As old as time itself. Half Europe, half Asia. Over 1500 km of Mediterranean coastline. More ancient sights than you can throw a stick at. Unbeatable value for money. Carpets. Kebabs. Turkish delight. These are just a few reasons why we love Turkey.
If you’re planning a holiday and can’t decide where to go, then look at our favourite places to visit in Turkey, and feel free to copy our easy itinerary.
From the incredible cultural wonders of Istanbul to the turquoise Mediterranean beaches around Kas, culture vultures, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, Instagramers, beach bums and normal people like you and I will be spoiled for choice when picking places to visit in Turkey.
Our itinerary for Turkey is ideal for first-time visitors looking for the best places to visit, taking in the highlights in just over two weeks using public transportation. We always take things slow and try not to rush (it is a holiday, after all), but with a little tweaking, you can easily adjust our itinerary to visit the best places in Turkey in under two weeks.
Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
Places to Visit in Turkey Map
Turkey is a large transcontinental country, and taking a domestic flight or two will save you a lot of time. Long-distance buses are comfortable, safe and cheap. If you want to experience Turkey before even arriving, give Turkish Airlines a try. We love Turkish Airlines (no, they are not paying us to say that), and they are our first option wherever we fly.
There are several international airports in Turkey, but our itinerary starts and ends in Istanbul. We suggest you save Istanbul until the end of your trip. By the time you arrive in Istanbul at the end of your trip, you’ll be more relaxed, the initial culture shock has worn off, and you can enjoy and explore this stunning city with confidence.
The best advice we can give you when planning your itinerary for Turkey is DON’T TRY TO DO TOO MUCH! (That’s our advice for anywhere you go, really.) Yes, you could squeeze in at least three other places into this itinerary, but would that really be enjoyable?
Do you really want to spend more time on a bus than on the beach or enjoy a cold Efes lager at a cafe in Istanbul?
Quality over quantity!
Our itinerary for Turkey: Istanbul <fly> Capadoccia <bus > Pamukkale <bus> Kas <fly> Istanbul
- Istanbul: 1 night
- Capadoccia: 3 nights
- Pamukkale: 2 nights
- Kas: 5 nights
- Istanbul: 5 nights
Travel Itinerary for Turkey: A Detailed Breakdown
DAY1: ISTANBUL TRANSIT
Our flight from Moscow arrived early evening, so this left us no option but to spend the night near the airport in Istanbul. Istanbul has two international airports, so make sure which airport your flights are arriving at and leaving from.
The next day, our flight to Capadoccia left Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on the Asian side of Istanbul. Istanbul International Airport on the European side is about 80 km from Sabiha Gökçen, but regular airport buses or taxis connect the two airports. The journey by bus costs about US$5 and should take at least an hour and a half.
Where to stay near Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Sahil Hotel Pendik.
Located 5km from Sabiha Gökçen, this hotel is great for catching an early morning flight. Nothing fancy, but clean, friendly and cheap. They also serve food, or there is a shopping mall just across the street with many restaurants. It even has a sea view.
DAY 2-4: EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF CAPPADOCIA
Istanbul – Kayseri Airport: (1.5 hours flight+ 1-hour drive)
An early morning flight takes you to Cappadocia, one of the most spectacular places to visit in Turkey, if not the whole world. Make sure to get a window seat; the views of the Anatolian landscapes below are surreal. The scene is of 50 shades of brown and is something between modern art and traditional Turkish carpet designs.
The best way to reach Cappadocia is to fly to Kayseri. Kayseri is still about an hour away from Cappadocia. Save time and hassle by booking your airport transfer right to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Of all the things to do in Cappadoccia, taking a hot air balloon flight at sunrise must be on top of your list. It might seem expensive, but trust us, IT IS SO WORTH IT! Book your balloon flight online before arrival to ensure that you experience this incredible experience.
Spend the next three days in Cappadocia exploring the surreal lunar-like landscapes and fairy chimneys, catching sunsets and sunrises or carpet shopping.
Where to stay in Cappadocia: Alaca Cave
This cave hotel’s central location and the friendly host make it a no-brainer, really. Rooms are comfortable and clean and stay cool throughout the day. The owner helped us rent a scooter for a few days and recommended restaurants and where to go carpet shopping without getting ripped off.
See prices and availability now
Top things to do in Capadoccia
- You MUST take a sunrise hot air balloon flight.
- Sunset from Sunset point in Goreme.
- Carpet shopping.
- Rent a scooter, or go on the red tour and explore the fairy chimneys and lunar-like valleys.
- Go down the incredible Love Valley.
- See the breathtaking views from Uchisar Castle.
- Be blown away by the hundreds of balloons taking off at sunrise.
- Eat a claypot kebab
DAY 5-7: BATHE IN THE PAMUKKALE HOT SPRINGS
Goreme – Pamukkale: Night bus (10 hours)
There are no flights between Cappadocia and Pamukkale, so a comfortable night bus is the best way to travel between these two places. Buy your bus ticket the day before departure from the otogar (bus stop) in the centre of Goreme.
Pamukkale is (yet) another top-rated sight to visit. Seriously, there are so many incredible places to visit in Turkey. Pamukkale has two big things going for it: hot springs and ancient ruins.
Pamukkale means Cotton Castle in Turkish and is a very apt description. The hot springs have left calcium deposits behind as it trickles down the mountainside, and over the centuries, these deposits have built up to form a magical Cotton Castle.
Bathing in the warm, pale blue pools surrounded by gigantic snow-white cotton balls is utterly surreal.
Pamukkale has been a spa since the ancient Greeks realised the healing powers of this hot water. Just beyond the Cotton Castle is one of the best archaeological sites in Turkey: the Greek city of Hierapolis.
Where to stay in Cappadocia: Venus Hotel
The sparkling swimming pool is just the place to recover from the overnight bus journey from Cappadocia. Venus Hotel has a fantastic buffet breakfast to get your day started. Free pick up from the bus stop on arrival and departure, and also a free shuttle to the hot springs.
Check prices and availability now
Top things to do in Pamukkale
- Bathe in the surreal hot springs.
- Swim over ancient Greek columns in Cleopatra’s Pool
- Visit the ancient Hierapolis theatre and ruins.
DAY 8-12: MEDITERRANEAN BEACHES OF KAS
Pamukkale- Kas : Bus (5 Hours)
After a week of active sightseeing and exploring Turkey, it’s time to gear down and hit the beach. And if you really want to gear down, there is no better place to be than Kas. This laid-back resort town on the Turquoise Coast has some of the best beaches in Turkey, and they are all drop-dead gorgeous.
Coming from Pamukkale by bus will take about five hours. Fethiye Seyahat bus company has a daily morning bus from Pamukkale to Kas.
As for things to do in Kas, this resort town has just the right balance: lazing on stunning beaches, climbing over ancient ruins, excellent restaurants, boat trips and some shopping. Do not rush through Kas, as it’s one of those places that you just can’t leave.
Where to stay in Cappadocia: Villa Dundar
Located right above the Big Pebble Beach, this self-contained apartment is Mediterranean living at its best. With a large swimming pool right in front of your door and sea views beyond, you will never want to leave. Anna, the Superhost, will go out of her way to make your holiday as enjoyable as humanly possible.
See prices and availability at Villa Dundar
Top things to do in Kas
- Beach hop from one dazzling Mediterranean beach to the next.
- Go to Kaputas beach.
- Spend a whole day at the beach clubs of Limanagzi.
- Take a boat trip to the Sunken City of Kekova.
- Catch the sunset from the top of town, overlooking a Greek island.
- Relax and forget about the real world
- Visit a Turkish barber
DAY 13-17: END YOUR ITINERARY FOR TURKEY IN ISTANBUL
Kas – Istanbul: (1.5 Hours drive + 1-hour flight)
The closest airport to Kas is Dalaman Airport, 90 minutes away. Shared minivans leave from Kas throughout the day, or book a private transfer if you’re not travelling alone. Getting from Istanbul Airport to the city is straightforward, with many transportation options.
We have saved the best for last! Istanbul is an unbelievably stunning city, and visiting it once will never be enough. The sheer amount of history in this one single city is staggering. Do not spend less than three full days in Istanbul, as there is so much to see and do.
In Istanbul, you really get to see that Europe/Asia contrast. It’s trendy, sexy, traditional, ancient, forward-thinking, rooted, old and new all at once.
Other than the incredible sights to see, the delicious food, the excellent shopping and great nightlife, one of the best things to do in Istanbul is simply to wander around aimlessly and enjoy this transcontinental city.
Where to stay in Istanbul: Galata VAV Suites
All things considered, we think that the Karaköy neighbourhood is the best area to stay in Istanbul. You’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, cafes, bars, supermarkets and transportation within walking distance.
The major sights of Sultanahmet are just across the Galata Bridge, and to get there; you can either ride the tram for one stop or walk and explore along the way.
The location can’t be beaten. It’s a perfect home while staying in Istanbul.
Top things to do in Istanbul
- Marvel at the architectural wonders of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
- Enter the once forbidden Harem in the Topkapi Palace.
- Go shopping in one of the many bazaars.
- Go for dondurma (Turkish ice cream) at Hafiz Mustafa 1864.
- Have something to drink and watch the world go by under the Galata Bridge.
- Experience millennia of history at the Istanbul Archeology Museum.
- Enjoy a Kurdish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi.
- See the incredible mosaics of the Chora Church.
Itinerary for Turkey: What Will We Change?
Nothing! Our itinerary is PERFECT, even if we say so ourselves. It shows you the best places to visit in Turkey without rushing. There is a good balance between active sightseeing and relaxing.
We would have loved to extend our trip even longer if we had the time, as there is simply so much to see and do. I guess it gives us a reason to come back again and see more of Turkey, especially the eastern part of the country.
If pushed to fit this itinerary in two weeks, we will reluctantly slash a day off Kas and Istanbul. Also, spending your first night in Istanbul is unnecessary if you can get a connecting flight to Capadoccia.
Do I Need a Visa for Turkey?
Do not get on the plane to Turkey before checking out the tourist visa regulations. Most European nations, South American, Korean, Japanese and Kiwi citizens can enter Turkey without a visa for 90 days.
If you hold a passport from the USA, Canada, Australia or South Africa, amongst others, you will need to apply for an e-visa before arrival. Applying for the e-visa is easy as pie, free and only takes a few minutes. See the official Turkish e-visa page for more information.
Remember to print the e-visa before getting on your flight.
How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Turkey?
Turkey offers unbeatable value for money due to the exchange rate.
As always, Jin, our minister of finance and number crunching, held meticulous records of all our spending. We spent an average of US $99.25 per person per day. We stayed at Airbnb apartments (entire place listings) in Istanbul and Kas while at double ensuite rooms in Cappadocia and Pamukkale.
True to our travel style and personality, we did not hold back at all. We ate like royalty, took a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia (a once-in-a-lifetime experience), and bought a large Turkish kilim rug.
It was a holiday, and we did what we wanted to without hesitation.
Our budget includes all transportation (domestic flights, long-distance buses, taxis and airport transfers) in Turkey, accommodation, entrance fees, meals, drinks and shopping. Not included are international flights to and from Turkey and travel insurance.
Best Places to Visit in Turkey: Further Reading
The Istanbul Hit List: The Best Things to do in Europe and Asia
Balloon flights and Other Magical Things to do in Cappadocia
Exploring Kas: Things to do on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
5 Top-Rated Beaches of Turkey to Dive into this Summer
Turkey Roadtrip: From Istanbul to Ankara via the Black Sea
Magical Mesopotamia: Things to do in Mardin
A Food lover’s guide to Gaziantep: Turkey’s Food Capital
Over to you: And that’s where you go if you’re a first-time visitor and looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey. Any questions or suggestions on our itinerary? Let us know in the comments below.