Turkey has a great deal to offer its visitors: a rich culture, history that spans from the dawn of civilization through to Greeks, Romans, Ottomans and modern-day Turks, diverse areas of geographical beauty, friendly people, and one of the world’s best cuisines. There is so much to see and experience in Turkey that narrowing down where to spend your time can be challenging!
Without question, as a first-time visitor to Turkey, you must visit Istanbul. I recommend a minimum of 3 full days, but you can very easily fill many more.
I have provided some possible itineraries for your trip to Turkey below depending on your length of stay. If you are interested in visiting the coast while you are in Turkey there are many great options. Check out the assessing beach options post to help figure out the right beach destination for you.
One week itineraries
Istanbul only
- It is very easy to spend a full week in Istanbul. You will be able to see all the major historical sites and can also experience modern-day life in Istanbul. Check out my Istanbul posts for detailed Istanbul itineraries.
- If you plan to stay a week or more, renting an apartment and really feeling like a resident could be a fun experience. There are plenty of Istanbul listings on Homeaway and Airbnb.
Istanbul + Cappadocia
- This is a great itinerary for those who want to visit the key sites of Turkey and aren’t interested in visiting the coast (or are traveling in the winter when the beach just isn’t feasible).
- 4 nights in Istanbul
- 3 nights in Cappadocia
Istanbul + Ephesus / Aegean Coast
- This itinerary couples Istanbul with the most famous archaeological site in Turkey – the ancient Greek city of Ephesus.
- 4 nights in Istanbul
- 3 nights in any Aegean town near Ephesus including Selçuk, Kuşadasi, or Izmir.
- You only need one full day to visit Ephesus so this itinerary also gives you time to hang out on the beach or explore other sites on the Aegean coast.
Istanbul + Bodrum or Antalya
- Great for travelers who will be in Turkey during the summer and want to experience a true beach vacation.
- 3 nights Istanbul
- 4 nights Bodrum / Antalya
Two week itineraries
Istanbul + Cappadocia + the coast
- This itinerary will give you an opportunity to experience Turkey’s geographic and cultural diversity with the added bonus of time on the coast.
- 5 nights Istanbul
- 3 nights Cappadocia
- 6 nights on the coast
- For the beach destinations close to an airport you could squeeze this itinerary into ten days (3 days in Istanbul and 4 days at the beach).
Istanbul + Cappadocia + Southeastern Turkey
- Opportunity to experience the more Middle Eastern side of Turkey and delve into history from the dawn of civilization. You will need a car or a tour company to take on this itinerary.
- 5 nights Istanbul
- 3 nights Cappadocia
- 6 days traveling around southeast Turkey – visiting Nemrut Dağı, Şanliurfa, Göbekli Tepe, and Gaziantep.
Istanbul + Ankara + Cappadocia + Konya + Antalya
- This itinerary is a little more frantic and requires renting a car but it will give you a great taste of the diverse history and culture of Turkey.
- Istanbul – 4 nights
- Ankara – 2 nights
- Cappadocia – 3 nights
- Konya – 1 night
- Antalya – 4 nights
Istanbul + Mediterranean coast
- 5 days in Istanbul
- Fly to Antalya and explore the Mediterranean coast – either pick a spot or two and dig in or leisurely make your way along the coast to Bodrum / Marmaris
Aegean deep-dive
- With this itinerary you rent a car and drive yourself from Istanbul all the way south to Bodrum along the Aegean coast – visiting beautiful stretches of coast line, ancient ruins and charming villages.
- Istanbul – 4 nights
- Take a car ferry across the Marmara Sea to Yalova. Iznik – 1 night.
- Bursa – 1 night
- Çanakkale – 1 night (visit Troy)
- Ayvalik – 2 nights (visit Behramkale and Bergama)
- Kusadasi – 2 nights (visit Ephesus)
- Bodrum – 3 nights
Three week itineraries
With three weeks or more in Turkey you can do some really fun stuff. I have listed out some of my dream itineraries below:
Coastal excursion
- Aegean deep dive + Mediterranean coast
- Rent a car, start in Istanbul and travel along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts all the way to Antalya
Eastern excursion
- Istanbul – 4 nights
- Ankara – 1 night
- Cappadocia – 2 nights
- Nemrut Dağı, Şanliurfa, Göbekli Tepe, Harran and Gaziantep
- Mardin, Diyarbakir, Van, Doğubeyazit, Trabzon