Two Weeks Unique Turkey Experience

Turkey, a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers a unique travel experience like no other. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus, this two-week journey will take you on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Turkey. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this fascinating country.

Destination Highlights

Istanbul: A city where East meets West, Istanbul is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and stunning architecture. Don't miss the iconic Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.
Cappadocia: Known for its surreal landscapes and hot air balloon rides, Cappadocia is a must-visit destination. Explore the underground cities, hike through the fairy chimneys, and witness the breathtaking sunrise from a hot air balloon.
Pamukkale: Famous for its terraces of white mineral-rich waters, Pamukkale is a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. Take a dip in the thermal pools and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Ephesus: Step back in time as you explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Marvel at the well-preserved Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Antalya: With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and ancient ruins, Antalya is a paradise for beach lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Don't miss a visit to the ancient city of Perge and a boat trip along the Turquoise Coast.
Goreme: Located in the heart of Cappadocia, Goreme is a charming town known for its cave hotels and rock-cut churches. Explore the Open-Air Museum, hike through the Rose Valley, and experience the unique cave dwellings.

Suggested Itinerary

Day	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
1	Explore the Grand Bazaar	Visit the Hagia Sophia	Sunset cruise along the Bosphorus
2	Take a Bosphorus boat tour	Visit the Topkapi Palace	Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner
3	Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia	Explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum	Sunset hike in the Rose Valley
4	Visit the underground city of Derinkuyu	Explore the Ihlara Valley	Turkish cooking class
5	Visit the ancient city of Ephesus	Explore the Terrace Houses	Sunset at the Temple of Artemis
6	Relax on the beaches of Antalya	Visit the Antalya Museum	Enjoy a traditional Turkish bath
7	Explore the ancient city of Perge	Take a boat trip along the Turquoise Coast	Sunset at the Duden Waterfalls
8	Visit the travertine terraces of Pamukkale	Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis	Relax in the thermal pools
9	Explore the Dolmabahce Palace	Visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum	Enjoy a traditional Turkish tea
10	Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands	Explore Buyukada Island by horse-drawn carriage	Enjoy a seafood dinner
11	Visit the Chora Church	Explore the Suleymaniye Mosque	Sunset at the Galata Tower
12	Explore the Grand Bazaar	Visit the Spice Bazaar	Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee
13	Visit the Basilica Cistern	Explore the Archaeological Museum	Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant

Realistic Time Management

Day 1:
- Morning: Explore the Grand Bazaar (2 hours)
- Afternoon: Visit the Hagia Sophia (2 hours)
- Evening: Sunset cruise along the Bosphorus (3 hours)
Day 2:
- Morning: Take a Bosphorus boat tour (2 hours)
- Afternoon: Visit the Topkapi Palace (3 hours)
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner (2 hours)
Day 3:
- Morning: Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia (4 hours)
- Afternoon: Explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum (2 hours)
- Evening: Sunset hike in the Rose Valley (2 hours)
Day 4:
- Morning: Visit the underground city of Derinkuyu (3 hours)
- Afternoon: Explore the Ihlara Valley (4 hours)
- Evening: Turkish cooking class (3 hours)
Day 5:
- Morning: Visit the ancient city of Ephesus (4 hours)
- Afternoon: Explore the Terrace Houses (2 hours)
- Evening: Sunset at the Temple of Artemis (1 hour)
Day 6:
- Morning: Relax on the beaches of Antalya (4 hours)
- Afternoon: Visit the Antalya Museum (2 hours)
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Turkish bath (2 hours)
Day 7:
- Morning: Explore the ancient city of Perge (3 hours)
- Afternoon: Take a boat trip along the Turquoise Coast (4 hours)
- Evening: Sunset at the Duden Waterfalls (1 hour)
Day 8:
- Morning: Visit the travertine terraces of Pamukkale (3 hours)
- Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis (2 hours)
- Evening: Relax in the thermal pools (2 hours)
Day 9:
- Morning: Explore the Dolmabahce Palace (3 hours)
- Afternoon: Visit the Istanbul Modern Art Museum (2 hours)
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Turkish tea (1 hour)
Day 10:
- Morning: Take a ferry to the Princes' Islands (1 hour)
- Afternoon: Explore Buyukada Island by horse-drawn carriage (3 hours)
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner (2 hours)
Day 11:
- Morning: Visit the Chora Church (2 hours)
- Afternoon: Explore the Suleymaniye Mosque (1 hour)
- Evening: Sunset at the Galata Tower (1 hour)
Day 12:
- Morning: Explore the Grand Bazaar (2 hours)
- Afternoon: Visit the Spice Bazaar (1 hour)
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee (1 hour)
Day 13:
- Morning: Visit the Basilica Cistern (1 hour)
- Afternoon: Explore the Archaeological Museum (2 hours)
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant (3 hours)

Local Cuisine

Famous local food:
- Iskender Kebab
- Baklava
- Turkish Delight
Recommended restaurants:
- Restaurant A: Known for its authentic Iskender Kebab
- Restaurant B: Famous for its mouthwatering Baklava
- Restaurant C: Offers a wide variety of Turkish Delight flavors

Accommodation Recommendations

How To Get There And Away

By air: Istanbul has two international airports, Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport, with flights from major cities around the world.
By train: Turkey has an extensive rail network connecting major cities, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
By bus: There are regular bus services from neighboring countries, such as Greece and Bulgaria, as well as domestic routes within Turkey.
By car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car at the airport or in major cities. However, keep in mind that traffic in Istanbul can be challenging.

Comprehensive Packing List

Clothing:
- Lightweight and breathable clothes for the summer months
- Layered clothing for cooler evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear for beach destinations
Essentials:
- Passport and travel documents
- Travel adapter
- Sunscreen and hat
- Insect repellent
- First aid kit
Miscellaneous:
- Camera and extra batteries
- Portable charger
- Travel guidebook
- Reusable water bottle
- Turkish phrasebook

Budget Consideration

a. The standard cost of living per person per day in Turkey is approximately $50-$100, depending on your accommodation and dining choices.

b. Relevant costs from the suggested itinerary (excluding accommodation):

Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia: $150-$200 per person
Turkish cooking class: $50-$100 per person
Boat trip along the Turquoise Coast: $30-$50 per person
Entrance fee to Pamukkale: $10 per person
Entrance fee to Ephesus: $15 per person

c. Tips for saving money:

Opt for budget accommodations or hostels
Eat at local restaurants and street food stalls
Use public transportation instead of taxis
Take advantage of free attractions and activities

Language and Cultural Etiquette

Learn a few basic Turkish phrases, such as "hello" (merhaba), "thank you" (teşekkür ederim), and "please" (lütfen), to communicate effectively with locals.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, such as mosques and churches.
Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a mosque.
Avoid discussing sensitive topics, such as politics or religion, unless invited to do so.
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas.

Some Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Explore the ancient city of Aphrodisias, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins.
Take a boat trip to the Princes' Islands and explore the car-free islands by bicycle.
Visit the lesser-known town of Safranbolu, famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
Experience a traditional Turkish hammam (bath) for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Take a scenic hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia at sunrise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to visit Turkey? A: The best time to visit Turkey is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Turkey? A: Turkey is generally a safe country to visit, but it's always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.

Q: Do I need a visa to enter Turkey? A: Yes, most visitors to Turkey require a visa. You can apply for an e-visa online before your trip or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport.

Q: What currency is used in Turkey? A: The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments.

Conclusion

Turkey offers a unique and diverse travel experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. From exploring ancient ruins to indulging in delicious local cuisine, this two-week journey will take you on a captivating adventure through the heart of Turkey. So pack your bags, immerse yourself in the beauty of this fascinating country, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Now, get inspired by these videos of Turkey:

Book through us to get a discount

Book other travel services