Turkey 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Turkey

Day 1: Istanbul

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Museum.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Topkapi Palace and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch in the Beyoğlu district (Taksim Square).
  • Evening: Take a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus Strait to see the city’s landmarks lit up at night.
  • Things to Know: Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY) as its official currency. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Turkish phrases will enhance your experience.

Day 2: Istanbul - Ancient City of Ephesus

Day 3: İzmir - Pamukkale

  • Morning: Travel to Pamukkale (1-hour drive). Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and enjoy the natural hot springs at the Cotton Castle.
  • Afternoon: Relax in the thermal pools and explore more of Pamukkale’s travertines.
  • Evening: Overnight stay in Pamukkale or nearby town.

Day 4: Pamukkale - Cappadocia

  • Morning: Travel to Cappadocia (3-hour drive). Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum and the unique Fairy Chimneys.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes (optional, requires additional cost).
  • Evening: Explore the charming town of Göreme and taste some delicious local cuisine.

Day 5: Cappadocia - Ankara

  • Morning: Travel to the capital city, Ankara (2.5-hour drive). Visit the Anitkabir (Mausoleum of Atatürk), the founder of modern Turkey.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Ankara Castle and the Roman Road Museum.
  • Evening: Stroll around Kızılay district, known for its vibrant nightlife.

Day 6: Ankara - Antalya

  • Morning: Fly to Antalya on the Turkish Riviera. Visit the Perge Ancient City and the Apollo Temple.
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Konyaaltı or Lara, or explore the Kaleiçi district in the city center.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Antalya - Side - Antalya

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the ancient harbor town of Side. Explore the ruins, beautiful beaches, and the Temple of Apollo.
  • Afternoon: Return to Antalya and do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs in the local bazaars.
  • Evening: Farewell dinner in Antalya before preparing for your departure tomorrow.

Visa Requirements

Turkey requires a visa for most travelers, except for citizens of certain countries. Check the official website to see if you need a visa and the application process.

Transportation

Domestic flights are convenient and relatively affordable in Turkey. For longer distances, intercity buses offer a comfortable option with great views of the countryside. Renting a car is also possible but requires careful navigation due to the heavy traffic in some cities.