Turkey Highlights: Istanbul to Antalya

12 days · 11 suggested stays

Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul, explore Sultanahmet (overnight: Istanbul)

Hagia Sophia
Iconic Byzantine cathedral with stunning architecture
Blue Mosque
Famous Ottoman mosque with blue tiles
Grand Bazaar
Historic covered market with 4000+ shops
Istanbul Hotel Stay — Visit site
Comfortable hotel in Sultanahmet area

Day 2 — Topkapi Palace and Bosphorus cruise (overnight: Istanbul)

Topkapi Palace
Ottoman sultan's palace with harem views
Basilica Cistern
Ancient underground water reservoir
Bosphorus Cruise
Scenic boat tour between Europe and Asia
Istanbul Hotel Stay — Visit site
Comfortable hotel in Sultanahmet area

Day 3 — Fly to Cappadocia, explore Goreme (overnight: Cappadocia)

Flight to Cappadocia
Domestic flight from Istanbul to Nevsehir
Goreme Open Air Museum
Ancient rock-cut churches with frescoes
Underground City
Ancient subterranean city complex
Cave Hotel Goreme — Visit site
Traditional cave hotel in Goreme

Day 4 — Hot air balloon and Red Valley hike (overnight: Cappadocia)

Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sunrise balloon flight over fairy chimneys
Red Valley Hike
Scenic hiking trail through red rock formations
Rose Valley
Stunning valley with rock-cut monasteries
Cave Hotel Goreme — Visit site
Traditional cave hotel in Goreme

Day 5 — Fly to Izmir, transfer to Kusadasi (overnight: Kusadasi)

Flight to Izmir
Domestic flight from Nevsehir to Izmir
Transfer to Kusadasi
Drive from Izmir to Kusadasi (~1h 13m)
Kusadasi Marina
Scenic marina with restaurants and shops
Charisma De Luxe Hotel — Visit site
Recommended hotel in Kusadasi

Day 6 — Visit Ephesus ancient city (overnight: Kusadasi)

Library of Celsus
Iconic Roman library facade
Great Theatre
Ancient theatre seating 25,000
Terrace Houses
Luxurious Roman residences with mosaics
Charisma De Luxe Hotel — Visit site
Recommended hotel in Kusadasi

Day 7 — Sirince village and Long Beach (overnight: Kusadasi)

Sirince Village
Picturesque Greek-style village
Long Beach
Popular beach with clear waters
Kadikalesi Fortress
Hilltop fortress with panoramic views
Charisma De Luxe Hotel — Visit site
Recommended hotel in Kusadasi

Day 8 — Fly to Antalya, explore Kaleici (overnight: Ephesus)

Flight to Antalya
Domestic flight from Izmir to Antalya
Kaleici Old Town
Historic Ottoman quarter with narrow streets
Hadrian's Gate
Roman triumphal arch entrance
Antalya Boutique Hotel — Visit site
Hotel in Kaleici district

Day 9 — Antalya beaches and harbor (overnight: Ephesus)

Konyaaltı Beach
Long sandy beach with mountain views
Antalya Harbor
Scenic marina with yacht views
Düden Waterfalls
Waterfalls flowing into the sea
Antalya Boutique Hotel — Visit site
Hotel in Kaleici district

Day 10 — Day trip to Perge and Aspendos (overnight: Ephesus)

Transfer to Perge
Drive to ancient Perge ruins (~30 min)
Perge Ancient City
Large ancient Pamphylian city
Aspendos Theatre
Best-preserved Roman theatre
Antalya Boutique Hotel — Visit site
Hotel in Kaleici district

Day 11 — Relaxation and last-minute shopping (overnight: Ephesus)

Antalya Museum
Excellent regional archaeology museum
Kaleici Shopping
Boutique shops and craft stores
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Boat dinner along the coast
Antalya Boutique Hotel — Visit site
Hotel in Kaleici district

Day 12 — Departure from Antalya (overnight: Ephesus)

Morning Walk
Leisurely stroll through Kaleici
Breakfast Cafe
Traditional Turkish breakfast
Airport Transfer
Transfer to Antalya Airport

Planning a trip? Get a free day-by-day itinerary.
Plan yours with AI →

TWARP