The HowTo NetworkTravel

How to see Turkey's highlights in two weeks

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

To see Turkey's major highlights in 14 days, follow a loop starting in Istanbul, heading south to the Mediterranean coast, and finishing in Cappadocia. Use domestic flights between major hubs to save 30+ hours of bus travel time.

Budget
90 USD per day
Duration
14 days
Best Time
May, June, September, October
Visa Required
Depends - Check official government portal for e-Visa eligibility.

Step by step

  1. Book domestic flights early

    Use Turkish Airlines or Pegasus to fly between Istanbul, Dalaman (for the coast), and Kayseri/Nevşehir (for Cappadocia). Booking 6 weeks out usually keeps costs under $60 per flight.

  2. Use the Museum Pass

    Purchase the 'Museum Pass Türkiye'. It covers entry to over 300 sites, including Topkapı Palace and Ephesus, and allows you to skip the ticket lines.

  3. Prioritize ground transport for short hauls

    For distances under 3 hours, use a private transfer or a reputable bus company like Kamil Koç. Do not rent a car for the entire 14 days unless you are comfortable with aggressive highway driving.

Questions people ask

Is it safe to drive in Turkey?

Yes, but stick to highways. Turkish drivers are aggressive and local city traffic can be chaotic. If you aren't confident, the bus network is excellent and cheap.

Do I need to carry cash?

Yes. While cards are accepted in cities, small shops, rural areas, and market stalls require Turkish Lira. Keep at least 1,000 Lira on you for emergencies.

Food Per Day
40
Daily Average
90
Local Transport
15
Accommodation Per Day
35

Packing

  • Scarf or pashmina (for mosque visits)
  • Slip-on shoes (for constant shoe removal)
  • Universal power adapter (Type F)
  • Light windbreaker for coastal evenings

Itinerary

  • 1 — Dinner near the Galata Bridge. — Arrive in Istanbul, check into Sultanahmet. — Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. — Wear comfortable walking shoes; the cobblestones are unforgiving.
  • 2 — Sunset cruise on the Bosphorus. — Topkapı Palace. — Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar. — Buy your museum tickets online to avoid 45-minute queues.
  • 3 — Sunset at the viewpoint in Göreme. — Flight to Kayseri, transfer to Göreme. — Open-air museum exploration. — Book your hot air balloon flight for the first morning in case of weather delays.
  • 4 — Traditional pottery demonstration in Avanos. — Hot air balloon flight at sunrise. — Hiking in Love Valley. — Layers are essential; it is freezing at 5:00 AM even in summer.
  • 5 — Relax in a cave hotel lounge. — Underground city (Derinkuyu or Kaymakli). — Ihlara Valley hike. — Carry a flashlight for the underground tunnels.
  • 6 — Dinner in the village of Şirince. — Flight to Izmir, drive to Selçuk. — Ephesus archaeological site. — Start at the top gate of Ephesus and walk down to save your legs.
  • 7 — Sunset soak in the travertine terraces. — House of the Virgin Mary. — Drive to Pamukkale. — You must go barefoot on the white terraces.
  • 8 — Walk the Fethiye promenade. — Hierapolis ruins. — Drive to Fethiye on the Turquoise Coast. — Rent a car in Izmir and drop it in Fethiye.
  • 9 — Fish market dinner. — Boat trip to the 12 Islands. — Swimming in the Mediterranean. — Bring a waterproof bag for your electronics.
  • 10 — Drive to Kaş. — Drive to Ölüdeniz for paragliding. — Relax at Butterfly Valley. — The road between Fethiye and Kaş is windy; take anti-nausea meds if needed.
  • 11 — Drinks in Kaş town square. — Boat excursion to Kekova sunken city. — Snorkeling in crystal clear bays. — Kaş is the most relaxed town on the coast—stay here longer if you can.
  • 12 — Dinner by the Roman harbor. — Drive to Antalya, stop at Kaputaş Beach. — Explore Kaleiçi (Old Town). — Parking in Antalya Old Town is nearly impossible; find a garage outside the walls.
  • 13 — Shopping in Beyoğlu district. — Antalya Archaeological Museum. — Flight back to Istanbul. — Stay near Istiklal Street for your final night.
  • 14 — N/A — Final Turkish breakfast. — Depart from Istanbul Airport. — Leave 3 hours for Istanbul airport transit.

For the planning: more 2-week trips, Turkey and how to pack for two weeks in a carry-on.