How Long to Stay in Turkey

Straddling Asia and Europe, Turkey attracts travelers from all corners of the earth thanks to its vibrant culture, sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches, and dazzling display of ancient monuments. While outdoor enthusiasts can trek the highlands of central Turkey or take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, foodies can embark on culinary tours of Istanbul, and culture vultures can explore the mysterious Lucian ruins found on the country’s Mediterranean beaches or perhaps admire the opulent Topkapi Palace. When it comes to planning a trip to Turkey, you can find several Turkey itineraries to suit all time frames, from five-day vacations to three-week adventures.

With 4 days in Turkey, you can see a lot more than you might imagine, with tours covering up to three or four iconic destinations. You could spend your time gazing in wonder at the hot air balloons of Cappadocia before relaxing in the natural pools of Pamukkale or indulging in a Mediterranean boat trip. Alternatively, you can stick to one larger destination like Istanbul. Four days in Istanbul gives you enough time to see sights like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and cruise across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. A four-day trip to Turkey is great for a whistlestop tour, but if you want to stay longer, check out our guide for how long to stay in Turkey.

If you have time for a short break, 5 days in Turkey is the perfect length of time to see at least two or three places in this amazing country. Enjoy the scenic wonders of Gaziantep before journeying to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Five days is also the perfect amount of time for a beach getaway, so be sure to check out the 5-day tours to Antalya to get your fix of the Mediterranean sea, sand, and sunshine. If you prefer to stay in one place during your Turkish trip, a five-day travel itinerary in Istanbul is ideal for seeing both sides of the Bosphorus Strait and checking out tourist hotspots like the Blue Mosque and Spice Bazaar. Read on to find out what your 5-day trip to Turkey can look like.

6 days in Turkey is an ideal amount of time if you want to visit three or four destinations in quick succession. Spend some of your time in Istanbul, exploring bustling tourist hotspots such as the Blue Mosque. Maybe you want to discover the sprawling natural wonders of Cappadocia. Perhaps you’d prefer to spend a few days hiking the Lycian Way instead or enjoying a boat trip around Bodrum.When considering how long to stay in Turkey, think about how many destinations you want to visit. Many of these 6-day Turkey trip itineraries pack in a lot more than you might think for shorter durations.

From spectacular views along the Mediterranean to monumental historic sights, there is a lot to do in 7 days in Turkey. Focus on a region or two during your week-long trip to make the most of your time. Book a trip to Istanbul and explore its backstreets and see the highlights of western Turkey, including Pergamon, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. Alternatively, venture into Anatolia’s mountains or cruise through the calm bays around Kas. Check out our best 7-day Turkey tour itineraries below.

If you’re spending 8 days in Turkey, you can definitely experience at least four or five destinations. This means you can explore the culture in the capital of Ankara, enjoy the nightlife in Fethiye, or get lost on a Mediterranean island off the coast of Kas. An eight-day Turkey travel itinerary gives you plenty of opportunity to combine ancient historic sites like Ephesus with more adventurous hiking excursions in the Valley of Love and beyond.

Whether you want to journey from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus to the Mediterranean shores of Antalya or prefer to soar high in a Cappadocian hot air balloon before roaming the streets of Istanbul, a 9-day Turkey itinerary is going to allow you to do just that. With 9 days in Turkey, you will get plenty of time to see five or six destinations across this beautiful landscape. Read on to find out what your 9-day trip to Turkey can look like.

Spend 10 days in Turkey exploring the most iconic sites of Istanbul or getting tanned on the beaches of Fethiye. Unravel the history of Homer’s Troy and stroll through Ephesus Roman ruins. Go on a hiking trip through the remote Lycian Way. Relax in the ancient geothermal terraces of Pamukkale, experience the natural wonder of the Fairy Chimneys in the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, or check out the vineyards of Sirince. If you are looking for the ultimate combination of nature and culture, then our recommended itineraries are guaranteed to please you during your 10-day tour to Turkey.

By spending 12 days in Turkey, you can move at a more leisurely pace on a sailboat tour of the Turquoise Coast or hike a good portion of the ancient Lycian Way. Snorkel in the bays around Kekova, run through the alleyways of Istanbul’s Old City, or cycle around the coastal cliffs of Kas. When you have a 12-day Turkey travel itinerary, you can even combine the historic beauty of Turkey with a multi-day tour around neighboring Greece, so you can see two amazing countries in a single trip.

Explore the country that straddles Asia and Europe during your 14 days in Turkey. Jaunt, through its major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, follows the footsteps of Greeks and Romans in Troy, Pergamum, and Ephesus. Alternatively, hike the spellbinding Lycian Trail or follow the footsteps of Saint Paul through the Taurus Mountains. Sail down the Aegean if you want to. With our 14-day tours in Turkey below, you have a solid amount of time to hit the country’s best sites.

With 11 days in Turkey, you can dive deep into its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Wander through Istanbul’s bustling bazaars, marvel at the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, and cruise along the Bosphorus. Take a trip to Cappadocia, where fairy-tale rock formations and sunrise balloon rides create an unforgettable experience. Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, soak in Pamukkale’s thermal terraces, or unwind on the sun-kissed beaches of the Turkish Riviera. Whether you're savoring authentic Turkish cuisine, discovering hidden gems, or tracing the footsteps of empires past, an 11-day trip in Turkey offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.