7 days in Turkey itinerary

Full-disclosure: while it’s not possible to cover all the best things to do in Turkey in a week, with planning — or through following this itinerary — it is possible to experience a richly rewarding range of sights and activities. From discovering Istanbul’s top attractions and uncovering gems of the coast, to exploring fantastical fairy landscapes, our 7 days in Turkey itinerary will see you enjoy a vacation that’s packed with culture, adventure and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

7 days in Turkey itinerary

Starting in Istanbul, our suggested 7 days in Turkey itinerary reveals how the country defies expectations at every turn.

Prepare for a full-on vacation that switches gear several times — from the buzz and historic beauty of the capital city, to hot-air ballooning over otherworldly landscapes.

Want to spend more time in Turkey? You might like our 10-day itinerary in Turkey.

Day 1: Explore Istanbul

With just a day in Istanbul, it’s wise to focus on the city’s top attractions, many of which are located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood.

First on the agenda is visiting the iconic church of Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya). The greatest legacy of the Byzantine Empire, this boasts a unique blend of Byzantine mosaics and Islamic calligraphy.

Handily, the huge Blue Mosque is super-close to Hagia Sophia, with its blue interior Iznik tiles making it one of Istanbul’s most beautiful mosques.

We also suggest visiting the opulent Topkapı Palace and the eerily atmospheric Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) before finishing your day in the Grand Bazaar, which happens to be the world’s the largest covered bazaar.

Another great way to see the city is through boarding a boat to cruise the Bosphorus.

Want more ideas for things to do in the city? Discover how to spend a day in Istanbul. 

Or, if you're not keen on planning, book our customizable Week in Istanbul trip, and use the ready-made day plans in the Pocket Rough Guide to Istanbul.

Where to stay in Istanbul

Read on for an overview of what to expect of a few key neighborhoods in Istanbul. With only one night in the city, location really does matter.

Sultanahmet: best for all-round convenience 

Staying in Sultanahmet means you’ll be super-close to stacks of major sights. As such, it's a great option for first-time visitors, and those who are short on time.

Pretty peaceful in the evenings, it also suits families, and has accommodation for all budgets.

Beyoğlu: best for lively budget stays

With accommodation largely of the low and mid-range variety, and loaded with bars and clubs, Beyoğlu is a great choice for budget travelers who are looking for a lively taste of the city.

Karaköy: best for budget-conscious culture vultures

Just across the Galata Bridge from Sultanahmet, Karaköy is convenient and affordable.

With plenty of art galleries, cafes, and boutiques, it also invites travelers to get a feel for Istanbul’s cultural life.

Nişantaşı: best for luxury stays

If you want to live the high life during your say in Istanbul, note that Nişantaşı has a high concentration of luxury hotels and designer shops.

Browse accommodation options in Istanbul, and read more on the best area to stay in Istanbul, depending on your budget and tastes.

Day 2: Discover ancient Ephesus

On day two of your week in Turkey, the wonders of Ephesus await.

Take an early flight from Istanbul to Izmir, then head to Selçuk, gateway to one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.

Back in the 1st century AD, Ephesus was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire, which is clear to see even today when you explore the fresco-rich Terrace Houses and Library of Celsus.

Other highlights include the huge Great Theater, where St. Paul gave his sermons, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. 

Into culture and cuisine? Read up on the best Turkish cuisine, and browse our 9-day Turkish Treasures trip.

Where to stay in Selcuk

Though small, Selçuk offers a variety of accommodations to suit a variety of budgets and preferences.

Selçuk town center: best for convenience and charm

Staying in the center of Selçuk means you’ll be close to key attractions like the Ephesus Museum, the Basilica of St. John, and Isa Bey Mosque, and well-connected for your day trip to Ephesus.

With accommodation options for all budgets, it’s also full of charm — think cobbled streets and traditional houses — and has plenty of places to eat.

Sirince: best for nature lovers 

The hillside village of Şirince — a 15-minute drive from Selçuk — is a great place to stay if you want to combine a visit to Ephesus with a rural vibe. 

Explore places to stay in Selcuk.

Day 3: Soak up Pamukkale’s UNESCO sights

Offering a mix of natural magic and historic marvels, visiting UNESCO-designated Pamukkale is sure to be a highlight of your vacation.

Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle”, which describes the dazzling white terraces that were created by calcium-rich thermal mineral waters over thousands of years.

Pamukkale is also home to the ancient city of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa town that was founded in the 2nd century BC. 

Famous for its thermal springs — you could take a dip in Cleopatra’s pool during your trip — you’ll also want to visit the theater carved into the hillside, and explore the Necropolis, Roman Baths and Temple of Apollo.

Editor’s tip: if you have time, paraglide over Pamukkale to see ruins and terraces from an exhilarating perspective.

Where to stay in Pamukkale

Though small, Pamukkale offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and travel styles. 

Pamukkale village: best for all-round ease 

With a range of hotels, guesthouses, and budget-friendly accommodations, it’s easy to see wht staying right in the village of Pamukkale is a popular choice. 

You’ll be within walking distance of the main attractions, and have plenty of dining and transportation options.

Karahayit village: best for resting up

Famous for its red-hued thermal springs, Karahayit is a quieter alternative to Pamukkale, just a few miles from town, and many hotels have rejuvenating thermal pools.

Denizli City: best for budget travelers and city lovers

Less of a tourist hub than Pamukkale or Karahayit, staying in Denizli — the nearest large city to Pamukkale — will suit those who want access to budget-friendly hotels.

It also has good public transportation connections to Pamukkale, which is around 12 miles (20 km) away,

Browse places to stay in Pamukkale.

Day 4: Culture in coastal Antalya

On arriving in Antalya — your base for a couple of nights — spend your first day exploring Kaleiçi

Hadrian’s Gate and the Clock Tower are must-sees among its maze of cobblestone streets, Ottoman houses, and Roman ruins, and history buffs will also want to devote a few hours to the Antalya Museum. 

Come the late afternoon, hit Konyaaltı Beach to chill ahead of exploring more ancient wonders on day five

Keen to see more of the coast? Read up on the Black Sea coast and Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, and discover the best beaches in Turkey.

Days 5: Antalya's ancient wonders and waterfalls 

Start your day by heading to Perge to see one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities. 

Located 30 minutes from Antalya, the entrance to Perge sets the tone for the trip, with its two grand towers dating back to the Hellenistic period. 

Inside, you’ll get to see a Roman Stadium that once held up to 12,000 spectators, along with the expansive Agora marketplace and Roman Baths.

Next, head to the Aspendos Theater (around 45 minutes’ drive away), which has served as a stage since the 2nd century AD, and still hosts performances today.

Come the afternoon, visit Düden Waterfalls to walk through a natural cave that’ll take you behind the cascading water.

Where to stay in Antalya

One of Turkey’s most popular destinations, Antalya offers a range of accommodations, including family-friendly complexes, mid-price beachfront hotels, budget hostels and high-end resorts.

Kaleiçi (Old Town): best for romantics and culture vultures

With a charming setting, and lots of mid-range boutique hotels, Kaleiçi is perfect for culture vultures and couples looking for a romantic setting.

Konyaaltı Beach: best for beach lovers and budget travelers

Located west of Antalya's city center, Konyaaltı is a stretch of pebbly beach lined with budget and mid-range hotels, beach clubs, and cafes. 

Lara Beach: family vacations and high-end resorts

Located about 7 miles (12 km) from the city center. Lara Beach boasts a bounty of long sandy beaches and is home to some of Turkey’s best all-inclusive resorts.

On that subject,  if you’re looking for luxury and love golf, consider staying in Belek. Located 18 miles (30 km) east of Antalya, it’s home to Turkey’s finest golf clubs and has a host of high-end resorts.

But back to Lara Bwach. While some of its resorts are of the high-end variety — adults only, with spas and multiple pools and restaurants — many are firmly focused on families, with kids' clubs and water slides aplenty. 

Planning a family vacation? Read our guide to traveling with children in Turkey. 

Explore accommodation options in Antalya.

Day 6: Marvel at Monk’s Valley, Cappadocia

The last segment of this 7 days in Turkey itinerary will see you take an early morning flight from Antalya to Kayseri or Nevşehir, both of which serve as gateways to Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes.

First up, head to the UNESCO-designated Göreme Open-Air Museum, where remarkable rock-cut churches, monasteries and chapels reveal how early Christian communities thrived here between the 10th and 12th centuries. 

Next comes natural magic in the form of the fairy chimneys — tall, cone-shaped rock formations – of Pasabag (Monk’s Valley).

For more strange rock experiences, visit Devrent Valley — a remarkable natural sculpture garden located around 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Göreme.

Also known as Imagination Valley, many of the formations here bear an uncanny resemblance to animals.

Day 7: Take to the skies and go underground

Arguably saving the best ‘til last, rise early to enjoy a sublime hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys at sunrise before visiting Derinkuyu Underground City — one of the largest and deepest underground cities in the world. 

This multi-layered marvel of architectural engineering extends over 279 feet (85 meters) below ground, and was spacious enough to shelter 20,000 people, plus their livestock and supplies, through several historic periods.

Into adventure? Take an ATV or horseback riding tour of Cappadocia’s valleys. You might also want to take a look at our trip focused on hiking in the valleys of Cappadocia.

Where to stay in Cappadocia

Offering incredible cave hotels catering to budget travelers and luxury-lovers alike, plus more conventional accommodations, you’ll be hard pushed to choose where to stay in Cappadocia.

Read on for a few pointers.

Göreme: best for convenience

Known for its cave hotels, and near many key attractions, including the Göreme Open-Air Museum and Pasabag, Göreme is the most popular base for visitors to Cappadocia. 

Uçhisar: best for luxury and peace

With a more tranquil atmosphere than Göreme, and more luxury accommodation, Uçhisar is also home to the highest point in Cappadocia — Uçhisar Castle — which offers breathtaking views of the region. 

Editor’s tip: for an even quieter stay, consider Ortahisar and Avanos, the latter of which has a decent range of mid-price and budget options.

Çavuşin: best for hikers

Given that several popular trails start or pass through here, Çavuşin is a top choice for hikers.

Known for its rock-cut churches and ancient caves, it’s also close to major attractions like Red Valley and Pasabag.

Browse accommodation options in Cappadocia.

Looking for a longer vacation? See our 10 days in Turkey itinerary, which covers the same incredible destinations, but offers a more immersive experience.

For more inspiration, browse our customizable Turkey itineraries before contacting our local experts to kick-start curating your dream vacation.

The Rough Guide to Turkey will also come in handy for pre-trip planning, and when you’re on the road.