Best Turkey Itinerary 12 Days – Things To Do, Places To Visit, Hotels, Shopping & Vegan Food

What to do in Turkey in 12 days? Let’s read the detailed Turkey itinerary 12 days and know how to spend the best 12 days in Turkey.

👉🏼6 Best Turkey Itineraries – Diverse Options + 7,8,9,10 Days

Turkey 12 Days Itinerary – 12 Days In Turkey

Turkey offers a rich tapestry of history, blending ancient civilizations with stunning landscapes, from the historic marvels of Istanbul and Cappadocia to the pristine beaches of Antalya, creating a diverse and unforgettable travel experience. The warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine make Turkey a must-visit destination.

 

So let’s check the best things to do during 12 days in Turkey with this perfect Turkey itinerary.

Turkey Visa Information

Turkey gives e-Visa to 99 countries. You can click this link to check and apply for your e-Visa. Indians with valid USA visas can get an e-Visa to Turkey within 2 to 3 working days by using online. 

Day 1-2: Istanbul

Hotel in Istanbul: Mid-budget option – Hotel Amira Istanbul.

Day 1 of Turkey Itinerary 12 Days

• Morning: Explore the historic Sultanahmet Square and visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
• Afternoon: Visit Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern.
• Evening: Stroll around the Grand Bazaar for shopping.

Day 2:

• Morning: Take a Bosphorus cruise to see the city from the water.
• Afternoon: Explore the Spice Bazaar and take a walk in Eminönü.
• Evening: Experience Istanbul’s vibrant nightlife in Taksim Square or book whirling dervish show.

Day 3: Cappadocia

Hotel in Cappadocia: Mid-budget option – Taskonaklar Hotel

• Morning: Fly to Cappadocia (Nevsehir or Kayseri airport).
• Afternoon: Visit Goreme Open-Air Museum and hike in Rose Valley. Visit the pottery workshops in Avanos(approx. 10 km or 6 miles from Goreme).
• Evening: Attend a traditional Turkish dinner and dance show.

Day 4: Cappadocia

• Morning: Hot air balloon ride (booking in advance is crucial).
• Afternoon: Explore the Kaymakli Underground City.
• Evening: Sunset at Red Valley.

Day 5: Pamukkale

Hotel in Pamukkale: Mid-budget option – Venus Suite Hotel

• Morning: Fly to Denizli or drive to Pamukkale.
• Afternoon: Visit the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
• Evening: Relax in Cleopatra’s Pool.

Day 6-7: Ephesus

Hotel in Selcuk: Mid-budget option – Hotel Bella

Day 6:

• Morning: Drive or take a bus to Ephesus.
• Afternoon: Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
• Evening: Relax in Selcuk.

Day 7:

• Morning: Visit the Temple of Artemis and Ephesus Museum.
• Afternoon: Take a trip to Sirince Village.
• Evening: Try local wines in Sirince.

Day 8-9: Bodrum

Hotel in Bodrum: Mid-budget option – Bodrium Hotel & Spa

Day 8:

• Morning: Drive or take a bus to Bodrum.
• Afternoon: Explore Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
• Evening: Stroll around Bodrum Marina. 

Day 9:

• Morning: Relax on Bodrum’s beaches.
• Afternoon: Take a boat trip to the nearby islands.
• Evening: Enjoy the nightlife in Bodrum.

Day 10: Fethiye

Hotel in Fethiye: Mid-budget option – Yacht Boutique Hotel

• Morning: Drive or take a bus to Fethiye.
• Afternoon: Visit Oludeniz Beach and the Blue Lagoon.
• Evening: Explore the Fethiye Marina and Old Town.

Day 11-12: Antalya

Day 11:

Hotel in Antalya: Mid-budget option – Mediterra Art Hotel

• Morning: Drive or take a bus to Antalya.
• Afternoon: Explore the historic Kaleici district.
• Evening: Visit the Antalya Museum.

Day 12:

• Morning: Relax on Konyaalti Beach.
• Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Perge.
• Evening: Enjoy Turkish cuisine in Kaleici.

Helpful Information To Plan Turkey Itinerary 12 Days

• Transportation: Consider flying between major cities and using buses or rental cars for shorter distances.
• Tours: Book activities and tours in advance, especially for popular attractions. The hot air balloon tour depends on the weather and can be canceled at the last moment. 
• Accommodation: Prices vary, so check for deals and availability before booking. 

Turkey 12 days Itinerary – Turkey in 12 days

Let’s read about some helpful information to plan your Turkey 12 days itinerary.

Vegetarian Turkish Food Options – 12 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.

👉🏼Best Vegetarian Turkish Food Istanbul Food Tour (Restaurant Names)

 

• 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.
• 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.

Must Do Tours – Turkey In 12 Days

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

• Best of Istanbul Guided Tour.
• Bosphorus Sunset Cruise.
• Cappadocia Balloon Flight (Official) by Discovery Balloons.
• Turkish Night at Cave Restaurant with Dinner and Drinks. 
• Pamukkale Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s Pool Tour with lunch from Antalya.
• Antalya Full Day City Tour – With Waterfalls and Cable Car.

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 – 12 Day Turkey Itinerary

Turkey offers a variety of internal commuting options to help travelers move efficiently between cities and regions. Here are some popular options for local commuting during your 12 days in Turkey tour.

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. Several international and local car rental companies operate in Turkey, offering a range of vehicles to suit your needs.

Budget For Turkey 12 Days Itinerary 

Here’s some information on the cost of planning your trip to Turkey for 12 days. 

• 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 12 Days Itinerary 

👉🏼Shopping In Istanbul – Buy 15 Best Turkish Souvenirs From Istanbul

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. 

I hope you loved reading about the Turkey 12 days itinerary and will soon plan your best 12 days in Turkey. There are so many beautiful things to do in Turkey that you can plan for more time.

Now you know what to do in Turkey in 12 days and hence enjoy your Turkey trip!

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