Turkey has something thrilling for everyone – world class hot air ballooning, beautiful beaches, historic UNESCO sites, the Grand Bazaar and the bustling metropolis of Istanbul.
This trip exceeded every expectation and I’m sharing my 7 Day Turkey itinerary so you create your own incredible adventure.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING
- You need an e-Visa to enter Turkey. Rates vary depending on nationality and you can apply for your visa ahead of time on the official Turkish government e-visa website here.
- Don’t underestimate how massive Turkey is. If you can spend 2 weeks or more in this country, I highly recommend it. There are so many beautiful places to visit and driving and flying takes up alot of time.
- Turkish currency is the Lira.
- Bring the right power adapters for your devices. For Turkey there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Electrical voltage is 230V and 50HZ.
- Women should dress conservatively. No v-necks or low cut shirts, cover your knees and do not wear tight or form fitting clothing.
Learn some basic words: merhaba – hello, teşekkür – thank you, güle güle – goodbye, yok hajir – no, and evet – yes. - Wear comfortable shoes because you will do an ample amount of walking.
IS TURKEY SAFE?
Mainstream media makes almost everywhere in the world seem dangerous. When we began telling family and friends that we were visiting Turkey, they immediately had concerns and a few even suggested we cancel our trip. During our trip to Turkey we never felt unsafe or as if we were in danger. I truly felt as safe in Turkey as any other country I have traveled to in the past.
As things are constantly changing, it’s always a good idea to purchase travel insurance in case you need to change your trip due to some unfortunate circumstance. World Nomads is a great travel insurance plan that will cover trip cancellation or emergency medical expenses.
WHEN TO VISIT TURKEY
The most comfortable months are April-May and September-October. We went to Turkey in May and the weather was perfect! It also happened to be during Ramadan, which is a nice experience. If you want the big sites to yourself, coincide your trip with Ramadan. Most people don’t travel during Ramadan, so everything is much less busy.
- Istanbul – is hot and swarming with tourists in June-August. During April/May and September/October is pleasant weather wise. November – March there will be less tourist, however the weather is colder.
- Cappadocia – Best months are April, May, September and October. June – August are HOT! The winter months are cold, however the snow capped caves are a beautiful sight. You can really go year round, but be aware that balloon flights can be cancelled due to weather at anytime of year. If you are concerned about weather conditions, stay an extra day to get another opportunity at flying or seeing the balloons fly.
WHAT TO PACK
Turkey is a vast country that experiences very hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Depending on the time of year, your packing list for Turkey will be very different!
Men can get away with wearing a shirt and shorts in most places, but note that when visiting religious sites, you should have pants and shirts with sleeves. Long shorts will be allowed in some places, but best to be on the safe side and if you plan to visit any mosques, just wear pants.
For women the basic principle is the less skin the better. Even fully covered, some women can attract unwanted attention, that is just the unfortunate part of being a woman in certain countries.
Turkey is a Muslim country and while beachwear is acceptable at beaches and pools, modest dress is expected in the rest of the country, whether summer or winter. Leave your short shorts and short dresses for the beach resorts only and pack breathable and flowing fabrics or linen shirts to cover shoulders and arms when visiting most cities in the country.
Here are some things I recommend packing in your suitcase:
- Scarf (to cover hair in religious areas)
- Maxi dresses or dresses past the knee
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-Shirts
- Jeans/Leggings
- Sweat/Jacket for cooler evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals
- Bathing suit with cover up
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Battery pack
Don’t worry if you find yourself short on clothing, you can easily shop and find anything for fairly cheap.
MY ONE WEEK ITINERARY IN TURKEY
Here’s a quick overview of the cities I visited during my one week in Turkey:
- Cappadocia: 3 Days
- Istanbul: 4 Days
HOW TO GET TO TURKEY
For our trip, we flew into the new Istanbul Airport in the Arnavutköy district and then took a connecting flight directly to Cappadocia.
Istanbul has three international airports so you can chose which airport is the best option for you:
- Istanbul Airport – located on the European side in the Arnavutköy district. Built with the intention of becoming the world’s biggest airport, it will eventually be the main airport for the city and hub for all Turkish Airlines flights.
- Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) – located on the European side in Yeşilköy and is one of the busiest airports in the world.
- Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) – located on the Asian side in Pendik.
After landing in Istanbul Airport, we then connected to Cappadocia on a quick 1 hour and 15 minute flight. There are two airports that you can fly into Cappadocia:
- Kayseri Erkilet Airport
- Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport
I personally flew into Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport because it was closer to my hotel. I provided my flight information to my hotel and they arranged shuttle transportation. It was very convenient and made the transition between the airport and hotel very simple. The shuttle fee was about 8 USD per person each way.
Note: We chose to begin our trip in Cappadocia and end in Istanbul, however you could also spend the first few days in Istanbul and then go to Cappadocia.
Cappadocia – 3 Days
Cappadocia is one of the most unique destinations in the world, with a stunning landscape that looks unlike anything else you’ll ever see. Get up early to see thousands of hot air balloons floating above the landscape at sunrise. Whether witnessed from the basket of a hot air balloon or from ground level, it is jaw-dropping.
WHERE TO STAY
To break it down for you, Cappadocia is the region and within there are many different towns. Göreme is one of these towns and this is the main hub for tourists in Cappadocia. The town of Göreme is located between the ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations that make up Cappadocia and give this area such a unique look and trust me it does feel like you’re in a fairy tale!
I recommend looking for accommodations within Göreme , however if you have a car or prefer to be outside of the main tourist area then you may want to consider Uçhisar, Urgap or Ortahisar. For a better overview of Cappadocia, click here to view a map.
When it comes to where I believe you should stay in Cappadocia there is only one answer for me: In a cave hotel. While there are plenty of amazing options in and around Göreme we stayed at Sultan Cave Suites. Sultan Cave Suites is truly an absolutely amazing place to stay! The staff made us feel like family and made everything from our stay, to rescheduling our cancelled balloon ride to booking a rental car SO simple. They even have a few cute little pups that roam around the hotel and are super friendly. I plan to definitely visit again one day!
HOW TO GET AROUND
To get around Cappadocia without a car can be quite tricky, as the region is huge, the public transport is really not good and some of the main attractions are far away from each other. I personally recommend renting a car – if you don’t decide to book guided tours. Taxi’s and private drivers are an option, however they quickly add up and don’t allow you to fully explore and experience what Cappadocia has to offer.
We rented a car through our hotel, which they completely arranged and added the price to our bill upon check out. The process was SO convenient because the car was dropped off and picked up at the hotel. Our car rental cost 30 USD per day and was completely worth it. There is something about having the freedom to explore and do as you please when you have your own vehicle, especially in a foreign country. I personally prefer this method than being on a structured and guided tour with tons of tourists.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
Göreme Open Air Museum
Probably the most well known and most visited place in Cappadocia is The Göreme Open Air Museum. The museum, which is home to dozens of churches, was first built when the Christians settled there. The churches are built into rocks, which makes them extremely special and so different compared to average churches. Inside the churches, you can see paintings, which some are better preserved than others.
I really enjoyed visiting this place – however, you should try to avoid the huge tourist buses that arrive around 9 AM, as the Göreme Open Air Museum is one of the first things to do in Cappadocia. I recommend visiting early in the morning or shortly before it closes. Admission is about 5 USD.
Monks Valley
Nearby The Open Air Museum you can find another well known place to visit in Cappadocia: Monks Valley. The name was derived from some cones carved in tuff stones which stand apart. This spot has the most striking Fairy Chimneys and should definitely be on your list when you travel to Cappadocia.
Uçhisar Castle
Uçhisar is the highest point in Cappadocia and offers magnificent views from the top.
Inside the rocks, there are many rooms hollowed out and are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels, and passages. Due to the erosion, it is unfortunately not possible to access all the rooms.
Love Valley
The combination of the name Love Valley and the interesting pillars is quite hilarious. The rocks basically resemblance man hood. At Love Valley, you can visit the viewpoint from above or you can hike down to the base of the huge structures.
Red Valley
Red Valley Sunset viewpoint is known for its amazing views. There is a cafe at the top that serves wine and beer. The views there are a mix of Grand Canyon and moon landscapes, in short: just breathtaking.
Devrent Valley
Devrent Valley is also known as Imagination Valley. It is filled with unique looking Fairy Chimneys resembling animal shapes.
All the places listed above I was able to visit using a car, however here are two tours that allow you to visit these locations and more if you prefer to be with a guide. Each tour is 7-9 hours long and both are popular, however if you can only do one, I suggest the green tour.
Red Tour // Uchisar, Goreme Open Air Museum, Monks Valley, Devrent Valley, Love Valley
Again, you can rent a car yourself and easily get to the places featured on the Red Tour, however if you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself and prefer a guided tour then this tour is an option. You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel. Click here for more information on the Red Tour.
Green Tour // Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley
The reason I recommend the green tour over the red tour is because the places you’ll see on the green tour are a long distance from Göreme and not the easiest to find. Taking a tour will ensure you’ll make it to all the spots mentioned in a timely manner. This tour requires quite a lot of walking. So, it’s best to save this for a day that you’re not tired. Click here for more information on the Green Tour.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
The reason for Cappadocia’s fame is clearly those magical hot air balloon rides! This is an absolute MUST do if you’re in Cappadocia! Flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip to Cappadocia – as it offers aerial views on this beautiful region. It is an unforgettable experience and the best thing to do in Cappadocia.
There are SO many hot air balloon companies, however we decided to go with Butterfly Balloons. Tour operators will pick you up from your hotel around 4:30 AM, provide breakfast and transport you to the starting point. After enjoying the sunrise views in the hot air balloon, you land and celebrate the experience with champagne. Hot air balloon prices start at about 190 USD.
Watch the Sunrise
Watching the hot air ballons drift throughout the sky while the sunrises is another epic reason to visit Cappadocia. Why? Because the whole sky just looks way more beautiful and romantic. It’s probably the main reason why Cappadocia became so famous on Instagram – because hands down the images of Cappadocia with the balloons during sunrise are just out of this world. You can get amazing views from several valley viewpoints or if you’re lucky from your own hotel.
Sunrise – Photoshoot
Now, if you’re set on getting the perfect photo of the hot air balloons rising over Göreme – I highly recommend you stay at your hotel. Ask the hotel concierge what time they suggest you arrive on the rooftop to watch the balloons rise. Although you have to be up early, you pretty much just roll out of bed, get ready and walk right outside of your room.
Another option is to hire a local photographer to take photos of you on your hotel rooftop and take you around to all the hot spots for photos.
Visit a Carpet Shop
There’s a huge shop with over 50,000 pieces of craftsmanship divided throughout several rooms called Galeri Ikman. It is owned by the friendliest shop owner you will ever meet. Take an item home if you’re able to fit something in your suitcase or just stop by for a photo. The shop owner is more than willing to be your Instagram boyfriend and snap a picture for a few Liras.
Horseback Riding
Depending on how adventurous you are, you can spend your late afternoon/evening a few different ways. A popular option is horseback riding through the valleys and fairy chimneys. These rides typically last 2 hours.
Quad Tours
Another popular activity to do in Cappadocia is riding an ATV through Love, Sword and Rose Valleys. These tours also last about 1-2 hours and are perfect to take just before sunset. You’ll get a different perspective of the valleys, plus get to have some fun driving an ATV!
Wine Tour
Why not take a wine tour? It’s not too often that you get to visit a wine region that has been in production for 4,000 years! Wineries are about a 15 minute drive from Sultan Cave Suites. You can visit the wineries on your own or choose a $75 pp wine tour.
We personally chose to visit Kocabag Winery on our own. We were able to sample 6 of their wines. We ended up choosing our favorite wine and purchased a bottle to share at the winery. We also purchased a few bottles for less than 10 USD each, to enjoy on our hotel balcony and bring home.
WHERE TO EAT
Shop My Cappadocia Look
Istanbul – 4 Days
With a population of 15 million, Istanbul is the largest city in Europe. You will likely spend most of your time on the European side but you can take a Bosphorus cruise right down the middle to see the Asian side.
WHERE TO STAY
Istanbul is divided into 39 districts: 25 on the European side and 14 on the Asian side. As you can imagine, choosing a hotel can be overwhelming since there are so many different neighborhoods and lots of hotel options. Here is a list of some of the most popular Istanbul neighborhoods to help you decide where to stay.
Beyoğlu is located on the Eastern European side of the river and known for being a trendy area full of cobbled roads, great cafe’s, pubs, and shopping, as well as boutique hotels. You will be near popular areas of Taksim Square, Galata, Karakoy, and Istiklal street.
Sultanahmet is located on the other part of the European side, which is the top area for tourism in Istanbul as it holds the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and Basilica Cistern. Sultanahmet is also very close to the Grand Bazaar.
Karaköy is located in the mouth of the Golden Horn, this neighborhood is now home to Istanbul’s hottest restaurants and most stylish boutiques and hotels.
Beşiktaş is located the heart of the luxury hotel district in Istanbul. Known for its epic Bosphorus views and proximity to Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy Mosque. There are tons of rooftop bars in this area offering beautiful views and cocktails.
We decided to stay in the Beşiktaş neighborhood at AC Hotel Istanbul Macka. We found it to be in not only a great area, but near many popular sites including Dolmabahçe Palace, Sultanahmet and the Bosphorus.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Expect traffic in Istanbul! Fortunately, Istanbul offers many ways of getting around by public transport. The metro, bus, and tram run throughout the entire city. To catch any of these forms of transportation, you’ll need an Istanbulkart. This electronic smart card allows you to pay for fares, and you can pick one up at the airport or at any station.
Taxis and Uber are also options to getting around the city. Be careful with taxis as they are known for taking advantage of tourists. Check the meter because sometimes they already have it running before you enter. This actually happened to us and when we mentioned it to the driver he made up some ridiculous reason, so we quickly exited and called an Uber. You maybe told that Uber is illegal, however the app works in Istanbul. I used Uber to and from the airport and around Istanbul and did not have any issues.
Ferries are also a quick and fun way to get from one side to the other. It can be the most convenient way to cross the Bosphorus, and it’s definitely the most scenic. The main ferry stations are Karaköy, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, and Eminönü.
All transportation is pretty convenient and affordable in Istanbul.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
Galata Tower
The 14th-century medieval watchtower overlooks the Bosphorus that separates Europe and Asia. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset and overlook the entire city. The tower opens at 9 AM and tickets cost about 5 USD to visit the top. Trendy cafes surround the Galata Tower so you can easily get your breakfast and coffee before heading up.
Spice Bazaar
The Misir Carsisi or the Spice Market is blocks and blocks of small alleyways with covered shops selling dried fruits, lokum (Turkish delights) and lots of yummy spices. It’s the perfect place to grab some souvenirs for home! Location is just over the road of Galata Bridge. 10 minute walk from the Grand Bazaar.
Grand Bazaar
A visit to the Grand Bazaar must be on your list of things to do in Istanbul. This iconic market is one of the greatest and largest in the world. Although it’s always incredibly busy with 250,000 to 400,000 daily visitors, the bustle adds to the experience. From carpets to jewelry, fake designer bags and clothing, this sprawling maze is constantly bustling. Take the time to browse the stalls and then haggle with the local peddlers.
If you are planning to buy something, get ready for an intense bargain. The bazaar is open from 9 AM to 8 PM and closed every Sunday.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is Istanbul’s most famous landmark. The breathtaking blue interior of the mosque is what brought its nickname: Blue Mosque. Start your morning at 08:30 AM to avoid the tour groups and prayer times. Covers are available for free, and admission is free. The Blue Mosque is open everyday, all you need to be aware is praying times as the Mosque is closed to visitors during praying times. The mosque closes for 90 minutes at each prayer time. Avoid visiting the mosque at prayer time. Click here for more information.
The Blue Mosque is located right across from Hagia Sophia so it’s best to visit them the same day in order to save time.
Hagia Sophia
A church, a mosque, a museum–originally built in 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia has had a long and storied life. This UNESCO site belongs to the world’s greatest archaeological achievements. Famous for its grandness and incredible interior.
Hagia Sophia is open from 9 AM to 7 PM and is closed on Mondays. Tickets cost about 12 USD. Don’t buy any skip-the-line tickets on the street. Order your tickets online.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace is a 19th century palace and the largest palace in Turkey. It housed the last six Sultans of the Ottoman Empire as well as the founder of the new Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who died in a bedroom in the palace. Take the time to follow the carpeted route and appreciate the intricate ornate details of the 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets and 6 Turkish baths. The largest crystal chandelier in the world, custom-made in England, hangs in the main hall.
Entrance is limited to 3,000 visitors per day and audio guides are provided for free.
Istiklal Street
Here you can truly take the pulse of the city because it is the liveliest area in Istanbul. Climb onto the red tram on Istiklal Street and explore, hopping off when you’re ready to shop. Think of Istiklal as the Time Sqaure of Istanbul.
Indulge in Turkish Breakfast
Made up of several different spreads, eggs, cheeses, breads, olives, honey, and more, plus unfathomable amounts of Turkish tea, Turkish breakfast is a gut-busting and incredible meal.
If you’re looking for a fantastic breakfast spot that’s popular with locals and tourists, you can’t beat Van Kahvalti Evi.
Take a Ferry to Another Continent
Sailing the Bosphorus is the best way to see Istanbul from a distance, as well as the many mansions and palaces that line the shores of the river.
Istanbul is well known for being the only city to span two continents – Europe and Asia. Book a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and enjoy watching the sunset over the city while you indulge in a delicious meal that takes place not in Europe or Asia, but somewhere in between the two. You can book a tour and sail the Bosphorus during the daytime or at sunset.
Relax with a Traditional Hammam
Turkish hammams are a spa experience like no other. A traditional experience includes a scrub down and massage – you’ll leave feeling silky smooth! I personally recommend the Spa at The Shangri – La Bosphorus in Istanbul. This is the perfect way to relax and end your trip. My husband and I did this on the last day and it was amazing after our bodies and feet ached from all that walking. We added on a couples massage, which was incredible and surprisingly well priced for being a luxury hotel. Highly recommend treating yourself to this experience if you can.
Taksim Square
Taksim is a busy nightlife, shopping and dining district. Vintage trams trundle along Istiklal Caddesi, the city’s main pedestrian boulevard, which is lined with 19th-century buildings housing international shopping chains, movie theaters and cafes.
WHERE TO EAT
- Seven Hills Restaurant in Sultanahmet – Panoramic view of the entire city.
- Hafiz Mustafa – The most famous pastry restaurant. Order delicious baklava or any other dessert. Have a cup of coffee.
- A’YA Rooftop Lounge – Located in the Four Seasons. The rooftop opens at 5 PM.
- Soho House Istanbul – occupies the 19th-century Palazzo Corpi. The rooftop views and garden are a must see. Great place for dinner and cocktails.
- Van Kahvlati Evi – located in Cihanger, Van Kahvlati Evi has one of the best Turkish breakfasts.
- Naga Putrika – located in Kadikoy (Asian side), Mangerie for views of the Bosphorus. Known for a great Turkish breakfast.
- Los Altos – Craving something besides Turkish cuisine? This place has awesome cocktails and Mexican cuisine with an amazing panoramic view of the Old City Peninsula, Golden Horn, and the Prince Islands.
Shop My Istanbul Look
ADVICE
Here are some useful tips & tricks that might help you along the way:
- Invest in the Museum Pass! The Turkey Museum Pass is accepted at most museums and archaeological sites and maybe a good option if you plan to visit several different museums. The best thing about the Museum Pass is that it allows you to skip the line. I suggest looking into pricing and where you plan to visit to determine if it is worth it for you.
- Don’t be afraid to bargain with the vendors at the bazaar. Start at half the asking price and work your way up from there.
- Be sure to schedule your hot air balloon ride the first morning you are in Cappadocia. This is because if there is bad weather, you will have the chance to reschedule it for the next day.
- If you plan to drive around Cappadocia, you will need a GPS or a phone with GPS. While some of the places are easy to reach, there are hidden spots which are not on the usual tourist route.
- If you’re booking a popular hotel, I suggest booking at least 3-4 months in advance. Cave hotels book quickly.
Well, there you have it! My 1 week Turkey itinerary! Turkey is a magical experience! With so many more cities to see and things to do during your visit, I hope this guide gives you some excitement for your upcoming trip or just some inspiration to one day visit! For anyone with a short window of opportunity, I would recommend using this itinerary as inspiration.
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