Turkey 5 Day Itinerary

Turkey Travel Itinerary (5 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Places to Go:

  • Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque): One of the most iconic landmarks in Turkey. Free admission, but please dress modestly.
  • Hagia Sophia: A former church, mosque, and now a museum that showcases stunning Byzantine architecture.
  • Grand Bazaar: Explore this labyrinthine marketplace filled with merchants selling carpets, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Activities:

  • Take an evening stroll along the Bosphorus Strait for breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.
  • Visit a traditional Turkish bath (hamam) to experience local culture and relax.

Things to Know:

  • Istanbul has two airports: Atatürk Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Both have good connections to major cities around Turkey.
  • The city’s public transportation system is extensive and efficient. You can buy an Istanbul Tourist Pass for unlimited rides on buses, trams, and metro lines.

Day 2: Explore Istanbul

Places to Go:

  • Topkapi Palace: The former palace of Ottoman sultans, featuring stunning gardens, opulent interiors, and the famous Topkapi Dagger.
  • Basilica Cistern: A hidden underground water storage system dating back to Byzantine times. Don’t miss the two Medusa heads!
  • Dolmabahçe Palace: The last residence of Ottoman sultans, offering stunning views of the Bosphorus.

Activities:

  • Take a ferry ride on the Bosphorus for a unique perspective on the city.
  • Visit the bustling streets of Beyoğlu and explore local shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Things to Know:

  • Turkey has a relatively high crime rate. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets or tourist hotspots.
  • Tipping is customary in Turkey (around 5-10% in restaurants and bars).

Day 3: Travel to Cappadocia

Places to Go:

  • Göreme National Park: Explore the surreal landscapes of fairy chimneys, honeycombed hills, and ancient cave dwellings.
  • Pigeon Valley: A scenic valley with stunning views of Göreme village.
  • Love Valley: A secluded valley with picturesque scenery.

Activities:

  • Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia for breathtaking views (book in advance).
  • Visit the ancient cave dwellings and explore the unique landscape.

Things to Know:

  • Cappadocia is relatively remote, so transportation options may be limited. Consider booking a guided tour or renting a car.
  • Be mindful of your physical limitations when exploring the terrain – some areas can be challenging to navigate.

Day 4: Explore Cappadocia

Places to Go:

  • Derinkuyu Underground City: A hidden underground city that dates back over 2,000 years. One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Turkey.
  • Ihlara Valley: A scenic valley with stunning views and ancient cave dwellings.

Activities:

  • Visit a local winery or distillery to taste some of Cappadocia’s famous wines and spirits.
  • Explore the charming town of Uçhisar, known for its picturesque scenery and unique architecture.

Things to Know:

  • Be sure to try some of Turkey’s delicious cuisine, including kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight.
  • Don’t forget to bargain when shopping in markets – it’s all part of the fun!

Day 5: Return to Istanbul

Places to Go:

  • Princes’ Islands: Take a ferry ride to one of the nearby islands for a relaxing day of beach time and scenic views.

Activities:

  • Visit the beautiful Eyüp Sultan Mosque, known for its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings.
  • Explore the bustling streets of Karaköy and visit local shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Things to Know:

  • Don’t forget to pack your bags and check out of your accommodation before heading back to the airport.
  • Consider purchasing a Turkish SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for convenient internet access.

Visa Requirements

For Tourists:

Turkey offers an e-Visa (electronic visa) system, which allows travelers to apply online for a visa. You’ll need to provide basic information and pay the applicable fee (usually around $20 USD).

For Citizens of Countries with Visa Exemptions:

Citizens of countries like the United States, Australia, Canada, and many others are exempt from requiring a visa for stays up to 90 days.

Transportation

Istanbul:

  • Metro: The easiest way to navigate the city is by taking the metro. You can buy an Istanbul Tourist Pass for unlimited rides.
  • Buses: Buses cover most areas of the city, but may be slower than the metro.
  • Ferries: Take a ferry ride on the Bosphorus for a unique perspective on the city.

Cappadocia:

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Book a hot air balloon ride in advance to see the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia from above.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car is recommended for exploring the region, but be mindful of your physical limitations when navigating the terrain.

Istanbul to Cappadocia:

  • Flights: Take a domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevşehir, and then take a shuttle or taxi to Goreme.
  • Bus: You can also take a bus from Istanbul to Goreme, but this may be slower than taking the metro in Istanbul.

Other Things of Interest

Turkish Culture:

  • Greetings: When meeting someone for the first time, it’s customary to shake hands and say “Merhaba” (hello).
  • Tipping: Tipping is customary in Turkey (around 5-10% in restaurants and bars).

Safety Tips:

  • Be Mindful of Your Belongings: Pickpocketing can be a problem in crowded areas like markets or tourist hotspots.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially when exploring the terrain in Cappadocia.

By following this itinerary and being aware of local customs and safety tips, you’ll have an unforgettable experience traveling through Turkey!