9 Days in Turkey - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Turkey at a Glance: İstanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Pamukkale

Perfect for first-time travelers to Turkey, this nine-day highlights tour features numerous guided city tours, visits to renowned museums, and explorations of famous archaeological sites. While in İstanbul, you'll roam buzzing bazaars, boat along the Bosphorus Strait, and sample local dishes on a food tour. Then, dedicate a day each to exploring Cappadocia's rock-cut buildings and the UNESCO-listed Ephesus before wrapping up your adventure soaking in Pamukkale's natural hot springs.

Welcome to Turkey! Your adventure begins in İstanbul, and after settling into your hotel for three nights, enjoy an enchanting introduction to the city during a whirling dervish ceremony at Galata Mevlevihanesi Müzesi. Delve deeper into the history and culture of the capital city over the following two days while on a six-hour city highlights tour, complete with stops at the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque and a guided excursion through the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Then, hop aboard a private boat to admire the city from the Bosphorus Strait and join a delectable food tour before transferring to Cappadocia. 

A two-day stay in Cappadocia allows you time to explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, the ceramic town of Avanos, and Kaymaklı Underground City. Plus, you'll round off your visit with a cooking class before flying to ​​İzmir and transferring to the quaint village of Şirince. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus is a short drive from Şirince, and you'll spend a day here admiring the Temple of Artemis, Celsus Library, and other archaeological finds. On Day 8, transfer inland to Pamukkale, where you'll end your trip in style, soaking in mineral-rich thermal waters and relaxing at your hotel's spa. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Historic Turkey: İstanbul to Pamukkale

Discover the rich history of Turkey on this nine-day tour, featuring stays in İstanbul, Çanakkale, Adatepe, Şirince, and Pamukkale. Ideal for history buffs, you'll roam one of the oldest covered markets in the world, explore significant World War I battle sites, visit the famous ruins of Troy, and tour the ancient city of Ephesus. Between history-focused activities, enjoy unique experiences like an olive oil tasting, a local winery tour, and a day hopping between thermal spas in Pamukkale.

Upon arrival in İstanbul, your journey begins with a memorable introduction to the city's rich history and culture through a guided tour of either the Beyoğlu district or the historic center of Sultanahmet. Following this, explore the significant sites of the Old Town alongside an expert. Then, embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait to witness the unique distinction of the European and Asian sides of İstanbul. On the morning of Day 4, a transfer west brings you to Gallipoli, where you'll spend an afternoon between a local winery and famous World War I sites before settling into your hotel in Çanakkal. 

The following day promises to be one you'll remember, with visits to the ancient cities of Troy and Assos on the agenda, followed by a transfer south to the village of Adatepe. Here, you'll marvel at the ruins of Pergamon, a Greco-Roman city, and the still-standing Pergamon Acropolis before continuing to the charming village of Şirince. A two-day stay here gives you plenty of time to explore its quaint cobblestone streets and the nearby ancient city of Ephesus. Then, after a transfer to Pamukkale for a day of soaking in mineral-rich hot springs, it's time to return to İstanbul to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Explore Turkey's Turquoise Coast By Land & Water

Embark on a multiday cruise along the Turquoise Coast and get to know Turkey's historical and natural wonders on this itinerary. Crafted for travelers seeking a unique way to experience the country's long history while still having plenty of time to relax on pristine beaches and enjoy the inviting Mediterranean, you'll spend your days sailing and evenings wandering charming towns. Then, round off the adventure with two days in Antalya, where you'll visit surrounding ancient cities for an extra helping of history and culture.

Before heading to the coast, your adventure kicks off with a relaxing yet intriguing day in İstanbul, where you'll explore the historic district of Sultanahmet and meander through the Grand Bazaar's colorful stalls. It's straight back to the airport the following morning for a short flight to Dalaman Airport, followed by a transfer to the port city of Fethiye. Spend the afternoon hopping between the town's charming boutique shops and cafés and the entire next day exploring at your own pace. Then, pack your bags and gear up for an incredible four-day Turquoise Coast cruise aboard a traditional Turkish yacht known as a gulet.

Over the following days, you'll sail from Fethiye to Üçağız, stopping for overnights on St. Nicholas Island, Kas, and Kekova Island. Throughout, there's plenty of time for land and sea excursions, including hiking in Butterfly Valley, scuba diving near a World War II aircraft wreck, and admiring the sunken ruins of Dolchiste. Then, after disembarking in Üçağız, transfer to Antalya and relax on Konyaaltı Beach. With your trip winding down, dedicate a day to exploring the nearby ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos before catching your onward flight from Antalya airport. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Turkey Active Adventure: Cappadocia, Antalya & Adrasan

Discover Turkey's spectacular natural beauty via biking, hiking, boating, and horseback riding on this active adventure. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, you'll explore Cappadocia's distinctive rock formations, trek to Mount Olympos's summit, and cruise to the idyllic island of Suluada. Other notable activities include a hot-air balloon ride, a horseback riding safari, an e-bike tour of Antalya, and a visit to the intriguing Yanartaş (Burning Rock).

Your activity-packed trip begins in Cappadocia, where a sunset cycling excursion through the rock formations of Pancarlık Valley and Paşabağ Valley greets your arrival. Wake early the following day and continue the thrill during a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, followed by a tour through Kaymaklı Underground City and a hike along the Melendiz River in Ihlara Valley. Nearby awaits the beautiful town of Uçhisar, which you'll explore the next day, followed by a short hike across Aşıklar Vadisi (Love Valley). Round off your stay in Cappadocia with a sunset horseback riding safari before catching a flight to Antalya.

After settling in, get to know Antalya's highlights during an e-bike tour. Then, take advantage of a leisurely evening, as the following morning, you'll embark on a scenic trek up Tahtalı Mountain, commonly known as Mount Olympos. Next, transfer south to Adrasan, a small village tucked alongside the Mediterranean, and spend the evening exploring independently. With three days left on your adventure, there's plenty of time to trek up and over Musa Dağı (Mount Musa) to Olympos Beach, delight in a day boating around Suluada (Water Island), and hike part of the Lycian Way trail to the Gelidonya Lighthouse. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Turkish Food & Culture Tour: Istanbul & Cappadocia

Taste your way through İstanbul and Cappadocia's renowned food scene on this food and culture tour crafted especially with foodies in mind. Each day, you'll be treated to new tastes, smells, and specialties as you dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, sample İstanbul's street food, attend a cooking class, and indulge in a farm-to-table meal at Lil'a Restaurant. Beyond gastronomy, you'll also experience a hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia, a whirling dervish performance, and a tour of the ancient Kaymaklı Underground City.

You won't have to wait long to dive into Turkey's aromatic cuisine, as after arriving in İstanbul and refreshing at your hotel, you'll head straight to the famous Tuğra Restaurant and Lounge for dinner. Walk up an appetite the following day while touring İstanbul's historic district, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar alongside a guide, then treat yourself to dinner at the Michelin-starred Mikla. Next, experience the city from a different perspective during a scenic boat cruise across the Bosphorus Strait and delight in a relaxing afternoon at a hammam before tasting your way through Samatya Develi's time-tested kebabs.

Prior to leaving İstanbul, eat your way through the city during a food tour from Eminönü, through the Spice Bazaar, to Kadıköy. Then, catch a flight to Cappadocia, settle into your hotel for three nights, and dedicate the evening to a cooking class and a whirling dervish ritual show. Next, embark on a memorable sunrise hot-air balloon experience, visit Uçhisar Castle, and sample typical cuisine during dinner at Seki. Spend the following day exploring the Kaymaklı Underground City and indulging in expertly prepared dishes at Lil'a Restaurant before a return to İstanbul features more Anatolian classics of lamb stew and rakı at Sofyalı 9. Learn more

More Great 9-Day Turkey Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Turkey? Check out these other nine-day Turkey itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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