The Perfect Two Week Turkey Itinerary

The Perfect 2-Week Turkey Itinerary

From grand Ottoman mosques and bustling bazaars to white sand beaches and turquoise waters, a 2-week trip to Turkey is guaranteed to be packed full of sightseeing and adventure on a scale you might not be expecting!

This sprawling nation sits at the literal crossroads of Europe and Asia, and when your trip starts in Istanbul, you can take the ferry back and forth between continents as you explore an ancient yet modern city that traces its roots back to the days of the early Greeks.

Travel to the Mediterranean coast, and you can spend mornings exploring archeological sites that rival anywhere else in the Roman world, including the staggering ruins of Ephesus. Once you’ve had your fill of history, spend the afternoon lounging at beach clubs and enjoying al fresco dining as the sun sets. 

But for a real taste of what Turkey has to offer, you have to visit the vast plains of Anatolia, where you’ll find Christian churches carved into the rocks, underground cities that once sheltered thousands from invaders, and sunrise hot air balloon flights that reveal glorious yet otherworldly landscapes from above. This is Cappadocia, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Turkey. 

It’s cliché, but Turkey really is a clash of cultures, which is why a 2-week trip is a wonderful way to embrace the country’s unique diversity. If you’re planning your next getaway, then keep reading as we reveal our perfect Turkey itinerary!

Two Weeks in Turkey

Preparing for Turkey

When you’re preparing for 2-weeks in Turkey, there are a few things you should take on board to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible. To start, don’t underestimate the distances you might need to cover when you’re traveling across the country. 

Istanbul is a long way from Cappadocia, and Cappadocia is a long way from the Mediterranean. You’ll need to keep to a stringent itinerary if you want to maximize your time and see as many destinations as possible.

Before you travel, double-check if you need to secure a visa in advance or not. Turkey’s immigration policy varies from one country to the next, and US citizens will need to apply for an e-visa in advance of travel. Don’t worry too much about this, as it’s a simple process that’s completed almost instantly online. 

Citizens of many other countries, such as the United Kingdom, no longer need an e-visa and can simply get their passports stamped on arrival at a Turkish airport (this often changes, so always check with your consulate before traveling).

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Things to Know Before You Go

Preparing for Turkey: The Perfect two Week Itinerary

You may wish to brush up on a few basic words of Turkish before you embark on your trip (“Teşekkür ederim” means “Thank You,” for example), but unless you’re getting really off the beaten track, you’ll be impressed by the level of English that’s spoken in the touristic destinations (it also helps that Turkish is written in the Roman script). 

Turkey is officially a secular nation, but the culture is, in reality, heavily influenced by Islam. You’ll see mosques in every village, town, and city, and you may find it best to dress conservatively in more rural areas (don’t worry so much about this on the beaches, though).

The currency in circulation is the Turkish Lira, which can fluctuate significantly at times due to inflation and Turkey’s economic issues. Currently, western currencies like the US Dollar are very strong compared to the Turkish Lira, which means that costs can be comparatively cheap for holidaymakers from the US or UK. 

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Getting Around Turkey

If you’re arriving internationally, you’re likely to land at one of Istanbul’s two major airports. The primary airport is Istanbul Airport (IST), a new, purpose-built airport that’s the central hub for Turkish Airlines and other long-haul carriers. 

The second airport is Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). This is a much older airport that’s become the hub for budget airlines like Pegasus. Both airports are well connected to Istanbul’s Taksim and Sultanahmet districts by bus and metro. 

From Istanbul, you have several onward travel options. Cities are well connected by cheap domestic flights, which can cut your travel time down massively. You can fly to Fethiye, Antalya, Cappadocia, Ankara, and many more destinations from Istanbul.

Important cities like Ankara are connected to Istanbul by the modern high-speed rail network, which is super efficient and excellent value. Most locals get around by bus, though, and you’ll be impressed by the sheer extent of Turkey’s long-distance bus network. 

Everywhere is connected, and tickets can often be purchased easily online. Bear in mind that journey times can be long. Istanbul to Cappadocia requires an overnight bus ride, for example. 

Public transport varies from city to city. Istanbul has a vast integrated transport system that includes ferries, buses, trams, and trains. Ankara has an excellent metro system, and Antalya has an extensive tram and bus system. 

You can also use the local Dolmus, shared taxis and minibuses, which run set routes within towns and cities and between different destinations. They’re great value and often go where other types of transport don’t. 

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Istanbul – 2 Nights

2 Weeks in Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul

Your first destination, and one of the best cities to visit in Turkey (if not the entire world!), is Istanbul. This sprawling megalopolis spans the Bosphorus, crosses two continents, and boasts over two millennia of history as it bridges the gap between Europe and Asia.

There are few other cities in the world with such an allure as Istanbul’s, and you’ll love how each district, street, and sightseeing attraction sits on layer upon layer of history stretching back to the Ancient Greeks. 

Istanbul is an immersive experience. It’s simultaneously modern and timeless, it’s historic yet contemporary, and it’s the best place to start your 14-day Turkey itinerary. Although no longer the Turkish capital (that’s now Ankara), Istanbul is the nexus of the nation, and you’ve got much to fit in during your stay.

After checking into one of the coolest boutique hotels in Istanbul (we recommend staying in Taksim or Sultanahmet for convenience), your first day of sightseeing will be spent in Sultanahmet, the history-laden heart of the Old City. 

Hagia Sophia

See the Magnificent Hagia Sophia

Topkapi Palace

Get a Topkapi Palace Ticket

This is the European side of Istanbul, and it’s where you’ll find sites like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. You can marvel at the ruins of the Roman Hippodrome, see the Obelisk of Theodosius, and venture underground to explore the Basilica Cistern. 

Blue Mosque

Discover the Blue Mosque

Istanbul Archaeological Museum

Turkey Two Week Itinerary: Istanbul Archeaological Museum

Archaeological Museum Ticket

And after all that, you’ll still need a few hours to spend wandering through the cavernous markets of the Grand Bazaar, where spices tantalize your senses and the smell of baked bureks and Iskender kebabs chase you through the grand hallways. 

Grand Bazaar

Take a Grand Bazaar Shopping Tour

Galata

On Day 2, you’ll be crossing the Golden Horn to visit the equally historic district of Galata. Start by walking over Galata Bridge from Sultanahmet, where you’ll stop to see local fishermen reeling their catch from the depths of the estuary. 

Tackle the steep steps leading uphill to the Galata Tower, a watchtower built by the Byzantines in 1348, a century before the city fell to the Ottomans in 1453. The views from the top are incredible, and you can stop in the restaurant for a quick lunch break before carrying on to Taksim.

Wander around Galata District

Taksim Istiklal Street

Turkey Two Week Itinerary: Taksim Istiklal Street

Taksim is where modern Turkey collides with the past. From Galata, you’ll walk along Istiklal Street, a long pedestrian thoroughfare lined with 19th-century architecture and packed with shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and museums. 

You can try the famous Turkish ice cream or hop into a takeaway restaurant for a kumpir, the largest baked potato you’ll have ever seen! Soon enough, you’ll reach Taksim Square, home to the Republic Monument and the modern Taksim Mosque. 

How to Get Around Istanbul

2 Week Itinerary in Turkey: Tram

You can easily walk from one sight to the next with our Istanbul itinerary, but you may wish to use the trams or metro system to speed things up. If you do, then it’s useful to buy an IstanbulKart, which you can preload with fares and then use to tap on and off the public transport. 

City Transport Card for Bus, Metro, Tram, & Ferries

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Izmir and Ephesus – 2 Nights

After a full Turkish breakfast in Istanbul, head over to Alibeykoy Otogar (an Istanbul bus station), where you can catch a bus to Izmir, Turkey’s second city. You can book tickets with Metro, a local bus company with regular connections, and you can expect a journey time of around 6 hours. Alternatively, you can fly between the two cities.

Izmir

2 Weeks in Turkey Itinerary: Izmir

Izmir is an ancient port city (formerly called Smyrna), and if you leave Istanbul early enough, you should have enough time to visit a few sights in the afternoon. Izmir is more laid back than Istanbul. 

Start by visiting Konak Square, where there’s a beautiful clock tower, then head on over to Kemeralti Bazaar, where you’ll soon find yourself lost in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city’s traditional marketplace. Nearby you’ll see the Agora Archeological Site of Smyrna, an ancient Greek marketplace that’s remarkably well preserved, and you can learn more about the local history by visiting the Izmir Archaeological Museum. 

There’s still lots more to see, and you can visit Konak Pier on the seafront, enjoy great views from the top of Kadifekale (a historic castle looking over the city), or take a foodie tour of the city. 

Experience the Izmir City Tour

Cesme

2 Week Turkey Itinerary: Cesme

The next day, you’ve got two options to choose from (if you rent a car or driver, you could even fit in both!). The first is a day trip to Cesme, a colorful seaside town overlooking the Mediterranean. 

Enjoy the sea breeze and fresh seafood as you explore cobbled streets, or take a boat ride along the coast and a dip in the sea. Cesme is 1.5 hours from Izmir, and it’s an excellent option if you’re in need of a chilled-out beach day.

Ephesus

2 Week Turkey Itinerary: Ephesus

The second, most popular option is a day trip from Izmir to Ephesus, one of the top places to visit in Turkey. Ephesus is an hour’s drive south of Izmir, and it dates back to the days of the ancient Greeks. Ephesus was a leading Greek city, home to the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus. 

The Romans had conquered the city by 129 BC, and many of the great classical ruins you see today date from the era of Roman rule that followed, including a magnificent amphitheater that could hold 24,000 spectators. You can reach either Cesme or Ephesus with a Dolmus from Izmir or you can join group tours from the city, rent a car, or hire a driver. 

Spend a Day in Ephesus

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Pamukkale – 1 night

The ultimate 2-week Turkey itinerary has to include Pamukkale because there’s no other sight quite like this one anywhere else in the world!

Travertines

2 Week Turkey Itinerary: Travertines

Pamukkale translates from Turkish into English as “Cotton Castle.” Above the town, dramatic “Travertines” have formed over millennia, leaving unusual salt-encrusted pools of water fed from below by thermal hot springs. You can walk among these strange Travertines in what is an unusual and unique experience. 

At the top of the Travertines, you’ll then find an equally exceptional sight: the ancient city of Hierapolis. Long ago, the ancient Greeks realized the healing qualities of the thermal waters that nourished the Travertines of Pamukkale. 

Hierapolis

2 Weeks in Turkey Itinerary: Hierapolis

They built a city above this geological oddity, and Hierapolis became an early spa city. The Romans also loved the thermal springs, and they too built magnificent temples and a grand theater, much of which has been excavated in recent years.

You can wander along Roman streets overshadowed by tall marble columns, but best of all is the Hierapolis spa. This modern version of the Roman baths allows you to soak up the mineral water while swimming among ancient statues and columns from Hierapolis.

Pamukkale is at least three hours from Izmir, so you’ll want to maximize your time at the Travertines by spending the night here. You can catch a bus from Izmir to Denizli, from where you can take a taxi or jump in a Dolmus to Pamukkale, which is another half-hour drive away. 

Visit the Pamukkale Travertines

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Fethiye – 2 nights

2 Weeks in Turkey Itinerary: Fethiye

Today you’re transferring to Fethiye, a wonderful seaside city on the Mediterranean. Fethiye is a hub for the Turquoise Coast, and it’s a great base for both beach bumming and adventure activities.

We recommend joining a boat tour to explore the coastline. The options are varied, and you can sign up for day trips to the nearby Greek island of Rhodes, snorkeling or diving trips along the coast, or even party cruises. 

Enjoy a Rhodes Full-Day Tour

Oludeniz

Turkey Two Week Itinerary: Oludeniz

For a more chilled-out day, make your way over to Oludeniz, where you’ll find one of the most spectacular beaches in Turkey. Here, a turquoise blue bay is sheltered by Mediterranean rocks, and you can rent a deck chair and lounge in the sun while ordering up cold Efes beer. 

Explore the Bays and Islands around Oludeniz

Mount Babadag

Alternatively, you can get up early and paraglide off the top of Mount Babadag for an extreme bird’s-eye view of Oludeniz. Fethiye is also the starting point for the Lycian Way, a long-distance hiking trail that explores the region’s ancient history. 

Paraglide from Mount Babadag

Kayakoy

2 Weeks in Turkey Itinerary: Kayakoy

The trail goes all the way south to Antalya, but you can just walk the first section to Oludeniz or the section from Oludeniz to Kayakoy (an abandoned Greek village that’s quite dramatic) if you’re looking for a day of outdoor activity. 

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Antalya – 2 nights

2 Week Turkey Itinerary: Kaleici

After two days in Fethiye, the next stop on your Turkey itinerary is Antalya. You’ll be taking the bus down south, an easy journey that takes 3 hours. Once in Antalya, you can hop on a tram or take a taxi to the Old Town. 

Kaleici

2 Weeks in Turkey Itinerary: Kaleici

Many people visiting Antalya come for the resorts. But we recommend staying in the Old Town (in Turkish, the Kaleici), where there are some lovely boutique hotels located in historic Ottoman-style houses. 

Spend your first afternoon exploring the Old Town, harbor, and seafront (which date back to ancient times). You can visit Hadrian’s Gate (built by Roman Emperor Hadrian), the Antalya Museum (where there’s an excellent display of local Lycian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history), or lounge the day away on Konyaalti Beach. 

Book a Guided Tour around Old Town

On your second day, we suggest taking a day trip from Antalya. You can hike further sections of the Lycian Way or visit the ancient ruins of Perge, Aspendos, or Termessos.

Perge and Aspendos

Journey to the Ancient Cities

Termessos

2 Week Turkey Itinerary: Termessos

Venture around the Ruins of Termessos

You could also take a trip to Demre, where you’ll find rock-hewn tombs carved by the Lycians, a Roman-era amphitheater dug into the cliffs, and the church of St Nicholas (who is said to be the real-life influence for Santa Claus). 

Tour Demre and the St. Nicholas Church

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Cappadocia – 3 nights

2 Weeks in Turkey Itinerary: Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the best places to visit in Turkey. Located in the heart of an ancient geographical region known as Anatolia, Cappadocia is known for its otherworldly landscapes and jaw-dropping scenery. 

Goreme

2 Week Turkey Itinerary: Goreme

You’ll first need to take a bus from Antalya to Nevsehir. You’ll then transfer to Goreme (many bus companies include this in their ticket), where you’ll be staying in one of the town’s very unique cave hotels. 

Goreme is the heart of the Cappadocian UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first thing you’ll notice is the unusual rock formations, where wind and rain have shaped pliable rock into beautiful formations. 

2 Week Itinerary in Turkey: Goreme Open Air Museum

People have shaped the rocks, too, and for centuries, Christian refugees fleeing persecution carved hidden homes and cave dwellings into the cliffs. You can visit the Goreme Open Air Museum to learn more before exploring the underground city of Derinkuyu, a staggering subterranean lair that could shelter some 20,000 people within its hand-carved depths.

Goreme Open Air Museum

See the Göreme Open-Air Museum

Derinkuyu

Visit Derinkuyu Underground City

The best way to understand Cappadocia is to take a hot air balloon flight. It’s an early start, but you’ll have a truly unforgettable time as you watch the sunrise over the landscapes below. You won’t want to leave Cappadocia, and before you do, you have a chance to ride horses, join off-road ATV adventures, and enjoy local dishes like the Pottery Kebab.

Hot Air Balloon Flight

Go on a Hot Air Balloon Tour

Ride Horses

2 Week Turkey Itinerary: Ride Horses

Ride Horses through Valleys of Cappadocia

Off-road ATV Adventures

2 Week Itinerary in Turkey: Road ATV Adventures

Get an ATV tour of Cappadocia

Cappadocia is an excellent destination for hiking, too. One of the best trails takes you through valleys and canyons from Goreme to the rocky castle overlooking Uchisar. Other great walks include Love Valley (you’ll soon guess why it’s called this!) and Red and Rose Valley.

Go on a Guided Day Trip to Cappadocia

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Ankara – 1 night

2 Weeks in Turkey Itinerary: Ankara

The next day you’re back on the road and traveling north to the Turkish capital, Ankara. From Goreme, there are limited direct buses to Ankara, so you may need to change in Nevsehir or in Kayseri. It’s straightforward, and if you leave in the morning, you’ll be in Ankara for lunchtime (it’s around 4 hours by bus).

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

2 Week Turkey Itinerary: Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Jump on the metro and head to central Ankara, where you can check into your hotel. Then make your way to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where you can spend the afternoon exploring the many ancient civilizations that once called this region home.

The next day, get up bright and early for a full Turkish breakfast, then head on over to Ankara Castle. The Ottoman-era castle is in the heart of the restored Old Town, and as you wander around the colorful streets, you’ll start to get a sense of Ankara. The Old Town is small, compared to Istanbul, because until it became the capital in the 1920s, Ankara was little more than a village.

Mausoleum of Atatürk

In the afternoon, you can visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk. It’s a grand monument to the man who made Ankara the capital and the man that was given the title “Father of the Turks” after leading the nation into a new era after the fall of the Ottoman Empire following World War I. 

Explore the City of Ankara

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Istanbul – 1 night

After exploring the sights of Ankara, you’ll be heading back to Istanbul. Despite being the capital, Ankara has relatively poor international flight connections, so we suggest taking the opportunity to spend one final night in Istanbul.

2 Weeks in Turkey Itinerary: High Speed Train

You can fly from Ankara to Istanbul, but we recommend taking the high-speed train. The journey time is 4.5 hours. The trains are comfortable and modern, so just sit back and watch the Turkish countryside roll past. You’ll have seen Istanbul’s major historic sights when you started your two-week Turkey itinerary, so this time, we recommend visiting the Asian side of the city for a different perspective.

Take the cross-continent ferry from the European side of Istanbul (where you can stay in Sultanahmet or Taksim) to Kadikoy. It’s a beautiful journey, and when you arrive, you’ll be thrown into what we’d call a more “local experience.” This isn’t a tourist district as such, but you’ll love exploring the Kadikoy Market, strolling along Bahariye Street, and drinking Turkish coffee on the seafront!

Take a Food Tour in Kadikoy

There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Turkey itinerary. Where will you be traveling on your trip to Turkey?


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About the Author:

  • Richard Collett

    Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities.

    Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot).

    When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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