10 DAYS IN TURKEY: THE HIGHLIGHTS ITINERARY

If you are dreaming of otherworldly landscapes, unique culture, and ancient ruins to rival Greece and Italy, this 10-day Turkey itinerary is for you.

Whether you’re interested in mosques and markets, fairy chimneys, ancient cities, or indulging in a Turkish breakfast, this route highlights the very best of the country.

So, pack your bag and let’s dive into the best of Turkey in 10 unforgettable days.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• When to Go: April to May or September to October offer ideal weather—warm but not scorching and fewer crowds.

• Currency: The Turkish Lira (₺). Though most tourist areas accept credit cards, smaller towns and taxis often prefer cash.

• Transportation: This itinerary combines domestic flights and private transfers. Pre-booking internal flights is essential, and we had great experiences with Turkish Airlines.

• What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing and scarves for mosque visits, and swimwear for Pamukkale.

10-DAY TURKEY ITINERARY OUTLINE

• Days 1–3: Istanbul

• Days 4–7: Cappadocia

• Days 8–10: Pamukkale

DAY 1–3: ISTANBUL

There’s no better way to start your Turkish adventure than in Istanbul, and it only gets better with a full Turkish breakfast and a view. Start your day at Seven Hills Restaurant for exactly that, enjoying an incredible spread with views of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Next, head straight to the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Known for its striking Byzantine architecture and massive dome, this former church and mosque turned museum (and now functioning mosque again) is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Expect to spend about an hour here; the main prayer area on the first floor is now reserved for Turkish citizens only.

Dress modestly for your visit: women must cover their knees, shoulders, chest, and partially cover their hair with a scarf, while men must cover their knees and shoulders. If you forget a scarf or cover-up, you can purchase one at the entrance. Without a guide, you’ll go through two separate lines: one for tickets, and one for entry.

Visit the Blue Mosque next, spending another hour at the iconic mosque. As it is functioning, it is important to check the prayer times as it may be closed during designated prayer times. Similarly to the Hagia Sophia, expect to cover up and wear a scarf.

After exploring the Blue Mosque, head underground to the Basilica Cistern, the hauntingly beautiful underground water reservoir. Make sure not to miss the two columns with Medusa's face carved into the base. There is a legend or belief that they were inverted to prevent them from turning people into stone. You can purchase tickets online in advance, but we purchased ours at the door.

After spending the morning among Istanbul’s historic mosques, trade domes for markets and make your way to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With more than 4,000 shops spread over 60 streets, it’s a colourful maze of lamps, ceramics, jewelry, spices, and Turkish delights. Even if you’re not in the mood to haggle, the atmosphere—and the samples—make it worth a few hours of wandering.

Nearby, make a quick stop at the Old Book Bazaar in a hidden square near the Beyazit Mosque.

For dinner and drinks, take the ferry from Eminonu Pier to Kadıköy Pier. Kadıköy is known for a vibrant food scene and relaxed nightlife. After dinner, walk down Kadife Sokak (Bar Street) for trendy bars.

In the morning, head to Topkapi Palace, the lavish home of Ottoman sultans. If you enter, expect to spend 3–4 hours exploring the many rooms and the gardens.

If you are visiting in April, you may get to experience the Tulip Festival and the 700,000 flowers that are brought in each year! The tulip is the national flower of Turkey, and originated in Persia before being brought to Europe and the Netherlands!

For a unique experience, visit Cemberlitas Hammam, a historic hammam offering a traditional Turkish bath experience suitable for both genders in a stunning architectural building.

If you are not comfortable with contact, this may not be the activity for you, but we would say you have to do it once! Expect a full scrub and wash—and I mean wash—it’s intimate but authentic, and truly an experience you’ll never forget!

In the afternoon, head across the Galata Bridge to experience another side of the city. The bridge buzzes with fishermen, street food vendors, and incredible views of the city on the horizon. Along your way, you could stop at the Egyptian Bazaar a.k.a. the Spice Bazaar for a smaller (but still bustling) market experience!

Make your way to Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks. Originally built as a watchtower, it now offers a 360-degree panorama of the city and the Bosphorus.

The following morning, grab a quick breakfast from a street vendor (try simit, a sesame-crusted bagel) before heading back to Eminönü Pier for an all day Bosphorus Tour with Şehir Hatları ferries.

This classic route lasts 5–7 hours, making several scenic stops before reaching the fishing village of Anadolu Kavağı, near the Black Sea. Here, you’ll have about two to three hours to explore, hike up to Yoros Castle, and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

We recommend lunch at Kavak Çapari Restaurant, known for its views and fresh seafood.

After exploring the small town, make your way back down to catch the return ferry—or risk an unplanned adventure finding your own way back to the city!

Once back, finish the evening with dinner at Meşhur Filibe Köftecisi, a local favorite known for its juicy grilled meatballs and simple, traditional flavours. Busy, and absolutely mouth watering.

Accommodation Recommendation:

• Blue Mosque Suites 2 - Old City Sultanahmet: Simple, modern rooms in the heart of Sultanahmet.

DAY 4–7: CAPPADOCIA

Fly from Istanbul to Nevşehir, the gateway to Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes.

For your first evening, grab dinner from Fat Boys Restaurant & Café before climbing to Sunset Point for your first panoramic view. Watch as the sun dips over the valleys and fairy chimneys, painting the landscape in gold tones.

Wake up early the next morning to return to the same viewpoint—this time for sunrise, when hundreds of hot air balloons float silently above the valleys.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the region on the popular Red Tour, which covers Cappadocia’s most famous sites. We recommend Bulent from Cappadocia Taxi Tours as we had a fantastic experience.

Start at Paşabağ (Monk’s Valley), where you can wander among towering fairy chimneys that once served as hermit dwellings.

Continue to Devrent (Imagination) Valley, a landscape that looks like a natural sculpture garden—spot shapes of camels, seals, or whatever your imagination allows.

In the town of Avanos, try your hand at pottery at a traditional workshop, where artisans have been crafting ceramics for generations.

Next, visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cave churches and stunning frescoes dating back to the 10th century. Don’t miss the Dark Church, where the paintings are remarkably well preserved.

Stop briefly at Ortahisar Viewpoint for an amazing perspective of Uchisar Castle before heading to Red Valley for sunset. The rocks glow deep crimson as the sun lowers, creating one of the most beautiful scenes in Cappadocia.

For dinner, head to İnci Cave Restaurant in Göreme. With its cozy cave setting and candlelit ambiance, it’s one of the best spots for elevated yet traditional Turkish cuisine. Consider grabbing a drink at Seten Restaurant for the views, though it is busy so the best seats may already be taken!

No trip to Cappadocia is complete without a hot air balloon ride. We flew with Royal Balloon, and it was pure magic from start to finish. After a light breakfast, the balloon ascends for about an hour, drifting above the valleys as the sun illuminates the rock formations below. The flight ends with a champagne celebration and a keepsake medal—a perfect souvenir from a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Continue your adventure with the Green Tour, which explores southern Cappadocia’s natural and historical highlights.

Begin at Göreme Panorama for a sweeping overview of the region.

Climb Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, for panoramic views across the valleys.

Stop at Pigeon Valley to learn about the pigeons that once played an important role in local agriculture.

After lunch, venture underground into Derinkuyu, an ancient subterranean city that once sheltered thousands of people from invasions.

Then, enjoy a scenic trek through Ihlara Valley, a lush gorge dotted with cave churches.

Our driver took us to a a friend's restaurant, Tasali Restaurant & Camping Area, and we would absolutely recommend it as well! It is directly across from Selime Monastery, a large complex cut into the rock as far back as the 8th or 9th century.

Lastly, visit Narlı Lake, a volcanic crater lake that changes colour throughout the year.

Round out your Cappadocia stay with dinner at Rock’s Terrace Restaurant, where you can enjoy the region’s signature pottery kebab served with breathtaking terrace views over Göreme.

Accommodation Recommendation:

• Amber Cave Suites: Cave rooms with modern comforts and sweeping Göreme views.

DAY 8–10: PAMUKKALE

Fly from Kayseri back to Istanbul, then connect to Denizli to reach Pamukkale.

On your first full day, visit Hierapolis and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll likely spend half a day exploring Hierapolis before relaxing at the travertines. Make sure you bring water and snacks, as options are limited once you’ve entered.

Begin at the Hierapolis Ancient Theatre, one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in Turkey. Built in the 2nd century AD, it once seated 12,000 spectators and still offers incredible views over the landscape.

Explore the Necropolis, home to thousands of tombs and ornate mausoleums, and visit the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum, housed in a former Roman bath complex filled with ancient artifacts.

Don’t miss the Temple of Apollo and the Plutonian Devil’s Gate, where fault lines once released toxic gas, earning it a reputation as the entrance to the underworld.

After exploring the ruins, cool off at the Travertines of Pamukkale, natural hot spring terraces that appear like a cotton-white staircase cascading down the hillside (in Turkish, pamuk means cotton, kale means castle). You’ll need to walk barefoot to protect the surface—and don’t forget your swimsuit if you plan to take a dip in the mineral-rich pools.

If open during your visit, swim among ancient marble columns at Cleopatra’s Antique Pool, where warm, crystal-clear waters have been bubbling for thousands of years.

Instead of heading straight to the airport, make a few worthwhile stops: soak in the mineral-rich, red-tinted thermal waters of Karahayıt; explore the ancient ruins of Laodicea; and visit Kaklık Cave, where mineral water cascades over brilliant white stalactites.

From Denizli, fly back to Istanbul Airport, where your Turkish adventure comes full circle.

Accommodation Recommendation:

• Venus Suite Hotel: Family-run stay near the Pamukkale travertines.

WRAPPING UP

That concludes your 10-day journey through Turkey!

From the vibrant bazaars of Istanbul to the dreamlike valleys of Cappadocia and the one-of-a-kind waters of Pamukkale, Turkey offers a blend of history and beauty that’s impossible to forget.

Whether you follow it day-by-day or use it as a springboard to create your own route, Turkey is a destination that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

Have questions or your own Turkey travel tips to share? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear about your adventures!