Your Turkey travel itinerary: top trip ideas and practical advice

Positioned at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey combines a rich mix of cultures and influences. Grand architecture, sublime food, and a dreamy coastline and climate make it a firm favorite amongst travelers. If you’re a first-time visitor looking for trip ideas and practical planning tips, you’ve come to the right place: read on for our top Turkey travel itinerary advice.

Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, conjures images of Silk Road traders and Ottoman splendor. Visiting this storied city is a heady experience, with sights, sounds and smells bombarding the senses and layer upon layer of history. Amidst the ancient architecture and grand mosques, contemporary art, culture, and cuisine shine bright.

Travel inland, and you’ll be gazing upon fantastical landscapes or wandering through ancient settlements. The coastal treasures of the Turquoise Coast also beckon with fabulous Mediterranean and Aegean beaches, rugged coastal mountains and as much sun, sea and sand as you desire.

Discovering the wonders of Turkey: our top itineraries

Our best Turkey travel itinerary: see the highlights in 10 days

This 10-day private Turkey travel itinerary presents a feast of landscapes and experiences encompassing the thrill of big city life and the calm of Turkey’s interior and sublime coast. Begin in the exciting city of Istanbul, exploring its time-worn streets and soaking up the atmosphere. You’ll tour historic sites with a private guide and get a taste for Istanbul’s vibrant street food scene.

Then, head inland to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia and the Soganli Valley where you’ll marvel at surreal rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and Roman ruins. The last stop will be in the gorgeous coastal region of Antalya, where waterfalls tumble and turquoise waters tempt.

Live the Mediterranean lifestyle on a week-long trip to Bodrum

This week-long Turkey itinerary to Bodrum and the Mediterranean Coast is all about sunshine, good food and relaxation. Unwind with boat trips along the Turquoise Coast, savor long lunches and delicious Turkish breakfasts, and take your time over sunset views. You’ll also set off on day trips into the rural realms of the region to visit thermal baths, ancient Roman ruins, and quiet country villages.

Take a cultural and historical deep dive in Ephesus and Cappadocia

This short but sweet Turkey trip will have you traveling back in time to discover some of the country’s fascinating history. This ancient land has seen civilizations rise and fall over the centuries, encompassing the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Begin your trip in the mesmerizing city of Istanbul, delving into its rich history with a local guide. Tour the architectural highlights, ask all your questions and enjoy the buzz. From there, fly inland to Cappadocia for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the region’s striking landscapes. Finally, explore the ancient city of Ephesus before closing the trip back in Istanbul with a show-stopping evening cruise and dinner on the Bosphorus.

Read more: A cultural guide to Turkey

A sun-seeker’s paradise: Antalya and Pamukkale

This bite-sized Turkey travel itinerary is designed to deliver a dose of sunshine, history and natural beauty. Three full-day, expertly guided tours will introduce you to the charms of Antalya and Pamukkale. You’ll tour ancient cities, gaze into Cleopatra’s Pools and walk amongst sun-bleached Roman ruins. Lunch is taken care of each day, and the evenings are free for you to enjoy the classic Turkish hospitality.

Treat your tastebuds on a culinary tour of Turkey

This is our best Turkey itinerary for the culinary curious, packing out 10 full days with vibrant flavors and experiences. Our local guides offer full immersion into the distinct neighborhoods of Istanbul, where you’ll visit the best street food stalls, spice markets, bakeries and delis. Take part in hands-on cooking classes and try your hand at the classics before sitting down to share and enjoy your creations.

You will also travel through the interior of Turkey for cultural and historical excursions alongside your gastronomic adventures.

Practical tips for planning your Turkey trip

We always recommend slow travel and advocate not overfilling your time. Set aside as many days as possible for your trip to Turkey and settle into vacation mode. Your local Turkey travel planner will be a fountain of knowledge, so ply them with questions, discuss your interests, and collaborate to create the ultimate Turkey travel itinerary unique to you.

Best time to visit: weather and seasonal highlights

The best time to visit Turkey is during spring/early summer and early fall, from May to June and September to October. July and August are the busiest months, and temperatures can get uncomfortably hot. The Turquoise Coast is mild year-round, and Istanbul is an all-season city, so visits from November through April can be considered, especially for a unique winter sun escape. Note that January and February are the wettest and coolest months.

Read more: Winter sun tips for Turkey from our local experts

Navigating Turkey: transportation tips and tricks

Distances are substantial in Turkey, so internal flights are regular and well-used. The roads are generally good, allowing for fuss-free bus travel and quick connections via taxi. Driving in Turkey as a tourist can be intimidating, so unless you are a very confident driver, it’s more relaxing to let a local driver take the wheel.

Local customs and etiquette: dress code and cultural tips

• Turkey is an Islamic country, so respectful behavior and dressing modestly are essential, especially when visiting religious sites and away from vacation resorts.
• Beachwear should be confined to the beach alone, and skimpy clothing is frowned upon for both men and women. Drunken behavior is also considered rude, especially for women.
• When visiting a mosque, legs, arms, and shoulders should be covered (for both men and women), and women are expected to cover their heads with a scarf. Shoes should be removed and voices kept low.
• It is best to tread carefully when talking politics and to refrain from making derogatory remarks, even in jest.
• An invitation to tea is a friendly gesture and an opportunity to connect with local people. If you feel comfortable and have time, accept the offer. Note that it’s polite to enjoy a second cup before taking your leave.

Safety and health: what you need to know

• Turkey is a friendly country and largely safe, though it’s wise to keep your wits about you as you would when visiting any unfamiliar place or city.
• Avoid drinking tap water in Turkey; stick to bottled water or boil tap water for a good 10 minutes.
• Stay abreast of any political unrest or potential marches in towns and cities. Avoid getting caught up in protests or demos, as there is the possibility that these could turn violent.
• Be sure to have full travel insurance when you visit Turkey and take note of the emergency number, 112.
• Driving in Turkey, especially in the cities, can be erratic. Be aware of traffic when crossing roads, and respond quickly to approaching vehicles even at pedestrian crossings.
• Be aware that health and safety rules in Turkey are not as stringent as in many other countries. Steep drops and road works may not be fenced off, and there won’t be lifeguards on the majority of beaches and waterways. Be present in your environment and keep a close eye on children.
• Lone travelers should take extra care when out and about at night, as they would in most countries. It’s unusual, but not unheard of, for a woman to be out alone at night, and it may attract unwanted attention. Avoid too much eye contact, be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers, and stick to busier areas.

How many days should you spend in Turkey?

With its tantalizing mix of cities, landscapes and coast, you could easily spend months in Turkey. But for most of us on a stricter schedule, a Turkey travel itinerary of 10-14 days will suffice.

Two weeks in Turkey will be ample time to spend a few days in Istanbul, travel to some of the natural and historical inland sights, and spend a good amount of time on the coast. If you’re more pushed for time, pick two of the above and come back for more another day.

Make it happen

Feeling inspired to plan your Turkey travel itinerary? Use our trip ideas as a starting point to craft your very own personalized adventure, working closely with our locally-based travel experts. Simply reach out to them today to get started.