6 Days in Turkey - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Explore İstanbul & Cappadocia

This classic itinerary is an excellent choice for first-time visitors keen on a balance of culture, history, and adventure. In İstanbul, you'll visit the Blue Mosque and other significant sites, shop the lively Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, and cruise the Bosphorus Strait. Then, in Cappadocia, you'll check out the rock-cut churches and frescoes in the Göreme Open-Air Museum, float over the fairy chimneys in a hot-air balloon, visit a fortress in Uçhisar, learn about pottery in Avanos, and tour the Kaymaklı Underground City.

Get acquainted with İstanbul on a guided tour of the Beyoğlu district (if you're staying on the European side of the city) or the Sultanahmet district. Then, admire the tiles of the Blue Mosque, do some souvenir shopping at the Grand Bazaar, and sample Turkish delight (a traditional confection) in the Spice Market. End your İstanbul adventures with a leisurely boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait for another perspective of both the European and Asian sides of the city. 

Next, fly to Cappadocia and head out to the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum, where you can marvel at the 10th to 12th-century rock-cut churches and frescoes. Even if you're not a morning person, a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia's otherworldly "fairy chimney" rock formations is worth waking up early for. Then, you'll visit a fortress in Uçhisar and learn about traditional pottery in Avanos before wrapping up your journey with a tour of the tunnels and caves of the Kaymaklı Underground City. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Turkish Food & Culture Tour of İstanbul

This food and culture tour is perfect for aspiring chefs and foodie travelers who want to focus on İstanbul. In addition to hitting the highlights of the city, you'll have the chance to dine at an opulent restaurant in an Ottoman palace hotel, sample street food on a tasting tour of Eminönü and Kadıköy, shop in the Spice Market, indulge in dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, experience a Turkish bath, and sail to Büyükada. 

On arrival, dine in style at Tuğra Restaurant and Lounge, located in the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, a historic Ottoman palace-turned-hotel. The next day, your guide will take you on a tour of the Sultanahmet district, including a stop at the Blue Mosque and lunch at an esnaf lokantası (a popular type of local restaurant offering a selection of premade meals). Then, you'll learn some of the city's history at the Topkapı Palace before tasting Turkish-Scandinavian dishes at Mikla, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

On Day 3, eat your way around İstanbul on a street food tour, from dürüm (a meat-filled wrap) in Eminönü to midye dolma (stuffed mussels with rice) in Kadıköy. Cruise the Bosphorus Strait by boat, disembarking at the Beyoğlu district, where you can see the Galata Tower, then unwind with a body scrub and massage at the Hurrem Sultan Bath, a Turkish hammam. On your final full day, take a boat ride to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, where you can visit the beaches, admire the mansions of the Nizam neighborhood, and cycle to the top of the island for panoramic vistas and photo ops. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Ancient History & Heritage in Turkey: İstanbul, Çanakkale, Bergama & Şirince

History buffs and those interested in archaeology will enjoy this itinerary. You'll visit the Hagia Sophia and other important İstanbul landmarks, tour the ruins of Troy and Pergamon, and spend an afternoon at the Ephesus archaeological site. You'll also have a chance to taste street food in İstanbul, go souvenir shopping in the Grand Bazaar, and hike in Şirince.

Freshen up after your flight to İstanbul, then head out to sample some local specialties, such as balık ekmek (a fish sandwich) and midye dolma (stuffed mussels with rice), on a guided street food tour. Then, tour the city's historic sites, including iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, before enjoying a boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait. Weave your way the following day through some of the 4,000 stalls as you search for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar, the world's largest covered market, then meet your driver, who will transfer you to Çanakkale, a city in the northwest of the country.

Walk among the ruins at the ancient sites of Troy and Pergamon before continuing to Şirince, a quiet village in the mountains. Enjoy your final afternoon touring the Ephesus archaeological site, where you'll stroll the marble-paved roads and visit grand monuments, such as the iconic Celsus Library facade and the Great Theater. Before your flight, stretch your legs on a walk on one of the mountain trails in Şirince or fit in some last-minute shopping at the artisan shops. Learn more

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

Loop around Turkey following its coast with this land and water experience, suited to those who enjoy traveling by boat. After visiting historic Paspatur and tasting fresh seafood in Fethiye, you'll set sail on a four-day cruise that includes a waterfall hike at Butterfly Valley, a dip in the blue lagoon at Ölüdeniz Beach, scuba diving in Kaş, a stop at the sunken ruins of Dolchiste, and a free day in Antalya. 

Your adventure begins in Fethiye, a port city situated on Turkey's southwestern Turquoise Coast, where you'll have a chance to explore the winding streets, shops, and cafés of Paspatur, the city's historic center, hike up to the Tomb of Amyntas, and feast on fresh seafood at the Fethiye Fish Market. You'll depart for your yacht tour the following day, starting from Fethiye Harbor. Your first stop is Butterfly Valley, where you can hike to a waterfall. Then, you'll continue to Ölüdeniz Beach for a swim in the blue lagoon before sailing to St. Nicholas Island, where you can visit Greek church ruins. 

Sail to the beach town of Kaş, where you can indulge in some shopping and join a scuba diving session, then continue to Kekova, home of the sunken ruins of Dolchiste, an ancient Lycian settlement. After a final breakfast on the yacht, you'll disembark at Üçağız and transfer to Antalya, then spend the day as you wish: touring historic Kaleiçi, sunbathing on Konyaaltı Beach, or sipping a rooftop drink at Asmani Bar & Terrace. Finally, visit the ancient city of Perge and the Greco-Roman city of Aspendos, famous for its well-preserved Roman theater, before ending with a celebratory meal at Manavgat Falls. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Turkey Active Adventure: Cappadocia, Antalya & Adrasan

Embark on an adventure crafted for active travelers who enjoy outdoor experiences and diverse landscapes. You'll cycle around Cappadocia's otherworldly rock formations, visit rock-cut churches on a walk in the Ihlara Valley, bike to Düden Waterfall and Antalya's old town, hike volcanic terrain at Yanartaş, swim at Suluada Island, and tackle the challenging trek to the ruins of Olympos. This trip offers fun bonding experiences, so it's also great for adventurous and fit couples, families, and groups eager to make memories together. 

Your driver will collect you at Kayseri Erkilet Airport and transfer you to Cappadocia, where your adventure begins with a cycling tour. You'll bike from Pancarlık Valley to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, passing through the fortress town of Ortahisar and ending in the Paşabağ Valley, known for its "fairy chimney" formations. Arise early on Day 2 for a hot-air balloon ride over the lunar-like landscapes—complete with a Champagne toast. After a nap, you'll tour the Kaymaklı Underground City, then head out on a hike in the Ihlara Valley, where you'll find rock-cut structures like the Selime Monastery.

Fly to Antalya and cycle to Düden Waterfall, old town Kaleiçi, and local beaches on an e-bike tour. Next, you'll see the ancient flames on a hike at Yanartaş (Burning Rock) en route to Adrasan. Take a swim or hike to the ruins of Adrasan Castle for coastal views from above, then end the day with a seafood dinner. Finally, you'll tackle the trek to the ruins of Olympos, then enjoy a relaxing cruise to Suluada Island for one last swim in the Mediterranean Sea before departure. Learn more

More Great 6-Day 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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