Turkey Itinerary
Photo by Alain Bonnardeaux on Unsplash
How long do you have? Pick a plan below for 3, 5, 7 or 10 days in Turkey. Each one is built so you can follow it as it is or mix days from different plans.
Best time to go: April to May, or September to October, for pleasant weather.
Getting around: Trams, ferries and walking in Istanbul. Short domestic flights link the major regions.
Book ahead: Internal flights, a hot-air balloon ride and a hammam visit.
3-Day Turkey Itinerary
Day 1 — Sultanahmet
Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, then explore Topkapı Palace in the afternoon. Keep shoulders and knees covered for the mosques.
Day 2 — Bazaars & the Bosphorus
Shop the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar in the morning, take a Bosphorus cruise after lunch, and climb Galata Tower for the evening view.
Day 3 — The Asian Side
Take the ferry to Kadıköy for its food market and cafés, wander Moda by the water, and finish with a traditional hammam.
5-Day Turkey Itinerary
Day 1 — Sultanahmet
Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, then explore Topkapı Palace in the afternoon. Keep shoulders and knees covered for the mosques.
Day 2 — Bazaars & the Bosphorus
Shop the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar in the morning, take a Bosphorus cruise after lunch, and climb Galata Tower for the evening view.
Day 3 — The Asian Side
Take the ferry to Kadıköy for its food market and cafés, wander Moda by the water, and finish with a traditional hammam.
Day 4 — Fly to Cappadocia
Take a morning flight (about 1.5 hours) and spend the afternoon exploring Göreme and its rock-cut valleys.
Day 5 — Balloons & Valleys
If the weather allows, start with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, then hike a valley such as Rose Valley.
7-Day Turkey Itinerary
Day 1 — Sultanahmet
Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, then explore Topkapı Palace in the afternoon. Keep shoulders and knees covered for the mosques.
Day 2 — Bazaars & the Bosphorus
Shop the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar in the morning, take a Bosphorus cruise after lunch, and climb Galata Tower for the evening view.
Day 3 — The Asian Side
Take the ferry to Kadıköy for its food market and cafés, wander Moda by the water, and finish with a traditional hammam.
Day 4 — Fly to Cappadocia
Take a morning flight (about 1.5 hours) and spend the afternoon exploring Göreme and its rock-cut valleys.
Day 5 — Balloons & Valleys
If the weather allows, start with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, then hike a valley such as Rose Valley.
Day 6 — Underground Cities & Ihlara Valley
Visit an underground city such as Derinkuyu and walk part of the Ihlara Valley canyon.
Day 7 — Back to Istanbul
Fly back to Istanbul, visit any sights you missed, and have a farewell dinner by the water.
10-Day Turkey Itinerary
Download the 10-day plan (PDF)
Day 1 — Sultanahmet
Visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, then explore Topkapı Palace in the afternoon. Keep shoulders and knees covered for the mosques.
Day 2 — Bazaars & the Bosphorus
Shop the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar in the morning, take a Bosphorus cruise after lunch, and climb Galata Tower for the evening view.
Day 3 — The Asian Side
Take the ferry to Kadıköy for its food market and cafés, wander Moda by the water, and finish with a traditional hammam.
Day 4 — Princes’ Islands or Dolmabahçe
Take a ferry to the car-free Princes’ Islands, or tour Dolmabahçe Palace and the Bosphorus shore.
Day 5 — Fly to Cappadocia
Take a morning flight (about 1.5 hours) and spend the afternoon exploring Göreme and its rock-cut valleys.
Day 6 — Balloons & Valleys
If the weather allows, start with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, then hike a valley such as Rose Valley.
Day 7 — Underground Cities & Ihlara Valley
Visit an underground city such as Derinkuyu and walk part of the Ihlara Valley canyon.
Day 8 — Fly to Izmir & Ephesus
Fly to Izmir and visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman sites.
Day 9 — Pamukkale
Travel to Pamukkale (about 3 hours) to see the white travertine terraces and the ancient pools.
Day 10 — Izmir & Farewell
Return to Izmir, stroll the Kemeraltı bazaar and the seafront, and head home.
Opening times, ticket rules, travel times and prices change, so check each detail before you book.
See the full trip breakdown in our Turkey travel guide.
