Turkey-7-day-itinerary

Turkey Travel Itinerary: 7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

  • Morning: Arrive at Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
  • Afternoon: Check into your hotel and take a stroll along the famous Bosphorus waterfront
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner in the historic Sultanahmet district

Day 2: Explore Istanbul

  • Morning: Visit the Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque that’s now a museum
  • Afternoon: Explore the Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset view from the Galata Tower

Day 3: Travel to Cappadocia (approx. 1-hour flight)

  • Morning: Take a morning flight from Istanbul to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NVK)
  • Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner in the town of Göreme

Day 4: Explore Cappadocia

  • Morning: Take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia (optional)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Derinkuyu Underground City, a massive network of tunnels and rooms carved into the hillside
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing soak in a nearby hot spring

Day 5: Travel to Antalya (approx. 1.5-hour flight)

  • Morning: Take a morning flight from Kayseri or Nevşehir to Antalya (AYT)
  • Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the ancient city of Perge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner in the coastal town of Konyaaltı

Day 6: Explore Antalya

  • Morning: Visit the ancient city of Aspendos, another UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Afternoon: Relax on the stunning beaches of Lara or Kundu
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset view from the Düden Waterfalls

Day 7: Departure from Antalya

  • Morning: Spend some last-minute shopping for souvenirs in the old town
  • Afternoon: Depart from Antalya Airport (AYT) back home

Important Information

  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and EU member states, do not require a visa to enter Turkey.
  • Transportation: Flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia/Antalya can be booked in advance through Turkish Airlines or other airlines. Domestic transportation (flights, buses, taxis) are readily available throughout the country.
  • Safety: Turkey is generally a safe country for tourists, but petty theft and scams can occur. Be mindful of your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Currency: The Turkish lira (TRY) is the local currency, although credit cards and USD are widely accepted.

Additional Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting mosques or other places of worship.
  • Learn Some Turkish: While many locals speak English, learning a few basic phrases in Turkish can go a long way in improving your experience.
  • Enjoy the Food!: Turkish cuisine is famous for its delicious kebabs, baklava, and other treats. Be sure to try some local specialties during your trip.

Hotel Suggestions

  • Istanbul: Hotel Sultanahmet or Hotel Pera Palace
  • Cappadocia: Hotel Goreme Inn or Hotel Kelebek
  • Antalya: Hotel Dedeman or Hotel Rixos Premium

Note: This is just a sample itinerary and can be customized to fit your specific needs and interests.