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Guest post by Dania Demirci
Are you looking for all the details to plan the ultimate 2 week Turkey itinerary? If you don’t know where to go, what to do, or how to get there, it can feel overwhelming to begin planning.
We’ve created the ultimate guide to create your 2 week Turkey itinerary to help you plan an amazing trip.
Planning Your 2 Week Turkey Itinerary
If you’re planning a 2 week Turkey itinerary you need to know the essentials to get started. Learn everything from the best time of year to visit, how to get your visa, and the best way to get around on your trip.
Best Time of Year to Visit Turkey
The best time of year for a 2 week Turkey itinerary is April to October. The peak travel season is June, July, and August where you’ll see higher prices and more tourists in the major tourist destinations. If you’re planning to visit the coast and plan on swimming, anytime between June – October is ideal.
How Many Days to Travel in Turkey
If it’s your first time traveling to Turkey, plan at least 10-14 days to see all the major areas of Turkey. We suggest 3-4 days at each destination traveling at a medium pace.
The biggest mistake travelers make when planning their 2 week Turkey itinerary is not allowing enough time at each location. Their trip ends up rushed with not enough time to see the sites or unique experiences available in each region.
How to Get a Turkish e-Visa
To get your Turkish e-Visa visit the official e-visa application system for Turkey. There is a quick three-step process to apply and pay online. You’ll receive a PDF of your e-visa that you can download and print or save to your phone. We suggest applying at least a week before your trip.
Is it Safe to Travel in Turkey?
Yes, it is safe to travel to Turkey. To be and feel safe in Turkey during your trip, follow some basic travel tips such as:
· Avoid political rallies and protests.
· Be aware of your surroundings.
· Stay up to date on political developments through your country’s Department of Foreign Affairs.
· Avoid areas within 10km of the Syrian or Iranian borders.
· Be respectful and knowledgeable of cultural norms.
Next, we’ll look at popular destinations for a 2 week itinerary in Turkey.
Where to Go in Turkey
If it’s your first trip to Turkey, we suggest going to the classic sites in Turkey. If you have more time or are planning a second or third trip to Turkey, you can plan on visiting off-the-beaten-path locations or doing a deep dive into one of your favorite destinations.
The most popular destinations in Turkey are:
· Istanbul
· Cappadocia
· Antalya & the Mediterranean
· Izmir & Ephesus
· Pamukkale
Next, learn more about how to get around Turkey during your 2 week Turkey itinerary.
How to Get Around Turkey
There are several ways to get around Turkey during your trip. Depending on how you like to travel, you can choose what works best for your itinerary.
By Plane
Traveling by plane for a 2 week Turkey itinerary is the most efficient way to get around when you are traveling in Turkey. If you’re flying in the high season, you need to book your flights as soon as possible. Flights will fill up and you want to make sure you get the best choice of flight times and direct flights to your next destination. For the best prices, look for in-country flights on SunExpress, Atlas Jet, Pegasus, and Onur Air.
By Train
Traveling by train can be a fun way to see the Turkish countryside that you normally wouldn’t see during your trip. There are high speed and overnight trains in Turkey, but not all of them will take you directly to your destination. You may need to catch a bus, dolmus or taxi from the train station to your main destination.
By Bus
Traveling by bus is the cheapest way to travel around the country, but you need to have the time needed to travel. Also, it can be difficult to find the bus times in advance to plan your trip. Also, you’ll need to take a dolmus, taxi, or Uber from the bus station to your destination.
By Car
Taking a road trip through Turkey can be a fun experience but you will need enough time to travel between destinations. Another option is renting a car from the airport to explore the regions you are visiting. We do not recommend driving in Istanbul.
To drive in Turkey, you will need a valid driver’s license and an adventurous spirit.
Is the Museum Pass worth it?
If you plan on visiting historic sites and Museums during your trip to Turkey, we suggest purchasing the Turkey Museum Pass. It will give you entrance into the major sites for 15 days. You can purchase the pass at the first museum you visit in any region.
If you don’t want to purchase the pass, you can download the Museums of Turkey app on your phone. It will give you all the information on entrance fees, open hours, museum information, and what museums you are close to if your location settings are open on your phone.
Next, we’ll look at the best 2 week Turkey itinerary for your trip.
Best 2 Week Turkey Itinerary
The best 2 week Turkey itinerary includes visiting the classic sites during your trip. If you have more time, you can visit some of the off-the-beaten-path locations or spend more time in one destination.
Istanbul, Turkey Itinerary– 4 Nights
Day 1
Arrive in Istanbul for the first day of your 2 week Turkey itinerary. We suggest your flight to have your flight arrive in Turkey in the late afternoon or evening. Spend time getting settled at your hotel and exploring the area around your hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local Turkish restaurant before getting a good night’s rest to start a full day of touring tomorrow.
Where to Stay in Istanbul
There are 2 areas we suggest staying in Istanbul during your 2 week Turkey itinerary. Our first suggestion is to stay in a boutique hotel in the Sultan Ahmet area. It is close to all the major attractions making everything easily walkable or using public transportation.
Another area to look at staying on the European side is the area near Galata Tower. It is walkable or you use public transportation to get over to the Sultan Ahmet area to visit the major sites in Istanbul.
The hotels we recommend in Istanbul are:
Day 2
Start your day with a Turkish breakfast then head out to the Sultan Ahmet district of Istanbul to visit the major attractions of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern.
For women visiting the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, be sure your knees are covered and you bring a scarf to cover your head to enter. Also note, these sites are active mosques and are not covered by the Turkey Museum Pass.
Day 3
Istanbul – Bosphorus Cruise & Street Food
Today head out to see magnificent views of Istanbul from the water on a Bosphorus Cruise. You’ll see ancient fortresses and castles, Ottoman mansions, and luxury homes sitting right on the water. It gives you a new perspective of Istanbul that you won’t see anywhere else.
After your cruise, stop at the Galata Bridge for a fish sandwich from a local fishing boat. Take your time walking the streets to try any of the local dishes from durum wrap or doner to baklava and Turkish ice cream.
Next, make your way to the Grand Bazaar to spend the afternoon bargaining in the largest open market in the world. Navigate the 4,000 shops and 66 streets to find a souvenir to take home with you.
Day 4
Istanbul – Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Archeological Museum, Stroll through Gulhane Park
It’s your last day in Istanbul for your 2 week Turkey itinerary! Today you’ll start at Topkapi Palace to learn more about Ottoman culture and architecture, tour the gardens and visit the harem. Then head over to the Istanbul Archeological Museum to view ancient artifacts from around Turkey. After touring the museum, stroll through Gulhane Park. If you’re visiting in the spring, this is where you find the famous Istanbul Tulip Festival.
Cappadocia, Turkey Itinerary – 3 Nights
Day 5 – Fly to Cappadocia – Uchisar Fortress, Goreme Open Air Museum & Love Valley
This morning, plan a morning flight to the magical land of Cappadocia. The region is famous for its unique landscapes, fairy chimneys, and underground cities.
After getting settled at your hotel, head out to explore Uchisar Fortress and then over to Goreme Open Air Museum. If you have time, take a short hike through Love Valley to explore the landscapes of Goreme.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
The region of Cappadocia is made up of many small towns and villages. We recommend looking in Goreme, Uchisar, or Urgup to find a place to stay in Cappadocia.
In Cappadocia, we recommend the following hotels:
Day 6: Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloon Ride & Zelve Open Air Museum, Avanos
For your first morning in Cappadocia, you’ll wake up early for the sunrise hot air balloon ride with Royal Balloon. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Plan this on our first morning just in case they need to reschedule due to bad weather.
After your hot air balloon ride, have breakfast then head to visit Zelve Open Air Museum – an ancient village and monastery carved into the landscape. Afterward, stop at Pasabag to walk the paths through the fair chimneys before going to the town of Avanos. Avanos is known for its pottery made with clay from the area. Go to the Chez Hakan Pottery Shop to try your hand at throwing clay.
Day 7: Cappadocia – Underground City & Ihlara Valley
Today go to the largest underground city discovered in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu. The ancient city goes 8 stories underground and has a fascinating history that dates back over 2000 years.
After visiting Derinkuyu head to Ihlara Valley a 14-km gorge that is as deep as 100m and home to many cave churches and dwellings.
Antalya, Turkey Itinerary – 4 Nights
Day 8: Fly to Mediterranean Coast & Antalya: Antalya Museum & Kale Ici
Catch a morning flight to the Mediterranean city of Antalya. After getting settled in at your hotel, head to the Antalya Museum to learn more about the history of the area. The museum has some of the best well-preserved artifacts from historical sites in the region.
Next, head to Kale Ici also known as Old Town Antalya. Wander the cobblestone streets and see the old Ottoman houses, shops, and the old harbor. If you have time, take a boat trip to see beautiful views of the Antalya mountains, the Mediterranean Sea, Konyaalti Beach, and the dramatic cliffs along the city.
Where to Stay in Antalya
We recommend staying in the area of Konyaalti or Kale Ici while you’re in Antalya for your 2 week Turkey itinerary. If you’re planning on spending time at the beach, Konyaalti is an ideal area to stay. For couples or anyone looking for nightlife, you can also look at the Old Town area.
In Antalya, we recommend the following hotels:
Day 9: Perge, Aspendos & Turkish Food
Have a big Turkish Breakfast at your hotel before visiting the ancient cities of Perge & Aspendos on the east side of Antalya. Both cities were conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 B.C. and are on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
Perge is known for its city planning and defense system. Aspendos has the largest Roman theater built in Asia Minor, which also hosts an International Opera & Ballet Festival in the summers.
After visiting the ancient cities, head back to Antalya to try some of the local Turkish food. We suggest Pasa Bey or Sultan Yar. Both Turkish restaurants have a history of making some of the best kebabs, doners, and lahmacun in town.
Day 10: Beach or Hiking Day: Beach – Konyaalti / Hiking Termessos or Lycian Way Lighthouse
Whether you’re looking for a beach day or other outdoor activities, Antalya has something for everyone. Today pick a beach day or go hiking – whichever for your preference.
If you want time in the Mediterranean Sea, go to Konyaalt Beach Park to lounge on the 7km pebble beach and swim in the sea. There are many beach cafes on site to rent lounge chairs.
If you’d rather go hiking, we suggest going to the mountain city of Termessos to hike and explore. For hiking with views along the coast, you can hike the Lighthouse section of the Lycian Way.
Day 11: Ancient City of Phaselis & Beach/ Mt. Olympos
On your last day go about 45 minutes west on the coastal road to the ancient city of Phaselis. Explore the city ruins and don’t forget to bring your swimsuit to swim in one of the 3 bays surrounding Phaselis. There are bathrooms and changing rooms on-site for your convenience.
After visiting Phaselis, ride the cable car up 2,543 meters to the top of Mt. Olympos for 360-degree views of the Tarsus mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
Izmir & Ephesus, Turkey Itinerary – 2 Nights
Day 12: Fly to Izmir & Ephesus – Village of Sirince
Today you’re catching a morning flight to Izmir. You’ll need an airport transfer to get to your hotel in Selcuk or Kusadasi near Ephesus about an hour away.
Drop your bags off at your hotel and then head up to the village of Sirince for a slow-paced day of local wine tasting, picturesque mountain views, and local shops.
Where to Stay Near Ephesus
There are several towns that you can stay in near the ancient city of Ephesus. We suggest the following accommodations:
Day 13: Ephesus & Temple of Artemis
Get ready for a full day visiting the ancient city of Ephesus. You can visit on your own, but if you are interested in the details of the city, we suggest hiring a local guide for the day during your 2 week Turkey itinerary. There’s an entrance fee for the site, then an additional fee if you want to view the terrace houses (which we do recommend.)
After visiting Ephesus, visit the Temple of Artemis, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Ephesus Museum.
If you do have an extra day, you can plan a day trip to the thermal pools of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hieropolis
Day 14: Fly to Istanbul to Head Home
This morning, catch a direct flight back to Istanbul for your trip home from 2 weeks in Turkey.
Conclusion: 2 Week Turkey Itinerary
In conclusion, use the ultimate 2 week Turkey itinerary to plan an amazing trip. Learn the essentials for your trip, where to go, how to get around, and what to do. The itinerary gives you a day by day travel details to plan your next trip to Turkey.
Author Bio:
Dania Demirci is an American living on the Mediterranean coast in Turkey and the co-founder of Adventurefolio.com. She explores and shares her favorite things to do in Turkey with her family. She helps travelers confidently plan epic trips to Turkey.
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.