9 day itinerary for Turkey

Itinerary

Hello there! How exciting that you'll be spending 9 days in Turkey! With so much to see and do in this beautiful country, I'll make sure to create an ideal itinerary for you that covers the must-visit places while also allowing you to relax and enjoy your time there.

Day 1: Istanbul

• Start your trip in Istanbul, the vibrant city where East meets West. Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
• Take a leisurely stroll through the historic Sultanahmet Square and shop for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar.
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with a view of the Bosphorus.

Day 2: Istanbul

• Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Beyoglu and Karakoy, known for their hip cafes, boutiques, and street art.
• Visit the Galata Tower for panoramic views of the city and take a cruise along the Bosphorus.
• End the day with a Turkish bath experience at a historic hammam.

Day 3: Cappadocia

• Fly to Cappadocia and marvel at the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys.
• Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for a magical experience.
• Explore the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli and visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum.

Day 4: Cappadocia

• Go hiking in the Rose Valley or Love Valley for stunning views of the landscape.
• Visit a local pottery workshop and try your hand at making your own ceramic masterpiece.
• Relax in a cave hotel and enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner under the stars.

Day 5: Pamukkale

• Travel to Pamukkale and visit the famous white terraces of travertine pools.
• Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and take a dip in the thermal waters of Cleopatra's Pool.
• Relax in a natural hot spring spa and unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Day 6: Ephesus

• Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
• Explore the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Terrace Houses.
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish meze lunch in the nearby town of Selcuk.

Day 7: Bodrum

• Head to the coastal town of Bodrum and relax on the beautiful beaches.
• Visit the Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
• Enjoy a seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Day 8: Antalya

• Travel to Antalya and explore the historic old town of Kaleici.
• Visit the Antalya Museum to learn about the region's rich history and archaeology.
• Relax on Konyaalti Beach and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 9: Departure

• Spend your last day shopping for souvenirs at the local markets and enjoying a final Turkish breakfast.
• Transfer to the airport for your flight home, reminiscing about the wonderful memories you've made in Turkey.

I hope this itinerary gives you a good balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural experiences during your 9 days in Turkey. Have a fantastic trip!