The Ultimate 10 Day Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus

Turkey is a fascinating country with a rich history, incredible landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine. It’s the perfect destination for an unforgettable 10 day trip. This complete 10 day Turkey itinerary covers the top highlights in Istanbul Cappadocia, and Ephesus.

Overview

• Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul
• Day 2: Istanbul – Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace
• Day 3: Istanbul – Bosphorus River Cruise, Spice Bazaar
• Day 4: Fly to Cappadocia
• Day 5: Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloon, Goreme Open Air Museum
• Day 6: Cappadocia – Underground Cities, Ihlara Valley
• Day 7: Fly to Izmir, Drive to Selcuk
• Day 8: Ephesus & Selcuk
• Day 9: Pamukkale
• Day 10: Fly Home from Denizli

This itinerary covers Turkey’s top highlights at a comfortable pace You’ll have enough time to fully experience each destination without feeling rushed, The main areas covered are

Istanbul – Turkey’s largest city, located on the Bosphorus strait between Europe and Asia. Famous for historic sites like the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.

Cappadocia – A fairytale landscape in central Turkey, known for its unique rock formations, underground cities, and hot air ballooning.

Ephesus & Selcuk – Ancient Greco-Roman ruins including the remarkably well-preserved Ephesus. Selcuk is the charming gateway town.

Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle, famous white terraces formed by mineral hot springs.

Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul

Catch a flight into Istanbul and spend your first day soaking up the magic of this city straddling two continents. Drop your bags at your hotel and start exploring!

Some top things to do on your first day:

• Walk across the Galata Bridge for stunning views of the Old City and spice market.

• Wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar, haggling for souvenirs.

• Sip Turkish coffee or apple tea in a cafe in Sultanahmet Square, taking in views of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.

• Take the short boat ride to Üsküdar on the Asian side of Istanbul for another perspective.

• Treat yourself to an incredible dinner at one of Istanbul’s many top-notch restaurants. Seafood along the Bosphorus is a must!

Where to Stay

Istanbul has accommodations for all budgets. For first-time visitors, I recommend staying in the Sultanahmet neighborhood. This central location puts you in walking distance of major highlights like the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar.

Boutique hotels in restored Ottoman mansions are atmospheric and romantic. For a memorable splurge, consider the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet.

Mid-range hotels offer excellent value for money. The ByOtell Assk Hotel gets rave reviews for comfortable rooms and incredible Blue Mosque views from the rooftop terrace.

On a budget? Check out Sultanahmet’s many quaint hostels and guesthouses. Rapunzel Hostel is a top pick with dorms from just $11 per night.

Day 2: Istanbul – Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace

Start your day at the iconic Blue Mosque, nicknamed for its intricate blue Iznik tiles. As an active mosque, make sure to dress conservatively and mind prayer times.

Next door is the Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most awe-inspiring sights. This architectural marvel has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now museum. Linger to admire the stunning Byzantine mosaics.

Afterwards, make your way to Topkapi Palace, the opulent home of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Wander through lavish pavilions and immaculately manicured gardens. Don’t miss the dazzling Harem quarters.

In the afternoon, head down to the Spice Bazaar to stock up on apples tea, Turkish delight, saffron and more. Nearby Eminönü is buzzing with local life. Hop on a commuter ferry for a quick Bosphorus cruise.

End your day on a high note with dinner and a glass of wine along the water. The seafood meze at Rejans Restaurant is outstanding. Be sure to make a reservation.

Day 3: Istanbul – Bosphorus River Cruise, Spice Bazaar

Start your third day in Istanbul with a relaxing Bosphorus river cruise. These full-day cruises take you all the way to the Black Sea, past Ottoman-era waterside mansions and medieval fortresses.

Break up the sailing with a stop in the charming fishing village of Anadolu Kavağı. Climb up to the ruins of Yoros Castle for panoramic views.

In the afternoon, visit Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar. Originally the center of the Ottoman spice trade, today you can shop for mounds of dried fruits, nuts and of course, vibrant spices.

Nearby, across the Galata Bridge, Karaköy is one of Istanbul’s hip up-and-coming neighborhoods. Spend the evening bar-hopping and grabbing dinner at one of the area’s stylish eateries.

For a special nightcap, make your way to the classic Tophane Nargile Cafes nearby for an apple tea and a leisurely smoke from a traditional water pipe.

Day 4: Fly to Cappadocia

After three days in Istanbul, it’s time to catch a flight to Cappadocia in Central Anatolia. This fairytale region feels like stepping into another world.

Otherworldly lunar landscapes dotted with rock-hewn churches and underground cities make Cappadocia a top Turkey highlight. The fields of hot air balloons floating over the valleys at sunrise are unforgettable.

Check into your cave hotel in Göreme or Uçhisar and get ready for the adventure to come! Here are some of Cappadocia’s best hotels:

• Kayakapi Premium Caves – Elegant luxury property painstakingly restored from historic cave dwellings.

• Cappadocia Cave Suites – Affordable suites carved into fairy chimneys, just 7 minutes walk from Göreme.

• Traveller’s Cave Hotel – Good budget option in Göreme with friendly service.

Spend the rest of your first day getting acquainted with Cappadocia’s surreal landscape. Admire the pigeon houses of Uçhisar, take in Pancarlık Valley’s rock-cut churches, and watch the sunset from Esentepe viewpoint.

Day 5: Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloon, Göreme Open Air Museum

Rise before dawn for Cappadocia’s most magical experience – hot air ballooning over the fairy chimneys at sunrise! Float peacefully above places like Love Valley, taking in views of cave dwellings carved into the valley walls.

After your balloon ride, drive 30 minutes to the Göreme Open Air Museum. This fascinating complex contains Byzantine-era rock churches adorned with vivid frescoes. Stand in awe underneath the vaulted ceiling of the breathtaking Dark Church.

In the afternoon, explore the Göreme Valley proper on foot. Follow the valley loop path, allowing time to duck into the Elmali Church and the Apple Church to see their colorful frescoes.

End your day watching the sunset from Red Valley, sipping cocktails at one of Göreme’s cliffside bars.

Day 6: Cappadocia – Underground Cities, Ihlara Valley

Escape the heat by descending into one of Cappadocia’s incredible underground cities. First used by early Christians hiding from Roman persecution, these vast subterranean networks housed up to 20,000 people underground.

Derinkuyu is the largest, reaching eight stories deep. Walk through narrow passages to chapels, stables, cellars, and more. Nearby Kaymaklı underground city is smaller but also impressive.

In the afternoon, drive south about an hour and a half to hike through the verdant Ihlara Valley. As you follow the Melendiz