These three routes cover the classic first trip to Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia and a coastal base on the Aegean or the Mediterranean. They are starting points, not fixed schedules, and they work best when you fix your dates first, because the season changes what you can do. Flight times, transfer durations and opening hours change, so check each operator and sight before you commit.

How the three regions fit together

Istanbul, Cappadocia and the coast are far apart, so most visitors fly between them. For Cappadocia you fly to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV) and transfer by road to Göreme. The coast has several airports, including Dalaman for Fethiye, Bodrum (Milas) and Antalya. Domestic flights are usually the fastest option; see our getting around guide and best time guide before you book.

One week in Turkey (suggested)

Seven days is tight. Pick two bases and resist adding more.

Days 1 to 3, Istanbul. The historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace), the bazaars and a Bosphorus ferry. Topkapı and Dolmabahçe close on different weekdays, so check before you set the order. See our Istanbul guide.
Days 4 and 5, Cappadocia. The Göreme Open Air Museum, valley walks and a balloon flight if the weather allows. Book your balloon for your first morning so you have a spare day. See Cappadocia and Göreme.
Days 6 and 7, coast. Antalya’s old town and nearby ancient cities, or Fethiye and Ölüdeniz. See our Mediterranean coast guide.

Verdict: enough for a focused trip. Do not add Ephesus or Pamukkale unless you drop something.

Ten days in Turkey (suggested)

Ten days allows a more comfortable pace and one extra stop.

Days 1 to 4, Istanbul. The core sights, plus a day for the Asian side, Dolmabahçe Palace or a museum.
Days 5 to 7, Cappadocia. Add an underground city and the Ihlara Valley, reachable by road from Göreme.
Days 8 to 10, Fethiye and Ölüdeniz. The lagoon and beach, Kayaköy and boat trips. Paragliding from Babadağ is an option.

Two weeks in Turkey (suggested)

Two weeks gives the classic triangle at a relaxed pace, plus the Aegean sights or a boat cruise.

Days 1 to 4, Istanbul.
Days 5 to 7, Cappadocia.
Days 8 and 9, Ephesus and Pamukkale. Ephesus is a UNESCO-listed ancient city near Selçuk, and Pamukkale’s travertines and Hierapolis are another UNESCO site. See our Ephesus guide and Pamukkale guide.
Days 10 to 14. A gulet cruise along the coast, or a longer stay around Fethiye, Marmaris or Bodrum. See Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum.

Alternatives and add-ons

History and food. Add Gaziantep and Mardin for a southeast loop, after checking the safety advice.
Slow Anatolia. Ankara, Konya and Safranbolu suit travelers who like Ottoman and Seljuk history.
Beach first. Base yourself in Antalya or Alanya and take day trips.

Planning notes

Fix your dates first, using the climate tables on our destination pages.
Build in a buffer day before an international flight, since domestic flights can be delayed.
Check visa rules on our visa requirements guide.
Compare costs using our budget guide, and choose a base with our where to stay guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Turkey?

Seven days covers Istanbul plus one other base. Ten days allows Istanbul, Cappadocia and a coastal stop. Two weeks adds Ephesus and Pamukkale or a boat cruise.