Turkey offers a diverse and breathtaking environment. Nature lovers can admire the natural wonders, historians can enjoy the blend of historical and cultural sites, and adventurers can immerse themselves in tons of outdoor activities. In this blog, we have created a 5-day, 7-day, and 10-day Turkey travel itinerary for a stress-free travel experience.

Turkey trip planning

Get a few things sorted before finalising your Turkey travel itinerary. Here they are.

Visa requirements and travel essentials

To enter Turkey, you have to get a Schengen visa or Turkey visa. Indians are eligible for an e-visa. Keep the essential documents, such as a passport, visa, travel insurance, and financial documents, to clear the immigration process easily.

Best time to visit Turkey

The good time to visit Turkey is during the spring, from April to May, and autumn, from September to October.

Transportation options

You can have taxis, shared taxis, and minibuses. Dolmus is inexpensive to roam in and around the larger cities. You can also hire a taxi with or without a chauffeur. Domestic flights are also available to travel to other cities.

Currency exchange and approximate costs

The New Turkish Lira (YTL) is the currency used in Turkey. You can exchange money in banks, ATMs, and exchange offices. Some hotels and shops offer exchange services, but exchange rates may not be as favourable as in banks.

Turkey itinerary for 5 days

Here is the Turkey itinerary 5 days that allows you to see the prime landmarks of Turkey.

Day 1: Istanbul exploration

Start your day early in Istanbul. Visit the Hagia Sophia, a spectacular example of Byzantine architecture. Then, go to the Blue Mosque and explore the ancient underground water storage system in the Basilica Cistern.

Day 2: Historical Istanbul

Visit the historical museum Topkapi Palace. It has been the residence of Ottoman emperors for over 400 years. Then, you can shop for souvenirs, rugs, jewellery, lanterns, and ceramics in Grand Bazaar and have a culinary experience in Spice Bazaar.

Day 3: Bosphorus cruise and Dolmabahce Palace

You can explore the magnificent Bosphorus and book a cruise to view the top waterfront landmarks. You can also visit the lavish interiors of Dolmabahce Palace, the largest palace in Turkey. It has 285 rooms, six Turkish baths, 44 halls, and 68 toilets.

Day 4: Cappadocia highlights

On day 4, you can travel to Cappadocia and start your day by visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum. There, you can wander through rock-cut churches, religious frescoes, and monasteries. Then enjoy the panoramic views from the Uchisar Castle. It is located at the highest point of Cappadocia.

Day 5: Hot air balloon ride and departure

Experience a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise, and for adventurous seekers, exploring Derinkuyu Underground City is a feast. It is 85 metres deep and has a ventilation system. The river beneath the city is another fascinating aspect, still intact after thousands of years.

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Turkey Itinerary for 7 Days

Check out the carefully crafted Turkey itinerary 7 days for your wonderful journey.  

Day 1-5: Follow the 5-day itinerary

You can follow the above 5-day Turkey travel itinerary and then continue your 6th day from here.

Day 6: Travel to Pamukkale

You can take a trip to Pamukkale and immerse yourself in the most photogenic site in the world. Travertines bring you a magical moment. It is believed that Cleopatra took a bath in one of these hot springs. You can also take a balloon ride to view these travertine terraces and have a look at the gorgeous historical ruins of Hierapolis.

Day 7: Explore Ephesus

Ephesus is a city full of historical sites and ruins. You can explore the city and visit the Library of Celsus, enjoying its intricate design and statues. Then, go to the Temple of Artemis. It is open for night visits until midnight and has illuminated lights.

To learn about Istanbul accommodation, read The Best Area for Indians to Stay in Istanbul.

Turkey itinerary for 10 days

If you are staying a little longer in Turkey. This 10-day Turkey travel itinerary will help you visit most of Turkey.

Day 1-7: Follow the 7-day itinerary

You can follow the 7-day Turkey travel itinerary above and return here to continue your 10-day trip to Turkey.

Day 8: Travel to Antalya

Visit this oldest yet modern city in Turkey. Antalya is home to several Los Vegas-style resorts and stunning beaches. You can explore the old town of Kaleici. It has many hotels, clubs, bars, and shopping centres that still retain their historical character. Don’t forget to check out the Antalya Museum.

Day 9: Day trip to Perge and Aspendos

You can explore the ancient city of Perge. It is famous for its splendid architecture, the Stadium of Perge, a Greco-Roman theatre, and Hadrian’s Gate. You can also visit the most preserved Roman theatre in Aspendos.

Day 10: Return to Istanbul and departure

When you return to Istanbul, you can do your last-minute shopping in international malls like Kanyon, Zorlu Center, or Istinye Park. You can also enjoy the exclusive nightlife in Istanbul, with several options catering to everyone.

Istanbul Travel Itinerary

Turkey lies on both sides of the Bosphorus. This Istanbul trip itinerary covers all the must-visit places in Istanbul.

Day 1: Arrival and city highlights

The old city has historical structures, whereas the new city offers mansions, skyscrapers, and picturesque neighbourhoods. Sultanahmet, Karakoy, and Uskudar are some of the stunning neighbourhoods of Istanbul you must visit. Do not miss the delicious Turkish cuisine.

Day 2: Cultural and historical sites

Visit the nine-storeyed Galata Tower, where you can find restaurants to enjoy delicacies while enjoying a fantastic view of the city from the top. You can see shopping centres on Istiklal Street. Plus, you can experience the nightlife of Istanbul in Taksim Square, which has several cafes, restaurants, clubs, and pubs.

Day 3: Natural and scenic spots

Take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands. There are nine islands in the group, four of which are famous for tourism. You can find ancient wooden houses and do outdoor activities like sunbathing, swimming, or renting a kayak to explore the islands.

You can also read our Popular Turkish Food for a Tantalising Feast for Indians.

Southern Turkey travel itinerary

This amazing five-day Turkey travel itinerary includes the mind-blowing cities of Antalya and Lycian, allowing you to explore southern Turkey.

Day 1-3: Explore Antalya

Antalya is a river city surrounded by the Tauras Mountains. It offers stunning beaches and fantastic resorts, making it an unforgettable family trip. Visit Kaleici, Cumhuriyet Square, Konyaalti Beach, and Lara Beach.

Day 4: Lycian way adventure

The Lycian way from Lycian to Antalya is 540 km long. You can enjoy the beaches, mountains, forests, and hiking trails along the Lycian Way. Olympos, Oludeniz Beach, and Butterfly Valley are must-watch places in Lycian Way.

Day 5: Return to Antalya

When returning to Antalya, you can enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife, romantic cruise rides, exciting viewpoints, and wonderful climate. You can shop at the exotic bazaars and bustling bars.

Cappadocia travel itinerary

It is tricky to create a perfect itinerary for Cappadocia as it is not like a city. This region has valleys, cave hotels, castles, volcanoes, and much more to see. You must include this in your Turkey travel itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival and city highlights

Visit the rock formations in Devrent Valley and the Pasabag Valley, also known as Monk’s Valley. In the early Christian era, hermit monks lived in caves. While hiking in this region, you can see the local wildlife, such as wild horses and ibexes.

Day 2: Natural and scenic spots

If you are a nature enthusiast, you will love riding a hot air balloon at sunrise and taking a breathtaking view of Cappadocia. You can also hike in Ihlara Valley and end your day in the volcanic rock cathedral. Remember, you must walk through the rocky caves to reach the Selime Monastery.

Day 3: Cultural and historical sites

Visit the Kaymakli Underground City in Goreme. During the Hittite era, it was a heaven where people could escape raids and attacks. It is believed that more than 3000 people resided in this underground city. Also, visit the Red Valley and Cavusin Village.

Best itinerary for Turkey

You can combine different itineraries for a personalised travel experience. To enhance the experience, include off-the-beaten-path destinations like Mount Nemrut, Ani, Göbekli Tepe, and Amasra in your Turkey travel itinerary.

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Conclusion

Turkey is a country with a diverse culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes. You can explore Istanbul’s ancient sites, experience a hot-air balloon ride at Cappadocia, and dive into the pristine beaches of Antalya. With our detailed 5, 7, and 10-day Turkey travel itinerary, you can make memories that will last a lifetime.