Turkey has been one of the fashionable choices for a vacation bundle over the previous few years. Nonetheless, you won’t need to purchase an costly vacation bundle and as a substitute pursue a street journey round Turkey by yourself by creating your individual Turkey itinerary.
Don’t fear should you don’t have a lot time, as I’ve seen the most well-liked spots within the nation in simply 10 days. Right here I can let you know how you are able to do it your self. I’ve finished it a number of occasions and let me let you know that it’s completely secure:
When reserving your flights to Turkey you may take into account attending to Cappadocia first and getting back from Istanbul, as a substitute of getting a return flight to Istanbul (alternatively reserving a home flight individually). Arranging your journey this fashion can prevent a whole lot of time on driving.
Turkey Itinerary Highlights
- Take a scorching balloon trip over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
- Calm down within the well-known thermal swimming pools the place Cleopatra as soon as swam
- Get pleasure from luxurious seashore resorts at cheap costs
- Dive into historical historical past
- Be taught in regards to the Trojan Warfare
- Dive into Turkish tradition
Final Turkey Itinerary for 10 Days
10 days is the right period of time to go to all of the highlights of Turkey with out being too rushed.
In fact, you’ll be able to all the time spend a number of extra days taking a slower tempo on the identical route, so I’ve included some further suggestions for these of you who need to add a pair extra day journeys or stops alongside the best way
Day 1: Fly into Kayseri Airport and switch to Goreme
Day 2: Trip a scorching air balloon over Cappadocia
Day 3 – 4: Benefit from the coast in Antalya
Day 5: Calm down within the thermal swimming pools of Pamukkale
Day 6: Go to the historic Pergamum
Day 7: See the computer virus in Troy (Hisarlik)
Day 8-10: Discover Istanbul
The way to Get Round Turkey
For the next itinerary, one of the best ways to get round is by rental automotive. Though it’s attainable to comply with the identical route utilizing public transport, this may take a whole lot of further time because the nation is sort of huge and there usually are not all the time direct busses.
Renting a automotive provides you the liberty to discover at your individual tempo in addition to permitting you to take aspect journeys to go to a few of the off-the-beaten-path locations in Turkey.
Can You Go to Turkey and not using a Automobile?
Sure, you’ll be able to go to Turkey and not using a automotive by utilizing public transport reminiscent of busses and flights, nevertheless, the distances will be lengthy and there usually are not all the time direct connections.
Whereas it’s attainable to journey round Turkey by public transport, it’s rather more handy to drive.
When to Go to Turkey
Spring (April – Could) and fall (September – October) are the very best occasions to go to Turkey because the climate is heat however not too scorching.
As a lot of the itinerary under is inland, it may be far too scorching to discover all the traditional websites in the midst of summer time. Nonetheless, in case you are visiting for a easy seashore trip, this may be manageable.
In winter the local weather is vastly totally different all through the nation with snow in some elements and nice summer time climate in others making it not ultimate for touring across the nation.
Full 10 Day Turkey Itinerary
Days 1 – 2: Fly into Kayseri Airport (Cappadocia)
Cappadocia can’t be missed in your Turkey itinerary and ought to be the primary cease on the street journey.
After taking a flight to Kayseri Airport you’ll be able to take a shuttle to Goreme, a picturesque city located proper subsequent to the well-known caves of Cappadocia.
Relying on what time you arrive, you’ll be able to spend the afternoon enjoyable and absorbing the environment or soar straight on a tour of the Zelve Valley. 10 km from Goreme, Zelve Valley is an open-air museum that’s dwelling to a surreal monastery complicated lower into the rocks the place the earliest monks had been skilled. The world was inhabited till 1952 when the locals moved away and the location turned a museum.
In your second day in Cappadocia, a fantastic possibility right here can be to take a balloon flight over the Goleme Valley. This is without doubt one of the most iconic issues to do right here and so that you must e book upfront.
These excursions occur earlier than dawn which is why you’ll want to wait in your second day in Turkey to expertise the magic of a whole lot of scorching air balloons floating above this wonderful panorama. It’s completely value it!
Afterward, you also needs to take a look at the fairy chimneys and a few underground cities formed within the gentle volcanic rock of the valley. Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are two underground cities which might be open to the general public and It’s a one-of-a-kind expertise you’ll always remember.
Essential data:
- Goreme is the primary city the place to remain within the Cappadocia area
- Worldwide flights can be found to Kayseri Airport which is near Goreme
- Scorching air balloon excursions go away earlier than dawn and have to be booked upfront
- The easiest way to see the websites of Cappadocia is on excursions to the varied sights as most usually are not straight on the town
- Staying in a cave lodge here’s a distinctive expertise to not be missed
- Volcanic erosion shaped the panorama of Cappadocia
The place to remain in Cappadocia
Divan Cave Home – An incredible 4-star cave lodge with a picturesque rooftop for dawn images.
Traveller’s Cave Resort – One other lovely cave lodge with numerous terraces offering a view over Cappadocia and an outside scorching tub
Roc Of Cappadocia – A family-run lodge with lovely facilities, a balloon-watching patio, and distinctive room designs.
Balloon Cave Resort – For these in search of luxurious on a funds, this lodge contains a pool, a conventional design, and a fantastic location.
Days 3 – 4: Antalya through Konya
Subsequent, we set off to Antalya. If you’re renting a automotive, the journey will take round 6.5 hours of driving so a big portion of day 3 will likely be consumed by this. However don’t fear, that’s why we’re stopping right here for two days!
Alongside the best way, you too can cease at Konya to see the normal whirling dervish or the wonderful entrance gate to the Sultanhani Caravanserai.
This would be the longest journey day of your journey so should you want to save a bit of time you too can fly direct from Cappadocia to Antalya.
However when you arrive in Antalya you will note simply how well worth the journey this metropolis is. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, right here you can be handled to a high-class resort city with all of the luxuries you might dream of for a fast seashore break earlier than persevering with on to inland Turkey.
Whereas enjoyable in Antalya, you too can catch a present at one of many best-preserved theatres in Turkey – Aspendos Theatre, go to the traditional mountain metropolis of Termessos, go to Suluada Island, and go to the a number of waterfalls surrounding the town.
Essential data
- Antalya is situated on the “turquoise coast” of Turkey, recognized for its lovely water
- There are many reasonably priced luxurious seashore resorts to remain at in Antalya
- Right here yow will discover the world’s greatest tunnel aquarium
- There are 5 totally different nationwide parks within the space to discover
The place to remain in Antalya
Akra Resort – An unbelievable 5-start beachfront lodge with a number of onsite eating places and bars. Sauna, Turkish Baths, and massages are additionally obtainable.
Eski Masal Resort – A phenomenal lodge with Ottoman decor centered round a secluded swimming pool courtyard in a historic district.
Nox Suite – Fashionable aparthotel with nice choices for households and a rooftop pool to get pleasure from
Villa Citronella Boutique Resort – Provides very reasonably priced rooms with a beachfront location and a whole lot of character.
Day 5: Pamukkale
Pamukkale, also called the Cotton Fortress of Turkey was considered one of my high issues to see and also you completely shouldn’t skip it. The drive from Antalya to Pamukkale takes simply 3.5 hours so one evening is sufficient to see the websites.
What precisely is Pamukkale? There are white travertine terraces stuffed with heat mineral water making a bunch of mini swimming pools hanging from the mountain.
On the high of the mountain, you too can see the ruins of Hierapolis. This thermal spa metropolis gives wonderful panoramic views and options an amphitheater amongst the traditional ruins.
However the primary factor to do right here is to calm down within the scorching springs. That is probably the most visited attraction in all of Turkey in order you’ll be able to think about, it’s fairly crowded so I like to recommend spending an evening within the village close by earlier than your morning go to with a view to escape the crowds.
If you need an much more magical expertise, take a scorching air balloon flight over the swimming pools at dawn!
Essential data
- That is probably the most visited attraction in Turkey so will be very crowded
- Keep close by so you’ll be able to go to within the morning when it’s much less busy
- Some swimming pools could also be cornered off for rehabilitation after being degraded by mass tourism
- You possibly can tub within the pool the place Cleopatra as soon as swam
The place to remain in Pamukkale
Pam Thermal Resort Clinic & Spa – Though a few of the rooms look a bit of dated, this resort options non-public thermal swimming pools onsite, a spa middle, and even spa baths with thermal water in every room.
Pamukkale Whiteheaven Suite Resort – Situated simply 500m from the springs, this lodge gives a free shuttle service and contains a good pool and gardens on web site.
Anya Resort Resort – A big, trendy resort with an exquisite pool and rooms for all budgets
The Cotton Home – Situated very near the recent springs, this mattress, and breakfast has the whole lot you want for a funds keep and a really useful proprietor.
Day 6: Pergamum (Bergama)
Pergamon, also called Pergamum was an historical metropolis based by colonists on the Aegean coast of Anatolia on the web site of the present-day metropolis of Bergama. It was additionally numbered among the many Seven Church buildings of Revelation.
Getting right here will take you round 3.5 hours by automotive and you’ll arrive at an unbelievable UNESCO world heritage web site and one of the necessary cities within the historical world.
Round Pergamum, you need to make sure that to go to the Acropolis which contains a critically steep theater, Pergamon’s historical spa, and the Purple Basilica. In case you have a bit of extra time you too can take a look at the Bergama Archaeological Museum which will provide you with much more data in regards to the sights surrounding the town.
When in Bergama you also needs to attempt my favourite Turkish meals – kumpir, also called a loaded baked potato with butter and cheese. You possibly can select your favourite toppings reminiscent of olives, peas, corn, or a really conventional dish – bulgur.
Essential data
- Pergamum is the UNESCO World Heritage web site situated inside the town of Bergama
- Pergamum can be known as Pergamon
- You possibly can drive or take the cable automotive from Bergama to Pergamum
The place to remain in Bergama
Hera Resort – Panoramic views of the Acropolis with Mediterranean-themed rooms and cute courtyards
Akropolis Visitor Home – Benefit from the lovely pool and terrace within the middle of this basic Turkish lodge
Elaia Resort – Nice for households, this lodge has a playground, restaurant, and bar onsite
Anil Resort – Fashionable lodge with nice costs for the facilities in central Bergama
Day 7: Troy
The mythological metropolis of Troy made well-known by Homer’s Iliad can truly be visited immediately and it’s positively value your time!
Driving from Pergamum to the Historic Metropolis of Troy takes round 3 hours and from right here you too can make a journey to go to Gallipoli in case you have further time in your journey.
Situated on the location of the Trojan Warfare, this archaeological web site has lots to probe for historical past lovers as the town was destroyed and rebuilt plenty of occasions all through the years.
Right here you’ll be able to see the duplicate of the well-known Malicious program and stroll across the ruins of the town alone, nevertheless, I like to recommend becoming a member of a tour so you’ll be able to profit from having a information clarify the importance and historical past of the place.
If you happen to’re a cat lover like me you too can have some followers with stray cats of Troy wandering across the space. Turkey is unquestionably among the best locations for cat lovers.
Essential data
- The town of Troy has been destroyed and rebuilt twice all through historical past
- That is the location of the Trojan Warfare
- A duplicate of the Trojan Horse stands within the metropolis
- The town is a vital archaeological web site
- You possibly can take a day journey to Gallipoli if time permits
- There are few good motels in Troy itself however you’ll be able to keep in Canakkale simply 25 minutes drive away
The place to remain close to Troy
Doubletree By Hilton Canakkale – A contemporary lodge that overlooks an exquisite seashore
Okay Bozcaada Revma – Situated exterior Bozcaada, this lodge has unbelievable decore surrounded b a lush backyard
Sunsan Resort – Beachfront lodge in Canakkale with 2 massive swimming swimming pools and cheap costs
Troia Pension – Situated very near Troy, this lodge has all the fundamental requirements for a funds keep
Istanbul
Day 8 – 10: Istanbul
Your final cease in Turkey ought to be its greatest metropolis – Istanbul. There are many issues to do and see within the metropolis, so I like to recommend a minimum of 2 days to discover all of it. Nonetheless, ideally, you may need to keep there for a bit longer earlier than you fly out.
I’d advocate beginning off your sightseeing with a Bosphorus cruise because it may give you a pleasant overview of the town, each the European and Asian shores which have lots to supply. You possibly can see many aged palaces and mansions galore, or the Crimean Warfare hospital of Florence Nightingale.
Since that is the largest metropolis in Turkey, there’s a lot so that you can discover so I made a decision to listing the primary sights that you simply shouldn’t miss under. However take a look at my extra detailed information to Istanbul in case you are in search of a full listing of issues to do!
Prime Issues to do in Istanbul
Topkapi – The palace of Topkapi, actually that means the Palace of the Cannon Gate, was the house of the Ottomans for nearly 4 hundred years. Its a whole lot of rooms are adorned with artwork, gem, and even gold and it accommodated the sultans’ concubines, their youngsters, in addition to slaves.
Blue Mosque – Sadly, I didn’t get an opportunity to see the Blue Mosque as after I visited the entrance door fell down throughout filming and the guards weren’t letting anybody in. Nonetheless, it doesn’t imply you’d be as unfortunate as I used to be. As you’ll be able to in all probability assume from its identify the interiors are blue and the entire cathedral is surrounded by six minarets.
Grand Bazaar – You could discover the alleys and halls of the Grand Bazaar. It’s one of many largest lined markets on this planet and one of the well-known souks. You’ll be capable to decide up spices, nuts, dried fruit, Turkish espresso, loose-leaf tea, and even Turkish delight. Yum!
Hagia Sophia – On the finish of the day head to Hagia Sophia, in all probability probably the most well-known landmark of Turkey. Constructed by Emperor Justinian in 537, it was the world’s best cathedral for greater than 9 centuries.
Standing in the midst of the staggering spacious nave below the 43-meter-wide dome can absolutely impress you with its Byzantine mosaics. Climb up the spiral ramp to get to the gallery and stare upon all of them, together with Christ flanked by Emperor Constantine IX and his spouse Empress Zoe.
Rooftop Bars – A visit to Istanbul can’t be full and not using a go to to one of many rooftop bars. There are many them within the metropolis providing panoramas with minarets enlightened by the town lights.
Essential data:
- Istanbul is the biggest metropolis in Turkey however will not be the capital (that’s Ankara)
- The town straddles two continents – Europe and Asia – with the Bosphorus River forming the border
- Most vacationers keep on the west aspect of the river (European aspect) as that is the place the most well-liked sights are
- If you’re quick on time, taking a metropolis tour is one of the best ways to go to all of the sights with out lacking any context
The place to Keep in Istanbul
Cronton Design Resort – Finish your journey with a bang on this unbelievable 5-star lodge bursting with magnificence
Blue Mosque Suites – Stunning rooms and suites that includes unbelievable views and patios
Cihangir Residences – Fashionable residences in a fantastic location with a restaurant and 24 entrance desk
Archeo – Fashionable and clear funds lodge with dorm and personal rooms