5 Days or Less in Turkey: Our Recommendations
Spending 5 days or less in Turkey should be enough to see the country's most iconic sights, such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. But there's more to a Turkish holiday than Istanbul. Head to the Gallipoli Peninsula to unravel the history behind the Gallipoli Campaign or venture into the ancient city of Troy. Check our recommended itineraries below if you're looking for suggestions on what to see in Turkey in 5 days.
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1. Try Turkish cuisine: 3 Days in Turkey
| Day 1 | Visit the Sultanahmet district to meet a local family and share a traditional meal |
| Day 2 | Explore Istanbul’s iconic sights, visit a nearby café for lunch, and shop at the Grand Bazaar |
| Day 3 | End your tour with a delicious breakfast |
For foodies wondering what to do in 5 days or less in Turkey, why don't you eat your way through Istanbul's bustling streets? This 3-day tour of Istanbul is ideal if you have five days to spend in Turkey, giving you extra two days to take up other activities. On this tour, you will learn some interesting insights about Turkish cuisine from your guide, with the opportunity to sample delicious treats as you stroll through the city streets. Even better, you'll also explore Istanbul's famous sites such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Here are our 3-day tours in Turkey.
2. Discover Cappadocia and Pamukkale: 4 days in Turkey
| Day 1 | Fly to Cappadocia from Istanbul |
| Day 2 | Explore Cappadocia and its unique rock formations |
| Day 3 | Discover the ancient site of Ephesus and visit the Temple of Artemis |
| Day 4 | Visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis, a UNESCO Heritage Site |
Spending up to 5 days in Turkey is enough to see the country's best highlights. Make the most of your visit by booking this 4-day tour to Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale, starting from Istanbul. On this multi-day guided excursion, your tour will begin with a flight to Cappadocia. Spend the day discovering the spectacular rock formations in this region. You also have the option to get on a hot air balloon ride. Spend the third day exploring Ephesus, another highlight of Turkey, famous for its well-preserved Greek ruins, including the Temple of Artemis. On the last day, travel to Pamukkale, home to the breathtaking travertine terraces where thermal waters flow through. Check out our 4-day tours in Turkey.
3. Learn history while sightseeing in Aegean: 5 days in Turkey
| Day 1 | Travel to the WW1 Battlefields of Gallipoli |
| Day 2 | Visit Troy and tour the Acropolis of Pergamum |
| Day 3 | Enjoy a tour of Ephesus and visit the Temple of Artemis. |
| Day 4 | Check out locally handcrafted goods before exploring the travertines and more in Pamukkale. |
| Day 5 | Travel back to Istanbul to catch your flight home. |
This guided sightseeing tour is the perfect way to spend 5 days or less in Turkey. It will first take you to the Gallipoli Battlefields, the sight of the unsuccessful attempt of the Allied Powers to gain control of the sea route from Europe to Russia during World War I. From Gallipoli, you will visit some other sites that played a significant part in the history of Turkey, such as Troy, the home of the Trojan Horse used by the Greeks during the Trojan War. You'll also visit the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum and explore its impressive temples and library. Spend the third day touring the Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. On the fourth day, visit the travertines of Pamukkale. Surrounded by white limestones, these magnificent thermal pools are a sight to behold! Experience the best of Turkey in 5 days with these tours.
As you can see above, there are many ways to spend 5 days in Turkey, depending on your interests. If you love history and are curious about the Battle of Gallipoli, you should visit the Gallipoli Peninsula. But for travelers who want to discover Turkey's vibrant food scene while doing a bit of sightseeing, go on a food tour in Istanbul. If none of the itineraries above suits you, talk to our travel experts who can plan a custom trip to Turkey according to your travel preferences. And if you need more tips on where to travel in Turkey in 5 days, read this article about how long to spend in Turkey.
