Planning a trip to Turkey but not sure of where to begin with creating your Turkey itinerary? Wondering if you should stay for 5 days or 10 days in Turkey? After spending an entire month traveling to Turkey and visiting different pockets of this majestic country, I can confidently say that Turkey is well worth visiting for at least 10 days! There is so much to do and see in this cross-continental destination. Here are the top places to visit in a perfect 10-day Turkey itinerary for first-time travelers. And a few others to add if you can squeeze in more time in Turkey!

First trip to Turkey? Read 22 Important Things to Know Before You Travel to Turkey

10 Day Trip to Turkey Itinerary Overview

1st Day – Cappadocia

2nd Day – Cappadocia

3rd Day – Cappadocia

4th Day – Izmir

5th Day – Ephesus

6th Day – Cesme and Alacati

and 7th Day – Istanbul

8th Day – Istanbul

9th Day – Istanbul

10th Day – Departure from Istanbul

TURKEY ITINERARY – DAYS 1, 2 & 3

Green Tour

Sunset Horse Riding

Red Tour

Shopping in Cappadocia

Why Start in Cappadocia Instead of Istanbul? Although Cappadocia is the second-most visted destination in Turkey (after Istanbul), we’re starting here to avoid: (1) extra rides back and forth to the airport, (2) risking the connecting flight out of Istanbul back home (this way you are already in Istanbul to catch your flight the last day), (3) checking in and out of hotels more than necessary, all of which lead to: (4) saving time, energy, and money.

Turkey Itinerary Day 1: Cappadocia

Understanding the Cappadocia Region

Cappadocia is a vast region in central Turkey that encompasses different towns, valleys, and natural and historical attractions. Excursions here range from the iconic hot air balloon rides to hiking through outdoor museums to crawling down underground tunnels to discover ancient cities built hundreds of meters below ground.

Arrival to Goreme in Cappadocia

After arriving at Istanbul international airport, take a transfer flight (starting at $20 USD) to one of the main airports of the Cappadocia region: Kayseri or Nevsehir. From one of these airports, take a shuttle bus or private taxi to the village of Goreme.

Goreme is the most convenient base for all your Cappadocia travels, especially if it’s your first time, you’re a solo traveler, and/or you don’t have you a car. This very cute town is just a stone’s throw away from some of the most epic hikes, restaurants, and shops.

Sunset Horse Back Riding





If you arrive in Goreme before 3 PM, then consider a sunset horseback riding tour as your introduction to the valleys! Prices start at $40 USD. You’ll feel like you’re in West World as you trot on the silk road between rock formations and through vast desert valleys.

Shopping in Goreme

Spend the rest of your evening familiarizing yourself with Goreme Village, shopping for Turkish local artisanry craft (such as rugs and handmade jewelry), and eating in one of the many delicious restaurants.

Day 2: Cappadocia’s Ballons & Green Tour

Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride

Photo by: Inna Ned

Riding a hot air balloon over Cappadocia’s desert valleys is an iconic must-do experience for many travelers to Turkey. However, it’s important to note two particular things about riding these hot balloons.

First, the prices range from at the very least $180 (if you’re lucky) to an average of $250 and up. So if this is out of your budget (or you have a fear of heights), consider simply waking up early to catch a glimpse of them over a delicious Turkish breakfast instead!

Second, whether the hot air balloons can go up into the air, depends on the weather. Which means that these excursions get canceled all the time. I spent days in Cappadocia and didn’t get to see the balloons once. So allocate every morning in Cappadocia for hot air balloon riding/sightseeing. Just in case.

Cappadocia’s Green Tour





When you get to Cappadocia, you’re likely going to be bombarded with all different types of tours which are categorized by colors. But of all the tours, the Green tour is the most fulfilling and all-encompassing experience. You’ll see the Derinkuyu Underground City, go on a hike through the lush and green Ihlara Valley, visit Selim Monastery perched upon a rock, see the Pigeon Valley, and pop into a jewelry factory.

Day 3: Cappadocia’s Red Tour

The red tour is the most trotted and iconic trail to exploring Cappadocia’s beautiful landscape and history. It expands through deep valleys reminiscent of a West World episode, open-air museums, fairy chimneys, rock cut-out ancient religious sites and much more.

On the red tour, you’ll:

See beautiful rock formations

Visit Open Air Museum complex of monasteries carved out of caves

Walkthrough of Devrent Valley (aka Pink Valley)

See Uchisar Castle

Go to a pottery shop

Explore Pasabag

Visit a local winery (depending on the tour operator)

The red tour can be done with a company ($30 USD) or independent as a hike starting from Goreme Village (free). Travelers can also rent a car ($50/day) but will be responsible for finding parking.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia

Airbnb ($) – Consider staying with a local for a great price. This way you connect with a fellow Turk, get great (non-hotel) prices, and personalized assistance. I stayed in this Airbnb for $15/night and it was a lovely experience with Sinou who arranged my airport transfer and tours for a fraction of the prices I found elsewhere.

($) – Consider staying with a local for a great price. This way you connect with a fellow Turk, get great (non-hotel) prices, and personalized assistance. I stayed in this Airbnb for $15/night and it was a lovely experience with Sinou who arranged my airport transfer and tours for a fraction of the prices I found elsewhere. Carus Hotel ($$) – A stunning cave hotel with a gorgeous restaurant and shop right below. This is a newer hotel so the prices are relatively low for now! This is also located a few steps from everything in town.

($$) – A stunning cave hotel with a gorgeous restaurant and shop right below. This is a newer hotel so the prices are relatively low for now! This is also located a few steps from everything in town. Mithra Cave Hotel ($$$) – One of the classic cave hotels to stay in. If you are a guest here, you can access the breakfast lookout of the balloons.

($$$) – One of the classic cave hotels to stay in. If you are a guest here, you can access the breakfast lookout of the balloons. Museum Hotel ($$$$$) – Elegant and luxurious hotel reminiscent of a museum carved out of a tall rock cave.

TURKEY ITINERARY – DAYS 4, 5, 6





Day 4: Arrival to Izmir

Take a one hour morning flight from Kayseri Airport to the city of Izmir (starting at $20 USD).

Introduction to Izmir

Izmir is like the Los Angeles of Turkey: trendy, liberal, on a coast, full of delicious restaurants, spacious parks, and lots of boutique stores. You likely won’t run into many tourists here, yet it is the third-largest city in the country. And what makes Izmir even more special for travelers is that it is the perfect launching pad to visit the ancient city of Ephesus and the gorgeous beach towns of Cesme and Alacati.

Walking Tour of Downtown Izmir

Izmir is a fun city to walk independently while discovering its nooks and crannies. Stay in the downtown center so you can walk through the gorgeous parks, catch a weekend street market, stop by the many boutique shops, and enjoy the trendy restaurants. Don’t miss out on Izmir’s:

Ancient Agora – Ancient ruins located in the middle of the city

– Ancient ruins located in the middle of the city Kemaralti Market – A maze of local markets and shops

– A maze of local markets and shops Walk, run, or bike through the Kordon Waterfront

Day 5: Day Trip from Izmir to Ephesus

Can you spot me in the photo? Get here early to avoid the crowds!

The ancient city of Ephesus (Efes) is a must-visit experience for history buffs. Ephesus (10th century BC) is one of the best ancient sites for Greco-Roman history. Here you can take a trip back in time to visit one of the Roman Empire’s most important cities. Stop by the Library of Celsus to witness the grandeur of Rome. And don’t forget to download Rick Steve’s audio guide to better contextualize your experience.

Keep reading: How to Get to Ephesus from Izmir in 4 Easy Steps

Day 6: Day Trip from Izmir to Cesme & Alacati





Slow Travel Guide Photos



Cesme and Alacati are beach towns located less than an hour west of Izmir. They are well worth the visit for a beautiful day between the beach and taking leisurely strolls through the cobblestone streets of these quaint towns.

You can get there by hiring a driver for the day to take you to each town. There is a combination of local transportation you can use, but it’s a bit complicated to use and not time-efficient.

Where to Stay in Izmir

Hotel costs in Izmir are much better than in Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Airbnb ($) – Consider staying with a local for a great price.

($) – Consider staying with a local for a great price. Graymark Hotel ($$) – I stayed here and it was perfect. Affordable yet offers a nice quality stay in a perfect location.

($$) – I stayed here and it was perfect. Affordable yet offers a nice quality stay in a perfect location. Spil Suites ($$) – Miss cooking? Rent an entire apartment in downtown Izmir!

($$) – Miss cooking? Rent an entire apartment in downtown Izmir! Renaissance Izmir ($$$$$) – a STUNNING five-star hotel in the city center with state of the art amenities.

TURKEY ITINERARY – DAYS 7, 8, 9 & 10

Baklava Heaven

Istanbul Restaurant

Turkish Cooking Class

Hagia Sofia

Day 7: Istanbul – Relaxing Hamman & Epic Rooftops

Last but certainly not least: head to Istanbul! Take a morning flight from Izmir to Istanbul for less than $20. Or hire a blablacar driver for less than $10 for a 5-hour drive!

Welcome to Istanbul!

No Turkey trip is complete without visiting its crown jewel– Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, was once the capital of the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Today it retains its deep cross-cultural influence, rich history, and captivating ancient architecture.

Hamman Experience

Since you’ve been traveling around Turkey for a week now, take this day for some R&R by booking a Hamman (Turkish Bath) Experience at Kilic Ali Pasa.

Feel special in this 16th century Turkish Hamam, located in the gorgeous neighborhood of Karakoy. This luxurious treatment is comprised of a hot marble steam room, massage, body scrub, and relaxing with Turkish tea. By the time you leave, you will feel squeaky clean, relaxed, and nurtured from head to toe!

Turkish Cooking Class

One of the easiest ways to explore the local culture is through food. And what better way to culturally immerse yourself (while eating delicious Turkish food) than at a cooking class? Cookistan is owned by two Turkish women and run out of their gorgeously decorated home.

The class begins by taking a small tour of their local neighborhood while going to different and unique markets to gather special ingredients. The class menu/dishes change by season, but it’s usually about a 7-course meal with dishes that are more commonly made at home so you likely won’t find them at any restaurant!

Continue Reading: Istanbul Highlight Experiences: Best Things to Do & What to Skip!

Day 8: Istanbul’s Sultanahmet Neighborhood

Wake up early and put on your most comfortable walking shoes. Today you’re going to peruse through the most iconic attractions of Istanbul:

Sultanahmet Neighborhood (The Old Quarter) Must-Sees:

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

Hagia Sofia

Spice Bazaar

Rooftops

Spice Bazaar

The Spice Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s biggest, most historic, aromatic, and photogenic bazaars. Dating back to 1660, the Spize Bazzar was (and still is) the center for the spice trade in Istanbul. It is located just next to the Bosphorus Strait, making it an easy stopover between everything else you’ll be doing in Istanbul.

Although it is a popular tourist location, it actually also draws many locals. Just outside and around the Spice Bazaar building, there are several other vendors where you can see other local shoppers as well — a great way to culturally immerse yourself in the local tastes of Istanbul.

In my opinion, if you have to choose between the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, the latter is a much better experience.

Hagia Sofia

Hagia Sofia is one of those tourist attractions that you know will be crowded with lines, but is worth it because of its unique historical significance. Formerly a Greek Christian cathedral turned Ottoman mosque, this architectural marvel is now a museum that showcases the evolution of two of the most influential religions in Turkey today. You can see peelings of Christian figures in one hall and Arabic calligraphy in another. It’s one of the best ways to witness hundreds of years of ancient Constantinople’s history.

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

Formerly a palace, it was converted into a museum under the rule of the Ottoman Empire in the 20th century. Here you can learn more about Islamic Art, the history and cross-cultural influences of modern-day Turkey, and admire Islamic calligraphy, tiles, rugs, and various unique artifacts.

A MUST visit for lovers of culture and history!

Istanbul Rooftops

Some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights are from a rooftop or terrace overlooking the city’s most quintessential details such as the Blue Mosque or the Bosphorus Strait. If not for the epic photo opportunity or to grab dinner, then find a rooftop to just simply sit down with a book or some friends and enjoy the views over tea and snacks.

I really like Kubbe Istanbul for tea and photo ops and Doy Doy Restaurant for cheap delicious food with views of the Blue Mosque.

Day 9: Bosphorus Ferry to Kadikoy & Moda for $1

Did you know there’s a way to cross from Europe to Asia in 20 Minutes? Since Istanbul is located where these two continents meet, it’s possible to spend your morning in Europe and the afternoon in Asia!

There are several companies selling Bosphorus Ferry tours, but you can just cross the Bosphorus yourself for about $1 on the local public ferry. These commuter ferries are clean, comfortable, and a smooth ride away from the more populated and touristy parts of Istanbul.

Kadikoy & Moda

Consider hopping off at Kadikoy: Istanbul’s cool new neighborhood– for antique shopping, eating, drinking, and checking out the local art scene. Then head over to Moda which is considered the Brooklyn of Istanbul. Moda is one of Istanbul’s underrated gems with it’s quaint, spacious, green, and socially progressive vibes. You can walk from Kadikoy to Moda and finish at the Moda Sahili Park to people watch, taste the local rice-stuffed mussels, or just relax in this beautiful park overlooking the Bosphorus Strait!

Crossing over to the European side of Istanbul is a must-do experience to feel a more local side of this cosmopolitan city.

Day 10: Visiting Balat & Fener/ Departure from Istanbul

If your flight is later in the evening or at night, you can still fit a few other extra things to see in Istanbul.

Balat & Fener

Visit this gorgeous, cute, hip part of Istanbul full of shops and restaurants. There’s no one main attraction to this neighborhood, but a cluster of gorgeous things to see and cute businesses to visit.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

($) Juliet Rooms & Kitchen – hotel + hostel + restaurant. They have delicious food, clean amenities, beautiful rooms, and are located in a gorgeous street in Moda.

($$$$) MGallery Galata – Gorgeous hotel, beautiful rooms, lovely restaurants, and spa and in a perfect location.

($$$$$) Four Seasons Sultanahmet – Perfectly located in the heart of the city’s oldest district but in a tranquil street, with a gorgeous restaurant and relaxing spa.

Extra Places to Visit in Turkey

Have extra time for your trip to Turkey? Consider adding these other amazing destinations in between!

Fethiye : Epic beaches and coastlines

: Epic beaches and coastlines Marmaris : Beach towns and stunning coasts.

: Beach towns and stunning coasts. Salda Lake : Considered the Maldives of Turkey!

: Considered the Maldives of Turkey! Pammukale: Natural pools that look like a cotton candle castle. This attraction is close to Ephesus/Izmir or you can fly into Denizli-Cardak Airport from Cappadocia (Kayseri). However, it is very crowded and touristy. If you decide to go here, get there as soon as it opens to beat a swarm of the crowds.

How to Get Around Turkey

It’s easy getting around Turkey. If you’re on a tight budget but have lots of time on your hands you can take buses which are about $10-$20 each way.

HOWEVER, if you book ahead of time you can book flights for about $20 to $60 (last minute bookings) each way within Turkey. This is likely the best way to travel because you’ll save time and energy.

Every traveler told me that their overnight bus experience was uncomfortable and they couldn’t sleep. So is $10-$30 worth losing hours and a good night’s sleep? You can also arrange airport shuttles with your hotel/homestay for about $12 USD each way.

Within cities, public transportation works efficiently in the form of trams, buses, and metros. If you’d like to move between cities then you can also take long-distance buses. But there are also trains that run through some parts of the country like the Dogu Express Train.

Flights – Starting at $20 each way

Trains between cities – Starting at $1 each way

Long-Distance Bus – Approximately $10 and up

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