Great Turkey Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

If you’re short on time and only have a week to explore Turkey, we’d suggest hitting up one main destination, like Istanbul, Antalya, or Bodrum, and focusing your trip there.

However, we recommend around 10 days in Turkey to give you enough time to delve into the delights of Istanbul and still have time to take a day trip to Troy, made famous by the mythical Trojan War, or Canakkale on the Gallipoli Peninsula, known for its historic and culturally significant role in World War II.

If you have anywhere between two weeks and a month, you can indulge in a tour around Cappadocia, where you can experience the amazing hot air balloon rides; head to the Lycian Way, where archeological marvels await on Turkey’s most beloved multi-day hike; and journey into the Mount Ararat National Park, which is believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark.

Those with only five days in Turkey could consider a Turkey travel itinerary that focuses solely on Istanbul. Home to intriguing history, hipster cafes, and trendy rooftop bars, Istanbul has a lot to offer. You can split your time between the neighborhood of Karakoy, archaeological museums, spice markets, and the beautiful Topkapi Palace. Don’t forget to fully immerse yourself in the city’s Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

Those who aren’t restricted to a tight budget and are set on squeezing as much into their itinerary as possible should consider spending two days in Istanbul before flying to Izmir and then on to Cappadocia. In Izmir, you can visit the Roman city of Ephesus, where you’ll find several UNESCO World Heritage sites and historical monuments, including the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis. In Cappadocia, soak up Goreme National Park and the rock-cut underground villages that make up this magical landscape. From here, fly to Ankara, Turkey’s modern capital, for a day in the cosmopolitan city before departing for home. Ankara Castle, the War of Independence Museum, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilization should all be on your Ankara to-do list.

Browse through our 5-day Turkey tours and itineraries for more ideas.

Your travel options have expanded considerably if you can lend seven days to a Turkey trip. Opt for a circular sightseeing tour of Istanbul, the Gallipoli Peninsula, and the Aegean Coast, or focus solely on Cappadocia and spend a week cycling through the heart of Kapadokya amidst ancient ruins and spectacular plateaus on the Cappadocia trail.

Alternatively, begin your tour in Istanbul, the hive of culture, history, and tourism in Turkey, before heading toward Eskisehir for the natural hot springs, the archeological Phrygian city of Dorylaeum, and the gorgeous Kursunlu Mosque. If adventure is what you seek, then Fethiye is the destination for you. Explore rocky ruins like the Tlos Ruins and Amyntas Rock Tombs, as well as sights along the multi-day Lycian Way hiking trail. For some relaxation, hit the resort city of Antalya. Relaxing harbor-front vibes with Roman features like Hadrian’s Gate and natural wonders like the Duden Waterfalls are some of the highlights here.

Get inspired for your own trip in our 7 days in Turkey guide. For more ideas, go through our list of one-week Turkey tours and trips.

10-day Turkey vacation itineraries can easily be expansions of the five and seven-day itineraries mentioned above, giving you more time to scratch beneath the surface of each destination you visit. Alternatively, why not travel further and see more new destinations that take you to the west coast, where you can enjoy a tour of the Old City, calling in at the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia Museum? From here, you can head to the shores of Gallipoli and visit the beach and cemetery at Anzac Cove before arriving in the City of Troy.

Ten days is also the perfect amount of time to spend the majority of your trip on a boat, cruising around the Turkish coast. You’ll visit ten destinations across the country and soak up the beautiful coastline and surrounding islands. From exploring abandoned ghost towns to swimming in the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, a cruise tour in Turkey is for those seeking a little adventure and looking to switch off from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

Check out our 10 days in Turkey guide for more information. Browse through our 10-day Turkey tours for more trip ideas.

If you have a whole fortnight in beautiful Turkey, you can visit a wide range of amazing destinations. You can start your tour in Istanbul, home to some of the biggest attractions in Turkey, including the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, and Topkapi Palace Museum. The thriving Turkish capital is for you if you are a history buff. Explore Ankara Castle, the Anitkabir Monument, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations here. The ancient city of Ephesus is another option. Visit the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus at this archeological haven. See the culture of Turkish people by visiting the Azizia Mosque, the Mevlana Museum, and the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden in Konya. For outdoor adventure, travel to Goreme and visit the Zelve Open Air Museum and Pigeon Valley. Next, soak up the rays on the sunny coast of Izmir and check out the archeological site of the Roman Agora of Smyrna. Conclude your tour in Pamukkale, a relaxing city that’s known for its bubbling natural hot springs and tiered outdoor spas.

Another potential 14-day adventure in Turkey allows you to take a circular tour of the country, starting in Istanbul and covering the delights of central Turkey, Including the towns of Gallipoli, Kusadasi, and Cappadocia.

Check out our recommended itineraries in our 2 weeks in Turkey. You can browse through our 14-day tours in Turkey for more ideas.

If you like any of these Turkey itineraries or would like to create your own, connect with our travel experts in Turkey to plan the trip for your upcoming adventure. If you’d like to join a group tour and explore the country, you can also check out our Turkey tours.