The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 days - An Epic Itinerary for Turkey (2024)
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Looking for the perfect 10 days Turkey itinerary?
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Having lived in Turkey for three years, we’ve spent a significant amount of time exploring every nook and cranny of this gorgeous country.
With its mouthwatering food, incredibly rich history, beaches fringed by aquamarine waters, stunning architecture, spectacular natural beauty and amazingly hospitable people, Turkey has something to offer every kind of traveller.
There are so many wonderful places to visit in Turkey that it can be difficult to decide exactly what to see and where to go, especially if you have limited time. But don’t worry, we’ve got you!
This Turkey 10 days itinerary is ideal for first time visitors to the country. Exploring the best of Turkey, from its top historical attractions and breathtaking natural wonders to its fascinating culture, friendly folk and incredibly varied food scene, it’s sure to make you fall in love.
Our travel Turkey planner is also packed with tons of practical insider tips, including where to stay, recommendations on where (and what) to eat, the top attractions in each area and the easiest way to travel between the different stops on this itinerary.
If 10 days simply aren’t enough and you want to spend longer in Turkey, then check out our recommendations for a 14 day Turkey itinerary at the end of this article. You’ll also find an alternative 7 day Turkey itinerary and a 5 day Turkey itinerary too!
Whether you’re an adventurer planning an epic Turkey road trip; a history and culture buff who wants to explore the most famous places in Turkey or you simply want a Turkey itinerary 10 days long that combines a beach holiday with some of the best tourist places in Turkey, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip.
Get ready to discover the best 10 day itinerary Turkey has to offer!
📝 Turkey Itinerary 10 Days: A Summary
In 10 days you can explore many of Turkey’s major attractions at a relaxed and leisurely pace. Before we go into further detail (and believe us this article is VERY detailed), here's a quick overview of how to spend an amazing 10 days in Turkey:
🏛 Day 1: Istanbul - Beşiktaş, Karaköy, Galata &Taksim
🕌 Day 2: Istanbul - Sultanahmet, Fener & Balat
⛴ Day 3: Istanbul - Kadıköy & Moda (Asian side)
⛰ Day 4: Cappadocia
🌄 Day 5: Cappadocia - Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Cappadocia Green Tour
🏔 Day 6: Cappadocia - Cappadocia Red/Blue Tour
🏛 Day 7: Ephesus Ancient City
♨ Day 8: Pamukkale Thermal Pools
🏖 Day 9: Fethiye - Fethiye Town & Oludeniz Beach
🏚 Day 10: Fethiye - Kayaköy Ghost Village
📌 Planning Your 10 Day Turkey Itinerary: Top Tips
🏠 WHERE TO STAY:
Istanbul: NOA Luxury Apartments (⭐ 9.5)
Cappadocia: Sultan Cave Suites (⭐ 9.0)
Ephesus: Livia Garden Hotel (⭐ 9.8)
Pamukkale: Pamukkale White Heaven Suite Hotel (⭐ 9.4)
Fethiye: Avilia Suites (⭐ 9.7)
🙋 BEST GUIDED TOURS:
Taste of Two Continents Food Tour (⭐ 4.9/5)
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise (⭐ 4.8/5)
Cappadocia Green Tour (⭐ 4.7/5)
Oludeniz Blue Lagoon Paragliding Experience (⭐ 4.4/5)
📚 READ: Lonely Planet Turkey and The Rough Guide to Turkey to get excited about your 10 day Turkey tour!
💡 INSIDER TIP: You can easily explore Turkey by renting a car. It’s a great way to road trip Turkey on your own!
🗓 Plan a Trip to Turkey: How to Get into Türkiye
✈️ Getting into Turkey by Air
The simplest way to reach Türkiye is by flying into Istanbul International Airport (IST) or Istanbul’s Sabiha Göcken Airport (SAW).
Both airports have numerous international connections so it’s very easy to enter and leave the country from Istanbul. As most people land in Istanbul, we’ve chosen to begin and end the itinerary in this city.
We love using WayAway to plan and book our flights. Made by travellers for travellers, it gives you the best rates on flight tickets.
Their fantastic membership programme, WayAway Plus, also gives you cashback on flights, rental cars, hotels, experiences and more! We've just used it on a recent hotel booking in Turkey and it's a nice bonus to get some cash returned to us after a trip.
🛣️ Getting into Turkey By Road
🚗 Entering Turkey by Car
Travellers looking to explore Turkey on a road trip or as part of a longer Europe trip, can enter the country by car.
Coming from Europe, there are 6 border crossings to enter Turkey by road.
Via South Eastern Bulgaria:
Kapitan Andreevo–Kapıkule (open 24 hours)
Lesovo–Hamzabeyli
Malko Tǎrnovo–Aziziye
Via North Eastern Greece (both open 24 hours):
Kastanies–Pazarkule
Kipi–İpsala
Tourists can drive in Turkey on a foreign driving license for up to 6 months. Make sure that you have appropriate insurance coverage and bring along the license documents for your vehicle and the vehicle’s registration details in case you are asked for them.
Turkey also has open land border crossings with Georgia (from Northeastern Turkey) Iran (Eastern Turkey), Syria and Iraq (from South Eastern Turkey). From these land borders, you will have to drive across most of the country to reach Istanbul to begin this itinerary, which would be quite an adventure!
🚍 Entering Turkey by bus
There are tons of long-distance buses to Istanbul from Central Europe (e.g. from Germany), the Balkans (Albania, Kosovo, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Romania) and Greece.
Buses usually terminate at the humungous Esenler Bus Station on the European side of Istanbul or at Alibeyköy Bus Station on the Asian Side.
We book all our bus tickets on Busbud - you can check all the bus times, prices, journey duration and compare different companies. The prices are the same as buying over the counter at the bus station, so save yourself the hassle and do it online!
🚆 Getting into Turkey By Train
A slower, but arguably more picturesque way of entering Turkey is via train. There are trains from across Europe to Istanbul - we’ve had the joy of travelling on trains all over Turkey and in Europe and if you have the time, we’d seriously recommend it.
The Man in Seat 61 has a lot of information on how to travel to Istanbul via Sofia, Budapest and Bucharest and even from as faraway as London!
🛬 10 Days in Turkey Itinerary - How to Get Around Türkiye
✈️ Flights and Buses
In this itinerary we’ve recommend flying between some destinations , such as from Cappadocia to Izmir and taking comfortable intercity buses between others.
Flying is a good option if you have a set number of days to explore - the distances in Turkey are huge and travelling by bus can eat into your time.
🚘 Renting a Car in Turkey
You can easily make this a Turkey road trip itinerary by renting a car and driving between all the destinations in this travel plan.
🔍 Why Rent a Car?
Turkey has excellent roads with spectacular scenery, so driving in the country is a breeze. Having your own car also allows you to explore more remote/off beat sites on your own, for example in places like Cappadocia.
Of course you can also join a small group tour or hire an experienced guide to explore these areas, but if you like to travel independently then we’d definitely recommend renting a car.
It’s also a really affordable way of travelling around the country - for example, the starting prices for renting a car for 10 days via Discover Cars is around $37/£30.32 per day, including full coverage insurance.
Renting a car is perfect if you want to follow a Turkey self-drive itinerary.
🚗 Where Can You Rent a Car From?
The best way to rent a car for your Turkey trip is to book it online before your trip.
The two companies we would recommend using are Discover Cars and Local Rent .
Discover Cars is a car rental comparison site that works with big rental car suppliers such as Avis and Hertz. They have fantastic customer service, excellent prices and a range of insurance policies.
What we really like is how clear and transparent the process of booking with them is: all fees, extras and taxes are in the quoted price so you won’t be hit with any hidden charges.
Another great option is Local Rent who only work with highly rated local car rental suppliers.
Local Rent allows you to choose the exact car that you want to hire (model, make, colour, year etc.) and when you book it, that’s exactly the car you’ll get.
Since Local Rent uses local suppliers they have excellent coverage across Turkey, low deposit rates fees and top notch customer service too!
🗺 Where Should You Pick Up Your Rental Car From?
You can collect your rental car from Istanbul International Airport or from Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
We would suggest following days 1-3 of this itinerary exploring the sights of Istanbul first and then picking up your rental car to drive to Cappadocia. Driving around Istanbul is not something we’d recommend: there is unbelievable traffic (especially on weekends), it’s hard to find parking and the roads can be crazy. Even the locals don’t like it!
Plus you don’t need to drive in Istanbul: public transport (metro, bus, tram and ferry) is excellent and will get you wherever you need to go.
You will need to be at least 21 to rent a car in Turkey. Remember to bring your license and your International Driving License if you have one.
🇹🇷 The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days
🗓 Turkey 10 Days Itinerary: Istanbul, Day 1 - 3
Arriving in Istanbul
This 10 days Turkey itinerary does not include the day that you arrive in Istanbul. Since you could be arriving from anywhere in the world, in the morning, afternoon or evening, it doesn’t make sense to start the itinerary on this day. So rest up and get ready to start exploring Istanbul tomorrow.
Getting from IST or SAW Airport to Istanbul City Centre
The most hassle-free way of getting from Istanbul International Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to the centre of Istanbul is via airport transfer. It’s a long drive and the price of a private transfer right to your hotel is actually extremely reasonable.
From Istanbul International Airport (IST): You’ll get picked up from arrivals and driven directly to your hotel in a spacious and comfortable car with free WiFi and water included! The company tracks your flight so will know if you have been delayed and the service is available 24/7.
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): Your driver will pick you up from arrivals and you will be taken to your hotel in a large and comfortable minivan. The service includes free water and like the transfer above is available 24/7. Again you don’t need to worry about extra charges if you are delayed as this company also tracks your flight.
Alternatively, if you prefer to take public transport from either airport you can take the very reliable Havaist buses. They run 24 hours a day and all buses stop in Taksim.
From Taksim you can make your way to your accommodation by metro, bus or tram (or walk if you are staying in Taksim).
Be aware that the metro and tram only operates from 06.00 am to around midnight (Monday-Thursday and Sunday, it runs for 24 hours on Friday and Saturday evenings) and some buses will be infrequent late at night.
You will need an Istanbulkart to use buses, trams and the metro in Istanbul - these can be bought from the yellow card top up machines that you will find in metro and tram stations or near Metrobus stations. You can also buy an Istanbulkart card in advance here.
If you arrive after the metro service has ended you may have to hail a taxi - taxi drivers often want to overcharge tourists, so be aware. To avoid this, we'd recommend downloading two ride hailing apps: BiTaksi which is an app for taxis or Tiktak which works like Uber. (Uber also works here).
Introduction to Istanbul
This Turkey itinerary for 10 days simply has to begin in Istanbul!
With a population of nearly 15.5 million people and brimming with picturesque sights, an incredible food scene and a history that goes back at least 2500 years, it’s no wonder that this former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires is the first stop on most travellers’ itineraries.
Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, this is a city where stylish cafes and restaurants open up everyday, there’s something cool to do every evening and where you are guaranteed to have your breath taken away by the many spectacular historical sites and absolutely epic skyline.
Three days is the very minimum you should spend here and even then, you’re only just scratching the surface of this dynamic city.
Getting Around Istanbul
Despite its humungous size, it’s very easy to explore Istanbul. There is excellent public transport (ferry, buses, trams and the metro) between all the major attractions. It’s also fairly easy to walk around, especially in the historical areas (be aware that some areas of Istanbul can be quite hilly though).
READ NEXT: The Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul
Best Istanbul Hotels
Galata: NOA Luxury Apartments (⭐ 9.4)
Karaköy: SuB Karaköy Special Category (⭐ 8.6)
Sultanahmet: Boutique Saint Sophia (⭐ 9.1)
Taksim: Ayramin Hotel Taksim (⭐ 9.4)
Besiktas: Ciragan Palace Kempinski (⭐ 9.0)
Click here for more Istanbul hotels
Best Istanbul Tours
Istanbul Food & Culture Tour: Taste of 2 Continents (⭐ 4.9/5)
Istanbul 1 or 2 day Private Guided Tour (⭐ 4.8/5)
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise (⭐ 4.7/5)
Blue Mosque & Hagia Sofia Guided Tour (⭐ 4.8/5)
Day 1 in Istanbul: Turkish Breakfast & Exploring Istanbul's European Side (Besiktas, Karakoy, Galata)
You’ll begin this itinerary for Turkey 10 days by exploring the lively Istanbul districts of Beyoğlu and Beşiktaş.
Located north of the historical area of Sultanahmet and the Golden Horn, this modern area includes the neighbourhoods of Galata, Karaköy and Taksim.
Brimming with cool cafes, shops and restaurants plus a number of important historical sites, this is a gentle introduction into Istanbul, before tomorrow’s hardcore day of sightseeing.
Starting the day with a famous Turkish breakfast
Any travel itinerary for Turkey must include at least one Turkish breakfast and so that is what this first day in Istanbul will begin with: an incredible breakfast at Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı.
This restaurant is famous for its all-you-can-eat, homemade breakfast that showcases regional flavours and is considered to be one of the best breakfast places in Istanbul.
From Turkish pancakes with different fillings, menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs) and numerous types of cheese, breads, olives and fruits to 36 types of homemade jam, you definitely won’t be leaving hungry.
Not sure what Turkish breakfast is? Our guide to a traditional Turkish breakfast explains it all!
The amazing breakfast at Ceşme Bazlama Kahvaltı.
🚶 Getting there: If you are staying in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood, you can take the T1 Tram, followed by the Metro and a short walk to this restaurant. From Taksim you can take the gondola lift to Maçka Park and then also walk to Bazlama Kahvaltı.
💡 Insider Tip: Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı gets very popular during the summer, and even though there are three different branches of the restaurant in the same area, it's common to have to queue. We'd recommend getting there before it opens at 09.00 am.
⏰ Çeşme Bazlama Kahvaltı opening hours: Monday - Sunday 09.00 am - 5.00 pm
READ NEXT: 16 Best Breakfast Places in Istanbul
Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayı)
The stunning Dolmabahçe Palace
After you’ve had your fill of breakfast, it’s time to take a leisurely walk down to Beşiktaş to explore the gorgeous rooms and grounds of the Dolmabahçe Palace, the largest palace in Turkey.
Alternatively, you can take the 30A bus (which is every 15 minutes) from the bus stop near Maçka Park down to the palace.
The entrance fee to the palace includes access to the palace harem and the National Palaces Painting Museum which has around 200 paintings from 19th-century Turkish and international artists on display.
⏰ Dolmabahçe Palace opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 09.00 am - 5.00 pm, closed on Monday.
💰 Dolmabahçe Palace entrance fee: 300TL for foreign visitors, 100TL for domestic visitors (correct as of November 2022).
💡 Insider tips: No photos or videos are allowed inside the palace so make sure you take plenty of photos of the palace and the grounds when you are outside.
🙋 Book a tour: In the summer there can be long queues outside Dolmabahçe Palace. If you don’t want to queue, consider booking this Skip-the-Line ticket and Guided Tour of the palace.
💎 Hidden gem: Don’t miss visiting the gorgeous Baroque-style Dolmabahçe Mosque (Dolmabahçe Camii) close to the palace - even in the summer you can find it totally free of crowds!
📌 More information: For the latest prices and updated hours, click here.
Suggested additional stop: Head along the coast by bus (22, 25E or 30D) towards Ortaköy and visit the stunning Ortaköy Mosque (Ortaköy Camii) on the waterfront.
Built by the same Armenian architects who designed the Dolmabahçe Palace and Mosque, it’s one of the prettiest mosques in Istanbul. There are also some lovely cafes overlooking the water here.
Afterwards, head into the backstreets of Ortaköy just behind the mosque and if you’re hungry, grab yourself an iconic Turkish street food: kumpir, Turkey’s take on a loaded baked potato. It’s one of the many must-try Turkish street foods.
You can then jump on a bus (22, 25E or 30D) towards Kabataş and then take the T1 tram back to Karaköy to continue this itinerary.
Explore Karaköy Neighbourhood
After you’ve explored Dolmabahçe Palace, your 10 days trip to Turkey continues in Karaköy, an area popular with young hipster Istanbulites and travellers. It’s easy to get there: simply hop on the T1 tram from Kabataş and get off in Karaköy.
Karaköy has been a port since Byzantine times and after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople it was home to merchants of various backgrounds from Sephardic Jews to Catalan merchants.
The area was redeveloped in 2012 and the merchants’ warehouses and workshops became uber-cool cafes, boutique stores and trendy bars and restaurants.
A cafe-lined street in Karaköy
Much of the joy of Karaköy is simply wandering around the backstreets and stumbling upon a nice cafe or a tiny restaurant doing a roaring trade in just one speciality.
Karaköy is also the best place for a quick, wallet-friendly lunch. So if you’re hungry (even after that mega breakfast), head over to Mehmet Usta’s Balık Dürüm (fish wrap) stall for a classic Istanbul street food lunch.
If you’re visiting in winter, Karaköy Çorba Evi (a soup kitchen) serves 21 different kinds of homemade delicious soup, perfect for those chilly winter days. Iskele Mola Cafe, near the Karaköy main ferry terminal, is another great option, serving up hot gözleme and kumpir, which you can enjoy whilst looking out at the water.
Suggested additional stop: A Turkish bath (hamam) is one of the things we recommend doing in Istanbul and Karaköy has one of the best places to try this quintessential Turkish experience. Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı is a stunning 16th century Turkish bath that has a hammam ritual fit for a queen (or king!)
After relaxing in a marble steam room, you will be massaged, scrubbed and have your hair washed. You can then relax on the comfortable sofas outside with snacks and a cup of Turkish çay, feeling completely reborn.
⏰ . Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı spa services for men and women are at separate times:
👩 Women only hours: 08.00 am - 4.00 pm
👨 Men only hours: 4.30 pm - 11.30 pm
💡 Insider tip: Remember to bring swimwear/spare underwear for the hamam experience. There are changing rooms in the hamam and lockers for valuables.
Galata Neighbourhood
From Karaköy you can wander slowly uphill towards the neighbourhood of Galata via Yüksek Kaldırım Street.
This winding, cobbled street is surrounded on either side by cafes, juice bars and souvenir shops which you can explore at your leisure.
💡 Insider tip: The walk up to Galata is very steep and will be difficult for anyone with mobility issues. You can take it slowly, stopping for breaks on the way or consider taking the historical F2 funicular line from Karaköy (known as Tünel), which drops you off at the Galata end of Istiklal Street. From here it is an easier walk down Yüksek Kaldırım Caddesi towards Galata Tower.
Galata is famous for its many picturesque cobbled streets, neoclassical buildings, cafes, art galleries and independent shops.
The star attraction is of course the 700-year-old Galata Tower. From the tower’s observation deck, you can see a 360° panoramic view over Istanbul’s rooftops and famous mosques, the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus.
There are also museum exhibits on several of the floors that are worth checking out - don’t miss seeing parts of the chain that used to block enemy ships from entering the Golden Horn in the 8th century!
⏰ Galata Tower opening hours: Monday - Sunday 08.30 am - 11.00 pm
💰 Galata Tower entrance fee: 175TL (correct as of November 2022)
💡 Insider tip: This is a popular attraction especially during the summer so if you want to avoid queuing you should book this Galata Tower guided tour. This 75-minute tour includes a guided tour of the Galata Tower and the backstreets of the Pera district plus a fast-track entrance ticket.
🚶 Need to know: There are elevators in Galata Tower that take you to the 7th floor. The observation deck is on the 9th floor and you will need to climb two more flights of stairs to reach it. Most visitors have to use the stairs on the way back down to the ground floor - there are small exhibitions on some of the floors so you can take a rest here if you need to. If anyone in your group is elderly or has mobility issues, the staff will allow them to use the lift to go down.
📌 More information: For latest prices and updated hours click here.
The stunning views from the top of Galata Tower
You can either have dinner in one of the many cute cafes and restaurants in the Galata area or wander down Istiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Street) towards Taksim Square.
You’ll find a real mix of restaurants along Istiklal Street - including meyhanes (taverns), lokantas, kumpir restaurants, ice cream parlours and plenty of döner kebab joints close to Taksim Square. Our favourite place for a quick bite is Falafel Köy, one of the best vegan fast food options in the area.
Suggested additional stop: If you like shopping, then the 1.4km long pedestrianised Istiklal Street is for you! Featuring famous international and local brands, perfume and make-up stores, antique shops and more, it’s a shopaholics paradise.
The adorable historical Taksim tram also passes up and down the street at regular intervals - jump on it if you’re tired of walking.
If you have time: The Galata district is full of art galleries and museums, so if you finish at Galata Tower and still have time on your hands, head to SALT Galata, a former Ottoman bank that is now a library, exhibition space, cafe and restaurant.
Alternatively explore the Galata Mevlevi Museum, a fascinating museum about Sufiism or explore the interesting art collections at the Pera Museum.
Galata Bridge
End the day by heading back down to Karaköy and watching the sunset over the Golden Horn from the Galata Bridge. It’s spectacular at all times of the year!
How you spend the evening is up to you - there are plenty of cafes, bars and clubs across Galata, Karaköy and Taksim to keep you entertained!
Travel Turkey Itinerary Day 1 Highlights
Breakfast at Ceşme Bazlama Kahvaltı
Dolmabahçe Palace
Ortaköy Mosque (optional)
Karaköy Neighbourhood
Turkish Bath at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı (optional)
Galata Tower
Istiklal Street
Taksim Square
Galata Bridge
SALT Galata, Galata Mevlevi Museum, Pera Museum (optional)
Turkey Itinerary Day 1 Top Tips
- Arrive early for breakfast at Ceşme Bazlama Kahvaltı.
- If you want a hamam at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı book it online in advance to ensure you get the day and time you prefer.
- As you will be using public transport, make sure you have an Istanbulkart. Click here to buy one in advance.
🏠 The Best Places to Stay in Istanbul
Here are the best accommodation options in different areas of Istanbul. We’ve included our favourite options in each area plus hotels that suit every budget, so you can choose the one that fits yours.
Photo courtesy of NOA Luxury Apartments from Booking.com
TOP PICK IN GALATA: NOA Luxury Apartments (⭐ 9.4)
Close to Galata Tower, these gorgeous apartments are our favourite place to stay in Istanbul. Spacious, airy and bright, each apartment has a washing machine and tumble dryer, fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. Some units have a balcony or garden access.
There is also a well equipped gym and the staff are super friendly and helpful.
Photo courtesy of SuB Karaköy Special Category from Booking.com
BEST OPTION IN KARAKÖY: SuB Karaköy Special Category (⭐ 8.6)
Conveniently located within walking distance from Karaköy’s ferry port, this funky design hotel features stylish interiors and comfortable rooms.
Every room features free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and an ensuite bathroom. The hotel also has a gym and a roof terrace where you can enjoy a complimentary Turkish breakfast every morning.
Photo courtesy of Boutique Saint Sophia from Booking.com
TOP CHOICE IN SULTANAHMET: Boutique Saint Sophia (⭐ 9.1)
Offering luxurious rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, free minibar and Bulgari toiletries in the ensuite bathrooms, this hotel is the perfect choice for travellers who want to be based in the centre of Istanbul’s old city.
The Blue Mosque is only 250 yards away and the hotel also has spectacular views over the courtyard of Hagia Sophia.
Photo courtesy of Ayramin Hotel from Booking.com
BEST PICK IN TAKSIM: Ayramin Hotel Taksim (⭐ 9.4)
Located steps away from Istiklal street, this hotel features friendly staff and comfortable, sparkling clean rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.
There is also a varied complimentary breakfast buffet and some rooms even have their own private hamam.
Photo courtesy of Cirağan Palace Kempinski from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY HOTEL: Cirağan Palace Kempinski (⭐ 9.0)
Originally a 19th Century Ottoman Palace, this hotel features an infinity pool with views over the Bosphorus, several restaurants, an indoor heated pool, a fitness centre and a spa. Some rooms even come with private butler service!
This hotel is perfect for couples who want an incredible romantic holiday or travellers who wish to experience Istanbul in luxurious style.
Photo courtesy of Louis Appartments Galata from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE HOTEL: Louis Appartements Galata (⭐ 9.5)
Steps away from Galata Tower and close to Şişhane metro station, this hotel features modern, spacious suites that each come with a fully equipped kitchen, living room area, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and an ensuite bathroom.
The roof terrace has breathtaking views of the Galata Tower.
Photo courtesy of Fener Sweet from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET OPTION: Fener Sweet (⭐ 9.6)
Featuring a lovely roof terrace overlooking the Golden Horn, this affordable homestay features cosy, clean rooms with free Wi-Fi, and ensuite bathrooms.
The hosts are really helpful and friendly and the hotel is located in the fashionable area of Balat (famous for its colourful Ottoman houses), with its many cute cafes and restaurants. Balat is also well connected by buses and ferry to other areas of Istanbul.
Istanbul is a huge city and it can be difficult to narrow down where exactly to stay.
If you would like more options, you should definitely click here to read our full guide to the best areas to stay in Istanbul for travellers on every kind of budget. It will really help you decide where is best for you, depending on your travel style and the kind of trip you want.
Day 2 in Istanbul: Historical Attractions in Sultanahmet & Balat
Morning until mid-afternoon in Sultanahmet
The second day of this Turkey travel itinerary starts in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood of Istanbul, where most of the city’s grandest historical attractions are located.
Make sure you wake up early and wear some comfy walking shoes as you will be walking a lot today. Sultanhamet is basically an open-air museum and as it is pedestrianised (with cars not allowed between 9.00 am - 10.00 pm) it is easy to walk around.
Our guide to the 12 Things You Must Do in Istanbul covers many of the major attractions in this area in detail, however, we’ve included a summary of the unmissable sites below.
You will begin in the spectacular Sultanahmet Square (also known as the Hippodrome), which is surrounded by Istanbul’s most iconic buildings, restaurants, cafes, fountains and gardens.
The Hagia Sophia Mosque at sunset
The Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia Camii)
Start your day off at the breathtaking Hagia Sophia. Built by Emperor Justinian I in 537AD it was the world’s largest cathedral for almost 1000 years and is considered to be the pinnacle of Byzantine architecture.
Until 1453, the Hagia Sophia was the centre of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the seat of the patriarch of Constantinople.
In 1453 the Ottomans conquered Constantinople and the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. It remained this way until 1935 when it was reopened, after being closed for four years for restoration, as a museum. In July 2020, the Hagia Sophia was once again reclassified as a mosque.
Inside the Hagia Sophia, you will see a combination of Christian and Islamic iconography. There are beautifully designed golden mosaics and frescoes on both the upper and lower galleries depicting the Virgin Mary, Jesus and various other Christian figures.
Note: The upper galleries are currently not open to visitors (November 2022).
⏰ Hagia Sophia opening hours: 9.00 am - 11.00 pm, everyday
💰 Hagia Sophia entrance fees: Entry is free
💡 Insider tips: You should plan to spend 1.5 - 2 hours exploring the building. If possible avoid visiting during weekends or at midday prayer on a Friday as it gets very crowded during these times and the prayer section will be roped off.
We would recommend visiting during the morning (it's quieter) and during daylight hours as the inside of the mosque looks even more beautiful with the light streaming in.
🧕 Dress code: Women should wear a headscarf and cover their arms and legs. Headscarves are available free of charge at the entrance.
🙋 Book a guided tour: This tour of Hagia Sophia with a knowledgable local guide will give you a much deeper understanding of the building’s history, religious significance, construction and architecture.
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
Across Sultanahmet Square and opposite the Hagia Sophia is the stunning Blue Mosque. Commissioned by the 19 year old Sultan Ahmed I in the early 17th century, the mosque took seven years to build and was finally completed in 1616.
The Blue Mosque
Combining elements of Byzantine and Ottoman design, the Blue Mosque gets its name from the 22,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles that cover the walls and arches of the mosque. There are apparently more than 50 different tulip designs!
With over 200 stained glass windows and many chandeliers, it’s easy to spend time in the Blue Mosque looking up and being awestruck by its beauty.
Note: The Blue Mosque is currently undergoing an extensive restoration (November 2022) that is due to last several years - it is still open to visitors but many sections of the interior are closed off and covered in scaffolding. It is still definitely worth visiting though!
⏰ Blue Mosque opening hours: 9.00 am - 7.00 pm, everyday
💰 Blue Mosque entrance fees: Entry is free
💡 Insider tips: You should plan to spend 1 - 1.5 hours exploring the Blue Mosque. The mosque is closed to tourists during prayer times. We would recommend visiting during the morning as it’s quieter.
🧕 Dress code: Women should wear a headscarf and cover their arms and legs. Headscarves and long skirts are available to rent at the entrance.
🙋 Book a guided tour: This comprehensive tour of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia with a knowledgable guide will help you to fully appreciate the history and significance of both buildings as well as gain a better understanding of the history of Istanbul itself.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern reopened in 2022 after an extensive renovation. Built by the Emperor Justinian I (yes, the same Emperor that built the Hagia Sophia) to supply water to the Great Palace, the cistern consists of 336 thirty-foot marble columns and can store 80,000 cubic metres of water.
The largest cistern in Istanbul, it contains an artificial lake that’s the size of two football fields!
The Basilica Cistern
The biggest attraction in the cistern is undoubtedly the two upside-down Medusa heads. There are also various art installations in the cistern - including some stunning sculptures.
The lighting inside also changes continually so it’s variously lit in blue, red and green hues and at some points fades totally to black, so watch your step if you don’t want to end up in the water!
⏰ Basilica Cistern opening hours: 9.00 am - 7.00 pm, everyday
💰 Entrance fees: 190TL (correct as of November 2022)
💡 Insider tips: As the Basilica Cistern has only recently reopened it’s very popular. If you don’t want to queue for ages, arrive just before it opens.
📌 More information: For the latest prices and opening hours click here.
Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)
Originally the main residence of the Ottoman sultans and the administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Empire, the Topkapı Palace was constructed in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed the Conquerer.
The rooms of the palace are magnificently decorated, with intricately detailed tiles, stained glass windows and doorways and walls decorated with gold.
Topkapı Palace
Don’t miss a visit to the Harem, where the Sultan’s wives, mother and as many as 300 concubines lived. The rooms in this section are the most stunning in the palace!
You should also stop at the Imperial Treasury which features a collection of items made with precious metals and stones such as rubies, gold, diamonds and pearls. Amongst these you’ll find the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, a whopping 86 carat diamond in the shape of a teardrop, that is one of the largest diamonds in the world!
⏰ Topkapı Palace opening hours: Wednesday to Monday 9.00 am - 6.00 pm, closed on Tuesday
💰 Entrance fees: 420TL (correct as of November 2022) The ticket includes access to the palace, harem and Hagia Irene.
💡 Insider tips: Photos can be taken inside the palace but you cannot take pictures of museum exhibitions.
🙋 Skip-the-line with a guided tour: This 75 minute guided tour of Topkapı Palace means you don’t have to queue for tickets and is a great way to understand the history of the palace. You’ll gain a deeper insight into the political and social structures of the Ottoman empire and how over the centuries, the significance of the palace and its role in Ottoman society changed.
📌 More information: For the latest prices and opening hours click here.
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
Shopaholics are sure to love the Grand Bazaar! The largest covered market in the world, the Grand Bazaar consists of over 4000 shops and 60 streets and alleys.
Everything is sold here, from Turkish rugs, brightly coloured lanterns, metalware and jewellery to ceramics, scarves and hamam accessories.
Given the size of the place, the crowds and the vendors constantly calling out to you, it can feel a bit overwhelming: our things to do in Istanbul guide has good tips for dealing with the sensory overload of the Grand Bazaar.
The key thing is to not take it all too seriously and if you do want to buy something, except to haggle, because it’s the Turkish way!
⏰ Grand Bazaar opening hours: 10.00 am - 6.00 pm, everyday
💡 Insider tips: Don’t worry about getting lost - this is definitely going to happen. Just wander around until you find an exit. Also decide what you are prepared to pay for an item before you enquire how much it costs.
The Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşışı)
Down the road from the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar is a food lovers paradise. Colourful and fragrant, this is the place to pick up your dried fruit, nuts, Turkish sweets and herbal teas.
If you haven’t had lunch yet, this is a fantastic place to stave off those hunger pangs as you can taste what’s on display! Vendors happily to ask you to try their products - so go ahead and sample those dried apricots, Turkish delights and pistachio nuts.
Looking for unique gifts for friends or family back home? Pick up some pul biber (Turkish chilli flakes) or nar ekşisi (pomegranate molasses).
⏰ Spice Bazaar opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 7.00 pm, Saturday 8.00 am - 7.30 pm, Sunday 9.30 am - 7.00 pm
Afternoon and Evening in Balat Neighbourhood
The afternoon portion of this Turkey trip planner takes you to the lovely neighbourhoods of Fener and Balat, famous for their coloured Ottoman houses.
The easiest way to get to Balat is from the Eminönü bus stop, which is within walking distance from the Spice Bazaar. From here you can get the 36CE, 44B, 48E, 90, 99, 99A or 99Y bus to Balat - the journey should take about 15-25 minutes. You can use your Istanbulkart on the buses
In the future the T5 tram line will connect Balat to Eminönü and the M2 station at Haliç, making travelling to this area even easier!
The famous coloured Ottoman mansions ın Balat
Most people know this area from Instagram for its colourful houses, quirky cafes and winding picture-perfect cobbled streets. However, there are much better reasons to include this area on your travel itinerary for Turkey other than it just being Insta-famous.
Once home to a thriving Greek, Jewish and Armenian community, you’ll find plenty of unique synagogues, mosques, churches and museums - if you know where to look.
Many Turkish TV shows are also filmed here - it’s not uncommon for streets to be cut off by trailers and film crews lugging their equipment up and down the steep hills.
Check out our detailed guide to Balat and Fener here. Some of the highlights include:
Church of St Stephen of the Bulgars - the only Orthodox church in the world that is completely made of iron and considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in Turkey.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople/St George’s Church - the symbolic headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Phanar Eastern Orthodox College - the most prestigious and oldest Greek Orthodox school in Turkey.
Fethiye Museum (formerly known as Pammakaristos Church) - famous for its Byzantine mosaics. (Currently closed for renovation).
Kariye Mosque (formerly known as Chora Church) - famous for its Byzantine-era frescoes and mosaics that some say are even better than the ones in Hagia Sophia. (Currently closed for renovation).
Ahrida Synagogue - built in the 1400s, this is one of the oldest synagogues in Istanbul. To visit you have to gain special permission from the office of the Chief Rabbi in Istanbul.
The brightly coloured houses are all over the Balat/Fener area - you are bound to stumble upon them just by wandering around. The most famous streets are Kiremit Caddesi and Merdivenli Yokuş.
💡 Insider tip: These streets become quite busy with Instagrammers by the afternoon so if you want to take a photo without someone posing behind you, I would recommend wandering around to some quieter backstreets. Please be aware that people live in the houses - they aren’t just a tourist attraction.
You’ll have had a very heavy morning and afternoon of sightseeing so I totally understand if all you want to do in Balat is just relax and grab some lunch.
Head to Cafe Naftalin for unique coffees (definitely try the Mardin Turkish coffee), friendly cats and yummy snacks and desserts.
We also love Velvet Cafe - they have great lunch options and a relaxing garden, perfect for escaping the scorching summer sun. Velvet Cafe also serves Turkish coffee in vintage coffee cups - you get to choose which one you want!
End your day at Agora Meyhanesi 1890, a tavern that was opened by a Greek captain in… (you’ve guessed it!) 1890. It’s an atmospheric place, with thick stone walls, low lighting and ivy growing inside, it just oozes romance and rustic vibes.
It’s also famous for its outstanding mezzes - the selection here is extensive and you’ll want to try them all. The roasted eggplant and the courgette mixed with almond, yogurt, dill and garlic are to die for!
Turkey Travel Itinerary Day 2 Highlights:
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Blue Mosque
Basilica Cistern
Topkapı Palace
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Fener and Balat - religious buildings and colourful houses
Optional add-ons: This day is quite packed already but if you want to spend more time in Sultanahmet you can add on a visit to one of the many excellent museums in the area. Our favourites include the humungous Istanbul Archaeology Museum (which is actually three museums in one) and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.
Travel Itinerary Turkey Day 2 Top Tips:
- It’s important that you wake up early today as there is lots to see - an early start means that you won’t feel like you are rushing around.
- Make sure to bring a headscarf and dress conservatively when you visit mosques today. Most mosques have some cover ups to borrow or rent but when it’s really busy these can run out so it’s better to have your own. The police in front of the mosques are very strict about this and won’t let you in if you haven’t dressed appropriately.
- If you feel like you are running out of time, consider visiting Topkapı Palace or the Grand Bazaar. Both places are huge and take time to explore. The Spice Bazaar is smaller and less chaotic and you can still experience the atmosphere of a Turkish market here.
- You will need to use your Istanbulkart to go to Fener and Balat (you can also use it to get between sites in Sultanahmet if you don’t want to walk). You can buy this here in advance.
Day 3 in Istanbul: Explore the Asian Side (Kadıköy and Moda)
Your third day in Istanbul will be spent exploring the Asian side of this megacity.
With a reputation for being much more relaxed, less crowded and more authentic than the European side, this is the place to experience Istanbul like a local.
Bahariye shopping street in Kadıköy
Getting to Kadıköy is easy: frequent ferries run every 15 to 30 minutes from Karaköy. There are two ferry ports - one run by Turyöl which operates the port near Tünel funicular station here and another run by Şehir Hatları here. You can use your Istanbulkart to get on the ferries.
The journey to Kadıköy takes about 25-30 minutes: the ferry will usually stop at Eminönü before continuing on to Kadıköy.
It’s a lovely, relaxing and scenic journey - you can see the whole skyline of Istanbul from the water, so make sure you’re ready with your camera! The ferries are clean and comfortable - we always buy a cup of tea on the ferry to enjoy as we watch the city glide by.
It’s also common to see people feed the seagulls that fly close to the ferry - you can hold bread out and they will grab it straight from your hand!
Note: You can also take the Marmaray line from Yenıkapı Station directly to Kadıköy but the ferry is a quintessential Istanbul experience that you shouldn’t miss out on!
Kadıköy, Yeldeğirmeni and Moda Neighbourhoods
Kadıköy
Kadıköy is famous for its long, walkable seaside promenade, large green parks and its 14km shopping street Bağdat Caddesi. Packed with cute cafes, affordable restaurants, bars, shops and plenty of students, this area has a bohemian and youthful vibe.
The best thing to do here is to explore on foot. Wander around the lovely pedestrianised Bahariye Caddesi and explore its cafes, antique shops and trendy clothing stores. There are also a few attractions in this area that you can visit, including:
Aya Triada Greek Orthodox Church
The Ottoman era Süreyya Opera House
Haydarpaşa Railway Station - this station used to connect Istanbul to Tehran and Baghdad. It is currently under renovation but will hopefully be reopening soon.
The huge historical Tuesday market (Tarihi Salı Pazarı) that sells fruits, vegetables, dried goods, clothes, household products and much more!
Kadıköy Fish Market - a popular place for locals to grab a quick bite, this area also has restaurants, taverns, shops selling dried fruit and nuts, butcher’s shops and bakeries.
Yeldeğirmeni
North of Kadıköy centre is Yeldeğirmeni, a quiet area with breakfast restaurants, cool cafes, bakeries and art studios.
Originally home to residents from a range of ethnic backgrounds including Armenians, Greeks and Jews since the 15th century, it was also the first area in Kadıköy to have apartment-style buildings.
For several years, Yeldeğirmeni was one of the main locations for the Mural Istanbul festival, which started in 2012. The murals are fantastic and exceptionally detailed. We’d suggest just walking around this area and seeing what you stumble upon!
Moda
Recently mentioned in Time Out as one of the coolest places in Istanbul, Moda has drawn comparisons with Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighbourhood.
Jam-packed with hipster cafes, fashionable boutiques and trendy restaurants, this is where you’ll find Istanbul’s young people.
The buzzing Moda area
The Moda area also has some lovely parks - Moda Sahili Parki (Moda Seaside Park) hugs the coastline and has a promenade that stretches on for miles. It’s perfect for a late afternoon stroll as the sun is going down.
You can also rent one of the free bikes in Kadıköy (known as Isbike) and cycle along the seafront!
Many people like to relax at Moda Çay Bahçesi, a tea garden that overlooks the sea of Marmara and another great sunset spot.
If you’d prefer to do something a little wilder on your last night in Istanbul, then head to Kadife Street, Moda’s nightlife hub that’s filled with relaxed pubs, cocktails bars, live music venues and clubs.
Suggested additional/alternative activities on Day 3 in Istanbul:
Istanbul Food Tours
If you want to do something other than sightseeing on Day 3 of your Turkey trip itinerary, then consider booking a food tour.
A food tour will give you a much deeper understanding of how Turkish food is inextricably linked with Turkish culture, history, politics, traditions and society.
Famous for being a labour of love (many dishes in Turkey can take hours to prepare), daily life in Turkey revolves around meals. Even at home, the kitchen is often the place where people congregate.
Here are three of the best food tours in Istanbul:
The Taste of Two Continents Food Tour (⭐ 4.9/5)
The Taste of Two Continents Food Tour gives you the chance to immerse yourself in Istanbul’s buzzing food scene with the guidance of a local expert.
From street food, to homecooked food, traditional sweets to locally made specialities, you will get to explore Turkish food in a way that goes beyond what visitors to the city usually experience.
On the tour you will visit local markets and try fresh produce plus stop at between 9-10 different eateries, sampling a variety of dishes at each place.
My favourite thing about this tour is that it takes you to off-the-beaten-track cafes and restaurants and family-run businesses specialising in one type of food/product or regional cuisine - places that would be really hard to find without a local guide!
There are two versions of this tour, run by two different companies.
Yummy Istanbul runs the daytime food tour: it starts at 09.00 am/09.30 am/10.00 am and lasts 6.5 hours.
My Local Guide Istanbul runs the evening food tour: it starts at 6.00 pm and lasts 5 hours.
Both tours begin at a meeting point in Sultanhamet and include a ferry ride across the Bosphorus to Kadıköy and Moda.
Note: The Taste of Two Continents Food Tours can be adapted to suit vegetarians but not vegans.
💡 Insider tip: If you choose the evening Taste of Two Continents tour, you can spend your day in Kadıköy and Moda and ask the tour guide to meet you on the Asian Side.
3 Hour Evening Food Tour in Kadıköy (⭐ 4.8/5)
If you would like to follow the itinerary suggested above and then add a shorter food tour on in the evening, this three-hour Kadıköy food tour is for you.
A local gourmet guide will take you around Kadıköy’s local markets and best hidden food spots whilst giving you an insight into the history of Turkish cuisine and how neighbouring countries have influenced Turkey’s food scene.
You’ll try various mezzes, popular desserts, plus lesser well known street foods, talk to shopkeepers and cafe owners and get to experience the best of Turkish food culture.
Note: Vegetarians are well catered for on this tour
Turkey Tour 10 Days, Day 3 Highlights:
Ferry ride on the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul
Explore the neighbourhoods of Kadıköy and Moda
Check out the murals in Yeldeğirmeni neighbourhood
Explore Turkish cuisine through a food tour of Istanbul
Optional add-on: If you have an extra day, consider visiting the area of Üsküdar on the Asian side. There’s plenty to see there including the Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi) and Çamlıca Mosque, the biggest mosque in Turkey! It’s also only a ferry ride away from Karaköy. For more information check out our guide to the best areas in Istanbul which includes a section on Üsküdar.
Turkey Trip Itinerary Day 3 Top Tips:
- You will need your Istanbulkart for the ferry to the Asian side. Click here to buy one in advance.
- If you plan on doing a food tour, make sure that you don’t eat much beforehand. All the tours involve a lot of eating, so you’ll definitely be totally full by the end!
- Wear a comfortable pair of shoes - there is a fair amount of walking and standing on the tour.
- Buy a simit (Turkish bagel) from one of the vendors near the ferry port and feed the seagulls when you are on the ferry. It’s a really fun thing to do!
🗓 Turkey 10 Day Itinerary: Cappadocia, Day 4 - 6
Day 4: Travel to Cappadocia & Optional Activities
✈️ By plane: The quickest and most convenient way to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul is to fly. There are many direct flights with Turkish and Pegasus Airlines to Cappadocia’s Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport and Kayseri Erkilet Airport each week. Click here to search flights on Wayaway.
Flights to Cappadocia depart from both Istanbul International Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Prices start at around £28/$32 and the flight takes 1 hour 20 minutes.
🚍 By bus: There are frequent buses from Istanbul to Goreme, Cappadocia's main jump off point for visitors to the region. Long distance buses in Turkey are comfortable and companies such as Pamukkale Turizm, Nevşehir Seyahat and Metro Turizm offer complimentary drinks and snacks too.
We’ve often been given ice cream, biscuits and cake on long journeys! Plus on most buses, there’s a fridge filled with water bottles that you can help yourself to. You can check bus prices and times on Busbud here.
The journey takes around 11.5 hours and is slightly cheaper than flying.
To save time on this itinerary and money on accommodation, you could take a night bus on your last evening in Istanbul and arrive in Cappadocia in the morning. You might be a little tired but this way you don’t waste a day of your itinerary travelling!
🚗 By car: If Turkey road trips are your thing, then this is the point where you will start your first long drive. You can pick up your rental car from Discover Cars or Local Rent at either Istanbul International Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
The drive to Cappadocia will take between 8-9 hours.
Airport Transfer from Cappadocia Airports
If you are flying into Cappadocia you will land at either Kayseri Erkilet Airport or Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport. The easiest way to get to your hotel in Göreme or Uçhisar is by booking a shared airport transfer. You can book this shared airport transfer here.
From Kayseri Airport it takes around 70 minutes by car to travel to Göreme and Uçhisar. Nevşehir Airport is slightly closer - around 40 minutes to both towns.
Introduction to Cappadocia
Of course, this Turkey travel planner had to include Cappadocia, a destination that is on a million and one Turkey itineraries!
Located in central Anatolia, Cappadocia (or Kapadokya in Turkish) actually covers parts of six provinces in Turkey: Kayseri, Nevşehir, Aksaray, Kırşehir, Niğde and Sivas.
Prior to Cappadocia’s tourism boom, the area was locally known as Nevşehir: the name of the city and the province that is slap bang in the middle of the region. This, however, caused confusion amongst tourists who thought they were visiting a city and not an entire area.
The name Cappadocia, from the ancient Persian name “Katpatuka” meaning “The Land of Beautiful Horses”, was subsequently adopted to describe the region.
The unique landscape of Cappadocia is actually believed to be the result of massive volcanic eruptions and erosion that began almost 60 million years ago. The volcanic ash from these eruptions eventually hardened into a soft rock that was quite vulnerable to erosion by snow, rain and wind, (ironically the geological name for this rock is “tuff”!).
As the softer rock gradually eroded away, the harder, less easily eroded material remained, thereby creating a range of unique geological formations, including the thin spires of rock, aka ‘fairy chimneys’, that Cappadocia is so famous for.
Cappadocia has been home to various human civilisations since the Paleolithic era, including the Hittites in the Bronze Age, the Persians and much later on, people from the Roman and Byzantine empires.
Ortahisar Castle
The soft rock was easy for human settlers to carve: the most famous examples of this are the many churches, monasteries and underground cities that were built by Christians who were fleeing Roman persecution during the Roman/Byzantine era.
If you’ve seen people on Instagram toasting champagne or having a lavish Turkish breakfast at sunrise while hot air balloons float dreamily around them, chances are that those photos were taken in Cappadocia.
With its unique and ethereal landscapes, rich history, jaw-dropping geological formations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences it’s easy to see why Cappadocia is definitely one of the cool places in Turkey to visit!
Getting Around Cappadocia
Most visitors to Cappadocia base themselves in Göreme. From Göreme there are a few attractions that you can reach on foot such as Göreme Open Air Museum, the spectacular Rose Valley, the famous Love Valley with its erotic rock formations and Pigeon Valley.
However some sites such as the labyrinthian Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı Underground Cities and the lush Ilhara Valley are much too faraway to walk to, especially when you have limited time. For context, Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı Underground Cities are 37km and 27km away from Göreme respectively, whilst the Ilhara Valley is a whopping 81km away!
Luckily Cappadocia is one of the places offering some of the best guided tours of Turkey: you can book reasonably priced tours to all of the major attractions in the area.
Another option is to hire a rental car through agencies like Discover Cars or Local Rent to just explore this region. You can collect your car at either Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport. You can then explore Cappadocia independently and at your own pace.
Best Cappadocia Hotels
Top pick: Sultan Cave Suites (⭐ 9.0)
Göreme Cave Hotel: Arif Cave Hotel (⭐ 9.8)
Göreme Cave Hotel: Charming Cave Hotel (⭐ 9.7)
Uçhisar Cave Hotel: Karkık Cave Suite Cappadocia (⭐ 9.9)
Uçhisar Hotel: Ansia Hotel (⭐ 9.8)
Best Cappadocia Tours
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise (⭐ 4.8/5)
Cappadocia Red Tour (⭐ 4.6/5)
Cappadocia Green Tour (⭐ 4.7/5)
Cappadocia Blue Tour (⭐ 4.4/5)
Private Cappadocia Tour (⭐ 4.7/5)
Possible Activities On Your Arrival Day in Cappadocia
Goreme Open Air Museum
If you arrive on a morning flight into Cappadocia and are staying in Göreme, the main hub for tourists visiting Cappadocia, leave your bags at your hotel and venture out to Goreme Open Air Museum, which is a short 25-30 minute walk away. (From Uçhisar it's a longer walk of just over an hour).
This museum is a great introduction to the history of Göreme and features beautiful examples of rock cut churches and restored frescoes from the Byzantine period.
Göreme was the centre of religious activity for many years and is believed to have initially been a Christian settlement for monks that eventually became a major pilgrimage site.
There are 15 churches in the Goreme Open Air Museum alone (some of which date back to the 10th century) whilst in the wider Göreme area there are 60 churches, innumerable burial mounds and chapels.
Everywhere you look you’ll also find the remains of chapels, monasteries and the living quarters of Byzantine monks, plus kitchens and dining areas!
Many of the spectacular churches in Cappadocia are located in Goreme Open Air Museum including the Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise), Apple Church (Elmalı Kilise) and Sandal Church (Çarıklı Kilise). Some churches have an additional entrance fee on top of the ticket price to enter the museum.
Goreme Open Air Museum is free to enter with the Turkey Museum Pass. A visit here is also part of some of the Cappadocia tours that we recommend for the next few days of your Turkey itinerary.
⏰ Göreme Open Air Museum opening times: 8.00 am - 7.00 pm (1st April to 1st October), 8.00 am - 5.00 pm (2nd October to 31st March)
💰 Göreme Open Air Museum entrance fee: 150TL (correct as of November 2022)
💡 Insider tip: No photos are allowed inside any of the churches in Göreme Open Air Museum. However, there are other churches in the surrounding area where you can take photographs inside.
Hike to Love Valley Cappadocia or Red Valley Cappadocia
If you’d prefer to do something even more adventurous on your first day, then consider a hike to the stunning Love Valley (Aşıklar Vadisi) or the equally gorgeous Red Valley (Kızılçukur Vadisi).
Love Valley is one of the most famous places in the Cappadocia region for its phallic-shaped fairy chimneys, or as we like to say: rocks that look like cocks.
On your first day in Cappadocia, you can hike to the Love Valley viewpoint - this should take you just over an hour. You can also drive to the viewpoint (or take a taxi) - this will take around 15 minutes.
The viewpoint is very popular at sunrise and sunset, particularly with Instagrammers, so you’ll find a cafe nearby with benches, swings and heart-shaped frames. If you want somewhere less crowded, walk a bit further down the road as the views are equally as good.
Fairy chimneys in Love Valley
If you prefer to spend some time exploring the valley itself and see those lovely willy formations up close, then simply follow the signs for the valley (which will read Bağlidere Vidisi, the original name in Turkish for the valley before it was renamed).
You basically follow the same route to the viewpoint but instead of walking to the top, you will turn left after approximately 2.7km. After a few minutes, you will see a large sign for Bağlidere Vidisi on the left, this is the turnoff into Love Valley. Follow this dirt road down into the valley.
Some tours will only take you to see the viewpoint over Love Valley, so this is a nice chance to explore it properly on your own on your first day.
A roundtrip to the Love Valley viewpoint takes about 2 hours. If you explore the valley itself allocate 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the trip - this way you can walk through it without rushing.
Red Valley in Cappadocia
Another option is to hike to the sunset viewpoint at Red Valley Cappadocia. Located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Göreme, this is another panoramic viewpoint located near a cafe.
During the daytime entrance is free for hikers, but at sunset, you will have to pay a small fee. Like the sunset viewpoint at Love Valley, this is a very popular tourist spot so get there early if you want to sit at the cafe and watch the sun going down.
A round-trip hike to the Red Valley viewpoint will take about 2.5 hours. You can also drive/take a taxi to this viewpoint from Göreme in just over 15 minutes.
If you arrive early and prefer to explore the valley itself, then good news - the starting point to the Red Valley hike is also here!
💡 Insider tip: You’ll find a map showing you the Red, Rose and Meskendir valley walking routes but we’d recommend downloading a map of the area from Maps.me beforehand so you can follow the hiking route down into the valley.
Many of the signs along the route are broken, confusing and inaccurate, with some even pointing in different directions! The beginning of the Red Valley hike is located between the viewing terrace and the Crazy Ali Panorama Cafe.
⏰ Hiking the Red Valley loop from the viewpoint will take just over an hour. You also have the option of exploring the beautiful, pink and white Rose Valley Cappadocia as part of the hike too. If you decide to add in the Rose Valley loop, your round trip back to the viewpoint will take you about 3 - 3.5 hours.
🍹 You can enjoy a relaxing sun-downer at Crazy Ali Panorama Cafe before heading back to Göreme.
Note: If you decide to complete both hiking loops and then walk back to Göreme, your total journey time will be between 4 - 4.5 hours.
Horse Riding in Cappadocia
Another great way to explore the valleys of Cappadocia on your first day is to join a horseback riding tour.
This two-hour horse back tour takes you well away from the crowds to some of the most amazing rock formations and fairy chimneys. You’ll also ride through picture perfect vineyards, and apricot orchards. It’s a lovely, relaxing way to see Cappadocia, especially at sunset.
10 Days Itinerary Turkey - Day 4 Highlights:
Morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Göreme Open Air Museum
Hike to Love Valley or Red Valley
Horseback tour of Cappadocia
Turkey Travel Itinerary Day 4 Top Tips:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes if you want to hike in Cappadocia (we’d recommend this even if you are going on tours as there will be some walking involved).
- Go to bed early as you have a very early start tomorrow!
🏠 The Best Places to Stay in Cappadocia
Cappadocia has a huge number of hotels, many with spectacular views of the surrounding valley. We’ve included hotels that suit every budget, so you can choose the one that fits yours.
Photo courtesy of Sultan Cave Suites from Booking.com
OVERALL TOP PICK: Sultan Cave Suites (⭐ 9.0)
Featured in millions of Instagram photos, this hotel has some of the best and most epic views of hot air balloons floating over Cappadocia. You have an uninterrupted view of the balloons floating in every direction.
The roof terrace here is decorated with Turkish rugs and cushions and they even put out a traditional Turkish breakfast at sunrise so you have the perfect backdrop for your photos!
The clean and comfortable rooms at Sultan Cave Suites feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and ensuite bathrooms. Some rooms also have balconies with stunning views. The hotel's restaurant offers a range of must-try traditional Turkish Anatolian specialities.
Photo courtesy of Charming Cave Hotel from Booking.com
LOVELY GÖREME CAVE HOTEL: Charming Cave Hotel (⭐ 9.7)
This hotel offers gorgeously furnished, spacious, cave rooms with ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and comfortable beds. They also have an onsite restaurant serving tasty meals, a shared lounge and bar.
Their stunning panoramic roof terrace, with Turkish cushions and rugs offers breathtaking views over Göreme town and the surrounding valley - perfect for watching the hot air balloons in the morning!
The hosts are really friendly and helpful and there’s a generous, homecooked and delicious breakfast for hotel guests.
Photo courtesy of Karlık Cave Suite from Booking.com.
STUNNING UÇHISAR CAVE HOTEL: Karlık Cave Suite Cappadocia (⭐ 9.9)
Conveniently located close to restaurants and shops in Uçhisar and only 5 minutes walk from Uçhisar Castle, all the rooms in this hotel feature a hot tub, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms.
Some rooms also have a balcony with views of the mountains and the castle.
The hotel offers free bicycles and a generous breakfast. Guests can enjoy meals from the hotel restaurant and relax in a shared lounge area. The roof terrace has lovely views.
Photo courtesy of Artemis Cave Suites and Spa from Booking.com
LUXURY PICK GOREME: Artemis Cave Suites and Spa (⭐ 9.5)
A stone’s throw from Göreme’s sunrise viewpoint, this hotel offers lovely, beautifully decorated and spacious cave or stone rooms with air conditioning, under floor heating, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
The hotel also has a Turkish bath where you can get a full hamam and massage and a comfortable furnished terrace with incredible city and valley views.
Photo courtesy of Museum Hotel from Booking.com
LUXURY PICK UÇHISAR: Museum Hotel (⭐ 9.8)
It’s easy to see why this gorgeous luxury hotel features in so many Instagram shots!
With a heated Roman style pool boasting views across the valley and furnished with priceless antiques, this hotel is perfect for couples or families with older children who want to experience luxury in Cappadocia.
In keeping with the Roman theme, some of the rooms have free wine taps offering an endless supply of red and white wine!
All the very spacious rooms in the hotel offer an ensuite bathroom with a jacuzzi style bath, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast made from organic ingredients grown in the hotel’s own garden.
Photo courtesy of Arif Cave Hotel from Booking.com
MID-RANGE CHOICE GÖREME: Arif Cave Hotel (⭐ 9.8)
Boasting a roof terrace with panoramic views, this friendly hotel features large, cosy rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, high ceilings and and ensuite bathrooms.
The hotel overlooks the town and is actually located right under the sunrise viewpoint in Göreme, so guests will be able to enjoy a perfect view of the balloons from the terrace.
The staff are kind and helpful and hotel guests are served a generous, varied and freshly cooked breakfast each morning.
Photo courtesy of Ansia Hotel from Booking.com
MID RANGE PICK UÇHISAR: Ansia Hotel (⭐ 9.8)
Located just 200 yards from Uçhisar Castle, this boutique hotel set in a gorgeous arched building has a lovely furnished terrace with breathtaking views of Cappadocia.
Guests can enjoy a generous and delicious homecooked breakfast each day and relax in beautifully furnished rooms that offer free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms and coffee machines.
To make sure you are truly comfortable, the hotel even has a pillow menu for guests!
Photo courtesy of Old Town Stone House from Booking.com
BUDGET CHOICE GÖREME: Old Town Stone House (⭐ 9.6)
Offering cozy, rustic rooms furnished in a traditional Turkish style, comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, this hotel is incredible value for money.
Most of the rooms also feature air conditioning and one even has a fireplace and a spa bath!
An amazing homemade buffet style breakfast with great vegan and vegetarian options prepares you for a long day of sightseeing (you can even have it served to your room!). The terrace is beautifully decorated and perfect for watching the balloons at sunrise.
Photo courtesy of Anatolia Raymonde Cave House from Booking.com
BUDGET PICK UCHISAR: Anatolia Raymonde Cave House (⭐ 9.1)
The clean and cosy rooms at this family-run budget hotel feature free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms and comfortable beds in a traditional stone/cave-like style.
Rooms include a daily breakfast buffet and the hotel can also provide packed lunches for guests going on tours. There are BBQ facilities available for guests to use and the restaurant also serves traditional Anatolian cuisine.
The terrace has absolutely stunning views of Uçhisar and the hot air balloons at sunrise. Staff are really friendly and helpful.
Day 5: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise & the Green Tour
Sunrise Cappadocia Balloon Ride
You’ll begin your day with a breathtaking hot air balloon ride at sunrise. A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is an unmissable experience and one of the main reasons most tourists visit the region. Here's everything you need to know.
The Experience
The Cappadocia hot air balloon tours start early to catch the sunrise - in the summer this can mean that you will be picked up from your hotel at around 4.30 am, whilst in the winter you might get a bit of a lie in until about 6.00 am or 6.30 am.
The tour company will take you to the launch site where you will meet the rest of the people in your group who will be taking the tour with you. Every tour includes a complimentary light Turkish breakfast - you can enjoy this while you watch the balloons being checked and prepared for their flights.
After a short safety briefing, you will board the balloon basket with help from the flight crew. The balloon will then begin its flight and it’s time to get your camera out!
At points the balloon will fly as high as 3000 feet (almost 915 metres) and you will see all of Göreme, Uçhisar and the stunning fairy chimneys and valleys below. It’s common for the balloon to go down into valleys and then up again, just to make sure you get the most spectacular views.
After your time in the air is over, your balloon will start to descend - where you land is entirely wind dependent.
Once you are back on solid ground you will have a glass of champagne to celebrate your successful flight and you’ll also receive a personalised flight certificate that you can keep as a souvenir (in addition to the thousands of photographs you’ll take in the air!)
Definitely an unforgettable experience in your 10 day Turkey itinerary!
💡Insider tips: Make sure you take a warm jacket and a scarf with you for the balloon ride. Even during the summer, it’s still really cold at 3000 feet. Also, remember to bring your camera and only have a small bag with you - you cannot take luggage or large bags on board the balloon.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Price
We’re not going to lie: a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is definitely not a budget friendly experience but like our microlight flight over the Victoria Falls in Zambia, it is a cracking bucket list one.
Prices start from around £145/$170 at the cheaper end to £250/$290 and above per person. The duration of different tours varies: most flights last around 1 hour, though there are shorter options such as a 30 minute flight.
There are also much longer flights lasting 3 or 4 hours but these will obviously cost more. We’d recommend taking a 1 hour flight - this is more than enough time to enjoy the experience and see all the sights of Cappadocia from above.
There are a few different popular options for hot air balloon tours on Get Your Guide:
this hot air balloon ride with champagne and a complimentary breakfast, this sunrise flight experience and this hot air balloon tour with Turquaz balloons are three of the best.
Group size
Most balloon companies also offer different options based on the size of the group going on the experience. Standard balloon flights (the cheapest option) usually take a maximum group size of 20-30 people, while more exclusive flights (semi-private) take a smaller group of around 16 people.
You can also book a private tour that is only for 4-8 people. Depending on the company, the semi-private and private flights usually last longer, from around 75 minutes to 90 minutes and as you’d expect, a more exclusive experience is more costly.
Weather
If taking a hot air balloon ride is at the top of your list of things to do in Cappadocia, then make sure you book it for your first proper day in the region.
Whilst on Instagram it might seem like the balloons fly all the time without any issues, the truth is that this experience is very weather dependent. Cancellations due to unsafe weather conditions are common, especially in winter and only 100 balloons are allowed to fly at the same time.
If your flight is cancelled, your hot air balloon ride will be rescheduled for the following day. For this reason, it’s really important that you leave enough time in your itinerary for this experience, just in case you don’t get to do it on the first day.
Note: If you are unlucky enough that the weather prevents you from flying at all during your time in Cappadocia, you will be given a full refund.
Cappadocia Green Tour (Southern Cappadocia)
In Cappadocia, tour operators offer three different tours: Green, Red and Blue. Each of these tours explore slightly different areas of the Cappadocia region.
The Green Tour takes you around the historical sites and natural valleys located in the southern region of Cappadocia in the provinces of Aksaray and Kayseri.
If you only have the budget to go on one tour during your time in Cappadocia, we would strongly recommend the Green Tour.
Why do we recommend the Green Tour?
The main reason we suggest booking the Green Tour is that most of the sites such as Selime Monastery, Derinkuyu Underground City and the Ihlara Valley that you visit on this tour are very far away from both Uçhisar and Göreme, the main tourist hubs for travellers.
For example, Derinkuyu is 50 minutes drive away from Göreme, whilst the Ilhara Valley is 75 minutes away by car.
Whilst some of the sites on the tour such as Derinkuyu Underground City could, in theory, be accessed by public transportation (which is cheap but slow), in practice, you will have to take several buses and including the waiting times, it would actually take you most of the day to get there. This means you’d use a whole day just to visit one attraction.
Other attractions on the tour, such as Ihlara Valley cannot be visited using public transport, so unless you have a rental car (which is something we’d recommend!) you’d have to take a VERY expensive taxi.
In contrast, most sites on the Red and Blue tours can be reached easily by car in 10-15 minutes and in the case of the Red Tour, pretty much all of it can also be done on foot over the course of a day.
The Green Tour enables you to visit all these faraway attractions plus a couple more, so if you haven’t rented a car, it really is the best way to see these sites.
We also love the Green Tour because you get the chance to see much more of Cappadocia’s landscape. So much of the area is arid, otherworldly and moon-like, so visiting somewhere that is lush and green like the Ihlara Valley is a really nice contrast.
The cost of the Green Tour includes all your transportation, entrance fees and you visit at least five sites with a professional art historian guide.
Top Attractions on the Green Tour:
Göreme Panorama (Esentepe Viewpoint) - from here you can see over the whole Göreme valley.
Derinkuyu Underground City - a Byzantine-era city that could accommodate up to 20,000 people plus their animals and food stores. The city actually has 18 subterranean levels, eight of which are open to the public. This is the largest underground city in the whole of Turkey.
Ihlara Valley - a gorgeous 15km long gorge covered in lush green forest. Over 100 rock-carved houses and churches belonging to Byzantine monks line the gorge. Most of the tours include a hike along the river that flows through the gorge, followed by lunch in nearby Belisırma Village.
Selime Monastery - the largest religious building in Cappadocia, this church is actually the size of a cathedral and is completely carved out of the rock. There are beautiful frescoes inside.
Pigeon Valley - home to thousands of dovecotes (pigeon houses) carved into the stone.
Some tours also include:
Kaymaklı Underground City - another massive underground settlement, four floors of which are accessible to visitors. This stop is included in some tours instead of Derinkuyu, so double-check the tour itinerary if you prefer to visit Derinkuyu.
Onyx jewellery factory in Uçhisar.
Depending on the tour operator the order of the tour and some of the stops can change.
The tours take 7-8 hours and start at 9.30am/10.00am, so you’ll have plenty of time to get back from your hot air balloon trip.
You can book the Green Tour through Get Your Guide. There are three main choices:
Click here to see prices & availability of Green Tour 1 - offered by Stoneland Travel
Click here to see prices & availability of Green Tour 2 - offered by Pupa Tours
Click here to see prices & availability of Green Tour 3 - offered by Enka Travel
Note: The tours offered by Pupa Tours and Enka Travel are small group tours, usually limited to 15 participants, though often the group size is much smaller. If you prefer smaller group tours, this is the perfect choice.
💡 Insider tips: If you are on a self-drive itinerary, you can easily drive between these locations yourself. If you would prefer not to go on a tour, then we would recommend hiring a driver who can pick you up and drop you off at different spots, but this will be expensive.
🚶 Physical activity: The Green Tour involves a fair bit of walking. At Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı Underground City there is a lot to explore and plenty of steps descending to different levels - the latter can be quite claustrophobic and narrow in some parts.
To descend into the Ihlara Valley you have to navigate nearly 400 steps followed by a 3.8km hike along the river. If you have mobility issues or difficulty walking we’d recommend choosing the Red Tour or Blue Tour instead.
After a full day of exploring you will have worked up quite the appetite so it’s time to try a Cappadocia speciality: testi kebap. Also known as ‘pottery kebab’, this is a dish that is prepared in a…jug!
Meat (chicken, lamb or beef) is cooked inside a pottery jug with vegetables (usually tomatoes, onions, green pepper, garlic), butter, salt and black pepper. The top of the pot is sealed with bread dough and the whole thing is then placed in a clay oven (known as a tandoor).
Testi kebap
Testi kebap takes a while to cook (usually a minimum of two hours) so the best restaurants in Cappadocia ask you to inform them in advance if you want to try this dish. When ready, the searingly hot pot is brought to your table and cracked open in front of you.
We’d recommend trying this at Seten Anatolian Cuisine, Göreme Han or Kapadokya Kebabzade.
Vegetarians, we haven’t forgotten you. When we visited Göreme for the first time 14 years ago, we were able to find a few vege versions of the testi kebap and we’re pleased to say that there are even more restaurants offering it today. Organic Cave Kitchen (formerly Family Cave Kitchen) and Inci Cave Restaurant do particularly lip-smacking versions.
Turkey Itinerary - Day 5 Highlights:
Sunrise hot air balloon ride
The Cappadocia Green Tour
Traditional Anatolian dinner of testi kebap
Turkey Travel Itinerary Day 5 Top Tips:
- Bring a warm jacket and scarf with you for the hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes - you’ll be walking a lot today!
- If you want to try testi kebab remember to book this with a restaurant in advance.
Day 6 in Cappadocia: Watch the Hot Air Balloons at Sunrise, Red/Blue Tour & Evening Flight to Izmir
Seeing the Hot Air Balloons at Sunrise
Watching the hot air balloons slowly rise into the air as the sun comes up over the horizon is as popular an activity as being in the actual balloon itself!
If you were able to take your balloon ride yesterday, today is the day you will watch the spectacular sight of them floating across the valley at sunrise.
This is another day with an early start (don’t worry, we promise some chillout time is coming) as balloon launches happen anywhere between 4.30 am and 7.30 am depending on the time of year.
A lot of hotels have beautifully decorated balconies, with panoramic views of the valley, from which you can watch the balloons flying. Some of the most popular ones are Sultan Cave Suites, Mithra Cave Hotel, Charming Cave Hotel and Museum Hotel.
These hotels are very popular with Instagrammers so if you want to take photos of the balloons away from the crowds, book another option from our accommodation list or set off on an early hike to the Love Valley viewpoint.
Red Tour or Blue Tour
Today you have the opportunity to explore a different area of Cappadocia on either the Red or Blue Tour. We’ll go into detail about what each tour offers and how you can also do the tour independently if you want.
The Red Tour of Cappadocia
The Red Tour is probably the most popular route for travellers as it basically covers all of Cappadocia’s most photographed sites.
This is the second tour that we would recommend taking as part of this itinerary. It’s also a great choice if you only have one day in the region as it takes you around the most impressive sites, including Göreme Open Air Museum, which is the best introduction to Cappadocia.
The Red Tour explores the stunning natural wonders located in the central and northern areas of Cappadocia. Like the Green Tour, your lunch, entrance fees, transportation and professional guide are included in the Red Tour fee.
Uçhisar Castle in Cappadocia
Top Attractions on the Red Tour:
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) - home to some of the most interesting rock formations, this is the most surreal landscape in Cappadocia. The lunar landscape here has fairy chimneys that resemble human figures and animals. The most famous one is the camel-shaped fairy chimney.
Paşabağları (Monk’s Valley) - a former retreat for monks fleeing Roman persecution, this valley includes plenty of rock-cut churches, monasteries and houses. The valley is also filled with a huge concentration of very unique mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
Avanos Town (pottery making workshop) - The centre of pottery making in Cappadocia since the Hittite Empire in 4000BC. You’ll see a pottery demonstration and then be able to have a go at making something yourself!
Esentepe Panoramic Viewpoint (Göreme Panorama) - a stunning viewpoint overlooking Pigeon Valley and Göreme town.
Uçhisar Castle - previously used as a fortress by the Roman and Byzantine armies, this is the highest viewpoint in Cappadocia
Göreme Open Air Museum - the area’s biggest tourist attraction featuring the most well-preserved and spectacular rock-cut churches (such as the Dark Church), frescoes, chapels and dining areas belonging to monks from the Byzantine period.
Some tours also include the following stop:
Çavusin Village - one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia that is still inhabited by people today. This area has many churches and stone houses.
The tours start at 9.30 am/10.00 am and take around 7-8 hours. As with the Green Tour, tour operators running the Red Tour might have slightly different stops and itineraries so make sure you read the itinerary carefully before you book.
You can book the Red Tour through Get Your Guide. They offer three main options through different operators:
Click here to see prices & availability of Red Tour 1 - offered by Enka Travel. This is a small group tour limited to 15 participants - perfect if you don’t like tours involving larger groups!
Click here to see prices & availability of Red Tour 2 - offered by Tourmania
Click here to see prices & availability of Red Tour 3 - offered by Travelux Cappadocia
Doing the Red Tour Independently
If you aren’t a fan of tours, it is possible to visit these sites independently by foot and using public transport.
Starting from Göreme or Uçhisar, hiking to the sites in a circular route would take around 7-8 hours but this does not include time for rest breaks or taking photographs.
If you head out straight after watching the hot air balloons at sunrise, you should have enough time. You can also take local buses to neighbouring towns from the Göreme bus station to cut down your walking time.
💡 Insider tip: In the summer months it is very hot in Cappadocia and some trails have little or no shade. Do bear this in mind if you want to hike to the sights on the Red Tour and take plenty of water with you. You can also ask your hotel to organise a packed lunch for you!
If you just want to hike to certain sites/along particular routes, we’d recommend hiring a driver to drop you off at the trailhead between different locations and arranging for them to pick you up at the end of the trail.
If you’ve got a rental car, you can follow the Red Tour route on a self-drive itinerary.
The Blue Tour of Cappadocia
The Blue Tour follows a similar route to the Green Tour and takes you around some of the most iconic sites in southern and central Cappadocia.
As with the Red and Green Tours, the price of the tour includes all transportation, entrance fees to different sites, lunch and a professional, experienced guide.
Top Attractions on the Blue Tour:
Hiking across the Red Valley - one of the most famous places to watch the sunrise/sunset, this valley is named after its crimson-coloured fairy chimneys and rocks. Many churches are located in the Red Valley, including Uzumlu Church which has incredible frescoes inside.
Hiking across the Rose Valley - another popular photography spot, the Rose Valley is also filled with many interesting chapels and churches. At sunrise and sunset, the rocks turn a lovely pink colour.
Cavusin Cave Village - An ancient village that was originally inhabited by Christians fleeing Roman persecution. Many local people still live in the rock-cut houses. You’ll also find one of Cappadocia’s oldest churches here - The Church of St John the Baptist which dates back to the 5th century.
Ortahisar Castle
Rose Valley
Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City - Massive ancient underground cities on multiple levels. The many rooms in the cities include dining rooms, wineries, churches and stables!
Pigeon Valley - a valley filled with thousands of pigeon houses, known as dovecotes. Pigeon eggs were used in church frescoes and their droppings were also used by ancient farmers to fertilise their crops. The viewpoint here offers a spectacular panoramic view over the valley.
Uçhisar Greek houses - similar to Cavusin village, there are plenty of Greek rock cut and stone houses in this area.
Ortahisar Castle - a fortress built upon the largest mass of fairy chimneys in Cappadocia and one of the highest viewpoints in the region, this is an amazing place to take photographs of surrounding valleys. This site is also much less visited than Uçhisar Castle.
Some tours also include:
Uç Güzeller (The Three Beauties) - an interesting set of fairy chimneys with flat tops located between Ortahisar and Ügrüp. There’s also a legend that the three chimneys represent a princess, her husband and her child.
The Blue Tour starts at 10.00am and takes 7-8 hours.
The Blue Tour is available on Get Your Guide through their partner Enka Travel as a small group tour limited to 15 people.
Doing the Blue Tour Independently
While most of the sites on this tour including Pigeon, Rose and Red valleys, Cavusin Cave Village and Ortahisar Castle can be visited independently on foot from Göreme and Uçhisar, the underground cities cannot. If you don’t opt for a tour, you will need your own car or a driver to visit these sites.
Private Cappadocia Tour
If you want the ultimate flexible Cappadocia itinerary, we’d recommend taking a private tour with your own driver.
This private car/guide service is a great choice if you want to build your own itinerary in Cappadocia. You can choose the attractions that you want to visit and decide how long you want to spend at each one. The private tour can last between 4-8 hours.
The driver is also a knowledgable tour guide so will be able to give you background information on different places and make suggestions about your itinerary. In our experience they also tell you about more off-beat locations that you won’t have heard about!
You can also arrange to start your tour a little earlier than normal tours (most begin at 10.00 am) or finish later (this may come with an additional fee).
If you want a private tour with an itinerary, then this full day skip-the-line private tour is another good choice. It’s also a little bit cheaper than the previous option. This private tour has various start times that you can choose from, beginning as early as 8.30 am until 11.30 am.
Evening Flight to Izmir - Stay in Selçuk
After your tour is over, head back to Göreme and have a traditional meal of gözleme (filled Turkish pancake) before setting off to Kayseri Erkilet Airport for your evening flight to Izmir.
(You can find this traditional Turkish meal offered in most restaurants and as a street food snack from the side of the road!)
The best way to get to Izmir from Cappadocia is to fly from Kayseri Airport. The flight takes 1.5 hours with either Sun Express or Pegasus Airlines (Turkey’s low cost airline). Flights between the two areas are cheap, usually between £25-£35 ($29-41) per person.
We’d also highly recommend booking this shared airport transfer between Göreme/Uçhisar and Kayseri airport. The airport is around 74km away and the journey takes just over an hour. For that distance, this transfer is a bargain!
From Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, you can catch a Havas shuttle bus to Selçuk, where you will be staying for one night. Look for the bus that says Selçuk or Kuşadası. The buses run roughly every 2-3 hours - you can see the bus timetable on the Havas website.
Selçuk is the jump off point for travellers visiting Ephesus (which is what you will be doing tomorrow!) It’s a charming town with a great selection of hotels and restaurants.
The Havas bus from the airport takes around 90 minutes and at the time of writing, costs 130TL (be aware that with the volatility of the lira, this price is likely to change, so check on the website for the updated price.)
You’ll be dropped off in the centre, right near Selçuk state hospital. Most hotels in Selçuk are within easy walking distance from here.
Getting to Selçuk by bus
You can also book a night bus here that goes directly to Selçuk bus station in Izmir, from Göreme bus station.
The bus usually takes around 14 hours (including rest breaks) and I'd recommend booking Metro buses (we've used this company a lot for uber long bus rides of more than 20 hours). Selçuk bus station is located right in the centre of the town and walking distance from most hotels.
The bus is slightly cheaper than flying but takes a lot longer and whilst the buses are very comfortable (with charging ports, footrests and snacks provided), you still won’t get the best night's sleep. However, it is a much more environmentally friendly alternative.
Ticket prices start at around £20/$23. (Correct as of November 2022)
Driving to Selçuk
If you are doing this itinerary by road, then it's time to hop in your rental car. The journey to Selçuk should take around 10-11 hours.
If the drive is too long and you fancy getting your head down, the historical city of Konya or the upcoming tourist town of Isparta are great places to stay the night.
💡 Insider tip: The shortest driving route to Selçuk goes past Denzili which is the gateway for Pammukule. If you prefer, you can stop off at Pammukule first and then head on to Ephesus (basically swap Day 7 & 8 of this itinerary around).
Getting to Selçuk by train
As of 2022 there isn’t a train running from Kayseri train station to Selçuk or Izmir. (There is, however a train between Izmir and Selçuk).
Turkish trains are a great way to travel around the country - they might be slow, but they are clean, comfortable and very cheap. You can check out prices and times of various routes on the TCDD website.
🗓 Itinerary for Turkey 10 Days: Ephesus, Day 7
The Library of Celsus at Ephesus
Day 7 in Ephesus: Historical Ruins of Ephesus & Evening Bus to Pamukkale
Best Ephesus Hotels
Top Pick: Livia Garden Hotel (⭐ 9.7)
Best Boutique Hotel: Vinifera Vineyards Hotel (⭐ 8.9)
Best Mid-Range Pick: Hotel Kalehan (⭐ 9.5)
Best Budget Option: Anz Guest House (⭐ 9.2)
Best Ephesus Tours:
Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Artemis Temple Tour (⭐4.7/5)
How to Get to Ephesus
After a good night’s sleep, wake up early and after breakfast make your way down to the ruins of Ephesus.
Selçuk is extremely close to Ephesus: you can either hail a taxi from the main road (the drive is only 5-10 minutes long) or you can walk to the North Entrance (also known as the Lower Entrance) along the busy main road (Dr Sabri Yayla Blv) passing the remains of the Temple of Artemis on your way.
The walk to Ephesus is around 3km and takes about 40 minutes. Whilst there is some shade along this road, be aware that in the summer the extremely high temperatures can make this walk super tiring (we know this from experience!).
There are also regular dolmuş minibuses from Selçuk Otogar (Selçuk bus station) to the North Entrance at Ephesus - the journey takes about 5-10 minutes and the buses leave every 30 minutes.
Many hotels in Selçuk also offer a complimentary shuttle service to the ruins.
⏰ Ephesus Opening Times: 8.00 am - 7.30 pm (April - October), 8.30am - 5.30 pm (November - March)
💰 Entrance fees: 200TL (correct as of November 2022). There are separate entrance fees for particular attractions such as the Terrace Houses and House of Virgin Mary.
💡 Insider tips: Get to Ephesus early (ideally when it opens) especially during peak season to avoid the crowds and tour buses which tend to arrive a little later in the day.
If you visit early during the off-peak seasons (e.g. April/May or late October/November) you’ll have the site pretty much all to yourself. It’s much nicer to walk around without hordes of people.
🎟 If you plan to visit a lot of ancient sites in Turkey, consider getting the Museum Pass Turkey. It’s valid for 15 days and offers access into 300 museums, archaelogical sites and other attractions. It’s currently 1000TL (£48/$55).
The gorgeous ruins of the Temple of Hadrian
Introduction to Ephesus
Although the Greeks usually get all the credit for Ephesus, archaeological excavations have shown that the history of Ephesus actually goes back to the Neolithic Age (around 6000BC).
Hittite settlements from the Bronze Age have also been discovered and scholars have suggested that the area was the location of the Kingdom of Arzawa which eventually became the city of Ephesus under the Greeks.
With the arrival of the Ionian Greeks in 1000BC, the city grew into a vitally important bustling commercial port and trading hub in the Mediterranean.
Ephesus was also the religious centre for the worship of the Greek goddess Artemis, with huge crowds of people visiting to worship at the temple dedicated to her. The Temple of Artemis is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Ephesus was conquered by many different warring groups over the centuries and was variously ruled by the Lydians and the Persians, before falling to the Macedonian King Alexander the Great in 334 BC.
The city became increasingly prosperous during this Hellenistic period, prosperity that continued under the rule of Roman emperor Caesar Augustus in 27BC.
According to Greek sources from the period, Ephesus became the epicentre for trade in the region and its prosperity was such that it was considered second in size and importance only to Rome! (Go Ephesus!) Roman rule also brought Christianity to the region and temples once dedicated to Artemis became churches.
The city of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis were destroyed by the Goths in 263AD, an event that began the gradual decline of the city’s importance. However, under the rule of Emperor Constantine, many areas of the city were rebuilt and even in Byzantine times, Ephesus was considered to be the most important city after Constantinople.
The destruction of the city by an earthquake and invasions by the Arabs in the 7th and 8th centuries led to the city being mostly abandoned and forgotten.
Ephesus became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 and is one of the top 10 places to visit in Turkey. The best Turkey itinerary should always include a visit to these incredible ancient ruins.
Top Attractions in Ephesus:
- The Library of Celsus - One of the few existing examples of a library in the Roman Empire and an architectural masterpiece, the Library of Celsus was the third largest library in the whole of the Roman Empire and once held 12,000 scrolls. This is the most popular attraction in the ancient city - so visit the area early if you want to photograph it without the crowds.
Ephesus Great Amphitheatre - This Greco-Roman Amphiteatre could accommodate 25,000 spectators and was used for a range of purposes including dramatic performances, gladiator games, political events and religious rites.
The theatre was further expanded under the Romans. Today the amphitheatre is still used for concerts - some of the most recent acts include Elton John and Diana Ross!
Curetes Street - The main road connecting the lower and upper parts of the ancient city of Ephesus, Curetes Street runs all the way from the Celsus Library to the Hercules Gate.
Originally used by priests as a sacred ceremonial walkway leading to the Artemis Temple (the street was actually named after the priests taking part in this religious ritual), during the Roman period it was lined with shops, statues, fountains and various monuments. There are beautiful mosaics on either side of the column-lined street.
Curetes Street
The Great Amphitheatre at Ephesus
Temple of Hadrian - Built in the second century AD and considered to be one of the most beautiful ruins on Curetes Street, this temple was constructed in honour of Emperor Hadrian who visited Ephesus from Athens in 128AD. The temple’s four Corinthian columns and decorated archway are carved in incredible detail.
Terrace Houses - If you’re curious to know how the wealthy citizens of Ephesus once lived, then you must check out the Terrace Houses, located opposite Hadrian’s Temple. You can walk on a glass walkway above the houses and see their original layout plus detailed and beautifully restored floor mosaics and murals on the walls.
The Odeon Theatre - Although much smaller than the Great Theatre, the Odeon is another well-preserved example of Greco-Roman architecture. Originally covered with a wooden roof, the theatre could hold up to 1500 spectators and was used for Senate meetings and performances.
💡 Insider tip: The Terrace Houses require a separate ticket. The entrance fee is 85TL as of November 2022. Make sure you keep your ticket on you at all times.
You can easily spend a whole day wandering around Ephesus: most people visit for about 3-4 hours. If you visit during July/August remember that Ephesus is VERY hot during the summer. We visited in the height of summer one year and ended up extremely parched and retreating to a patch of shade to eat some watermelon!
It’s very easy to explore the site independently - you can download information about the different ruins beforehand or rent an audio guide from the main entrance so you understand exactly what you are looking at.
If you’d prefer to have an experienced guide with you then we would highly recommend booking this excellent tour of Ephesus.
Lasting 5 hours, you will explore all the major sites of Ephesus with a knowledgeable guide who will give you a detailed explanation of each attraction’s history and significance. The cost includes entrance fees, parking costs and transport in an air conditioned vehicle. Book this tour here.
🏠 The Best Places to Stay Near Ephesus
Selçuk town has a wide range of accommodation close to Ephesus ancient city. We’ve included hotels that suit every budget, so you can choose the one that fits yours.
Photo courtesy of Livia Garden Hotel from Booking.com
TOP PICK: Livia Garden Hotel (⭐ 9.6)
This quiet, charming hotel close to Ephesus has clean and reasonably priced rooms featuring comfortable beds, ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities.
The hotel also offers a generous and varied breakfast in the lovely garden and a small pool that is perfect for relaxing in after a long day of sightseeing in the sun.
There are free bikes that guests can use, so if you like, you can cycle to the ruins!
Photo courtesy of Vinifera Vineyards Hotel from Booking.com
BEST BOUTIQUE CHOICE: Vinifera Vineyards Hotel (⭐ 8.9)
Set among lush vineyards and with views of lavender gardens, this hotel is perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape in Ephesus.
Only 10 minutes drive out of Selçuk town, this lovely hotel offers elegant, light-filled rooms decorated with vintage furniture and featuring a balcony, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and private bathroom. All rooms have beautiful views.
The hotel has a gorgeous swimming pool overlooking the vineyards and an excellent restaurant serving regional cuisine. Make sure to try the fantastic wines from the hotel’s winery.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Kalehan from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE PICK: Hotel Kalehan (⭐ 9.5)
Boasting a large garden and swimming pool, this friendly family-run hotel has reasonably priced, sparkling clean and spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and air conditioning.
Some rooms are decorated with antiques and face a gorgeous rose garden. The staff are kind and helpful and there is an excellent and tasty Turkish breakfast buffet.
Photo courtesy of Arart Hotel from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET OPTION: Anz Guest House (⭐ 9.0)
Located close to the Temple of Artemis ruins and featuring a comfortable rooftop terrace with views of the villages and surrounding landscape, this friendly hotel is a great choice for travellers on a budget.
The hotel offers a good breakfast and the rooms are cosy and clean, with air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
The hotel restaurant also provides homecooked meals and there’s a bar, so you can grab a drink and watch the sun set from the terrace.
Explore Sites in Selçuk Town
Head back to Selçuk town in the early afternoon and have lunch at the lovely Ejder Restaurant, which serves all sorts of traditional Turkish dishes. The patlican kebab (aubergine kebab) and adana kebab are particularly good.
If you have time and energy, it’s definitely worth walking around Selçuk as there are a number of attractions that are worth exploring here too!
Basilica of Saint John
Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th Century, this church was supposedly constructed over the tomb of St John the Apostle. The design of the church was inspired by the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople which was eventually demolished by the Ottomans. The basilica is located on the hillside, below Selçuk Castle.
⏰ Basilica of Saint John Opening Times: 8.00 am - 7.00 pm
💰 Entrance fees: 50TL (correct as of November 2022)
💡 Insider tip: The ticket price also includes a visit to Selçuk Castle.
Selçuk Castle
A 1500-year-old Byzantine-era castle, this citadel was also used and expanded by the Seljuk and Ottoman empires. In its heyday, it had 15 towers and 1.5km long city walls!
⏰ Selçuk Castle Opening Times: 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
💰 Entrance fees: A visit to the castle is included in the ticket price for the Basilica of Saint John (above).
Temple of Artemis
All that remains of this once magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis is a single pillar and the temple foundations. Artemis was the goddess of fertility, wild animals, hunting and childbirth, to name but a few! Destroyed by a deliberate fire in the 4th Century BC, it was rebuilt and then destroyed for a final time by Christians in 401CE.
⏰ Temple of Artemis Opening Times: 9.00 am - 7.00 pm
💰 Entrance fees: Entrance to the Temple of Artemis is free.
House of the Virgin Mary
Located 7km outside of Selçuk town, this house was discovered in the 19th century and is believed to be where the Virgin Mary was taken by St John. Many Catholic pilgrims visit the site each year and Catholic popes are known to have visited too.
⏰ House of the Virgin Mary Opening Times: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm
💰 Entrance fees: 150TL (correct as of November 2022)
Selçuk Castle
Nesting Storks!
If you are in the right season, it’s worth looking out for pairs of storks that are nesting around Selçuk.
The birds usually nest on high points - in Selçuk this is mainly in the ruins of the Roman Aqueduct although we’ve seen them at the top of electricity poles too! It’s amazing to see these huge birds flying off.
Nesting season starts in mid-March and finishes around the end of August.
Evening bus to Pamukkale
After you've had your fill of sites in Selçuk it's time to make your way to Pamukkale, famous for its gorgeous travertine thermal pools.
How to Get from Selçuk/Ephesus to Pamukkale
🚍 By bus
Head to Selçuk Otogar (Selçuk Bus Station) to catch an evening bus to Denzili, which is the town closest to Pamukkale.
The journey to Pamukkale takes around 3 hours and buses depart throughout the day until as late as midnight. Like other long distance buses in Turkey, the buses to Pamukkale are comfortable. Pamukkale Turizm is a good coach company to use on this route.
As usual we recommend booking your bus tickets through Busbud.
When you arrive at Denzili Otogar (Denzili Bus Station), you will need to go to the basement of the bus station to platform 76 to catch the dolmuş/minibus to Pamukkale.
Dolmuş buses only leave when full. You pay the driver directly and let them know which hotel you are going to. The journey to Pamukkale should take 30 mins.
🚘 By car
If you are followıng this itinerary using a rental car, the drive from Selçuk to Pammukule is an easy 2.5 hours.
🚆 ✈️ By train or plane
These are two options that we would not recommend for this itinerary.
Train: There is a train from Selçuk train station, once a day at 12.40 am. It gets into Denizli at around 04.00. Although we love train travel in Turkey as it's a more relaxing way to travel and is very cheap, we wouldn't recommend this for your 10-day Turkey itinerary when you are short on time. The bus is much more efficient.
Flying: There are flights from Izmir airport to Denizli, however all of these are indirect and stop at Istanbul with long layovers. It really doesn’t make sense to choose to fly when the bus only takes 3 hours. The bus is also much much cheaper!
🗓 10 Day Turkey Itinerary: Pamukkale, Day 8
Pamukkale hot springs
Day 8: Pamukkale Thermal Pools & Evening Bus to Fethiye
Best Pamukkale Hotels:
Top Pick: Venus Suite Hotel (⭐ 9.1)
Best Luxury Choice: Pamukkale Whiteheaven Suite Hotel (⭐ 9.4)
Top Mid-Range Pick: Bellamaritimo Hotel (⭐ 9.1)
Best Budget Option: Hotel Pamukkale (⭐ 9.1)
Best Pamukkale Tours
Pamukkale and Hierapolis Full Day Guided Tour (⭐ 3.9/5)
Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour (⭐ 4.4/5)
Introduction to Pamukkale
Meaning ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish (pamuk means cotton and kale means castle), the beautiful snow-white terraces of Pamukkale have long been a standard stop on most Turkey itineraries. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But how was it created?
As a result of tectonic and underground volcanic activity (there’s a lot of this in Turkey given that it’s on two tectonic plates), there are 17 hot springs in the Pamukkale area: most of these are around 320 metres below the earth’s surface.
The hot spring water contains huge amounts of calcium carbonate and eventually, it reaches the earth’s surface. As the water comes into contact with the air and cools, the calcium in it is deposited onto the ground in a stream that cascades down the hillside.
The stunning travertine pools at Pamukkale
Over thousands of years, the many layers of calcium carbonate crystallise into a hard rock formation called travertines and which look like steps or terraced pools.
Since Roman times, the mineral-filled thermal waters of Pamukkale have been thought to have healing properties and medicinal benefits. The Roman city of Hierapolis, built above the travertine springs, was founded as a thermal spa city in the 2nd century BC.
Advised by their doctors, Roman citizens from everywhere would come to treat their ailments. Even today, the water is believed to cure all sorts of medical issues from eczema and cardiovascular problems to rheumatism.
The ruins of Hierapolis Amphitheatre
I’ve heard the pools at Pamukkale are damaged. Is it still worth visiting?
As you know, we like to be honest, so here it is.
When we first visited Pamukkale in 2008, there were pools upon pools filled with turquoise water, as far as the eye could see. We were free to bathe in any of the pools and walk around as much as we liked. It was completely gorgeous and although plenty of tourists knew about it, it wasn’t crazy busy.
Nowadays, things are a bit different - when you visit Pamukkale, you should expect to see around 10-12 pools filled with water (some of which you can bathe in). The rest of the travertines are completely dry.
As Pamukkale grew in popularity as a tourist attraction, the town’s population increased in line with it. More amenities such as shops, restaurants, and hotels were built and a lot of water from the thermal springs was diverted to meet these needs.
In the 1980s a road was built that allowed people to drive right to the top of the travertines and hotels were built over some of the Hieropolis ruins and right next to the travertines.
When the area was declared a UNESCO site, the road was removed (phew) and developed into a number of artificial bathing pools for visitors. The hotels were also demolished (double phew).
Does this mean that you should strike Pamukkale off your list? Hell no! The blindly white terraces are completely breathtaking and there are pools designed for public use, where you can take a healing dip in the warm waters. Plus the ruins of the ancient city of Hieropolis are fantastic to explore and there’s also a great museum.
The one thing to keep in mind is that this is a hugely popular attraction - you’ll see hundreds of tourists here most of the year around. It can be very busy but don’t worry, it’s still possible to escape the crowds.
Visiting Pamukkale Hot Springs
If you are visiting Pamukkale during the peak summer season, then I would recommend visiting the pools as soon as they open, so you can avoid the busloads of tourists that descend on the site later on.
There are actually three entrances to the hot springs:
The town entrance is basically within walking distance from most hotels.
The south entrance is the nearest to the Pamukkale travertines and the warmest pools at the top of the hill.
The north entrance is close to the Necropolis and the other ruins of Hieropolis. You have to walk just over 2km to get to the hot springs from this entrance, which will take around 25-30 minutes.
The south entrance and the north entrance both have car parks, so if you are coming by car you will be able to find somewhere to park.
The gates have different opening times which we will outline below.
⏰ Pamukkale South Gate Opening Times
Spring: 6.30 am - 8.00 pm, 1st March to 31st May
Summer: 6.30 am - 9.00 pm, 1st June to 30th September
Autumn: 6.30am - 8.00 pm, 1st October to 31st October
Winter: 6.30am - 6.00 pm, 1st November to 28th February
⏰ Pamukkale Town Gate and North Gate Opening Times
Spring: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm, 1st March to 31st May
Summer: 8.00 am - 9.00 pm, 1st June to 30th September
Autumn: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm, 1st October to 31st October
Winter: 8.00 am - 6.00 pm, 1st November to 28th February
💰 Entrance Fee: 200TL (correct as of November 2022 and includes entrance into the Hierapolis Archaeological Site and Museum).
🎟 Museum Pass: This site is covered in the 15 day Turkey Museum Pass, which covers over 300 sites, museums and other attractions. If you are following this itinerary it is definitely worth purchasing (as it covers museums in Istanbul and other cities as well) - you can buy it here. As of November 2022, it is 1000TL.
Pamukkale hot springs at sunrise
In this itinerary, you only have one day to see Pamukkale so we’d recommend going to see sunrise at the pools. From the town, you can hop in a taxi (or drive your rental car) to the south gate which opens early at 6.30 am.
Sunrise over the pools is a completely magical experience, especially for photographers: it’s quiet, and the steam rising from the pools and the low clouds creates an ethereal mist.
This is also the time to catch a great view of the hot air balloons flying over the travertines. You get beautiful views of the valley and the surrounding scenery, but be aware that most of the travertines will be in shadow at this time of day.
💡 Insider tip: We’d recommend visiting the pools before heading to the ruins, because you’re only likely to get them to yourself in the early morning before the hordes of other tourists arrive. Arriving early means that it will be quiet - just you and a few other people for at least half an hour (or an hour if you’re lucky).
👣 You are not allowed to wear shoes (including flipflops and rubber water shoes) on the travertines. Walking on them isn’t exactly comfortable: it can be a bit slippery and there are sharp edges. So take care. If you visit in winter, the ground can also be a bit icy.
📅 Best time to visit: Like Ephesus, the best time to visit Pamukkale is outside of the summer peak season. The spring months of April-May and early autumn in September-October has great weather and fewer crowds. You can of course, visit outside of these months - we’re great advocates of visiting places in winter particularly!
🌅 Although half a day is more than enough time to explore Pamukkale, if you have more time we’d recommend visiting the pools at sunset as well. Although this means that you have to pay for another entry ticket (boo!), sunset over the pools is stunning as the fading light reflects in the pools and looks completely gorgeous. However, sunset is a really popular time so it will be crowded.
🍃 Please be a responsible traveller and only walk in the designated areas. We’ve seen tourists walking on off-limits travertines to get ‘the shot’. Don’t be that traveller. Respect the rules.
Sunset at Pamukkale hot springs
Cleopatra’s Pool
North of the travertines and just under the ruins of Hierapolis, lie Cleopatra’s Antique Pools.
This beautiful Roman bath is also fed with warm mineral water from Pammukale’s thermal springs and comes complete with fallen Roman columns (and other millenia-old artefacts) which you can see in the lovely clear water. Legend has it that the Queen of Egypt herself came to bathe here!
Cleopatra’s pool isn’t included in the Pamukkale entrance fee, so you can decide whether you want to pay to swim in it after you’ve visited the travertines. As it’s quite big, it is a popular place for visitors to relax and swim, so you can expect it to be busy.
⏰ Cleopatra’s Pool Opening Hours:
Spring: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm, 1st March to 31st May
Summer: 8.00 am - 9.00 pm, 1st June to 30th September
Autumn: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm, 1st October to 31st October
Winter: 8.00 am - 6.00 pm, 1st November to 28th February
💰 Cleopatra’s Pool Entrance Fee: 150TL (as of November 2022). There are lockers for your valuables available for an additional fee.
Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
Even though you’ve already been wowed by Ephesus, the massive Hierapolis ancient amphitheatre is a spectacular site to see.
Built in the 2nd Century AD by Emperor Hadrian (the same Emperor who built the famous Hadrian’s Wall in Britain), this amphitheatre could accommodate almost 15,000 people. The 45 rows of seating were divided into upper and lower sections, with some seats being specifically reserved for priests or other important guests.
The decorations and inscriptions of mythological scenes in the Hierapolis theatre are incredible: you can see images of the god of wine and fertility, Dionysus, riding in a carriage pulled by leopards and others showing a sacrifice to Artemis. These Greco-Roman decorations are considered to be the most intact and well-preserved in all of Turkey.
Hierapolis Ancient Amphitheatre
Ruins of Hierapolis Ancient City
Definitely take time to wander around the rest of the Hierapolis Archaeological Site as there’s lots more to discover!
Some of the best sites include Collonade Street, which was the main street in the ancient city and is bordered on either side by the remains of large columns; the stunning Domitian Gate, the Great Baths and the Roman Necropolis.
Hierapolis Archaeological Museum
Museums in Turkey are consistently amazing and this museum is no exception. Containing sculptures, sarcophagi and myriad artefacts that were discovered during excavations of the ancient city and with informative explanations in English, it’s definitely worth visiting.
⏰ Hierapolis Archaeological Museum Opening Times: 8.30 am - 7.00 pm
💡 Insider tip: Your Pamukkale entry ticket includes admission to the Hierapolis Archaeological Museum and the ruins of the Archaeological Site.
If you’d like to explore the Hierapolis ruins and travertines at Pamukkale with a licensed guide, then we’d recommend this excellent full-day guided tour of the area . The tour lasts 7 hours and is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Pamukkale.
Alternatively, if you have the cash to splash and you'd like to experience floating over the travertines instead, then this Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour is probably the experience you are looking for!
🏠 The Best Places to Stay in Pamukkale
All the hotels we’ve recommended are in Pamukkale town and within walking distance to the main entrance to the hot springs. Most of the hotels also offer a free shuttle which is a convenient option if you don’t want to walk.
We’ve included hotels that suit every budget, so you can choose the one that fits yours.
Photo courtesy of Venus Suite Hotel from Booking.com
TOP PICK: Venus Suite Hotel (⭐ 9.0)
This small boutique hotel offers large, comfortable rooms with a spacious ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a balcony for a reasonable price.
Guests can enjoy a complimentary rich and varied buffet breakfast in the poolside restaurant.
Pamukkale’s travertines are a short 10-15 minute walk away or you can take the hotel’s free shuttle which runs every 30 minutes. The lovely garden and pool are a great place to relax!
Photo courtesy of Pamukkale Whiteheaven Suite Hotel from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY CHOICE: Pamukkale Whiteheaven Suite Hotel (⭐ 9.4)
For a luxurious stay in Pamukkale, look no further than this lovely hotel! Featuring spacious, cozily decorated rooms with furnished balconies (all with pool and garden views), flat-screen TVs, ensuite bathrooms (with a bathtub), air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities, this is the place to get a good night’s rest.
Pamukkale hot springs are 10 minutes walk away. The hotel also offers a free shuttle that you can book in advance.
Photo courtesy of Bellamaritimo Hotel from Booking.com
TOP MID-RANGE PICK: Bellamaritimo Hotel (⭐ 9.1)
Located close to Pamukkale town centre, this hotel has super friendly, kind staff and rooms featuring an ensuite bathroom, a private balcony, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV.
There is a beautiful swimming pool and the hotel also offers guests an excellent breakfast. The onsite restaurant serves a range of traditional Turkish meals. The town entrance to the Pamukkale hot springs is 15 minutes walk away.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Pamukkale from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET OPTION: Hotel Pamukkale (⭐ 9.1)
Offering rooms featuring free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning and a balcony with a pool view, this hotel has incredible amenities for a low price.
The pool (filled with thermal water from Pamukkale) is perfect for a morning or evening swim and guests can opt to have a filling breakfast on the hotel’s gorgeous terrace.
The staff are extremely helpful and the location of this hotel is unbeatable: only 4 minutes walk to the entrance to Pamukkale’s travertines!
Evening Bus to Fethiye
After you have soaked in Pammukale’s pools to your heart’s content and explored the Hierapolis ruins, return to the town and have lunch at the cosy Hiera Coffee and Tea House. You need to book in advance (just send them a message on Google or on Instagram) as they only have eight tables and cook everything to order.
You can also spend a bit of time exploring the small town and the local market where you can pick up a few souvenirs and Turkish ceramic handicrafts.
Then it’s time to make your way to Fethiye on the beautiful turquoise coast: the last stop on this 10-day Turkey itinerary. Time for some very well-earned relaxation!
How to Get From Pamukkale to Fethiye
🚍 By bus
From Pamukkale town you can get a dolmuş (minibus) or taxi from the main road to Denizli Otogar. Most hotels will also arrange a transfer to the bus station.
At Denizli bus station you can get on a direct bus to Fethiye which will take around 4 hours. Ticket prices start at around 120TL (correct as of November 2022). As usual, we’d recommend booking bus tickets through Busbud here. All the Turkish bus companies are shown on the website and the prices are the same.
There are a lot of bus companies to choose from and the later buses leave at 5.00 pm, 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm. The last bus is at 7.00 pm (although there is a night bus at 2.30 am but there is no need for you to stay in Pamukkale that long unless you want to watch the sunset).
The bus will drop you off at Fethiye Otogar (Fethiye’s main bus station) which is close to the Erasta shopping mall and around the back of a large Carrefour supermarket. In front of the Carrefour supermarket is a dolmuş bus stop - minibuses heading to Ölüdeniz, Hisaronu and Ovacık stop here. You can also hail a taxi from here.
You can either stay in the main Fethiye town or nearer to the beach in places like Ölüdeniz and Calış.
✈️ Flying
Similar to the trip between Selçuk and Pamukkale, there are no direct flights from Denizli to Dalaman (the nearest airport to Fethiye). All of the flights stop in Istanbul for several hours so we wouldn't recommend travelling this way.
🚘 Driving
If you’re renting a car, then driving from Pamukkale to Fethiye is a breeze. The scenic journey should take around 3 hours.
🗓 10 Day Turkey Itinerary: Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Kayaköy, Day 9-10
Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon
Day 9: Fethiye Town and Ölüdeniz Beaches
Best Fethiye and Ölüdeniz Hotels
Top Pick: F48 Apartments (⭐9.3)
Best Luxury Romantic Stay: Oludeniz Loft (⭐ 9.7)
Top Luxury Near Beach: Salonika Suites (⭐ 9.0)
Best Mid-Range Near Beach: Blue Star Hotel (⭐ 9.0)
Top Budget To Mid-Range Near Beach: Unsal Hotel (⭐ 8.9)
Best Budget Near Beach: Dove Apart Hotel (⭐ 8.4)
Top Budget Pick In Fethiye Town: Ozgur City Residence (⭐ 9.5)
Best Fethiye and Ölüdeniz Tours
Paragliding In Oludeniz(⭐ 4.4/5)
Introduction to Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
We think that the best itinerary for Turkey should always include a few stops along the Turkish Riviera, which covers Antalya, Muğla, western Mersin and the southern part of Izmir.
Famous for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, hot and dry climate and towering mountains, its no surprise that tourists flock to visit the Turkish coastline here every year.
Since we’ve only got 10 days, we’ve chosen Fethiye and nearby Ölüdeniz as the places that you will explore on the Turquoise Coast at the end of this trip, but we warn you - you’ll probably want to stay much longer!
Formerly the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos, the city was conquered by the Persians in 547BC and eventually became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1424. Up until the 1920s, Fethiye and the nearby village of Kayaköy also had a large Greek community.
Fethiye
It’s hard not to fall in love with Fethiye: surrounded by breathtaking mountains, gorgeous picture postcard beaches in Ölüdeniz and ancient ruins, this lovely coastal town is definitely the perfect last stop for this Turkey travel itinerary for 10 days!
Despite having a small town feel, the population of Fethiye is actually just over 160,000 and it’s a popular summer holiday destination with foreign holiday makers and locals alike.
Fethiye is also a working town (as opposed to a tourist town like Kaş or Hisaronu, or beach destinations like Ölüdeniz) and is open all year round, so if you visit in the winter (which we used to do quite frequently) everything will still be open.
And with ancient tombs, a fantastic museum, gorgeous promenade, amazing restaurants, old town and markets, it is most definitely worth a visit.
Beaches in Ölüdeniz
💡 Insider tip: The areas of Hisaronu and Ölüdeniz are very geared towards tourists so the restaurants here don’t really serve authentic Turkish food. The restaurants in Fethiye and the nearby village of Kayaköy are much better!
Getting Around Fethiye and Ölüdeniz
Fethiye is a walkable town. If you stay in the town centre you will find that all the main supermarkets, shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance as are the lovely bars and restaurants by the sea on Fethiye Kordon.
To get to the beach areas of Calış and Ölüdeniz, you can hop on a dolmuş from this bus stop near Yeni Hamidiye Mosque. These are every 10-15 mins during the summer from 7.00 am to 8.00 pm and then every 30 minutes after 8.00 pm. The last buses from Hisaronu and Ölüdeniz are after midnight during the summer.
Buses are less frequent during the winter and the last buses to Ölüdeniz, Hisaronu and Calış finish earlier. If you aren’t sure about the bus times, there is usually someone at the bus stop near the mosque who can help you.
If you have a rental car you can drive anywhere around Fethiye pretty easily!
Exploring Fethiye and Ölüdeniz
Fethiye Old Town
After breakfast, start your day by exploring the narrow cobbled backstreets of Fethiye old town.
You’ll find lots of shops selling spices, soaps, nuts and dried fruit plus a lot of clothes and souvenir stalls.
Fethiye’s 16th Century Old Turkish Bath is located here so if you missed the chance to get thoroughly scrubbed down in Istanbul, you could have a hamam here instead!
The Fethiye Fish Market is also in this area - pop your head in and watch people queuing to buy fish or have a freshly caught fish cooked to order. There are restaurants around here as well but they can sometimes rip unsuspecting tourists off so we wouldn’t recommend eating here.
If you’re wondering where Fethiye’s nightlife scene is, well surprise - it’s in the old town! There’s lots of bars and clubs here and on some nights there are live bands too. Deep Blue Bar is particularly good for live music.
Amyntas Lycian Rock Tomb
A short 15-minute walk up from the old town and you’ll find the Amyntas Lycian rock tomb.
Built in 350BC, this huge tomb was sculpted out of the rock face for Amyntas, son of Hermagios. There are many rock-cut tombs in the Fethiye and Dalyan areas (they are easy to spot as most are carved into the cliff face) but the Amyntas tomb is by far the largest and most impressive. It’s also one of the only ones you can walk right up and into.
Lycian tombs are always carved high into the rock face because of their belief that a magical winged creature would carry their dead to the afterlife.
Amyntas Rock Tomb
To the right of Amyntas’ tomb are smaller, less elaborate burial places - we can only assume these were for the more common Lycian folks!
The climb up to the Amyntas tombs is worth it for the stellar view - you can see out over the whole of Fethiye from here.
⏰ Amyntas Rock Tomb Opening Times: 8.00 am - 7.00 pm
💰 Entrance Fee to Amyntas Rock Tomb: 20TL (current as of November 2022)
💡 Insider tip: The walk up the stairs to the rock tombs is steep and not suitable for anybody with mobility issues.
Fethiye Archaeological Museum
A building that’s easy to miss (most people often don’t even realise that Fethiye has a museum), this place actually holds some fantastic artefacts and isworth a visit. Many of the statues found in the ancient city of Tlos (more on that below) were moved here and they are incredible.
There are also artefacts from the archaeological sites of Xanthos and Letoon, including mosaics and the stele of Letoon which has inscriptions in Greek, Lycian and Aramaic and helped archaeologists to decipher the Lycian language.
⏰ Fethiye Museum Opening Times: 8.30 am - 5.30 pm
💰 Entrance Fee to Fethiye Museum: Free
Fethiye Pazar (Fethiye Market)
If you arrive in Fethiye on a Tuesday, do not miss the opportunity to explore the sprawling Tuesday market (Fethiye Salı Pazari).
Farmers and stallholders come from all over the region to sell their produce here and you can find everything at the Fethiye Pazar.
You’ll see vendors selling special cheeses out of animal skins, a wide range of nuts and dried fruits (known as kuruyemiş in Turkish), massive bags of spices, many varieties of olives, strings of dried peppers, chillies and aubergines and plenty of vibrant fruits and vegetables. There are clothes, toys and shoes too!
Fethiye Tuesday Market
We used to shop at this market once a week when we lived in the village of Kayaköy and visiting the market never felt like a chore.
It’s a great place to meet local people and practice your Turkish when you are buying something. There are a few tiny tea stalls in the market - stop by at these for a refreshing brew and a chat.
And if you get peckish, there are plenty of food stalls selling gözleme, corn börek, köfte and kebabs too! Take a seat, help yourself to pickled cabbage and chillies and chow down.
There is also a smaller market in the same location on Fridays.
If you decided not to have lunch at the market, then we’d recommend walking down the Fethiye Kordon (a promenade that runs along the coast) and having a bite to eat at the classy Mancero Kitchen while enjoying the sea views.
Alternatively, have lunch at our favourite restaurant near Fethiye Old Town - Mozaik Bahçe. Specialising in Turkish food from Antakya in Hatay province, you will find dishes here that you definitely won’t find anywhere else.
Everything on the menu is absolutely delicious and the staff are lovely. There are great options for vegetarians and dishes can also be adapted for vegans. If you’d prefer to visit in the evening we’d recommend booking, especially during the summer.
The amazing food at Mozaik Bahçe
Ölüdeniz
After lunch, hop on a dolmuş from the bus stop near Yeni Hamidiye Mosque and take a trip to Ölüdeniz, famous for having one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the whole of Turkey.
This is where you will find the famous Blue Lagoon: probably the most recognisable image of Turkey’s turquoise coast.
The water in one part of the lagoon is warm, calm and shallow, so perfect for kids or people who aren’t confident swimmers.
Ölüdeniz is simply gorgeous!
It does get very crowded in the summer months though, mainly with families, so unless you arrive super early you’ll find it hard to find a sunbed or even a patch of sand to lay your towel on.
When we went in early June we couldn’t find a free sun lounger near the lagoon so we walked around to the main Ölüdeniz beach, which has crystal clear turquoise waters. Whilst there were a few more waves, there were also plenty of free sunbeds. It was perfect for us!
Relaxing on a sunbed with a book or going for a swim is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
💡 Insider tip: If you are looking for a quieter stretch of beach, we’d recommending heading towards the gorgeous Kidrak beach, about 3km away from Ölüdeniz’s main beach.
You can walk there in about 40 minutes but it is much quicker to drive or take a taxi. Alternatively check out the beaches in Calış - they might not have the famous white sand but they are pretty!
If you are hungry after the beach we’d recommend heading back to Fethiye for dinner (we aren’t huge fans of the restaurants in Ölüdeniz as they are really geared towards tourists).
If you want to party with lots of other tourists (mainly ones from Ye Olde England), then you can take the dolmuş back to Hisaronu.
Here you can find shops selling fake designer bags, tons of souvenirs, clubs offering foam parties, cocktail bars, and plenty of other pubs and clubs to dance the night away.
Although this isn’t really our scene, we do love the friendly staff and cocktails at Alex’s Cocktail Bar and have had many a fun night there.
Note: If you are staying in Ölüdeniz you can follow the itinerary for this day in reverse, starting with some beach time and exploring Fethiye in the afternoon and evening.
Optional Activities on Day 9
Paragliding in Ölüdeniz
If you want to do something more exciting at the end of your 10 days itinerary for Turkey, consider doing this tandem paragliding experience from the top of Babadağ mountain, a really popular adrenaline rush activity in Ölüdeniz.
The entire experience, including being picked up from your hotel and being driven to the top of the mountain, takes around three hours. There are five flights available per day and you can expect to be in the air for around 30-40 minutes.
As Ölüdeniz has such mild weather all year round, it’s possible to go paragliding at all times of the year, including in winter.
You’ll be soaring 6500 feet in the air and will be treated to some jaw dropping views. An unforgettable experience!
This is a really popular activity and often sells out so I'd recommend booking it in advance here.
Visit Butterfly Valley
Another possible activity is a trip to Butterfly Valley viewpoint or to actually visit the valley itself on a boat tour.
The stunning valley was once home to 105 species of butterfly and is located 7km from Ölüdeniz. The steep cliffs of the valley surround a narrow stretch of white sandy beach that looks like a slice of paradise.
💡 Insider Tip: If you want to increase your chance of seeing butterflies, we recommend that you visit in March or April.
Butterfly Valley - a slice of paradise!
The view of Butterfly Valley from the viewpoint
Butterfly Valley was once an off-the-beaten path spot but is now a very popular tourist destination so you can expect the viewpoint to be crowded.
You can drive or take a taxi to the viewpoint. Please remember to be careful when taking photos - after the rocks that you can stand on the viewpoint is basically a sheer cliff edge.
It is possible to hike down to Butterfly Valley from Faralya. This hike is considered to be pretty dangerous as there are sections where you have to scramble and descend using ropes. People have died doing this hike, so this is not for inexperienced hikers or ill-equipped ones - you need to wear proper hiking shoes.
You can follow the trail using the Maps.me app and this guide on Wiki Loc
💰 Butterfly Valley Entrance Fee: There is a small entrance fee for entering Butterfly Valley - check with your hotel for updated prices.
Butterfly Valley Tour
If you’d prefer to go directly to the beach at Butterfly Valley itself, there are many excellent boat tours that will take you there. We’d really recommend this tour of Butterfly Valley and St Nicolas Island (also known as Gemiler Island).
On the tour you’ll get to swim and relax at Butterfly Valley before taking a short hike along a nature trail to see some waterfalls.
You’ll then sail to St Nicholas’ island and explore the ruins of several Byzantine Greek churches and Christian tombs. Many archaeologists believe that St Nicholas (yes, that Nicholas aka Father Christmas) was buried on the island.
The tour ends with a visit to Cold Spring Bay where you can swim and relax in an unusual freshwater bay, fed by natural springs that flow into the sea.
Saklıkent Gorge
Fethiye is a base from which you can do some cool Turkey day trips and one that you should definitely consider is a visit to Saklıkent Gorge, also known as the Hidden City in Turkish.
About 50 minutes drive outside Fethiye is Saklıkent Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world. 18km long and 300 metres deep, the colossal gorge was formed by water eroding the surrounding rocks over thousands of years.
So what do you do at a humungous canyon? Well, this is probably one of the only opportunities you get to actually walk through one.
After April, the water level in the canyon drops low enough that visitors can actually walk 4km of it. Part of this is on a wooden boardwalk and the other part is basically wading along the river bed through ankle-deep water. Depending on the season you visit, the water can reach up to your knees.
The water gushing through the canyon is actual melted snow from the Taurus mountains, so even in the summer, this water can feel icy cold!
There are also some adrenaline rush activities that you can do in Saklıkent National Park including bungee-jumping, ziplining, river tubing and canyoning.
You can take a cheap dolmuş (minibus) to Saklıkent from the bus stop near Yeni Hamidiye mosque. The journey is just under 1.5 hours.
⏰ Saklıkent Gorge Opening Times: 9.00am - 7.00pm
💰 Saklıkent Gorge Entrance Fees: 13 TL (as of November 2022)
💡 Insider tips: In peak season, try to get to Saklıkent when it opens as you can enjoy it without the crowds.
📝 Clothes and shoes: Remember to take a spare set of clothes with you to change into after you have waded through the gorge. You can rent rubber shoes at the ticket office to make it easier to walk on the riverbed. Some trainers that you don’t mind getting soaked will work fine too.
📆 Winter: The gorge is more likely to be closed during winter as heavy rainfall makes it too dangerous to visit as there can be flash floods.
Tlos ancient ruins near Saklıkent Gorge
Saklıkent Gorge Tour
If you’d prefer to go on an organised tour, we’d recommend this Viator tour where you visit Saklıkent Gorge and the nearby ancient Lycian city of Tlos.
Dating back to 2000BC, there’s a lot to explore at Tlos including a theatre, Roman baths, the remains of an amphiteatre, a Lycian fortress, various tombs and a stadium that had a seating capacity for 2500 people!
We visited Tlos independently by minibus and thought it was incredible. It’s not easy to travel to by public transport though, so we’d recommend going on a tour or driving there yourself.
🏠 The Best Places to Stay in Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
Fethiye and Ölüdeniz has a great selection of accommodation and you can choose whether you’d prefer to stay in a town or by the beach.
We stayed for two weeks at our top pick, F48 Apartments, and whilst they are not in the centre of Fethiye Town or close to a beach, we felt like we’d made a great choice and so we have included it here.
We’ve included hotels and apartments that suit every budget, so choose the one that fits yours.
Photo courtesy of F48 Apartments from Booking.com
TOP PICK: F48 Apartments (⭐ 9.3)
These clean and bright apartments are extremely reasonably priced and feature comfortable beds, excellent Wi-Fi, a well equipped kitchen, air conditioning, washing machine, flat-screen TV and a balcony with a mountain or garden view.
It’s perfect for people who want to self-cater sometimes (like us) and also get work done (also like us!). The bus stop for the bus into Fethiye or Ölüdeniz is just a few minutes walk. It’s a great choice for a longer stay.
Photo courtesy of Ölüdeniz Loft from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY ROMANTIC STAY: Ölüdeniz Loft (⭐ 9.7)
Located high up in the lush green valley in Ölüdeniz, this dreamy, adults-only hotel offers an infinity pool with a spectacular sun terrace, a fitness centre, massage services and luxurious spacious rooms featuring balconies with sea views, a flat-screen TV, an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Guests can enjoy a sumptuous and varied breakfast each morning and the onsite restaurant also offers lunch and dinner.
Photo courtesy of Salonika Suites from Booking.com
TOP BOUTIQUE LUXURY BEACH FRONT STAY: Salonika Suites (⭐ 9.0)
This magnificent hotel is just 4 minutes walk from Ölüdeniz beach and is the perfect choice for travellers looking for a luxury beachfront holiday. Boasting large rooms complete with spa baths, a separate ensuite bathroom with shower, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, it’s designed to ensure a tranquil stay.
The hotel also has a lovely outdoor swimming pool, garden, restaurant and bar. A freshly made à la carte breakfast is served by the pool each day. The restaurants and bars of Ölüdeniz town are just steps away from the hotel.
Photo courtesy of Blue Star Hotel from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE BEACH FRONT CHOICE: Blue Star Hotel (⭐ 9.0)
Just minutes away from Belcekız Beach in Ölüdeniz and in the centre of the town, this hotel offers bright, clean and comfortable rooms at a very reasonable price, especially considering the location.
All rooms feature an ensuite bathroom, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a balcony with a pool and garden view and air conditioning.
Staff are lovely and extremely helpful and there is a wonderful pool. There is a varied and delicious buffet breakfast each morning with a range of hot and cold items - you can even get omelettes cooked to order!
Photo courtesy of Unsal Hotel from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET TO MID-RANGE BEACH FRONT PICK: Unsal Hotel (⭐ 8.9)
Just 240 metres from the beach and one minute from Ölüdeniz’s buzzing main street, this hotel has a large pool, jacuzzi and sun terrace surrounded by lovely gardens.
Rooms feature an ensuite bathroom, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Some rooms also have balconies with pool or mountain views.
The hotel serves an extensive and delicious breakfast and the on-site restaurant also offers a wide range of traditional Turkish and international dishes. They can even offer vegan and vegetarian meals upon request!
Photo courtesy of Dove Apart Hotel from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET BEACH FRONT CHOICE: Dove Apart Hotel (⭐ 8.3)
Only 5 minutes walk from the lovely Calış beach and close to cafes, supermarkets and restaurants, this budget apart hotel has a range of accommodation options from cosy double and twin rooms to one/two bedroom apartments and three bedroom villas.
The rooms, villas and apartments all have balconies and offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms and a flat-screen TV. The apartments and villas also have a well equipped kitchen and washing machine. Staff are welcoming and friendly and the pool is great for a late evening swim.
Photo courtesy of Ozgur City Residence from Booking.com
FETHIYE TOWN BEST BUDGET PICK: Ozgur City Residence (⭐ 9.6)
Ideally located in the centre of Fethiye, these brand new, clean, bright and spacious apartments have comfortable beds, an ensuite bathroom, a private well equipped kitchen, washing machine, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a comfortable dining and lounge area.
All the apartments have a balcony with views over a garden area. There is also a roof terrace with lovely views over Fethiye.
Restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets are only just around the corner and the bus stop to Ölüdeniz, Hisaronu and Kayaköy is 5 minutes walk away. The hotel also offers a bicycle and car rental service.
Day 10: Kayaköy and Evening Flight Home/to Istanbul
Introduction to Kayaköy
First time visitors to the ghost village of Kayaköy can be forgiven for thinking that this abandoned Greek village is much older than it is.
The hillside is littered with the neglected remains of old stone houses as far as the eye can see, weathered by the blistering summer sunshine and winter wind and rain. Mostly roofless, these dilapidated structures are now being reclaimed by nature.
However in actual fact, Kayaköy is the result of sad events that took place in the 20th century. Originally inhabited by Greek Orthodox Christians and Turkish Muslims, Levissi (Kayaköy’s original name) was a prosperous village with schools, chapels, shops, cafes restaurants and churches - you can still visit and explore the remains of many of these structures today.
A church surrounded by abandoned houses in Kayaköy
Records show that despite their different backgrounds and religious beliefs, the community lived together in harmony, socialising and even attending each others’ weddings.
This ended abruptly in 1923, when at the conclusion of the Greco-Turkish war, the two countries agreed to a population exchange so that each country would have one major religion.
And so, the Christan residents of Kayaköy (and other areas) were expelled from Turkey, whilst Turkish Muslims were deported from Greece.
Homes, businesses and places of workship were left behind. The village was renamed Kayaköy but never recovered: the returning Turkish residents did not want to settle on the hillsides, instead preferring the valley below, so the buildings in the village fell into disrepair.
A major earthquake in 1957 did further damage to the remaining stone buildings.
The many abandoned buildings of Kayaköy
Today Kayaköy is a popular tourist attraction: for a small fee you can wander around the 500 buildings that remain. It’s an eerie place but still charming - the narrow cobbled streets are picturesque and in the churches you can admire the pebble floor mosaics, weathered frescoes and wall paintings.
It’s also a great place to watch a stunning sunset - when you take in the views you can understand why people chose to live here.
Getting from Fethiye/Ölüdeniz to Kayaköy
From Fethiye: Walk to this minibus stop near Yeni Hamidiye Mosque and hop on the dolmuş to Kayaköy. The bus usually says ‘Kaya Village’ and sometimes ‘Gemiler’ on the front in addition to the stops of Hisaronu and Ovaçık. The dolmuş runs every 30 minutes in summer and every hour in winter.
From Ölüdeniz: Take the dolmuş up the hill towards Hisaronu and get off in the town. You can take the dolmuş to Kayaköy from there (basically the same bus that is coming from Fethiye).
From Çalış: Take a dolmuş to Fethiye - the bus will drop you off at the bus stop near Yeni Hamidiye Mosque. You can then take the dolmuş to Kayaköy from there.
If you have a car, it’s pretty easy to drive to Kayaköy - it will take about 20-25 minutes. There are two routes you can take - one that passes through Hisaronu or the back route which starts on Kaya Caddesi near Amyntas Rock Tomb. The second road is quicker but is a very windy mountain road, so you will need to drive carefully.
If you have time, you can walk to Kayaköy from Hisaronu. It’s a long walk that takes about 1 hour and passes through a lovely pine forest. You can also walk from Fethiye along a back road - the views are beautiful on this route but be aware that it is a fairly steep walk.
Visiting Kayaköy
The dolmuş drops you off in the centre of the village and from here you can make your way to one of the entrance booths - the main one is just past the Lebessos Wine House Restaurant.
Top attractions in Kayaköy:
- Panaghia Pyrgiotissa Church or Katopanagia Church (also known as the Lower Church or Asağı Kilise in Turkish). The vaulted ceilings and frescoes in this church are beautiful.
- The 19th Century Taksiyarhis Church (the Upper Church or Yukarı Kilise). This church has an atrium decorated with a mosaic made from white and black stones. This church was used as a mosque until the 1960s.
- The old school building
- Various other viewpoints, chapels and tons of empty homes!
You can even take a picnic and find a place with an amazing view to sit down and enjoy it. Just remember to take your rubbish with you.
Note: Some of the churches in Kayaköy may be closed for renovation.
⏰ Kayaköy Opening Times: 8.30 am - 7.30 pm, every day
💰 Kayaköy Entrance Fee: 20TL (correct as of November 2022)
We lived in Kayaköy for a year and our advice would be to just spend your time getting lost and walking around the ruins and the cute village.
The village bakery sells delicious treats and it's a pleasure to walk around and enjoy the fresh clean air. There's a number of cute cafes where you can stop off for çay, including the village tea house where you can watch old Turkish farmers play backgammon.
Optional activity:
If you have more time than in this itinerary, you can walk part of the ancient Lycian Way from Kayaköy to Ölüdeniz.
The route follows the coastline and there are some stellar views over the cliffs and out to sea, particularly at sunset.
You’ll need proper hiking shoes and I’d advise trying to complete the trail before it gets dark. (We ended up stumbling about in the late evening, our phone torch batteries dying and surrounded by some sheer cliff edges - something we wouldn't recommend doing).
When you've had your fill of the ruins, stop off at Yalçin Kebap restaurant for a late lunch/early dinner.
Yalçin is primarily a BBQ restaurant: you can select pre-prepared skewers of the meat you want to eat and then grill it at your table. You can also order rice, salad and chips to go with your meal.
And surprisingly vegetarians and vegans don't have to miss out! The restaurant serves a great vegetable guveç (vegetable casserole) and a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan mezzes. If you want to have one last Turkish kahvaltı this is a great place to try it - they even serve it late into the afternoon!
Evening flight from Dalaman to Istanbul or Home
Once you’ve finished your meal, it’s time to start the journey home.
Hop on the dolmuş back to Fethiye and make your way to the Fethiye Otogar. From the bus station you can take a Havas bus directly to Dalaman airport.
From Dalaman you can fly to Istanbul or out of the country to an international destination (mostly in the UK or Europe).
🗓 Turkey 2 Week Itinerary
If you are looking for a Turkey itinerary 14 days long then I’ve got a few suggestions for you.
A 2 week Turkey itinerary gives you even more time to explore this gorgeous country: especially some of the insanely pretty towns along the Turkish Riviera. Trust us, if you have time, you’ll definitely want to spend it exploring more of Turkey’s jaw dropping coast.
When designing a Turkey itinerary 2 weeks long, we’d recommend following the 10 day Turkey itinerary above but with two additional stops: one in the picturesque town of Kaş and the other in the vibrant city of Antalya.
Read through the 10 day itinerary before going through the two week Turkey itinerary as it is more detailed.
2 Weeks Turkey Itinerary Summary
Days 1-3: Istanbul
Day 4: Morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Stay in Cappadocia.
Day 5: Cappadocia
Day 6: Cappadocia. Evening flight from Kayseri to Izmir. Transfer to Selçuk and stay there.
Day 7: Ephesus. Evening bus to Pamukkale.
Day 8: Pamukkale. Evening bus to Fethiye.
Day 9-10: Fethiye/Ölüdeniz
Day 11: Kaş (take a bus from Fethiye in the morning)
Day 12: Kaş
Day 13: Antalya (take a bus from Kaş in the morning)
Day 14: Antalya and fly home/to another destination.
We’ve gone into more detail for the additional days on your 14 day itinerary Turkey below.
Day 11-12: Kaş
The stunning Kaputaş beach in Kaş
Travel to Kaş
After breakfast, jump on a bus to Kaş: the journey only takes 2 hours. You can book tickets here .
Exploring Kaş
Despite being incredibly beautiful, Kaş is still a very much undiscovered gem on Turkey’s turquoise coast.
Filled with charming cobbled streets, quaint whitewashed stone buildings, picture-postcard perfect beaches and a cool relaxed vibe, this is the place to get away from it all.
You won’t find shops selling souvenirs and knock-off bags here or places advertising English breakfasts and foam parties (nothing wrong if you like that sort of thing though). Kaş in many ways resembles the beautiful town of Alaçatı near Izmir, but crucially without the hefty price tag.
The picturesque streets of Kaş
Here are some of the best things to do in Kaş during your 2-week Turkey itinerary:
- Visit some of the areas most famous beaches. The stunning Kaputaş beach (Kaputaş Plajı) is probably the most famous and with its white sand and bright turquoise waters, it’s easy to see why. Other beaches worth visiting include: Büyük Çakıl Beach, Limanagzi Beach, Küçük Çakıl Plajı and Inceboğaz Beach.
- Wander around Kaş’ cobblestone streets. A lot of the joy of being in Kaş’ is just strolling around and exploring. You’ll find clothes shops selling clothing by local designers, stores selling handmade jewellery, beautiful artwork, amazing ceramics and galleries. Feel free to browse without being bothered - this isn’t the Grand Bazaar!
- Enjoy the many restaurants and bars: there are plenty of places to eat in Kaş and many serving high quality, home cooked Turkish food. There are also plenty of cool cocktail bars to hang out in after dinner.
Kaputaş beach in Kaş - a great place for some downtime on your holiday!
- Visit the Antiphellos Amphitheatre at sunset. Overlooking the sea, this is a great place to relax, crack open a beer and watch the sun go down.
- Listen to some live music. A lot of of the bars around Kaş have live music in the evenings, particularly jazz and blues. Some of the most popular venues include Hi Jazz, Echo Bar and Pell’s.
- Take a boat trip to Simena/Kaleköy. This historic village is only accessible by boat and is a great place to go on a day trip. Explore Simena Castle and the ruins left by Lycian and Byzantine empires. There are some restaurants near the water to have lunch and you can also snorkel or kayak there.
- Hike a small part of the Lycian way. This famous ancient coastal path has beautiful views and is clearly marked. You can follow a route in Simena up to Simena Castle or follow a route from the centre of Kaş.
🏠 The Best Places to Stay in Kaş
Here are our best accommodation options in Kaş for each budget. Choose the one that corresponds to yours.
Photo courtesy of Hill House Adults Only from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY OPTION: Hill House Adult Only (⭐ 9.7)
The perfect option for couples looking for a romantic escape, this hotel offers beautifully designed, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms also have a terrace or balcony - perfect for enjoying a drink at sunset.
Guests can also enjoy the plentiful and varied hotel breakfast featuring regional products and dishes. The hotel’s gorgeous outdoor swimming pool is ideal for soaking up the sun and has breathtaking views of the sea and Kaş town.
Photo courtesy of Payam Hotel from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Payam Hotel (⭐ 9.3)
Located just outside of Kaş centre, this hotel offers quiet, bright, spacious and spotlessly clean rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and an ensuite bathroom. Some of the rooms have balconies with stunning sea views and a hot tub!
Staff are friendly and extremely helpful and there is also a plentiful hotel breakfast which includes some dishes cooked to order. The hotel also has a lovely outdoor pool. Some of Kaş’s most beautiful beaches are just a stone’s throw away and the centre of town is only 10 minutes walk.
Photo courtesy of Smyrna Pansiyon from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET PICK: Smyrna Pansiyon (⭐ 9.3)
We really loved the simple but comfortable Smyrna Pansiyon. The cosy rooms at this bed and breakfast are bright and clean and have a balcony (with mountain or garden views), air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom and free Wi-Fi. The staff are super welcoming and will go above and beyond to help you.
Their homecooked breakfast is also delicious and there are some different dishes each day. Smyrna Pansiyon is located only a few minutes from the centre of Kaş and just 9 minutes walk from Small Pebble Beach. All in all a great budget option!
Day 13-14: Antalya
Travel to Antalya
Take a morning dolmuş (minibus) from Kaş to Antalya. The journey takes around 4 hours.
Exploring Antalya
Antalya is the total opposite to Kaş. The most popular tourist destination in the country and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast (with a population of 1.2 million people), this was one of the first cities in Turkey to introduce mass tourism. However, that doesn’t mean that Antalya has lost any of its charm.
First settled by the Greeks in 200BC and then quickly conquered by the Romans, the city of Antalya developed into a prosperous port city with a massive commercial centre and attracted people from all over Europe. And this trend has continued to the present day: Antalya is the second most visited city after Istanbul.
With a beautiful old town, amazing beaches, plenty of historical tourist attractions and amazing nightlife, there’s plenty to see and do in Antalya on the last few days of your Turkey 14 day itinerary.
Here are some of the best things to do in Antalya:
- Explore the maze-like streets of the charming old town. Kaleiçi (the Turkish name for Antalya’s old town) is filled with restored red-roofed Ottoman era houses, some of which have been turned into hotels. There are also lots of little shops selling souvenirs, art galleries and cute cafes where you can grab a quick çay or Turkish kahve.
- There are some ruins here too: the entrance to the old town is through the imposing Hadrian’s Gate plus the gorgeous 18th century Tekeli Mehmet Paşa mosque.
- Visit Konyaaltı beach. With the stunning backdrop of the Taurus mountains, white sands and unbelievably blue waters, it’s easy to see why Konyaaltı beach is so popular amongst locals and tourists.
The amazing Konyaaltı beach
- Explore the old harbour area. Located at the foot of the old town, this area was once the major trading port under the Romans. Today it is full of cafes and restaurants overlooking the sea and is the perfect place to sit and people watch.
- Climb a Roman watchtower for epic sunset views. With a panoramic view over Antalya’s harbour, Hıdırlık Kulesi, a fortress/watchtower near Karaalioğlu Park is a great spot to watch the sun go down.
- If you have more time, consider a day trip to some ancient cities. Perge (17km east of Antalya), Aspendos (47km east of Antalya) and famous for having one of the best preserved Roman theatres in the world, and Termessos are some of the best ancient ruins to visit.
🏠 The Best Places to Stay in Antalya
Here are our best accommodation options in Antalya for each budget. Choose the one that corresponds to yours.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Lykia Old Town Antalya from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY OPTION: Hotel Lykia Old Town Antalya (⭐ 9.6)
Only 5 minutes walk from Mermeli beach, this beautiful historical mansion is located right in the heart of Antalya’s picturesque old town and offers charming and stylish rooms with an ensuite bathroom, flat-screen TV (with Netflix), free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Guests can enjoy a varied and delicious breakfast made using organic produce from the hotel’s own farm! Restaurants, cafes and sights such as Hadrian’s Gate are within easy walking distance and the lovely outdoor pool is perfect for cooling off in after a long day of exploring.
Photo courtesy of Villa Tulipan from Booking.com
TOP MID-RANGE CHOICE: Villa Tulipan (⭐ 9.5)
This friendly, family run hotel has a roof terrace with a stunning panoramic view of the Mediterranean sea and Antalya’s marina area. All of the hotel’s cosy and light rooms are decorated with antique furniture and feature an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have sea views.
A generous breakfast is served on the hotel’s roof terrace every morning. The sights of the old town are within a 10 minute walk and the famous Konyaaltı beach is just a 20 minute drive away.
Photo courtesy of Flaneur Hostel from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET PICK: Flaneur Hostel (⭐ 9.3)
Located in the centre of Antalya’s Kaleiçi Old Town this friendly and clean hostel offers quiet mixed and female-only dormitory rooms plus private double rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
There is fast free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel and both private rooms and dormitories offer air conditioning. Guests can prepare their own meals in the well-equipped kitchen which includes an oven, grill and stove top.
The rooftop and garden terrace are great places to socialise with other travellers in the evening. A real budget gem in Antalya!
After you have finished your second day of sightseeing (or lounging on the beach - it’s your choice!) head to Antalya airport. It’s easy to catch a Havas bus from Antalya city centre to the airport.
This Turkey two week itinerary ends in Antalya which is a great jump off point for further travel or to fly home. From Antalya you can take an international flight (mainly to destinations in Europe, Central Asia or the Middle East) and domestic flights to many places in Turkey including Istanbul, so it’s very convenient to fly out from here.
This is the best 2 weeks itinerary Turkey has to offer!
🗓 Turkey 7 Day Itinerary
A week in Turkey is still a great amount of time to explore the major attractions in this beautiful country. We’ve created a few different options for a Turkey 7 days itinerary, depending on what you are interested in.
7 Days Turkey Itinerary Option 1 - Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Pammukale
If you aren’t that bothered about spending time on the beach, then this Turkey 1 week itinerary will be perfect for you.
In this itinerary I've cut a visit to southwestern Turkey completely. You will spend your first three days in Istanbul, followed by two days in Cappadocia followed by Ephesus and then Pammukale.
I don't recommend cutting down the time you spend in Istanbul because the city is huge and in three days you still barely scratch the surface of it (I've been living here for two years now and there's still so much to explore).
Here’s a summary of this itinerary:
Days 1-3: Istanbul
Day 4: Morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Stay in Cappadocia.
Day 5: Cappadocia. Evening flight from Kayseri to Izmir. Transfer to Selçuk and stay there.
Day 6: Ephesus. Evening bus to Pamukkale.
Day 7: Pamukkale. Evening bus to Izmir to fly home/to another destination.
Turkey Itinerary 7 Days Option 2 - Istanbul, Cappadocia & Antalya
This one week in Turkey itinerary is perfect if you want to fit in Turkey’s amazing beaches. You’ll still see plenty of historical wonders in Istanbul (trust us, it’s hard to miss them) plus get time to explore the gorgeous landscapes of Cappadocia.
We’ve cut Ephesus and Pammukale from this 7 days in Turkey plan: instead you will spend your last two days chilling on the beaches in Antalya. (Which sounds like a perfect way to end a holiday, if we’re honest).
Here’s a summary of what this itinerary looks like:
Days 1-3: Istanbul
Day 4: Morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Stay in Cappadocia.
Day 5: Cappadocia. Evening flight from Kayseri to Antalya.
Day 6: Antalya
Day 7: Antalya. Fly home/to another destination.
Note: We’ve chosen to add beach time in Antalya for this 7-day itinerary Turkey, because there are direct flights between Kayseri airport in Cappadocia and Antalya airport. Unfortunately there are no direct flights between Kayseri and Dalaman (for Fethiye).
7 Days in Turkey Itinerary Option 3 - Istanbul & Cappadocia
A third option for a 1 week Turkey itinerary is to just split your time between Istanbul and Cappadocia. I would recommend four days in Istanbul (this could then include a day trip to the Princes' Islands) followed by three days in Cappadocia. You could also do this the other way around and start off in Cappadocia instead.
Days 1- 4: Istanbul
Day 5: Morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Stay in Cappadocia.
Day 6: Cappadocia.
Day 7: Cappadocia. Evening flight from Kayseri to Istanbul.
7 Day Itinerary Turkey Option 4 - Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Fethiye
A final option for 7-days in Turkey that covers the major sights plus a little bit of beach time, is to spend three days in Istanbul, two days in Cappadocia followed by a day trip to Ephesus (staying in Izmir instead of Selcuk). You can check out accommodation options in Izmir here.
You can then take a direct flight (the better option as it is much faster) or bus in the early evening from Izmir to Dalaman and transfer to Fethiye. Spend your evening and the following day in Fethiye before heading to Dalaman airport for your flight home.
Days 1-3: Istanbul
Day 4: Morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Stay in Cappadocia.
Day 5: Cappadocia. Evening flight from Kayseri to Izmir. Stay in Izmir.
Day 6: Day trip to Ephesus from Izmir. Evening bus (4-5 hours) or flight (1 hour 15 minutes) to Dalaman and transfer to Fethiye.
Day 7: Fethiye. Fly home from Dalaman or to another destination
As you can see there are lots of ways to arrange your Turkey travel itinerary for 7 days.
As we mentioned above - one week in Turkey is enough time to see many of the major attractions in the country. Hopefully the examples above should help you to create the perfect Turkey one week itinerary!
Additionally, if you do have extra time and are looking for a Turkey 8 days itinerary, then consider adding an extra day in Istanbul to the above itineraries (with a day trip to the Princes’ Islands) or an additional day in Cappadocia.
🗓 Turkey Itinerary 5 Days
If you only have five days in Turkey then we would recommend splitting your time between two places: Istanbul and Cappadocia.
An itinerary for Turkey 5 days long may feel a bit rushed given the size of the country, but it is completely doable. Just consider it an introductory trip to this wonderful place - you’ll be coming back for sure!
Turkey Itinerary 5 Days: Option 1
In the Turkey 5 day itinerary below, you will fly to Cappadocia in the evening of the third day and have almost two full days in the Anatolian region before heading home.
Days 1-2: Istanbul.
Day 3: Istanbul. Early/late evening flight to Cappadocia. Stay in Cappadocia.
Day 4: Cappadocia.
Day 5: Cappadocia. Evening flight from Kayseri to Istanbul.
5 Day Turkey Itinerary: Option 2
Alternatively, if you prefer a 5 days in Turkey itinerary where the bulk of your time is spent in Istanbul, then spend three full days in Istanbul and take a morning flight to Cappadocia on the fourth day instead.
Days 1-3: Istanbul.
Day 4: Early morning flight to Cappadocia. Stay in Cappadocia.
Day 5: Cappadocia. Evening flight from Kayseri to Istanbul.
If you have an additional day and are looking for a Turkey itinerary 6 days long instead, add on an extra day in Cappadocia or Istanbul.
You could also fly from Cappadocia to Izmir on the evening of your fifth day and visit Ephesus on the sixth day of your itinerary before flying home.
🙋 10 Day Turkey Tour Packages
10 Days Turkey Tour to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus (⭐5/5)
This highly rated 10 Days Turkey Tour from Viator is one of our favourites. Firstly, it is a small group tour so the group number is capped at a maximum of 15 people - this means you won’t be traipsing around in a massive crowd (our nightmare).
Secondly, this tour covers all of Turkey’s top attractions but at a leisurely pace - meaning that you won’t be rushing from one site to the next. There’s also plenty of free time built in so you can explore on your own.
During your three days in Istanbul, as well as exploring the main sites in Sultanahmet, you’ll get the chance to take a Bosphorus cruise and explore some off-beat attractions on the Asian side such as the incredible Camlica Mosque.
The tour also includes two days in Cappadocia where you will explore the sites in northern and southern Cappadocia; leisure time in Antalya plus a city and old town tour; Pamukkale and the gorgeous beaches of Kusadasi (for more relaxation) and Ephesus.
Accommodation on every stop of this tour will be in 4 star or high class boutique hotels. Certain meals, airport/hotel pickup, admission tickets, tour guides, drivers and all flights and ground transportation on the tour are included.
Given everything you get to see and what is included, we’d say this tour is real value for money.
Explore the Best Highlights of Turkey in 10 Days (⭐5/5)
Also from Viator, this 10 day tour covers the main highlights of Turkey and follows a very similar itinerary to the tour above with the exception of Antalya.
The tour includes three days in Istanbul, followed by a day in Ephesus, one day in Pammukale and then three days in Cappadocia (including two full days exploring north and south Cappadocia).
On the second to last day you return to Istanbul and can choose to spend your time in the afternoon and evening as you please - whether that’s shopping for souvenirs or having a final Turkish breakfast!
This tour includes certain meals, airport/hotel pickup, accommodation in 4* or high class boutique hotels, admission tickets, tour guides, drivers, ground transportation and internal flights.
Tour of Turkey in 10 Days From Istanbul (⭐4.5/5)
Another small group tour (maximum 15 participants), this Tour of Turkey In 10 Days From Istanbul covers all of the historical and natural wonders of our 10 day itinerary with some added extras that history buffs will love.
As well as exploring Istanbul (2 days), Cappadocia (3 days), Pammukale (1 day) and Ephesus (1 day), you’ll also go on a one day tour of the World War I battlefields of Gallipoli plus a day trip to Troy and the ancient acropolis of Pergamum.
Domestic flights, ground transportation and car ferry fees, airport pick up, admission fees, certain meals, drivers, English speaking tour guide and accommodation are all included in the tour price.
10 Days Private Tour of Turkey (⭐5/5)
If you’d prefer to take a private tour of Turkey’s historical sites then this very highly rated 10 Days Private Tour of Turkey from Viator should be a top pick for you.
This tour follows a broadly similar itinerary to the tours above and includes three days in Istanbul followed by two days in Cappadocia, one day in Kusadasi and one day in Ephesus.
Where this tour is different is that it includes one day exploring sites in Aydın such as Priene, an ancient Greek city; Miletus, an ancient theatre; and the massive stunning Temple of Apollo. On your second to last day you’ll visit Pammukale before heading home on your final day.
Accommodation is included in the tour and you will have a choice of staying in 3, 4 or 5 star hotels. You can also choose to book the tour without accommodation.
Certain meals, airport/hotel pickup, admission tickets, tour guides, drivers, admission fees, ground transportation and internal flights are all included.
There are a lot more excellent Turkey tours (including other 10 day tours) on Viator and Get Your Guide - check these out if you’d like to travel with a professional guide.
✍ Turkey 10 Day Itinerary FAQs
I am planning a trip to Turkey - is 10 days in the country enough?
10 days is definitely enough time to explore Istanbul, the historical sites of western Turkey and the Anatolian region of Cappadocia plus grab some beach time. If you have more time to play with, we’d recommend extending your Türkiye trip - you can spend longer in some places such as Istanbul or add in a few more beach destinations.
How many days in Turkey would you recommend?
Similar to the answer above - we’d recommend a 10 day trip to Turkey at the very minimum but if you have more time that’s even better. This is a huge country and Istanbul alone takes a minimum of three days to explore (and that’s just for the main attractions). The longer you have, the less rushed you will feel.
We are huge fans of slow travel, so if you have the luxury of spending 3 weeks in Turkey or longer, we’d say go for it!
However, if you only have a short time Türkiye, look at our suggested itineraries and prioritise what you want to see. And like we said before, think of this as an introductory trip - if you fall in love with Turkey (and we’re fairly certain you will) then you’ll want to come back!
Is this a suitable Turkey backpacking itinerary?
For sure!
We’d really recommend Turkey to backpackers - our third visit to the country was on a backpacking Turkey itinerary down the western coast, and that experience made us fall in love with the country. We also recently completed an incredible three month backpacking trip through northern and eastern Turkey.
Türkiye is very backpacker friendly and this whole itinerary can be done independently and on a low budget. At each stage of the itinerary, we’ve also recommended hotels suitable for every budget. Much of the itinerary involves taking public transport, so that keeps costs down too.
You can also take buses between the destinations where we’ve recommended flying to save time (e.g. Cappadocia to Izmir), although this does take longer. We’d also recommend booking your flights in advance if you can, as you can make extra savings that way.
🔥 Hot tip:
Local SIM cards tend to be expensive so save yourself time and money by using Airalo e-SIMs. With generous data packages that are super affordable you can stay connected on your adventure in Turkey.
In Aydir during our three month backpacking trip across the country
Is Turkey expensive to visit?
Turkey is a very cheap country for most travellers and your money really does go very far, especially if you are converting pounds, dollars or euros.
Having said this - if you stay at expensive hotels, eat at the very best restaurants and visit during the peak season, your trip could cost you considerably more.
Certain tours, such as the hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia, can also put a huge dent in your budget, so bear that in mind when you are planning your trip.
You can make this a Turkey budget itinerary by visiting in low season or winter (November to March) or shoulder season (April-June, September-October), eating in cheaper places like lokantas (canteen style restaurants) or trying street food and staying in budget-hotels or hostels and taking public transport.
It really depends on your travel style.
Simit - a classic cheap breakfast snack in Turkey
How much does a Turkey 10 day trip cost?
See above. This very much depends on when you visit, where you stay, what activities you choose to do and where you eat out. As we have said before, Turkey is a very budget friendly country and your money does go far - but it all depends on what kind of traveller you are.
Can I do a road trip in Turkey?
Yes! This is a very scenic way to see the country and outside of Istanbul, the roads are calm and in good condition. Hiring a car means that you can also explore places in Cappadocia much more easily without having to go on a tour or hire a driver.
We’d recommend hiring a car through Discover Cars - you can explore car hire prices with Discover Cars here. We also recommend Local Rent: check out car hire prices with Local Rent here.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this MEGA 10 day Turkey travel itinerary blog post and that it helps you to plan a trip to Turkey.
If you have any questions, just drop us a line in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help you!
Before you go, make sure to check out some of our other Istanbul and Turkey/Türkiye guides:
🏠 Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: Coolest Neighbourhoods & Top Hotels
🇹🇷 The Best Places to Visit in Turkey
🌟 22 Best Hotels in Istanbul With a View
🏖️ Where to Stay in Izmir: Best Izmir Districts, Top Hotels + Useful Tips
🍲 The Best Istanbul Food Tours
🌷 Visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival
🎪 18 Best Festivals in Istanbul
🛫 How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City Centre
🏔 Cappadocia in Winter: 7 Reasons to Visit + 16 Amazing Things to Do
🎄 Christmas in Istanbul: All You Need to Know for a Magical Stay
⛄ 9 Awesome Reasons to Spend Winter in Istanbul
✈️ How to Get From SAW Airport to Istanbul City Center
🍳 Best Breakfast in Istanbul - 16 Incredible Places to Try
✅ 12 Things You Need To Do in Istanbul
🔎 Explore Balat Istanbul: An Insider's Guide to One of Istanbul's Most Unique Neighbourhoods
🍟 Best Vegan Fast Food in Istanbul
🥑 Where to Find the Best Vegan Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul
🖼️ 14 Top Things To Do in Gaziantep
🍔 Off the Eaten Track: The Best Street Food in Istanbul
🥦 Vegan Istanbul: The Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants
Find more travel tips and useful information on Turkey here.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Click here to discover more of our favourite places around the world.
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