Turkey is a destination that appeals to different types of travelers. It is appealing to food and culture enthusiasts. It has a lot for history buffs and nature lovers to explore. City-life enjoyers and relaxation seekers will also enjoy their visit to Turkey.

Turkey attracts every type of traveler. The country sits on the frontier of Asia and Europe. So, you will find a rich blend of both East and West. The country also offers an experience mixed with history and modernity. Such fusion is evident in the art, architecture, and traditions of Turkey.

You can also experience a variety of landscapes in Turkey. You will find beaches and mountains, modern cities and ancient ruins. The nation is also recognised for its wonderful hospitality and unbeatable affordability. Turkey offers a rich experience to all kinds of tourists. Let’s explore itineraries for different tastes. 

Choose Your Travel Style: Tailored Itineraries

Here is an outline of a Turkey trip itinerary designed for travellers with different tour goals. 

Travel Style Suggested Base Duration Key Highlights
History & Culture 
  • Istanbul
  • Ephesus
  • Cappadocia
7 to 10 days
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Troy
  • Roman theatres
  • Cave cities
Beach & Relaxation
  • Antalya
  • Bodrum
  • Fethiye
5 to 7 days
  • Turquoise Coast
  • Beach clubs
  • Sailing
  • Sunsets
Adventure & Nature
  • Cappadocia
  • Kaçkar Mountains
7 to 10 days
  • Hot air ballooning
  • Hiking
  • Paragliding
Culinary Traveler
  • Istanbul
  • Gaziantep
  • Izmir
5 to 8 days
  • Street food tours
  • Ottoman cuisine
  • Local markets
Instagram-Focused
  • Cappadocia
  • Pamukkale
  • Alacati
4 to 6 days
  • Balloons at dawn
  • White terraces
  • Chic cafes
Urban & Luxury
  • Istanbul
  • Bodrum
  • Ankara
4 to 6 days
  • Shopping
  • Spas
  • Rooftop lounges
  • Luxury hotels

Table 1- Turkey Travel Itinerary for Different Type of Travelers

Itinerary Snippets By Travel Style

Here are some Turkey travel itinerary suggestions considering the type of tours you prefer more. 

For the Culture Lover (7 Days)

Here is a 7-day itinerary for culture lovers.

Day 1- You can start with Topkapi Palace. It is in Istanbul. It was an Ottoman palace that you can explore throughout the day. Enjoy a slow lunch at one of the restaurants near the palace. In the evening, you can visit the Blue Mosque located within 2 kilometers from the palace. 

Day 2- Start the day with Hagia Sophia and explore the blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture. Enjoy a meal. Then head to the Grand Bazaar. This covered market is also within Istanbul and is one of the oldest of its kind. You have to ride for less than 6 kilometers. 

Day 3- Love Istanbul? Interested in a 360-degree view of the city? Then set foot on the Galata Tower. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the historic houses and vibrant streets of the Balat locality. 

Days 4 & 5- Travel from Istanbul to Izmir. Flight is a convenient option. But, you can use trains or buses to move around. There you can explore Ephesus. It is an ancient city. And it is well preserved along with its ruins. 

Day 6: Fly or take a ride from Izmir. Reach Cappadocia and then visit Göreme. Do not miss a stay in one of the famed cave hotels, and explore the Open Air Museum there. 

Day 7- Take a fresh new day to explore the Derinkuyu Underground City and the unique landscapes in Cappadocia. Hop on a hot air balloon ride for an incredible view.

For the Beach Explorer (5 Days)

Do beaches and seaside attract you? Then here is a Turkey trip itinerary snippet you will find interesting.

Day 1- Start with the old town of Kaleici. It is in the city of Antalya. Explore the Ottoman-era harbor and houses. Also, explore Hadrian’s Gate.

Day 2- You can visit the Duden Waterfalls, located within 14 kilometers of Kaleici. Tourists explore the top as well as bottom areas of the waterfall. You need to return back to Antalya mainland to set out for your next destination. 

Day 3- Leave Antalya and head towards Kekova Island. Enjoy boat rides, snorkeling, and swimming. Take another boat trip from the island to explore the ancient city of Myra. Expect a boat trip for around 25 minutes across the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 4- You can travel from Kekova Island to Oludeniz by bus and taxi. You can also join a boat tour. There, you will find a beach and a Blue Lagoon. You can engage in sunbathing, swimming, and even paragliding. 

Day 5- You will enjoy the coastal town of Bodrum because of its nightlife experience, historical sites, and beautiful beaches. The distance between Oludeniz and Bodrum is around 250 kilometers. You can take a connecting flight, but road transport is a more efficient way to get around. 

For the Foodie (6 Days)

If you are a foodie applying for a Turkey visa online, here is the travel itinerary for you.

Day 1- Visit Istanbul and experience the culinary landscape of the city. You will find guided food tours, which include exploring street food, the Spice Market, and local eateries. 

Day 2- Dedicate the second day of your trip to a Meze dinner. Explore street food during the day. Save your appetite for the customary Turkish dinner. It features a list of small appetizers. 

Day 3- Take a domestic flight from Istanbul to Gaziantep. Try out their famous baklava, and the variety of kebabs. 

Day 4- Gaziantep also has its vibrant spice market. Explore the market. Love exploring the flavors and aromas? Turkish spices and herbs are flavourful as well as aromatic. 

Day 5- Take a flight from Gaziantep to Izmir. There, you can enjoy Aegean cuisine. You can taste fresh seafood. You will find grilled fish, seafood stews, and local specialties in the restaurant menu. 

Day 6- In Izmir, explore wineries and vineyards. Learn about the winemaking process for a day, and sample the delicious local wines. 

Planning Tips by Style

Depending on your travel style and budget, there are several transportation options you can choose from. 

Transport

You will have various transportation options in Turkey. There are domestic flights connecting cities. But remember that taking a flight might be less convenient if you are in certain remote destinations. To take flights, you need an airport, and that means you need to get back to the mainland.

Check for options like boats and ferries in such cases. These transport options also create the opportunity to experience scenic beauty. You can also travel between cities via rail or road; it’s inexpensive albeit time-consuming. 

Accommodation

You can find a number of accommodation options. You can book your stay in the Boutique hotels of Istanbul. You can also enjoy staying overnight in the cave hotels of Cappadocia. Perhaps you may want to stay in the beach resorts of Bodrum; or, book guesthouses and hostels if the budget is tight. 

Best Seasons

What is the best season to visit Turkey if you are a food and culture lover? The answer is fall or spring. The weather remains pleasant. The crowd will be smaller. The landscapes will also be blooming. So, street food experience and historical site exploration will be more comfortable. 

The days between May and September are ideal to go to Turkey if you are after beaches. You will find a good balance between fewer crowds and pleasant weather. So, this is a great time for a beachside vacation. 

Adventure opportunities are available in Turkey all year round. But check for snow during winter. You can enjoy winter sports. Options include snowboarding and skiing. You can also visit many other regions for trekking and hiking. In the warmer months, kiteboarding and windsurfing are also organized on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

Now, let’s talk about the legal requirements. 

How to Enter Turkey as a Tourist? 

Nationals of most countries are not welcomed in Turkey without a visa. You need a visa as a travel authorization, regardless of whether you enter by air, sea or land. You don’t need a Turkish visa if you have a passport from a via-exempt country. But you will still need your national ID or passport to get entry. 

Entry Modes

Here are the three modes of entry into Turkey.

By sea: You can enter Turkey as a tourist through naval ports. You will be given prompts for visa-free entry. However, the duration of the permit will be for a maximum of 72 hours. It will only be valid for sightseeing around the naval port. 

By road: You have to go to a land outpost. Your passport or valid IDs will be requested. You will need a visa as your travel authorization. So, are you from a 

visa-exempt or visa-required nation? Because obtaining a Turkey visa at the land border is not possible. The visa must be secured beforehand. 

By air: You need to get your visa approved before arriving at Turkey airport. The on-arrival option is not being offered anymore. 

Documents Needed

You can get an electronic visa from a reputed e-visa portal, or a paper/sticker visa from theTurkish consulate in your country. These are the documents to be submitted to get your visa approved.

  • You must get the visa application form first. One option is to download it. Another choice is to obtain it from the embassy. Complete the form carefully. 
  • A passport with a minimun of six months of validity, starting from the day of landing in Turkey. Be certain about having a couple of blank pages in your passport.
  • A couple of recent passport-sized photos. 
  • You must present evidence of travel arrangements. You can submit flight booking and hotel reservation receipts. You can also show an invitation letter sent by your host, if any. 
  • You also need to present evidence of having enough funds. It is important that you can fund your expenses during the trip. So, you will need to submit bank or credit card statements.

Ready For a Turkey Visa?

Turkey has sites, cities, cuisines, beaches, and landscapes that are worth exploring. Whatever kind of traveling you seek, Turkey has something for you. So why wait? Apply for your Turkey visa online today and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!