Straddling two continents like it’s no big deal, this country has been a meeting point of civilizations for centuries, stacking layers of history like a well-traveled suitcase. And the landscapes are so unreal I’ve caught myself whispering wow to complete strangers. It’s best to consider what kind of things you want to do in this Turkiye trip to determine the best time to visit. These shoulder seasons are perfect for beating the summer heat and avoiding peak tourist crowds, while still enjoying sunny skies and warm seas. Next, drive 3.5 hours and head to Marmaris, where the vibe is lively and welcoming.
On the way check out the Sultanhanı Caravanserai, an ancient trading outpost with an incredible entrance gate. Istanbul has got so much to offer, and as your trip draws to a close, it’s time to put on your comfortable walking shoes and prepare to explore the historical Istanbul. If you are a fan of Dan Brown’s Inferno, you’ll recognize a lot of these attractions from the adventures of Robert Langdon. On your third day in Turkey, you get to tick off one of the most iconic activities in the region – flying above the ground in a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.
We recommend carrying cash for smaller everyday purchases to avoid being caught out. Domestic flights can be extremely inexpensive and with a country as large as Turkey, you’ll likely save time — especially if you want to travel from, for example, Istanbul to Cappadocia. I took a flight from Izmir to Istanbul when I noticed it was just $40 to do so, and it saved me so much hassle by doing so. Like I mentioned earlier, it would have taken anything up to 10 hours by bus, but the flight only took an hour. Driving can be a wonderful way to explore Turkey, as long as you’re a confident driver with a lot of experience. Turkish drivers can be a bit wild at times, jumping red lights, overtaking on corners, and generally speeding their way around the country.
Instead, the sunset from the Galata bridge is pretty amazing as compared to having to wait in line. Set aside a few hours to spend at Topkapi Palace because it is huge. There are pavilions, massive courtyards, and rooms with an impressive collection of artifacts.
In an early beauty contest, Paris of Troy had to choose between the three beauties Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. Paris chose Aphrodite who had promised Paris the love of Helen, the Queen of Sparta. Paris’ subsequent abduction of Helen to Tory provoked the Trojan war. Much of this route is also possible by bus although it will likely take a little longer to allow for public transport schedules. From modern cities filled with worldly citizens (Istanbul, Amman & Athens) to islands dotted with small villages (Mykonos & Santorini) …
Nightlife In Istanbul – Bosphorus Strait Area
Together Pamukkale and Hierapolis are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the mix of natural and ancient is still breathtaking today. The brilliant white travertine of Pammukale is on the cover of nearly every Turkey guidebook and, with over two million visitors annually, Pamukkale is Turkey’s single Viaggi in Turchia most visited attraction. The ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, a thermal spa city, is located on the hot springs of Pamukkale. We spent a night in a hotel in Pamukkale to give us the chance to explore at less crowded times. Renting a car in Turkey is very safe and it’s the best way to explore the country.
What Else Should I Know About How To Plan A Trip To Turkey?
But in any case, we will do our best to recover as much as we can for you so you can use these funds for another trip. Terms of serviceWe think it is important to have transparent reservation and modification policies. There are few exceptions, such as Norwegian Fjord cruises and Lapland tours where we ask for a larger deposit at reservations.
While no longer the hidden gem it once was, you’ll have to get there early—like really early—to snag an umbrella and sun bed during the summer months. However, even with the crowd this beach draws, it’s still a stunner. The city of Derinkuyu is just a 45 min drive from Göreme (in the Cappadocia region). The quiet seaside town of Olympos is known for its ruins, a laidback pebbly beach and the eternal flames called the Chimera. We booked our kayak tour in the town of Kaş where there were plenty of tour options to choose from. You can also browse the options on Get Your Guide for different types of tours (kayaking, boating, etc.) leaving from different nearby towns.
With 10 days, you can tour Istanbul, explore the fairytale land of Cappadocia, and visit the ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus. Highlights of this Turkey itinerary include a visit to the Hagia Sophia, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, hiking in Cappadocia, and a magical hot air balloon ride, if you so desire. About 90% of our Turkey tours kick off from Istanbul, which makes perfect sense – it’s literally where Europe meets Asia and has great flight connections from everywhere. While you can start from places like Fethiye or Kusadasi on the coast, Istanbul’s mix of Byzantine and Ottoman history makes it an ideal first stop.
Packed full of quality inclusions, we give you so much more for your money on every no-hassle trip. July and August are the most popular months to visit, with temperatures regularly peaking over 30 degrees Celsius and little chance of rain disrupting your plans. If you’re here specifically for the beach and activities on the water, this is peak season. May, June, September, and October are the prime time for Turkey travels, with plenty of blue skies and sunshine and softer light for photography, but fewer crowds. Just remember to pack a warmer layer for after dark and a jacket in case of rain. Non-worshipping visitors are welcome to visit outside of prayer times.
This Turkey itinerary can be extended or reduced depending on what sights you want to see and the time you have available. We did this route in 3 weeks which was around the right amount of time, however we had been to Istanbul previously so only spent 3 days there on this trip. Soak up the Mediterranean sun while sitting on one of the many white sandy beaches that Turkey has to offer. There are over 300 blue flagged beaches to keep you busy on your Turkey holiday package. Check into your Istanbul hotel of choice, and head straight to a Turkish hammam for a one-of-a-kind experience. If you want to make the most of your Turkey itinerary 10 days in, then we suggest you get an early start. [newline]The lost city of Ephesus has a lot to explore, and you want to get the most out of it before all of the day-trippers arrive.
We’ve put together a list of the most beautiful places in Turkey (including fun things to do!) for the ultimate Turkey bucket list itinerary. Ephesus is hands down the most spectacular archaeological site we visited in Turkey and it is worth committing an entire day to visit the site alone. The ancient Greek city of Ephesus was built in the 10th Century BC and contains successive settlements from the Neolithic, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Selçuk and Ottoman periods. It’s impossible to describe the feeling of standing in front of the magnificent Celsus library in Ephesus as the morning light washed over the ruins. The brilliant white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, meaning cotton castle, are topped with turquoise hot pools cascading down the mountainside above the town of Pamukkale. Bring swimwear to bathe in Cleopatra’s Pool, an antique pool where Cleopatra the Queen of Egypt once swam.
