9 day itinerary for Istanbul And Turkey

Itinerary

Absolutely, I'd be happy to help you plan your 9-day trip to Istanbul and Turkey in June! Here's a fun and diverse itinerary for you:

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

• Arrive in Istanbul and check into your hotel
• Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
• Stroll through the historic Sultanahmet Square
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2: Istanbul Highlights

• Explore the Topkapi Palace and its beautiful gardens
• Visit the Grand Bazaar for some shopping and cultural immersion
• Take a Bosphorus cruise to see the city from the water
• Enjoy a relaxing evening at a Turkish hammam for a traditional bath experience

Day 3: Day Trip to Princes' Islands

• Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands for a peaceful escape from the city
• Rent a bike or horse carriage to explore the car-free islands
• Enjoy a seafood lunch with a view of the Marmara Sea
• Return to Istanbul in the evening and relax at a rooftop bar with a view of the city

Day 4: Cappadocia Adventure

• Fly to Cappadocia and check into a cave hotel
• Explore the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys of Göreme National Park
• Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for a magical experience
• Visit the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli

Day 5: Cappadocia Exploration

• Visit the Open-Air Museum to see ancient cave churches
• Explore the valleys of Love and Rose for stunning landscapes
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner in a cave restaurant
• Relax in a Turkish bath or spa to unwind after a day of exploring

Day 6: Pamukkale and Hierapolis

• Fly to Denizli and visit the natural thermal pools of Pamukkale
• Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and its well-preserved ruins
• Relax in the mineral-rich waters of Pamukkale's terraces
• Stay overnight in a hotel with a view of the white travertine pools

Day 7: Ephesus and Izmir

• Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world
• Explore the Terrace Houses to see how the wealthy lived in ancient times
• Drive to Izmir for a taste of modern Turkish city life
• Enjoy fresh seafood at the Kordon waterfront promenade

Day 8: Bodrum Relaxation

• Take a scenic drive to Bodrum on the Aegean coast
• Visit the Castle of St. Peter and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
• Relax on the beaches of Bodrum or take a boat tour around the coast
• Enjoy a seafood dinner at a seaside restaurant

Day 9: Departure

• Spend your last morning in Bodrum exploring the local markets
• Transfer to the airport for your flight back home

I hope this itinerary gives you a good mix of history, culture, relaxation, and adventure during your 9-day trip to Istanbul and Turkey in June. Enjoy your travels!