Turkey Itinerary

5 Days Turkey Itinerary for First-time Visitors

Travelling around Turkey is easy and affordable with an e-visa that can be arranged online through a simple process. To get your e-visa, complete the online application form and proceed to the payment section using a credit or debit card. Once processed, your e-visa will be emailed to you.

With convenient transportation options like domestic flights and buses, exploring Turkey is hassle-free. This guide highlights the best experiences across multiple regions, making it an ideal introduction for first-time travellers.

Once your Turkey visa and flights are confirmed, pack essentials like sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and clothing for various climates. This is important since you will encounter everything from sunny coastlines to cool mountain areas.

Let us begin our journey in Turkey's cultural capital, Istanbul!

• Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

  Start your Turkey travel itinerary in the heart of Turkey, the metropolis of Istanbul.

  Morning

  Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, stroll through Sultanahmet Square, home to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Both buildings are rich in Ottoman and Byzantine history.

  Afternoon

  Visit the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans. Explore its vast courtyards and royal chambers.

  Evening

  Head to the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for local goods like spices, carpets, and ceramics. Conclude your day with a traditional Turkish dinner in a local restaurant.

• Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Asian Side

  Discover the unique geography of Istanbul as it straddles two continents.

  Morning

  Start with a scenic Bosphorus cruise. The European and Asian waterways offer excellent views of Istanbul's palaces, mansions, and bustling waterways.

  Afternoon

  Cross over to the Asian side of Istanbul. Visit the charming district of Kadikoy, known for its vibrant markets and local cafes.

  Evening

  Experience Turkish hospitality with a traditional dinner while enjoying a folk dance show.

• Day 3: Cappadocia – A Surreal Landscape

  Fly to Cappadocia, a region renowned for its moon-like landscape and ancient history. Its unique rock formations, fairy chimneys, and ancient cave dwellings offer a memorable destination for all travellers.

  Morning

  Catch an early flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, start your exploration with a visit to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning rock-cut churches and frescoes.

  Afternoon

  Take an adventurous quad bike tour through the valleys of Cappadocia, passing through scenic sites like Pigeon Valley.

  Evening

  Enjoy a Turkish night show with whirling dervishes and local folk performances.

• Day 4: Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle

  With its white terraces of calcium-rich waters, Pamukkale is a unique natural wonder.

  Morning

  Take a domestic flight to Denizli and drive to Pamukkale. Explore the Cotton Castle, a white travertine terrace formed by mineral-rich springs.

  Afternoon

  Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, located just above Pamukkale. The site is famous for its well-preserved ruins and ancient baths.

  Evening

  Relax in one of Pamukkale's natural thermal pools before enjoying a local dinner.

• Day 5: Ephesus – The Ancient City

  End your Turkish adventure with a visit to one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean, Ephesus.

  Morning

  Travel to Ephesus and explore its historical sites, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis.

  Afternoon

  Walk through the ancient streets and take a detour to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her final resting place.

  Evening

  Return to Izmir for a flight back to Istanbul, where you can enjoy your final evening with a farewell dinner by the Bosphorus.