Turkey Highlights: Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia & Antalya
12 days · 11 suggested stays
Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul, explore Sultanahmet
(overnight: Istanbul)
Blue Mosque
Iconic 17th-century mosque with six minarets
Basilica Cistern
Ancient underground water reservoir
Grand Bazaar
Historic covered market with 4000+ shops
Blue House Hostel
Budget-friendly stay in Sultanahmet
Day 2 — Istanbul palaces and Bosphorus cruise
(overnight: Istanbul)
Suleymaniye Mosque
Ottoman masterpiece by Mimar Sinan
Istiklal Avenue
Lively pedestrian street with shops
Maidens Tower
Island tower with restaurant views
Blue House Hostel
Budget-friendly stay in Sultanahmet
Day 3 — Fly to Cappadocia, explore Goreme
(overnight: Cappadocia)
Flight Istanbul to Nevsehir
Domestic flight to Cappadocia region
Goreme Open Air Museum
Ancient rock-cut churches with frescoes
Red Valley Hike
Scenic sunset hike through rock formations
Sultan Cave Suites
Traditional cave hotel experience
Day 4 — Cappadocia balloon ride and valleys
(overnight: Cappadocia)
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sunrise balloon flight over fairy chimneys
Derinkuyu Underground City
Ancient multi-level underground city
Rose Valley Walk
Easy walk through pink-hued rock formations
Sultan Cave Suites
Traditional cave hotel experience
Day 5 — Fly to Izmir, visit Pergamon
(overnight: Izmir)
Flight Nevsehir to Izmir
Domestic flight to Aegean region
Pergamon Acropolis
Ancient citadel with steep theater
Asclepieion
Ancient healing temple ruins
Hotel Konak Izmir
Comfortable city center hotel
Day 6 — Izmir city and drive to Kusadasi
(overnight: Izmir)
Izmir Clock Tower
Historic tower overlooking the bay
Kemeralti Bazaar
Traditional spice and textile market
Drive to Kusadasi
Coastal drive to Ephesus gateway
Sea Side Beach Resort
Beachfront resort near Ephesus
Day 7 — Ephesus ancient city full day
(overnight: Kusadasi)
Library of Celsus
Iconic Roman library facade
Great Theatre
Ancient 25000-seat amphitheater
Terrace Houses
Luxurious Roman homes with mosaics
Sea Side Beach Resort
Beachfront resort near Ephesus
Day 8 — Sirince village and fly to Antalya
(overnight: Kusadasi)
Sirince Village
Picturesque Greek-style village
Flight Izmir to Antalya
Domestic flight to Mediterranean coast
Kaleiçi Old Town
Historic harbor district with Ottoman houses
Antalya Harbor Hotel
Boutique hotel in Kaleiçi
Day 9 — Antalya beaches and Roman ruins
(overnight: Izmir)
Konyaaltı Beach
Long sandy beach with mountain views
Hadrian's Gate
Roman triumphal arch entrance
Antalya Museum
Excellent archaeology museum
Antalya Harbor Hotel
Boutique hotel in Kaleiçi
Day 10 — Perge and Aspendos day trip
(overnight: Göbeklitepe)
Drive to Perge
Short drive to ancient city
Perge Ancient City
Large Hellenistic-Roman ruins
Aspendos Theater
Best-preserved Roman theater
Antalya Harbor Hotel
Boutique hotel in Kaleiçi
Day 11 — Antalya free day and packing
(overnight: Göbeklitepe)
Duden Waterfalls
Beautiful cascading waterfalls
Kaleici Shopping
Last-minute souvenir shopping
Harbor Sunset Cruise
Short boat trip along coast
Antalya Harbor Hotel
Boutique hotel in Kaleiçi
Day 12 — Departure from Antalya
(overnight: Göbeklitepe)
Morning Coffee
Turkish coffee at harbor cafe
Transfer to Airport
Taxi to Antalya Airport (AYT)
Final Souvenir Stop
Last chance for gifts
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