Turkey is a huge country, so unless you have three weeks or more, it's wise not to spread yourself too thin. How long to spend will depend on whether you're on a quick, history-packed jaunt to tick off blockbuster sights or a more leisurely see-it-all sojourn lasting weeks or longer. Read on for recommended itineraries for visits from four days to four weeks.
A five-day tour of Turkey is enough time to discover Istanbul's highlights and visit ancient ruins dating to the Bronze Age. But those aren't your only options—you could also embark on a wine tour through Thrace, a grape-growing haven since the 3rd century BCE. And you certainly don't want to miss a trip to Cappadocia and its enchanting lunar valleys or a quick stop at the Pamukkale hot springs to soak in Roman baths.
Six days in Turkey is enough time to explore 2-3 regions. Foodies can taste their way around Istanbul on a street food tour and indulge in a Michelin-star meal. History buffs will appreciate visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia, wandering around the ruins of Troy and Pergamon, and touring Ephesus. Active travelers can bike around Antalya and hike on the Lycian Way, while sun seekers can set sail on a cruise that includes a stop at Ölüdeniz Beach and a scuba diving session in Kas.
With seven days in Turkey, you can experience the best of the country's highlights on a classic tour of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Izmir. Alternatively, take a deep dive into Turkey's vast history, both ancient and modern, on a voyage down the Aegean Coast that takes you from World War I battle sites to Roman ruins. Tea lovers will discover the best of Turkish blends on a cross-country trip showcasing Turkey's tea gardens and plantations, along with breathtaking natural scenery.
In eight days in Turkey, you can explore the essential historic sites and natural wonders of Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Istanbul on a highlights tour. If history captivates you, dedicate half your time to ancient ruins scattered along the Aegean coast, or if you're a water enthusiast, seize the opportunity for a four-day sailing trip along the Turquoise Coast. Active adventurers can hike and bike around, while foodies divide their time between street food tours, upscale restaurants, and cooking classes.
Nine days in Turkey is an excellent amount of time to enjoy a well-rounded introduction to the country's natural and historical highlights or split your trip between Istanbul's culturally significant sites and the Aegean coast's ancient ruins. Ocean lovers will find a four-day cruise along the Turquoise Coast the ideal way to spend their time in Turkey. While active explorers hike, bike, and boat their way around the country, and foodies dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and bustling markets.
With 10 days, you can mix and match adventures to create the perfect vacation in Turkey. A highlights tour will take you from the Ottoman monuments of Istanbul to the fairy tale valleys of Cappadocia and down to the sun-kissed Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Make a road trip out of it; visit ancient cities that predate the Bronze Age, and follow that with hikes around more "modern" archeological sites from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras.
Turkey's small size makes it possible to visit at least three regions in 11 days. First-timers can tour Istanbul's landmarks, wander the Ephesus ruins, and take a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia. Foodies will enjoy street eats in Eminonu and Kadikoy and an Anatolian cooking lesson in a local home. Active travelers can hike the Lycian Way and scuba dive in Kas, while history buffs will appreciate a road trip from Canakkale to Antalya with stops that include the ancient cities of Troy, Assos, and Aspendos.
The availability of domestic flights makes it possible to visit at least five regions of Turkey in 12 days. Get an introduction to Turkish history with guided tours that include Ephesus and Istanbul's Hagia Sophia. Culinary travelers will enjoy an Eminonu street food tour and wine tasting in Sirince. Those keen on cultural experiences can join a pottery demonstration in Avanos and a cooking class in Cappadocia, while adventurers will appreciate e-biking in Antalya, scuba diving near Kas, and hiking the Lycian Way.
With 13 days in Turkey, you can hit the highlights at a slower pace or delve deeper into your interests with a more focused itinerary. Foodies can taste street eats in Istanbul and learn to cook with a stone oven in Cappadocia. History buffs should check off numerous archaeological sites like Troy, Ephesus, and Aspendos. Active travelers can hike amid Love Valley's rock formations and tackle a section of the Lycian Way, while the Turquoise Coast beckons to those looking for a relaxed adventure on land and sea.
Two weeks in Turkey gives you carte blanche to explore high and low, from the historic streets of Istanbul to the lunar valleys of Cappadocia to the sun-kissed Turquoise Coast. You can even take a road trip to historic sights that includes the ancient cities of Ephesus, Pergamon, and legendary Troy. Round out your holiday with relaxing soaks in natural thermal pools, tour World War I battlefields, and hike the scenic Lycian Way.
Given Turkey's small size, you can visit at least five regions in 15 days. Foodies will enjoy sampling Istanbul's street food and cooking with a chef in Cappadocia. Those interested in history and heritage will appreciate a whirling dervish performance and guided tours to archaeological sites such as Ephesus. Travelers eager to unwind can indulge in a Turkish spa treatment and relax on Antalya's beaches, while those who prefer an active itinerary can trek the Lycian Way or dive along the Turquoise Coast.
With 16 days in Turkey, you can visit at least six regions—from cities to sea. History buffs will appreciate touring Pergamon's Greco-Roman ruins, the partially submerged town of Old Halfeti, and the ancient city of Ephesus. Those interested in culture can join a cooking class, meet traditional carpet weavers, and attend a whirling dervish performance. Active travelers will enjoy sea kayaking at Kekova Island and hiking the Lycian Way, while sunseekers can tour the Turquoise Coast on a scenic sailing cruise.
