? For that, I would probably just do it as a day trip and allocate a morning and afternoon for the visit. We have visited as part of a day trip and the main island is easy to get to by taking a ferry boat. I think it is the equivalent of a couple of dollars for a ticket each way and most people head to Büyükada (Big Island). You can book tickets in advance or just buy once you are there. You can also join as part of a tour, and here are some day tour options that you can book in advance. In addition to your transport, some of the tours also include a guided walking tour, lunch, bike rides, music, and/or fishing.

If you are looking for a 3 week guided tour, it is hard to make a recommendation without knowing more about your budget, age, interests, and who all is traveling together. But a couple of options would be this 19-day tour with TravelTalk or this 18-day tour with Intrepid Travel. But here are several more tour options that are between 18 and 25 days in length. If you decide to do a tour like those that is less than 21 days, then plan a couple of extra nights on your own in Istanbul at the end (where you can visit the Princes Islands for instance).

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey!

October 15, 2023 at 12:55 pm

Hi Jessica. Thanks a lot for your reply, I found it very useful. I’m happy to find you and to be one of your followers. Concerning my voyage to turkey, my budget is about 5000C$, do you think is enough for 21 days, I’m 61 years old and for me it’s a discovering voyage, most probably I gone be alone . Thanks again.

October 16, 2023 at 8:19 am

You’re very welcome. Glad the information was useful in planning you vogage to Turkey.

Yes, $5000 CAD (about $3700 USD) is enough for a comfortable trip around Turkey for 3 weeks if you plan it well. Turkey is not that expensive. Flights are the biggest cost, if the $5000 is in addition to your international flight then that is a very nice budget to have, but you’ll need to be more budget focused if your flights will come out of that sum. You’ll have about a $230 CAD budget per day (currently about $170 USD or 4700 Turkish lira).

Just a side note, the Turkish lira (the official currency of Turkey) is very unstable and so most tourist places prefer you to pay in euros (or sometimes GBP or USD). A lot of tourist activities will be priced in euros so good to know the CAD to EUR conversion rates once in Turkey. So while you may want to have a small amount of Turkish lira cash on you for small establishments/markets/gratuities/etc, you can pay with most things with your credit/debit card or in euros.

You can stay in comfortable moderate hotels or guest houses, visit attractions, do some excursions, and eat well within your budget. You can choose to plan the full trip yourself and do your own travel (by car or public transit) or join a tour with a tour guide where that all is taken care of for you with that budget. If doing it on your own, you should be able to book most big things in advance (flights, hotels, car rental, excursions) so you’ll know the cost and be able to stick to your budget and then allow for all the needed extras (food, attraction tickets, public transit, taxis, souvenirs, gratuities, etc.).

If you want to do it on your own, you certainly can, but if you prefer some company and a guide, there are lots of tours within your budget as well. We’ve used Travel Talk in Turkey but they definitely cater to a younger demographic but Intrepid Travel’s Comfort or Premium tours might be nice fit. We’ve used Intrepid Travel in Morocco and the age range was from late 20’s to 70’s on their more Premium category tours.

One thing you might consider is to do a mix where you are part of a tour for some parts of your travels and you are on own for other parts so you get the ease of group travel for the more far flung destinations and can do it on your own in places like Istanbul.

I am not sure when you are planning to visit, but if you are flexible, I would probably recommend avoiding the hottest months in Turkey (particularly July and August) as it can be pretty uncomfortable to sightsee, especially the historical sites and gardens, in the summer heat.

Hope that helps! If you have further questions as you get further into planning your trip, just let us know.

Georges Post author

October 17, 2023 at 9:46 am

Hi Jessica, i hopeI do not bother you with my questions, but I find that your instructions are very useful. I have two questions,since I am planning to visit the western part of Turkey. In your opinion, is it better for me to start in Ankara and end with Istanbul, or vice versa, or to start and end in the same city (to avoid distances). Secondly, in your opinion, is it better for me to book hotels In advance, such as a flight ticket, or to leave hotel reservations until I arrive in Turkey to avoid unpleasant surprises (I heard that, as for some hotels, you book a room and are surprised when you arrive that your room does not look at all like what you saw in the picture, and perhaps it is from another hotel. What do you think? Thanks a lot.

October 18, 2023 at 12:31 pm

Sure, no problem. So I would probably recommend flying in and out of Istanbul as that is normally the cheapest option as Istanbul is the larger international airport. If you are planning to take domestic flights in Turkey, Istanbul is also a good hub for that. But flying in and out of Ankara can also work if prices are better there. So definitely price compare across airports, dates, and routes. We’ve generally flown Turkish Airlines on round-trip tickets into Istanbul. Then I’d just recommend planning your itinerary in a circular fashion around the Western part of Turkey starting and ending in either Istanbul or Ankara.

We do generally recommend booking your accommodation in advance (before you leave for your trip) if you know your dates. Trying to find accommodation on the same day once in a location is not the best idea and can waste a lot of time. It is also easier to stick to a budget if you know your lodging cost beforehand. But it is of course up to you and I would do what best fits your travel style.

But if you want to stay in a comfortable hotel and have that set and know the price in advance, I would just book in advance once you know your dates and itinerary and I would generally recommend booking with a free cancellation option just in case you needed to cancel your trip or change dates. Of course if you have travel insurance, you can normally do a claim there if you couldn’t make your trip due to illness or flight cancellation or something, but having the free cancellation for your hotels just makes that easier.

We normally book online via Booking.com (or Hotels.com) with some kind of cancellation option. We have not had any unpleasant surprises in Turkey but I think if you stick to well-reviewed hotels on an international booking website like Booking or Hotels with plenty of reviews (especially from other Western travelers) and photos, you should be fine. We give some hotel recommendations throughout the itinerary across budgets and that should get you started on your search, at least in those areas. But Turkey has a lot of decent mid-range options in the main tourist cities and towns in the west part of the country that are not very expensive, but I would avoid the very cheap/basic ones and any that have no or few reviews.

gezilecek yerler Post author

August 9, 2023 at 7:01 am

Thank you for this great Turkey itinerary. Greetings from Turkey!

August 10, 2023 at 10:49 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment. You are very welcome and glad you found our 2 weeks in Turkey itinerary helpful! If you have any questions, just let us know. And enjoy your travels around Turkey!

Anne Post author

July 28, 2023 at 8:13 am

Thank you for so generously sharing this itinerary in such detail! We are planning to spend the entire month of May, 2024 in Turkey. For most of the first week we’ll be staying with friends in Istanbul, and after that we will travel by bus. We would love to follow your itinerary, expanding on it to fill out our month. Which of these options would you recommend as the best ways to spend our extra time: 1. Spending time in the Black Sea region on our way back from Capadocia? 2. Adding a multi day boat tour while we’re in the Mediterranean region? 3. Spending additional days in one or more of the Mediterranean towns along the route? 4. Adding stops along the Mediterranean? 5. Taking the ferry and spending time in Greece? So many ideas!

July 30, 2023 at 4:22 pm

That is wonderful that you have a full month here and have friends in Istanbul. So it sounds like you have 3 weeks to cover the rest of the itinerary (excluding Istanbul of course) and that gives you time to add some extra time to all the stops and to add an extra stop or two to the trip. So I would recommend going through the itinerary and seeing which places you want to add time in the existing places, taking into account bus travel times/stops. Then see how much extra time you have leftover and then that can help you decide which of the options might work best.

I would first add an extra day or two to the places along the route that you are most interested in visiting. As the itinerary covers a lot of ground in 2 weeks, you have extra time to add an extra day or two to any of the stops. Even if you don’t want to spend 3 days in the town itself, it nice to have the longer stay without needing to move hotels and you can do day trips (either by public bus or join a bus tour) to neighboring towns and attractions. You already have a lot of time in Istanbul, but you might want to spend extra time for instance in Kusadasi, Fethiye, or Cappadocia. Maybe spend a night in Denizli/Pamukkale to make that day not so long and more leisurely. So I would go through the 2 week itinerary you already have and make it slower first of all.

If interested in cultural sights/cities, you might want to add an overnight stop in Konya – a lot of people stop to see a whirling dervishes performance at the Culture Center but also a number of mosques and museums. If you like more the beach vibes, you might want add more of those such as Bodrum or Marmais.

If you like time on the water, then yes, I would definitely recommend a boat cruise. Laurence did a multi-day gulet trip and enjoyed it a lot. It’s a great way to see some of the islands, swim, etc. Options range from budget group trip to luxury private ones, and from a few hours to 2 weeks in length. You can take boat trips from a number of places such as Kusadasi, Kas, Fethiye, and Bodrum. If you want to do a multi-day trip, you would want to book that in advance before you leave. Boat day tours you can normally arrange the day before or even same day if needed (although still a good idea to book those in advance too).

If you want to see a bit of Greece and plan to do a boat trip, some of the boats also go to Greek islands given that some of them are so close to Turkey. But the ferry could also be an option if you wanted to make a short visit to Greece. To be honest with 3 weeks outside of Istanbul to explore, I’d probably recommend focusing on Turkey and saving Greece for a future trip. But if you don’t think you’ll ever return to the area, it could be worth the extra time.

The Black Sea region is not as popular with international tourists as most of the other places on the itinerary but can definitely be a nice extra place to spend some of your time if you have at least a few extra days to spare in your itinerary. The beaches are not going to be as great as the ones in the south but it has some lush green hilly areas, alpine areas, forests, waterfalls, castles, coastal cities, tea plantations, historic mosques, lovely lakes, etc. So if you are looking for a more off the beaten path area or just a green area this can be a good choice and you could head there after either Ankara or Cappadocia before heading back to Istanbul. But just be sure you have plenty of time to add this and that there are good bus connections to the parts of the region that you would like to visit. Depending on which part of the region you visit, it can take you a day (~12 hours) to get from the region to Istanbul, and also most of a day to get there from Cappadocia (a little less if leave from Ankara) so you’d probably need 5 days free to be able to spend 3 days here so may or may not work with your schedule. The biggest Turkish city in the Black Sea region, Samsun, definitely has regular connections to both Kayseri, Ankara, and Istanbul by bus so you can look at that route to get an idea of connections and timing. You can check them on Busbud and FlixBus .

Anyway, hope that helps a little! Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your 2024 trip to Turkey.

Radhika Bayanwala Post author

May 1, 2023 at 9:56 am

Hello, for a 12 day trip what part of this trip do I cut down on?

May 1, 2023 at 12:48 pm

Hi Radhika,

I think it really depends on what you are most interested in doing/seeing in Turkey. I would maybe look at the itinerary day by day and see which places seem less interesting and take 2-3 days out of the itinerary. So for example if not very interested in the coast, you might cut the 2 nights in Antalya or if not as interested in more city/cultural stuff you could cut the stop in Ankara and go directly back to Istanbul from Cappadocia, which would save you two days. It is really just up to you!

If you have any questions as you plan your trip to Turkey, just let me know!

Ferhana Abader Post author

February 11, 2023 at 12:51 pm

Hi Jessica, Thank you so much for this, it really is helpful. My husband and I want to visit Turkey towards the end of April from South Africa. We will be staying for 2 weeks. We want to go to Istanbul, Cappadocia and Antalya. Do you think it’s a good idea to stay in Istanbul for 2 nights, Cappadocia for 3 nights, Antalya for 3 nights and back to Istanbul for another 6 nights. We not really into history so we won’t be visiting quite a few of the places mentioned here. If 8 days in Istanbul is too much where do you recommend we go to where there’s other things to do besides visit historical sites?

Thank you so much 🌹

February 13, 2023 at 8:43 am

Hi Ferhana,

Glad you have found our Turkey itinerary helpful!

So yes, I think if historical and cultural sites are not that interesting to you, you might find that 8 full days in Istanbul might be too much. That is a pretty long time. Istanbul has a variety of things to do, but the main appeal to many visitors is of course the historical sites, churches/mosques, museums, etc. Of course there are also loads of other things including the markets, shopping, art, boat rides, evening entertainment, food tours, etc. So I think 4-6 days in total would probably allow you to see much of what you wish to see perhaps? But it really depends on what you enjoy doing. I’d maybe make a list of what you really want to do there and see how much is on it. That should help you decide.

If you feel you are spending too much time in Istanbul, the simplest thing would perhaps be to just add a night or two to your time in both Cappadocia and Antalya. This way your time is still divided by just 3 places.

If you like the beach and/or outdoor activities, another idea would be spend more time along the Turkish coast. In addition to Antalya, you might want to spend a few nights in either Fethiye or Bodrum. In the coastal cities, in addition to beaches, shopping, and the local historical attractions, you can do things like hiking, boating, golfing, water parks, and adventure tour activities like sailing, paragliding, rock climbing, or dirt biking. Gulet boat tours are popular and you could even consider an overnight trip where you get to sleep on the boat – they range from budget to luxury experiences.

Anyway, hope that helps give you some ideas! If you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey, just ask.

February 13, 2023 at 10:07 am

Thank you so much for your response 🌹 This definitely helps me to make a more informed decision about my itinerary. Take care

February 13, 2023 at 11:58 am

You’re very welcome! Wishing you a great trip, and just let us know if you have further questions.

Jonathan Abrahams Post author

February 11, 2023 at 1:54 am

Thanks so much for this great write-up and itinerary for Turkey. It has definitely helped make my upcoming trip a lot easier to plan.

I’m visiting Turkey in April from the 22nd of April to the 6th of May this year. I’ll be mostly using public transport since I’m traveling solo.

My current schedule is as follows: 01. Istanbul (I arrive 7pm first day so it wouldn’t really count) 02. Istanbul 03. Istanbul 04. Istanbul 05. Selcuk (catch an early morning flight to Izmir and train to Selcuk – visit Ephesus and whatever else I can fit in) 06. Denizli (catch an early train from Selcuk and visit Pammukkale and whatever else I can fit in) 07. Antalya (take a bus to Antalya from Denizli – This time can be flexible if I want to see a bit more of Denizli) 08. Antalya 09. Antalya (taking an overnight bus from Antalya to Cappadocia – 9 hours) 10. Cappadocia 11. Cappadocia 12. Cappadocia 13. Ankara (take a bus from Cappadocia to Ankara – probably early in the morning) 14. Ankara 15. Ankara (take early afternoon flight from Ankara to Istanbul and catch my early evening flight out of Istanbul back home)

Normally when I travel I like to stay in one location for about 3 days to explore it and the surrounding areas, but I had to fit Selcuk in (for Ephesus) and Denizli (for Pammukkale). Do you think I’m spreading my time alright or should I perhaps move around a day or two here or there? Also, have you ever used AirBnB in Turkey and if so, how has it been?

Many thanks Jonathan

February 13, 2023 at 8:18 am

Hi Jonathan,

I think your proposed Turkey itinerary looks fine and glad to hear that our post made it easier for you to plan your trip and itinerary.

I do think that you will be a bit rushed for the 1 night visits as you say but that really can’t be helped unless you borrow time from elsewhere to stay longer in say Selcuk. Days 5 & 6 are definitely going to be longer/busy days for you. So it just depends if you are OK with this or not. If you wanted more time in those places, I’d suggest removing one of the other longer stops (say Antalya or Ankara).

In terms of how to spend your time, I would just review what you really want to see/do in each place and make sure you have enough time to do that. For example, as yourself what are the three main things you really want to do? How much do you want to see Pammukkale? What do you plan to do in Cappadocia/Ankara? etc. If you find that you are having to skip something you really wanted to see or feel it is too rushed, see if you can remove time elsewhere where maybe there are lower priority places. It is really about your priorities and how you want to organize your time, so really only you can decide if the alloted time and itinerary is a good fit for you or not. It is always good to also go with the mindset that hopefully you will return another time so you don’t feel like you have to see everything this trip.

Traveling by public transit is definitely your cheapest option; however, it does of course have the drawback as taking the longest and you will lose some travel time and have to be sure to check the bus/train schedules to be sure to make the most of your time. The overnight bus is a good way to maximize time (and saves you from paying for a hotel that night).

We have used Airbnb in a lot of places around the world, but not in Turkey. In Turkey, good value lodging is easy to find and often includes things like free breakfast, a front desk, a restaurant, and housekeeping so we have found it more appealing to stay in hotels here. I am sure Airbnb is good in Turkey, and if you use it just make sure to stick to places that have consistent good reviews and will be within walking distance of any needed public transit stops. We tend to only find Airbnb worth it for 3 night or more stays.

Anyway, hope that helps and wishing you a great trip to Turkey. If you have any further questions, just ask!

Jonathan Post author

February 13, 2023 at 3:16 pm

Thanks for the feedback Jessica. I’ve only made one change by flying out of Istanbul on my 4th day so I can spend two nights in Selcuk. Other than that I’m happy with my itinerary. Again, I can’t help but say thank you again for this awesome write-up that you’ve done.

Regards Jonathan

February 14, 2023 at 12:59 am

That sounds great to have that extra night in Selçuk so that you don’t have to feel rushed there. Ephesus is a large and important site so it is good to have a full morning and afternoon – having a tour guide can be a good idea here to better understand the ruins.

Having 2 nights will also give you time to see other things in that area. Depending on your interests, Kusadasi is a fairly easy minibus or taxi ride away (about 20 minutes), so that would be an option on the day you are not visiting Ephesus.

Wishing you a great first trip to Turkey!

Mona Post author

January 25, 2023 at 9:58 am

HI! Loved getting all the ideas from your trip! We’re travelling early March this year with our 9 month old! i wanted to know if they would allow him to be on the hot air ballloon with us in a baby carrier strapped to us since were traveling alone and cant leave him anywhere ! would love to know while i plan! def want to do the air balloon though

February 1, 2023 at 4:32 am

Glad you are finding our advice and Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your upcoming trip!

So you can not and should not take a baby in a hot air balloon. It would not be safe to do so as your baby could easily be injured, whether strapped to you or not. Landings can be rough and we’ve seen a number of injuries over the years we’ve been ballooning, luckily most are minor and it is not usual.

There are generally age and/or height requirements for hot air ballooning and these vary around the world and by the operator. Minimum age generally is between 5 and 10 years of age. In Cappadocia, I think the minimum age for most operators is 7 years of age.

So if you want to take a hot air balloon in Turkey, I would choose a hotel in Cappadocia that offers well-reviewed babysitting services. Many hotels in the area do this. For example, the hotel I last stayed at in the region, Kayakapi Caves hotel , offered family rooms, children’s menus, and babysitting services to parents. I would check on these services before booking any hotel.

But if you don’t want to leave your baby, I would choose an alternative activity that you would be able to do safely together. Then you can always return in several years and do a hot air balloon ride together as a family.

Anyway, hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey!

Ashwani Post author

November 17, 2022 at 4:10 am

Very very detailed article. As someone who lives in Turkey, I really appreciate your travel information. it was a good guide.

November 18, 2022 at 3:57 am

Hello Ashwani,

So glad to hear from those in Turkey that they have found the travel information useful and accurate. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Wishing you happy travels!

Ustun Post author

October 7, 2022 at 2:18 pm

Very very detailed article. As someone who lives in Turkey, I really appreciate your travel information. it was a good guide. You can also contact me for any help.

October 12, 2022 at 2:43 pm

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let us know that you enjoyed our Turkey travel guide. Always glad to hear from locals that our travel information is accurate and helpful.

If you have any questions, just ask but I am sure you have your own local contacts!

Preeti Post author

September 30, 2022 at 1:10 pm

Extremely helpful blog! We planned our itinerary quite similarly to the one mentioned above. Super in-detail and insightful. Thanks!

October 1, 2022 at 10:27 am

So glad you found our 2 weeks in Turkey guide helpful in planning your itinerary. If you have any questions, just ask!

Wishing you a wonderful trip! Jessica

Dominic Martin Post author

August 29, 2022 at 7:53 pm

Hi Jessica & Laurence, I am glad to have come across your blog. I am planning a 30 day budget trip to Turkey (end Oct to End Nov). We are a couple and will be using Istanbul for arriving and departing in to Turkey. Could you suggest an itinerary for the same? We are open to exploring all options.

Jessica Post author

August 31, 2022 at 12:14 pm

Hi Dominic,

The first thing to determine is how you plan to get around Turkey. We talk about all the options above.

If traveling on a smaller budget, the cheapest way to get around Turkey is definitely by bus. Buses go to most destinations in Turkey. Since you have a lot of time, you can be flexible and would have the time to work with a bus schedule.

Another good option to consider is a budget-oriented tour for part of your trip. For instance, you could do a week in Istanbul on your own, join a tour for a couple of weeks that will take you to all the tourist highlights (Ephesus, Pamukkale, Troy, Cappadocia, beaches, etc.) and then return you to Istanbul to spend another week on your own. One example of a tour company we have used for budget trips is Travel Talk Tours . Some of the tours average out to about $50 to $100 per person/per day so can be a good value, depending on your budget and if any of the itineraries match the main things you want to see/do. Some include time sailing on a boat for a few days.

It is easy to find inexpensive and good value hotels or hostels in most places in Turkey and food is also not very expensive (in comparison to Western countries anyway). You can book your lodging in advance to make sure you stay within your budget.

It is really hard to say what would be the best itinerary for you as it will depend on what you like to do, what you really want to see, your budget, etc. A person most interested in history and ancient sites may have a very different itinerary and priorities than someone more intersted in beaches and sailing. So here is a suggestion that is basically just adding nights to our itinerary and making day stops into overnight stays:

Istanbul – 5 nights Gallipoli/Çanakkale – 1 night izmir – 2 nights Troy/Şirince – 1 night Kusadasi – 3 nights Denizli/Pamukkale – 2 nights Fethiye – 3 nights Antalya – 3 nights Konya – 2 nights Cappadocia – 4 nights Ankara – 2 nights Istanbul – 2 nights

Hopefully, the above gives you an idea of how to get started in booking your trip to Turkey.

Dominic Post author

August 31, 2022 at 6:03 pm

Thanks for the detailed information Jessica. Will work around this.

September 1, 2022 at 1:52 pm

You’re very welcome and hope this helps. Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey!

Jay R Post author

August 29, 2022 at 6:22 pm

Hey Jessica & Laurence!

Thanks for putting together such a great guide. We are planning to go to Turkey in October for an engagement. We were trying to keep it to 14 days but finding it difficult. Also, we were hoping to squeeze in Mount Nemrut but it does not seem practical.

We are planning to rent a car.

Here is what we are thinking:

Istanbul – 3 nights Safranbolu – 1 night Hattusha – few hours Cappadocia – 4 nights Antalya – 2 nights Kas – 1 night Fethiye – 1 night (Paragliding) Pamukkale – 1 night Selçuk – 2 night Istanbul – 1 night

We really want to try and squeeze in Epheseus but we are already over the 14 day stay we were planning.

Do you have any suggestions based on this proposed itinerary? Would you remove any stop or shorten any days?

Also, for renting cars, the reviews seem all over – do you have any suggestions?

Thanks again to both of you for putting together such a great resource!

August 31, 2022 at 11:45 am

Glad that our suggested 14 day itinerary was helpful in putting together your own. Happy to try to give advice about your upcoming trip.

My biggest advice especially if trying to decide what to try to fit in and what to cut, is to just make a list of your top must-see places and then order them by how much you and your travel partner(s) want to visit. Then you can cut the places you want to see least and spend more time on the places that are a must-see. With only 14 days you can only see a bit of Turkey as its a huge country with so much to see/do but you can certainly see a number of places in 2 weeks. Hopefully you have the chance to return some day and see those places that don’t make it on this trip 😉

I would definitely not recommend adding to your current itinerary if you are trying to keep it to 14 days unless you remove some of the stops as you currently already have 16 days/nights by what you listed. If you want to bring it down to 14, some suggestions would be to skip Safranbolu/Hattusha, remove one night from Cappadocia (3 nights is probably enough), skip the 1 night in Kas, and/or remove the last night in Istanbul (and just fly home that day). What you remove will of course depend on how much you want to see each place. Removing the 1 night stops is generally a good place to start if needing to pare down an itinerary.

You might also consider dropping off your car at the Izmir airport and flying home from Izmir (via Istanbul) to avoid that long drive back from Selçuk and avoid the need to spend an extra night in Istanbul. Also you could potentially stop in Ephesus that day if you had time as it would be on your way to the airport.

So if you want to include Mount Nemrut, you can do so, but you are going to have to skip some of the other places. That will take you much further over to eastern Turkey and is about a 7 hour or so drive from the most eastern place on your itinerary at the moment. If you want to do that I’d probably end your itinerary as you have it above in Fethiye and fly home from there via Istanbul (skipping Pamukkale, Selçuk, and extra night in Istanbul). That would put you at about 14 days in total if you add a couple days for driving and visiting Mount Nemrut.

I am not sure if your question about rental cars is about where to check rates/companies or safety of driving a rental car in Turkey? We cover some of this above in the article. But in terms of where to look for rates, I’d recommend this comparison website to get a good idea of prices as they compare a lot of brands, both international (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar) as well as more local Turkish companies. Make sure you read all the terms of the rental. In Istanbul, you can pick up a car at the airport or in the city, so if exploring the city first, you might want to compare prices as you can sometimes save by not getting it from the airport.

In terms of driving/safety, the road network in Turkey and road safety are not the best in general, but if you stick to main routes to tourist destinations in western Turkey, it is OK, well-signed, and doable. But the further east you go and the more you go to rural and offbeat places, the less great the road system is. It also depends where you are coming from, your comfort with driving, and the road conditions you are used to in your home country. If safety is a concern, I’d definitely do your own research and read the latest stats/reports to make your own informed decisions.

Alternatives are taking buses or trains (buses go to most/all of the places you list, trains to a few), flights, or guided tours that include transport. Buses for most popular destinations are easy to book online these days (see some links above in article). The issue of course with taking public transit or flights is you’d have to keep to a schedule and you’d probably want to remove the 1 night stops (and maybe do them as guided day trips instead).

Anyway, hope the above helps give you some direction and answers to your questions. If you have further questions as you book your trip, just ask.

Wishing you a safe & fun trip to Turkey!

Ivelisse Garcia Post author

August 26, 2022 at 3:17 pm

Hi, Jessica am going to Turkey for 15 days , arriving in Istanbul then capadocia, konya, Antalya, Pamukale, but my question is from pamukale what other city I need to stay to see the churches and then returning to Istanbul, please advise( no tour company on our own)

August 27, 2022 at 5:17 am

Hi Ivelisse,

Happy to try to help. So there are a lot of churches in Turkey, so it depends of course on which ones in particular you want to see.

I am guessing you might be talking about the Seven Holy Churches of Asia (as mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Revelation) as those are popular places for tourists and pilgrims? Those would be the seven churches located in the ancient cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

I’d probably recommend splitting your time between Denizli and Izmir to see the 7 churches and Pamukkale (which is near Denizli). So maybe two nights in Denizli and then three nights in Izmir.

If you are looking for a single base to see all 7 churches, I would recommend Izmir. You’d probably need at least 3 days to see them as day trips plus I’d recommend another day to explore Izmir itself. So I would maybe do 4 nights there if trying to see all 7 churches from there.

Then from Izmir, you can then head north to visit Troy, Gallipoli, etc. before returning to Istanbul.

Ivelisse Post author

August 27, 2022 at 7:24 am

Thank you so much that helps me so much

August 28, 2022 at 3:44 am

You’re very welcome, happy to help. Yes, if you are wanting to visit all seven churches, the best solution would probably be to split your time between Denizli and Izmir.

Wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey.

Ana Post author

August 10, 2022 at 5:02 pm

Hello Jessica and Lawrence! Thank you for such nice detail explanation in what to do in Turkey. I am planning a trip by the end of October 2022 and I’m traveling solo ( I’m a female 54 old and have traveled before by myself but I’m a bit rusty.. haven’t traveled in the last 4 years)I like the options provided, but was wondering if I have 14 days to spend there what would be the best for me? I was thinking about using air to move from one city to another in order to save time and get to know more places. I was thinking arriving to Estambul from USA Florida and get a flight to start in Capadocia so I could finish in Estambul. Do you have any plan for a solo female traveler??

August 11, 2022 at 6:49 am

Glad you are finding our 2 week Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your own 14 days in Turkey. We are happy to try to help.

If you are wanting to get between places by plane, then I’d recommend choosing 4 to 5 places to base with nearby airports and from those cities/towns you can explore the city and take day tours to places you want to visit from those places (e.g.,Epheseus, Pamukkale, Troy, etc.). Note that you will of course need to take a taxi, bus, or book a transfer to get from airports to towns.

So I would first recommend making a list of any must-see places and planning based on that. For example Izmir can be a base for places like Ephesus, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Kusadasi, etc. You can visit some places by bus on your own and others are going to be best by day tour.

Then you’ll want to check the nearest major airport to those sites. Some of the places with regular flights are Istanbul, Izmir, Konya, Antalya, the Cappadocia area, Bodrum, and Ankara.

So for example if you have 14 days, you mights do something like: 3 days Cappadocia, 3 days Antalya, 4 days Izmir, 4 days Istanbul. But it of course depends on where you want to go and your travel preferences (e.g., beaches versus museums versus ancient sites).

You might also want to look into tour options if you don’t want to make all the arrangements on your own and don’t mind some travel companions. For example you could join a tour for the first 10 days and then spend the rest of the time on your own in Istanbul. Tours are generally a good value in Turkey and can make life simpler if you don’t have a lot of time to plan.

Hope that helps! Jessica

September 24, 2022 at 3:10 pm

Thank you so much!!! Your ideas have helped a lot!😀

September 25, 2022 at 6:01 am

You’re very welcome! If you have any further questions as you start planning and booking your trip, just ask and we’re happy to try to help.

VINCE YIP Post author

August 10, 2022 at 12:19 am

I, fortunately, stumbled upon your blog. Its super informative and comprehensive – THANKS so much for that. Just hoping you can help give me some advice, It will be my first trip to Turkey and I will be travelling solo, arriving either Istanbul or Izmir on 25SEP22.

I will be flying into Turkey from Santorini and am thinking of flying straight into IZMIR (although it will take a good 8 hrs including transits in Athens and Istanbul.

I would like to cover Istanbul, Izmir/Selcuk/ Ephesus , Pergamon & Ayvalik, Miletus / Prienne (Kusadasi as base ?), Fethiye, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya and Cappaodicia – 3 nites at least (for last, then fly back to Istanbul and spend a week in Istanbul). I do not have a time constraint so do not need to rush as such but do not wan to “over-stay” unneccesarily either in areas that do not warrant more time.

My “dilemma” is between Izmir and Cappadocia – what do you propose is the best way to move from one place to another and which cities would you recommend flying between instead of public transport ? Are buses well-served for your destinations – going anti-clockwise from Izmir. I am thinking once i arrive each town, i will look local guided tours as necessary.

Are there tours originating from Izmir to Ephesus and Pergamon where they pick me from my hotel. Any suggestions or insights you can offer with regards to travelling efficiently in time and logistics would be appreciated.

Thanking you in advance.

August 11, 2022 at 5:48 am

Glad that you found our Turkey itinerary and travel advice helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Turkey.

Yes, I don’t think it really matters if you start in Istanbul or Izmir, as it just depends if you want to spend some time in Istanbul at the beginning or your trip or not. As you note, you will likely fly to Istanbul either way, you just need to decide if you want a connecting flight to Izmir or not.

I would consider skipping Ayvalik as this seaside town is about a 2.5 hour drive north of Izmir and while you can get there by bus pretty easily, it will eat up a lot of time unless there is something here you really want to visit. It is also in the wrong direction based on your travel plans.

So an itinerary might look something like this:

Izmir – 3 days (visit Ephesus/Selcuk from here, perhaps also Pergamon or Ayvalik if going there) Kusadasi – 3 days (visit Miletus and Priene on day tour from here, visit Pergamon if haven’t done so from Izmir) Pamukkale – 1 day – (you can either visit by taking bus from Kusadasi to Denizli and stay overnight and just do on own, or just join a guided day tour from Kusadasi) Fethiye – 2 days Antalya – 3 days Konya – 2 days Cappadocia – 3 days Istanbul – 7 days

Since you have a lot of time, buses are cheap and pretty easy. You should be able to book regular buses (see section above about transport and buses) to any of the above. You can book online in advance in most cases. The nearest station I think to Pamukkale is Denizli so that one might be better done as a day tour unless you want to stay overnight there. Between Cappadocia and Istanbul, I’d probably recommend flying as it will save you time but you can also take a bus.

The easiest way to book tours is to just do so online in advance once you know your dates of travel and when you want to go. Most tours by both GetYourGuide and Viator offer free cancelation if done so 24 to 48 hours in advance if you needed to change your trip. Just be sure to check the cancellation policy before booking. This way you will know you have a tour booked and will know price in advance.

Tours to Ephesus, both group and private tours, are available from Izmir, Kusadasi, or Selcuk. If you are basing in İzmir you can see tour options here .

Similarly, tours to Pergamon are offered from Izmir, Kusadasi, or Selcuk. Izmir makes the most sense as it is the closest one to the city, but it will depend on tour availability what might be best for you. This is one of the reasons it makes sense to book any tours in advance to help determine how many nights you need in each town or city.

Vince Yip Post author

August 11, 2022 at 11:31 am

Hi Jessica,

Thank you so much for responding with your recommendations-really appreciate your generosity. Your suggestions sound great and sensible. I am overwhelmed by the number of similar tours on offer …but will get there. I was initially thinking of driving but at the same time didn’t want the hassle. I will let you know how I go…in due course.

Thanks again n all the best !! Vince

August 12, 2022 at 1:31 am

Between Izmir, Kusadasi and Selcuk – which town would you suggest as a better base , also which of these 3 would have more to offer apart from being a good base to Ephesus, Pamukkale etc.

August 12, 2022 at 3:15 am

You’re very welcome for the help.

As for the best town to base of the 3, as I said, you could do the tours to Ephesus, Pergamon, and Pamukkale from any of those three towns/cities. So any would work. However, if you were to choose just one, I’d personally say Kuşadası just as there are a lot of tours on offer from there (probably more than from Izmir) and it also has the seaside location, beaches, resorts, nightlife, tourist services, the castle, and some other sites of historical interest, etc. It is also a popular place from which to do boat tours or buggy tours. So you could definitely spend a day or two enjoying the town in between the tours.

When choosing tours, there are going to be a number of competing options to all the popular places like Ephesus and Pamukkale. So I would just recommend reading the details, see what is included for the price, make sure it is available on your date of travel, and check the cancellation policy. I would also recommend booking ones with good recent reviews from the past year and good cancellation policies. For example from Kusadasi, you can see a number of tour options here from GYG.

If flying in from Izmir and basing in Kusadasi, it is about a 1 to 1.5 hour drive by car, bus, private transfer, or taxi to get to Kusadasi. With luggage, I’d probably just book a private transfer for convenience. But you could also go by bus which takes a little longer but is much cheaper. I think the Havas airport shuttle is currently only about $5 (USD).

If just staying in one and considering 3 tours, and you have a lot of time, I’d probably spend 5 days there. That would give you 3 days out and 2 days to spend exploring and relaxing in the town/city.

Div Post author

June 27, 2022 at 2:52 pm

Hi Jessica and lawrence, You have a wonderful blog full of useful information. I stumbled upon it while researching about Turkey. I would like to know if last week of November will be a good time to visit Istanbul and Cappadocia. I am looking for a family trip 3 days in each location. This will be our first time in Turkey and not planning to do too much all at once. I would like to fly hot air balloons and visit the historic sites in Cappadocia and also do the high profile locations in Istanbul as you have listed above. Is Antalya doable in one week time frame? will be traveling from west coast of US and hence want to leave time for jet lag and travel delays. Any recommendations much appreciated.

June 28, 2022 at 10:39 am

November can be a good time to visit Turkey as the weather is cooler so you don’t need to worry about the hot temperature in the summer and it is not as popular a time to visit so less tourists. But you’ll want to bring along long sleeves and some warmer clothes as it can get chilly, especially in the evenings. I’d be sure to check the predicted weather in both places before your trip so you can pack accordingly.

So if you have 1 week in total for your trip and 6 nights, then splitting it between Istanbul and Cappadocia is a good idea. I wouldn’t really recommend trying to visit anywhere else as it will make for a rushed trip. If you are driving, you might consider a stop in Ankara on the way between them (since it is on the way), but since flying is probably a better option to save time (it is an 8 to 10 hour drive), I’d probably just split your time between Istanbul and Cappadocia. Taking the short flights in between them.

Three nights in Istanbul will give you plenty of time to see many of the highlights as we describe in the article. If you stay in the city center, it is easy to walk to many places. There are also a lot of walking and driving tours you can join for sightseeing.

For your time in Cappadocia, I’d recommend flying to save time (you can get a domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, and then book a shuttle or taxi to the town where you are staying). If the hop-on hop-off bus is running when you are there then that is a good option to get around as it stops at all the main tourist sites (Göreme is probably the best place to stay if doing bus). Or you can just book a guided tour (group or private) that goes to the places you want to go. And yes, we’d definitely recommend also booking the hot air balloon flight for one morning as that is definitely a highlight for many people. If staying 3 nights, I’d book the balloon flight for your second morning so that if it gets canceled due to weather you’d be able to potentially rebook on your third morning.

Antalya is not close to Istanbul or Cappadocia, so unless you have more than 1 week, I would probably not recommend also trying to go there. But if you have more time, it is a good option if you want to add some beach time to your trip. But you’d probably want 2-3 nights there to really enjoy it.

Hope that helps, and if you have more questions as you plan your Turkey trip, feel free to ask!

Kownain Andrabi Post author

June 21, 2022 at 8:02 am

Hi! We have planned our 2 week Turkey trip in the third week of August this year. I have been reading and re-readinh this blog so many times! 🙂 We have planned a few places – Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Konya, Bodum, Selcuk and Antalya. I am just a bit confused as to the sequence of the places. Like which place should we visit first. This itinerary is being really helpful but since we are not going to all the places listed, I am a bit confused

June 21, 2022 at 9:32 am

Hi Kownain,

Glad you are planning a trip to Turkey and that our blog has been helpful!

All of these places you mention are in the itinerary except Bodrum. Selçuk is just the town next to Ephesus (which as we note could be a good overnight stop instead of the suggested Kusadasi. The order you would probably want to visit them based on their geographical locations would be Selçuk, Bodrum, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, and then Cappadocia.

Now, it is also going to depend on where you are going to enter into Turkey (if you are coming from abroad). Most international flights land in Istanbul (or possibly Ankara). So if planning to fly in and out of Istanbul, then you can start your trip there.

But if you are not planning to actually visit Istanbul and do sightseeing there, you might consider taking a regional flight onward to Izmir to start your trip there and fly out of one of the airports in Cappadocia. This will allow you to skip several hours of driving or buses to get to the starting point of your trip from Istanbul.

Hope that helps, and I would definitely recommend that you start planning and booking your travel now (e.g., flights, hotels, tours, car rentals) as your trip is only a couple of months away.

Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip!

June 23, 2022 at 1:08 pm

Thank you so much ch Jessica. Yes I forgot to mention that we are landing in Istanbul and leaving back from there as well. So the beginning and end of our trip will be Istanbul. We have already booked to and fro flights but we might have to book some domestic ones. I am trying to finalize the itinerary by this weekend. I might have more questions to follow😅

June 24, 2022 at 5:03 am

You’re very welcome!

Yes, so your itinerary would likely be Istanbul, Selçuk, Bodrum, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, and then Istanbul. I would check to see what makes sense in terms of price and time on how to get to Selçuk and from Cappadocia. You have the options of flying, renting a car to drive, or taking a bus.

Your other option of course if you don’t want to plan and book all your transport, accommodation, and activities is to book a private tour that starts and ends in Istanbul such as this one .

Yes, happy to answer any further questions you might have. Wishing you a great trip to Turkey.

July 3, 2022 at 3:24 pm

Hi Jessica! I am here again 🙂 I made the itinerary and had to skip Pamukkale and Konya because they just didn’t fit. Also we are traveling with our 2-yr old for the first time so we don’t want to rush through places. Following is our itinerary (as of now). Can you please see and check if there’s anything we can change/improve. Day 1,2: Istanbul Leave for Cappadocia on Day 3 by air Day 3,4: Cappadocia Leave for Antalya on day 5 by air Day 5,6: Antalya Leave for Fethiye early on Day 7 by car Day 7,8: Fethiye Leave for Bodrum on day 9 in bus/car Day 9,10: Bodrum Leave for Selcuk on day 11 in car/bus Days 11,12: Selcuk/Ephesus Leave for Istanbul on day 12 via air Day 12,13: Istanbul Leave for home on day 14

We want to spend one more day in Istanbul, but not sure how to do that. Waiting for your insight Thank you so much

We have booked the main flights to and from home but not any other ones. We really want to finalize the plan in a couple of days so that we can book the hotels and domestic flights

July 4, 2022 at 4:24 am

Glad you have an itinerary drafted now for your Turkey trip. It looks OK to me and makes sense in terms of the order. Skipping Pamukkale and Konya is probably a good idea given traveling with a 2-year-old. But as you say, it may be a bit rushed with a young child, as you’ll only have 2 nights at any location with a lot of travel time getting from place to place.

So if you are wanting to simplify it a bit, I would probably take out one of the three coastal stops. I guess it depends on what you speciically want to do in Antalya, Fethiye, and Bodrum, but if it is mainly beach and water related, then I’d recommend cutting out at least one (if not two of them). If you have 4-5 nights in the same place it would make for a much more relaxing time, especially with a 2 year old. It might also mean you won’t need to rent a car and you could have the extra day in Istanbul.

Antalya is a great family destination and has good flight connections. A lot of the hotels and resorts have a kids pool, children’s activities, beach access, and offer babysitting services. Antalya has lots of beaches, historical sites, family theme parks, water activities, day tours you can take, etc. So unless you have things that you really want to see/do at Fethiye or Bodrum, I’d consider spending more time there and taking them out of the itinerary. Or you could alternatively just split your time between Antalya and Fethiye and skip Bodrum.

Another idea to save time and reduce stops is to group together all your time in Istanbul at the beginning of your trip and spend the first full 4 or 5 days there at once, rather than splitting it into 2 separate shorter stays. This would mean less moving and changing hotels, and less time going back and forth from the aiport. So for example, at the end you could book a flight from İzmir back home (likely will connect via Istanbul airport) rather than going back into Istanbul itself.

P.S. You are probably already aware of this, but many popular activities and tours have minimum age limits. So for example, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is not possible with a 2 year old due to safety regulations. So just be sure when planning activities, that you check the age limits.

Anyway, hope that helps and gives you some ideas.

August 14, 2022 at 11:30 am

Your suggestions and advices have been really helpful. We are leaving in 5 days so everything is pretty much booked. We skipped Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Konya and are doing Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya and back to Istanbul. As I had mentioned earlier, going to Cappadocia with our toddler doesn’t make much sense and Pamukkale and Konya were too hectic. I just want some final suggestions. In Istanbul we have 3 full days in the beginning and another 3 full days at the end. I was wondering how to split the Istanbul itinerary effectively. We want to visit as many places in the city as we can (including the cruise) since there is plenty of time but not sure how about the order. About Izmir, we are planning to do one half day in Ephesus and then visit the town of Izmir and for the next day. In Bodrum, we will mainly be relaxing and then we have two full days know Antalya. How do you suggest we go about our itineraries for each of these cities effectively without getting over-exhausted? Really looking forward to your valuable suggestions.

P.s: Also I am all nerves because this will be our first vacation as a family and don’t know what to expect from the little one😥

August 15, 2022 at 2:28 am

So glad to hear that you have decided on your itinerary and have a lot of your trip booked now. I think splitting your time between just 4 cities makes sense if traveling mostly by plane and traveling with a toddler.

Yes, given the age restrictions I mentioned, Cappadocia may not be the best place to visit now with a 2-year-old and so taking it out gives you more time in the other places.

We give suggestions for about 3 days worth of things to do in Istanbul and since you have 5 to 6 full days, I’d consider just doing them slowly over time. With a toddler, you are not going to want to try to squeeze stuff in all day, so since you have the time, you can go more slowly and be more flexible. For instance you might plan 3 hours of sightseeing after breakfast, come back to have a big break in the afternoons and then go out for a few more hours later in the day. I am not sure the order makes much difference although you’ll want to check opening dates/hours but most of the major attractions are open most days.

Izmir, I think splitting time between Ephesus and visiting the city is good. For Antalya, if you have two days, you might spend one day walking around the old city, perhaps a cable car / gondola ride for the view, and maybe a tour out to Aspendos (Roman amphitheater). Then the second day just relaxing, whether that be one of the water parks, beach, or pool. You could also consider a boat ride. But this does depend a bit on where you are staying in Antalya as the resorts are a bit spread out and many also have their own activities on offer.

I think the best thing to do to not become over-exhausted is to just plan ahead and make sure you have time for breaks in your trip each day. I would also check the weather and see how hot it will be on your trip. If it is going to be really hot on some parts of your trip, it is best to avoid being outside (especially in unshaded places) during the hottest parts of the day (usually from about noon to 5pm). This is particularly important obviously with a baby. So if doing say a tour to an ancient ruined city or amphitheater or an outdoor walking tour, these might be best done in the mornings. Then taking a break in the afternoon in your hotel or some other air-conditioned or shaded area. And then coming out again in the late afternoon or early evening.

Hope that helps, and wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey with your family!

Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota Post author

May 19, 2022 at 1:31 am

What an incredible itinerary. we are planning a road trip in Turkey of this nature. Thank you very much for sharing this information.

May 19, 2022 at 4:46 am

Hi Mr. Devkota,

Glad our Turkey itinerary and travel information is helping in planning your own road trip in Turkey. If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just ask.

Wishing you safe and fun travels!

Sid Post author

May 17, 2022 at 5:48 am

Thank you so much for this post. We are planning a 12 days trip to Turkey in Beginning the 4th of July week (aware it will be pretty hot). The places we plan to cover are Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye/Oludeniz and Pamukkale.

We were not sure which way would work best. Whether we do the circular country tour left to right (beginning with Pamukkale) or right to left (beginning with Cappadocia) from Istanbul.

Request you to please share your thoughts on the same

May 17, 2022 at 6:07 am

Glad you enjoyed our post! So it sounds like you are planning to visit most of the places we list in our 2 week Turkey itinerary on your 12 day visit. The direction you do the trip really makes no real difference as you are essentially doing a circular trip. You just want to make sure that things are in logical order based on location as you go around. So you can follow the order as we list it or you can just reverse it.

Now, it does depend of course on how you plan to get around Turkey. As it may be easier to go one direction or the other depending on available flights, bus schedules, etc. Or if you are joining a tour or hiring a driver, they will of course have a set route. But if you are driving, then you’ll rent your car in Istanbul and return it in Istanbul so it wouldn’t make much difference. The only thing you may want to check on is accommodation availability as that could sway the direction.

If all is equal, I’d personally recommend leaving Cappadocia for last. Just as the scenery there is really unique and stunning, and if doing a hot balloon flight that is something special to look forward to doing towards the end of your trip.

And yes, expect it to be hot. You will want to be prepared for the heat so just be sure to pack accordingly, protect yourself from the sun, and always have plenty of water with you. But as long as you know the temperatures and weather and are prepared, you should be OK.

If you are planning to visit in early July, I’d highly recommend booking the main parts of your trip soon, particularly any international flights, rental cars, tours, and accommodation. You will be visiting at the height of the High Season for tourism to Turkey so good to make advance bookings, especially if working with a set trip budget.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey!

May 18, 2022 at 7:34 am

Thank you so much Jessica!!

ALEX THOMPSON Post author

November 16, 2021 at 4:01 am

Nice article on Turkey, it helped us a lot to explore. I am an entrepreneur by profession and a traveler by heart. Your article made our stay exciting. Very attractive information.

November 16, 2021 at 4:13 am

Thanks so much and glad you had such a wonderful trip to Turkey and that our article could help provide some helpful information.

Wishing you safe & exciting future travels!

Sandra Post author

November 16, 2021 at 3:23 am

Thank you for all your useful information. Our Turkey trip was great.

We didn’t end up staying at a big resort in Antalya but drove one hour from Antalya to Milyos Hobbit Hotel . This hotel was situated on a mountain with great views and nice staff.

We will go plan a new trip to Turkey at soon, there is so much to see!

Best regards Sandra

November 16, 2021 at 4:12 am

So happy that you found our 2 week Turkey itinerary helpful, and that you had such a wonderful trip to Turkey!

Glad you enjoyed your time in the mountains. I think a lot of people enjoy the time along the coast, but certainly, some might prefer the mountains for a more peaceful time. For those reading this, the hotel she stayed in is about an 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Antalya and the coast. So a great location for getting away in the mountains but not so great if you want to be on or near the coastal area. Can be good for car drivers but not so convenient to reach by public transit.

So glad that you are considering another trip to Turkey soon. There is so much else to see in the country, particularly in eastern Turkey!

Wishing you safe & wonderful future travels! Jessica

Jack Hall and Sam Montgomery Post author

October 26, 2021 at 8:41 am

Great and informative article on visiting Turkey for two weeks or so. We went for 18 days in 2016 in the spring. Everything was organized by toursturkey which we found online. Their agent Tujan did a wonderful, detailed job. Our itinerary was almost identical to yours, but did not include Ankara. It did include the 4 day gullet cruise out of Fethiye, which we would not have missed. All hotels and guided tours were included ( we specified top grade hotels, not luxury) and breakfasts included at the hotels. Some other meals at sites outside cities. A great trip.

October 28, 2021 at 9:18 am

Hi Jack & Sam,

So glad you enjoyed our article about traveling to Turkey! And happy to hear that you have been to Turkey back in 2016 and went to many of the places we recommend. We definitely tried to give people a sense of what they could see with 2 weeks and tried to include a variety of the most popular places in Turkey.

Yes, I think that if people have the extra time, spending some time on a gulet is really nice and my husband spent several days on one as well once as part of a tour and really enjoyed it. Most people just do a day cruise (which is a nice way to spend a day), but you can definitely see a lot more of the coast/islands if you do a multi-day cruise and stay aboard the boat. But if you only have 2 weeks, it definitely takes away some of the time that could be spent doing other things so it is something people would need to weigh the pros and cons of doing. We are lucky to have been to Turkey a few times but most people just visit once so will need to prioritize what they want to see given the big distances in the country.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on your own visit to Turkey. Perhaps you will have a chance to return to see more of the country and also explore the capital city 😉

Saleem A Bikanerwala Post author

September 2, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Extremely informative. Thank you so much. Can you kindly point me to folks who do package tours. We are interested in a 14 day tour and want to know how much it would cost. We are 16 in total.

September 3, 2021 at 1:05 am

Yes, just scroll down to the “Tours of Turkey” section of our article and we list a number of tour providers and specific tours, including one that is 14 days in length. That should get you started, but there are a number of options out there. It will depend on your budget and where you want to go.

In places like Istanbul, you can also book day tours easily as there are a lot of options. But you would want a longer guided tour to explore the rest of Turkey.

LYNETTE SANTIAGO Post author

May 19, 2021 at 6:20 am

Hello! Thank you so much for the valuable information.

I am planning on going to Turkey in June (after school is out, I am a teacher.). I live in Doha and this will be my first adventure. My husband and I want to do the road trip, starting at Istanbul and finishing the trip there as well.

Your information is so important to me. Are hostels easy to find? Do you suggest I get a sim card for the phone, so that I can use Waze and research things easily? Should I rent a car at the airport or is it ok to get a rental outside of the airport?

Thank you in advance for sharing all of your knowledge! 🙂

Best, Lynette

May 20, 2021 at 5:01 am

Hi Lynette,

So glad to hear that our 14 day Turkey itinerary has been helpful to you in planning your summer road trip in Turkey with your husband!

Yes, if you are flying into and out of Istanbul, then I’d follow the itinerary as is since it starts and ends in Istanbul. If you have less than 14 days, however, you’ll likely need to cut out some of the stops and rework the route a bit.

So hostels are easy to find in the larger cities for sure and many of the popular tourist towns. However, in smaller towns and cities, there may only be one hostel so options may be limited. But if you are on a budget, I’d also recommend checking out guesthouses, B&Bs, and budget hotels in Turkey as many offer a really good value, especially for a couple traveling together. Many of the guesthouses are not too much more expensive than a private hostel room.

If you are trying to stick to a budget for your accommodation, I’d recommend booking in advance so you know the price in advance and know where you will be staying. We list a number of hostels, guesthouses, and hotels for each place in the itinerary so you can book online in advance once you know your dates.

For the rental car, you can either rent from the airport or from Istanbul as there are rental car offices in the city as well. If you don’t need a car in Istanbul (we never use one there), you can save money by waiting to pick up your rental after you have already spent time exploring Istanbul. I’d just be sure to book your car in advance once you know your dates and where you plan to pick it up.

Yes, if your mobile phone works on the same frequency as used in Turkey and it is unlocked, you should be able to just use a local Sim card. You should be able to purchase these in many places in Istanbul or at the airport (or you can order one online before your trip). Just be sure to check the Sim card data rates. For more information about this, you can read this post about options for getting online when traveling .

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have further questions as you plan your road trip. Wishing you a safe and fun trip to Turkey!

Sylvia Dsilva Post author

May 13, 2021 at 7:16 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence,

I’m really glad to have come across your post and its helps me plan my trip to Turkey. My boyfriend and I are going to be travelling in June’21 and I would like to know if I can start my journey from Cappadocia onwards and follow the same itinerary backwards and arrive to Istanbul.

Thank you for all the answers in advance, Sylvia

May 14, 2021 at 4:25 am

First, I am happy to hear that our Turkey itinerary has been helpful to you and your boyfriend in planning your summer trip to Turkey.

I would like to just note, as you are probably already aware, that Turkey is currently in a strict lockdown due to a surge of coronavirus cases over the past few months so almost all businesses are closed and travel is very restricted. The current strict restrictions will last at least until May 17th but some restrictions are likely to remain for the near future. So I would keep watching that situation to make sure that you are able to travel in June and that the things you want to visit will be open and it is safe to travel to those areas. I would make sure that any travel plans and bookings are able to be changed or canceled or that you have good travel insurance that would cover you in the event that you were not able to travel to Turkey in June.

Now, in terms of where to start your Turkey itinerary, you can start it anywhere along the route as it is a circular route. I would probably base it on where you are entering the country. Most foreign travelers will arrive into either Istanbul or Ankara, which makes them the best places to start the trip. It might also depend on how you plan to get around the country (e.g., car, train, bus, guided tour, etc.) as routes and dates may affect your itinerary.

But yes, you can, of course, start in Cappadocia. So you can go from Cappadocia to Antalya to Fethiye, and so on, going backwards through the itinerary. Just note if you start in Cappadocia and end in Istanbul, you will have to decide what to do with the days in Ankara – you can either skip Ankara or head there from Istanbul, perhaps by train as there is a good connection between the 2 cities, and spend the 2 days there before heading back for your time in Istanbul. Then you can depart from Istanbul.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any further questions.

Shek Ahamed Shadhik Post author

March 25, 2021 at 4:49 pm

Such an amazing Itinerary. Me and my lady are planning on such a road trip experience. Is it ideal for a couple where only I will be driving the car the whole time? Also, do I have an option of airport pick up and drop at Ankara for car rentals?

March 26, 2021 at 9:06 am

Glad you found our Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your future road trip around Turkey. Yes, I think it is fine for someone driving but you also have the option of course to do public transit or take a guided tour instead. It just really depends on what you prefer and how much you want to spend behind the wheel driving as some of the distances are pretty great.

Yes, if you are arriving to Turkey through Ankara airport, you can rent your car there as there are several rental car agencies located at the airport as well as in the city center.

If starting in Ankara, I would just adjust the itinerary to start in Ankara and you can start there and then move to Istanbul and follow the itinerary until you are back in Ankara.

You don’t really need the car to explore Ankara (or Istanbul) and especially in Istanbul, I wouldn’t really recommend one. So you might want to explore Ankara and Istanbul on foot and using public transport (the 2 cities are well linked by train), and then pick up a car in Istanbul if you want to save some money on a rental car and not have to worry about parking/driving in the larger cities.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any other questions as you plan your trip.

Wishing you happy and safe travels, Jessica

Blaž Dobravec Post author

March 21, 2021 at 4:28 am

Dear Jessica & Laurence,

Me and my girlfriend are traveling to Turkey in the middle of April, we were also thinking of doing a similar route as you guys did. I have a question about the current situation about the overnight busses and the domestic planes, since there is a curfew. Are there any other restrictions?

thank you for all the answers in advance, Blaž Dobravec

March 21, 2021 at 8:57 am

Hello Blaž,

Glad that our Turkey itinerary has been helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Turkey. If you have a similar amount of time, this can be a good route to try to see some of the highlights.

Unfortunately, Turkey is seeing an increase of coronavirus cases right now and many believe that there will likely be travel restrictions throughout the Spring and perhaps the summer months as well. Many governments, including ours here in the UK, are urging people to not travel there and to cancel any non-essential travel plans there for now.

So yes, I think not only will there be restrictions regarding transport in Turkey as you are seeing, but you are likely to see a lot of travel attractions closed or with travel restrictions. A lot of bars and restaurants are currently allowed to operate with reduced capacity (I think many that are open are at 50%).

I would check the latest news and also check to see what your home country has to say about travel to Turkey. Depending on your thoughts on this information, you might want to consider rebooking your trip for a later time when things are more stable there and you are going to be more able to travel freely and visit more places. There has been a lot of speculation about another short lockdown in Turkey by multiple news outlets recently given the spiking cases which could occur during your trip.

Sorry for the bad news, but I hope it helps and encourages you to check out the latest news and restrictions in Turkey and make an informed decision regarding your travel plans. If you do still plan to go in April, I would make sure that everything you book is able to be canceled and/or you have travel insurance that would cover disruptions due to Covid-19.

Let me know if you have any further questions about planning a trip to Turkey!

Josh Clement-Sutcliffe Post author

July 18, 2020 at 5:54 am

We love Turkey and feel like you should go for at least two weeks, partly because its such a large country but also because there is so much to do! Istanbul is magnificent, I loved exploring Topkapi palace and learning about the Ottoman history

July 18, 2020 at 6:55 am

Yes, we agree! 2 weeks is a great introduction trip to Turkey to explore Istanbul and see some of the highlights of the western part of the country. If you wanted to cover the highlights of the entire country, we’d recommend adding an additional 2 weeks to your trip.

Glad you enjoyed your time in Istanbul!

Marc Forrest Post author

April 6, 2020 at 6:56 am

This is a very impressive and detailed itinerary for Turkey – very helpful indeed! My wife and I are dreaming about a tour to Turkey and we now have a good draft of what to see and do! However, one place we may want to add is a stop in Konya to see some of the spiritual places and things. Have you been ? Would this be easy to add to this itinerary? Are there tours that go there or how might be the best method?

Thanks for any help and keep up the good work. Hopefully we will all be traveling again soon once we beat COVID-19!

Keep safe! Marc

April 6, 2020 at 8:36 am

We have not visited Konya yet, but it is one of the places we’d love to see on a future visit.

If you are planning to follow our suggested Turkey itinerary, then you could stop at Konya between Antalya and Cappadocia. I would recommend adding a night in Konya to your trip so you have plenty of time to visit some of the highlights there. Or you could do a day trip from Ankara as you should be able to easily hire a guide and do a guided day tour to Konya from Ankara.

If you are driving or taking the bus between Antalya and Cappadoccia, you will drive right past Konya so it makes a convenient place to stop. It is about a 4 to 4.5 hour drive from Antalya or about 6 hours by public bus.

Once you get to Konya, there are guided tours you can join such as this one of the city highlights and this one focused on Sufism .

In terms of guided tours of Turkey that include Konya, not many of the English ones stop at Konya. However, it is a regular stop for Turkish people and people interested in Sufism and archaeological sites like Çatalhöyük. So if you want a tour that stops in Konya in English, you will likely need to book a private tour or you can just add on a private day tour from Anakara. There is this private tour that is for 12 days and includes Konya.

If you want to join a guided tour and it doesn’t include Konya, you can fly from Istanbul to Konya pretty easily and spend a couple of days there to explore Konya on your own (or join day tours around the city from there) before or after your tour. I’d probably recommend a local guide or getting a good guidebook to the sites for exploring Konya to get the most of the visit (as with many places in Turkey).

Hope that information helps, and wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey once travel opens back up and is safe again!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of replies to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

The Cost of Travel in Turkey: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Turkey is one of the most underrated countries in the world.

Hardly anybody mentions it when they talk about their favourite spots in Europe or Asia, but to me, it has so much to offer its visitors.

Istanbul is a phenomenal city, with mosques scattered across the skyline, an incredible food scene, and so much history to delve into. The ruins of Ephesus are some of the most impressive I’ve seen, and exploring the site of Troy was breathtaking. I even chartered a yacht for 10 days along the coastline of Turkey and saw some of the most beautiful, untouched parts of the country.

Turkey’s home to some breathtaking landscapes, too — whether it’s taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise through Cappadocia or splashing through the other-worldly salt pools of Pamukkale. On top of that, you’ve got some incredible cuisine to delve into — Turkish breakfasts are my favourite on the planet — and friendly locals to get to know.

And I haven’t even mentioned the beaches yet.

I’ve been fortunate to have spent six weeks travelling in Turkey, and I’ve managed to see a hell of a lot of the country over that time.

I spent two weeks exploring the different neighbourhoods in Istanbul, then travelled overland to Fethiye with stops in Cannakale, Troy, Selçuk, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. From Fethiye, I spent 11 days sailing a yacht around the southwest coast of the country, visiting Göcek, Gökkaya, Kekova Roads, Kalkan, Karakaören, Kaş, Kayaköy and Uçagiz.

I then finished my time in the country with a week-long stay in the small village of Kadikalesi, close to Bodrum. On my return visit, I crossed off my biggest oversight from the first trip: Cappadocia.

I’ve been recording every single cent I spend in the countries I visit from day one of my travels, because I want to prove that seeing the world is inexpensive and achievable. I want to be able to give a realistic and accurate look at how much you can expect to spend in each and every destination you visit.

Today, it’s Turkey’s turn.

Keep on reading for more detail on how much you can expect to spend on a trip to Turkey in 2024. A quick note before we start: because of the high rate of inflation, anything priced in lira (the local currency) goes up all the time. The exchange rate to other currencies goes up with it, though, meaning you’ll still pay about the same in Euros or USD. For that reason, all of the prices below are in US dollars, even though you’ll probably see them advertised in lira when you’re there.

How to Save Money on Flights to/From Turkey

If you live in Europe or the Middle East, you’re in luck! You won’t have to worry too much about the cost of flights to Turkey, thanks to the wide range of budget airlines in the region. As always, I recommend heading to Skyscanner  to snag yourself a bargain — they’re the only aggregator I use to find cheap flights.

Unsurprisingly, you’re going to find it easier to score a great deal if you have flexibility in your plans. As an example, if you don’t mind which airports you fly into and out of, you may find it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Ankara rather than Cappadocia. You can use Skyscanner to find the best airport option by entering Turkey as your destination, rather than an individual city. Additionally, I like to set my departure date in Skyscanner to be across an entire month: this brings up the cheapest dates to fly and ensures you land the best possible deal.

As with almost every country on the planet, you’ll find it cheapest to fly to Turkey outside of high season, which coincides with the European summer vacation dates (June to August). In Turkey, May and September are categorised as the shoulder season, with October to March marking  the low season, where you’ll find the cheapest prices. If you do have the option of visiting in the shoulder season, I highly recommend it. No only will the weather be perfect but prices will be lower, crowds will be thinner, and accommodation will be emptier. 

But what if you’re not European?

There are several ways to get to Turkey from other parts of the world. My North American readers can score direct flights from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C, and Toronto, whereas my Australian and Kiwi readers are going to be looking at a layover in Southeast Asia or the Middle East first.

Regardless of whether you go for a direct flight or opt to have a layover to break up the journey, you’re going to have a long and tiring journey ahead of you.  Fortunately, getting to Europe can be reasonably cheap these days, and in shoulder season, I wouldn’t expect you’d need to pay more than around $500 for a return ticket from North America or $1000 from Oceania. Allow me to introduce you to one of my favourite websites in the world: Secret Flying ! I’d estimate that 80% of the flights I book these days are due to a deal I’ve found on Secret Flying.

But if you strike out and can’t find anything on Secret Flying, get your search kicked off with Skyscanner  using the tips I mentioned above.

How to Save Money on Accommodation in Turkey

I know I have a ton of readers who are all about that backpacking life, so I want to kick off this section by running through some of the accommodation options that are out there for budget travellers.

Free Accommodation

Couchsurfing  is a great way to save money while taking a deep-dive into life in Turkey. You’ll stay with a local for free, sleeping on their couch, and learning about their day-to-day life in the country. It’s not the most comfortable of travel experiences, of course, but you’ll learn more about what it’s like to be Turkish than you would by staying in a hostel or hotel. You can browse a list of Turkish Couchsurfing hosts  on the Couchsurfing site .

It’s also a good idea to take a look at housesitting . Essentially, housesitting involves taking care of someone’s house and pets while they’re away, in exchange for free accommodation. This option is ideal for long-term travelers or retirees with the flexibility to go and stay where needed, as you’re obviously more limited with dates and destinations.

If that’s not a problem for you, housesitting is an excellent way to reduce travel costs, stay in beautiful homes, care for cute animals, and experience living like a local. For those interested in getting started with housesitting, Trusted Housesitters is the best site, as it has the highest number of listings by far.

And finally, if you’re travelling long-term and don’t mind getting your fingers dirty, you could look at WWOOFing or WorkAway as a way to cut down your costs while working on a farm in exchange for accommodation and food. It’s not the most glamorous of experiences, but getting to live for free in a foreign country is incredible, so if you’re backpacking around Europe, this may be the way forward for you.

Cheap Accommodation

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The first of these is  hostels . In Turkey, you’ll find hostels all over the country, from the big cities to the small villages to beachside hideaways. They’re one of your best options for saving money, and aren’t just for the backpackers.

Hostels in Turkey are much cheaper than equivalents in Western Europe, with the big exception being Istanbul over the summer, but even then, it’s still far from outrageous. You can expect to spend around $18-25 for a dorm bed in most spots in Turkey, including Istanbul.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you can expect to spend around $50-75 a night for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with friends or a partner, you may find it costs about the same for some privacy versus settling for two beds in a dorm room.

If you’re put off by the thought of nights spent in hostels, you shouldn’t be! Private rooms are usually quiet and clean, and most hostels are modern, safe, and centrally located. They tend to have a little more personality than generic hotels, and the staff are fantastic at offering travel advice. As long as you check the reviews of any hostel before booking it to make sure nobody refers to it as a party hostel, you’re all good to make a booking there. I use HostelWorld to find the cheapest hostels.

And, of course, there are always hotels, which usually start at around $75-100 a night for a good midrange option and go up from there. You’ll have slightly more luxury and comfort in hotels, so it’s up to you to work out whether this is worth the additional expense. I always use Booking to find guesthouses and hotels when I travel.

My Accommodation Recommendations for Turkey

So if you’re not a budget traveller and just want to stay in a lovely, well-reviewed hotel or guesthouse that’s good value for money and has all the things you need from a place to lay your head, I’ve got you! When I visited Turkey, I opted to spend most of my trip in well-reviewed guesthouses in central locations. Here’s my pick of them.

Istanbul: Hotel Poem ($220 a night) — Where to stay in Istanbul? It’s such an enormous city that I spent two weeks hopping from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, trying several on for size. My favourite area ended up being Sultanahmet and the best hotel? Easily Hotel Poem. With a life-changingly good homemade breakfast (I warned you I’m going to talk about Turkish breakfasts a lot!), gorgeous rooms, an incredibly central location, and helpful staff to assist you with planning your itinerary, it’s easily one of the best spots in all of Istanbul. It’s more expensive than other spots on the list, but I do think it’s worth it.

Selcuk: Hotel Mary’s House ($125 a night) — If you’re going to be staying in Selcuk, it’s most likely because you want to spend time exploring Ephesus! Well, the owner of Hotel Mary’s House works as a tour guide, so is only too happy to answer all of your questions and tell you more about the history of this area. Throw in an excellent breakfast, a fantastic location close to the best restaurant in town, and a peaceful courtyard, and you’ve got everything you need to make the most of your time in Selcuk.

Bodram: Oalis Boutique Hotel ($76 a night) — I make so many of my decisions around where to stay based on the proximity of the best restaurants, and that’s exactly why I’m recommending Oalis Boutique Hotel! You’re minutes away from some great eateries, just one minute from the beautiful beach, yet in a quiet area for when you need to get some sleep. As an added bonus, the rooms are so lovely and the hotel so well decorated!

Fethiye: Ten Apart Hotel ($46 a night) — Ten Apart Hotel’s selling point is its swimming pool: it’s beautiful! But not only that, you’re a 5-10 minute walk from the beach, close to some great local restaurants, and have a big balcony to relax on throughout the day. With friendly staff and a quiet neighbourhood thrown into the mix, too, there’s no reason not to choose to stay here.

Cappadocia: Wish Hotel ($156 a night) — Wish Hotel offers such great value for money, given that it has one of the best views of the Cappadocia balloon releases from its rooftop terrace. Onder, the lovely owner, will be able to help you out with hot air balloon tickets if you want to experience the area from the air. And the hotel’s location is in Uchisare, which is so much nicer than Goreme! And the breakfasts? The final cherry on the top. And you guys know how much I love Turkish breakfasts! This is one of the best.

How to Save Money on Transportation in Turkey

Transportation is fairly inexpensive in Turkey, so you won’t need to worry about it upping your travel budget by too much. Still, it’s a large country and travel days can sometimes be long and tiring. Let’s look into the different options and how much you can expect to spend for each.

We’ll start by looking at how to get around the cities and towns you visit.

Several cities in Turkey (Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and Bursa) are large enough to have a metro system, and they’re all easy to use and inexpensive. Taking the metro is usually my favourite way to get around, as I find them less baffling than buses and minivans, so I primarily use the metro in these cities. Prices start from $0.50 for a single ride.

I’m also a huge fan of the tram in Istanbul, and riding them through the city was such a fun and wonderful experience. If you plan on spending a lot of time exploring Istanbul by public transport, it’s worth investing in an Istanbulkart for $2.50 , as it gives you almost half-priced rides on the metro, trams, buses, and ferries across the city.

Outside of the main cities, I like to use the local dolmuşes to get around. Dolmuş (pronounce dul-moosh) is the Turkish word for a minibus, and they’re one of the best ways of getting around the cities, as well as travelling short distances between towns and villages. Dolmuşes are more comfortable than the buses while still remaining affordable, and significantly cheaper than taking a taxi.

You’ll spot them all over the country and can catch them from stops with a blue-and-white D signposted above them. You’ll typically pay $0.10-0.60 depending on the length of the journey, although it might be more for long trips.

The buses in Turkey will take you pretty much anywhere you need them to, are reasonably comfortable, and exceptional value for money. They’re the cheapest option for travelling both short and long distances across the country, and usually offer air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a snack on board. As an example, a bus from Istanbul to Izmir takes 8-10 hours depending on traffic, and costs just under $20 .

So what about driving?

Driving can be a wonderful way to explore Turkey, as long as you’re a confident driver with a lot of experience. Turkish drivers can be a bit wild at times, jumping red lights, overtaking on corners, and generally speeding their way around the country. You’ll want to exercise a lot of caution while on the road, but you’ll more than likely be fine.

Turkey has fewer traffic-related fatalities than the U.S., so you won’t be putting yourself in grave danger by opting to hire a car. Prepare to use your horn a lot. They drive on the right in Turkey and manual transmission is far more common. I’ve used a lot of rental car companies over the years, but always seem to score the cheapest deals with Discover Cars , so that’s who I stick with these days. Renting a medium-sized car to and from Istanbul Airport for a week, for instance, is typically under $20/day .

I typically recommend avoiding flying within a country, as flights tend to be pricey and time-consuming when you include packing, travelling to and from the airports, passing through security… and all of those wonderful experiences that travel involves.

That said, in Turkey, flying can still sometimes be the best option.

Domestic flights can be extremely inexpensive and with a country as large as Turkey, you’ll likely save time — especially if you want to travel from, for example, Istanbul to Cappadocia. It takes 12 hours by bus but just 90 minutes by plane. I took a flight from Izmir to Istanbul when I noticed it was just $40  to do so, and it saved me so much hassle by doing so. Like I mentioned earlier, it would have taken anything up to 10 hours by bus, but the flight only took an hour.

How to Save Money on Food in Turkey

Good news: not only is food in Turkey delicious, but it’s exceptionally cheap, too! There are plenty of ways to save money on food and drink while you travel around the country. Let’s start with those options first.

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll likely save money by cooking rather than eating out, so if you’re willing to sacrifice some of your meals, this is an excellent way to stay on track with your budget. Hostels usually offer a shared kitchen, and if you’re opting for an Airbnb, the owners often give you access to the kitchen. If that’s the case, you can head to a local market (a great cultural experience) and stock up on ingredients.

Many hostels and hotels offer free breakfasts within their room rate, so if that’s the case, I always recommend eating later in the morning and eating a lot, as you may find you’re too full to have lunch. But, as I’ve mentioned several times in this post already, Turkish breakfasts!!!!  The breakfasts in Turkey are so fantastic that I’d recommend having them outside of your accommodation as often as possible.

The real budget-buster when it comes to food and drink in Turkey is, relatively-speaking, alcohol. There are huge taxes on alcohol, to the point where Turkish drinkers pay more than double the price for alcohol than locals in the EU. Not only that, but the local beer, Efes, is, um, kind of terrible.

I usually recommend skipping out on the alcohol while you’re in Turkey, but if you’re determined to have a drink while you’re there, expect to spend more than you would in neighbouring countries. A draught beer, for example, might be $6 or $7 in a popular bar: not outrageous , but potentially more than you’re spending on food!

Unfortunately, the tap water in Turkey isn’t safe to drink, so I’d recommend investing in  a GRAYL water purifier to ensure every drop of water you drink is safe and clean — I used mine to drink the tap water in Turkey, but also in places like Mozambique and the Congo and didn’t once get sick! Not only will you keep yourself safe, but you’ll also cut down on your plastic consumption through not buying water bottles, and will save money in the long-term.

So let’s take a look at some of the best local eats you should try in Turkey, along with the typical cost of these meals.

When it comes to breakfasts, the options in Turkey are going to change. your. life. A traditional Turkish breakfast consists of fresh bread, olives, cured meats, tomatoes, spicy sausages, feta cheese, honey, and lots of delicious tea. You can expect to spend around $11-14  for an epic breakfast in Turkey, or $5-7 for a smaller, simpler version. 

Menemen is another great Turkish dish comprising scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices, and served on top of a slice of fresh, crusty bread. You’ll pay $3-5 for it, depending on where you are and exactly what’s inside it.

Lunches are just as fantastic and you’ll be spending a lot of time snacking on kebabs and pides, with lamb a common option for meat. If you’re vegan or fancy skipping out on the meat, you’ll be able to opt for fresh salads and crusty bread at most restaurants across the country. But let’s talk about pide, as that’s one of my favourite Turkish dishes.

It’s a type of Turkish pizza, but with the pizza-esque toppings served on flatbread. One of my favourite toppings is lamb, spinach, and local sheep’s cheese. You can expect to spend around $2-3  on pide and $4-6  on kebabs and kofte. 

Dinners are — you guessed it! — always delicious. If you’re going to be spending time in Istanbul, I recommend hunting down one of the city’s most iconic treats: balik ekmek, which is a sandwich containing grilled fish, onions, and tomatoes. It’s one of the best cheap eats in the city and only $2.50 . You have to try this while you’re in town!

If you’re at all familiar with Turkish food, you’ve probably come across a meze plate before. In my experience, though, there’s meze elsewhere in the world, and then there’s meze in Turkey, and there’s simply no comparison between the two! From the amazing stuffed grape leaves to creamy hummus and smoky baba ganoush, tzatziki, eggplant salad, and who knows what else, each plate is slightly different, but equally delicious! Meant to be shared as an appetizer and often priced per dish, it’s really up to you how much you spend, but it usually won’t be more than about $5-7 per person.

Can’t enough of the local seafood? I’m not surprised: it really is amazing, and there are so many different local dishes to try that include it. Karides Guvec is my pick here: it’s a delicious shrimp casserole in a rich tomato-based sauce with garlic, bell peppers, and red pepper flakes, all baked in a clay pot. Honestly, I could have eaten this dish every single day I was in Turkey and still not got sick of it. It’s usually about $8-10 .

If you’re after something even more substantial, look no further than hunkar begendi, which translates as “Sultan’s Delight”. It’s a rich, slow-cooked lamb or beef stew with tomatoes, onions, and a range of aromatic spices that are often unique to the chef. The creamy eggplant puree is really what sets this dish apart, as much for velvety texture as the flavour. Be sure to try it out, especially if you’re in Turkey at a cooler time of year. It’s typically around $7-9.

And when it comes to desserts and sweet treats, you’re not going to want to stray far from baklava ( $3-6 per kg) and Turkish delights — you can get these all over the country and they’re so much better than the stuff you’ve likely tried at home. I recommend picking some up from the Istanbul Spice Bazaar and opting for the pomegranate flavour for a fun take on the treat. You’ll be looking at around $12  for 1kg of extremely high-end Turkish delights. 

You can always ask the locals for food recommendations, too! Ask at your accommodation for recommendations on the best budget eats, or simply walk around and see which restaurants are full of locals.

How to Save Money on Activities in Turkey

I’ve covered accommodation, transportation, and food, but let’s face it: you’re not going to have the trip of a lifetime if you skip out on entrance fees and activities! Here’s a detailed breakdown of some of the entrance fees you’re likely to encounter while travelling around Turkey:

• Entrance to Tokapi Palace: $50
• Entrance to Hagia Sophia: $27
• Entrance to the Blue Mosque: free
• Entrance to the Basilica Cistern: $20
• Entrance to Ephesus ruins: $23
• Entrance to Goreme Open Air Museum: $16 (+ $4.50 for the Dark Church)

There are plenty of free activities to participate in, too, while you’re in Turkey, and I know that I had a fantastic time simply wandering through the cities, exploring local markets, sunbathing on beaches, and making the most of the museums that don’t charge for entrance.

The Blue Mosque, in particular, is incredible to walk around and totally free to enter, and the neighbourhood of Sultanahmet is so wonderful. You can still gain a lot from Cappadocia by wandering through the city without jumping on the expensive hot air balloon rides or taking tours of the caves.

Markets are always a great way to get a taste of the local culture without spending any money, and simply heading out for a stroll through some of the more local neighbourhoods will introduce you to lesser-visited parts of the country. My favourite market was the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul — amazing! So many flavours and scents to experience. The Grand Bazaar is another spot that you’re not going to want to miss while you’re in town.

I do recommend booking your Cappadocia balloon ride in advance, however, if you do plan on heading to this Insta-famous spot. Places do sell out several weeks in advance, so it’s best to book as soon as you know when you’ll be in town. You can double-check current availability for the rides using the widget below:

If, like me, you love taking tours to get to know a country better, I recommend heading to Get Your Guide for inspiration. They have a whole range of activities and tours available, in Turkey. These are the highest-reviewed ones:

• Sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia with champagne : $260
• Turkish coffee tour and coffee-making class in Istanbul : $124
• Ephesus entry ticket with audio tour : $39
• Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show in Istanbul : $33
• Istanbul food and culture tour : $108
• Pamukkale day trip from Bodrum : $75
• Paragliding over Oludeniz : $113

Miscellaneous Items to Buy for a Trip to Turkey

A Turkey guidebook : A guidebook will give you an in-depth look into Turkey’s culture, suggest the perfect itineraries for the amount of time you have, and offer recommendations for where to eat and what’s worth doing. Fodors receive the best reviews for their Turkey guidebook , published in 2022.

A dry bag :  Turkey is all about the water, so I highly recommend packing  a dry bag  to take with you. A dry bag has saved me while travelling on so many occasions:

• On a kayaking trip from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Nok, a freak wave splashed over me, as well as my camera and phone. Had I not had them in a dry bag, the water damage would have likely destroyed them.
• On a ferry ride in Thailand, the boat sprung a leak and began to sink. I was able to put my laptop, camera, hard drive, passport, and money in my dry bag, seal it up, and know that they’d stay safe and dry if the worst were to happen.
• I chartered a yacht in Greece and relied heavily on my dry bag while I was there. When mooring in tiny bays, I was able to fill my dry bag with my camera, towel, and sunscreen, jump in the sea, and swim to the nearest empty beach without worrying about keeping my belongings dry.
• I also think dry bags are fantastic for solo travellers on beach days. It’s tough going to the beach when you’re travelling alone because you’ll need to bring nothing with you, risk getting robbed while you’re in the ocean, or stay on the sand at all times. If you have a dry bag, you can fill it up with your valuables and take it for a swim with you, rather than leaving them on your towel and hoping nobody will grab them.

I love all things Sea to Summit, and after trying several of their dry bags out, my champion is the  Ultra-Sil 8L  — it’s durable, thin, lightweight, and has never let me down.

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by kidney stones and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died while you’re overseas and now you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use and recommend  SafetyWing  for travel insurance in Turkey, as they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy insurance after you’ve left home. Finally, they have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always a bonus.

How Much Did I Spend on My Trip to Turkey?

I always like to share my own personal expenses when travelling in a country, as I think it helps you figure out what you should be expecting to pay each day while you’re there. A list of expenses is great and helpful, of course, but putting them all together in order to come up with a reasonable estimate can be trickier.

Here’s what I’ve spent on average over my six weeks in Turkey:

Accommodation: $109 per day  (shared, so $54.50 per person ) Transportation: $8 per day Food: $32 per day Activities: $26 per day

My average daily cost of travel in Turkey was therefore: $121.50 per day . Not bad at all!

Related Articles on Turkey 🇹🇷 20 Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey 📆 How to Spend Two Weeks in Turkey: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 🧕🏼 What’s it Like to Travel in Turkey as a Solo Woman? 🏛 A Hater of Ruins Explores Ephesus 👽 Pamukkale: One of the Strangest Landscapes on Earth

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

Related Posts

The Cost of Travel in Mauritius: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

The Cost of Travel in Thailand: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

2023: My Travels in Review

The Cost of Travel in South Korea: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

What’s it Like to Travel in Liechtenstein?

What to Take On the Camino Primitivo: My Detailed Packing List

Do you remember the name of the restaurant where you had breakfast? Would love to go!

Thanks for providing me with all the essential information I needed to explore Turkey, but especially for Istanbul. I’m traveling there next spring and found your tips very helpful for planning my budget.

No problem! Glad you enjoyed the post!

Thanks so much for this info – I’ll be In Turkey for a week with some friends (we’re flying out of Istanbul). Any recommendations on how to get to Cappadocia or which hotel/hostel to stay in? :)

Great blog post. I try to visit Istanbul every two or three years and tend to spend a similar amount to you. Thanks for the reminder of the great Turkish breakfasts! I sure do miss the food in this wonderful country.

I really enjoyed your advice for traveling in Turkey. We hope to retire in Fethiye. However, I’m very interested in learning about your sailing experience to the islands. Did you drive a yacht or did someone else do it for you?

We chartered one through Sunsail. My friend can sail, so he took care of the sailing and navigation. You can hire somebody from Sunsail to sail the yacht for you if you don’t know how to.

Great site – Thank you! Do you recommend booking the hotels you suggested ahead of time as well as the internal flights? Just wondering how much we have to plan and how often we can decide once we are there…

What time of year will you be there? If it’s peak season (the summer), then I’d definitely recommend booking ahead. You should be fine outside of then, though.

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet Lauren Juliff