7-Day Itinerary & Budget for Turkey

Turkey is a treasure trove of thrilling activities, featuring everything from breathtaking hot air balloon rides and romantic beaches to ancient biblical sites, renowned shopping at the Grand Bazaar, and the vibrant energy of Istanbul itself—making it a must-visit destination.

Prepare for a nonstop global adventure. Here’s a concise guide to tours and accommodations, along with helpful travel tips, especially if you’re planning a last-minute getaway.

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Let’s take a look at the 7-day itinerary in Turkey for your reference below!

Days 1-3: Istanbul

Start your Turkish adventure with a 3-day visit to the vibrant capital city of Istanbul. This city, which spans both Europe and Asia, is a captivating mix of ancient history and modern life, featuring historic mosques and buildings alongside trendy cafes and boutiques.

As Europe’s largest city, Istanbul is home to nearly 15 million residents. While you’ll primarily explore the European side, a boat ride down the Bosphorus will offer stunning views of both continents. Despite its vastness, many of the city’s attractions are easily accessible on foot or via Uber, making it a perfect destination for independent explorers.

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Explore the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque

Istanbul’s oldest structures are more than 600 years older than Paris's oldest buildings, highlighting its rich historical significance. Given the Hagia Sophia’s intriguing religious history, we began our visit there. Originally a grand cathedral built in the sixth century, it was transformed into a mosque by the 15th century.

If you think all mosques are the same, you’ll be surprised. The interior designs of these two mosques are uniquely different. The Hagia Sophia features a striking palette of black and gold for dramatic effect, while the Blue Mosque showcases stunning tile work and expansive windows, creating a breathtaking atmosphere unlike anything else.

Explore the Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace, once a royal residence and now a museum, is located nearby. This World Heritage Site is home to the oldest continuously inhabited palace in the world, and the harem quarters are an essential visit.

Discover the Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar

We continued our journey through the historic district by visiting the Grand Bazaar, where we stumbled upon a delightful and lively street. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite before diving into the world’s largest shopping center. One of our favorite spots was the Spice Bazaar, reminiscent of the spice traders who traversed the Silk Road to offer their rare and exotic goods.

Embark on a Bosphorus Cruise

Cruising the Bosphorus feels like journeying between two continents—Europe and Asia—at once. We boarded our cruise in the Ortaköy neighborhood, enjoying a relaxing one-hour trip for about $5, offering a fresh perspective on Istanbul.

As you cruise, you’ll see the stunning Ciragan Palace, the magnificent cathedral in Ortaköy, elegant waterfront mansions, and cityscapes adorned with historic sites like mosques, bridges, and palaces. Being on the water adds to the experience immensely.

This activity is one of the city's most cherished pastimes. Not only do you get to enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul at night, but there’s also an all-you-can-drink option. During our week-long journey through Turkey, cruising the Bosphorus Strait ranked among our favorite experiences in Istanbul.

Sightseeing at Galata Tower and Galata Bridge

Situated on Istanbul's European side, the Galata Bridge stretches across the Golden Horn, connecting two important neighborhoods. Originally built in the sixth century, this bridge has undergone five major renovations. Walking across it allows you to take in the beautiful scenery on both banks.

Constructed in 500 AD as a defensive watchtower, Galata Tower stands tall above its surroundings. Explore the museum showcasing artifacts from various eras of Istanbul’s rich history and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the observation deck at the top.

Days 4-5: Discover Cappadocia

In Turkish, “Cappadocia” is pronounced as “Cap-uh-dokia.” This area in the center of Turkey features several quaint towns. The most convenient way to reach Cappadocia is by flying from Istanbul to either Kayseri or Nevsehir, which takes about an hour, followed by a one-hour drive to your lodging. Booking flights in advance can help you find budget-friendly options.

To save on travel costs, you could opt for an overnight bus from Istanbul to Goreme, the hub of the region. Trains are not the best option, so consider other means of getting there, like flying, taking a bus, renting a car, or joining a guided tour. If the weather is cloudy, you can still enjoy a hot air balloon ride by staying for a minimum of two nights.

Cappadocia boasts numerous captivating attractions but can get quite crowded with tourists; spending around two and a half to three days is usually sufficient. The hot air balloon rides here are famous worldwide and provide an exhilarating experience. You can enjoy the sights as you either fly or watch the balloons launch from two different time slots.

Expect to pay between US$200 and US$400 for a champagne toast and hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia per person.

Days 6-7: Exploring Bodrum & Ephesus

Plan to make the most of your visit to Bodrum on your next trip to Turkey. Renowned as one of the top travel spots, Bodrum offers stunning views of Torba Bay that are absolutely breathtaking from the private pool of a beachfront villa.

You can unwind in complete privacy at the villa or by the hotel's infinity pool. There’s also a family-friendly beach nearby. Alternatively, the Nikki Beach Club next door provides a vibrant party scene with live music.

Travel from Istanbul or Cappadocia to Izmir Airport. A day trip from Bodrum to Ephesus is very doable. These ancient ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in modern-day Turkey, were once visited by remarkable figures like Paul the Apostle, Alexander the Great, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra, making it truly fascinating.

The sheer scale of everything here is truly astonishing. Highlights include the 25,000-seat theater, the 500-meter-long marble Arcadian Way adorned with 50 lamps and shops leading down to the sea, and the ancient Library of Celsus, which housed between 12,000 and 15,000 manuscripts.

If you're considering your next holiday in Turkey, the 7-day itinerary mentioned above is essential!

There are countless thrilling destinations and welcoming tourist spots to explore. You can create unforgettable travel experiences by booking flights, hotels, activities, and attractions through Mytour!