16 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Discover Turkey's History, Culture & Natural Beauty

Take a deep dive into Turkish history and culture across multiple destinations with this comprehensive highlights tour. You'll admire the rock-cut churches of Göreme Open Air Museum, see the Ottoman, Greek, and Byzantine influences on architecture in Güzelyurt, marvel at the tilework at Eşrefoğlu Mosque, tour the ancient city of Ephesus, and imagine what royal life was like at Topkapı Palace in İstanbul. You'll also partake in cultural activities, including a pottery demonstration in Avanos, a whirling dervish performance, and a street food tour in the capital. 

Start your trip in Cappadocia with a glass of Turkish wine paired with sunset views of the fairy chimneys. The following morning, rise early for a hot-air balloon ride bathed in the rosy light of sunrise, then head to Göreme Open Air Museum to admire the rock-cut churches and monasteries. Continue to Avanos, where you'll observe traditional pottery-making techniques before attending a spiritual whirling dervish performance. Next, take a walk along the volcanic Narlıgöl Lake and learn about Ottoman, Greek, and Byzantine-inspired designs at the churches of Güzelyurt and cave dwellings of Mustafapaşa. 

Your next stop is Konya, home of the 13th-century philosopher Rumi. Visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to his teachings, then transfer to Eşrefoğlu Mosque to see the intricate tilework. Pause for a soak in Pamukkale's thermal pools before hitting the road to Şirince, a village with Ottoman-Christian houses. Tour the well-preserved classical-era ruins of Ephesus, shop in the markets of İzmir, and stop by Bursa to admire the minarets and tiles of the city's mosques. Wrap up your trip in İstanbul with a visit to Topkapı Palace, the royal residence of Ottomans, and a private Bosphorus Strait boat tour. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Active Exploration of Turkey's Cultural & Natural Marvels

This active and adventurous trip is a fit for energetic travelers who enjoy rugged outdoor excursions alongside their cultural experiences. Highlights include hiking and horseback riding in Cappadocia, e-biking around Antalya, a whitewater rafting trip down the Köprüçay River, sea kayaking at Kekova Island, and trekking a section of the Lycian Way. After all that action, your trip winds down as you treat yourself to hot springs in Pamukkale and a traditional Turkish hammam experience in İstanbul.

Get acquainted with İstanbul's mix of old and new with a visit to the 17th-century Blue Mosque, shopping in the Spice Bazaar, and bar hopping along İstiklal Avenue. Then, enjoy views from atop Ankara Castle and delve into the history of the Anatolian civilizations at the museum in Ankara. Next, your driver will take you to Cappadocia, where you'll ride horses amid fairy chimney rock formations and descend beneath the earth's surface to explore the underground city of Kaymaklı. En route to Antalya, stop by Aspendos Theater, one of the most well-preserved Roman theaters in the world.

Tour Antalya by e-bike, pedaling along the city walls, pausing to watch the Düden Waterfall cascade into the Mediterranean Sea and refueling with simit (Turkish bagel) and tea at a café in Kaleiçi, Antalya's historic center. Get your heart pumping on a whitewater rafting adventure on the Köprüçay River, then transfer to Kaş for sea kayaking and a trek along a section of the Lycian Way. Celebrate your journey with wine tasting in Kaş, a relaxing dip in the Pamukkale hot springs, and a rejuvenating traditional Turkish hammam experience in İstanbul before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Explore Turkey's Ancient Wonders

Another excellent option for those who are eager to take a tour through the ancient past, this history and archaeology-focused itinerary will bring you from the ancient ruins of Troy and the Greco-Roman ruins of Pergamon to the partially submerged town of Old Halfeti and stone pillars of Göbekli Tepe—with many stops at archaeological sites and museums in between. You'll also have a chance to sample Turkish food and wine along the way, including a wine tasting in Şirince and baklava at the Gaziantep market. 

On arrival in İstanbul, get the lay of the land with a boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait, followed by dinner in the Beyoğlu district. The next morning, tour the historic Sultanahmet district, home to the iconic Hagia Sophia. Put your bartering skills to the test as you shop the stalls of the Grand Bazaar before transferring to Çanakkale for a seafood dinner. After browsing ancient artifacts in Troy, you'll visit the hilltop Temple of Athena in the Assos archaeological site. Continue to Bergama and wander the ancient Greco-Roman ruins of Pergamon before sampling local wines at Yedi Bilgeler Vineyard. 

Walk the marble roads of Ephesus and snap photos in front of the Celsus Library facade. Then, catch a flight to Cappadocia, where you'll soar above otherworldly landscapes in a hot-air balloon. Your driver will take you onward to Gaziantep for a climb up the steps of Gaziantep Castle and shopping in the spice market. Before leaving this region, you'll also take a boat ride to the partially submerged Old Halfeti town, visit the stone pillars of Göbekli Tepe, and check out the Mesopotamian-style mud-brick houses of Harran. Finish your trip with a tour of the Aspendos Theatre and Perge's colonnaded streets. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Explore Turkey's Turquoise Coast by Land & Water

Sunseekers and outdoorsy travelers interested in history and culture will enjoy this scenic journey along Turkey's Turquoise Coast. You'll visit World War I memorial sites in Çanakkale and the ancient ruins in Bergama and Ephesus before boarding a multiday sailing cruise along the Turquoise Coast that includes options for swimming, diving, and paragliding. You'll also taste local wines in Urla, learn about carpet-weaving in Çamlık, overnight in a treehouse in Çıralı, and have free time to enjoy the beaches in Bodrum and Antalya. 

On arrival, witness the convergence of two continents on a boat ride down the Bosphorus Strait with views of İstanbul's Asian and European sides. Pay your respects at the Lone Pine Memorial and gain insights into World War II at the Gallipoli Museum. En route to the Turquoise Coast, stop by Urlice Vineyards to try local reds and learn about traditional wine-making. Then, head to Çamlık to observe carpet weavers before moving on to Bodrum. Here, you'll browse the Museum of Underwater Archaeology's artifacts retrieved from shipwrecks and savor a farm-to-fork dinner at Selia Artisanal Farm.

Board a boat to Black Island and enjoy the hot springs, then take a dip at Meteor Hole, a meteor crash site turned into a swimming spot. You'll then embark on a four-day gulet cruise from Fethiye, making stops at Kalkan Bay, the blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz, and more, with options for paragliding and scuba diving. Your adventure concludes with a treehouse stay in Çıralı, a hike to Mount Chimaera to observe the eternal flames, and a picnic at Manavgat Falls. If you have time before your flight, find some souvenirs in Kaleiç or take one last swim at Lara Beach. Learn more

More Great Turkey Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Turkey? Check out these other Turkey itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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