Planning to spend 7 days in Turkey and contemplating how to craft an ideal 7-day Turkey itinerary for a first-time visitor? I’m here to help. I’ve created an easy-to-follow itinerary for spending one week in Turkey that covers almost all the highlights of Tรผrkiye, from intriguing cultural gems and iconic historic landmarks to unusual natural landscapes and traditional artistic heritage, as well as the breathtaking Turkish Riviera and unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
Excited? Let’s dive in!
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Planning Your Trip to Turkey: Quick Tips
Visa for Turkey: Check if you need one. Many countries, including India and the USA,ย need to apply for a Turkish e-Visa. Get your Turkey visa quickly and effortlessly withย iVisa. Also,ย OneWayFlyย is an excellent resource if you need to show proof of onward travel (flight itinerary) or hotel reservations.
Travel Insurance:ย Travel insurance is vital for peace of mind while traveling, no two ways about it. Get reliable travel insurance fromย Heymondo. They offer broader, more flexible coverage at a good value for money, with dependable 24/7 customer service.
How to Get to Turkey:ย The best way is to fly directly to Istanbul Atatรผrk Airport (IST). Check outย Skyscannerย andย WayAwayย for the best and most affordable flights to Istanbul.
Airport Transfer:ย You can choose to travel by airport taxi, bus, subway, or rental car from Istanbul Airport to your hotel or accommodation, depending on the time, budget, and travel style. There are three types of airport taxis, viz., orange taxis (cheap), blue taxis (more expensive), and black taxis (luxurious). Havaist and IETT buses and the Istanbul Airport Metro Line M11ย run between the airport and downtown; however, you might need to take an additional ride from the stop to your accommodation. For a truly hassle-free experience, you canย pre-book a fast, reliable private transfer from the airport to the city.
Rent a Car in Turkey: We recommend Local Rentย for all your car hire needs.
Getting Around Turkey:ย Flying is by far the most accessible and affordable option, helping you make the most of your time (if you have only a few days to explore the country). If you have more time, driving is a great option – it gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility. We spent one month driving around the country and managed to cover some offbeat, hidden gems.
Guided Tours:ย A tour with a local guide is the perfect choice if you have limited time or want to dive deep into the country’s history and culture. We recommend Viator,ย GetYourGuide,ย or Klook to book guided tours, and Civitatis for free walking tours.
Top Experiences & Tours for 7 Days in Turkey:
โฅ 7-day Turkey Classics Tour from Istanbul
โฅ 7-day Turkey Tour Package
โฅ 7-day Highlights of Turkey Tour
Where to Stay in Turkey:ย Turkey has a nice range of accommodation options for every kind of traveler. We recommend Booking.com to find the best accommodation at great prices. It not only offers a price match guarantee but also lets you cancel anytime without a fee. From bed and breakfasts to apartments, villas, and guesthouses, to hostels, resorts, and homestays, it offers a lot of variety.
Turkey Trip Itinerary: An Introduction
This Turkey itinerary includes the country’s main sights, except Pamukkale.ย It’s one attraction that’s highly overrated and doesn’t live up to expectations at all (believe me, it’s not what it looks like on Instagram), so I feel it can be easily skipped when you have limited time.
However, if you still want to, you can tweak the itinerary by swapping Ephesus for Pamukkale. Personally, I’d prefer the former over the latter.
The itinerary starts and ends in Istanbul and requires you to use flights exclusively. Turkey is huge, and because of the long distances, traveling from one destination to another takes a long time.
Flying between the destinations makes sense when you have just a week in Turkey. You must plan in some buffer time!
Although 7 days for exploring the cultural, historical, and natural abundance of Turkey isย quiteย aย short time, yet, following our itinerary, you can explore the vibrant capital of Turkey, Istanbul (however thronged and chaotic it is, you can’t help but fall for it, that’s its charisma), the other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia (it’s another level) and of course, the once-in-a-lifetime hot air ballooning, the mesmerizing beaches of Turkish Riviera, the historic wonders of the central Aegean region, and not to mention, taste local delicacies.
Looking for reliable & affordable car hire in Turkey?
We trust and recommend Local Rent, which promises transparency, security, convenience, a personal touch, and incredible savings.
Brief 7 Day Turkey Itinerary
Here’s what a brief 7-day Turkey itinerary looks like!
Days 1, 2, & 3: Istanbul
Day 4 & 5: Cappadocia
Day 6 & 7: Bodrum & Ephesus
Detailed One Week in Turkey Itinerary
Are you ready to plan the perfect 7-day trip to Turkey?
Day 0: Arrive in Istanbul | Day at Leisure
After a 3-hour flight from Baku and an hour-long taxi ride from Istanbul Airport, it was already midnight when we reached our accommodation in Beyoฤlu. We had no option but to sleep ๐
Anyhow, we recharged our batteries with a good night’s sleep so we could start exploring Istanbul bright and early.
So, depending on when you arrive in Istanbul, you can plan your day accordingly.
If you reach early, head straight to your hotel. Finish the check-in formalities, freshen up, and get out to stroll the charming streets of Istanbul, a kinda formal introduction.
If you’re feeling tired or jetlagged after a flight journey, you can choose to relax because you have a lot to do the next day.
There are two airports in Istanbul: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gokcen Airport ( SAW) on the Asian side.
Both are far from the city center, so I recommend scheduling a private airport transfer to ensure comfortable, fast transportation from the airport to your hotel.
Note: Make it a point to book a hotel in the city center to minimize transportation hassles and costs.
Day 1: Explore Classic Istanbul (District Fatih – Sultanahmet, Fener, & Balat Neighborhoods)
Start day 1 of your Turkey one-week itinerary in Sultanahmet, the heart and soul of Istanbul.
Soaked in rich culture and history, each corner of the historic Sultanahmet district narrates a story. It’s not just a place, it’s an EXPERIENCE.
The neighborhood is home to iconic architectural and religious marvels like the Hagia Sophia Mosque and theย Blue Mosque, both of which beautifully define Istanbul’s majestic skyline.
The other highlights here include Sultanahmet Square or the Hippodrome of Constantinople, Basilica Cistern, Cistern of Theodosius, Gรผlhane Park, Topkapi Palace Museum, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar aka Egyptian Bazaar, & Arasta Bazaar
Also, you are sure to walk along Sogukcesme Street, a cobbled street lined with charming Ottoman wooden houses between Hagia Sophia and the walls of Topkapi Palace.
Each named after a flower planted beside it, 9 out of 12 imperial houses are part of the luxury hotelย Hagia Sophia Mansions,ย Curio Collection by Hilton.
Former Eastern Orthodox church, now a museum & a concert hall, Hagia Irene, within the courtyard of Topkapi Palace, hosts classical music concerts and art exhibitions.
The best way to explore Sultanahmet is on foot, as all the attractions are located within walking distance.
You can map out your own self-guided walking tour or book a free walking tour or a private guided walking tour, whatever fits your bill.
Whatever and however you do – make sure you put aside at least 7 hours (half a day) to explore this classic neighborhood.
You’d definitely need a place to refill with a dose of caffeine. Hafฤฑz Mustafa, a cafe with a touch of history, lets you unwind in style. It’s one of the most historic cafes in Europe.
And I recommend Matbah, a perfect place to taste Turkish food and learn about its history.
In the late afternoon, head to the vibrant, multicultural neighborhoods ofย Fener and Balat,ย best known for their quintessential pastel-colored, two-storey wooden rowhouses called cumba.
You can spot the houses from the roadway; in fact, they are spread out all over Fener-Balat. However, Merdivenli Yokuล and Kiremit are full of them, making them Instagram-worthy streets.
Incir Agaci Cafe, with its rainbow stairs, is also worth a stop.
Though the bohemian decor, with colorful umbrellas, atย Balat Antique Cafรฉย (next to Rainbow Stairs) attracts many tourists, the host seemsย rude.
He has a board displayed in front of the cafe that reads. You can take photographs only if you order something at the cafe, and tbh, the food and drinks are expensive and mediocre.
If you are up for an authentic cup of Turkish coffee, I’d recommend Velvet Cafe, a lovely cafe with creatively decorated vintage interiors, a friendly vibe, and a delightful menu.
Twin your coffee with a Turkish classic – un helvasi and thank me later.
The neighborhoods are sprinkled with cute sidewalk cafes and bistros, as well as impressive little religious monuments such asย Saint Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church,ย theย Church of St. Mary of the Mongols, and Balat Mosque.
And it’s almost impossible to miss a colossal redbrick building, Phanar Greek Orthodox Lyceum – the oldest surviving Greek Orthodox School in Istanbul.
After you are done exploring Fener-Balat, head to Old Balat Cafe & Kitchen for an authentic dining experience.
With an ambiance that shouts culture, warm hospitality, tasty Turkish delicacies, and an interesting setting, it’s a popular dining spot among locals and tourists.
After a hearty dinner, cross the roadway to reach Sair Nedim Park and follow the walking path along the Golden Horn for a refreshing walk with scenic views of the bay before you take a taxi or bus back to your hotel.
This winds up a rewarding day in Istanbul!
Day 2: Explore the New European Side of Istanbul (District Beyoglu – Galata & Karakoy Neighborhoods & District Besiktas – Bebek & Arnavutkรถy Neighborhoods)
Day 2 of your Turkey 1-week itinerary is dedicated to the Beyoglu and Besiktas districts of Istanbul.
Located north of the Golden Horn, this area consists of neighborhoods such as Karakoy, Galata, and Taksim (Beyoglu), Ortakoy, Bebek, and Arnavutkoy (Besiktas), and Nisantasi (Sisli), and is considered the New or Modern Istanbul.
If you want to see the charming neighborhood of Arnavutkoy, you’ll have to start your day super early (as early as 7:00), as it’s a bit away from the center of Istanbul and requires you to mix two or more modes of transportation.
I found the neighborhood worth the hassle!
If you are staying in Sultanahmet, you have to take a tram (T1) to Kabatas and then one of the Bosphorus line buses ( routes 22, 22RE, and 25E) to Arnavutkoy.
Bus routes 40, 40 T, and 42T travel up the coast from Taksim to Arnavutkoy.
The easiest and fastest way, and of course, a little pricey way, is to ride with Uber or BiTaksi.
Noted for its ethnic diversity (Greek, Jewish, Armenian, and Turkish communities co-exist here since ancient times), Arnavutkoy attracts travelers for its wooden Ottoman mansions known as yalis, cute side streets, and seafood restaurants.
A stroll around this atmospheric area is a soul-stirring experience that you must add to your Turkey travel itinerary.
You can choose to have breakfast at Cafe Hide in Arnavutkoy, or take a cab or bus to characterfulย Besiktas Breakfast Street, packed with cafes that master the art of breakfast.
รakmakย Kahvaltฤฑ Salonu is the classic here, recognized as the mastermind behind the breakfast street concept.
A short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk takes you to the Dolmabahce Palace, the largest palace in Turkey and the classiest in the world.
Located right on the coast of the Bosphorus, the palace is an architectural masterpiece; however, you can’t capture its opulence with your camera, as photography is prohibited. It’s still worth a visit.
Jump on an F1 line in Kabatas to reach Taksim Square, a center of Istanbul’s European side.
At the heart of the square, the Republic Monument celebrates the formation of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
Extending fromย Taksim Squareย to Karakoy is Istiklal Street, a 1.4 km-long pedestrian street, one of the most famous in Istanbul.
While you window-shop here, keep an eye out for a historic tram.
One of the many narrow alleys on the edges of Istiklal leads you to Turnacibasi Street, where Aga Hamam, the oldest Turkish bath in Istanbul, is located.
You can check it out from the outside or book a traditional hammam experience.
As you walk downhill from the street, you’ll reach the quaint neighborhood of Karakoy.
It’s here where centuries-old architecture lies side by side with hipster cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.
The beautiful street art murals on every faรงade create a unique, contemporary vibe.
Hoca Tahsin Street attracts Instagrammers for its striking wall graffiti art and colorful umbrellas overhead.
Some of the notable historic buildings in Karakoy include Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque, Turkish Orthodox Patriarchate, Ceceyan Han, Kemankes Karamustafa Pasa Mosque, Tophane Fountain, and Arab Mosque.
While in Karakรถy, you must stop by Karakรถy Gรผllรผoฤlu, the makers of traditional baklava since the 1800s, and the most famous place to taste baklava in Istanbul.
Banks Street, the financial heart of the erstwhile Ottoman Empire, is another high point for history and architecture lovers.
Located on the same street is Salt Galata, an art and culture complex in a former bank building featuring a gallery, a library, and a cafe.
Climb the Kamondo Stairs from Banks Street to reach Galata, a multicultural neighborhood where Greek, Armenian, Italian, and Jewish heritage flourished.
Galata Tower, Istanbul’s major landmark and real showstopper in its majestic skyline, is located here.
An ancient watchtower in Galata citadel, the tower now houses a museum and an exhibition space.
You must climb the tower for the sweeping views of the Bosphorus.
The area around the tower is charming with winding cobbled alleyways dotted with cute little cafes and bakeries, chic boutiques, traditional restaurants, small shops selling souvenirs, ancient synagogues, churches, and mosques.
If you have time, choose one of the best cafes near Galata Tower and relish a cup of coffee with snacks with a view of the historic tower and its charming surroundings.
We loved Sirin Firin Bakery and Galata Art Smyrna Restaurant Cafe.
Give a beautiful ending to your day by watching the sun go down on the Golden Horn from the Galata Bridge.
The upper deck of the bridge is alive with insane levels of traffic and has pedestrian walkways along either side, where local fishermen make a beeline to lure in their daily catch, while the lower deck is packed with seafood restaurants and bars.
PS: Galata Mevlevi House Museum and Cultural Center, located between Istiklal Street and Galip Dede Street, towards the Galat neighborhood, is known for its authentic Whirling Dervish Sema Ceremony, which takes place every Sunday at 6 pm. If you wish to witness this beautiful religious ceremony, I highly recommend you book one here. It’s currently closed for renovations.
๐งฟ Find Out How to Spend 2 Days in Istanbul
Day 3: Explore the Asian or Anatolian Side of Istanbul (District Kadikoy – Moda & Yeldegirmeni Neighborhoods & District Uskudar – Kuzguncuk & Beylerbeyi Neighborhoods) + Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia (Late Evening)
Day 3 of your Turkey travel itinerary takes you to the more authentic side of Istanbul – the Asian or Anatolian Side.
It’s less touristy and carries a local feel.
Enjoy a ferry ride from Eminonu, Karakoy, or Besiktas to Kadikoy across the Bosphorus.
Set on the shore of the Sea of Marmara, Kadikoy is largely residentialย and suburban, making for a laid-back exploration.
If you haven’t had breakfast yet, Dun Moda is a perfect place for a hearty meal. They have plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
The district has its own heritage tram line (T3 Kadฤฑkรถy-Moda Nostalgia Tramway), 2.6 kilometers (1.6 mi) long, with 10 stations. With 10 stations, it loops around as it runs from Kadikoy Square along a bus lane through Bahariye Street and Moda Street.
It is a great way to discover the local gems of Kadikoy.
As you stroll through Bahariya, the local boutiques, cute coffee shops, and hole-in-the-wall cafes on either side catch your attention.
The Sureyya Opera House is a notable building here.
A famous bronze statue of a bull known as the Kadikoy Bull Statue at an intersection connecting the six roads – Altiyol is a famous landmark here.
Moda Seaside or Moda Coastal Park makes for a picturesque stroll by the Bosphorus, while Moda Caddesi, with its lush surroundings, trendy boutiques, quaint cafes, tea gardens, ice cream shops, chic restaurants, stately mansions, and historic architecture, gives you a chance to spend a quiet and pleasant day away from the chaos of historic and touristy Istanbul.
I recommend Meshur Dondurmacฤฑ Ali Usta for the best ice cream and Dem Moda for the best tea.
Kadikoy is also known for the unique murals adorning its walls. In fact, while walking back and forth in the narrow pedestrian alleys in search of street art, we found ourselves in a cozy and alternative neighborhood of Yeldegirmeni and spent a beautiful time at Roots Cafe & Botanique – special appreciation for its vegan delicacies and artsy and lush ambiance.
I love second-hand books because they evoke nostalgia. If you love them, you’d love to visit Akmar Alley in Kadikoy, best known for secondhand bookshops.
Kadikoy Market is a small traditional market where you’ll find stalls selling local produce like seasonal fruits, vegetables, fish, olives, vine leaves, cheese, pickles, spices, herbs, and honey – basically, you’ll find just about everything you might need at your home and beyond.
You can try fresh local delicacies and pick up a few packaged items to take back home.
Jump back on the ferry or board a bus (14M, 14R, 14YK, and MR9) to travel up the coast to Uskudar, a historic and sublimely beautiful district on the Asian side of Istanbul.
The over 1-mile Uskudar Coast Walkway is a perfect place to start your journey into Uskudar.
Overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, this seaside promenade affords amazing views of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace across the water.
Located on an islet in the Bosphorus Strait, just about 200 meters off Uskudar’s shoreline, is a medieval lighthouse/tax collection center/defense tower – Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) that now houses a restaurant and a bar.
You can enjoy the sight of it from the coastline, or hop on one of the shuttle boats to relish the food with unparalleled views at its restaurant.
Uskudar is home to many beautiful mosques, such as Shemsi Ahmet Pasha Mosque, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Cinili Mosque, and Sakirin Mosque. As you move a little way inland from the coast, you’ll spotย Nevmekan Sahil, a lovely multifunctional space that serves as an art gallery, library, academic hub, and cafe.
As soon as you enter the building, the resplendent circular library with an awe-inspiring domed ceiling catches your attention.
Apart from the architectural beauty, the cafe here serves tasty food at economical prices – a perfect lunch spot!
Your next stop is Kuzguncuk, a traditional, beautiful, quaint, and quiet neighborhood at the base of the Bosphorus Bridge in Uskudar, a bit away from the center. You can walk or take a taxi to get here.
Known for keeping tradition and old-hat values alive, the neighborhood lets you peek into Istanbul as it was.
The stories of the past linger in the streets and buildings of Kuzguncuk, imbuing the place with a nostalgic feel.
This tiny village-like neighborhood has beautifully preserved its heritage amid the fast-changing world.
The quarter is dotted with numerous synagogues, churches, and mosques attesting to the peaceful coexistence of Jews, Greeks, Armenians, and Turks.
Most traditional bakeries, intimate restaurants, chocolatiers, antique boutiques, art galleries and studios, beautiful bookshops, charming cafes, and historical mansions are located on the main street, Icadiye.
Photographers and Instagrammers flock here to capture the row of Ottoman wooden homes with colorful doors and windows.
Simitci Tahir Sokak offers the best view ofย Kuzguncuk Evleri (Houses).
Kuzguncuk Bostani, a community vegetable garden, is also worth a stop here. This 700-year-old urban garden has been painstakingly maintained by the locals.
If you still have some energy left, head toย Camlica Hill Park, the most famous picnic spot amongย Istanbulites.
The top of Camlica Hill offers the most indulgent views of Istanbul ever!
You can sit at one of the cafรฉs situated on the hilltop and drink in the views with Turkish tea or coffee.
You can also climb the viewing platform of Camlica Tower for a gorgeous view of the Bosphorus Strait. There’s also a cafe and restaurant on the observation deck.
If you don’t have time and energy to summit Camlica Hill or climb Camlica Tower, you still can relish the view of the tower rising ostentatiously amid the patchwork of buildings – it can be seen from almost anywhere in Istanbul.
All lit up at night, the tower bedazzles the city’s skyline!
I’m sure you’d want to sit at one of the lovely cafes and restaurants to absorb the unique life of Kuzguncuk. Here are a few of my favorites for your perusal – Nail Bookstore & Cafe (Nail Kitabevi & Cafe), Galette Kuzguncuk, Glow Coffee, Historical Kuzguncuk Bakery (Tarihi Kuzguncuk Firni), Ekmek Teknesi, Ismet Baba Fish Restaurant, Chocolatier Aziz Bey, and Cinaralti.
Take a late-evening or overnight flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia so you can have two full days there.
You fly into Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) or Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) for Cappadocia, of which NAV is the nearest and most convenient.
๐งฟ Follow Our Itinerary for Spending Three Days in Istanbul
Day 4: Hot Air Balloon Ride + Explore North Cappadocia
A surreal rock-sculpted region in Central Anatolia, Turkey – Cappadocia is made up of numerous cities, towns, and villages spread out around the provinces of Nevsehir, Kayseri, Aksaray, Kฤฑrsehir, Sivas, and Nigde.
Nevลehir,ย Kayseri,ย Aksaray,ย Gรถreme,ย Avanos,ย รrgรผp,ย Uรงhisar,ย Ihlara,ย Derinkuyu,ย Kaymaklฤฑ,ย Mustafapaลa, andย Cavuลin are the most popular cities, towns, and villages in Cappadocia.
Cappadocia attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from every corner of the globe for its hot-air balloon rides and otherworldly landscapes featuring fairy chimneys scattered across massive volcanic valleys, ancient underground cities, historic rock-cut churches, and caves.
Tourists mostly base themselves in Gรถreme and Uรงhisar. Urgup and Ortahisar are also popular choices among travelers seeking a peaceful stay, away from the tourist crowds.
Coming back to the itinerary, your first day in Cappadocia is dedicated to the iconic hot-air balloon ride and the top sights in North Cappadocia:ย Gรถreme Open Air Museum,ย Uchisar Castle,ย Pottery in Avanos,ย Monks Valleyย (akaย Pasabag), Devrent Valley, and Zelve Open Air Museum.
Note: It’s vital to book your hot air balloon ride in advance, especially if you have limited time in Cappadocia. The balloon flight depends entirely on weather conditions and is canceled if it’s not favorable. If your ride is canceled, you don’t lose your booking or money; it automatically gets moved to the next day. So, if you have 2 days in Cappadocia and your flight gets canceled, you still have another day to go.
The highlight of your first day in Cappadocia is a hot air balloon ride, provided there’s no cancellation (amen). Your tour company will pick you up from your hotel at around 4:00 to drive you to the take-off site.
The site itself feels magical as you see the team of pilots and staff preparing the balloons for the ride. And, I have no words to describe the feeling of flying high over the magical landscape, steadily floating over fairy chimneys, rugged valleys, and rock-hewn structures, while hundreds of diversely colored balloons around you, with the sun rising on the horizon, add to the experience.
I highly recommend joining a Red Tour that lets you explore the highlights of Northern Cappadocia in half a day and saves a lot of time when you just have limited time in Cappadocia. Also, it takes away the hassle of planning an itinerary and the challenges of transportation.
Alternatively, if you are a DIY person, you can rent a car or hire a taxi to explore on your own.
If you are doing it yourself, start your day bright and early (TBH, getting up super early while traveling always paid off for me, and thus, I always underline it) to make the most of your day.
The first stop of the day is at a viewpoint in Esentepe overlooking the moonscape landscapes of Uchisar and Gรถreme.
Next up is Uchisar Castle, an ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop. The highest point in the region, climbing to the top of the castle, rewards you with the imposing view of Cappadocia.
Following that, meet the celebrity of all the attractions in Cappadocia, the UNESCO-listed Gรถreme Open-Air Museum! With well-preserved Byzantine-era cave churches, chapels, and monasteries carved into limestone cliffs featuring impressive frescoes, the museum takes you back in time.
Dark Church is the most stunning of all! You can’t help but stare in wonder at the beautifully preserved, vivid frescoes adorning the walls and the domed ceilings. Take your time to absorb the ancient beauty and capture it with your eyes because, well, capturing it with the camera isn’t allowed here. And, yes, to see the Dark Church, you’ll have to pay an additional 100 TL.
I also loved the Buckle Church for its unique frescoes, which are visually and narratively beautiful. It’s located outside the Gรถreme Open Air Museum, but the entrance ticket includes it.
Have a cup of coffee or maybe a light lunch at Lavanta Panorama Cafe before dropping in on Ortahisar Castle, an ancient fortress perched on the biggest fairy chimney in Cappadocia. If you manage to climb the metal staircase to the vantage point, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised by the view below!
Finally, it’s time to get up close to the exotic rock formations called fairy chimneys. Cappadocia is known! The fairy chimneys were created over millions of years by continuous volcanic eruptions and erosion and were used as troglodyte dwellings, chapels, and hermit hideaways.
The two most famous valleys with interesting ensembles of fairy chimneys are Monkโs Valley (aka Pasabag) and Devrent Valley.
Monk’s Valley features huge mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, and Devrent Valley, aka Imagination Valley, is home to rock formations that resemble various animals. Some of the most famous ones are camel, snake, seal, and dolphin. Let your imagination run wild and see how many more animal shapes you can spot!
Just about a mile from Pasabag is the Zelve Open Air Museum, one of the earliest monastic settlements, which remained inhabited until 1952. It’s a 1.5-kilometer dramatic walking trail through three valleys that house historic houses, caves, churches, a mosque, and a town square from the 9th to the 13th century, mostly in ruins.
And last but not least, drive to Avanos, a town on the banks of the Kizilirmak River (akaย Red River), the longest river in Turkey.
The pottery center of Anatolia since ancient times (dating back to the Hittite period), and a paradise for handicraft lovers, Avanos is home to local craftsmen who cast a spell on otherwise ordinary red clay (which comes from the Red River’s sediment) to craft world-renowned pottery items. You can visit pottery shops and museums, and join a pottery workshop as well.
We visited the pottery workshop of Chez Galip, a world-famous potter dubbed the Einstein of Pottery.
When in Avanos, you must make time to visit one of the weirdest museums in the world, the Chez Glaip Hair Museum.
I suggest Dibek, Lagarto, Zen Cappadocia, Zeferan, and Tandir House for a traditional dinner in Cappadocia. And, we also recommend Dolphin Restaurant, a not-so-popular dining place in Gรถreme, which is surprisingly good in terms of food, prices, services, and a thoughtful host.
Day 5: Watch the Sight of Hot Air Balloons + Explore South Cappadocia + Fly from Cappadocia to Bodrum (Late Evening)
Now that you’ve experienced the hot air balloon ride, it’s time to see those balloons flying over Cappadocia from afar.
Most hotels in Cappadocia have private terraces to catch the unreal sight of colorful balloons filling the sky. The famous hotels with the best rooftop terraces for balloon views in Cappadocia include Sultan Cave Suites and Mithra Cave Hotel.
If your hotel doesn’t offer a proper view, you can join one of the balloon-watching tours, which drive you to one of the best hot air balloon viewpoints in Cappadocia; the most desired ones are Love Valley Viewpoint and Gรถreme Hill Viewpoint.
We had a rental car, so we took the opportunity to drive through different viewpoints for an alternative experience.
You’ll be dropped off at your hotel by 7:30. Freshen up, have breakfast, and head out to see the highlights of South Cappadocia – the secret underground cities, picturesque valleys and villages, some more cave churches, a scenic walk, and a monastery.
For today, I’d advise signing up for a Green Tour, as you are short on time and have a flight to catch at the end of the day. The tour covers all the attractions in South Cappadocia at a prescribed time.
Dating back to the Bronze Age, Cappadocia has hundreds of underground cities, of which 36 have been discovered to date, and a handful (6, to be precise) are open to the public. Derinkuyu & Kaymakli are the two most visited underground settlements.
Derinkuyu is one of the largest and deepest, while Kaymakli is one of the oldest underground settlements in the region. Both are unique and equally fascinating.
If you have time to visit only one, I’d nominate Kaymakli because it has fewer floors, wider spaces with several passages and tunnels, and is much better lit, making it more photogenic and claustrophobia-friendly. Also, it’s quieter compared to Derinkuyu.
Nevertheless, whether you choose Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, venturing into these subterranean settlements feels like entering a completely new world. It’s interesting to discover how ancient dwellers worked out how to live here.
As you make your way through the convoluted cave network, you’ll find bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, storage rooms, wine cellars, churches, schools, stables, graves, and just about everything youโd expect to have in a developed city.
Also, there are huge stone doors that intelligently roll to close the entrance and impressive natural ventilation shafts that double as wells – truly an ancient architectural wonder!
The next destination on the list is the Ihlara Valley,ย akaย Peristrema Valley, a 14 km-long, over 150 m-deep, lush-green gorge lying between the villages of Ihlara, Belisirma, Yaprakhisar, and Selime along the Melendiz River. There are 50 Byzantine-era rock-cut churches sprinkled throughout the stretch.
You don’t need to walk the entire trail. There are four entrances to the valley: the Ihlara village entrance, the main entrance,ย the Belisirmaย village entrance, andย the Selimeย village entrance.
Most tours enter via the main entrance (which involves descending 300 steps into the valley) and walk about 4 km to exit via the Belisirma village entrance.
Selime Monastery is the last attraction of the day. It’s located near the entrance to Selime village in the Ihlara Valley. It’s the largest and most fascinating rock-cut cave complex in Cappadocia, with great religious and cultural significance.
Built around the 8th century, the structure holds a cathedral-sized church, living quarters, a kitchen, a missionary school, and camel stables. The monastery was converted into a caravanserai for the merchants to lay their heads while traveling along the ancient Silk Road.
A steep staircase leads you to the top of the monastery structure that overlooks the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia.
Quick Note: The best ways to explore Cappadocia include a rental car and/or guided tours because public transportation here is scarce and the network isn’t well-designed.
Catch a late evening flight from Cappadocia to Bodrum. Please note that all the flights from Cappadocia to Bodrum include a layover in Istanbul.
Day 6: Bodrum to Selcuk | Explore Ephesus
Today, you will discover the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ephesus, a fascinating Greco-Roman site.
It’s roughly a 2.5-hour journey from Bodrum. You can hire a chauffeur-driven car for the entire day or sign up for a guided day tour. I’d recommend a tour as it not only saves you time and the hassle of arranging your own transport but comes with a seasoned local tour guide.
Walking the satiny marble-paved streets of one of the largest and best archeological sites in the world feels like stepping back in time. You can imagine what life was like back then.
As you stroll through the crumbling ruins, every structure intrigues you; however, the terrace houses, the main amphitheater, and the library particularly catch your attention.
The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is NOT located in the ancient city of Ephesus. It’s located about 2 km from the ruins and a km from the center of Selcuk. There’s no entrance fee to visit the temple.
Other attractions to explore in Selcuk include theย House of the Virgin Mary, theย Basilica of St. John,ย Isa Bey Mosque,ย Selcuk (or Ayasuluk) Castle, theย Cave of the Seven Sleepers,ย theย Ephesus Museum, and the mountain village of Sirince.
Mehmet and Ali Baba Kebab House, Pidecisi, and Ejder are some of the best places to dine in Selcuk.
Day 7: Explore Bodrum | Fly Back Home
One of the most sought-after destinations on the Turkish Riviera, aka the Turquoise Coast, Bodrum is known for its virgin natural beauty, rich art, history, & culture, cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and mild climate year-round. The town is famous as the Saint Tropez of Tรผrkiye.
Once known as Halicarnassus, Bodrum is home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, aka Tomb of Mausolus, Castle of St. Peter or Petronium or Bodrum Castle, a 15th-century crusader castle settled on a rocky peninsula between the two beautiful twin bays, and a couple of breathtaking beaches.
Bodrum Old Town, with its maze of narrow streets sprinkled with traditional white-and-blue houses, is a delight to stroll through.
A day cruise along the coast or to nearby islands on a gulet, a traditional Turkish wooden boat, is a must-do in Bodrum.
You can also visit the iconic 18th-century stone windmills on the hills and enjoy the panoramic view of the azure bays. Yalikavak, Gumusluk, Turgutreis, Akyarlar, Gundogan, and Gokcebel are some of the most beautiful sleepy villages and towns on the Bodrum Peninsula.
When in Gumusluk, take time to visit the historic Rabbit Bay to witness the ruins of the ancient city of Myndos.
If you can add another day to your 7-day itinerary for Turkey, you can even take a day trip to the Greek island of Kos.
If you only have time for one thing to do in Bodrum, slow down, enjoy the peace, appreciate the beauty all around, order a nice cup of coffee along with a divine dessert at one of the charming cafes here, and forget the rest – Hey Joe Coffee Co., Kaktรผs, Joy Art Cafe & Bistro, and Maride Cafรฉ are some of our favorites.
After spending half a day exploring Bodrum, hop on a flight back to Istanbul to fly back home.
In a country as diverse as Turkey, a week might not be enough to soak it all in. We’ve covered the must-visit spots like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Bodrum in this 7-day itinerary. But if you’re thirsting for more, you might want to consider extending your journey to discover the coastal towns of Alacati and Ayvalik. Trust us, they’re worth every additional day, offering a slower pace and more intimate feel. Be sure to check out our 2-week and 3-week Turkey itineraries (coming soon), where we dive deeper into these charming coastal gems.
Tips for a 7-Day Turkish Itinerary
โฆฟ Carry a scarf to cover your head for visiting mosques.
โฆฟ If you want to experience a traditional hammam at historic hammams like Aga Hamam and Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam, it’s recommended to book in advance.
โฆฟ English is not widely spoken in Turkey, so you should learn a few basic Turkish words and also keep a Google Translate app handy on your phone.
โฆฟ Be cautious while hiring a taxi, as taxi scams are common in Turkey. I’ll write a detailed post about the scams in Turkey.
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