📍 Türkiye

TURKEY COMPLETE: TURQUOISE COAST TO CAPPADOCIA WONDER

Gulets gliding through turquoise bays, marble columns catching Mediterranean light, hot air balloons drifting above stone valleys. Turkey, millennia in days.

≈ 17
Days
1329
Km
11
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Sail from Bodrum and its white harbor, then travel back in time at Ephesus among ancient marbles. Relax at Pamukkale, before cruising the turquoise coast by gulet and walking toward Olympos, ruins and pine forest. End in Cappadocia at Göreme, where cave hotels and sunrise change the perspective.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Bodrum

castle harbor nightlife aegean chic sailing

Bodrum - Photo 1Bodrum - Photo 2Bodrum - Photo 3Bodrum - Photo 4Bodrum - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the port of Bodrum and Saint Peter's castle overlooking the bay
2
Exploration of the underwater archaeology museum housed in the castle
3
Full-day boat excursion to Orak Island for swimming and snorkeling
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll on the marina and swimming at Bodrum beach
→
Sunset from the windmills of Bodrum
→
Walk through the pedestrian streets of old Bodrum
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 133 km
Travel time: 2h39
2
Day

Selcuk

ephesus library terrace houses virgin mary

Selcuk - Photo 1Selcuk - Photo 2Selcuk - Photo 3Selcuk - Photo 4Selcuk - Photo 5Selcuk - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the ancient ruins of Ephesus: Celsus Library, theater, Temple of Artemis
2
Discovery of the Virgin Mary's house on Mount Koressos
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through the center of Selçuk and visit to the archaeological museum
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 190 km
Travel time: 3h30
3
Day

Pamukkale

hierapolis necropolis white calcium terraces thermal

Pamukkale - Photo 1Pamukkale - Photo 2Pamukkale - Photo 3Pamukkale - Photo 4Pamukkale - Photo 5Pamukkale - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Pamukkale's natural pools and their white travertines
2
Visit to the ancient site of Hierapolis: Roman theater, necropolis, Temple of Apollo
🎯

Activities

→
Thermal bath in Cleopatra's pools
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 215 km
Travel time: 2h40
4
Day

Fethiye

oludeniz paragliding kayakoy ghost village coast

Fethiye - Photo 1Fethiye - Photo 2Fethiye - Photo 3Fethiye - Photo 4Fethiye - Photo 5Fethiye - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Fethiye port and the fish market
2
Visit to the Lycian tombs carved into the cliff
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll on the marina and dinner facing the sea
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15.2 km
Travel time: 30min
5
Day

Onboard Gulet

blue cruise wooden schooner secluded bays

Onboard Gulet - Photo 1Onboard Gulet - Photo 2Onboard Gulet - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Boarding a traditional gulet boat from Fethiye
2
Navigation to Göcek bay and swimming
🎯

Activities

→
Dinner on board at sunset
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 1h
6
Day

Olympos

ancient ruins treehouse camps chimera flames

Olympos - Photo 1Olympos - Photo 2Olympos - Photo 3Olympos - Photo 4Olympos - Photo 5Olympos - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Stops in secluded coves and visit to Gemiler Island
2
Disembarkation at Olympos and visit to ancient ruins in the forest
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxation on Olympos beach
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 85 km
Travel time: 1h30
7
Day

Istanbul

hagia sophia bazaars bosphorus crossing continents

Istanbul - Photo 1Istanbul - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Hagia Sophia basilica and the Blue Mosque
2
Discovery of Topkapi Palace and its gardens
3
Bosphorus cruise to discover both shores of the city
4
Visit to Galata district and climb up the tower for panoramic view
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll through the Grand Bazaar and Turkish delight tasting
→
Evening in the lively district of Beyoğlu
→
Sunset over the valley from Sunset Point
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 570 km
Travel time: 10h
8
Day

Nevsehir Airport

cappadocia gateway lunar landscape arrival point

Nevsehir Airport - Photo 1Nevsehir Airport - Photo 2Nevsehir Airport - Photo 3Nevsehir Airport - Photo 4Nevsehir Airport - Photo 5Nevsehir Airport - Photo 6Nevsehir Airport - Photo 7Nevsehir Airport - Photo 8Nevsehir Airport - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the Göreme open-air museum and its rock churches
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 45min
9
Day

Goreme

open air museum cave churches rose valley

Goreme - Photo 1Goreme - Photo 2Goreme - Photo 3Goreme - Photo 4Goreme - Photo 5Goreme - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Love Valley and its rock formations
2
Hot air balloon flight at sunrise over Cappadocia
3
Visit to the underground city of Derinkuyu
4
Visit to Uçhisar Castle and panorama over Cappadocia
🎯

Activities

→
Dinner in a cave restaurant
→
Local wine tasting in Ürgüp
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 3 km
Travel time: 4min
10
Day

Uchisar

rock castle panoramic views pigeon valley

Uchisar - Photo 1Uchisar - Photo 2Uchisar - Photo 3Uchisar - Photo 4Uchisar - Photo 5Uchisar - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Pigeon Valley
2
Discovery of Avanos village and its pottery workshops
🎯

Activities

→
Day 1: Stroll along the marina and swimming at Bodrum beach
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 8 km
Travel time: 15min
11
Day

Urgup

wine cellars boutique cave hotels vineyards

Urgup - Photo 1Urgup - Photo 2Urgup - Photo 3Urgup - Photo 4Urgup - Photo 5Urgup - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Walk in the Devrent valley and its animal-shaped formations
2
Free morning to stroll in Göreme or do artisan shopping
🎯

Activities

→
Day 1: Sunset from the Bodrum windmills
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 40min

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🛡️ Travel advice - Türkiye

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, and excellent conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Ideal for Istanbul, Cappadocia, and coastal regions.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures after summer heat with stable weather and fewer crowds. Perfect for all regions, cultural exploration, and outdoor adventures.

Summer (June-August): Hot temperatures (25-40°C) with peak tourist season and crowded attractions. Excellent for Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, challenging for inland areas.

Winter (December-February): Cool temperatures (5-15°C) with occasional snow but lowest prices and authentic experiences. Good for Istanbul and covered attractions, limited beach activities.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 20 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Türkiye?

Cultural bridge between Europe and Asia with ancient heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant traditions. Experience Byzantine and Ottoman treasures, incredible cuisine, and authentic Turkish hospitality. The country offers cultural immersion with natural beauty and historical significance. Turkey provides transformative cultural experiences with natural wonders and culinary excellence. ⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Generally safe but avoid areas near Syrian border due to conflict spillover and terrorism risks. Exercise caution regarding petty crime in tourist areas, political tensions occasionally, and earthquake risks. Monitor current political situation and regional developments.