In this post, let’s read about how to spend eight days in Turkey. So check the detailed Turkey Itinerary 8 days with things to do, where to shop, hotel stays, and other valuable tips for first-timers.
Turkey Itinerary 8 Days (8 Days In Turkey)
Read the day-wise split up of your Turkey 8 days tour with things to do, where to stay, and the best itinerary for Turkey.
VISA TO TURKEY
Turkey gives e-Visa to 99 countries. You can click this link to check and apply for your e-Visa. Indians having valid USA visas get e-Visa to Turkey within 2 to 3 working days by applying online.
Day 1 Of Turkey Itinerary : Istanbul
- Explore the historic district of Sultanahmet, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
Evenings of Istanbul, Turkey - Take a tour of the underground Basilica Cistern.
- Take a Bosphorus cruise to see the scenic city skyline.
- Enjoy dinner in the vibrant Taksim Square area.
Day 2 Of Turkey Itinerary : Istanbul
- In the Morning, visit the Galata Tower Observation deck for a 360-degree view of the stunning Istanbul.
- Walk around the colorful Beyoğlu district and vibrant Istiklal street.
Istiklal Avenue in evening - Visit the Grand Bazaar to shop and have lunch at a local Turkish restaurant.
- Take a Turkish cooking class and enjoy a traditional meal.
- In the evening, enjoy Dervish swirling show at an authentic historic Turkish theater.
- If you have more time in Istanbul, then read this detailed Istanbul itinerary.
Hotel Options In Istanbul
- Sultanahmet: Hotel Amira, GLK Premier Regency Suites & Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet.
- Taksim Square: The Marmara Taksim, Gezi Hotel Bosphorus Istanbul, Pera Palace Hotel
Day 3 Of Turkey Itinerary : Cappadocia
- Arrival at Kayseri and transfer to Cappadocia
- Take a sunset hot air balloon ride over the unique rock formations.
- Book your stay at lovely cave hotels with a view of unique rock formations.
Hotel options In Cappadocia:
Museum Hotel, Kayakapi Premium Caves – Cappadocia, Argos in Cappadocia
Day 4: Cappadocia (Best of Turkey Itinerary)
- Early sunrise Hot Air Balloon over unique rock formations are world famous activity to do in Cappadocia. Book your ride in advance, as they are mostly full during peak seasons.
- After Breakfast, Visit the fairy chimneys and other rock formations in the area.
- Book Red Tour or Green Tour, which are very famous.
- Take a hike in the Ihlara Valley and explore the rock-cut churches.
- Visit the Kaymakli Underground City, a fascinating subterranean complex.
Day 5: Antalya
- Fly to Antalya and visit the Old Town, Kaleici.
- Relax on the beautiful Konyaalti Beach.
Hotel options In Antalya:
- Stay either at Kaleici or Konyaalti Beach.
- Alp Pasa Hotel, Prime Boutique Hotel
- Akra Hotel, Rixos Downtown Antalya, Crowne Plaza Antalya
Day 6: Antalya
- Take a boat tour of the Duden Waterfalls.
- Visit the ancient city of Perge.
- Explore the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
- Take a cable car up to the top of Tahtali Mountain for stunning views.
Day 7: Pamukkale
- Distances: Antalya to Pamukkale is about 230 km (143 miles),
- Drive to Pamukkale and visit the travertine terraces.
- Take a dip in the thermal pools.
- Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Hotel Options In Pamukkale
Overnight stay at Pamukkale at any of Hotel Sahin, Hierapark Thermal & Spa Hotel, or Pamukkale Whitehaven Suite Hotel.
Day 8: Drive to Ephesus and Kusadasi Beach
- Distances: Pamukkale to Kusadasi Beach and Ephesus Ancient Greek Theater is about 300 km (133 miles).
- Take a scenic drive across Kusadasi Beach, exploring historic villages in between, and then visit Ephesus’ ancient Greek theater and city. Have lunch at Ephesus.
- Visit the ancient city of Ephesus and the nearby House of the Virgin Mary.
- Start early Morning from Pamukkale as the total drive would be 5 hours, covering many locations.
- Ephesus to Izmir (nearest airport) is about 65 km (40 miles)
- Fly back from Izmir(the nearest airport).
FAQs for first-time tourists to Turkey – Best of Turkey in 8 Days
- Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?
Yes, most visitors to Turkey need a visa. Check with your country’s embassy or consulate for specific requirements. You can apply for an e-Visa online before your trip or get a visa on arrival at the airport.
- What is the currency in Turkey?
The currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). You can exchange currency at banks and exchange offices or withdraw cash from ATMs.
- Is it safe to travel to Turkey?
Overall, Turkey is a safe country for tourists. However, like any destination, you must be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpocketing and other petty crimes. It’s also a good idea to avoid large crowds and political demonstrations.
- What should I wear in Turkey?
Turkey is predominantly Muslim, so it’s essential to dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts in mosques. Outside of sacred sites, you can dress more casually.
- What are some must-see attractions in Turkey?
Turkey has a rich history and culture, so many must-see attractions exist. Some of the most popular include the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the ancient city of Ephesus, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, and the thermal pools of Pamukkale.
- What is the language spoken in Turkey?
The official language of Turkey is Turkish, but many people speak English, especially in tourist areas. It’s a good idea to learn some basic Turkish phrases, such as “Marhaba” (hello) and “teşekkür ederim” (thank you).
- What is the best time to visit Turkey?
The best time to visit Turkey depends on your interests and itinerary. Generally, spring (April to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, if you plan to visit the beach or participate in outdoor activities, summer (June to August) is the best time. Winter (December to February) can be cold and rainy, but visiting ski resorts is a good time.
- Can We Drive In Turkey?
Driving Laws: In Turkey, vehicles drive on the right side of the road. The speed limits vary depending on the type of road, with limits ranging from 50 km/h (31 mph) in cities to 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways. Yes, you can drive in Turkey with a valid driver’s license, which permits driving in Turkey, or having an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Internal Flight Budget & Details for Turkey Itinerary Planning
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: The cost of 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 taking 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 8 Days inn 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.
Overall, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $500-800 for an 8-day trip to Turkey, while mid-range travelers can expect to pay about $1000-1500. Luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of $2500 or more. Remember that these are rough estimates, and prices can vary depending on several factors.
Do We Get Vegetarian Food In Turkey?
Turkish cuisine is famous for its diversity and the blend of many cultures. As Istanbul lies on two continents, it is a perfect melting pot of Western and Eastern cultures, also reflected in their culinary skills. You can have much vegetarian Turkish food with Asia’s aromatic spices and herbs, making Turkish food unique and worth trying.
Shopping In Turkey – Turkey Itinerary 8 Days
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 itinerary 8 days and will soon plan a best of Turkey itinerary. There are so many beautiful things to do in Turkey that if you have more time, you can also plan for two weeks.
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