Creating a multiple-city itinerary for Turkey allows you to explore the diverse cultural, historical, and natural attractions the country has to offer. Here’s a suggested itinerary covering some of Turkey’s most iconic cities:
Istanbul (Days 1-4):
- Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
- Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
- Explore the Grand Bazaar for shopping and dining.
- Day 2:
- Take a Bosphorus Cruise to see Istanbul’s skyline and iconic landmarks from the water.
- Visit the Basilica Cistern and the Galata Tower.
- Day 3:
- Explore the historic neighborhoods of Sultanahmet and Fatih.
- Visit the Spice Bazaar and take a leisurely walk along Istiklal Avenue.
- Day 4:
- Visit Dolmabahce Palace and the Suleymaniye Mosque.
- Enjoy a traditional Turkish bath (hammam) experience for relaxation.
Cappadocia (Days 5-7):
- Day 5: Travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia
- Take a domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir.
- Transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia and check-in.
- Day 6:
- Experience a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for breathtaking views of the Cappadocian landscape.
- Explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum and see the ancient cave churches.
- Visit the underground city of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli.
- Day 7:
- Take a scenic hike or horseback ride through the fairy chimneys and valleys of Cappadocia.
- Visit the pottery workshops in Avanos and try your hand at traditional pottery-making.
Antalya (Days 8-10):
- Day 8: Travel from Cappadocia to Antalya
- Take a domestic flight to Antalya or drive (about 7-8 hours).
- Check-in to your hotel in Antalya.
- Day 9:
- Explore the historic old town (Kaleiçi) of Antalya, with its narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and ancient city walls.
- Visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from ancient civilizations.
- Day 10:
- Relax on one of Antalya’s beautiful beaches, such as Konyaalti or Lara Beach.
- Take a boat tour along the Turquoise Coast to visit waterfalls, caves, and secluded coves.
Pamukkale and Ephesus (Days 11-13):
- Day 11: Travel from Antalya to Pamukkale
- Drive or take a bus to Pamukkale (about 3-4 hours).
- Visit the travertine terraces and thermal pools of Pamukkale.
- Day 12:
- Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, with its well-preserved ruins, theater, and necropolis.
- Relax in the thermal pools of Cleopatra’s Pool.
- Day 13: Travel from Pamukkale to Ephesus
- Drive or take a bus to Ephesus (about 3-4 hours).
- Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, the Theater, and the Temple of Artemis.
- Explore the nearby House of the Virgin Mary.
Şirince – Izmir (Day 14 – 16):
- Day 14: Travel from Ephesus to Şirince
- A short bus drive from Ephesus to Şirince. Spend an evening here and then hop on a bus ride to Izmir.
- Spend a night in Izmir and tomorrow morning head out to explore it.
- Izmir, located on Turkey’s Aegean coast, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, beautiful coastline, and lively atmosphere. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Izmir:
- Day 15 :
- Kordon Promenade: Take a leisurely stroll along the Kordon, Izmir’s picturesque waterfront promenade. Enjoy stunning views of the Aegean Sea, palm-lined avenues, and bustling cafes and restaurants.
- Konak Square: Visit Konak Square, the heart of Izmir, and see the iconic clock tower (Saat Kulesi), a symbol of the city. Explore the surrounding area, which is home to shops, markets, and historic buildings.
- Kemeralti Bazaar: Wander through the narrow streets of Kemeralti, Izmir’s historic bazaar district. Explore the bustling market stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Kizlaragasi Han, an Ottoman-era caravanserai that now houses shops and cafes.
- Izmir Agora: Explore the ancient ruins of the Izmir Agora, a Roman marketplace dating back to the 4th century BC. Admire the well-preserved columns, arches, and other archaeological remains.
- Asansor (Elevator): Ride the historic Asansor, a 19th-century elevator that connects the seaside district of Karatas to the hilltop neighborhood of Kadifekale. Enjoy panoramic views of Izmir and the Gulf of Izmir from the top.
- Alsancak: Explore Alsancak, one of Izmir’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy cafes, and boutique shops. Visit Cumhuriyet Street and enjoy its lively atmosphere and street art.
- Izmir Archaeology Museum: Discover Izmir’s rich history at the Izmir Archaeology Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines.
- Kadifekale (Velvet Castle): Visit Kadifekale, also known as the Velvet Castle, an ancient fortress perched on a hill overlooking Izmir. Explore the ruins of the castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city below.
- Izmir Wildlife Park: Spend a day at the Izmir Wildlife Park (Izmir Dogal Yasam Parki), home to a variety of animal species from around the world. Explore the park’s natural habitats, walk-through enclosures, and educational exhibits.
- Cesme: Take a day trip to Cesme, a charming coastal town located about an hour’s drive from Izmir. Relax on beautiful beaches, explore historic sites such as Cesme Castle, and indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants.
- Bodrum (Day 17 – 19):
Day 17: Travel from Izmir to Bodrum. - Relax in all inclusive resort in Bodrum for 2 nights.
- Bodrum, located on the Aegean coast of Turkey, is a popular resort town known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. Here are some of the top things to do in Bodrum:
- Visit Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter): Explore Bodrum Castle, a medieval fortress built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century. Marvel at its impressive architecture, ancient artifacts, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
- Explore the Bodrum Amphitheatre: Discover the ancient ruins of the Bodrum Amphitheatre, a well-preserved Roman theater dating back to the 4th century BC. Enjoy panoramic views of Bodrum and the surrounding coastline from the top of the amphitheater.
- Relax on Bodrum’s Beaches: Spend a day soaking up the sun on one of Bodrum’s beautiful beaches. Some popular beaches include Bodrum Beach, Gumbet Beach, and Bitez Beach, offering golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a range of water sports activities.
- Take a Boat Trip: Explore the stunning coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula on a boat trip. Cruise around secluded bays, hidden coves, and picturesque islands, and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.
- Visit the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: Explore the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Learn about the history of this ancient tomb, which was built for Mausolus, the ruler of Caria, in the 4th century BC.
- Shop at Bodrum’s Bazaars: Wander through Bodrum’s colorful bazaars and markets, such as the Bodrum Bazaar and the Turgutreis Market. Browse for souvenirs, handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, and traditional Turkish goods.
- Experience Bodrum’s Nightlife: Explore Bodrum’s vibrant nightlife scene, with its lively bars, clubs, and beachfront restaurants. Enjoy live music, DJ sets, and dancing until the early hours of the morning.
- Visit the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology: Discover the rich maritime history of Bodrum at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, located within Bodrum Castle. Explore its impressive collection of ancient shipwrecks, artifacts, and exhibits.
- Take a Day Trip to Kos: Catch a ferry from Bodrum to the nearby Greek island of Kos for a day of exploration. Visit historic sites such as the Castle of the Knights, the Ancient Agora, and the Hippocrates Tree, and enjoy Greek cuisine at seaside tavernas.
- Indulge in Turkish Cuisine: Sample delicious Turkish cuisine at Bodrum’s restaurants, cafes, and meze bars. Try local specialties such as kebabs, mezes, fresh seafood, and traditional Turkish desserts like baklava and künefe.
Day 19 to 21
Visit Trabzon and Rize. - Trabzon:
- Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya): Visit the Hagia Sophia in Trabzon, a 13th-century Byzantine church that has been converted into a mosque. Admire its impressive architecture, colorful frescoes, and tranquil atmosphere.
- Sumela Monastery: Explore the Sumela Monastery, a historic Orthodox monastery nestled in the cliffs of the Altindere National Park. Hike through lush forests to reach the monastery and marvel at its stunning frescoes and panoramic views.
- Ataturk Mansion: Visit the Ataturk Mansion, a historic Ottoman-era mansion located on the hills overlooking Trabzon. Explore the beautifully preserved rooms, gardens, and artifacts, and enjoy panoramic views of the Black Sea.
- Uzungol: Take a day trip to Uzungol, a picturesque lake surrounded by lush forests and mountains. Relax by the lake, go for a boat ride, and hike along the scenic trails to enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape.
- Trabzon Museum: Discover the history and culture of Trabzon at the Trabzon Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits from the region’s ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.
- Ortahisar: Explore Ortahisar, the historic city center of Trabzon, with its charming cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and historic mosques. Visit the bustling bazaar and sample local delicacies at traditional restaurants and cafes.
- Rize:
- Rize Castle: Visit Rize Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking the city of Rize. Explore the castle ruins, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline, and learn about the region’s history.
- Tea Plantations: Explore the lush tea plantations that cover the hillsides around Rize. Take a tour of a tea factory to learn about the tea production process and sample fresh, locally grown tea.
- Zil Castle: Discover Zil Castle, a historic castle located on a hilltop near Rize. Explore the castle ruins and enjoy stunning views of the Black Sea and the surrounding countryside.
- Rize Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Rize at the Rize Museum, which features exhibits on the region’s traditional crafts, agriculture, and folklore.
- Firtina Valley: Explore Firtina Valley, a stunning river valley known for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes. Go hiking, camping, or picnicking along the riverbanks, and visit traditional villages scattered throughout the valley.
- Rize City Center: Explore the vibrant city center of Rize, with its bustling bazaars, shops, and cafes. Sample local specialties such as Rize Kavurma (fried lamb) and Laz Boregi (pastry filled with cheese and herbs).
Day 22
Flight back from Trabzon to Istanbul. Stay one final night in Sultanahmet before heading back to your home country.
This itinerary provides a balanced mix of cultural sightseeing, outdoor adventures, and relaxation, allowing you to experience the highlights of Turkey’s diverse landscapes and historical heritage. Adjust the duration of your stay in each city and the activities based on your preferences and available time.