Turkey is one of the most visited destinations in the world. Every year millions of people visit this historic country to get a flavour of its beauty and culture. 5 to 6 nights is an ideal time to explore the country. Read further to know what to plan for your trip.
Day 1 – Istanbul
On your first day, you arrive at the historic city of Istanbul and directly head to your hotel to check-in. I would suggest you to stay in the Sultanahmet area which is also known as the Old Istanbul city. This neighbourhood is close to some of the major attractions of the city and if you choose a good spot, you can have the view of the Bosphorus strait. Another area to consider would be Taskim where the nightlife is prominent.
Morning – As you start your day at the Sultanahmet square, you will get a glimpse of the beautiful Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque is the largest functioning one in turkey built in the year 1609. You can visit these attractions and break for lunch and Turkish coffee at Noon. Post lunch you can visit the Topkapi Palace. Catch the beautiful sunset in the Bosphorus strait and head to the world-famous Grand Bazaar to spend an evening’s worth of exploration and shopping.
Day 2 – Istanbul
Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast and wash it down with some Turkish Coffee. An interesting fact about Turkish Coffee is that the speciality is not from the coffee beans used but the method of preparation. After a relaxed morning, head to the major attractions if any were missed on the first day. If not this is a perfect time to visit the Turkish hammam bath experience. After this one of kind experience, spend your afternoon with lunch on the Bosphorous Cruise, watching the skyline of Istanbul with some delicious food. After the cruise, you can catch the sunset at the Galata bridge. As the evening sets head to Taksim square and explore the various restaurants, cafes and nightlife in the area.
Day 3 – Cappadocia
Take an early morning flight to Kayseri from Istanbul. Goreme town is a 1 and a half-hour drive from Kayseri. Once you reach Goreme, check into one of their cave hotels for your stay. Once you are settled in Goreme, you can start your exploration. Start your exploration of Cappadocia by visiting the fairy chimneys, dwellings and rocks of rose valley. After exploring rose valley also check out the Pasabag valley. Head back to Goreme for a regional Turkish lunch and go on to explore the Kayamkli underground city which is a UNESCO world heritage site. End your day by experiencing the traditional whirling dervish show and the beautiful sunset of Goreme.
Day 4 – Cappadocia + Transit
Wake up early in the morning on your Day 4 and get ready to experience the world-famous Hot air balloon rides of Cappadocia. Note that this is a weather dependent activity. After this wonderful experience, have breakfast and explore the Goreme Open Air Museum. The rock-cut churches in this site are UNESCO world heritage rated. If time permits, visit the Uchisar castle. If not pack your bags and head to the airport to catch your flight to Izmir and head to Selcuk.
Day 5 – Selcuk in Izmir
The Selcuk province in Izmir is where we will be able to find the world-famous ancient ruins of the historic city of Ephesus. These are some of the best-preserved ruins of the world and one of the most visited places in Turkey. Post that you can go on to visit the temple of Artemis. Post that take a break for lunch and rest. You can then go on to visit the Ephesus museum. You can then take a tour of the house of the virgin mary and head back to Selcuk.
Day 6 – Pammukale
Pammukale is a world-famous site and one which is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site for the white terraces and hot springs. Pammukale is a 2 and half hour drive from Selcuk. Alternatively, you can also take a bus to Denizli and go from there. Explore the white calcite cliffs and the hot springs of the region. The upper levels hold mineral-rich water. Post that head to Hierapolis City Ruins at a short walking distance. Check out the temple of Appolo and Hierapolis museum. After lunch you can relax at the Pammukale antique pools. The legends say that the antique pool was a hand-sculpted gift to Cleopatra by March Anthony.
You can alternatively spend Day 6 in either Antalya or Bodrum. Antalya is a 6-hour journey and Bodrum is a three-hour journey from Selcuk. Both of these locations are seaside locations and are the primary beach locations of turkey. If you are a beach bum and a history lover either of these places is going to be worth the visit.
Day 7 – Istanbul
On your last day head to Istanbul to catch your flight back home. Keep in mind that an Istanbul round trip is the most recommended way to travel to and from turkey and your home country.
Reach out to the destination experts at Makemytrip, Thomas cook, Pickyourtrail.com to customize and book your Turkey tour packages.