7-Day Western Turkey Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Western Turkey tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaWestern Turkey travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Turkey, incl. Istanbul and Ephesus

  A seven-day Western Turkey expedition takes you from Istanbul's Ottoman sites to Ephesus's Roman ruins. UNESCO treasures like Hagia Sophia and Hierapolis await. Includes 4-star hotels, professional guides, and convenient domestic flights between destinations.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Istanbul Arrival

    Get to your hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district after landing at Istanbul Airport. Book your stay in this area to walk to all the main attractions. If you're arriving late at night, book your airport transfer ahead of time since Istanbul's taxi situation can be tricky for newcomers.

    
  • Day 2

    Historic Istanbul Deep Dive

    Get to Hagia Sophia by 9 AM before the crowds show up. The morning sunlight looks beautiful through the dome. Next up is Topkapi Palace. Make sure to see the Harem and Treasury first since these areas get packed quickly. Have lunch before visiting the Blue Mosque (remember to pack a scarf for covering up) and finish at the Grand Bazaar. A recent visitor shared: "The Grand Bazaar is overwhelming but fantastic—go late afternoon when it's quieter and shopkeepers are more willing to negotiate."

    
  • Day 3

    Optional Bosphorus Exploration

    Start your day at the Spice Market to find great deals on Turkish Delight and saffron. Take a public ferry along the Bosphorus instead of a tourist boat to see both sides of the city for less money. You'll have the afternoon free to check out the Basilica Cistern underground or walk around the trendy Karaköy area.

    
  • Day 4

    Istanbul to Kusadasi

    Take a morning flight to Izmir (1 hour) and then drive an hour to Kusadasi. Pick a hotel near the marina for easy access to food and the waterfront. Spend your free afternoon browsing the local bazaar or relaxing at a beach club.

    
  • Day 5

    Ephesus Archaeological Site

    Start your Ephesus visit early to avoid the heat. The site has little shade so bring water and a hat. Begin at the upper entrance and walk down for the best views of the Library of Celsus. The Terrace Houses cost extra but are worth visiting for their amazing Roman mosaics. A visitor recently noted: "The detail in the Terrace Houses was mind-blowing—definitely pay the extra fee and don't rush through."

    
  • Day 6

    Pamukkale Day Trip

    This is a long day with 3 hours of driving each way but it's worth it. Wear shoes you can get wet for walking on the travertines since they can be slippery. Bring your swimsuit for Cleopatra's Pool and save time to explore the Hierapolis ruins above. The Roman theater here offers great valley views and usually isn't as busy as Ephesus.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Istanbul

    Fly back to Izmir in the morning. Book an afternoon flight to avoid traffic. If you have time before leaving visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum near Topkapi Palace to see artifacts from the places you've visited.

    

  View itinerary

• 7 Day Turkey Itinerary, incl. Istanbul and Ephesus

  Ancient wonders of Western Turkey showcase Ephesus's Library of Celsus, Sardis's ancient synagogue, and Pergamum's Acropolis. Seven days of biblical history across 9 cities, including domestic flights and luxury transportation.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Istanbul to Kusadasi

    Take a morning flight from Istanbul to Izmir (1 hour). Book flights before 11 AM to make the most of your first day. From Izmir airport, drive 1 hour to Kusadasi, which will be your base for exploring Ephesus. "The coastal location of Kusadasi makes it an ideal starting point - try to get a room with a sea view for spectacular sunsets over the Aegean."

    
  • Day 2

    Ephesus Archaeological Site

    Start your Ephesus exploration at 8 AM to avoid crowds and midday heat. The site is extensive, so wear sturdy shoes since the marble streets can be slippery. Visit the Library of Celsus, Grand Theater, and Temple of Hadrian. Spend the cooler afternoon at the House of Virgin Mary. Take a 3-hour drive to Pamukkale for the night.

    
  • Day 3

    Pamukkale, Laodicea & Philadelphia

    Visit Pamukkale's white travertine terraces early in the morning. Pack water shoes since the calcium formations are sharp. Head to ancient Laodicea, then continue to Philadelphia (modern Alasehir). Watch your step at the Byzantine basilica ruins in Philadelphia because the paths are uneven. Stay overnight in Izmir.

    
  • Day 4

    Sardis & Thyatira

    Explore Sardis in the morning, known for its impressive gymnasium and synagogue ruins. The site is large, so a local guide can provide helpful context. Visit Thyatira (modern Akhisar) in the afternoon to see its modest but historically important temple ruins.

    
  • Day 5

    Troy & Travel to Istanbul

    Spend the morning at Troy. Look for the numbered signs to understand the nine different city levels. Stop for photos at the wooden horse replica. Drive to Istanbul in the afternoon (5-6 hours, depending on traffic).

    
  • Day 6

    Istanbul Historical Sites

    Visit the major Byzantine and Ottoman sites. Get to Hagia Sophia before 9 AM to avoid tour groups. Continue to Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern. "The Grand Bazaar gets overwhelming - enter through Gate 1 near the Spice Market for easier orientation and more reasonable prices."

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Plan for a 3-hour airport transfer due to Istanbul's traffic, particularly on weekday mornings. The new Istanbul Airport is big, so give yourself extra time to find your way around.

    

  View itinerary

• 7 Days in Turkey, incl. Istanbul and Cappadocia

  A week in Western Turkey from Istanbul to Kusadasi costs approx. $290 per day. Visit Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar, then fly to Cappadocia's Uchisar Castle and Goreme Open Air Museum. The journey ends at ancient Ephesus ruins and Pamukkale's calcium terraces, with stays in boutique hotels throughout.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Istanbul

    Begin your Turkish adventure in Istanbul, where Europe and Asia intersect. Make your way to the Sultanahmet district, home to the city's main historical sites. Book your hotel in this area to save time - Istanbul's morning traffic can be intense. "Our guide Burak showed us hidden corners of the Hagia Sophia I would've completely missed on my own," one traveler shared. Visit the Blue Mosque before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Remember to bring a headscarf and wear modest clothing. Plan your Grand Bazaar visit carefully as it's closed on Sundays. The Spice Bazaar makes a great alternative.

    
  • Day 3

    Cappadocia

    Fly to Cappadocia in the morning (about 1.5 hours). Choose a cave hotel in Göreme for an authentic stay. Visit the open-air museum later in the day when it's cooler. The rock churches can get quite warm at midday. For the best views of the fairy chimneys at sunset, head to Uchisar Castle. The paths are uneven, so wear good shoes.

    
  • Day 4

    Cappadocia to Kusadasi

    Consider taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Book this well in advance as spots fill up quickly. One visitor noted: "The balloon flight over Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape was absolutely worth the 4 AM wake-up call." Take an afternoon flight to Izmir (1.5 hours), then drive to Kusadasi (1 hour) to explore the Aegean coast.

    
  • Day 5

    Ephesus

    Spend your full day exploring ancient Ephesus. Arrive at opening time (8:30 AM) since the site offers little shade and gets very hot later. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Watch your step on the marble streets - they can be slippery. End your day in Sirince village drinking local fruit wines as the sun sets.

    
  • Day 6

    Pamukkale

    Drive 2.5 hours to see Pamukkale's white travertine terraces. Pack water shoes for the thermal pools since the calcium deposits can be rough. Start at Hierapolis in the morning before it gets hot. Spend your afternoon relaxing in the mineral pools. You'll need to go barefoot on the travertines to protect them.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Istanbul

    Take a morning flight from Izmir to Istanbul (1 hour). If time allows before your departure, visit the Spice Bazaar or take a Bosphorus cruise to say goodbye to this unique city.

    

  View itinerary