12 day itinerary for Turkey

Itinerary

Absolutely, I'd love to help you plan your 12-day adventure in Turkey! Get ready for a journey filled with history, culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes.

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

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

Day 2: Istanbul

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

Day 3: Istanbul

• Visit the Spice Bazaar for some local flavors
• Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Beyoglu and Karakoy
• Climb the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city
• Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus

Day 4: Cappadocia

• Fly to Cappadocia and check into your cave hotel
• Explore the unique rock formations of Goreme Open-Air Museum
• Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise
• Visit the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli

Day 5: Cappadocia

• Hike in the Rose Valley and explore the fairy chimneys
• Visit the pottery village of Avanos
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner in a cave restaurant
• Attend a Whirling Dervishes ceremony in the evening

Day 6: Pamukkale

• Drive to Pamukkale and visit the stunning white terraces
• Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis
• Relax in the thermal pools of Cleopatra's Pool
• Stay overnight in a hotel overlooking the travertines

Day 7: Ephesus

• Visit the ancient city of Ephesus and the Library of Celsus
• Explore the Terrace Houses for a glimpse into Roman life
• Visit the House of Virgin Mary
• Drive to Bodrum and relax by the Aegean Sea

Day 8: Bodrum

• Explore the Bodrum Castle and Museum of Underwater Archaeology
• Relax on the beaches of Bodrum
• Visit the charming village of Gumusluk for fresh seafood
• Enjoy a sunset cruise along the coast

Day 9: Antalya

• Fly to Antalya and check into your hotel
• Explore the historic old town of Kaleici
• Visit the Antalya Museum to learn about the region's history
• Relax on Konyaalti Beach

Day 10: Antalya

• Take a boat tour along the Turquoise Coast
• Visit the ancient city of Perge
• Explore the stunning Duden Waterfalls
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner in a local restaurant

Day 11: Istanbul

• Fly back to Istanbul
• Visit the Dolmabahce Palace and its beautiful gardens
• Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Ortakoy and Besiktas
• Enjoy a farewell dinner overlooking the Bosphorus

Day 12: Departure

• Depending on your flight time, you can squeeze in some last-minute shopping or sightseeing
• Bid farewell to Turkey with memories of a wonderful 12-day adventure

I hope this itinerary gives you a taste of the beauty and diversity that Turkey has to offer. Enjoy your trip!