Turkey is a country that offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and vibrant city life. If you’re planning to spend two weeks here, we’ve crafted the ideal itinerary to explore the country’s highlights. Let’s dive into your itinerary, with helpful tips on costs, transport, and accommodation to ensure a smooth trip.
Day 1-3: Istanbul – Where East Meets West
Must-See Sights:
- Hagia Sophia: Free entrance for locals, 25 € for foreign tourists.
- Topkapi Palace: Entrance fee is 1700 TL.
- Blue Mosque: Free to enter.
- Basilica Cistern: Entrance fee is 900 TL.
Activities:
- Grand Bazaar: Free to explore, but bargaining is key when shopping.
- Bosphorus Cruise: Prices start from 400-500 TL for a basic cruise, or opt for a sunset cruise with dinner (~1,000-1,500 TL).
Transportation: Istanbul’s public transport is affordable and efficient. Use the Istanbulkart for buses, trams, and ferries.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Stay at Sultan Hostel (prices start at 300-400 TL per night for dorms).
- Mid-range: Farih, Sultanahmet, Sirkeci Budget Hotels (1,500-2,000 TL per night).
- Luxury: Four Seasons Sultanahmet (from 10,000 TL per night).
Day 4-5: Cappadocia – Land of Fairy Chimneys
Must-See Sights:
- Goreme Open-Air Museum: Entrance fee is 20 €.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Prices range from 150 - 250 € depending on the season.
- Uchisar Castle
- Underground Cities (Kaymakli or Derinkuyu): Entrance fees are 13 € each.
Transportation: Flights from Istanbul to Nevsehir or Kayseri (Cappadocia’s nearest airports) cost between 1,500-2,500 TL. Private transfers or shuttle buses are available from the airport to Goreme (around 300 TL per person).
Accommodation Options:
- Budget hotels : (from 1,500 TL per night).
- Mid-range hotels : (around 2,500-3,000 TL per night).
- Luxury hotels : (from 7,000 TL per night).
Day 6-8: Pamukkale and Ephesus
Pamukkale:
- Travertine Terraces & Hierapolis: Entrance fee is 30 €.
- Thermal Pools: Entrance to Cleopatra’s Pool is extra.
Ephesus:
- Ephesus Ancient City: Entrance fee is 40 €.
- Library of Celsus and the Great Theater are included in the ticket.
Transportation:
- From Cappadocia, you can take a flight to Izmir, which costs around 2,000 - 3,000 TL. Also from Pamukkale, buses to Selçuk (Ephesus) take around 3 hours and cost 600 TL.
- Car rental: If you prefer flexibility, renting a car is a great option (prices range from 2,000 - 3,000 TL per day).
Accommodation Options:
- Budget hotels : in Pamukkale (1500-1800 TL per night).
- Mid-range hotels : in Selçuk (2,000-2,500 TL per night).
- Luxury hotels : in Kusadasi (around 3,000-4,000 TL per night).
Day 9-10: Antalya – The Turkish Riviera
Must-See Sights:
- Old Town (Kaleiçi): Free to explore.
- Hadrian’s Gate: Free entrance.
- Duden Waterfalls: Entrance fee is 500 TL.
Transportation:
- Flights from Izmir (near Ephesus) to Antalya cost between 2,000-2,500 TL.
- Antalya also has an efficient tram system, and taxis are affordable (starting fare: 100 TL).
Accommodation Options:
- Budget hotels : prices start at 1800 TL per night.
- Mid-range hotels : around 2,500-3,000 TL per night.
- Luxury hotels : from 4,500 TL per night.
Day 11-12: Fethiye and Ölüdeniz
Must-See Sights:
- Ölüdeniz Beach
- Butterfly Valley: Accessible by boat (~200 TL for a round-trip ticket).
- Saklikent Gorge
Activities:
- Paragliding over Ölüdeniz: Prices start from 3,500 TL for a tandem flight.
- Boat tours: A day-long tour of nearby islands costs around 1500-1700 TL.
Transportation: From Antalya to Fethiye, bus tickets cost about 600-1000 TL and the ride takes around 3 hours.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget hotels : 1500-1700 TL per night.
- Mid-range hotels : in Ölüdeniz (2,500-3,000 TL per night).
- Luxury: from 5,000 TL per night.
Day 13-14: Return to Istanbul
Fly back to Istanbul for your final days. Domestic flights from Dalaman (Fethiye’s nearest airport) to Istanbul cost around 2,000 TL.
Accommodation:
- Budget hotels : starting at 1300-1500 TL per night.
- Mid-range hotels : around 1,500-2,000 TL per night.
- Luxury: Ciragan Palace Kempinski (from 15,000 TL per night).
Costs Summary:
- Flights: Budget around 10,000-15,000 TL for domestic flights within Turkey.
- Accommodation: Depending on your preferences, expect to spend between 1000 TL (budget) to 15,000 TL (luxury) per night.
- Transportation: Public transport is cheap (10-20 TL per trip), while taxis and car rentals vary based on the city and distance.
- Food: You can enjoy meals for 150-400 TL at mid-range restaurants. Street food, like simit or kebabs, costs as little as 20 TL.
Final Thoughts
This two-week Turkey itinerary covers everything from ancient cities and fairy-tale landscapes to beautiful beaches and bustling markets. Whether you’re a budget traveler or seeking luxury, Turkey offers something for every type of traveler, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories.
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