Turkey is an amazing country to explore. In ten days, you can visit the historic Roman ruins at Ephesus, travel through the picturesque region of Cappadocia, and tour Istanbul. Highlights of this Turkey itinerary include hiking in Cappadocia, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visiting the Hagia Sophia, and, if you’d like, taking a breathtaking hot air balloon ride.
A visit to Turkey is an extraordinary combination of history, dramatic landscapes, delicious food, and life changing experiences.
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Turkey, where history whispers through ancient ruins, vibrant cities pulsate with life, and breathtaking landscapes leave you spellbound.
This itinerary meticulously crafted by Earth Trekkers and One Nation Travel guides you through the heart of Turkey, unveiling its iconic landmarks and hidden gems. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia and the historical treasures of Ephesus, this trip promises an immersive cultural experience.
Day 1: Istanbul’s Enchanting Welcome
- Arrive in Istanbul, a city where East meets West, and history meets modernity.
- Settle into your hotel and lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of the Grand Bazaar, where vibrant colors and exotic aromas tantalize your senses.
- Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of the Hagia Sophia, a magnificent architectural marvel that has witnessed centuries of history.
- Conclude your day with a mesmerizing sunset cruise on the Bosphorus, where the city’s skyline paints a breathtaking canvas against the golden hues of the setting sun.
Day 2: Unveiling Istanbul’s Treasures
- Begin your day at the Topkapi Palace, once the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, and marvel at its intricate tile work and exquisite collections.
- Step back in time at the Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel that once served as the city’s water reservoir.
- Wander through the vibrant Spice Bazaar, where the air is infused with the aroma of exotic spices and the sound of lively bartering.
- Treat your taste buds to a delectable Turkish dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the rich flavors of Ottoman cuisine.
Day 3: Ephesus’ Ancient Wonders
- Fly to Izmir and embark on a journey to Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that whispers tales of ancient civilizations.
- Explore the ruins of the Library of Celsus, a magnificent structure that once housed scrolls of knowledge.
- Walk along the marble streets of the ancient city, imagining the bustling life that once thrived here.
- Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site believed to be the final resting place of the mother of Jesus.
Day 4: Cappadocia’s Enchanting Landscapes
- Fly to Cappadocia, a land of otherworldly landscapes and fairy chimneys carved by nature’s artistry.
- Embark on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, soaring over the surreal landscape as the first rays of sunlight paint the valleys in golden hues.
- Explore the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with Byzantine cave churches and vibrant frescoes.
- Hike through the picturesque valleys of Love Valley and Devrent Valley, marveling at the unique rock formations and stunning vistas.
Day 5: Cappadocia’s Hidden Gems
- Delve into the depths of Derinkuyu, an underground city that served as a refuge for early Christians.
- Embark on a scenic hike through the Ihlara Valley, following the Melendiz River and admiring the ancient rock-cut churches nestled in the cliffs.
- Visit the Selime Cathedral, the largest rock-cut church in Cappadocia, and marvel at its impressive architecture.
- Conclude your day with a traditional Turkish dinner, savoring the flavors of local cuisine under the starry sky.
Day 6: Istanbul’s Cultural Tapestry
- Return to Istanbul and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
- Visit the Chora Church, adorned with stunning Byzantine mosaics that depict biblical scenes.
- Stroll through the colorful Balat and Fener neighborhoods, admiring the historic buildings and vibrant street art.
- Witness the grandeur of the Suleyman the Magnificent Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that showcases Ottoman artistry.
Day 7: Istanbul’s Culinary Delights
- Embark on a culinary adventure, exploring Istanbul’s vibrant food scene.
- Take a cooking class and learn the art of preparing traditional Turkish dishes, from savory kebabs to delectable desserts.
- Visit the Spice Bazaar and lose yourself in the kaleidoscope of colors and aromas, discovering exotic spices and local delicacies.
- Indulge in a traditional Turkish breakfast, savoring the flavors of fresh bread, cheeses, olives, and menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs).
Day 8: Istanbul’s Artistic Charms
- Explore the Istanbul Modern, a contemporary art museum showcasing the works of Turkish and international artists.
- Visit the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, where intricate calligraphy, exquisite tile work, and traditional textiles come alive.
- Stroll through the vibrant Istiklal Street, a pedestrianized avenue lined with shops, cafes, and historical landmarks.
- Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at a traditional Turkish coffeehouse, sipping on aromatic Turkish coffee and soaking in the local atmosphere.
Day 9: Istanbul’s Historical Gems
- Visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, a lavish 19th-century palace that served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire.
- Explore the Rumeli Fortress, a formidable structure that played a crucial role in the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.
- Take a ferry ride to the Princes’ Islands, a tranquil archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views.
- Conclude your day with a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savoring the city’s skyline and reminiscing about your unforgettable journey.
Day 10: Farewell to Turkey
- Bid farewell to Turkey, carrying with you cherished memories of its historical wonders, captivating landscapes, and warm hospitality.
This itinerary is a mere suggestion, and you can customize it to match your interests and preferences.
Additional Tips:
- Consider purchasing a Museum Pass, which grants you access to many of Istanbul’s top attractions.
- Learn a few basic Turkish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
- Bargaining is expected in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for the best prices.
- Be sure to pack comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
With careful planning and an open mind, your 10-day journey through Turkey will be an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning for more.
10 Day Turkey Itinerary
Most international flights arrive in Istanbul. From Istanbul, take a short flight to Izmir. You will only have one night here, which will give you enough time to see the neighboring attractions and the historic ruins of Ephesus.
It’s a quick visit because we are saving time for the really good stuff, Istanbul and Cappadocia.
I recommend renting a car at the Izmir airport. This is the easiest way to get around Izmir and Selcuk.
If you have afternoon free time (and energy), you can drive to the charming coastal city of Cesme. The Greek island of Chios is visible in the distance, situated in the Aegean Sea.
Drive to Selcuk and get settled into your hotel.
Where We Stayed: Saint John Hotel in Selcuk. This is a charming, small hotel just a short drive from Ephesus.
Saint John Hotel | 10 Day Turkey Itinerary
Turkey Itinerary Day 8
It is an amazing experience to view Cappadocia’s distinctive landscape from above in a hot air balloon. If you do one thing while in Cappadocia, a hot air balloon ride gets my vote. It may be painful paying the fee, but the memories and photos you will have make it worthwhile.
Your day will start very early. At five in the morning, Royal Balloon picked us up at our hotel, and at six in the morning, we were floating through the air.
You will ascend 300 meters during the flight—that’s a really high altitude—and then descend into Love Valley. We got so close to the ground that our basket almost brushed the treetops.
To say the experience was amazing would be an understatement.
LEARN MORE: A Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Cappadocia
Located a half hour south of Urgup, this valley is filled with churches carved into the mountains. It is comparable to the Goreme Open Air Museum, although there are usually fewer visitors here, making it a more pleasant experience.
Soganli Valley | 10 Day Turkey Itinerary
Our driver and tour guides both suggest that you spend your lunch break at the Old Greek House. Located in Mustafapasa, this is a great pit stop on the way back to the heart of Cappadocia.
Spend the afternoon hiking the Rose and Red Valleys. This is another short, easy hike and the views are amazing.
The most well-liked location in Cappadocia to watch the sunset is Sunset Point, which offers views of the Rose and Red Valleys. Enjoy the view and then end the day with dinner in town.
Travel to Turkey ( 10 days #itinerary ) | How to plan a #roadtrip across #turkey #travel
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