10-Day Turkey Itinerary: Cappadocia, Ephesus, & Pammukale
Some of the links may be affiliate links, and at no cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend stuff I love and use, and the income goes back into making this little blog successful!
Only have about 2 weeks and want to go somewhere exotic? This 10-Day Turkey itinerary is just what the wandering spirit is looking for.
I just spent 2 months exploring Turkey, from the bucket list tourist attractions like Cappadocia’s Hot Air Balloons (totally worth it!) to the hidden gem tiny coastal towns along the Mediterranean.
So here’s the gist of the trip, with a ton more details below. Just know that this Turkey itinerary is not one of those 5 things a-day checklist guides that will leave you exhausted after your trip. Because slow travel (even on a structured schedule) is what I’m all about.
- 3 Days – Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons
- 2 Days – Izmir Beaches & Nightlife
- 1 Day – Ephesus Ancient Ruins
- 1 Day – Pammukale Hot Springs
- 3 Days – Istanbul Bucketlist & Food
Before You Go, A Few Essentials
Here are a few resources that served me well in Turkey, and here’s my advice that goes along with them.
Travel Insurance for Turkey
Check Prices with SafetyWing
Accommodations in Turkey
Check Booking.com for Boutique Hotels
Guided Tours in Turkey
Check the Day Trips on Viator
Rental Car in Turkey
Check Discover Cars for the Best Deals
✔️ PRO TIP: While I rented a car because I made a whole month-long road trip through Turkey, I don’t recommend getting one for this 10-day itinerary because public transportation (flights and taxis) will be fine for this route. Moreover, most of the day tours and trips I recommend include transportation.
10-Day Turkey Itinerary
My itinerary for 10 days in Turkey focuses on some of the top (and my favorite) things to do beyond the famous attractions. I like to travel slower, doing one big iconic thing a day while focusing primarily on history, food, and wine experience most of the time.
It is also logistically thought out to maximize your transit time
Day 1: Fly to Cappadocia
You’re likely going to land in Istanbul, and because Cappadocia is way out in the middle of Turkey, I start the itinerary with the furthest place we want to hit and slowly bring us back to Istanbul by Day 8. It’s the most efficient regarding travel time and cost, plus it’s a wow start to the trip!
The theme of that first day will be about getting your butt to Cappadocia, settling into your lodging, getting a local dinner and wine, and relaxing because Days 2 and 3 are about hot air balloons at dawn and hiking through the chimney desserts of some of the more weird natural landscapes of Turkey.
Logistically, from Istanbul, you’ll want to coordinate and grab a local flight to Cappadocia – Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines have multiple daily routes and should not be too expensive. There are 2 airports around the Cappadocia areas that are both great landing spots:
- Nevsehir Kapadokia Airport
- Kayseri Erkilet Airport
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
The best little town to stay in for easy access to everything is called Goreme. It is a town specifically set up for tourism; it is where all the action is, it is also where all the tours start, and where the balloons launch, and a short taxi ride away from any of the airports.
While I normally don’t recommend staying in the middle of tourist central, this is one of those times where the convenience outweighs everything, especially if you don’t have a car. Plus, it’s a cute town, especially the higher up the hill you get for lodging.
📍Your Budget Option: Stone House Cave Hotel – If you’ve made it this far, you might as well stay in a cave hotel; it’s THE thing to do. This is my recommendation for the best bang for your buck!
📍Your Luxury Option: Cappadocia Cave Suites – Another cave hotel, but fancier! That said, while there are many luxury options in Goreme, some even more highly-priced than these suites, I found this one to be just the right amount of boogie without overdoing it on the pomp. Plus, the rooms are so so quaint!
Day 2 – 3: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons & Hikes
These 2 days are about Hot Air Balloons at dawn, hiking mid-day, and afternoon sunsets at this little spot I found overlooking the iconic Red Valley.
➡️ Butterfly Hot Air Balloons ⬅️
This balloon company is known to fly the highest compared to other companies. I flew with them, and I highly recommend it!
I cannot stress enough booking your Hot Air Balloon ride ahead of time for 2 reasons:
- They will book out, especially in the high summer season
- The weather/wind may not be great one day, so they push your balloon flight to the following day.
This is also why I have this itinerary set up to stay 2 days in Cappadocia, in case your luck with the wind is not good on the first day. If, for whatever reason, you can’t fly, wake up before dawn and find a rooftop or hill you can walk to so you can see the balloons launch as the sun rises. This in itself is a magical experience, I promise.
After your Balloon Ride, have yourself a traditional Turkish Breakfast at your hotel (or out in town) and see if the day is good for hiking.
✔️ PRO TIP: There are 2 main hiking tours in Cappadocia – The Red Tour and The Green Tour. I’ve done both, and while both are great, I recommend buying the guided Green Tour and doing the Red Tour on your own using AllTrails.
My favorite hikes on my own using my AllTrails App were:
- Goreme, Love & White Valley, and Uchisar Castle (rating: easy)
- Rose & Red Valley (basically the Red Tour, rating: easy)
Sunset overlooking Red Valley is amazing, and here is a little gem of a spot to watch the sun go down over the dessert of Cappadocia. Either time your hike accordingly or grab a taxi from town to the location.
Day 4 -5: Fly to Izmir & Enjoy The City
This is a travel day, and I recommend booking a local flight from Cappadocia to Izmir. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know anything about this city before I landed in Turkey, but it was a pleasant surprise and a wonderful jumping city to some of the historic ruins that are on the itinerary.
A bit of context, Izmir is one of the oldest cities in the world, and it’s filled with a fascinating history – think Greeks invading the Turks, Turks invading the Greeks, back and forth for centuries. Not only is the city fairly modern because it’s had to be rebuilt a couple of times, but it’s also known for its friendly and laid-back people, making it a popular city for Turkish and foreigners alike.
My favorite things to check out in and around the city:
- KEY Museum – old cars and motorcycles museum, and surprisingly cool!
- Ataturk Museum – all about the first President and how Turkey became a Republic. This is a fantastic one for people looking to get an introduction to Turkish history & politics.
- Urla Bagevi Vinyard – a little outside of Izmir, but a taxi should do the trick. Great hidden gem spot for a long lunch or dinner. Locally recommended. Plus the little town of Urla is magical!
- Isabey Bagevy Vinyard – also a quick little trip from the city center and a nice little afternoon gem of a location for dinner. The white wines from this vineyard are especially tasty!
Where to Stay in and around Izmir
As this will be the home base for Days 4-8, choose how and where you want to spend your time before flying to Istanbul for the last few days of the trip.
📍Your Budget Option: Izmir Marriot Hotel – I stayed here, and I recommend it for 2 reasons, the absolutely stunning location on the seaside of Izmir and the rooftop pool and bar/DJ that makes it an ideal sunset-watching hot spot for a young, hip and party forward vibe.
📍Your Luxury Option: Vintage Urla Boutique Hotel – This little boutique hotel is a bit outside of Izmir next to the vineyard I mentioned above and is an absolute hidden gem and shift from Cappadocia’s desserts or Izmir’s big city life. Welcome to the rolling hills of Turkey and that famous Turkish hospitality and luxury treatment! If you’re looking for a more relaxed next couple of days while you travel, this is it.
Day 6: Day Trip to Ephesus
Another highlight of this 10-day Turkey itinerary is Ephesus – holy crap, get ready to step back in time to Jesus and Cleopatra!
Located in Izmir province on the West Coast, the ancient city of Ephesus served as a huge port from 600 BC to 1200 AD and still has a special allure for travelers today due to its well-preserved remnants of temples, statues and, quite frankly, its place in history.
➡️ This is the Small Group Ephesus Day Trip I did from Izmir!
When you book the tour, your guide will share very real stories about famous historical figures, such as Julius Caesar and John the Apostle, who once walked these sacred grounds.
I was blown away when part of the tour (and I think this was a special thing our guide did) was to visit Mother Mary’s house, where she lived for a decade of her life. I can tell you, this was a special treat and made the day so much more special!
Day 7: Day Trip to Pammukale
Another day, another day trip, this time to the Instagram-worthy town of Pammukale.
➡️ Here’s the Pamukkale Day Trip you’ll want to reserve!
One of the country’s main attractions, this natural wonder is an ancient thermal spa with hot springs and terraced cliffs of mineral-rich travertine. It’s an incredible sight for people looking for something unusual – and get ready to take some stunning pictures!
What’s more, like most spectacular places in Turkey, it also has a rich history – leftover ruins from the Lycian and Roman periods give it a unique flavor, so don’t skip out on any of the ruins while you’re splashing about.
Day 8: Fly to Istanbul
You’ll want to fly from Izmir to Istanbul for the last few days of our trip.
To help ground you, Istanbul sits perched atop two different continents, straddling the boundary between Europe and Asia in Turkey. Many have been charmed by its grandeur and history, including me, so I save the best for last!
Where to Stay in Istanbul
Istanbul is split into 2 areas by the Bosphorous Strait: the European side and the Asian side. While each area has its flare, I recommend staying on the Europe side in the Beyoglu or Karakoy neighborhoods, as this is where a lot of the attractions and nightlife are happening.
📍Your Budget Option World House Boutique Hotel– Right in Beyoglu with a clear view of Galata tower, this little gem is cozy and just the right amount of boogie while not breaking the bank – especially when you see how gorgeous the rooms are!
📍Your Luxury Option: Ecole St. Pierre Hotel – I had a wonderful night on the veranda learning about the history of this Catholic school for boys turned boutique hotel, and let me say, the drinks and the service are both top-notch. Not only is the location stellar, being right next to Galata Tower and a few other great Istanbul attractions, but when you walk into the hotel, it feels like you’re walking into a green, serene oasis!
Day 9-10: Istanbul
Historically, Istanbul was once a major Roman and Byzantine Empires stronghold. Today, it is one of the largest cities in Europe, boasting impressive architectural wonders that tell stories of its past glory.
Steeped in culture and tradition, travelers who wander its many bustling streets are sure to experience both the old-world magic and the buzz of the modern-day hustle and bustle the city is known for.
Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Istanbul:
- Go on this small group to the Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque & Grand Bazaar Tour
- I also did this Istanbul Walking Tour, which dived into more of the history!
- This Turkish Bath Experience in a 600-year-old bathhouse in Istanbul blew my mind!
- Grab Skip the Line Tickets for the Basilica Cistern, one of the coolest ‘churches’ I’ve seen – maybe ever!
- See the Whirling Dervishes – Grab Tickets Here, but set your expectations that this is not a show; rather, you are watching a 1-hour religious ceremony!
- Learn about the Ottomans by taking a walk around and inside Topkapi Palace.
- Take an afternoon trip across the Bosphorous to Prince’s Island (a short ferry ride away)
✔️ PRO TIP: For more inspiration on ideas for a Turkey road trip, check out the article – literally Turkey is your oyster!
Getting Around Turkey
Turkey is a super large country. Luckily, it also has a great transport system of roads and airport hubs, good service throughout the country, which helps with navigation, and fairly easy public transportation options and routes.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is a great way to get around, especially if you are here for only a week or two.
Flying is the most popular option for getting to and from big cities in Turkey because it saves time. Driving from Istanbul/Izmir to Cappadocia takes about 7 hours, but a flight is about 1.5 hours. Additionally, tons of local airports offer fairly inexpensive flights between big cities.
✔️ PRO TIP: I used Turkish Airlines, but there is also a budget-friendly company called Pegasus.
Buses are also an option; they’re usually the cheapest way to get around, so this is the best option for the most budget-conscious traveler – but also slow.
You can get tickets the day of at the bus stations in any town you are in and to be fair, they are quite wonderful! The bus company I recommend is Anadolu, and it is clean and comfortable and offers great drink and snack service onboard.
Public Transportation Terms in Turkish:
- Otogar – Bus Station
- Otobüs – Bus
- Dolmuş – Local minibusses that run on set routes
- Tren istasyonu – Train Station
- Tren – Train
- Kaç para? – How much?
- Taksi – Taxi
- Bilet gişesi – Ticket Office
Tours for Day Trips
Tours are a great way to explore the main attractions in Turkey without renting a car because most tours include transportation. This is especially great when you are in Izmir or another big city, but you are looking to see ancient ruins and historical sites that tend to be a bit further – think 1-hour drive.
FAQ: 10 Days In Turkey
I had a lot of questions before heading to Turkey because it was the first time I was heading east. So naturally, I asked my Turkish friends all about the what, when, and how much of things. Here are a few of the insights I gleaned.
Are 10 days enough in Turkey?
While 10 days may seem like a decent amount of time to explore any country, the truth is that it’s barely enough to scratch the surface of Turkey.
For example, part of our itinerary is to visit Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, and you’ll want at least two days to take in the city, the little hidden gem wineries, and the towns around as well. And that doesn’t include time for day trips to areas such as nearby Kusadasi on the Mediterranean —you would need extra days for that.
So if you have 10 days in Turkey and you’re interested in getting an authentic experience of its many attractions, consider focusing your time on what’s most important to you. Ten days can still be enough time for an unforgettable journey! And if you stick to my above itinerary, you won’t be disappointed.
What can you see in Turkey in 10 Days?
A few surprising highlights from these 10 days in Turkey go beyond the tourist attractions. See if this is what you’re hoping to get out of your trip:
- Watching hot air balloons floating over Cappadocia’s weirdly phallic rock formations at dawn is otherworldly. Going up in one of those hot air balloons to see the sunrise is one of my favorite memories – a genuine bucket list item for any human!
- Exploring Turkish food outside of kebaps is a culinary adventure worthy of an Anthony Bourdain show. I’ll point out a few of my favorite dishes below, but borek and pomegranate anything is high on the list.
- You think you know ancient ruins until you discover that Mother Mary from the Bible did live near Ephesus, and you let it sink in that you are in a country that watched Christianity being born. It’s oddly calming to walk the same streets and look at the same forests as Jesus and his mother did.
- Istanbul is more impressive, wild, and full of a particular joy of living than you think, especially when you go beyond the tourist attractions and into the bazaars. This is where the best Turkish teas, games of tabla, and street snacks are found.
Is Turkey a cheap country to visit?
Yes, Turkey is a prime country for budget travelers looking for an adventure without the expense.
Accommodation can be found at incredibly low prices, including breakfast and small attentions like tea/coffee and sometimes even an in-house Turkish bath.
Food is also super varied (a foodie haven) and can cost less than $10 per meal, depending on where you eat.
Traveling from one city to another via public transportation is also very economical, making it easy to get around without spending too much money.
Travel Tip: if you want to blow it out of the water and have a boogie adventure, this is also the country of the Ottoman Sultans – service and luxury is their middle name! You’ll still be spending less than you would in any European country for more value.
What is the average budget for 10 Days in Turkey?
I was in Turkey all of September and October, which is already considered shoulder season, getting close to the off-season in the winter. Here are my average daily spends:
- Lodging: $60-70 a night (cute AirBB or boutique hotels in popular areas)
- Food: $20-30 a day (Turkish breakfasts, Lokantas or “local street food,” and nice restaurants included)
- Public Transport: $10 a day max (some airport taxi transfers will be closer to $30-40 a ride)
- Airfare: $60-100 (Local flights inside Turkey)
When is the best time to go to Turkey?
Every season has its benefits. Summertime is popular for the Turkish Riviera and boating around the Turkish coast.
I prefer fall, when the cities of Istanbul and Izmir cool down to where you’re not sweating your heart out, it’s still warm and pleasant outside, and the tourists have mostly gone back home.
I visited and loved Turkey in September and October – this is when I recommend you go too!
What is the cheapest month to go to Turkey?
The cheapest time to go is usually from November to April. You can find hugely discounted prices on airfare, accommodations, and attractions during this time.
Additionally, the winter tends to be quieter than the summer, when more tourists flock to the country. Summer season is also super hot in the major cities, so be mindful of many people and tons of heat.
I made this particular trip in October, and it was sunny and beautiful from Istanbul to Cappadocia.
Although it will be colder starting in November, the off-season is perfect for those looking for a Turkey adventure with lots of savings – all you need is a light jacket and a nice thick Turkish scarf!
Is Turkey safe to travel to?
Yes. Despite the past decades’ political turmoil and bombings, my travel partners and I always felt safe on our road trips, out at night, and while traveling to remote villages to scope out the rural beaches.
I do encourage everyone to be vigilant while traveling, to dress respectfully for the country you are visiting, and to be careful in large, busy markets due to petty theft. But otherwise, travel freely – Turkey is just as safe as the rest of Europe.
Should I get Travel Insurance?
Yes, especially if you’re about to embark on a road trip.
I’m not worried for safety reasons but rather unexpected food poisoning or a random cold that doesn’t want to go away. Because your country’s insurance won’t cover you abroad, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially since travel insurance is so cheap.
I use and recommend
➡️ Safety Wing Travel Insurance ⬅️
Conclusion: 10-Day Turkey Itinerary
Exploring Turkey by taking a 10-day trip around some of its most iconic sites is an excellent way to absorb this exciting country. The itinerary I set out has you doing the following things:
- Visiting Cappadocia and exploring the incredible underground cities and dawn from a hot air balloon.
- Swimming in the hot springs of Pamukkale with its incredibly white terraces made out of travertine.
- Walking through the same streets as Mother Mary from the Bible, John the Apostle, and Cleopatra in the ancient town of Ephesus
- Cruising the Bosphorus Strait and admiring the amazing architecture of Istanbul
- Visiting one of Istanbul’s grand mosques and the famous Hagia Sophia
In a nutshell, Turkey is one of the most underrated and naturally, historically, and culturally beautiful countries I’ve been to yet, and that’s saying a lot!
