Turkey is huge and it’s sometimes overwhelming as to what to do in Turkey on your visit here. While there are many things to do in Turkey, it’s best to target a region to get the most out of your holiday. This 10 day itinerary in Turkey will help you visit the most stunning places while keeping it mid-paced.
Turkey has everything….including a desert at Karapinar, which makes it such a vast and vibrant country.
Turkey is most known for balloons floating in an idyllic setting at Cappadocia, which can make visiting this location expensive sometimes. But the Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise is worth it.
There’s no dearth of what to do in Turkey, no matter which region you pick. Plus, the Mediterranean weather ensures you have a lovely time exploring outdoors.
Imagine mineral-rich azure waters floating down natural terraces on a hillside, living in a cave while watching hot-air balloons float by, and enjoying delicious food and a cup of invigorating coffee while watching numerous seaside towns.
This 10 days in Turkey Itinerary includes this and much more while ensuring you can modify it to suit your pace!
PLANNING YOUR TURKEY TRIP | THE ESSENTIALS
Top-rated tours in Turkey:
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table in Istanbul
- Suluada Island Small-Group Boat Tour w/ Lunch from Antalya
- Ephesus: Small Group Tour for Cruise Passengers
Best hotels in Turkey:
- Hotel Amira in Istanbul
- Kayakapi Premier Caves in Cappadocia
- Melrose House Hotel in Pamukkale
Best time to visit Turkey
Like most places around the world, Turkey has extreme summers and extreme winters.
To avoid the extreme heat or cold of Turkey’s geography, the best time to visit Turkey is during the spring months of April and May or the autumn months of September and October, just like some European cities like Santorini.
During the spring and autumn, the temperature in Turkey ranges from 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius – which is pleasant enough to go around exploring without facing any issues.
Summers (June to August) are usually a very crowded time to visit Turkey and the coastal regions like Antalya can become very hot going up to 40 degrees Celsius.
In winter, places like Cappadocia and Istanbul can sometimes reach zero degrees and see frequent snowfall.
A 10 day Itinerary – Turkey
Here’s what to do when you have 10 days in Turkey
Day 1 – 3 of your Turkey Itinerary – Istanbul
Start your itinerary in Istanbul.
The easiest and most convenient way to reach Istanbul is by flying. Istanbul has an international airport that is well-connected to most cities across the world.
However, you can also choose to take the train to Istanbul which runs from several European cities, but this takes a lot more time. You can even choose to drive into the country from neighbouring European cities.
What to do in Istanbul
Istanbul is a massive city so it’s important to give it a few days to explore properly. It is also important to relax on the first day and get familiarised with the new culture and settings as much as possible before venturing out to explore! Here are some of the best things to do in Istanbul that you can consider during your 10 days in Turkey itinerary –
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Walk around the Sultanahmet Square and visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque amongst other historical and architectural wonders.
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Shop for lamps, Turkish towels and other souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar. (Don’t forget to bargain!)
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Take a spa day and treat yourself to a traditional Turkish Hammam
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Try the Turkish hookah “nargile” at a streetside place around Taksim
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Take a Bosphorus River Cruise during sunset
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Check out Istanbul’s nightlife around the Bosphorus area and visit Taps Bebek for some heavenly beer!
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Try the traditional Turkish coffee and Turkish tea – or “cay” – at Kubbe Istanbul rooftop cafe.
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Walk uphill (or take a cable car) to Pierre Loti Cafe for a meal overlooking the city.
Where to stay in Istanbul
The best area to stay in Istanbul is Sultanahmet where most historical landmarks are located. There are several hotels and guest houses to choose from here depending on your budget.
If you’re ready to splurge and treat yourself to a fancy hotel, check out the Hotel Amira and White House Hotel. For a mid-range hotel, the Celine Hotel – Ottoman Mansion is a good option.
Lastly, if you are on a budget, consider Otantik Guesthouse or Basileus Hotel.
For budget travellers, Karakoy is also a great area to stay in. Some good places to stay here include Cheers Porthouse and Peradise Hotel.
Day 4 & 5 of your Turkey Itinerary – Izmir
After spending three glorious days in the capital of Turkey exploring and getting acquainted with Turkish culture, it’s time to move on to our next destination – Izmir. The distance between Istanbul to Izmir is about 480 kilometres.
The fastest way to reach Izmir from Istanbul is to take a flight to the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport which only takes about 70 minutes. Another great way to travel from Istanbul to Izmir is to take an overnight bus which takes about 7 to 9 hours.
This is a much cheaper alternative and an overnight journey means saving hotel money and daytime hours!
What to do in Izmir
The city of Izmir is best known for its coastal, liberal and trendy vibe and lots of great restaurants to choose from. It is the third-largest city in Turkey. Though not many tourists visit Izmir, it makes for a great base for several day trips around the city. Here’s how you can make the most of your two days in Izmir –
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Take a tour of the Ancient City of Ephesus and explore sites such as the Street of Curetes, Temple of Artemis and the Great Theatre.
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Visit the mountain village of Şirince (also known as ‘the Tuscany of Turkey’) for its cobblestoned lanes and panoramic views.
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Take a day trip to the beach town of Alacati or Cesme.
Try out traditional Turkish sweets such as baklava, keşkül and lokma amongst others.
Where to stay in Izmir
Located on the stunning coast of the Aegean Sea, a stay in Izmir is sure to leave you rejuvenated. What’s even better is that accommodation costs in Izmir are far better than most places in Turkey – such as Istanbul and Cappadocia.
From budget options to luxurious resorts, Izmir has it all! If you’re on a tight budget, consider
My Happy Hostel or Hotel Apart Alsancak which is located in the heart of the city. Spil Suites and Hotel Elara are great options for those looking at mid-range places to stay in Izmir.
But if you’re looking for a luxurious time at an expensive hotel/ resort, then check out Renaissance Izmir in the city centre or the Key Hotel by the Aegean Sea.
Day 6 of your Turkey Itinerary – Pamukkale
After having experienced Turkey’s immensely rich historical past and the various aspects of its cultures in Istanbul and Izmir, it is now time to take in the natural beauty the country has to offer in Pamukkale!
The good news is that it doesn’t take very long to reach Pamukkale from Izmir – which means more time to explore! The distance between Izmir to Pamukkale is just about 200 kilometres.
The cheapest way to travel this distance is to take the Turkish Railways (TCDD) train from any one of the many train stations in Izmir – Basmane, Adnan Menderes Airport or Selcuk to Denizli in Pamukkale.
Depending on where you board from, the journey takes between 3.5 to 5 hours. Another way to make this distance is to board a bus from the Izmir bus station and get off at the Denizli bus station.
This journey takes between 2 to 4 hours to complete and you can either take a late-night bus or an early morning bus to save daytime for exploring.
What to do in Pamukkale
If there’s one thing that Pamukkale is best known for, it has to be its spectacular thermal pools. Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish and it is famous for its natural terraces made of a kind of limestone known as travertine, which are filled with calcium-rich thermal water. So here’s how you can make the most of your day in Pamukkale –
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Swim in the travertine thermal pools.
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Explore the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, including the beautiful amphitheatre.
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Climb the top of the travertines and swim in the Cleopatra Pools – where Cleopatra is believed to have swum!
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Explore the local market.
Where to stay in Pamukkale
Since Pamukkale is a small place, there are not a lot of options to choose from. But the limited options available here are comfortable enough for one night’s sleep.
If you’re one to look for luxury, there are only a couple of options available – and of these, the Doğa Thermal Health & Spa is definitely the best.
If you haven’t had enough of pampering yourself at the thermal waters, the Turkish spa here will leave you satisfied for sure! Another option you can look out for is the Richmond Pamukkale Thermal.
For a mid-range hotel, consider staying at the Melrose House Hotel which is home to many cats for a quick cuddle party! For those looking for a budget stay option, the Çavdar Thermal Hotel and Ozbay Hotel are two of the best.
Day 7 & 8 of your Turkey Itinerary – Antalya
After a quick trip to Pamukkale, it’s time to head to Antalya. The distance between Pamukkale and Antalya is about 180 kilometres or so.
The easiest way to reach Antalya from Pamukkale is to hop on a bus going from Denizli to Antalya. You can also reach Antalya from Ankara.
This route is served by several bus operators such as Kamil Koc, MetroTurizm and Pamukkale. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete and is the cheapest way to travel between Pamukkale and Antalya.
You can also choose to rent a car or hire a taxi but both these options are very expensive. There are no trains that run between Pamukkale and Antalya – so if you’re looking to save some money, travelling by bus might be your only option.
What to do in Antalya
Antalya is a beautiful coastal town in southern Turkey that is believed to have been founded by one King Attalus II somewhere around 150 BC. Antalya – like most other places in Turkey – is a beautiful amalgamation of rich heritage and mesmerising natural beauty. The city boasts of some stunning architecture – all dating back to the Ottoman period. This Mediterranean city is rich in culture and has a lot to explore! Here’s all that needs to be on your list while visiting Antalya –
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Take a DIY walking tour of Kaleiçi – the old town of Antalya. Don’t forget to visit the Fluted Mosque, Hadrian’s Gate and Roman Tower.
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Enjoy the nightlife at the Old City Marina and grab a bite or a drink (or both!) overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
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Visit Konyaalti Beach and Lara Beach – two of Antalya’s most stunning beaches.
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Attend a show at the Antalya State Theatre.
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Hike up to the mesmerising Duden Waterfalls and also visit the Kursunlu Waterfalls.
Where to stay in Antalya
Since Antalya is a big city, there is no dearth of accommodation options for each and every kind of tourist here. Depending on what your budget is, you are likely to find a place that fits your bill and leaves you comfortable and satisfied through the two nights at Antalya.
For budget and solo travellers, places like Hostel Vague and Gold Coast Hostel can be a great way to save money, while also meeting like-minded travellers.
For mid-range options, consider staying at Beyaz Butik Hotel or Crowne Plaza Hotel. For those looking for a luxurious stay, Calista Luxury Resort, Delphin Diva Premiere and Casa Sur Hotel are some great options that you can take a pick.
Day 9 & 10 of your Turkey Itinerary – Cappadocia
It’s safe to say – I saved the best for the last! The distance from Antalya to Cappadocia is about 575 kilometres.
The fastest way to make this journey is to take a flight from Antalya to Cappadocia (Nevşehir Airport) but this is also the most expensive way to travel this distance. If you’re looking to save some money while also saving the most amount of time possible, consider taking an overnight bus.
There is no train service available between Antalya and Cappadocia. The bus journey from Antalya to Goreme in Cappadocia takes about 8 to 10 hours and operators such as Kamil Koc run this route daily.
What to do in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is often the entire reason some people plan a whole trip to Turkey and saving this bit for the last leg of your time in the country means you get to savour it the longest!
The Instagram famous hot air balloon rides you’ve seen in Turkey – yep that’s from Cappadocia! But apart from this extremely popular (and equally fun activity), there’s a lot else to explore and discover and this city. Here are some of the must-do things in Cappadocia that you cannot miss –
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Take a hot air balloon flight overlooking the panoramic landscapes of Cappadocia
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Explore the many rock formations in valleys such as Love Valley, Red Valley, Cavusin Valley etc.
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Explore the mountain castle of Uçhisar Castle and Gumusler Monastery from the Byzantine Era.
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Visit the complexes of the ancient underground twin cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli.
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Visit the town of Avanos for traditional Turkish pottery, ceramics and handicrafts. Also, visit the underground Güray Museum.
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Catch a dazzling sunset from Sunset Point in Gerome.
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Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Gerome Open Air Museum.
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Grab a bite at the Old Greek House.
Where to stay in Cappadocia
The stay options in Cappadocia are as beautiful as the city’s beauty itself. There are several cave hotels that are definitely worth checking out.
These caves are ancient and have been carved out of sedimentary rocks and have housed the locals of Cappadocia for thousands of years – and do so even today! Some of these have been turned into hotels and are definitely a very unique experience.
Some of the best cave hotels in Cappadocia include Guzide Cave Hotel and Mithra Cave Hotel.
Apart from these mid-range cave hotels, check out the Kayakapi Premium Caves and the Museum Hotel if you’re up for some splurging at upscale stay options.
For budget travellers, Homestay Cave Hostel and Hostel Terra Vista are great options.
What to pack for Turkey?
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If you want to be more organized while on your trip to Turkey, especially now with the numerous required documents, keeping a separate document file in your hand luggage is a great way to do just that.
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If you are visiting Turkey in the Summer, then you must keep sunscreen in your bag at all times to avoid getting sunburned. Summers are scorching in Turkey and very hard to bear. This beach holiday packing list may be a good starting point.
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You should add an anti-theft backpack to your packing list if you plan to visit such destinations as Istanbul, which always remain crowded.
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Turkey travel clothing tips include modest clothes. It is because, without covering your head, shoulder, and knees, you can’t enter mosques.
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Apart from modest outfits, you must bring comfortable clothes for visiting other travel destinations like beaches, local markets, shopping centres, or hiking up to mountains.
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Carrying an adapter to charge your devices, such as a smartphone, digital camera, and other gadgets is crucial while visiting any other city, state, or country – including Turkey.
Turkey Visa
Turkey currently requires certain visitors to have a visa and has introduced a special entrance form after the pandemic.
Luckily, the Turkey visa can be obtained online, either via an official government website or with the help of an e-Visa agent, for a more user-friendly option.
If your country is listed as one of those that need an e-Visa for Turkey, apply for yours 3 days prior to departure and print the document received via email.
FAQs – 10 Days in Turkey Itinerary
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What can you do in Turkey for 10 days?
There is so much to do in Turkey in 10 days. Places like Cappadocia, Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul are a must-visit. Apart from that, you can also check out the beach towns of Cesme and Alacati, Fethiye, the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, the capital city of Ankara, as well as the city of Troy where Homer’s Illiad is set
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Is Turkey expensive for tourists?
On average, a 7-day solo budget trip to Turkey should cost around 635 GBP. For couples, the cost may go up to 1,035 GBP. The cheapest budget you can keep in Turkey is 20 GBP per person, per day including travel, food, stay and sightseeing. The cheapest time to visit Turkey is during the shoulder season which includes the winter months from January to mid-March and post-summer months of September to mid-December.
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How many days do you need in Turkey?
Ideally, in 10 days you should be able to cover most major attractions of Turkey. Many people also visit Turkey for just 5 to 7 days but that can become very rushed and not give you enough time to enjoy each place. However, spending two weeks in Turkey gives you enough time to relax, see all major attractions and go off the beaten track as well!
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What should you not miss in Turkey?
A hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia, swimming in the travertine thermal pools of Pamukkale, visiting the ancient city of Ephesus and indulging in traditional Turkish food like baklava, menemen, künefe, mercimek çorbası and drinking ayran and çay are a must!
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