Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, the city where East meets West. Once you land, check into your accommodation and spend the day adjusting to the time zone. If you have the energy, take a stroll around Sultanahmet. This area is where you’ll find the most famous sites like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
In the evening, grab some Turkish food at a restaurant in the nearby streets. Don’t miss out on trying “meze” (Turkish appetizers) and a good glass of Turkish tea.
What to See:
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Topkapi Palace
Where to Stay:
- Sultanahmet area for easy access to attractions
- Galata for a more hip and modern vibe
Day 2: Explore Istanbul’s Old City
Start your day early with a visit to the Basilica Cistern. It’s an underground marvel with an eerie, beautiful atmosphere. Then, make your way to the Grand Bazaar for a classic Istanbul shopping experience. You’ll find everything from handmade rugs to Turkish sweets.
After lunch, cross the Galata Bridge and explore the district of Karaköy. Climb up to the Galata Tower for a panoramic view of the city before heading down the winding streets full of cafes and small boutiques.
End your day by walking along the Bosphorus and enjoying a traditional fish sandwich at one of the stalls by the water.
What to See:
- Basilica Cistern
- Grand Bazaar
- Galata Tower
- Bosphorus waterfront
Where to Eat:
- Fish sandwich stalls near the Galata Bridge
- Restaurants in Karaköy and Beyoglu areas
Day 3: Visit Cappadocia
On your third day, take a morning flight to Cappadocia. Once you arrive, head to Göreme, the epicenter of this unique region. This town is known for its fairy chimneys and cave hotels. After you’ve checked in, explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where you can see ancient cave churches with bright frescoes.
Later in the afternoon, hike through the Love Valley or the Red Valley. Both trails will give you a chance to see the surreal rock formations up close, without too many crowds.
Don’t forget to book a hot air balloon ride for the following morning to witness the sunrise over this magical landscape.
What to See:
- Göreme Open-Air Museum
- Love Valley or Red Valley
Where to Stay:
- Cave hotels in Göreme for an authentic experience
Day 4: Hot Air Balloon Ride and Explore Cappadocia
Wake up before dawn for your hot air balloon flight. It’s an unforgettable experience to drift over the valley as the sun starts to rise. After that, head back to your hotel for a late breakfast and relax for a while.
In the afternoon, visit the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli. These ancient cities used to shelter up to 20,000 people and have a maze of tunnels and rooms to explore. If time permits, take a short drive to the village of Uçhisar and climb to the top of Uçhisar Castle for another great view of the region.
What to See:
- Hot air balloon flight
- Underground city of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli
- Uçhisar Castle
Local Tips:
- Book your hot air balloon ride in advance, as it’s a popular activity and weather-dependent.
Day 5: Journey to Pamukkale
In the morning, catch a flight to Denizli and then take a short ride to Pamukkale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its white travertine terraces and thermal springs. Spend the afternoon walking barefoot on the calcium-rich terraces and take a dip in one of the natural pools.
After exploring the terraces, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which is located just above the terraces. Wander through its ruins and be sure to check out the well-preserved Roman theater.
Spend the evening relaxing and perhaps take a dip in the Cleopatra Pool, a historical thermal pool filled with ancient columns.
What to See:
- Pamukkale Travertines
- Hierapolis
- Cleopatra Pool
Where to Stay:
- Opt for a hotel near Pamukkale village for easy access to the terraces.
Day 6: Travel to Ephesus
Make your way to Selçuk, where the ancient ruins of Ephesus are located. This well-preserved Greco-Roman city is one of the main highlights of Turkey. You’ll want to spend a few hours exploring the ruins, highlighting sites like the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theatre.
In the evening, take a short drive to the nearby Şirince village, a picturesque little town famous for its wine and olive oil. This is the perfect place to wind down after a day of sightseeing, with a glass of local wine in one of the cozy village restaurants.
What to See:
- Ephesus ruins
- Library of Celsus
- Temple of Artemis
- Şirince village
Where to Stay:
- Stay in Selçuk or Şirince for a calm, laid-back evening.
Day 7: Relax in Bodrum
For your final day, you might want to relax a bit after so much sightseeing. Head to Bodrum, a coastal town about a 2.5-hour drive from Selçuk. Bodrum is perfect for winding down. Spend the day at the beach or visit Bodrum Castle, which overlooks the harbor and houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
If you’re up for it, take a boat trip to explore the surrounding turquoise waters. In the evening, enjoy your last Turkish meal at a seafood restaurant by the marina.
What to See:
- Bodrum Castle
- Museum of Underwater Archaeology
- Beaches and boat trips around Bodrum
Where to Stay:
- Pick a seaside hotel to make the most of Bodrum’s coastline.
Final Thoughts
This 7-day itinerary covers the best of Turkey, including history, natural beauty, and coastal relaxation. It’s a flexible plan that gives you plenty of time to take in each destination at your own pace. Whether you’re exploring Istanbul’s old city, floating over Cappadocia at sunrise, or wandering through the ruins of Ephesus, you’ll be sure to have a memorable trip.
As you plan, be mindful of internal flights between cities and always leave some buffer time just in case you fall in love with a place and need a bit more time to experience it fully.
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