Best Of Turkey Itinerary: 10 Days In Turkey [2024]

Welcome to one of the world’s most diverse and stunning countries. Turkey will surprise you a lot. If you’ve never been sure about this destination, people tell you it’s dangerous, etc. I can tell you it’s a safe country with surprises, history, culture, and beautiful beaches.

I was curious to see it, so I set off on an adventure and explored Turkey on my 15-day trip. As a world traveler, I visited all the Turkish highlights and experienced the culture. So, I’ve created this itinerary based on my experience for you to experience the same.

Let’s explore Turkey together!

Overview Of The Turkey Itinerary 10 Days & Map

DAY:	DESTINATION:
1.	Kaş
2.	Kaş & Beaches
3.	Kaş ⇒ Pamukkale
4.	Pamukkale
5.	Trip To Ephesus ⇒ Cappadocia
6.	Cappadocia
7.	Cappadocia
8.	Cappadocia ⇒ Istanbul
9.	Istanbul
10.	Istanbul

Turkey Itinerary Map

Here is a detailed map of all the places you’ll visit on this Turkish itinerary. Save it to your phone, and follow the map with the sights once you travel through Turkey.

How To Get To Turkey

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Turkey is by plane. I recommend booking flights to major cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, or Antalya.

For this itinerary specifically, you’ll fly to Antalya. Check the best flight deals to Antalya here.

Alternatively, you can also get to Turkey by bus from nearby European countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, or Albania. In this case, you can look for buses to Istanbul and start your itinerary there. Look for the best bus connections by clicking this link.

Another option is to take the train route from Sofia to Istanbul. It’s part of the famous Orient Express train, which became mainly famous thanks to Agatha Christie’s novel ‘Murder On The Orient Express.’

How To Get Around Turkey

Turkey is a huge country, and you’ll spend some time traveling between destinations on this itinerary. So I highly recommend you pack light. The best is to go backpacking, so you don’t have trouble carrying a suitcase all around.

You can get around Turkey by plane, bus, or rent a car.

Getting Around By Plane

Turkey is well-connected by air. So I recommend booking flights if you want to get, e.g., from Istanbul to Cappadocia, or Cappadocia to Antalya. Even though most flights are only from Istanbul, you’ll have a stopover; it’s still worth flying. It’ll save you a lot of time on your itinerary.

➡ Get the best flight deals in Turkey on Skyscanner. Click this link and check your flights.

Getting Around By Bus

There are two different bus transportation: local buses and long-distance buses.

Local buses operate short distances. It’s a story for an extra article about how these buses work. But they don’t have a timetable. Even if you ask locals, they barely know.

The only way is to go to the local bus station and ask when approximately the buses run the next day. It’s an adventure on its own. Yet, it may get frustrating.

Long-distance buses in Turkey are perfect. This country has a great and reliable transportation system between bigger cities. Night buses run regularly. It’s also easy to book them.

The buses are comfortable, with big seats and a lot of space. They also stop several times on the way (in bazaars), so you get to buy food/go to the toilet.

➡ To book long-distance buses (e.g., from Denizli to Cappadocia or Istanbul), I recommend checking the Busbud site. It’ll show you the best bus connections. I used it in Turkey, and it worked perfectly.

Getting Around By Car – Renting A Car

You can also rent a car in Antalya and travel this Turkey itinerary for 10 days, partially by car. It’ll give you a lot of flexibility.

You can also travel long distances between major cities by bus or plane and renting a car only for specific regions of this itinerary. As I mentioned above, local buses are not reliable, so renting a car will give you flexibility, and you’ll see all the hidden gems of Turkey.

How To Make This 10-Day Turkish Itinerary

For this itinerary, I suggest you travel around Turkey, combining different transportation modes.

For the first six days, I recommend renting a car. Pick up your rental car in Antalya at the airport and drive to Kas. Then, use the car until day 5, of this itinerary. You’ll return the car in Denizli before traveling to Cappadocia.

Afterward, you’ll fly or take an overnight bus from Denizli to Cappadocia. Once you get to Cappadocia, rent another car in Nevsehir (the main city in Cappadocia) for 3 days.

Then return your car to Nevsehir after two days and fly to Istanbul (or take an overnight bus).

You don’t need to rent a car in Istanbul. It’s a walkable city, and its public transportation is amazing. So take trams and the metro instead.

In short, this is how to travel around Turkey with this itinerary:

1. Rent a car in Antalya for 6 days.
2. Return the car in Denizli (on day 5) and fly or take a bus to Nevsehir (Cappadocia)
3. Rent a car in Nevsehir (Cappadocia) for 3 days (day 6., 7. and 8.)
4. Return the car in Nevsehir on day 8.
5. Fly or take a bus to Istanbul on day 8. (in the evening)
6. Use public transportation in Istanbul and walk around

👉 READ ALSO: Is Turkey Worth Visiting? 12 Best Things To Do

0. DAY: ARRIVE IN ANTALYA + TRAVEL TO KAS

Let’s get to our Turkey itinerary for 10 days without further words and preparations.

First, fly to Antalya, the southern part of Turkey. It’s one of the biggest cities there with great international connections. We’ll start our journey by visiting some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Rent a car in Antalya for 6 days and make a road trip through Turkey following this itinerary. You can return the car on your last day in Denizli (day 5.) before traveling to Cappadocia.

If you don’t want to drive long distances, it’s posible to do the entire itinerary by bus. It’ll only take a bit more time, but it’s doable. Once you arrive in Antalya, book this private transfer to Kaş. That’s where we’ll start our Turkey itinerary.

Where To Stay In Kaş: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

LUFF BOUTIQUE HOTEL
NEVA BOUTIQUE HOTEL
MAVILIM HOTEL
PENINSULA GARDENS HOTEL

1. DAY:  KAS

Kaş is a perfect place for a beach vacation, as well as for an exploration of interesting places. So, you can choose what you feel like doing for the next two days. Either stick to the most beautiful beaches in Turkey or go and explore some natural wonders and historical sites.

Kaş is a small fishing village, yet it’s perfect to experience the hospitality and friendliness of Turkish people.

What you want to do for the next two days is up to you. I recommend one day exploring the surroundings and the second day having a beach day. Also, take the time to taste Turkish cuisine and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Best Things To Do In Kaş

Here are my top things to do around Kas. On the first day of your itinerary, I recommend doing the following activities and visiting some historical sites.

🔅 Blue Grotto
🔅 Lycia Rock Tombs
🔅 Antiphellos Ancient City
🔅 Kaş Bazaar

🔅 Blue Grotto

Explore the Blue Grotto sea cave on the Greek island of Kastelorizo, just 20 minutes by boat from Kas. The water inside is incredibly blue. It’s a nice boat trip for those who want to spend some time on the sea.

Kastelorizo Island is also famous for its Red Castle and endangered Monk Seals that you can see. Visit the island from Kas and then hop on one of the boats that can take you to Blue Grotto for about 10EUR.

➡ To visit Blue Grotto from Kas, book this day trip to Kastelorizo Island and experience it with locals.

🔅 Lycia Rock Tombs

Lycia Rock Tombs is an ancient site situated just above Kaş. The city itself is believed to have been founded by the Lycians. And you’ll get to explore many sites they built alongside the southern coast of Turkey. The tombs are carved into the giant rock and belong to one of the country’s most unique landmarks.

You can walk to the Lycia Rock Tombs from the center of Kas.

🔅 Antiphellos Ancient City

You can also explore the Hellenistic amphitheater. The best time to see it is just before sunset. Take your time climbing through the 50 or more seat rows until you reach the top. You can get some of the best sunset views. Maybe there is a special event, so check it out and participate.

🔅 Kaş Bazaar & Center

It’s almost impossible to get bored of Turkish bazaars, even though you see them in every city/town. The atmosphere is incredible. So go to the local bazaar, chat with locals, and remember to bargain. It’s an experience on its own.

Other than that, enjoy cafes and many restaurants in the town. Get some meze, seafood, local specialties, and kebab, and try some baklava. There is also a delicious falafel restaurant called Kaş Gurme Falafel Restaurant.

So enjoy and get the first impressions of Turkey on the first day of your itinerary.

Activities Around Kas

There are many more things you can do around Kas, such as:

• private boat trip
• snorkeling
• kayaking
• canyoning
• Jeep Safari

You can book a private boat and sail throughout the day, visiting some of the most beautiful bays.

In between, you’ll be snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, or sunbathing. Lunch is included on board, with drinks for the day. So if you’re traveling with friends, you can share the boat and explore Kas and its surroundings from the sea.

➡ Book this private boat and enjoy a day on the sea around Kas.

Another alternative for adventurous souls is canyoning and visiting beautiful gorges around. You’ll hop on a jeep and visit one of the longest gorges in Turkey. After, you’ll have lunch and drive the jeep around.

➡ Book a day trip on a jeep to go join this canyoning experience.

✅ NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? Check out Safety Wings: Cheap & Flexible Insurance For Travelers

2. DAY: KAS – BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

For the second day, I highly recommend you check out some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey and the entire world. So relax, get in the stunning coastline views, and have fun.

Best Beaches Around Kas

Kaş and its surroundings have the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. So, one thing you should also do is explore a few of them. Enjoy the crystal-clear blue water and sand, and relax for a while.

Below is the list of the best beaches around Kas:

• Kaputaş Beach – most beautiful beach in Turkey
• Kaş Public Beach – beautiful and close to Kaş
• Seyrek Cakil – small pebble beach to escape the crowds
• Patara Beach – beautiful sand beach, make sure to leave before sunset, that’s when turtles take over

PRO TIP: To visit Kaputas and Patara Beach, I highly recommend renting a car. The public buses are unreliable and take a long time to get there. Get a car rental here.

Kaputaş Beach

As for the beaches, Kaputaş is the most picturesque. However, it’s small and filled with people during the day.

So I recommend going there earlier, between 8 to 9 a.m. That way, you can secure the best spot and enjoy it almost to yourself before everybody else comes. After around 1 p.m., you can return to Kaş (when the beach gets crowded).

Patara Beach

Patara Beach is stunning, but be sure to check the following two things before going there: the weather conditions and time spent traveling.

When I visited it, it was windy and impossible to stay there. The sand was blowing around everywhere. It’s an 18 km long beach, so the waves get big, too.

Yret, it’s wonderful, so if you feel like walking on a long beach, soaking up the atmosphere is worth seeing.

Patara Beach is also unique as it’s still natural and raw. Thanks to the loggerhead turtles, who come every evening and lay their eggs in the sand. These turtles are endangered species, and the entire beach is protected. Thanks to it, no further development is allowed on it.

3. DAY: KAS – DENIZLI – PAMUKKALE

Good morning to Kaş. I hope you relaxed enough on the beach yesterday. Today, we have a long travel day ahead of us.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this Turkey itinerary, you can either travel by bus or a rent a car.

Getting To Pamukkale By Bus

One thing to remember is that local buses don’t have an exact timetable. And it takes much longer to get to Pamukkale for you. Still, it’s possible. I did it, and it was fine. It just took me the entire day to get from Kaş to Pamukkale.

You’ll have first to take a bus from Kaş to Denizli. The bus stops in Fethiye for about an hour. Then, from Denizli, you’ll take a bus directly to Pamukkale.

Getting To Pamukkale By Car

As I mentioned, I recommend you rent a car at the beginning of this itinerary in Antalya (for 6 days) and make a road trip until you reach Denizli (day 5.). It’s the easiest and most convenient option.

If you’ve done so, today, you’ll drive from Kas directly to Pamukkale. If you want, you can make a stop at Lake Salda.

Evening In Pamukkale

In the evening, you’ll get to Pamukkale. Check in to your accommodation and have a good rest.

Head to the town for some Turkish dinner. Tomorrow, you’ll get to explore one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world.

👉 Check out the best restaurants in Pamukkale in this article.

Where To Stay In Pamukkale: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

VENUS SUITE HOTEL
BELLAMARITIMO HOTEL
HOTEL SAHIN
SPA HOTEL COLOSSAE THERMAL

4. DAY: PAMUKKALE

Welcome to Pamukkale, a beautiful Turkish town offering unforgettable experiences. It’s the place to enjoy the travertine pools created by the mineral water falling down the hill.

Today, you’ll walk through the pools and explore the entire area, including an archaeological site and the hot springs on the top of the hill.

PRO TIP: I highly recommend entering the pools in the morning right after opening. This way, you’ll have it entirely for yourself and can take the best photos without people.

You’ll have to walk barefoot through the entire complex before reaching the hot springs on the top. And the only disadvantage of being there early morning is the cold pool water. But you’ll get used to it. So don’t worry. I just wanted to prepare you for it.

You can get entrance tickets directly on the spot.

Best Things To Do In Pamukkale

There are plenty of things to do in Pamukkale. I’ve written a separate article about the best things to do in Pamukkale. In short, these are the main activities I recommend you do:

• Travertine Pools Complex
• Cleopatra’s Hot Springs
• Hierapolis City
• Hierapolis Theatre

Cleopatra’s Hot Springs

Once you go through the complex of the travertine pools and get to the top of the hill, you can explore further.

There are Cleopatra’s hot springs. You can enjoy these for an additional fee. However, I don’t recommend it. It’s not worth it. They get very crowded and are super touristy. You can just enter the area and look at the hot springs.

Hierapolis Ancient City & Theatre

Instead, I suggest going up to the Hierapolis Theatre. The views from this theatre are incredible. You’ll see the mainland of Turkey, and Hierapolis city, with its ruins around, just adds to this unique atmosphere.

It was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who invited VIP guests to this theatre to watch performances. So now you’ll get those VIP views of the Turkish countryside, which is spectacular.

Also, visit the Hierapolis museum. It used to serve as a Roman bath in the past. Nowadays, you can admire some antique art and cultural heritage from those times.

You can spend an unlimited amount of time in the complex. So get the most of it before going back down to Pamukkale center.

Visit Lake Salda & Kaklik Cave

If you have a car, this is your time to shine. I highly recommend visiting Lake Salda and/or Kaklik Cave in the afternoon.

You can drive to both places and enjoy the stunning views and natural sites. If you can’t decide, I suggest driving to Lake Salda. It’s truly one of the most magical and unique lakes you’ll see in your life.

Activities In Pamukkale

There are many other things you can do in Pamukkale. You can ride a hot air balloon, go paragliding, or fly on a gyrocopter to get breathtaking views of the area.

Check out my article about the 19 best things to do in Pamukkale and plan your day accordingly.

Enjoy another evening in Pamukkale, and have a good rest. Tomorrow, we’ll make a day trip to one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.

5. DAY: EPHESUS & TRANSFER TO CAPPADOCIA

Today, you’ll make a day trip to the ancient city of Ephesus. It’s mainly famous for hosting one of the seven wonders of the ancient world: the Temple of Artemis.

In the morning, drive from Pamukkale to Ephesus. It’s about 193 km (120 miles) and will take you 2 hours & 40 minutes. The ancient site is close to the town called Selcuk. Once you reach Selcuk, drive slightly further and leave the car at the parking place next to Ephesus.

If you don’t rent a car, just skip Ephesus and stay an additional day in Pamukkale. Then in the evening, take a bus to Denizli.

Visit Ephesus & Ancient Sites

You can get entrance tickets to Ephesus on the spot. I recommend visiting as early as you can to avoid tourist crowds.

Ephesus was the second largest city of the Roman Empire. It has one of the biggest aqueduct systems in the world and was an important place for early Christianity.

Walk through this impressive ancient city, learn about its history, and visit the following sites:

• Temple of Artemis
• Street of Curetes
• Library of Celsus
• Temple of Hadrian
• Great Theatre
• Terraced Houses
• House Of The Virgin Mary
• Cave of the Seven Sleepers

After you visit Ephesus and its sites, you can drive to Selcuk and have lunch there.

After, drive directly to Denizli and return your car there. From there, we’ll start traveling to Cappadocia, our next destination on this itinerary.

You can either take an overnight bus to (Nevsehir/Goreme) Cappadocia or fly to Nevsehir (Cappadocia).

How To Get To Cappadocia From Denizli

You have two options for getting to Cappadocia from Denizli: book a flight (with a stopover in Istanbul) or take an overnight bus.

Flying takes less than the overnight bus. However, the overnight bus gets you there directly, whereas booking a flight means changing several times.

Fly To Cappadocia

There is no direct flight to Cappadocia from Denizli. You’ll have a stopover in Istanbul. However, it’s still quicker than taking an overnight bus.

You’ll fly to the biggest city in Cappadocia called Nevsehir. In Cappadocia, there are several towns where you can book a hotel. I recommend Göreme.

➡ So first, book your flight from Denizli to Nevsehir (Cappadocia). Depending on the time of your flight, you’ll have to plan your day. If your flight is early in the morning, you might have to skip the visit to Ephesus.

PRO TIP: So try to book your flight later in the evening so that you can still visit Ephesus on this day.

Once you arrive in Nevsehir, I recommend renting a car again for 3 days to explore Cappadocia by car. Then drive to Göreme and check in to your accommodation.

Take An Overnight Bus To Cappadocia

Taking an overnight bus also has its advantages. You’ll get directly from Denizli to Göreme without a stopover. Perhaps the only disadvantage is that it takes the entire night, over 9 hours, to get to Cappadocia by bus.

Nevertheless, Turkish buses are very comfortable, with a lot of space and big seats. They also stop on the way at Turkish bazaars many times, where you can use the toilet and buy food/drinks.

You’ll get to Göreme around 7 a.m. on the next day, so you might see the hot air balloons right on your first morning while entering Cappadocia, which is stunning.

➡ Book an overnight bus from Denizli to Goreme here. I looked up buses on Busbud site when traveling Turkey. Not only it gave me the best deals, but it worked out perfectly.

So choose whatever suits you better to get to Cappadocia. Then refresh at your accommodation, and get out there to explore other incredible Turkish landmarks.

Where To Stay In Göreme (Cappadocia): My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

One of the experiences you have to get in Cappadocia is to stay in a traditional cave hotel. So here you have a few of the best cave hotels in Göreme for your perfect experience:

BEDROCK CAVE HOTEL
HERA CAVE SUITES
SULTAN CAVE SUITES

👉 READ ALSO: Is Cappadocia Safe To Visit? Top Safety Tips For Travel

6. DAY: CAPPADOCIA

Welcome to Cappadocia, the land full of adventures, stunning views, underground cities, beautiful hikes, and delicious food.

We’ll explore the entire area throughout the next three days. I’ll suggest many things you can do in Cappadocia. So it’s up to you how you use the time.

On the first day in Cappadocia, I suggest you do one of the three popular tours. It’ll give you a great introduction to the entire region.

PRO TIP: You can join an organized guided tour or follow the places from the tour with your rental car.

Red Tour/Blue Tour/Green Tour

The whole region is full of historical and cultural places. If you want to see most of it within one day, booking one of the organized tours is best. There are 3 main tours that you can choose from. By doing so, you’ll get to see the highlights of Cappadocia.

So today, you can choose to do one of these tours:.

🔴 Red Tour
🔵 Blue Tour
🟢 Green Tour

➡ Book the tour in advance to secure your spot. So have a look at which tour you like the most and click here to book it before you arrive.

🔴 Red Tour Cappadocia

Red Tour is the most popular as it takes you to the most significant spots in Cappadocia.

Firstly, you’ll visit the so-called Imagination Valley, officially named the Devrent Valley. Then, explore the process of forming fairy chimneys in the Monks Valley. Afterward, you’ll spend time alongside the Red River in the pottery center and watch the potters. 

Göreme Open Air Museum is also included in the Red tour. You’ll end the day visiting the Uchisar Castle with stunning views.

➡ Book Red Tour by clicking this link and learn about the history of Cappadocia with local guides. It also includes lunch.

🔵 Blue Tour Cappadocia

Blue Tour is excellent if you want to kill two birds with one stone and visit most valleys. You’ll first hike along the Red and Rose Valley before going to the Cavusin Cave Village. See the castle and troglodyte dwellings, learn how people lived here, and have lunch with locals.

After, you’ll explore the Underground City. Then, you’ll still see the Pigeon Valley with amazing views and cave homes and visit the Uchisar Castle.

➡ Book Blue Tour here and secure your spot. Enjoy unique sites and walk through the valleys here.

🟢 Green Tour Cappadocia

Green Tour offers some of the most unique sights many people skip when visiting Cappadocia.

Besides getting the best views of the Göreme Valley at the beginning of this tour, you’ll first visit the underground city of Derinkuyu, its churches, and wineries. It even includes an entire missionary school with study rooms.

Afterward, you’ll see the beautiful Ilhara Valley with rock-carved churches before driving to Belisirma village for lunch. Ultimately, you’ll see the Selime Monastery, which played its role in Star Wars.

➡ Book Green Tour here and experience the best underground cities and the incredible Ihlara Valley.

PRO TIP: You have 3 full days in Cappadocia. So you can choose to do 2 of these tours on 2 different days.

Göreme & Sunset Activities

In the evening, after the tour, enjoy the atmosphere in Göreme, go for a walk to one of the viewing points, and have a delicious dinner.

To get the most out of your stay, I highly recommend doing one of the activities at sunset:

• Jeep Safari
• Horse Riding
• Camel Safari

Seeing Cappadocia and its valley at sunset was one of my best experiences. So, choose to do one of these activities. You can also walk up to the Göreme sunset viewpoint and enjoy stunning views from the top.

MY TOP PICK: Book the Jeep Safari and ride through Cappadocia’s Valleys – it’s a great experience.

I suggest getting to bed earlier this evening. Tomorrow, you’ll hop on the unique hot air balloon early in the morning. So have a good rest.

Best Things To Do In Cappadocia: Ultimate Guide

I’ve written a separate article about Cappadocia, the best time to visit, things you should know, and the best activities you can’t miss. So check my article and add more things in Cappadocia to your itinerary.

Click on the image below to read my article about the best things to do in Cappadocia:

7. DAY: CAPPADOCIA

To properly soak up the atmosphere of Cappadocia, you have to dive deeper, way beyond Göreme. So today, take the day to explore some of the most magical valleys. The best way to enjoy them is to go hiking.

Alternatively, you can join one of the tours I described the previous day.

But before, you’ll enjoy the famous hot air balloon ride, the one activity on every person’s bucket list in Cappadocia. I know it sounds very touristy, but it’s a fantastic experience.

Hot Air Baloon Ride In Cappadocia

Book the hot air balloon flight for your second morning in Göreme. It heavily depends on the weather conditions if the balloons take off or not. So, just in case you can’t fly the first morning because of circumstances, you’ll still have the chance on your third morning in Cappadocia.

PRO TIP: If you fly to Cappadocia and will get to Göreme on day 5. you can also do the hot air balloon on the first morning of this itinerary. This way, you’ll have more chances to experience it if the weather is bad.

Best Hot Air Balloon Rides In Cappadocia

I recommend the following two hot air balloon flights. They have a great price; usually, it costs way over $200 pp. However, if you book online through these links, it’s cheaper.

• Hot Air Balloon with a snack, glass of champagne and certificate
• Hot Air Balloon with breakfast and drinks

So choose one of the rides above and book the hot air balloon in Cappadocia here for the best deals. They’ll reschedule the flight if the weather is bad.

Stunning Valleys In Cappadocia

After the hot air balloon, get back to your hotel and refresh. Have breakfast and prepare for hiking in the beautiful valleys.

The most beautiful valleys you can explore are:

• Love Valley
• Rose Valley
• Pigeon Valley

You can choose to explore one or two of them today. Enjoy the hike and the unique atmosphere of these places. Take a bottle of water and some food with you.

Love Valley

Love Valley has been named so because of its penis-shaped rocks, which were created from eroded volcanic ash.

It’s an easy walk, yet one of the most magical. You’ll be surrounded by the fairy chimneys, walking on the lush floor; it’s a lovely experience.

You can start the hike from Göreme, which will take around 3 hours to complete. The endpoint has a beautiful viewing spot with a wish tree and a cafe.

Rose Valley

Rose Valley offers one of the best hiking experiences in Cappadocia. The name reflects the amazing colors in the valley during the sunset. You’ll pass by small villages with locals offering you their fruits or something they’ve produced. It’s also specific for its rock-carved churches.

It ends on the top of the hill, where you can visit the Crusaders Church. There is also a small cafe to enjoy a cup and the stunning views of the valley.

Pigeon Valley

This valley is well-known thanks to its man-made pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rock. Pigeons were very important in the past within Cappadocia as they were used as a barren soil fertilizer and food.

The Valley is situated between Göreme and Uschisar. The entire Valley is 6 km long and it’s a popular trekking area. I recommend starting your walk from Uschisar. Before, you can also visit the Uschisar Castle.

👉 READ ALSO: 27 Best Things To Do In Cappadocia: Ultimate Guide – read more about the valleys and get more tips for your days spent in Cappadocia

Turkish Dinner In Cave Restaurant

In the evening, have a delicious dinner in the Topdeck Cave Restaurant. They have great food, and the atmosphere is very special. You’ll sit on the floor and its cushions, eating like a local. It’s an authentic experience, and the staff is so friendly.

You’ll have to make a reservation in advance.

8. DAY: CAPPADOCIA & TRANSFER TO ISTANBUL

Good morning to Göreme again. Today is our last day in Cappadocia. So, let’s get the most out of it.

It’s up to you what you want to do today. Check out my article about the 27 best things to do in Cappadocia and make your plan for the day. In the afternoon/evening, you’ll go to Nevsehir, our last itinerary stop, and travel to Istanbul.

Here are my suggested activities for you for today.

Watch Hot Air Balloons In The Morning

I know it’s a pan waking up so early again… but trust me, it’ll be worth it. So yeah, I wake up early today, but this time, to watch the hot air balloons rise above the valleys of Cappadocia.

The best spot to watch the balloons at sunrise is your hotel terrace (depending on which hotel you book). Or you can go to Göreme Sunrise Point to see them.

Seeing these balloons riding through the fairy chimneys and caves is truly magical. So take some nice photos and enjoy.

Salt Lake

Today, I also recommend visiting one of the lakes near Cappadocia called Salt Lake. It’s one of the most unique lakes worldwide. Walking around, you’ll see highly thick layers of salt on it. The entire area and color of this lake are impressive.

So, drive from Göreme to Salt Lake, which will take about 1.5 hours. Then enjoy some time at the lake before you return to Cappadocia.

👉 READ ALSO: 9 Best Cappadocia Tours From Istanbul

Transfer To Istanbul

After, you’ll start traveling to Istanbul. You have two options again. Either take the overnight bus or fly.

The overnight bus will take around 10 hours to get to Istanbul. But again, the buses are comfortable and spacious. Most will also pick you up directly in Göreme, which is nice.

Flying takes much less, but you’ll have to get to Nevsehir to catch a flight. It has direct flights to Istanbul. If you decide to fly, book your flights to Istanbul in the evening so you can still enjoy Cappadocia on day 8. of this itinerary.

So choose one option and make your way to Istanbul. Tomorrow, we’ll start exploring this incredible city.

Where To Stay In Istanbul: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

CROWNED PLUS HOTEL
GOLDEN ROYAL HOTEL
CRONTON DESIGN HOTEL

9. DAY: ISTANBUL

Welcome to Istanbul, one of Europe’s most beautiful and unique cities.

Istanbul is the only city in the world standing on 2 continents – Europe and Asia. It has been shaped by various empires and cultures throughout history. The city has the highest number of mosques, amazing rooftop terraces for food and drinks, and a special atmosphere like no other city.

You can follow my Istanbul itinerary for 3 days for the next three days.

I’ll briefly introduce you to each day and how you can design your visit to Istanbul to make the most of it. Always refer to my Istanbul itinerary for detailed information.

Istanbul Walking Tour

On your first day, I recommend doing a walking tour to see the highlights of the Old Town. I’ve designed this walking tour from my experience, so check out my Istanbul itinerary for 3 days, day n. 1.

Or you can book this organized guided tour and learn about the sights of Istanbul with a local.

In the evening, head to the Seven Hills Rooftop Terrace for the best views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. After, enjoy some drinks and rest well after your long journey from Cappadocia.

👉 READ ALSO: What Is Istanbul Famous For? 21 Reasons To Visit

10. DAY: ISTANBUL

Turkish bazaars are an experience on their own. That’s why I’ve dedicated our second day in Istanbul to visiting the city’s bazaars and enjoying Istanbul street food.

But first of all, I want to give you a quick overview and a lesson on how to bargain. This way, you’ll have a great experience in the bazaars. So check out my Istanbul itinerary for 3 days, day n. 2.

You’ll also learn about a reasonable price for Turkish delight, how to find a good price for goods, and how to bargain.

👉 READ ALSO: Is Istanbul Safe For Americans? Safety Tips For Travel

Overview Of Day 2. In Istanbul

• Grand Bazaar
• Spice Bazaar
• Eminönü Bazaar Streets
• Suleymaniye Mosque
• Bosphorus Cruise

We’ll look into the best bazaars you should visit in Istanbul. I’ve also given you some interesting facts about the Grand Bazaar and a tip for a guided tour.

Later, I recommend visiting the Suleymaniye Mosque as one of the most beautiful. You’ll learn much about Islam and Muslims and their beliefs.

In the evening, I highly recommend doing a Bosphorus Cruise. It’s one of the best experiences you can get in Istanbul.

➡ Book this Bosphorus Cruise with a private dinner table for a beautiful evening in Istanbul.

These are my tips for you to have the best time in Istanbul. So again, refer to the Istanbul itinerary for each day, book activities to skip the lines for attractions, do some guided tours to learn more about the history, and have fun. It also contains the best places to eat and dishes you must try in Istanbul.

👉 READ ALSO: Istanbul Street Food: 21 Famous Turkish Food To Try

Practical Tips For Visiting Turkey

Here are some practical tips if you plan to visit Turkey. It’ll help you prepare for your trip and give you the best travel deals. I use all these sites alone when organizing my itineraries and road trips worldwide.

Passport & Visa To Turkey

Check the expiration date of your passport. Most airlines don’t even take you on board if your passport expires in 6 months. Avoid issues with boarding and on the road. Ensure your passport won’t expire in the next 8 months. Trust me, you don’t want this to happen to you.

Also, check if you need a Visa to Turkey. iVisa will give you detailed information on whether you need a Visa and other necessary documents you might need to travel to Turkey.

➡ Click here to see what kind of travel documents you need for Turkey. iVisa will help you with Visa. Or use the box below to check the documents and Visa.

Where To Find Best Flight Deals To Turkey

The best is to look for flights to Istanbul or Antalya. These are the two most popular cities to start your itinerary and have the best connections to other cities worldwide.

➡ Check out Skyscanner for the best flight deals. Click this link and look for connections to Istanbul or Antalya.

Where To Book Accommodation In Turkey

I always use Booking.com when booking accommodation. I did so also when traveling in Turkey.

It’s reliable, and I stayed in beautiful hotels all around Turkey. I’ve also got the status ‘Genius 3’, which gives me additional discounts and benefits when I book accommodation. You can get it too, the more you book, the faster you’ll get more discounts.

➡ So check out Booking.com to book your hotel stays around Turkey.

Should You Rent A Car In Turkey?

Yes, I recommend renting a car in Turkey as public transportation is not reliable in smaller regions such as southern Turkey.

You can take buses between major cities, such as from Antalya to Denizli, or to Cappadocia, and from Cappadocia to Istanbul.

I suggest you rent a car for specific regions for a few days. It’ll give you a lot of conveniences, and you’ll be able to see the major Turkey landmarks.

➡ Get the best rental car deals and reliable service on Discover Cars.

Driving Tips For Turkey

Driving in Turkey is slightly different from what you’re used to, probably back home.

The traffic can be chaotic, mainly in the cities; locals drive as they want, and there seems to be no limit. So you’ll have quite a lot of freedom on the Turkish roads. Most of the roads are well-developed, so you’ll like driving around.

But it’s fairly easy to drive around if you know the rules. So here are my tips for you to drive around Turkey:

🚔 You drive on the right side of the road in Turkey.

🚔 The speed limit in cities is 50km/h; on an open road, it is 90km/h; and on a highway, it’s 120km/h

🚔 I noticed that locals often don’t follow the speed limit rules and drive faster.

🚔 It’s compulsory to wear a seatbelt while driving.

🚔 As a US resident, you can use your US driving license for up to 6 months in Turkey, which is awesome.

🚔 As a European citizen, you can drive in Turkey with your driver’s license

🚔 When driving in between cities, the roads might be less developed, so drive slowlier and give way

🚔 What I loved about Turkey and the long roads between main cities are their bazaars, where you can stop for bathrooms and eat or shop

🚔 When a police stops you, don’t panic; it’s just a regular check

🚔 Turkey has highways on which you have to pay tolls – there is no vignette; you’ll pay as you drive on the regular toll gates

🚔 Turkish highways are divided into 3 main categories: motorways, state highways, and provincial roads

How Many Days In Turkey Do You Need?

10 to 20 days is the perfect time to explore Turkey. 10 days is the minimum time I recommend spending in Turkey. It’s a huge country, so it’s just enough time if you want to see at least a few highlights and count the transportation.

20 days is the perfect time to explore Turkey. You can stay more days in each location and soak up the atmosphere without rushing.

Best Time To Visit Turkey

The best times to visit Turkey are the shoulder months: April, May, the beginning of June, September, October, and the beginning of November. It’s less crowded, and temperatures are mild. You’ll still enjoy all the activities in Turkey, but you won’t have to stand in lines.

Is Turkey Safe For Travel?

Yes, Turkey is relatively safe for travel, depending on where you go. But the western, southern, central, and northern Turkey is safe for travel. Eastern Turkey is also suitable for travel, but it’s less safe than other parts.

Turkey ranks #96 on the Global Safety Index by the Global Resident, which is safer than USA, Greece, Egypt, Latvia, Tunisia, or Russia.

🚑 EMERGENCY NUMBER: You can use the European Emergency Number 112 for all medical emergencies in Turkey.

👉 READ ALSO:
Is Istanbul Safe For Americans? Safety Tips For Travel
Is Cappadocia Safe To Visit? Top Safety Tips For Travel

Budget For 10-Day Turkish Itinerary

The budget for a 10-day Turkey itinerary per person (mid-range traveler) is $995. This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in nice hotels, rent a car to travel conveniently, fly to Cappadocia & Istanbul, and enjoy each location’s activities.

Here is a breakdown of this Turkey itinerary budget for each travel category:

➡ Accommodation: $50 per night in a nice mid-range hotel = $500 (couple) ➡ Rental Car: $300 for 6 days from Antalya to Denizli + $100 for 3 days in Cappadocia = $400 (couple) ➡ Transportation: $120 per person – flights from Denizli to Cappadocia and to Istanbul ➡ Food & Drinks: $25 per day for a couple = $250 (couple) ➡ Activities & Attractions: approx $300 per person for 10 days (including hot air balloon ride)

So the total budget for a 10-day trip to Turkey, without restricting yourself too much and enjoying everything the country offers, is $995 per person.

PRO TIP: In Turkey, it’s easy to lower your budget. To do so, take overnight buses instead of flights, do free walking tours in cities, explore locations on your own, and eat at budget-friendly places.

Budget Breakdown For Different Traveler Styles

Here is a quick overview of a budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 10-day Turkey itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $500
➡ 10-day Turkey itinerary budget for mid-range travelers: $995
➡ 10-day Turkey itinerary budget for luxury travelers: up to $2000

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on my calculations and spending during my 10-day trip to Turkey. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences. Turkey is a country where you can lower the budget significantly if you want to.

Turkey 10 Days Package: Organized Tour

I understand that some of you don’t like planning a trip and would rather join an organized tour to explore Turkey. If that’s you, I’ve got something for you, too.

Join this 10-day Turkey tour to explore Istanbul, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia. The tour includes a professional guide to take you to places and tell you interesting stories, transportation (including flights), meals, and accommodation.

It’s a perfect way to explore the highlights of Turkey if you want to skip planning and meet other travelers.

➡ Check out this 10-day Turkey tour with highlights and join other travelers on an adventure through Turkey. Click here to learn more and get the best package deal through my link.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions. So check them out, as these can help you prepare for your Turkish trip even more.

Is 10 Days Enough For Turkey?

Yes, 10 days is the ideal time to visit Turkey. You’ll have time to see the country’s highlights and soak up its atmosphere. If you have more time, you can spend up to 14 days and explore even more. But 10 days is a great time for your itinerary.

How Many Days Are Ideal For Turkey?

The ideal time to spend in Turkey is between 10 to 14 days. It’ll give you space to visit the hidden gems and enjoy the country fully. This way, you don’t have to rush from destination to destination. And you can spend a few days in each place.

How Much Does 10 Day Trip To Turkey Cost?

A trip to Turkey for 10 days for a mid-range traveler costs $995. This includes staying in nice mid-range hotels, doing many activities in each location (including hot-air balloons), renting a rental car, returning flights to Cappadocia, and food and drinks.

If you’re a backpacker, a trip to Turkey for 10 days will cost you around $500 per person. And a luxury traveler can spend up to $2000 for a 10-day Turkey itinerary.

Turkey is a country where you can significantly lower your budget if you want to. To do so, take overnight buses instead of flying, do free walking tours in cities, explore locations on your own, and eat at budget-friendly places.

Is Turkey An Expensive Country To Visit?

No, Turkey is a cheap country to visit. It’s one of the most beautiful countries you can visit on a budget and still do many activities and enjoy its delicious food.

You can spend about $40 per night (couple) for a nice budget-friendly hotel.

Food costs range from around $8 per meal in Turkey.

Transportation is also very cheap. You can easily travel by bus for 10 hours and pay around $30 for the ride on a luxury bus.

Activities and attractions will cost you around $15 per activity, depending on what you do.

Is It Cheaper To Go To Turkey Or Greece?

It’s cheaper to go to Turkey than to Greece. Turkey is 50% cheaper than Greece. While both countries offer unique experiences, stunning sights, beautiful beaches, and historical sites, you can enjoy traveling in Turkey for way less than in Greece.

Is 5 Euros A Good Tip In Turkey?

Yes, 5 Euros is a good tip in Turkey. But it depends on what you tip for. Generally, opt to tip between 5 to 10 Euros per service.

WRAP-UP: Turkey Itinerary 10 Days

This is my 10-day itinerary for Turkey, which will show you the country’s highlights. Follow it and save time planning your trip. I’ve included every detail so you can take it and set off to Turkey.

If you have any questions, contact me at info(at)voceicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you or design a customized travel itinerary for your trip. Or check out my favorite travel resources and plan by yourself.

Happy Travels!