10 Day Turkey Itinerary – The Ultimate Turkish Adventure

by Vaibhav Mehta
My ultimate 10 day Turkey itinerary will help you explore the best of Turkey

Turkey is one of my favorite travel destinations. Breathtaking geographical landscape, grand historical buildings, unique archaeological sites, rich culture, appetizing local cuisine, and generous local hospitality – the country has it all! It offers you an incredible diversity in nature, history, and culture. After exploring the neighbouring countries like Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, I wondered how this beautiful bridge of a country between Asia and Europe would be like. And I must admit, it exceeded my expectations. If you’re planning a visit to this country, then I have the best 10-day Turkey itinerary for you.

Ultimate 10 Day Turkey Itinerary

There are many places worth visiting in Turkey but 10 days isn’t enough to cover them all. So, I have personally curated a 10 day Turkey itinerary in which you’ll explore three places- Istanbul, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia. Each place is completely different from the other and has it’s own individualistic personality.


Day 1-4: Istanbul

“If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul” Alphonse de Lamartine. 

Istanbul is a great melange of history and modernity and the most colourful part of your 10 day Turkey itinerary

I strongly agree with Alphonse. Istanbul is a fabulous melange of history and modernity, making it an absolute must-visit in any Turkey itinerary.


Day 1:

Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous attractions in Istanbul

You’ll be exploring the following places- Hippodrome of Constantinople, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Spice Bazaar. 

The two activities you can do on this day are TurYol’s Bosphorus day cruise and Bosphorus dinner cruise with entertainment. I did both of them and enjoyed myself thoroughly.

In the Bosphorus day cruise, you get a clear daylight view of the Asian and European sides of Istanbul

I’d suggest you do them as well. Why? Because they are completely different experiences! On the day cruise, firstly, you get to see the lovely Bosphorus strait. Secondly, you get to enjoy enchanting views of the Asian and European sides of Istanbul in natural daylight.

The Bosphorus bridge lit up with LED lights is a sight to behold during the night cruise. It was also one of my favourite things to do in the 10 day Turkey itinerary

In the dinner cruise, you get to see the historical buildings on either side come alive thanks to the night lighting which gives them a scintillating glow. This is also the time when the Bosphorus bridge is lit up with LED lights and is a sight to behold. Add to that the royal Turkish wine and dine experience, and you have a night to remember!


Day 2:

Interiors of the Basilica Cistern
The royal Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul

You’ll be covering the following places- Little Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Kariye Museum, Pierre Loti Hill & Cafe, Suleymaniye Mosque and Galata Tower.

After all the sightseeing during the day, you can relish a “dinner with a view” experience at the Alexandra Cocktail Bar. Raise a toast to the view of the sparkling suspension bridge lighting up the Bosphorus and enjoy a night filled with scrumptious food, delicious cocktails, and foot-tapping music.


Day 3:

Dolmabahce Palace gives you a wonderful insight into Turkish history
A 10 day Turkey itinerary is incomplete without covering the famous Istanbul bazaar called the Grand Bazaar, a place that is always buzzing with people

On your third day in Istanbul, you’ll be exploring the following places- Dolmabahçe Palace, Taksim Square and Grand Bazaar. 

In terms of activities, you can rejuvenate yourself by visiting a traditional Turkish Hammam. Hammam is a term used for a “Turkish bath”. It’s basically a Middle Eastern spa tradition that uses steam to reinvigorate tired muscles. So gift yourself a much deserved Turkish therapy session and get rid of all the stress and physical exhaustion.


Day 4:

You begin your penultimate day in Istanbul by visiting the Beylerbeyi Palace

On your last day, you’ll be visiting the Beylerbeyi Palace. After that you can enjoy an appetizing lunch at Ioki Asia which is just 4.5 km away from the palace. The place specializes in Asian cuisine so you can rest assured that the best Asian food in Istanbul is on your plate.

You have to sit in the tram and experience the vibe of Taksim Square

Spend the rest of your day bar hopping around the Taksim Square. To leave the magical city of Istanbul without experiencing it’s dazzling nightlife would be a sin. So go out there, let your hair down, and end your Istanbul sojourn on a high!


Where To Stay In Istanbul

Day 5-7: Pamukkale

Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is the white heaven of Turkey. It is mainly famous for the pristine white travertines with beautiful terraced spring pools that contain warm mineral-rich water.

Pamukkale, which means cotton castle in Turkish, was the second destination after Istanbul in the 10 day Turkey itinerary

Pamukkale can be defined as “a desktop wallpaper that’s come to life”. It’s paradisiacal beauty leaves you spellbound. There are many things to do in Pamukkale besides the travertines and you’ll be covering almost all of them in this itinerary.


Day 5:

Hierapolis is one of the most popular ancient cities in Turkey
Pamukkale Natural Park and Mineral Lake is a lovely picnic spot for both locals and tourists

You’ll be covering the following places- Karahayit Red Springs, the ancient city of Hierapolis and Archaeology Museum, Travertines of Pamukkale and Pamukkale Natural Park, and Mineral Lake.

In terms of activities, I’d suggest you try paragliding over the stunning landscape of Pamukkale. Imagine getting a chance to fly over the travertines and antique pools, soaking in the terrific natural views from above. That’s bucket-list stuff right there!

Pamukkale Tandem Paraglidingwith it’s expertise in the paragliding domain, provides you with the best paragliding experience you can ask for. Fair pricing, experienced pilots, excellent service, great communication, and optimal safety standards make the company an absolute favorite of the tourists. To make a booking, simply click here.


Day 6:

The archaeological site of Laodicea was once an ancient Roman city

On your penultimate day in Pamukkale, you’ll be covering two beautiful archaeological sites- Laodicea and Aphrodisias. They aren’t as touristy or popular as Hierapolis but their historical significance makes them worth visiting.

Aphrodisias is the most well preserved archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site in Turkey

If Biblical history excites you and exploring a destination on foot is your thing, then these two gems have to feature in your Pamukkale itinerary. While Laodicea was an ancient Roman city that once became a seat of Christianity, Aphrodisias was a royal Greek city that was named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.

Both these sites have their own distinctive personalities and standing amidst their ruins makes you wonder what life in ancient times would have been like!


Day 7:

Ephesus is located in Selçuk town in the Izmir province of Turkey

On your last day in Pamukkale, you’ll be exploring the following places- the House of Virgin Mary, the ancient city of Ephesus, and the Isa Bey Mosque.

Don’t miss out on writing a wish (on a fabric or paper) and tying it on the “wishing wall” at the House of Virgin Mary. It’s believed that the wishes made here eventually come true. Also, don’t forget to visit the “Terraced Houses” section in the ancient city of Ephesus. This particular section requires a separate entry ticket.


Where To Stay In Pamukkale

  • Ozbay Hotel – Check out the hotel and book your stay by clicking here.
  • Venus Suite Hotel – Check out the hotel and book your stay by clicking here.
  • Hotel Sahin – Check out the hotel and book your stay by clicking here.
  • White Heaven Suite – Check out the hotel and book your stay by clicking here.


Day 8-10: Cappadocia

Cappadocia is an otherworldly region in Turkey that takes your breath away with it’s strange yet gorgeous landscape.

Cappadocia is famous for the conical shaped rock formations called Fairy Chimneys

The place is mainly known for it’s fantastical cone-shaped rock formations called “Fairy Chimneys”. There’s a ton of interesting things to do in Cappadocia and in this itinerary, you’ll be covering most of them.


Day 8:

The Goreme Open Air Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Northern Cappadocia
Uchisar Castle is a tall volcanic-rock outcrop situated on the highest point of Uchisar town

On your first day, you’ll be exploring the following places in northern Cappadocia (as part of the Cappadocia Red Tour program)- Göreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Carpet shop, Love Valley, Rose Valley, Ceramik Kapadokya Pottery Workshop, Urgup Fairy Chimneys, and Devrent Valley.

The activity that I strongly recommend you to do and that may or may not be a part of your Red Tour (depending upon the travel agency you choose) is wine tasting in Urgup. 

Wine tasting is a must-do activity if you are in Urgup

Why do I recommend it? Because firstly, wine is an integral part of Turkish cuisine. And secondly, Urgup is the heart of the wine-producing region of Cappadocia.


Day 9:

On your penultimate day, you’ll be traversing the southern part of Cappadocia. This region, according to me, is the best part of Cappadocia as it has a fascinating mix of valleys, underground cities, and monasteries.

Breathtaking panoramic view of Goreme
One of the most exciting part of the Green Tour of Cappadocia is exploring an underground city

The places and activities that you’ll be covering (as part of the Cappadocia Green Tour program) are- Göreme Panorama Viewpoint, Kaymakli Underground City, Ihlara Valley hike, Selime Monastery, Pigeon Valley, Turkish delights tasting and Kapadokya Onyx Stone Centre.


Day 10:

You must be aware of the popular quote-“Save the best for last”. The activities that you’ll be doing on your final day in Cappadocia justify this quote.

No trip to Turkey is complete without an epic Hot Air Balloon ride. Royal Balloons Cappadocia is an expert when it comes to hot air balloon rides.

A 10 day Turkey itinerary is incomplete without the epic hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia

Best quality balloons (ensuring no compromise on safety), pre-flight breakfast buffet, experienced pilots, exclusive launch sites (which distances you from the other balloons), and lovely post-ride surprises are some of the reasons which make Royal Balloons the preferred choice of most tourists. Contact them to book your ride by clicking here.

The other activity that I would recommend you to do is an ATV Bike tour of Göreme. Besides these activities, you can visit the Red Valley, Sword Valley, and enjoy a spa treatment at a local Turkish Hammam.


Where To Stay In Cappadocia

Conclusion

Turkey was on my travel wish-list ever since I first saw the picture of a hot air balloon flying over a peculiar landscape that looked similar to that of Mars. Little did I know that one day I’d be on a hot air balloon myself, living that very image in reality.

Istanbul is one of my favourite cities in the world and my favourite destination in the 10 day Turkey itinerary

Turkey is not just a place, it’s an emotion. I’ve made some of my best travel memories during my time in Istanbul, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia. Istanbul, in fact, is one of my favorite cities in the world.

A 10 day Turkey itinerary also seems less when exploring Turkey as it offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, history and adventure, with so much to explore

Turkey won me over with an amazing amalgamation of natural beauty, rich history, cultural diversity, and warm hospitality. And I hope that my 10 day Turkey itinerary helps you experience this remarkable amalgamation too. So go ahead, book that trip to Turkey and brace yourself for the experience of a lifetime!


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The best 10 day Turkey travel itinerary which includes places like Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia

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8 comments

Tiffani May 9, 2020 - 6:13 pm

Whoa I can definitely use this! You know… Someday lol

Reply
Vaibhav Mehta May 10, 2020 - 5:46 am

Hopefully, it happens sooner rather than later Tiffani

Reply
Alexandra B May 21, 2020 - 2:10 pm

I would love to visit Turkey! I have yet to go, but it’s certainly on my list. I love how you have really simplified this itinerary to make it to easy to read. And beautiful photos too!

Reply
Vaibhav Mehta May 21, 2020 - 7:17 pm

It is a must-visit indeed! I’m glad you liked the article and found it resourceful. Thanks!

Reply
Joy January 31, 2022 - 8:56 am

Hello! Came across your itinerary and wanted to find out if you travelled around Istanbul with public transport of private hire?

Reply
Vaibhav Mehta April 10, 2022 - 6:34 am

Hi Joy! I travelled around with a guide so it was private hire (when required) for certain places and public transport for others. I’d recommend you get a guide as they’ll help you immensely as far as navigating through the bustling streets of Istanbul is concerned. Much more convenient and time-saving option. I’ll give you the contact of a wonderful gentleman who runs a travel agency and can give you the best guide at a reasonable price. His name is Avni and you can get in touch with him on Whatsapp (+90 532 612 3159). Hope that helps. Cheers man!

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Loves coffee April 25, 2022 - 5:36 am

Hi Vaibhav ,
I would like to know how you got to Pammukale from Istanbul and then to Cappadocia from Pammukale. I am planning a trip . We will fly into Istanbul and the same day and fly to Izmir. Next day rent a car and drive to Pammukale , spend 2 days , come back to Izmir and fly to Cappadocia(2 days) . Back to Istanbul(spend 4 days there )and then leave for home

Reply
Vaibhav Mehta April 25, 2022 - 7:31 am

Hi there, to get to Pamukkale I remember taking a flight from Istanbul to Denizli. From Denizli, a 1-hour shuttle journey gets you to Pamukkale. And as far as getting to Cappadocia from there is concerned, I took a flight from Denizli airport to Kayseri’s Erkilet Airport (ASR). The flight journey will be around 4-5 hours since there’s a stop at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul (no direct flights are operational). Saved me a lot of travel time and was cheaper than renting a private car. Hope that information helps you.

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