10 day itinerary for Turkey

Itinerary

Turkey is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, and there are so many amazing things to see and do. Here's an ideal itinerary for 10 days in Turkey that's perfect for families:

Day 1: Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring the city's famous landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Take a stroll through the Grand Bazaar and enjoy some traditional Turkish cuisine for dinner.

Day 2: Istanbul

Start the day with a visit to the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir that dates back to the Byzantine era. Then, take a boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait to see the city from a different perspective. In the evening, head to Taksim Square for some shopping and entertainment.

Day 3: Cappadocia

Fly to Cappadocia and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring the unique landscape of the region, including the fairy chimneys, underground cities, and ancient rock formations. Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset for a truly unforgettable experience.

Day 4: Cappadocia

Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features rock-cut churches and monasteries. Then, head to the Uchisar Castle for panoramic views of the surrounding area. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner and a performance of the Whirling Dervishes.

Day 5: Pamukkale

Drive to Pamukkale and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring the famous white terraces and hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was built on top of the terraces, and see the well-preserved ruins of the Roman baths, temples, and theaters.

Day 6: Ephesus

Drive to Ephesus and explore the ancient city, which was once a major center of trade and culture in the Mediterranean. See the well-preserved ruins of the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theater. In the evening, head to the nearby town of Selcuk for some shopping and dining.

Day 7: Bodrum

Drive to Bodrum and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring the town's famous castle, which was built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century. Visit the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which houses artifacts from ancient shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea. In the evening, enjoy some fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Bodrum

Take a boat tour to the nearby islands of Kos and Rhodes, which are known for their beautiful beaches and historic landmarks. Explore the medieval castle and ancient ruins on Kos, and see the Palace of the Grand Master and the Acropolis on Rhodes.

Day 9: Antalya

Fly to Antalya and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring the old town, which is known for its narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and ancient Roman ruins. Visit the Antalya Museum, which houses artifacts from the region's rich history and culture.

Day 10: Antalya

Take a day trip to the nearby Duden Waterfalls, which are located just outside the city. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the waterfalls and take a swim in the refreshing pools. In the evening, head back to Antalya for a farewell dinner and some last-minute shopping.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Turkey! Let me know if you have any questions or need any further assistance.