On an itinerary for a trip to Turkey, you'll visit some of the most fantastic places in this country of contrasts, a fusion of East and West. The strategic location between two continents puts Turkey on a unique level. It is a country rich in history, natural landscapes and influenced by different cultures.
Among the various attractions of Istanbul, such as the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, to the strange but magical landscape of the Cappadocia, to the surreal place that is Pamukkale. And still extra time for the spiritual retreat of Konya and a secret place — which I discovered on my last trip to Turkey.
In this Turkey travel itinerary, I assume you will take a domestic flight to save time and cross this vast country bordered by the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. This is the only way to manage to see everything I recommend in this itinerary. Of course, you can visit all these fantastic places in Turkey, but be warned—you will regret rushing through Pamukkale and especially Istanbul and Cappadocia.
These places are so amazing that just writing about them and remembering the incredible days I spent there gives me goose bumps. And I speak from experience, as I've been to Istanbul more than once and Cappadocia for almost two weeks.
Are you ready for the places not to be missed on this travel itinerary to Turkey? You can visit any of these destinations in Turkey in winter, summer, October or at any time of the year. Turkey is a versatile destination that you can visit at any time of the year.
Must-see places on a travel itinerary to Turkey
Days 1 to 4: Istanbul
Istanbul, I've already mentioned it on the blog, is one of my favourite cities. There's so much to say about Istanbul. And even though I've been there more than once, I never tire of the city, nor do I cease to be surprised with each visit. And, above all, I feel that I still have so much to see in that metropolis shared by 14 million locals and as many visitors.
As a city that spans two continents, the fascinating city of Istanbul really is a place where East meets West. Istanbul has an extensive history and from visiting sites such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque or the Grand Bazaar, there is plenty to do and explore in Turkey's largest city. You can get lost in Istanbul's historic quarter, take a cruise on the Bosphorus, buy souvenirs (to your heart's content) or eat to your heart's content.
If you want to know more about Istanbul, read this complete guide that I wrote recently.
Where to sleep in Istanbul
I wrote a complete article about the best areas to stay in Istanbul, but there are two or three places I recommend for overnight stays in the city. The first recommendation is_
Equally affordable is the Glamour Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci — 500 meters from Hagia Sophia. With an enviable location in the city center, I suggest the Miss Istanbul Hotel & Spa. A few minutes’ walk from Topkapi Palace, it offers a sauna and Turkish bath. Only the price doesn’t make you sweat...
Days 5 to 6: Eskisehir
Eskisehir was, for me, the big surprise of my last trip to Turkey. For a centuries-old city, Eskisehir is a town with unrivalled dynamism. Contrary to the meaning of its name, the city is vibrant and lively, densely populated by young students from the two main local universities, and was designed precisely with these ideas in mind.
Eskisehir is the perfect place to spend a day (or more), walk or cycle along the two banks of the Porsuk River. The city may even remind you of some European metropolises, which were the inspiration for its development after thousands of migrants from Crimea and the Balkans settled there.
What I liked most about this city was that I could explore without seeing other tourists, that I could chat to the locals, that I made friends easily and that it was also the best place to eat in Turkey. In Eskisehir you must try the çiğbörek - a very, very good fried dough with meat. And I mean that sincerely, because I don't even eat fried food. It's a place I want to return to.
Where to sleep in Eskisehir
Eskisehir is a small city — by Turkish standards. And it was there that I stayed at one of the cheapest and nicest hotels, the Tymbris Hotel Eskisehir. The owner and staff are very friendly. A very popular hotel in Eskisehir is the Vendome Hotel, with breakfast that will make you want more.
Another option is The Merlot Hotel Eskisehir. Prices include a buffet breakfast, access to the fitness center, and rooms with air conditioning and minibar. If you want something more sumptuous and eco-friendly, opt for Tasigo Hotels Eskisehir Bademlik Termal, within walking distance of the historic houses of Odunpazari.
Days 7 to 9: Pamukkale
A word of advice: despite being told or reading on some blogs that you can see Pamukkale in half a day or pass through on the run, I recommend staying overnight in the small town of the same name. Why should you? Because if you visit Pamukkale at any time other than sunrise or sunset you'll hate Turkey's thermal pools.
This is one of the most sought-after spots on a travel itinerary to Turkey and very popular among the Instagram “stars.” So, consider your itinerary carefully. Near the end of the day, when the dozens of tour buses have disappeared, you will have Pamukkale almost all to yourself.
It's a blessing to set foot in those waters when hardly anyone is around. At other times of the day, it's a hardship to escape the bumps and shouts of the tourists who flock there.
Pamukkale has been protected since 1988 by UNESCO, which declared the area a World Heritage Site. Pamukkale got rid of the hotels that were swallowing it, and the limestone pools were built to hide the damage caused. Fortunately, there are now limits on any tourist project.
In this article you can read all about how to prepare for your trip to Pamukkale.
Where to sleep in Pamukkale
To stay overnight in Pamukkale there aren't many accommodation options. I stayed at the Bellamaritimo Hotel and although it's a unit that could do with some improvement, I can recommend it because some rooms have a view of the Cotton Castle. The hotel has a swimming pool, breakfast is good and the staff are attentive.
Other options within a more limited budget is the Ozbay Hotel. The rooms are spacious, the internet is free, and breakfast is included in the rate. If you want something more appealing, the recommended option for visitors to Pamukkale is Doğa Thermal Health & Spa.
Days 10 to 12: Konya
Here’s the English translation while keeping the links intact: Konya is the Turkish city where the whirling dervishes' dances were born. Located on the ancient Silk Road, Konya has a lot to see and do, several good hotels, and easy transportation.
It was here that I watched - free of charge - the show that is repeated every week. The whirling dervishes may seem like a tourist attraction (and they are in Istanbul) but it's a real cult for Mevlana's followers.
During the ceremony, the dervishes become a spiritual link between God and humans through a moment of trance induced by prayer. A dervish is a practitioner of Sufi Islam who follows the path of Tariqahknown for its extreme poverty and austerity.
Here’s the translation with the HTML tags and links preserved: Besides that, you can visit the Mevlana Museum, Kultur Park, Haciveyiszade Mosque, Sircali Madrasa, or the Bedesten Bazaar. And once in Konya, take a short trip to an interesting village: Sille. From Konya, you can travel to the Cappadocia by bus or rent a car.
Easily accessible by train or aeroplane, Konya is an extremely ancient city. In Konya, don't forget to try the Etliekmeka bread with minced meat that goes out to restaurant tables by the tonne - always accompanied by the traditional drink Ayran. And while you're at it, try another local recipe: tirit. It's delicious!
See what you can visit in Konya in 24 hours.
Where to sleep in Konya
Konya is a city where you can find accommodation at a relatively low price, especially if you travel a bit off-season.
The Nun Hotel, where I stayed when I visited Konya, is highly recommended. It is located about a ten-minute walk from the Mevlana Museum, features modern décor, and offers a good breakfast. The staff does not speak English, but they are helpful.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, I recommend the Hilton Garden Inn Konya, near the Mevlana Cultural Center. The rooms are spacious and modern, and the Sumac Grill restaurant serves both Turkish and international cuisine.
The Araf Hotel and you'll only have to walk 700 metres to get to the Mevlana Museum or the Bayir Diamond Hotel & Convention Centre where you have access to a whirlpool bath.
Days 13 to 15: Cappadocia
Cappadocia is not like anywhere else in the world and you'll feel like you've landed on another planet. After years of wishing and dreaming about Cappadocia in Turkey, I finally managed to visit this incredible region of the world. And of all the fascinating places you can put on a travel itinerary to Turkey, Cappadocia is a must.
This region of Central Anatolia is stupendous, surreal and magical. The landscape, which almost seems to have been created by beings from another planet, leaves you speechless. Unlike Pamukkale, where there has been human intervention, in Cappadocia everything has happened by the action of nature - if we exclude the houses and hotels now built into the rocks.
Walk through the valleys and discover hundreds of churches, chapels and monasteries carved out of the rock. Explore and be amazed by mushroom-shaped (or even penis-shaped) rock formations and, if your budget allows, take a hot air balloon to see the scenery from another perspective. I had intended to stay three or four days in Cappadocia, but I couldn't resist and ended up staying ten...
From Cappadocia to Istanbul you can travel by plane, bus and train. Take a flight from Nevşehir Kapadokya, very close to Goreme. The direct flight between Nevşehir and Istanbul takes around 1h30 and there are prices from 25€.
By bus, several companies run night flights between Cappadocia and Istanbul. Considering the price of flights, this is an option I don't recommend unless the price of travelling by plane is very high.
The bus journey between Cappadocia and Istanbul takes almost 12 hours and costs around 140 Turkish lira. You can buy and check bus timetables online. High-speed trains connect Ankara and Konya to Istanbul, with a change at Eskisehir.
Where to sleep in Cappadocia
In Cappadocia, where I stayed for almost two weeks, I chose the Goreme Rose Valley Inn because it’s new, the terrace view is amazing, and the location is perfect for watching the hot air balloons take off.
Also in Goreme, I stayed at the Kufe Hotel, as it’s very central, has a swimming pool (essential if you’re visiting in summer), and offers a good breakfast. If you want more hotel recommendations in Cappadocia, check out this complete guide for visiting this region of Turkey.
Other places for a travel itinerary to Turkey
Ankara
Turkey’s capital is not one of the most appealing places in the country, but if you have time in your itinerary, it’s worth visiting Ankara to get a sense of the city’s scale, experience daily life, and also explore some important sites in Turkey’s history.
For example, one of the places you should visit in Ankara is Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Ataturk - the first president of the Republic of Turkey and a hero to all Turks.
Ataturk's legacy is undeniable and it's hard not to be impressed by the size and grandeur of this site. This extravagant tomb and memorial are particularly important for the city of Ankara, because it was Ataturk who designated Ankara as the country's new capital - succeeding Constantinople (Istanbul). If you go to Ankara, don't forget to visit the Citadel.
Fethiye and Oludeniz
The landscape around Fethiye and Oludeniz is truly appealing and for very good reasons. I had these places on my Turkey travel itinerary, but in the end, I didn’t find the time to take a dip in those incredible waters.
Fethiye and Oludeniz are ideal places to discover the many attractions along Turkey's Turquoise Coast. Fethiye is a port town in a privileged position for diving off the nearby beaches or heading inland to discover the region's historic ruins - some of which have been recognised by UNESCO, such as the amphitheatre of Xanthos.
Save time (and money)
If you want to immerse yourself even more in the local culture, optimise your trip and even save money, go on experiences and guided tours in Turkey. Book the best tours and activities in advance. Skip the queues and get your entrances to monumentsYou'll have more time to enjoy your trip.
Internet and Wi-Fi
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Luggage in Turkey
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Travel Insurance
Never travel without travel insurance. I recommend IATI Seguros or Heymondo (if you use either of these links you get a 5% discount). They are the best travel insurance (and the cheapest) and have Covid-19 protection.
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- Photography workshops — learn photography with me
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I've been to 60 countries, so if you have a trip in mind with a group of friends, family or work colleagues, contact me and I'll be happy to plan, organise and lead the trip you want. The itinerary can be customised, as can the budget and activities.
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