Perfect Turkey 10 Days Itinerary (Best 10 Days In Turkey)

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Turkey 10 Days Itinerary – 10 Days In Turkey

Turkey is worth visiting for its rich history, spanning ancient civilizations to the Ottoman Empire, offering impressive historical sites like Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Turkey’s diverse landscapes, from the otherworldly Cappadocia rock formations to the stunning Mediterranean coastline, provide a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty for any traveler.

So let’s check the best things to do during 10 days in Turkey.

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Day 1: Istanbul – Turkey In 10 Days

Arrive in Istanbul and check into your hotel.
Overnight stay in Istanbul – Hotel Option: Hotel Amira, in Sultanahmet or The Marmara Taksim, at Taksim Square.
Visit the Hagia Sophia, a stunning Byzantine architectural marvel.
Explore the Blue Mosque and marvel at its intricate blue tiles.
Walk through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.

Day 2: Istanbul

Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, enjoying the beautiful skyline of Istanbul.
Visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman Sultans.
Explore the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 3: Cappadocia

Take a domestic flight to Cappadocia.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia – Hotel Option: Sultan Cave Suites.
Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site with cave churches and frescoes.
Explore the fairy-tale-like landscape and unique rock formations.

Day 4: Cappadocia

Take an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocian landscape (optional and weather permitting).
Explore the underground cities of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu (approx. 20 km or 12 miles from Goreme) or Derinkuyu, used by early Christians to escape persecution.
Visit the pottery workshops in Avanos(approx. 10 km or 6 miles from Goreme).
Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Day 5: Pamukkale

Take a domestic flight to Denizli.
Overnight stay in Pamukkale, Hotel Option: Tripolis Hotel.
Distance: Flight from Cappadocia to Denizli (approx. 600 km or 373 miles).
Visit the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, formed by thermal waters cascading down the mountainside.
Explore the ancient Hierapolis ruins, including the Roman theater and the Necropolis.

Day 6: Ephesus & Kusadasi

Drive from Pamukkale to Kusadasi (approx. 190 km or 118 miles).
Overnight stay in Kusadasi. Hotel Option: LaVista Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.
Explore the Terrace Houses, showcasing well-preserved Roman villas.

Day 7: Bodrum

Drive from Kusadasi to Bodrum (approx. 155 km or 96 miles).
Overnight stay in Bodrum. Hotel Option: Mandarin Resort & Spa.
Visit the Bodrum Castle, housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Relax at the beautiful beaches or explore the charming town.

Day 8: Bodrum

Take a boat trip nearby from Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos approx—25 km or 15.5 miles, one-way. (remember your passport!).
Enjoy the beaches, visit historical sites like the Asklepion, or explore the island.
Return to Bodrum for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Antalya

Take a domestic flight to Antalya.
Distance: Flight from Bodrum to Antalya (approx. 470 km or 292 miles).
Overnight stay in Antalya – Hotel Option: Akra Hotel.
Explore the ancient city of Perge, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins.
Visit the Antalya Museum to see artifacts from the region’s history.

Day 10: Antalya

Spend a day at Konyaalti or Lara Beach, enjoying the sun and sea.
Explore the old town of Antalya (Kaleici) with its narrow streets and Ottoman-era houses.
Depart from Antalya, or extend your trip with more days to explore other parts of Turkey.

Turkey 10 days Itinerary – Turkey in 10 days

Let’s read about some helpful information to plan your Turkey 10 days itinerary.

Vegetarian Turkish Food Options – 10 days In Turkey

Turkish cuisine offers a delightful variety of vegetarian options that cater to the preferences of vegetarian travelers. Here are some delicious vegetarian Turkish dishes you can savor during your Turkey tour:

Mezze: A selection of small dishes served as appetizers, mezze offers a wide range of vegetarian delights like Hummus (chickpea dip), Ezme (spicy tomato salad), Dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and various yogurt-based dips like Cacik and Haydari.
Pide: Turkish-style pizza, known as Pide, can be prepared with various vegetarian toppings, including spinach, feta cheese, tomatoes, and olives.
Pide
Borek: A famous pastry made with thin layers of dough, Borek comes in various forms, with vegetarian fillings like spinach and cheese (Ispanaklı Börek) or potatoes (Patatesli Börek).
Imam Bayildi: A classic Turkish dish of stuffed eggplant with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, typically served with rice.
Falafel: While originally from the Middle East, falafel is widely available in Turkey. These deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans are served on pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.
Simit: Often referred to as Turkish bagels, Simit is a popular street food made from sesame-covered bread rings, usually enjoyed with cheese, olives, or jam.
Lentil Soup (Mercimek Çorbası): A comforting and flavorful red lentil soup, often served as a starter in Turkish meals.
Vegetable Casseroles (Türlü): A tasty and hearty mix of seasonal vegetables cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
Desserts: Indulge in sweet treats like Baklava (layered pastry with nuts and syrup) or Revani (a semolina cake soaked in citrus-flavored syrup) for a delightful ending to your meal.

Vegetarian options in Turkey are widespread and diverse, making it easy for vegetarian travelers to explore the country’s vibrant food scene and enjoy its culinary delights.

Must Do Tours – Turkey In 10 Days

Here are some must-do tours in the mentioned cities of Turkey:

Istanbul:

Bosphorus Cruise: Take a relaxing boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait, passing iconic landmarks like the Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
Istanbul Old City Tour: Join a guided tour to explore the historical highlights of Sultanahmet, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Food Tour: Embark on a culinary journey through Istanbul’s vibrant cuisine, sampling traditional Turkish dishes and street food delights.

Cappadocia:

Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience the magic of Cappadocia from the sky with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the surreal landscape and fairy chimneys.
Cappadocia Red Tour: Take a guided tour of the Red Valley, Rose Valley, Cavusin Village, and the underground city of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu.
Turkish Night Show: Enjoy an evening of traditional Turkish music, dance performances, and a delicious dinner with local specialties.

Pamukkale:

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: Visit the mesmerizing white terraces of Pamukkale and explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, including the Roman theater and the Necropolis.
Cleopatra’s Pool: Take a dip in the thermal waters of Cleopatra’s Pool, believed to have been visited by the Egyptian queen.

Ephesus & Kusadasi:

Ephesus Tour: Wander through the well-preserved ancient city of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Terrace Houses.
Priene, Miletus & Didyma Tour: Extend your exploration with a day trip to nearby ancient cities and the Temple of Apollo at Didyma.

Bodrum:

Bodrum Castle and Underwater Museum: Discover the history of Bodrum Castle and explore the fascinating exhibits at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Boat Cruise: Hop on a boat tour to explore the beautiful bays and coves of the Bodrum Peninsula, with swimming stops and picturesque views.

Antalya:

Antalya City Tour: Visit the Antalya Museum, the ancient city of Perge, and the Duden Waterfalls on a guided city tour.
Antalya Jeep Safari: Venture into the Taurus Mountains on a thrilling jeep safari, passing through villages and scenic landscapes.

These tours will offer you a deeper insight into each city’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique culture, making your Turkey tour an unforgettable experience.

Internal Commuting Options – Turkey 10 Days Itinerary

Turkey offers a variety of internal commuting options to help travelers move efficiently between cities and regions. Here are some popular options and recommended companies for each:

Domestic Flights:

Turkish Airlines: The national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, operates flights between major cities in Turkey, providing a reliable and comfortable flying experience.
Pegasus Airlines: Pegasus is a budget airline offering domestic flights at competitive prices, making it an affordable choice for travelers on a budget.
AnadoluJet: As a subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet focuses on domestic flights, connecting various destinations within Turkey.

Intercity Buses:

Metro Turizm: One of Turkey’s most reputable and well-established bus companies, Metro Turizm offers a comfortable and extensive network connecting many cities.
Kamil Koc: Another reliable bus company, Kamil Koc, provides intercity routes with comfortable buses and various amenities, including free Wi-Fi.
Ulusoy: Ulusoy is one of Turkey’s oldest and most reliable bus operators, with many routes and schedules.

Trains:

TCDD (Turkish State Railways): The Turkish State Railways operate a network of trains connecting major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and more, offering scenic journeys through the countryside.
High-Speed Trains (YHT): Turkey has several high-speed train lines, including the Istanbul-Ankara, Ankara-Konya, and Ankara-Eskisehir routes, providing a faster way to travel between these cities.

Dolmus (Shared Taxis):

Dolmus are shared taxis or minibusses commonly found in cities and towns, offering a cost-effective and flexible way to move within and between villages nearby.

Metro and Trams:

Istanbul Metro and Trams: In Istanbul, the metro and tram networks are efficient and practical for traveling within the city, with lines connecting various neighborhoods and tourist attractions.
Izmir Metro and Trams: Izmir also has a modern metro system and tram lines, making getting around the city convenient.

Ferries and Boats:

Istanbul Sehir Hatlari: For scenic and enjoyable commutes between the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, consider using Istanbul Sehir Hatlari’s public ferries.
Bodrum Ferries: In coastal regions like Bodrum, ferries and boat transfers are common ways to reach nearby islands and enjoy leisurely trips along the coastline.

Rent a Car:

Renting a car in Turkey gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the country at your own pace. It is incredibly convenient if you plan to visit multiple cities or less touristy destinations with limited public transportation options. Several international and local car rental companies operate in Turkey, offering a range of vehicles to suit your needs.

Internal Flight Budget & Details for Turkey 10 Days Itinerary

Internal flights in Turkey are a convenient and relatively affordable way to travel between different parts of the country. If you plan to visit Cappadocia, take a domestic flight from Istanbul to Kayseri, the closest airport to the region. Here’s some information on the cost of internal flights:

Flight Cost: Domestic flights in Turkey can vary depending on the airline, time of year, and how far in advance you book. However, as of April 2023, the average one-way fare for a flight from Istanbul to Kayseri is around $40-60 USD, depending on the airline and time of day.
Airlines: Several airlines offer flights from Istanbul to Kayseri, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and SunExpress. Comparing prices and checking the baggage allowance and any additional fees before booking your flight is always recommended for low-cost internal airlines.
Flight Duration: The flight from Istanbul to Kayseri takes approximately 1.5 hours, making it a quick and convenient way to travel between the two cities.
Transportation to/from Airports: In Istanbul, you can take the metro, tram, or bus to the airports, depending on your location. You can take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel or other destination in Kayseri.

Remember that a domestic flight may add to your overall travel expenses if you’re on a budget. However, it can save you time and provide a more comfortable travel experience than taking a long bus or train ride.

Budget of 10 Days in Turkey for One Person?

The total budget for an 8-day trip to Turkey will depend on several factors, such as the level of comfort and the activities you choose to do. However, here’s a rough estimate of the costs in US dollars:

Flights: Round-trip flights from the US to Istanbul can range from $500 to $1000, depending on the time of year and airline.
Accommodation: A budget hotel or hostel can cost around $15-40 per night, while mid-range hotels can cost about $60-120 per night. Luxury hotels can cost upwards of $200 per night.
Food: Food in Turkey can be very affordable, especially if you eat at local cafes and restaurants. A basic meal can cost around $5-10, while a mid-range meal can cost around $15-20. Fine dining options can cost $50 or more per person.
Transportation: Local transportation, such as buses and trains, are relatively cheap, with fares starting at around $1-2. Taxis can be more expensive, with a starting fare of approximately $3-4.
Activities: Admission fees for attractions such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace can range from $10-20. Guided tours and activities, such as hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, can cost upwards of $150 per person.

Shopping In Turkey – Turkey 10 Days Itinerary

Turkey is a shopper’s delight and offers various things ranging from local produce to locally handcrafted items, artisan products, handwoven textiles, and many Turkish products. Once known as Constantinople and Byzantium, Istanbul has been an important trade and commerce center between Europe & Asia since ancient times.

Shopping In Istanbul – Buy 15 Best Turkish Souvenirs From Istanbul

I hope you loved reading about the Turkey 10 days itinerary and will soon plan your best 10 days in Turkey. There are so many beautiful things to do in Turkey that you can arrange for two weeks if you have more time.

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Perfect Turkey 10 Days Itinerary (Best 10 Days In Turkey)