7-Day Turkey Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Turkey tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffTurkey travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Turkey, incl. Istanbul and Cappadocia

  This 7-day Turkish route covers 450km to Ankara, 290km to Cappadocia, and 610km to Pamukkale. The itinerary includes 17 cities featuring UNESCO sites Ephesus and Troy, with 6 nights in 4-star hotels, rated 4.4/5 for accommodations.

  

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  • Day 1

    Istanbul to Ankara (450 km)

    Start your Turkey journey with an afternoon departure from Istanbul. "Book a morning flight to Istanbul to avoid traffic delays - afternoon hotel pickups start between 12-1 PM." The drive to Ankara takes 5-6 hours with stops every 2 hours for breaks.

    
  • Day 2

    Ankara to Cappadocia (290 km)

    Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Ataturk's Mausoleum in Ankara. "Get to the mausoleum early - government ceremonies can close it unexpectedly." On your way to Cappadocia, stop at the underground city of Kaymaklı. The drive takes about 4 hours.

    
  • Day 3

    Cappadocia

    Start early with an optional hot air balloon ride that most visitors consider unforgettable. "The balloon flight over Cappadocia was breathtaking. Book in advance as spaces fill quickly." Spend your day exploring Göreme Valley's fairy chimneys, Uçhisar castle, and cave churches. You might want to stay in a cave hotel for the full experience.

    
  • Day 4

    Cappadocia to Pamukkale (610 km)

    This is your longest travel day. Visit the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai before reaching Pamukkale's white travertine terraces in late afternoon. "Bring water shoes - the limestone pools can be slippery, and wear modest swimwear if you plan to bathe."

    
  • Day 5

    Pamukkale to Izmir via Ephesus (285 km)

    Get to ancient Ephesus early to avoid crowds. "The marble streets get extremely hot by midday." Visit the Library of Celsus and House of Virgin Mary before heading to Izmir for the night.

    
  • Day 6

    Izmir to Çanakkale via Pergamon and Troy (325 km)

    Explore Pergamon's ancient medical center, Asclepion, then visit Troy. "The site of Troy requires imagination - having a knowledgeable guide really helps bring the history alive." Spend the night in Çanakkale.

    
  • Day 7

    Gallipoli to Istanbul (320 km)

    Take a ferry across the Dardanelles to visit Gallipoli's WWI sites, including ANZAC Cove and memorials. "The Gallipoli visit was deeply moving - bring comfortable walking shoes as there's significant walking between sites." Return to Istanbul late afternoon.

    

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• 7 Days in Turkey, incl. Istanbul and Cappadocia

  This grand tour spans 8 major destinations across 1,200km of Turkey. The itinerary includes 5 UNESCO sites including Ephesus and Hierapolis. Stretches from Gallipoli's war memorials to Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, with included domestic flight back to Istanbul.

  

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  • Day 1

    Gallipoli

    Leave Istanbul around 6:30 AM for the 4-hour drive to Gallipoli Peninsula. Visit the moving ANZAC sites including Brighton Beach, Anzac Cove, and Lone Pine Memorial. "The Gallipoli tour was deeply moving - arrive early at Anzac Cove before the midday heat kicks in." Stay overnight in Canakkale to prepare for the next day's adventures.

    
  • Day 2

    Troy & Pergamum

    Start at Troy, just 45 minutes from Canakkale. You'll see the famous Trojan Horse replica and city walls dating back 3,700 years. Drive 2.5 hours to Pergamum to visit its impressive Acropolis. The theater offers beautiful views but watch your step on the ancient marble stairs. Head to Kusadasi for the night.

    
  • Day 3

    Ephesus

    Get to Ephesus by 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and heat. The marble streets reflect intense sunlight, so bring sunglasses and a hat. Spend the afternoon in Sirince village for wine tasting. One visitor noted: "The Library of Celsus at Ephesus is incredible - but the site offers little shade, so bring plenty of water."

    
  • Day 4

    Pamukkale

    Take the 3-hour drive to Pamukkale, known as the "Cotton Castle." Walk through the white travertine pools. The thermal springs make them warm but slippery. Visit Hierapolis and its well-preserved theater. Bring water shoes for the travertines and swimwear for the antique pool.

    
  • Day 5

    Konya to Cappadocia

    Enjoy the 5-hour scenic drive through central Turkey. Stop in Konya to see the Mevlana Museum, where you'll learn about the Whirling Dervishes. Arrive in Cappadocia for evening. Book a cave hotel for the full experience.

    
  • Day 6

    Cappadocia

    Take the sunrise hot air balloon flight ($260) if weather permits. It's expensive but unforgettable. Explore Red Valley's rock churches and Ozkonak underground city. A previous visitor shares: "The underground city tunnels can feel cramped - skip this part if you're claustrophobic, but don't miss the fairy chimneys at sunset."

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Istanbul

    Catch a morning flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul (1.5 hours). Book an afternoon departure to account for Cappadocia's morning fog delays.

    

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• 7 Days in Turkey, incl. Istanbul and Cappadocia

  This Turkish expedition focuses on 2 iconic destinations: 3 days in Istanbul exploring Ottoman sites and 3 days in Cappadocia's valleys. Includes domestic flights, 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and stays at 4-star hotels for around $1,000 (approx. $140 per day).

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Istanbul

    Start your exploration in the historic Sultanahmet district. "The hotel's location near major sites made exploring incredibly convenient," noted a recent visitor. On your first full day begin at the Hagia Sophia at 8:30 AM before the crowds arrive. Visit Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque next, then spend time at the Grand Bazaar. Want better deals? Look for shops in the side streets where prices are often lower than the main walkways. Take a Bosphorus cruise on day 3. A previous visitor shared: "The morning boat ride offered amazing city views, though bring a light jacket as it gets breezy on deck." Visit the Spice Market early to avoid tour groups. Skip the tourist-focused carpet shops and explore the authentic local stores in the quieter backstreets.

    
  • Day 4

    Istanbul to Cappadocia

    Take a morning flight to Cappadocia. A recent guest advises: "The domestic flight luggage limit is strict - 15kg checked, 8kg cabin. Pack accordingly." Your cave hotel will be carved into the region's distinctive rock formations. You'll have the afternoon free to walk around Göreme.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Cappadocia

    Consider taking a hot air balloon ride for USD 329. "The sunrise balloon flight over the fairy chimneys was absolutely magical," one reviewer shared. Your days include guided tours of the open-air museum, underground cities and rock formations. Remember to pack sturdy shoes with good grip for the sometimes slippery cave steps. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum right when it opens to beat the tour buses. One traveler suggests: "The Rose Valley hike can be challenging in summer heat - bring plenty of water and sun protection." Your guide will tell you about the history of these ancient cave homes and churches.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Istanbul

    Fly back to Istanbul in the morning. Book an afternoon departure to avoid peak traffic to the airport. A satisfied traveler mentioned: "The door-to-door airport transfers made the logistics completely stress-free."

    

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