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After visiting Jordan & Egypt in 2017, we were eager to return to the region and Turkey was #1 on our list for our next big trip. I fell in love with the idea of witnessing the dreaminess of hundreds of hot air balloons in Cappadocia, the charm & history of Istanbul, and the raw Turkish coastline that I heard was like Greece back in the 90's before it was overrun by tourists.

In this blog, we’ll share our handcrafted 11-day itinerary that takes you through some of Turkey’s most iconic destinations. But first, let’s dive into what makes this country so magical, and why you should start planning your own Turkish adventure!

Why Turkey Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, Turkey has something to offer. Imagine exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, and experiencing a mix of eastern and western cultures in one trip. Turkey’s incredible history spans centuries, from its ancient civilizations to the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. And with a location that bridges Europe and Asia, you’ll feel the perfect blend of both worlds.

Are you ready to explore this stunning destination? Let’s take a look at our exact itinerary for inspiration! Here’s how we explored Turkey:

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul & Fly to Cappadocia

Arrive in Istanbul and take a connecting flight to Nevşehir-Kapadokya Airport. Once you pick up your rental car, head straight to your hotel to rest and prepare for your Cappadocia adventure.

Day 2 & 3: Explore the Dreamy Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the most magical places in the world, with its surreal landscape of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot air balloons. While we weren’t able to ride a balloon during our visit due to weather conditions, it’s on our bucket list for next time. There’s so much to see, including the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the underground cities, and stunning valley hikes.

Day 4 & 5: Fly to Istanbul & Explore the City

Next, it’s time to fly back to Istanbul, Turkey’s cultural and historical heart. Spend these two days wandering through the ancient streets, visiting iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Don’t forget to explore the Grand Bazaar and enjoy some authentic Turkish street food!

Day 6: Fly to Antalya & Visit Olympos Ruins

From Istanbul, head to Antalya on the Mediterranean coast. Explore the ruins of Olympos in Cirali, a stunning archaeological site surrounded by lush nature and turquoise waters.

Day 7: Sail the Turquoise Coast on a Gulet Cruise

Drive to Cayagzi Harbour, where you’ll board a traditional gulet with Alaturka Cruises. This unforgettable cruise along the beautiful Turquoise Coast will take you to secluded bays, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

Day 8: Gokkaya Bay to Aquarium Bay

Continue your journey on the gulet as you cruise through Gokkaya Bay to Aquarium Bay. Spend the day relaxing by the sea, swimming in turquoise waters, and soaking up the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline.

Day 9: Paragliding Over the Blue Lagoon & Drive to Pamukkale

Enjoy a morning of adrenaline as you paraglide over the famous Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz—an experience you’ll never forget. Afterward, drive to Pamukkale, where you can explore the stunning white travertine terraces and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

Day 10: Explore Pamukkale & Hierapolis & Fly Back to Istanbul

Spend the day exploring Pamukkale’s natural wonders and the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis before catching an evening flight back to Istanbul.

Day 11: Flight Back Home

On your final day, you’ll head home after a whirlwind adventure through Turkey’s most iconic destinations.

Want to Extend Your Time in Turkey? Here’s How!

Turkey is brimming with hidden gems, and if you want to explore more, here are a few add-on ideas to enhance your trip:

Ephesus – A short flight to Izmir Airport and then a 45-minute drive will take you to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the original seven wonders of the world.
Sumela Monastery – Along the southern coast of Turkey, you'll find the idyllic Sumela Monastery in the city of Trabzon. The monastery sits on the edge of a cliff and is reachable by many stone steps through the trees below.
Lake Van – The views from Akdamar Island will make you think you are in the alps. They also say that the Turkish breakfasts in Van are epic and not to be missed!
Uludag National Park – If you love the outdoors, this is the place to be! Whether you are visiting to hike in the summer or skiing the winter, this is a great addition to any trip to Istanbul and can be reached with a 3-hour drive from the city.
Ishak Pasa Palace – For an off-the-beaten path addition, this beautiful palace is found close to the border of Iran & Armenia in the town of Dogubeyazit.

Tips for Visiting Turkey:

Visit a Turkish bath. While it's now more of a tourist staple versus a local destination, Turkish baths were crucial throughout history for locals to stay clean & enjoy the company of others. We opted for a bath in Istanbul where you'll find lots of options!
Chase the many views of Cappadocia - from above & on the ground! Unfortunately, when we visited, the weather didn't allow us to go up into a hot air balloon; however, it's on our bucket list to return to the area & make this ride so we can see the fairy chimneys & other rock formations from above!
Enjoy fresh mediterranean food including a Turkish breakfast spread. From olives to cheese to tomatoes & cucumbers to jams & peppers, this is not an experience that you want to miss!
Drink up some Turkish coffee. We first tasted Turkish coffee in Egypt and were eager to make it to the mainland to try the drink in its namesake, and it didn't disappoint! John swears by the hallucinations he saw after one of these cups!
Don't turn down tea. In Turkey, tea is a staple from sunrise to sunset & beyond. Turks are famous for their hospitality and rejecting an invitation to tea is considered incredibly rude.
Remove your shoes & sandals before entering any mosque and make sure you're wearing appropriate clothes covering your head, knees and shoulders. In general, it's best practice to wear more conservative clothing regardless of whether you are in a religious area or not.
Don't plan to visit a mosque on Fridays, which is the Muslim day for worship.

Ready to Book Your Trip to Turkey?

Turkey is a destination that will surprise and delight you at every turn. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, cruising the coast, or experiencing the local culture, Turkey offers an unforgettable adventure. Ready to take the plunge and book your own Turkish getaway? Start planning today and make this dream trip a reality!

Experience the Magic of Turkey: Your Ultimate 11-Day Itinerary