Planning a trip to Turkey can be a daunting task. There is just so much to see and do. We were definitely confused about how many days do we spend, what areas do we cover and what lovely cities do we pick to explore. Of course, we had to drop a few wonderful cities in the process, that I’m sure we’ll go back to explore sometime later. But, for a first time visitor to Turkey or Türkiye, this 10 day itinerary is a perfect amalgamation of everything that this stunning country has to offer.
First up, some important questions that you should be clear about before you start planning your trip. You can directly jump to the itinerary here.
Do I need a visa for Turkey with an Indian passport?
Yes, you do. Indians can get an e-visa if you have a valid Schengen visa. If not, you have to apply for the Turkish sticker visa here. The documentation is extensive and you’ll find all the details here. The visa, including the service fee and mandatory medical insurance, cost us INR 14,000. It took less than a week for the visa to arrive.
How many days should I spend in Turkey?
Turkey has so much to offer. Below is our detailed Turkey Itinerary for 10 Days. You can increase this to 30 days, since that’s the visa validity. But, we’d suggest a minimum of 10 days to explore various areas.
How do I travel within Turkey?
Turkey has great local transport connectivity through buses, metros and ferries. Don’t fret about booking this in advance. If you’re short on time, only then opt for flights, which will need to be booked in advance. But, buses, trains don’t require advance booking.
What is the currency of Turkey?
Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey. 1TL is 4.4 INR. Most tourist spots also accept Euro and USD.
How do I make payments in Turkey?
Card payments were accepted almost everywhere. We used the Niyo Debit Card and our Credit Cards in most places. We also used the Niyo Debit card to withdraw cash in the local currency. We used cash for shopping and local transport.
Should I get a Turkish sim card? How much does it cost?
Yes, you should. Wifi is not reliable in most locations. Hence, it is advisable to get a SIM card. It cost us $15 or 1200 INR.
Is Turkey safe to travel?
Turkey is absolutely safe to travel. We didn’t face a problem in any location. The local transport is great, the people are friendly, and the country welcomes travellers with both arms. The language is a barrier, but Google translate can help out here.
Our Turkey 10-Day Itinerary
Places Covered: Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Kas, Antalya, Cappadocia
No. of Days: 10 days
Cost: INR 1,10,000 only (Excluding flight tickets and shopping) Flights costed us around 40,000 when booked more than four months in advance.
- Food – 15%
- Transport – 22%
- Stay – 33%
- Activities (Includes entry tickets, hot air balloon, boat ride) – 30%
Day 1 – Travel Day
The first day of our trips are always a whirlwind of activity, fueled by the excitement that overshadows travel fatigue. This trip was no exception. Our journey took us from Bangalore/Mumbai to Kuwait to Istanbul to Izmir and finally to Selçuk. We opted for Kuwait Airways, which offered a basic experience – nothing extravagant. The food was decent, but unfortunately, the staff didn’t leave a positive impression. Nevertheless, we made it to Istanbul.
From Istanbul, we caught an internal flight to Izmir, which was a relatively short one-hour journey. Following that, we embarked on the next leg of our adventure, traveling to Selçuk by metro. Since it was our first day, figuring out the route was a bit of a challenge. Communication was difficult because hardly anyone spoke English, and even Google Translate didn’t provide much assistance. Nevertheless, we managed to interpret directions through gestures and hopped on the train.
By the time we reached Selçuk, it was well past 10 PM. This charming town, frequented by tourists due to its proximity to Ephesus, surprised us. As we strolled to our Airbnb, that first night, under the cool breeze, felt like a step back in time. We encountered delightful eateries, a central area where locals leisurely sipped on çay, smoked, laughed, and engaged in spirited games of backgammon. They greeted us with smiles, perhaps sharing quiet chuckles about tourists lugging their bags around so late at night. We met a friendly restaurant owner who fed us the most scrumptious pita bread and hummus. All in all, it marked a fantastic start to our journey.
💡 Note - The train station is right outside the Izmir Airport. The guards are usually helpful, but make sure to download the Turkish language and make an effort to learn a few key words to ask for directions. This ride cost us less than $2 or INR 150.
Day 2 – Ephesus, Selçuk
The real reason to travel all the way from India to this remote village in Turkiye was to visit Ephesus (Efes). It is one of the best ancient sites for Greco-Roman history. After a scrumptious breakfast at our BnB, our host dropped us off at Ephesus. There are 2 ways to start your exploration at Ephesus, from the bottom and from the top. Our host suggested that it was best to start from the top and make your way down the hill. We arrived pretty early in the morning, but it was already crowded.
💡 At the ticket counter, we bought the 15 day Museum Pass that allowed us access to more than 300 museums and archaeological sites all over Turkey. Buying this helps in 2 ways - you get a discounted price + you get saved from standing in lines at every ticket counter. It cost us 1000TL in 2022. You can buy it online here.
Ephesus is huge. It was one of the most important trade cities of the 10th Century. It is also said to be the centre of early Christianity. Walking down this UNESCO World Heritage site was like taking a walk in the past. Explore the Library of Celcus, looming large over the city, the Temple of Hadrian, The Odeon, The Temple of Sebastoi, The Ancient Theatre and so much more. You will be in awe of the grandeur and the scale of this city. An audio guide is essential to understand the ebbs and flows of the rise and fall of this magnificent site.
We spent close to half a day exploring this site, headed back to Selcuk and grabbed a quick bite for lunch. We then packed up and walked to the bus stop. Loved how everything was at walkable distance. We took a local bus to our next destination, Denizli. This ride cost us close to $6 or INR 500.
💡 The public transport system is great in Turkey. We had none of the local transportation booked beforehand, but found it quite easy and convenient to walk up to the bus stop and book the next available bus to our destination.
Day 3 – Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Denizli
We opted to stay in Denizli primarily because of its convenient location as a major bus stop. Looking back, I’d lean towards staying in Pamukkale instead. The night before, we had inquired about the local transport schedule to Pamukkale. Eager to have Pamukkale all to ourselves, we woke up super early, walked to the bus stop, and hopped on the first bus from Denizli to Pamukkale, just a half-hour drive away. We faced the choice of exploring the site from the top or bottom, and we chose to begin from the top and work our way down.
Arriving early, we found the place deserted and grabbed a quick breakfast. We set off to explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, much like Ephesus, another UNESCO site that provides a window into how these ancient towns were built. We admired grand structures and pillars that showcased the town’s opulence. We even saw ancient methods for extracting olive oil. It was a thought-provoking experience that left us in awe.
Our next stop was Cleopatra’s Pools, famed for its supposed healing waters, where Cleopatra was believed to have bathed to maintain her beauty. Although history tells us Cleopatra never set foot in this region, the myth is intriguing. You can also explore the Theatre, this one is much smaller than the one at Ephesus, and The temple of Apollo, built around a Plutonium Spring.
We saved the best for last – the Cotton Castles. Yes, it’s often hyped, but our visit was genuinely worthwhile. To make the most of it and avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting first thing in the morning. The breathtaking white formations against the crystal blue waters create a sight that lives up to its reputation.
💡 Starting from the North Gate, you’ll reach the top of the travertines, you’ll find it easier to walk down the slippery slope. Carry a backpack to put your shoes in. The farther you walk, the lesser the crowd. Walk down to the end of travertines and exit from the South Gate.
We wrapped up our exploration in the morning and caught a bus back to Denizli. After quickly packing our bags, we left towards Kaş. Getting bus information ahead of time is advisable to have a clear understanding of the schedules. The trip to Kaş was quite long, with scheduled stops for lunch and a delightful serving of çay. This cost us close to $14 or INR 1200.
We reached Kaş right on time for a blissful sunset, our first Mediterranean sunset. I was so blown, mesmerised, I couldn’t stop staring at the fiery sky and the diamond-like sea. Spent the rest of the day chilling at the town centre, there are many cafe and pubs and vibe of the place is just something else.
Day 4 – Kaş
Kaş is a beautiful seaside town, that almost reminds you of Greece. It is so pretty and every spot is worth clicking pictures. Today, we had booked a boat tour around the islands near Kaş. Our hotel was kind enough to get us a good deal. And we paid about $50 or INR 4000. We walked to the town centre for a beautiful breakfast of Menemen and Turkish Coffee. We were then picked up by the boat crew. The port that the boat was docked at was an hour’s drive away.
We then got on our boat, there were about 20 other people on the boat. It was a fairly large one and everyone had their own place that they could laze around in. The water was stunning and it was a clear blue day, so the visibility was great too. The first stop on this trip will be the sunken island of Kekova, the ruins of an ancient city of the Lycian era. The turquoise blue waters is the only way to explore these protected islands. Post which we also visited a cave, much like the famous Blue Grotto.
We then stationed ourselves throughout the day on different lagoons, spent the day entire day jumping off the boat and into the crystal clear waters. Had a scrump bytes lunch served onboard. We were beat by the time we reached the last destination of the day, Simena Castle. We didn’t have the courage to climb up to the top and so settled down at a cafe and had the best homemade ice cream (Dondurma) in all of Turkiye.
Watched another stunning sunset from the pier, retired to our rooms with a huge bottle of wine and called it a day.
Day 5 – Kaş, Antalya
This day was just to explore Kaş on foot and eat at all the cute cafes and shop at all the cute outlets. Trust me, you are going to want to budget for shopping because you will want to buy everything. Definitely do visit the Tugra Art Gallery for some stunning souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain.
💡 Some souvenirs that are worth buying from Turkiye - Turkish Ceramics, Tiles, Evil Eye or Nazar Boncugu, Turkish Towels, Mosaic lamps, Handmade rugs and carpets, Turkish Silk Scarf from Bursa and Hookahs. There is so much more. And prices in this part of the country were definitely more reasonable than the capital.
We took another bus late afternoon to reach Antalya. Again, we just walked to the bus stop and booked the next bus out. This was a shorter ride and the roads were one of the best since you traverse the entire Turkish Riviera. This ride cost us $6 or INR 500.
We reached Antalya just before sunset. We checked into our room, dropped our bags and walked through the alleys of the Old Town, the oh so beautiful old town, to reach the cliff. One of my favourite memories from this trip, sitting in a quaint restaurant by the cliff, sipping on wine, and watching the sun put up a show over the Mediterranean.
The Old Town is crowded, small and packed with shopping outlets and pubs and cafes. Walking these streets is a sight to behold. We walked up to the Hadrian’s Gate and honestly, felt a bit underwhelmed after seeing all the other glorious gates over the past few days. But, I would definitely recommend staying in this part of Antalya since you can walk everywhere and the vibe of the place is unmatched. Also, this is the place to shop for first copy luxury brand items here.
We had also booked a Hammam visit for later in the night. We wanted to visit a hammam that the locals visit for a more authentic experience. So, we chose the DEMIRHAN Hammam. We had the full service, which included, steam, sauna, scrub, massage and the works. Trust me, this is not for the faint hearted, you need to go here with an open mind and be ready to experience something completely different from your regular spa trips. We loved it, my husband hated it. So, go at your own risk.
Day 6 – Cappadocia, Red Tour
We had an early morning flight from Antalya to Kayseri, Cappadocia. The airport is an hour’s ride away from Göreme, where your stay is mostly likely to be. So, ensure that your hotel arranges for a pickup. It was around noon by the time we reached our beautiful cave hotel.
Cappadocia has a rich history, where early Christians were prosecuted for their faith by the Arab invaders. This led to the people of this region building inconspicuous houses inside of caves and underground to survive the constant invasion. From this comes the concept of modern day cave hotels, which have every amenity you could ask for and more. We stayed at the Traveller’s Cave Hotel since they have one of the best rooftops that overlooks the entire valley.
There is a lot to be done in Cappadocia, which is neatly split into tours – Red, Blue, Green. We had decided on doing the Red and Green Tour since this covers most of the things we wanted to see. You can, of course, customise this to your liking. Red tour mostly involves sites in and around Göreme and hence you don’t need a tour operator to guide you on this. We hired a cab and did all the sites that were on our list
- Göreme Open Air Museum, one of the best to explore restored caves with stunning frescos
- Love Valley to explore the famed fairy chimneys of the region. The name comes from the fact that the chimneys resemble a phallic.
- Paşabağ or Monk’s Valley, where we explored more fairy chimneys and caves
- Devrent Valley or Imagination Valley, to explore the weirdest rock formations found here
- Red Valley, ended the day with a stunning sunset here while sipping on cay and eating Gözleme.
Everything around here was stunning and we were truly mesmerised. Had a delicious dinner of Kebabs and Yeni Raki and called it a night.
Day 7 – Cappadocia, Hot Air Balloon, Green Tour
We had a super early morning today since we were scheduled to fly on a hot air balloon. The tour operator usually picks you up at 4AM from your hotel. You are then driven to their office, where you fill up some paperwork and you are also fed a hearty breakfast. You are then assigned to your respective balloons. We flew with Butterfly Balloon. And our hotel helped us book this flight well in advance. Since we were there in peak season, we paid a whooping $240 or INR 20,000. This can range from $110 to $300 depending on season and the operator.
Was it worth it? I would say yes. Hundreds of balloons take flight at sunrise, and you’re up there looking around in awe, being swept away by the magic. It was a fairytale come true, way beyond my wildest imagination. I was stunned. Truly.
💡 Pick a balloon that fits no more than 16 people so that you have enough space to enjoy your ride. Pick flights that take off at the break of dawn, because sunrise from up above is worth it. These flights tend to get cancelled due to winds and clouds, so plan to stay in Cappadocia at least 2 morning to give yourself a chance.
The ride last about an hour and our pilot was great in landing the balloon perfectly. We celebrated with a glass of champagne and were given medals and certificates for completing the flight successfully. We were then dropped back to our hotels. All in all, an experience that you should not miss.
We were back in our hotel before 9AM, so we grabbed some more breakfast from the restaurant and were all set to head out for the day on the Green Tour. Green Tour consists of sites that are a bit far off from the main city and hence it is advisable to opt for a tour to cut costs.
- Selime Monastery, truly stunning to explore with many churches, chapels, bedrooms, storages and a big cathedral
- Ihlara Valley, an 80 meter deep canyon formed by the volcanic activity of Mt. Hasan and the erosion by Melendiz River. The hike here was stunning, the canyon is so peaceful running along the river and your guide will explain to you about all the carved churches and homes on the canyon walls.
- Belisirma, a stunning village along the valley where you will have lunch while being seated in or beside the river. It was truly a blissful experience. Quite touristy, yes, but nevertheless beautiful.
- Kaymakli Underground City, much like the caves and churches, the early Christians of this region build entire cities underground to evade the invasion. There are even stables for horses underground. You are both amazed and saddened by this place.
- Pigeon Valley, Cappadocians use pigeon eggs and droppings for different purposes and hence built homes for them.
It was a long day, had a good meal of Pide and retired early in our plush cave rooms.
Day 8 – Cappadocia, Istanbul, Galata Tower, Istiklal Street
We woke up pretty early today as well since we wanted to witness the sight of hundreds of balloons taking off from the ground as well. So, we went over to the terrace of our cave hotel and perched ourselves over the edge, waiting for the sun and the balloons to take flight. And we weren’t disappointed. The sight is like being part of a movie set, where Alladin is flying his magic carpet or Ron is driving the flying car. It was such a magical moment, I can still see it and feel the chill running down my spine.
We checked out of our hotel and they had arranged for ride back to the airport. We flew from Kayseri to Istanbul, our final destination on this trip. And we were definitely excited to explore the capital city, the mishmash of culture, the boiling pot of east and west and the cultural capital of so many empires.
Our stay was in Sultanahmet, and getting here all the way from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is a task. There are no direct metros or buses. It was fun figuring out the public transport on our first day here with all our luggage.
💡 Take a bus from the Sahiba Gökçen Airport to the city centre which is Taksim Square. Taking a cab from here to your stay in Sultanahmet is not advisable due to traffic and small roads. Instead, hop on a funicular and head to Kabataş station. From here, catch the tram T1 to Sultanahmet. It’s fun, trust us. Do buy the Istanbulkart, the public transport card that you can use for all city transportation. One card is sufficient for the entire group/family.
We checked into our stay, rested for a bit and headed back to the other side to explore Galata Tower. We didn’t however get on top of the tower since the line was too long and we’d read that there isn’t much to do in the tower either. We instead picked a great rooftop bar, which gave us the same view and enjoyed a bottle of wine. We’s suggest you do the same. The area around the tower has plenty of cafes and pubs that you can choose from. The area almost felt electric, the crowd, the vibes, just chef’s kiss.
We then headed to Istiklal street to see the famous Red Tram of Turkey. It is absolutely adorable. The entire street is a paradise for shoppers. We walked up and down the hi-street a bunch of times, window shopping our way through. Ended the day with a truly hearty meal at an Indian restaurant.
Day 9 – Istanbul – Aya Sofya, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazar, Bosphorus, Kadikoy
After a not-so-great breakfast at our hotel, we walked to Aya Sofya or Hagia Sophia, the church converted to a mosque converted to a museum converted to a mosque. Yep, rich history. We were probably the 4th group in line here, waiting for it to open and trust me, we waited a loooong time. But, the minute we walked in, there was this intense inexplicable feeling of faith, I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of this place, that I welled up. I didn’t want to leave. It was so powerful and yet so peaceful. I was truly moved. Definitely worth the visit, no matter how long the line.
We then moved across the square to visit the Blue Mosque, which is under restoration and hence, you won’t really be able to appreciate the beauty of this place. Nevertheless, the stunning architecture is so different from what we’ve seen before.
We then hoped on the tram and got off at Grand Bazar to explore one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the World. It has over 4,000 shops and your feet will give up on you for sure. However, don’t buy anything in this market, because everything was 4X the price we’d seen outside and the shopkeepers were absolutely unwilling to bargain.
We had lunch at one of the local restaurants and headed to Eminonu. We climbed aboard the local ferry that traverses the Bosphorus. I would say, this is the best and the most non-touristy way to explore the strait. We absolutely loved the ride. We got off at Kadıköy to explore the Asian side of Istanbul. You will somehow immediately feel the difference, the people on this side are more relaxed, they are more friendly, they are more enterprising and everything costs less. So, of course, we shopped and shopped. And had the infamous Sebastian cheesecake, yum yum yum! In hindsight, I would stay on this side of Istanbul instead of Sultanahmet.
Day 10 – Istanbul, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Balat
We started off today with the house of the Ottoman Empire Sultans, Topkapi Palace. Honestly, if you’ve explore any Indian Palace, much of the opulence here will fall short of awing you. But, the Palace is still worth exploring for its Harem quarters, where the women and concubines of the King resided. It’s truly an eye-opening experience. Don’t miss the views of the Bosphorus from the Palace, they are stunning.
We then walked across the street to Basilica Cistern, the largest underground cistern or water reservoir. This has helped Istanbul or Constantinople survive many wars and invasions and draughts. Today, the cistern looks like a splendid art installation, one that you’ll truly love exploring.
We then took a cab to visit Balat, yep, the colourful streets, stunning views, and vibrant local culture are worth the visit despite the hype. Fener and Balat, are the two neighbourhoods that cross seamlessly into each other. They have a rich history and a true sign of the melting pot that Istanbul is, from Armenian and Greek churches to Jewish synagogues and Muslim mosques, it’s unique diversity is truly a sight to behold.
Ended the day shopping some more, eating a tonne of Baklava, buying more Baklava, eating Dondurma and just being grateful for this lovely lovely trip.
Day 11 – Flight back home
We arranged for a cab to take us to the airport. Saying bye to Turkey was hard. Turkey is truly special. It has so much to offer. Try and avoid the urge to want to do everything. We’re sure Turkey deserves more than one visit. And it’s definitely up there on our revisit list.
Winding Roads & Pages 
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