How Long to Spend in Turkey: First-Timer Itinerary Ideas (2024)

Turkey is a captivating destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

From its most populous city straddling two continents — Istanbul and the well-preserved ancient city of Ephesus to the magical fairy-tale landscape of Cappadocia and the beach paradise of Antalya, there is so much for you to explore in Turkey.

But how many days do you need in Turkey? We suggest you spend as many days as possible there to maximize your experience.

Typically, a minimum of 10 days is ideal, but if you have the luxury of time, it would be even better to stay for 2 or 3 weeks. This would enable you to explore more of the stunning sights and also consider extending your trip to Greece.

Read on for some itinerary ideas, from 7 days to 3 weeks, that we hope will help you make the most of your time in Turkey.

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7 Days in Turkey

A time frame of 7 days would allow you to explore one or two places in Turkey at a relaxed pace.

For first-timers, the combination of Istanbul and Cappadocia is the most popular choice, which balances historical sites, modern wonders, natural beauty, and authentic cuisines.

• Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and is divided into two by a strait. It boasts historic attractions that combine the culture of Europe and Asia with modern facilities and delicious cuisines.
• Cappadocia has unique volcanic landscapes and abundant outdoor activities, including exploring an underground city, ballooning over fairy chimneys, and hiking in valleys and caves.

It's recommended to spend at least 3 days in Istanbul to fully experience its top attractions. These include the architectural marvel of Hagia Sophia, the historical landmark of the Ottoman Empire, the Blue Mosque, and the impressive modern wonder of the Bosphorus Bridge.

You may want to consider spending additional days in Cappadocia to indulge in thrilling outdoor activities. For instance, you could hop in a hot-air balloon and enjoy an air tour, join an ATV safari to venture into the wilderness, and embark on a hike to explore the valleys and caves.

If you want to see the classic attractions of Turkey in 7 days, this itinerary may meet your needs: 7-Day Turkey Classical Wonders Tour

10 Days in Turkey

10 days in Turkey is ideal for you to explore the main highlights of Turkey, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the port city of Izmir. From Izmir, it is convenient to extend your travels to Ephesus and Pamukkale with day trips.

• Ephesus is an ancient city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, harboring the Temple of Artemis, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Library of Celsus.
• Pamukkale is comprised of natural limestone terraces and springs rich in calcite, presenting a stunning contrast between ivory-white stone and azure water.

Below is a suggested itinerary:

• Days 1–4 in Istanbul. (Explore the old city attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia Mosque, enjoy a food tour, experience the nightlife in the new city, and take a sunset cruise through the Bosphorus Strait.)
• Days 5–7 in Cappadocia. (Observe the fairy chimneys from a close distance, take a hot-air balloon ride, join an ATV safari into the wild, and hike to explore hidden churches and caves.)
• Days 8–10 in Izmir, then fly back to Istanbul for departure. (Take day trips to Ephesus and Pamukkale, enjoy a city tour from center to port, appreciate the panoramic view of Izmir from Kadifekale, and enjoy watery fun or the nightlife around the beach.)

Izmir offers direct flights to Istanbul and countries in Europe, such as the United Kingdom and France, making it convenient for your final departure from Turkey.

12 Days to 2 Weeks in Turkey

Having 12 days to 2 weeks for your trip means that you could enjoy a beach getaway in Antalya following your exploration of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Izmir.

Antalya is renowned for its mesmerizing Turquoise Coast, offering a vibrant coastal experience along with excellent tourist facilities.

This itinerary is specially designed for couples seeking an unforgettable journey. It offers more opportunities to enjoy quality time with your beloved, creating romantic moments that would last a lifetime.

• Days 1–4 in Istanbul. (Admire the historical landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Topkapi Palace, enjoy a traditional Turkish spa for couples, have a Turkish-style afternoon tea, and take a sunset cruise through the Bosphorus Strait.)
• Days 5–7 in Cappadocia. (Have a romantic sunset dinner amid the Cappadocia landscape, hop in a hot-air balloon to admire the sunrise, visit Love Valley for a stunning view, and spend the night cuddling in a cozy cave hotel.)
• Days 8–10 in Izmir. (Take day trips to Ephesus and Pamukkale, and enjoy a city tour from the center to a port.)
• Days 11–14 in Antalya, then fly back to Istanbul for departure. (Enjoy two free days with the opportunity to dive into the captivating marine life during a yacht trip. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes full of Turkish flavor, and have close contact with nature under Duden Waterfalls.)

If you are not a fan of beaches, consider adding one or two places to enrich your experiences, such as exploring myths in Canakkale about the ancient city of Troy and the Trojan Horse.

Alternatively, with direct flights taking less than 2 hours, 2 weeks are adequate for planning a trip with Greece included. You would typically spend 1 week in Turkey and the other in Greece (Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos).

3 Weeks or More in Turkey

If you have at least 3 weeks for your vacation, in addition to visiting the main highlights of Turkey mentioned earlier, we recommend exploring the scenic southern coastline from the Aegean to the Mediterranean. This region offers picturesque coastal views that would make your trip even more memorable.

Alternatively, you could explore the off-the-beaten-path northern Black Sea region, which is known for its stunning forests and highlands.

Most of our clients opt to combine a longer Turkish adventure with Greece for a broader exploration of two ancient Mediterranean countries.

Are you having trouble planning a trip? Our professional travel consultant will provide stress-free private journey solutions that are tailored to your preferences. Don't hesitate to contact us and start your unforgettable vacation!