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Few cities have changed so much, so quickly, as the Turkish capital of ANKARA . When Atatürk declared it capital of his nascent republic in 1923, it was little more than a small provincial town, known chiefly for its production of angora, soft goat’s wool. Fast-forward to the present day, and it’s a bustling, modern city of well over four million souls, its buildings spreading to the horizon in each direction across what, not too long ago, was unspoiled steppe. This was, of course, Atatürk’s vision all along – a carefully planned attempt to create a seat of government worthy of a modern, Westernized state.

Festivals in Ankara

Museum of anatolian civilizations.

Many visitors to Turkey, of course, believe İstanbul to be the nation’s capital, and comparisons between the two cities are almost inevitable. While Ankara is never going to be as attractive a destination, it certainly holds enough to keep you occupied for a few days – diverting sights, good restaurants and pumping nightlife. Most visitors’ first taste of Ankara is Ulus , an area where a couple of Roman monuments lurk beneath the prevailing modernity. Heading east you’ll pass the superb Museum of Anatolian Civilizations before heading up to Hisar , the oldest part of the city. Here, the walls of a Byzantine citadel enclose an Ottoman-era village of cobbled streets; climbing on up will buy you a jaw-dropping city view. Heading south of Ulus you’ll soon come to studenty Kızılay , filled with bars and cheap restaurants; real-estate values increase exponentially as you move south again towards Kavaklıdere and Çankaya , where the cafés and restaurants are somewhat more salubrious.

Brief history

After the Hittites founded Ankara around 1200 BC, naming it Ankuwash, the town prospered due to its position on the royal road running from Sardis to their capital at Hattuşa. Their successors, the Phrygians , called the city Ankyra, and left behind a huge necropolis that was uncovered near the train station in 1925. They, in turn, were followed by the Lydians and the Persians . Alexander the Great passed through on his way east, while in the third century BC invading Galatians (Gauls) held sway for a while.

By the start of the first century BC, the Romans had made substantial inroads into Asia Minor. In 24 BC Ankara was officially absorbed into the empire under Augustus and renamed Sebaste (Greek for Augustus). The city thrived under the Romans, but the later Byzantine era ushered in a period of decline. Arabs, Persians, Crusaders and Mongols stormed the city en route to greater prizes, but only the Selçuks were to settle, taking control in 1071. By 1361 Ankara had been incorporated into the burgeoning Ottoman state and went into another decline; only its famous wool stopped it disappearing altogether.

After Atatürk’s final victory, and despite being little more than a backward provincial centre, Ankara was made the official capital of the Turkish Republic . Turkey’s vociferous pro-İstanbul lobby was dismayed by the choice of capital, and many foreign governments also baulked at the idea of establishing embassies here. People were drawn to Ankara from the Anatolian countryside in search of work and a higher standard of living, and the city’s population of 30,000 swiftly swelled.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Turkey, created by local experts

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Visit Gobekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut in Southeastern Anatolia before proceeding to Cappadocia with its volcanic scenery. After a few days in the valleys, continue to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Ephesus. Your tour starts and ends in Istanbul.

Ankara Film Festival

w www.filmfestankara.org.tr . The city’s main film festival, taking place over ten days each March.

Ankara Music Festival

w www.ankarafestival.com . Now well over thirty years old, this major classical music festival takes place in the spring (usually April), and is spread across three weeks or so.

Büyük Ankara Festival

A fun, family-friendly series of events taking place over one week each July – ask the tourist office for the latest plans.

Flying Broom

w ucansupurge.org.tr . Women’s film festival hosted by a feminist organization, taking place each May.

International Cartoon Film Festival

Cartoon festival aimed at children, but inevitably enjoyed by older folk too. Lasts for a few days each April – ask at the tourist office for info.

From the upper fortifications of Ankara’s citadel , you’ll see the city spread out in all its glory. Many of the nearby buildings look less than glorious, however – these are referred to by locals as gece kondu , which loosely translates as “built overnight”. Though likely put together at sub-Amish speed, their hasty construction is all too apparent: after Ankara was declared national capital, Anatolians moved to the city in droves, and many erected their own houses around the citadel. Effectively shanty towns , these have remained the most impoverished parts of the city ever since; Ankara’s present-day rulers would, of course, prefer to see the back of them, and bit by bit, the old buildings are being replaced with rows of ugly high-rises. Mercifully, the former residents of the gece kondu are being moved here, rather than flung to the outskirts of the city.

Whenever you see a replica artefact at an archeological site in Turkey, you can bet the original lies under the protective wings of the unmissable Museum of Anatolian Civilizations . For most visitors, its outstanding archeological collection is the high point of a visit to Ankara, documenting the peoples and cultures of Anatolia from the late Stone Age through to Classical times.

The museum is housed in a restored fifteenth-century bedesten , which fell out of use after a catastrophic fire in 1881. Its vast cache of artefacts is laid out in chronological order, clockwise from the entrance, with large stone reliefs dating from the Hittite and Phrygian periods in the central chamber. Most exhibits are clearly labelled in English.

From the Paleolithic to the Bronze Age

The museum’s first four sections move visitors through Turkey-time from the Old Stone Age to 2000 BC. The Paleolithic section features assorted bone fragments and primitive stone tools and weapons from a cave site at Karain, 30km northwest of Antalya, while objects found at Çatal Höyük, a settlement of New Stone Age mud-brick houses 52km north of Konya, have yielded significant evidence about the Neolithic period (7000–5500 BC). The importance of agriculture in this era may account for the abundant fertility-goddess figures – represented by baked-clay female forms of ample proportions – that reappear throughout the museum.

Most of the objects in the Bronze Age section (3000–2000 BC) come from Alacahöyük; among the most striking exhibits are the pieces of gold jewellery unearthed in the royal tombs. There then follows a small Assyrian Trading Colony section (1950–1750 BC), with the most notable exhibits being well-preserved cuneiform tablets that rank among Anatolia’s earliest written records.

The Hittite sections

The Hittites (1700–700 BC) left spectacular sites at Boğazkale and nearby Yazılıkaya, east of Ankara. Most of the objects here are from Boğazkale and Alacahöyük, with the most sophisticated example being a vase with a relief depicting a lively wedding procession. Stelae carved with hieroglyphs have proved a valuable source of information about the Old Hittite kingdom (1700–1450 BC).

There’s even more to see from the Hittite Empire (1450–1200 BC) itself – elaborate reliefs from Alacahöyük indicate the sophistication of Hittite culture during this time, and if you’re planning to visit Hattuşa, look out for the lion and sphinx figures from the city gates. The originals are here, replaced with replicas at the site itself.

Phrygian and Urartian sections

Most of the museum’s Phrygian objects (1200–700 BC) were recovered from the royal tumulus at Gordion, capital of Phrygian Anatolia after the fall of the Hittites. The timber-framed chamber at the heart of the tumulus has been re-created and objects from it are on display nearby. Most impressive are a wooden table of intricate design and skilfully wrought bronze vessels.

Modern knowledge of the Urartians largely derives from clay tablets listing military successes. On the evidence of such artefacts here, their culture was less sophisticated than that of the Phrygians, though the large bronze cauldron resting on a tripod with cloven bronze feet is austerely beautiful.

Ankara section

Downstairs, towards the exit, a section details finds from Ankara itself. While it can’t really compete with the bounty upstairs, the collections of Roman coins are of interest – as are the remains of Ankarapithecus , a 9.8-million-year-old ape named after the city of its discovery.

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Ankara Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know about the Capital of Turkey

General information of ankara.

Ankara is one of the most important cities in the Middle East. Also known as Ancará or Angora , it is the capital of Turkey (Republic of Turkey) and the economic center of the country. It has more than 5 million inhabitants, which makes it the second most populous metropolis in the region after Istanbul .

Throughout history, various civilizations have been part of Ankara, such as the Greeks, Hittites, Byzantines, Arabs, and Persians.

In fact, it is said that the name of the city comes from the Celtic denomination Ancira (anchor), one of the oldest words in this language.

Location of Ankara

Ankara is located in the center of the Anatolian Peninsula, which is bordered to the north by the Black Sea, to the northwest by the Sea of ​​Marmara, and to the south by the Mediterranean Sea. The Bosporus Strait and the Dardanelles separate this peninsula from the European continent.

Due to its geographical position, Anatolia has served as a connection between the peoples of the West and the East. This was reflected in the passage that Ankara suggested, which in the 20th century made it the political center of the area.

Google Maps interactive map

How to Get to Ankara?

There are multiple paths when traveling to Ankara. Next, we mention the main ones for you to take into account when putting together your itinerary to visit the Turkish capital.

On the one hand, you can get to Ankara by plane. The city has Ankara Airport, 28 km from the center, which has mostly domestic flights and a few international ones, especially to Europe. In general, travelers will need to transfer to Istanbul.

To go from the airport to the center, we recommend taking a private transfer or the Belko Airbuses, an airport transportation system. You can also choose to take a taxi, which costs around 70 Turkish liras to the capital.

On the other hand, you can travel to Ankara by train, as Turkey has a splendid high-speed rail network that connects the country's capital with other metropolises such as Konya and Istanbul in less than two hours.

If you want to save some money, you can take a bus between these cities. The ticket costs about 35 Turkish liras and the travel time is about 5 hours.

Top Attractions of Ankara

The capital of Turkey has multiple sites that you can visit in a matter of days. Among them, the mosques and museums stand out. Below, we mention some of the most important buildings in Ankara .

Visit the Museums of Ankara

Among the museums in the city, we recommend you take into account the State Museum of Art and Sculpture, the Museum of the War of Independence, and the Ethnographic Museum of Ankara.

Another site of great interest is the Museum of Anitkabir, where the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk , the first president and founder of the current Republic of Turkey, is located.

Meet the Main Mosques

Turkey has a large population devoted to the Islamic religion, so it should not be strange to see a large number of mosques in Ankara. Among them, we highlight the Kocatepe Mosque and the Haci Bayram Mosque . Both have great historical and cultural relevance for the country.

Get to Know Ankara Castle

Also known as Ankara Kalesi , it is one of the most important monuments in the city, dating back to the 7th century. It functioned as a fortress and political center during ancient times.

It is located on a hill in the Ulus Bentderesi district, within the old town of Ankara . From there you will have a very beautiful panoramic view of the capital.

If you want to know it, you should know that its doors are constantly open and it is not necessary to buy tickets to enter (it is free).

Its visiting hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, while on weekends it is from 08:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Visit Lake Eymir

This is an alternative for nature lovers. The lake is located on the outskirts of Ankara, about 20 km. It stands out for its silence and for offering visitors the opportunity to get some fresh air outside the metropolis. There you can rent bicycles or go hiking.

See the Tower of Atakule

It is a communication and observation tower that can be seen from most points in Ankara, due to its large size and location on a hill.

Undoubtedly, Ankara is a city that has a lot to offer. Don't stop visiting it!

How to Get Around in Ankara?

The city of Ankara has all kinds of transport, including taxis, metro, railway, and bus. The latter have public and private services, so it will be easy for you to get on them. In the case of the metro, the city has three lines and its announcements are available in Turkish and English.

You must bear in mind that a large part of these services can be paid for both with transport cards, which you can buy at any ticket office, and in cash.

If you want to get around the city quickly and comfortably, you can choose to rent a car. If you want to ride at your own pace, we recommend renting a bike.

Where to Buy in Ankara?

In the historic center of the city or in the modern part, it is possible to find places where you can buy all kinds of products, such as antiques, rugs, suits, and spices, among other items.

Shopping in Ankara can be a very entertaining walk and a great way to get to know the city.

Ulus is one of the most traditional regions for this, which is made up of narrow streets and multiple shops selling traditional items.

Similarly, in Kizilay, most of the business is concentrated. This area is modern and urban. We recommend you visit Ataturk Bulvani Street, where you will find shops of all kinds, cafes, and galleries.

If what you are looking for is to go shopping in Ankara , you must visit the Anka Mall, Armada, or Mesa Plaza. Around it, you will see restaurants and bars so you can have a drink after your purchases. You have options of all kinds and tastes to choose from!

Is It Safe to Travel to Ankara?

Yes! In general, the risk of robbery in the city is usually very low and tourists find it easy to walk from one place to another, even at night.

In any case, we recommend that you be careful with your belongings in crowded public spaces, as this is where the highest number of pickpocket crimes are recorded.

If you want to know the main cities of Turkey in a safe way, you can take into account our excursions to Turkey , which make tours of the most important attractions of the country.

The capital of the Republic of Turkey is Ankara, in the Anatolia region (Asia Minor).

Ankara. The population of Turkey's largest city, Istanbul, is greater than that of 131 countries in the world, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The official language is Turkish. However, 12% of the population speaks Kurdish. You can also find people who speak Arabic, English, or local dialects.

The fastest way to get from Istanbul to Ankara is by plane (2.5 hours). It costs about 900 Turkish liras. If you are looking for a cheap way, you can opt for the train, which costs about 100 Turkish Lira and takes 5.5 hours.

Islam is the majority religion in Turkey. About 95% of the population is declared Muslim.

The lira is the official currency of Turkey.

We recommend you dedicate between 2-3 days to visit the Turkish capital.

If you visit the Turkish capital for a day, we recommend you visit the Atatürk mausoleum, the historic center, the Ankara Castle, and the Kocatepe Mosque.

We recommend you visit the country in the months of May, June, September, and October, with mild temperatures and low rainfall. We recommend you avoid the winter months.

You can consider buying antiques, spices, copperware, rugs, and folk costumes.

The public transport network works quite well and is usually quite punctual.

The approximate total cost for one person, per day, is about 560 Turkish Liras (approximately US$90).

We recommend you visit Ankara, Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir, and Göreme. They are unmissable!

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The Ultimate Ankara Travel Guide: Unveiling the Heart of Turkey

Ankara’s rich tapestry: a historical and cultural melange.

Ankara is not just the political heart of Turkey but also a cultural and historical treasure trove. The city’s roots go deep into the annals of history, with civilizations dating back to the Hittite era. Today, Ankara is a vibrant metropolis, boasting a mix of Ottoman, Roman, and modern Turkish influences.

Key Attractions in Ankara

• Anıtkabir: The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, is not just a monument but a symbol of Turkish independence and pride. Its architecture and the panoramic view of Ankara it offers are truly breathtaking.
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: Housing artifacts from various epochs of Turkey’s history , this museum offers a deep dive into the country’s rich past, from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period.
• Ankara Castle: This ancient fortress offers a glimpse into Ankara’s medieval history , with stunning views of the city from its walls.
• Kızılay Square: The beating heart of Ankara, this bustling square is surrounded by shops, cafes, and government buildings, reflecting the city’s vibrant urban life.

Culinary Delights: Taste the Authentic Flavors of Ankara

Ankara’s culinary scene is a reflection of Turkey’s diverse palate, offering a blend of Central Anatolian and traditional Turkish cuisines . Don’t miss out on trying the local specialties like Ankara Tava (lamb cooked with tomatoes and green peppers) and the famous Beypazarı Kurusu, a traditional crispy pastry.

FAQs: Planning Your Ankara Adventure

What is the best time to visit ankara.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the city’s attractions.

How can I get around Ankara?

Ankara boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, a metro, and Ankaray (the light metro). Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

Are there any cultural etiquettes I should be aware of?

Turkish culture values hospitality and respect. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and always remove your shoes before entering a mosque or a Turkish home.

Can I find English-speaking guides in Ankara?

Yes, many tour operators and historical sites in Ankara offer services in English. It’s always helpful to learn a few basic Turkish phrases to enhance your experience.

Where can I find the best shopping in Ankara?

Visit the traditional markets like Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu for authentic Turkish crafts, or explore modern malls like ANKAmall for a more contemporary shopping experience.

Embracing the Spirit of Ankara

Ankara is a city where the past and present coalesce, offering a unique journey through Turkey’s heartland. From its ancient ruins to modern streets, every corner tells a story, waiting to be discovered.

Top 3 Essential Tours in Turkey for an Unforgettable Experience

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Ankara blog — the fullest ankara travel guide for first-timers.

Ankara is not only the capital but also one of the most famous tourist cities of Turkey. With a long history of formation and development, this place contains countless interesting things for you to explore. And in this article, we will share with you the most complete Ankara guide. So, is Ankara worth visiting, what to do in Ankara and how to plan a budget trip to Ankara perfectly? Let’s check out our Ankara blog (Ankara travel blog) with the fullest Ankara travel guide (Ankara city guide, Ankara guide, Ankara tourist guide) from how to get Ankara, best places to do, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Ankara to help you maximize your trip as follows!

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This is considered the cradle of many civilizations, the ancient architectural works are of great importance until today. Not only that, the Ankara economy also develops rapidly, the city is vibrant and bustling with shopping, service and tourism centers. Therefore, Ankara promises to bring many interesting things to your trip.

Overview of Ankara (#ankara blog)

Ankara, also known as Ancyra or Angora, is the capital of Turkey and is also the country’s second largest city, after Istanbul. It has an area of about 25,000 square kilometers (capital city and metropolitan municipality) with a population of more than 5,3 million according to the 2022 census.

Ankara is the capital, political center and home to many great civilizations with a history dating back to the Stone Age of Turkey. It’s located in central Anatolia, walking along the streets here will find a mixture of modern elements and ancient history. Coming to Ankara is one-of-a-kind opportunity for you to experience the culture and architecture of Turkey.

Since 1920, Ankara has been chosen as the capital of Turkey. Since then, this city has always been known as a leading administrative, economic and educational center of the country. Not only that, with beautiful natural scenery, ancient architectures and a unique culture, Ankara is also a great destination that anyone traveling to Turkey wants to visit.

The capital Ankara is considered the cradle of many great civilizations, the architectural works are a mixture of modern elements and ancient history. Not only that, the city’s economy develops very quickly, bustling with shopping centers, and tourist services. Ankara is the only destination where you can explore the culture and architecture of Turkey to the fullest.

The city is located at an average elevation of 938 meters above sea level, on the vast plains of central Anatolia, with montane forests to the north and the arid Konya plains to the south. The main rivers are the Kızılırmak and Sakarya river systems, 50% of the land is used for agriculture, 28% is forest and 10% is grassland.

When to come? (#ankara travel guide)

Although only a not too large city, Ankara is influenced by two types of climate at the same time: semi-arid and Mediterranean. The climate here is characterized by hot dry summer and very cold winter, the temperature often drops below 0 degrees Celsius. You should come here in the period from May to September every year. This is the time when the weather is warm, pleasant and rainfall is also little.

Ankara summer is usually very hot so you should avoid coming here at this time. And spring, autumn or winter are all quite cool.

In addition to the stunning architectural works and attractions, when traveling to Ankara, don’t forget to choose a time to coincide with extremely attractive events and festivals. In April, Ankara has many special festivals, which is the Tulip festival of thousands of flowers blooming together. An international film festival featuring humorous productions by both adults and children, the winners will be screened across the city.

Or in May, Ankara with the Flying Broom International Women’s Film Festival. This is an annual event of the year to recognize and honor the contributions of women in the field of film.

In December, there will be an Ankara International Dance Festival, you will be immersed in concerts, enjoying fashion shows or participating in international art workshops will make your trip more special.

How to get to Ankara? (#ankara guide)

Currently, there are quite a few airlines that are exploiting direct routes to Ankara such as Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Qatar Airways, etc. from many cities across the world with fares of about 500 – 1,000 USD/way depending on each route. You should book tickets about 1 to 2 months in advance to get the most favorable fares. Ankara international airport called Ankara Esenboğa Airport (IATA: ESB, ICAO: LTAC) is located about 29 km from the city center, you can use the bus to get to the downtown.

You can check the airfare as well as the best routes base on your location on Google Flights , Skyscanner or Kayak .

As the capital city of Turkey, you can easy to get Ankara by train from Istanbul, Eskisehir and Konya. The train from Istanbul takes around 3 hours to get to Ankara.

Getting around Ankara (#ankara tourist guide)

Ankara has a very developed public transport system. You can choose to travel around by bus, dolmus (minibus), metro, taxi, private car or bicycle depending on your preferences. In particular, the bus is the means of transport chosen by many tourists. Ankara has a long-distance bus system with air conditioning system, reservation, and good service. Traveling by bus in the city is very convenient, you will find buses across the city.

Where to go and what to do in Ankara? (#ankara travel blog)

Ankara castle (#ankara blog).

Address: Kale, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey Hours: 10AM–8PM

Ankara Castle is located in Altindag district, through many ups and downs in history, Ankara castle has been owned by many empires, including Hittites, Phrygians, persian, Byzantine, Arab and even Ottoman Turks. Through many restorations by the Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans, Ankara Castle consists of a citadel and fortress divided into 20 separate towers. Currently, the castle is both an exhibition of paintings and music, and a concert festival venue in the summer.

The castle is surrounded by walls with towers located close together, covering an area of about 350mx150m. The date of the castle’s construction has not been determined, but it was remodeled by the Persians in 622. The inner walls may date from the reign of emperor Constans II, the outer wall is believed to have been built later.

Ankara Castle is the place to visit to learn about the history and culture of the city. The castle is surrounded by four solid walls, divided into 20 separate towers. Ankara Castle is a witness to many historical periods, from the Hittite empire to Persia, Ottoman, Roman… Today, the castle displays art exhibitions as well as held some major festivals and events in Ankara. Especially at the top of the castle, you can admire the beautiful view of the whole city. To climb to the top of the castle, you will have to go through a rather laborious journey. However, you will be well rewarded for passing it.

Today, the castle is used as a museum to display and exhibit art as well as to host major festivals and events in Ankara.

Anitkabir (Mausoleum Mustafa Kemal Atatürk)

Address: Yücetepe, Akdeniz Cd. No:31, 06570 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey

Anitkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – the leader of the war for independence in Turkey (Türkiye) and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. The mausoleum is located in Ankara and was designed by architect and professor Emin Halid Onat and assistant professor Amet Orhan Arda. Construction of the mausoleum began in October 1944 and was completed in September 1953.

This site is the mausoleum of the first and second President of the Republic of Turkey. Its design is extremely majestic like a museum, attracting not only tourists but also famous historians and architects to visit. Coming to the Mustafa Kemal Mausoleum, you will see a collection with an extremely large number of paintings, watch Turkish soldiers in parades. Not only possessing a unique architecture, Anitkabir also has many valuable antique collections and unique works of art.

Not only that, visiting the mausoleum, you can also visit the Peace Park filled with green trees. There is even a Turkish national flag made entirely of real flowers.

Atakule Tower (#ankara travel blog)

Address: Canakaya district, Central Ankara, Turkey

Atakule is a tower built in 1989 by the order of then-8th President Turgut Ozal.. It has a height of up to 410 feet (125m) and is considered a great spot to admire the city of Ankara from above. In particular, there is also a restaurant that rotates 360 degrees.

After visiting the first presidential mausoleum of Turkey, do not forget to visit the Atakule tower. From here, you can stand on the terrace area or drop by the restaurant to both enjoy the unique cuisine and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. The 360-degree view space, along with the cool breeze, watching the bustling streets will make you feel much more comfortable.

Kocatepe Mosque

Address: Kültür, Dr. Mediha Eldem Sk. No:67, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey Hours: Open 24 hours

As the largest mosque in Ankara, Kocatepe Mosque is very recognizable thanks to its soaring minarets and giant domes, which took two decades to complete. It has long been a prominent landmark on the skyline, as clear skies you can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

Comprised of several floors elaborately decorated with delicate details, this mosque’s inspiring design is significantly different from the traditional design and has been controversial over the years. The domes and minarets exude a patterned Gothic resemblance to the domes, the stylish terraces and the main entrance of the mosque are unique to the mosque’s architecture.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Address: Kale, Gözcü Sk. No:2, 06240 Ulus/Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey Hours: 8:30AM–5:30PM

The museum preserves hundreds of thousands of fascinating artifacts associated with the region’s past. Here, visitors will learn about every aspect of human history in Anatolia, from the Paleolithic Age to the recent arrival of the Greeks and Romans. Artifacts in the museum are spread throughout two buildings dating from the time when the Ottomans ruled.

You can admire fascinating historical artifacts that highlight the stories of Anatolia, the land located in the Asian part of Turkey.

Genclik Park

Address: Doğanbey Mahallesi, Talatpaşa Blv No:38, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey Hours: Open 24 hours

Genclik Park is known as the green lung of the city. Here, there are many trees, lakes, outdoor theater, giant ferris wheel… around the traditional pottery shops, in the evening the lake area will perform impressive water music. Tourists often choose to come here to take a stroll and enjoy the lively street performances.

Roman Baths

Address: Anafartalar, Çankırı Cd. No:43, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey Hours: 10AM–4:30PM

Visiting the Roman-style baths that were built in the 3rd century will also bring you many unforgettable memories. They are divided into 3 types: hot baths, warm baths and cold baths. Although so far not as intact as before, the statues, patterns or history of this place are always told in a vivid and extremely interesting way.

Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• New Park Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Divan Ankara Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Cinnah ( Agoda , Booking )
• CPAnkara Hotel ( Booking )
• Hotel Ickale ( Booking )
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Ankara ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top & best hotels in Ankara on Agoda.com or Booking.com

What to eat?

The capital Ankara is considered to have a rich, unique and attractive cuisine. Below are some dishes you should try when coming here.

Simat Donut: A favorite dish of Ankara people, the donut is round, topped with sesame, eaten with some cheese and enjoyed with a cup of tea.

Doner Kebab: This is a Turkish sandwich famous around the world. Grilled pieces of meat are seasoned with delicious spices, sandwiched with bread and some vegetables and two special sauces.

Pide bread (Turkish pizza): The bread is made with a thin layer of dough, topped with chicken, tuna, cheese and chopped vegetables. The cake looks very attractive when baked. Tantuni: Super delicious snack in Ankara, it is made from minced meat, tomatoes, peppers, onions, rolled into thin tortilla bread.

Lahmacun: This dish is a type of Turkish pizza, served with parsley, some lemon juice, rolled up and enjoyed.

Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Corba):  Traditional soup of the Ankara people as well as Turkey. The soup is fragrant, easy to eat and very nutritious. You can enjoy this dish at the hotel where you stay, or at the restaurants and bars in the city.

Kofte meatballs: Turkish-style meatballs are very soft and fatty, the people of Ankara create this dish with its own unique character. Kofte meatballs are often used as the main dish in the menus of restaurants.

Tips and things to know before you go

Ankara is the new capital of modern Turkey, although unlike the ancient capitals like Istanbul and Konya, this city still contains many “unspoken rules” that you should follow for your trip to be complete, safe and enjoyable.

Ankara summer is usually very hot so you should avoid coming here at this time. Spring, autumn or winter are all quite cool. In particular, tourists often choose to come here in the period from April to June because the weather and nature are very beautiful at this time. In addition, there are many attractive festivals, notably the brilliant tulip festival, which attracts many people to visit and take pictures.

When coming to local people’s homes or mosques you need to take off your shoes before stepping inside, or you can also put your shoes in a bag and carry them with you.

Clothing when going to mosques should also pay attention not to wear “lack of cloth, too short“ or overly flashy and extravagant costumes.

In Ankara, only certain places are allowed to sell and drink alcoholic beverages. Therefore, if you drink in public, you will be fined a huge amount. Drinking alcohol on the street is completely prohibited and violators can have to pay huge fines.

If you want to travel to Turkey cheaply, you can choose a means of transportation that is a bus, but at peak hours such as early morning or evening it will be very crowded, need to be aware of theft and safety issues. In addition, you can also take a taxi, but remember to avoid going after 10pm because the price of a taxi at this time increases a lot and can make you be burnt “pocket” with just a short ride.

Choosing public transport you should pay attention to theft when it is crowded, and if you take a taxi, you should ask the price in advance to avoid losing a lot of money. And also remember to pay the price when shopping at the traditional markets here, because that’s the culture in Turkey.

When you go to the markets and local shops, remember to bargain, this is a typical Turkish culture, if you don’t bargain, 99% you will be pay overpriced because sellers often increase the price by 2-4 times compared the original price.

When visiting the city, you should not openly criticize any local traditions or customs as this is extremely insulting because the indigenous people of Ankara are extremely proud and respectful of the traditions of their ancestors and they’re very sensitive to criticism so if you see something you don’t like, it’s best to keep it to yourself.

Tips for staff at restaurants, cafes, hotels is an act of showing the generosity and satisfaction of customers with the service of the staff, it is popular in many countries and territories around the world but not common in Ankara. If you really want to tip a waiter, you can leave 10% of your total bill or just leave a small reward, no more than 1 USD for the porter, hotel room cleaner, would be greatly appreciated. However, you absolutely should not tip the taxi driver, this behavior is not acceptable in this city.

The act of taking pictures of women, especially women wearing black headscarves, is completely prohibited here, if you take pictures of men, you also need to ask for his permission first.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Ankara and Istanbul you can refer to

• Ankara: Private Tour with a Local
• Ankara: Guided Walking Tour
• Ankara: Unlimited 4G Internet in Turkey with Pocket WiFi
• From Ankara: Private Cappadocia & Underground City Tour
• Ankara: Private Romantic Tour
• Goreme: Open Air Museum & Fairy Chimney Tours
• Istanbul Welcome Card
• Hagia Sophia Introduction Tour with Audio Guide
• Istanbul Classics Tour
• Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Small Group Tour
• Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, & Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul
• Istanbul Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• Hop-on Hop-off Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
• 4G SIM Card (MY Delivery) for Turkey from joytel2u
• Istanbul Museum Pass
• [Sale] Sea Life Aquarium Ticket in Istanbul
• Round Trip Ferry Tickets between Prince’s Islands and Istanbul
• Princes’ Island Full Day Tour from Istanbul
• Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Tour
• Istanbul: Mevlevi Sema and the Whirling Dervishes Show
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Music and Dinner Cruise w/ Private Table
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise with Audio App
• Istanbul: Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Small-Group Tour
• Best of Istanbul in 1 Day
• Istanbul: Topkapi Palace Guided Tour and Skip The Line
• Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on a Luxurious Yacht
• Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Istanbul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And My trip to Istanbul — Explore the bridge city of Asia and Europe. And Turkey travel guide here .

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Savvy Travel Advice

2 Weeks in Turkey: The Perfect Turkey Itinerary

Last updated: April 17, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 92 Comments

If you are planning a trip to Turkey, our 2 week Turkey itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip. Turkey is a large country, but if you have 14 days in Turkey you have time to explore many of the country’s most famous highlights.

Our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary includes visits to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Kuşadası, Ephesus, Troy, Çanakkale, Gallipoli, and Ankara. You’ll have time to explore Turkey’s most cosmopolitan cities, marvel at its ancient archaeological sites, relax on its beaches, shop at its traditional bazaars, visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and enjoy its scenic landscapes. The detailed day-by-day itinerary covers some of the most famous and iconic places in Turkey as well as some lesser known spots.

Each day we provide a range of suggestions for what you might want to do to suit just about any person’s travel style, budget, and tastes. Activity suggestions include hot air ballooning, food tours, hiking, museum visits, boat trips, cable car rides, art tours, Turkish hamam experiences, watching the sunset, cultural performances, and enjoying the local night clubs.

Laurence and I have visited Turkey several times and wanted to share this 14 day itinerary to help you plan your own trip. With 2 weeks in Turkey, you can see and do a lot, but you do need to be choosy as Turkey is a big country with lots of interesting attractions!

This itinerary can work no matter how you plan to get around Turkey. We have provided advice for those planning to travel by bus, car, train, plane, or as part of a guided tour. If you are thinking about booking a tour, we also give some recommendations for tours of Turkey that are similar to our itinerary.

Our 2 week Turkey itinerary includes day-to-day transport details, sightseeing highlights, activity options, and lodging recommendations. In addition, we’ve also included loads of tips, advice, and recommendations to help you get the most out of your Turkey vacation!

Table of Contents:

Preparing for your Trip to Turkey

Before we share our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary, we wanted to share some tips and advice and answer some frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Turkey.

These include travel basics like knowing the local language and currency, the best time of year to travel to Turkey, how to get a visa, how to budget for your trip, and the best ways to get around Turkey.

The most important things you need to decide before planning out your itinerary is when you plan to visit, how long you plan to visit, and how you plan to get around the country.

Best Time of Year to Visit Turkey?

Turkey is a year-round travel destination. Generally, the months that are considered the best months to visit Turkey are April, May, September, and October. They are months when it is warm but not super hot outside.

The summer months of June through to August are often very hot in most parts of Turkey and can make it uncomfortable to spend long periods of time exploring outdoors. So be prepared for the sun and heat if you visit during the summer.

The busiest time of year to visit Turkey is from April to September. So if visiting during this period, just note that places will be busy. So expect crowds at the most popular sites.

The least busy times of the year are the winter months. If you don’t mind a bit of cold weather, you might consider traveling between November and March. Just note that these also tend to be the windiest and wettest months as well as the coldest. Also some attractions in Turkey are seasonal and may be closed for part of this period.

It should also be noted that Turkey is a large country so the weather in Istanbul may be very different than that of Antalya, Bodrum, Ankara, or Kars at the same time of year. So best to check average temperatures and weather for the specific places in Turkey you plan to visit.

We’ve been to Turkey at many different times of the year, and for those who don’t love hot weather, we’d definitely recommend against visiting in the summer if you can. The spring and autumn are definitely ideal for temperature.

We have also visited in late November and early December and found it cool but pleasant and crowds were much more manageable. But you do need to be more prepared for rain and bad weather.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Turkey?

Turkey is a relatively inexpensive country to travel to and it is easy to find affordable lodging, food, clothing, and transportation.

In Istanbul, you can pay USD $8.00 for a hostel bed or you can pay USD $500 for a luxury hotel room. Turkey can be a great destination for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers alike.

If you are traveling on a budget, you can easily travel in Turkey for very little. You can get a bed in a hostel for under USD $10 and meals in inexpensive restaurants for under USD $5.00. Bus fares and train fares are also inexpensive. Even domestic flights are generally reasonably priced, especially if you book in advance.

To find out an idea of the current prices for things in Turkey we recommend checking out a site called Numbeo. Here you can check for the average prices of basic goods (bananas, taxis, gasoline, restaurant meals, wine) in Turkey or check on prices of goods for a particular city (see here for Istanbul ).

Although most things in Turkey that travelers are likely to be purchasing are inexpensive compared to say the USA, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe, imported goods are often the same price or more expensive. This includes imported grocery items, electronics, alcohol, and cars. Fuel can also be expensive.

Turkey Travel Practicalities?

Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a huge country of over 75 million people and its capital city is Ankara. The largest city is Istanbul. Turkey straddles Europe and Asia and is a place where eastern and western cultural practices mix.

Here are some things you should know about Turkey before your trip.

Language in Turkey

The official language is Turkish and that is the first language of most Turks. Many people in Turkey also speak Kurdish.

You’ll find English speakers in the larger cities and in all the main tourist hot spots; however, most Turkish people speak little or no English. If you are planning to travel independently, it is a good idea to have a Turkish-English phrasebook or translation app with you.

Religion in Turkey

There is no official religion in Turkey but the vast majority of the people are Muslim, with Sunni Islam being the largest sect. However, it is common to also see Christian and Jewish places of worship.

It is important to follow local customs regarding modesty and dress when visiting religious places. Both men and women are asked to dress modestly and you may also be asked to remove your shoes. Women will be asked to cover their heads.

We recommend that women always carrying a scarf or travel wrap with you to cover your head and shoulders as needed.

Electricity in Turkey

In terms of electricity, Turkey operates on 220 volts / 50 Hz and uses round-prong Type C or Type E plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets. If your devices do not have Type C or Type E plugs (common in many European countries), you will need to take some plug adapters such as these ones .

If you are traveling from a country with 120v voltage (such as the United States or Canada), you will want to make sure to only bring electronics that will support 220v voltage, or you’ll need a separate voltage converter. You can see more in our guide about choosing a travel adapter for travel .

Currency in Turkey

The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey, with Mastercard and Visa being the most commonly taken.

However, many small businesses, street vendors, taxi drivers, and market sellers do not take credit cards. You also will need cash for tipping. So it is always wise to have liras on you when traveling.

The best way to get liras is from a local ATM once you arrive in Turkey. But you can also get them from a currency exchange bureau or bank before or during your trip. You can check the current exchange rate here .

Drinking Water in Turkey

There are mixed reports about whether the tap water is safe to drink in Turkey. The tap water in some areas is considered safe to drink but not in other areas. So it is generally recommended that travelers do not drink tap water in Turkey. However, the water is considered safe for bathing and cleaning.

Although bottled water is available everywhere, the environmental impact of these plastic bottles is terrible. So we recommend instead that each person takes a reusable water bottle along with a water filtration system or purification tablets. Then you can fill it up with tap water from just about anywhere.

We use the LifeStraw water bottle and it not only filters out any bacteria and dirt, but also filters out chlorine and other chemicals that cause the water to taste bad.

Getting Online in Turkey

Wireless Internet is freely available at most hotels and other types of accommodation in Turkey. So that can be a free way to stay in touch and get online. If you want to be able to use your phone’s service, you might want to consider getting a local SIM card .

If it is important for you to be able to get online easily during your trip, you might consider taking along a mobile hotspot. On our last 2 week trip to Turkey, we used a mobile hotspot from MyWebspot and it worked very well.

You can read our guide for more tips on staying in touch and using the Internet while traveling . For those concerned about online safety, we also recommend using a VPN while traveling in Turkey if you plan to use WiFi.

Safety in Turkey

Turkey has generally been considered a safe country for travelers. However, you should always check the latest travel advisories in your country and those issued in Turkey

There has been a lot of unrest in countries neighboring Turkey, particularly Syria, and there has been noted instances of violence, protests, and fighting along its borders. So you will likely see some travel advisories advising against travel to some of the border areas.

As with any country, we always recommend protecting your valuables, protecting yourself against pickpockets, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

The main thing we have experienced is that you need to be very careful when handing over cash or exchanging money. Be sure to carefully count what you hand over and say the amount out loud, and make sure you get the correct change back.

We’ve had a taxi driver in Istanbul scam us by claiming we gave them a much smaller denomination note than we did and would not give us back the correct change. We ended up paying about 4 times the regular amount for a taxi ride. We’ve heard similar stories from many other travelers as well.

Do I need a Visa for Visiting Turkey?

Yes, most people, but not all, will need a visa to visit Turkey. Turkey has recently changed its policy so that residents of most European nations can enter Turkey without a visa.

You should check the current requirements for your particular country. Some countries may also have additional entry requirements.

Most nationalities that require a visa are eligible to apply for an e-visa in advance which is what we’d recommend doing. There are visa application places at the main ports of entry in Turkey but these can take longer and if your application is refused for any reason, you will be in a very undesirable situation. Best to apply and have it before you leave home.

With the e-visas, at most places the border patrol and authorities can check it in their system. But you will also want to bring along a digital and/or paper copy of your approved e-visa as well for back-up documentation.

How to Get to Turkey

Most visitors will arrive into Turkey via the international airport in Istanbul, but there are several ways to get to Turkey.

The main international airport in Turkey is the recently built Istanbul Airport in Istanbul. However, there are several major international airports in Turkey, including ones in Ankara, Mugla, Izmir, and Antalya.

There are direct or indirect flights to Istanbul from most parts of the world. The main airline operator in Turkey is Turkish Airlines.

It is possible to drive to Turkey via Bulgaria or Greece or to by taking a car ferry.

At the border you will need to provide a valid passport, visa (if needed), international driving license, vehicle license, international green card, vehicle registration details, and proof of insurance. Make sure your car insurance is valid for travel within all of Turkey. If the vehicle is not registered in your name, you may need a power of attorney document.

It may be possible to also enter by car from other countries to the east such as Iran or Georgia; however, the eastern borders are sometimes closed to private drivers and sometimes an authorized tour guide is required. Many rental car agencies will also not allow many of these border crossings. So do your research before your trip as it is often much easier to take a bus or train to make the crossing is there is one available.

If you want to travel to Turkey by bus there are regular services between Turkey and several European and Middle Eastern countries. You can check bus routes and book tickets on  BusBud .

There are ferry connections to Turkey for both cars and passengers, mainly from Greece and Cyprus.

Turkey has train links with eastern Europe and the Middle East; however, they are fairly limited and most trains are not daily so you will want to plan ahead. Wars and economic issues have closed a number of the long-distance international routes.

Currently, the two main places you can regularly get to Turkey directly by train are from Bulgaria and Iran.

If you are traveling in Europe by train and including Turkey in your trip, you will probably need to head to Sofia, Bulgaria and then connect to Istanbul via the Istanbul-Sofia Express train service. We took this train a couple of years ago.

If you are planning travel around Europe by train then you might want to consider a Eurail Global Pass (European rail pass for non-Europe residents) or Interrail Global Pass (European rail pass for residents of Europe). The Global Passes work for travel in over 30 European countries, including Turkey. The pass includes the Istanbul Sofia Express train service.

The most famous train service in the world, the Orient Express, once linked western Europe with Istanbul. It was a favored train by many famous writers, and we recommend taking along a book or two to enjoy if traveling by train.

A couple of novel suggestions include Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie and Stamboul Train by Graham Greene. For a travel memoir, Paul Theroux writes about his experiences traveling by train in 1973 from Paris to Istanbul and from Istanbul to Tehran in his book The Great Railway Bazaar . He then retraces his train journeys over 30 years later in Ghost Train to the Eastern Star .

The terminus train station for the old Orient Express service is still there and once a year the Venice Simplon Orient Expres luxury train still makes this trip from Paris (or London) to Istanbul.

How to Get Around Turkey

You have a variety of options for getting around Turkey. These include traveling by bus, train, or plane, renting a car, or joining a guided tour.

The easiest way is to take a tour, where someone else handles all your transport, accommodation, and sightseeing. The cheapest is to travel by bus and train.

In terms of public transport, Turkey has a good bus system which connects much of the country. There are both daytime and overnight buses, and there are usually a few services to choose from if you are heading to some of the more popular destinations, including those on our suggested itinerary.

There are several bus companies in Turkey. Many of the buses have amenities such as power outlets, WiFi, and onboard entertainment. Bus prices are very reasonable.

In places where the regular buses don’t have a route (such as to suburbs or to tourist attractions located outside of a city) there are often dolmus that run in these areas. These are shared taxis or minivans that run a set route for a set price. Passengers can then get out of the dolmus at any point along its route by notifying the driver. See advice for using a dolmus here .

For most of the regular buses, you can check the routes and buy tickets online in advance. The best tool we’ve found for comparing timetables and booking bus tickets in Turkey is BusBud and you can check prices and book online here .

There is a train network in Turkey, but it is not as comprehensive as the bus network. However, it is sometimes faster to take a train than to drive or take the same bus route when it is an option. So while you can use it to get to some of the main travel destinations in the country, you will likely need to also use the bus.

The railway network in Turkey is run by the government-operated Turkey State Railways (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryollari or TCDD). This includes a network of long-distance, regional, commuter, and high-speed trains. You can check routes and buy tickets here .

If you are planning to take a few train journeys in Turkey then you might want to consider a Eurail Pass (European rail pass for non-Europe residents) or Interrail Pass (European rail pass for residents of Europe). You can get a Global Pass that works for 32 countries in Europe (including Turkey) or a Turkey Select Pass (only valid for Turkey). The Eurail and Interrail passes are valid on all trains in Turkey operated by Turkey State Railways.

You will probably find a combination of train and bus will be the optimal way to get around if you are taking public transport. Bus and train prices are often similar, so in those cases, you’ll want to take whichever option is more time-efficient.

If you’d prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car in Turkey. This can be a good way to get around if you want to have a more flexible itinerary and don’t want to take public transportation.

To rent a car in Turkey as a foreign visitor, you will normally be required to show a valid passport and visa, have a valid credit card, a valid drivers’ license in a Latin alphabet, and be age 21 or older (some age requirements may be as high as 27). If you don’t have a driver’s license in a Latin alphabet you will need to get an International Driving Permit prior to your trip.

The main roads in Turkey are in good condition and there are roadside services along the way. However, Turkey is known for a high number of accidents and bad traffic, especially in the cities. It can be a stressful experience for tourists not familiar with driving in Turkey. This is not to say you shouldn’t consider renting a car in Turkey, just be aware of the situation, get insurance, and be prepared to drive defensively.

Many of Turkey’s fastest highways and bridges have tolls. To drive any of these roads, you will need to first sign up for Turkey’s high-speed toll system called Hizli Geçis Sistemi (HGS) and have an electronic toll payment device on your car. You can’t pay the toll with cash or credit card at the toll booths. If renting a car, your rental car will likely come with the sticker and you should ask about it and any associated fees.

Just note that driving a car is generally the most expensive way to get around Turkey. You can often purchase 2 or 3 bus or train tickets for the cost of just the fuel between two cities. Given that drivers also have to take into account rental fees, insurance, parking, and highway tolls, driving a car is often even more expensive than flying.

Drivers should always keep local cash on hand as most of the tourist sites have paid parking fees and payment at some of these places is only accepted in cash.

You can rent a car in any of Turkey’s main cities, and many people rent a car in either Istanbul or Ankara. If you want to rent a car, you can compare and check prices online with Discover Cars here .

Finally, as Turkey is a big place, there are a number of domestic flight routes which can help you to get between some of the major locations quite quickly. There are over 50 airports in Turkey.

Flights are relatively inexpensive if booked in advance, although they are usually more expensive than taking a train or bus. The main airline in Turkey is Turkish Airlines.

So flights can help you cover large distances in a relatively short time. Just don’t forget to account for the time required to get to and from the airport and to check in and go through security. It is also important to think about the environmental footprint of taking numerous flights versus other modes of transportation.

However, airports are often located a fair distance from the tourism destinations so you will still need to combine flying with other modes of transportation such as a bus, train, car, taxi, or tour.

By Carpooling or Ridesharing

You can use carpooling or ridesharing services like BlaBlaCar to find rides in Turkey. However, given that the established bus network will get you to almost anywhere you need to go, that bus tickets are so inexpensive, and that carpooling is not that popular in Turkey means that you are probably better off using the bus (or train).

One of the most popular ways to explore Turkey is to join a guided tour. We can definitely recommend it if you are considering a trip to Turkey similar to the one we suggest in this itinerary.

A tour makes travel in Turkey much easier. You don’t have to figure out public transportation schedules or how to buy tickets, you don’t have to spend long periods of time driving or figure out where to park, and everything is planned ahead for you.

The best thing about joining a tour is that you have a tour guide who can help explain all the things you are seeing and give you lots of great advice for places to go, dishes to eat, and things to see.

Many attractions in Turkey include very little posted explanations so having some sort of guide (whether a person, audioguide, or book) is important to get the most from your visit.

Private tours in Turkey with a guide are also possible and can be a good value for those traveling with a family or small group.

We have a selection of recommended tours that are similar to this itinerary in this guide. We also suggest taking a look at Turkey tours on TourRadar here , where you’ll find a range of tours from various tour operators at different price points and durations.

How Long Should I Spend in Turkey?

It really depends on what you want to do and see in Turkey. Turkey is a huge country and it would take months to see all of its highlights.

I would say an ideal amount of time for a first trip would be 10 to 14 days. This will give you plenty of time to get a taste of Turkey and see some of the country’s most famous cities, historical attractions, and beaches.

Most first time visitors spend most of their time focused on the western part of Turkey and this is what we’d recommend. If you have 2 weeks, you can cover many of the highlights. If you have more time, or come back a second time, you can cover the lesser-known destinations of the west or expand your trip into the lesser-explored eastern part of Turkey.

For what to see with 2 weeks in Turkey, see our suggested itinerary below for an itinerary and day-by-day suggestions for what to see and do.

If you want to spend less time moving from place to place, you can easily just split your time between two places, for instance spending several days in Istanbul and then several days in another town or city, like Antalya, Fethiye, Ankara, or Izmir. You can spend time exploring the cities and take day trips to visit nearby attractions.

We’ve visited Istanbul several times now and still haven’t seen everything the city has to offer!

Tours of Turkey

Turkey is a big place and it is often a long distance between popular tourist attractions, resulting in quite large amounts of time transiting. While there is a fairly good public transport network and it’s possible to hire a car, we think for many people a tour is the best way to get around.

This way you can let someone else handle all the logistics of your trip, from transport to accommodation, and you can just enjoy yourself and focus on the sightseeing

. It also means you don’t have to worry about booking individual day trips for out of town sights, as most tours will already include stops at these attractions. You’ll also get a tour guide for the duration who can help explain all the amazing things along the way.

You can also spend the time on the coach reading, chatting with your travel companions, catching up on sleep, or surfing the Internet rather than driving or negotiating public transit.

Turkey is a popular destination, and there are a huge number of tours to choose from, varying from a few days to a few weeks. Most are offered at a reasonable price, with lots of budget and mid-range options.

When choosing a tour, it’s important to pick the style of tour that is right for you. Some tours are smaller groups, others are quite large. Some are geared to a younger traveler whereas others are more focused on a more mature traveler. Some include more time at historical and cultural sites whereas others may spend more time at beaches and seaside destinations. Check the comfort level of the accommodation and transport included.

It’s also important to read what is included when comparing tours. For example, some tours might include all your entry fees and meals whereas others will allow you to choose whether you want to pay for those things or not. So don’t just look at the price of the tour but also check what is and what isn’t included.

A good tour company should also be able to give you an estimate of the costs for all the optional activities and attractions that aren’t included, so you can budget accordingly.

For instance, we have taken a tour with Travel Talk Tours in Turkey and most of their budget-oriented tours work out to being about $50 to $80 per day per person for all inclusions, including transport, guide, attractions, meals, and lodging. You can read about our 12 day Turkey tour experience here .

We’ve put together a selection of tours of Turkey below which are quite similar to our itinerary, so you can pick a tour that is right for you. Most start in Istanbul but a couple start in Ankara.

• This 10 day small group tour includes visits to Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia
• This 12 day tour includes visits to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia.
• This 12 day Turkey by gulet tour includes visits to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia. It also includes 3 nights on a gulet boat. You can read all about our experience taking this tour of Turkey here .
• This 12 day private tour from Ankara includes visits to Ankara, Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Kaş, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Efes, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Troy, and Gallipoli
• This 13 day tour which includes Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum, Pamukkale, and Ephesus
• This private 14 day tour of Turkey which includes Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia
• This 19 day tour could be great for those with more time in Turkey. It includes visits to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, and Cappadocia, plus 7 nights on a gulet to visit nearby seaside towns and islands.

As you can see, there are lots of tours to choose from so you can probably find a tour that suits your travel needs. You can see lots more tours in Turkey from various tour operators on TourRadar here .

You can also consider mixing independent travel with a tour as we find this a good way to enjoy some time sightseeing on our own (such as in Istanbul) and then taking a tour to explore further afield.

14 Days in Turkey Itinerary Summary

Here’s a summary of our suggested 2 week Turkey itinerary to help you visualize what your two weeks in Turkey will look like:

• Day 1: Istanbul
• Day 2: Istanbul
• Day 3: Gallipoli
• Day 4: Troy & Kusadasi
• Day 5: Kusadasi & Ephesus
• Day 6: Pamukkale & Fethiye
• Day 7: Fethiye
• Day 8: Antalya
• Day 9: Antalya
• Day 10: Cappadocia
• Day 11: Cappadocia
• Day 12: Ankara
• Day 13: Ankara
• Day 14: Istanbul

2 Week Turkey Itinerary

The goal for this two week Turkey itinerary is to visit some of the many highlights the country has to offer.

Obviously, in a country with such a rich history, there’s no way to see everything on offer in two weeks. In addition, Turkey is a big country, so you also will want to factor in distance and travel times.

However, we feel that this itinerary would make a great starting point for anyone planning to spend between 10 days and two weeks in Turkey. It can, of course, be tweaked and adjusted based on how much time you have and your own personal interests, but we hope it gives you some inspiration for your own trip.

If you are planning to book a tour, this 14 day Turkey itinerary can help you decide which destinations you want to make sure are included in your tour itinerary. For those not taking a tour, we give travel suggestions for those traveling by bus, train, plane, and car throughout the itinerary.

Turkey Itinerary Day 1: Istanbul

We think the best place to start (and end) your trip to Turkey is in Istanbul. The city has the best international connections, especially by air, meaning it’s easy to get here from elsewhere in Europe and further afield.

As an introduction to Turkey, Istanbul is also a great starting point. Known as the “bridge” between Europe and Asia, the city is literally split between continents. The Bosphorus Strait separates Europe and Asia, and Istanbul spreads across both sides of this divide.

Istanbul is the largest city in Europe by population; however, it’s not the capital of Turkey—that would be Ankara. Founded over 600 years before the birth of Christ, Istanbul has literally seen the rise and fall of empires. It is a city that has been known by many names over the centuries, including Byzantium and Constantinople.

In terms of what to see when you’re in Istanbul, two full days will let you see many of the highlights, but it will definitely leave you wanting more! So you will want to prioritize what you want to do and see most in the city.

We’d suggest that you spend your first full day exploring the most famous of the historical sites and attractions in Istanbul, most of which are part of the World Heritage Site in Istanbul . Most of the main historic sites in Istanbul are located in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul within the Fatih district which is where we recommend you start.

Some of the highlights you might want to visit in this area include the 6th century Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), the 17th century The Blue Mosque (officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque), Topkapi Palace , the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople , the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici), and the Istanbul Archaeological Museums . A bit further away is also the impressive 16th-century Süleymaniye Mosque which is well worth a visit if you have the time.

These sites are all relatively close together and are easy to visit on foot, although taxis, public buses, and sightseeing buses are also options. As you visit these sites and wander the streets of the Old City, you will be taking a journey across thousands of years of history, including the Roman, Egyptian, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods!

You’ll also want to make time for a visit to the Grand Bazaar , which began in the 15th century and is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here you can buy a lot of things, including ceramics, lanterns, rugs, clothing, tea, jewelry, and books. But do be careful of what you are buying as you’ll find everything from locally handcrafted rugs and jewelry to cheap Chinese made souvenirs, so price and quality varies widely.

Another market you might want to visit is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar , or Misir Çarsisi, which is another large market in Istanbul. Vendors here are known primarily for selling spices, but you can also find sweets, tea, dried fruit, Turkish delight, souvenirs, etc.

If you are looking for a guided walking tour of the historical area of Istanbul, there are several tours you can join that cover all the highlights of the historical area of Istanbul. A few options include this full day tour with lunch , this small group highlights tour , and this customizable private tour .

After a day full of sightseeing, we recommend ending your day with a relaxing Turkish dinner at a local restaurant or consider a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus Strait.

A cruise on the Bosphorus allows you to truly appreciate the incredible size of the city. The Bosphorus separates the European and Asian parts of Istanbul so you will be floating along the continental divide. Many of the cruises include dinner and entertainment, such as this cruise and this one .

Where to Stay in Istanbul

We suggest staying in or near the old part of the city (the Sultanahmet neighborhood in the Fatih district) for easy access to the city’s most popular sights.

Here are some accommodation options to consider in Istanbul across a range of budgets. Istanbul has a huge number of properties to choose from and prices are very reasonable.

• Big Apple Hostel & Hotel – This well-reviewed good-value hostel offers both shared dormitory rooms and private rooms. Breakfast is included in room rates, and there’s an on-site restaurant for other meals. A good budget option as dorm beds are usually around $17 with breakfast. Located a 10-minute walk from the highlights of the Old City
• Agora Guesthouse – This is a well-reviewed guesthouse offering both dormitory and private rooms. An included breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace. Located just a few hundred yards from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia
• Tulip Guesthouse – This guesthouse offers good value private rooms with either shared or en-suite bathrooms. Breakfast is included and is served on the top floor terrace which offers lovely views. It is about a 5 minutes walk from attractions like the Hagia Sofia.
• Berk Guesthouse – Grandma’s House – A well-rated guesthouse with en-suite guest rooms, included breakfast, and a rooftop terrace with nice views over the city. A 2-minute walk from the Blue Mosque.
• Meserret Palace Hotel – A well-reviewed 4-star hotel offers en-suite rooms with tea/coffee making facilities and flat-screen TVs, 24-hour desk, room service, and an included breakfast. Located near the Spice Bazaar and about a 10 minute walk from the Old City.
• Obelisk Hotel & Suites – This well-rated 4-star hotel offers en-suite rooms with tea/coffee making facilities, 24-hour front desk, and an on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included with rates. Located just a few hundred hard from the Hagia Sophia.
• Boutique Saint Sophia – This 4-star boutique hotel offers private en-suite rooms with breakfast included and an on-site cafe and bar. The hotel is located near the Hagia Sophia with some rooms offering views of the attraction.
• Régie  Ottoman – This stylish boutique hotel is set in a 150-year  old  renovated  Ottoman building and offers all the normal modern amenities and breakfast is included. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and is located about a 10-minute walk from the historic Sultanahmet area. We’ve stayed here and really enjoyed our stay.
• Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul – This 5-star luxury hotel centrally located hotel offer guestrooms with modern amenities, 24-hour desk, room service, and an on-site restaurant. A great option if you are looking for a luxury property in this part of Istanbul. Located near the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia.

If you are looking for a self-catering stay, options include these apartments in the Fatih district on Booking.com and these Fatih district apartments in Istanbul on Vrbo. If you are not finding what you want, you can see this list of apartment booking websites .

Turkey Itinerary Day 2: Istanbul

For your second day in Istanbul we recommend crossing across the Galata Bridge and exploring this part of the city. The Galata Bridge, which crosses the Golden Horn, is often seen as the link between the traditional and the more modern areas of Istanbul.

Highlights include the Galata Tower , a restored 15th-century tower that has an observation deck on top, enjoying the European style buildings and shopping along the picturesque Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi), and the Taksim Square area which features the Republic Monument and is a lively area for shopping and nightlife. There are a lot of art galleries and museums in this area including SALT Galata , Pera Museum , and the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art Museum .

We can also recommend visiting Dolmabahçe Palace , this beautiful 19th-century palace was once the home of the sultans as well as the first President of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It is the largest palace in Turkey and today is a museum.

If you are looking for a place to relax and have a coffee, you might want to make a stop at the cafe or tea lounge at the luxurious Pera Palace Hotel . The hotel is one of the most famous historical hotels in the city having such past guests as Agatha Christie. Or find a street cafe along Istiklal Avenue to people watch or wander over to a seaside cafe to enjoy the view over the water.

Or maybe you’d like to try a traditional Turkish hamam experience such as this one at Aga Hamami , which is the oldest hamam in Istanbul. Note that this is a traditional Turkish bathing practice, not a spa but it is a relaxing and cleansing experience.

Depending on what you want to do and see on this side of the bridge and how far you are willing to walk, you can explore entirely on foot or you can take public transit just about everywhere. Transport options include public buses, trams, taxis, and sightseeing buses . Or you can join a tour that includes transport.

For those on foot, note that Turkey has a lot of hills and there is a steep hill to get from the Galata Bridge to Istiklal Avenue. However, you can take the Tünel funicular that will take you up this incline. This is one of the oldest subway stations in the world.

If you are looking for a guide on your second day in Istanbul, this walking tour focuses on this area north of the Golden Horn, this small group art expert-led tour covers the main modern art museums and art spaces in this part of Istanbul, and here is a guided tour of the palace .

For your second evening in Istanbul, you might want to finish your day with an evening food tour, sampling some local nightlife, or a cultural event in the evening.

Those interested in seeing and sampling more of the local food scene in Istanbul may want to consider a food tour. There are several food tours in Istanbul to choose from such as this evening food trail tour and this small group food tour .

Those looking for an evening cultural performance might see what is playing at the local theaters, Süreyya Opera House , or see a Turkish dance performance or whirling dervishes show at the Hodjapasha Cultural Centre. Those looking for a more wild night out might want to check out the nightlife in and around Taksim Square or join a local-led pub crawl .

We then recommend spending a second night in Istanbul. This works well for those taking a tour, flying, or those driving themselves. However, those taking a bus may want to consider heading to Çanakkale today instead so you have more time to explore Gallipoli the next day.

How to Get to from Istanbul to Gallipoli

If you are not joining a tour in Istanbul, you have three main options for getting from Gallipoli from Istanbul. If you decide to take a flight or bus, you’ll want to head to Çanakkale (or Eceabat) and then take a tour or find transport to the nearby historical sites at Gallipoli.

By Car: It is about a 186 mile (300 km) drive from Istanbul to the Gallipoli peninsula which takes about 4 hours. If you leave on the morning of your third day, this will give you time to stop and see the main sights in Gallipoli before overnighting in Çanakkale.

By Plane: The fastest option is to fly. Flights take around an hour from Istanbul to Çanakkale and are usually reasonably priced if booked well in advance.

By Bus: The bus journey is generally about 6 hours from Istanbul to Çanakkale, or a little less if you go to Eceabat. Check bus times and prices, and book online here . Depending on bus schedules, those wanting to explore Gallipoli may want to catch a late afternoon or evening bus on Day 2 to have more time to explore Gallipoli on Day 3.

Turkey Itinerary Day 3: Gallipoli

Today we recommend leaving Istanbul after breakfast and heading southwest to the Gallipoli peninsula. The peninsula lies between the Dardanelles and the Gulf of Saros and is best known as being the location for the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I.

Most of the area is part of the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park which was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. Whereas most historical attractions in Turkey date back thousands of years, this is a place where you can learn about more recent history.

On the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915, Allied Forces (which included British, Australian, New Zealand, Indian, French, and Newfoundland troops) mounted an ultimately doomed attack on the Ottoman Empire to try to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul) and take control of a vital supply route. After about 9 months of fighting and minimal gains, and with around 250,000 casualties on each side, the Allies withdrew.

The event was a huge disaster for the Allied war effort, and had lasting repercussions. For Winston Churchill , then First Lord of the Admiralty, his promotion of the failed campaign would lead to him having a demoted role in politics and the failure would haunt him for years. It would have been difficult for anyone to imagine him as a later wartime Prime Minister!

Turkey was at that time part of the Ottoman Empire and was fighting on the side of Germany. For the Turks, one of the army officers for the Ottoman defense at Gallipoli, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk , would later become the first president and founder of modern Turkey.

The Gallipoli Campaign was one of the most important events in the war to take place from an Australian and New Zealand perspective. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were deployed, and like many of the countries involved, suffered heavy losses. The campaign is largely regarded as the trigger for the national consciousness of both countries, and to this day both countries formally remember their fallen on ANZAC Day (April 25th) each year.

For Australians and New Zealanders visiting Turkey, a trip to the Gallipoli peninsula is usually high on the priority list. However, we think this is a trip that should be of interest to anyone, regardless of nationality, in order to learn more about this event and reflect on the effects of war.

There are a number of places to visit across the Gallipoli Peninsula, including landing sites, memorials, and graveyards. A few of the more popular places for visitors include ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial, and Canakkale Martyrs’ Memorial. What you want to visit probably depends on your specific interests and your nationality, and y ou can see a full list of the sites here .

There are also a few museums in the area that focus on the Gallipoli campaign, including the Kabatepe Promotion Center And Museum in Kabatepe, Salim Mutlu War Museum (Salim Mutlu Özel Harp Anilar Koleksiyonu) in Alçitepe, and the Gelibolu War Museum in Gelibolu.

If you want to know more about the battles that took place here, we recommend getting a book such as Gallipoli: The Battlefield Guide . We would definitely recommend some sort of guidebook if you are planning to explore on your own without a tour guide.

Expect to spend a few hours here. It is a challenging place to get around unless you have your own vehicle, and we would definitely suggest taking a tour if you don’t have your own transport. There are a lot of tour options so it is usually easy to find a good value tour.

Here are some day tour options to consider, some also include Troy, which is on our itinerary for the next day.

• An 8 hour tour of the Gallipoli sites with lunch from Çanakkale
• A 6 hour tour of Gallipoli with lunch from Çanakkale
• A full day tour of Gallipoli and Troy with lunch from Çanakkale
• Another full day tour of Gallipoli and Troy with lunch from Çanakkale
• A private tour of the Gallipoli sites from Çanakkale
• A 6 hour Gallipoli tour with lunch from Eceabat

Now if you have extra time in Çanakkale, there is a fortress (Çimenlik Castle), an enclosed market called the Mirror Bazaar, a few museums you can visit (Military Marine Museum, city history museum, and Ceramics Museum), and a harbor area you can stroll around where you can find the wooden Trojan horse from the 2004 film Troy starring Brad Pitt. There is also Kilitbahir Fortress located just across the strait.

If you are staying in Eceabat, you can also spend some time relaxing on the beach there.

Where to Stay in Gallipoli

We would recommend spending the night in either Çanakkale (a short ferry ride from the Gallipoli Peninsula) or Eceabat. Eceabat is slightly closer to the Gallipoli sites, but Çanakkale has more services and attractions.

If you are traveling by bus, you’ll probably want to choose a place near the bus station.

It is easy to find good value accommodation in this area. Here are some options to consider at both locations:

• Set Özer Hotel in Çanakkale – A centrally located good value hotel that offers private en-suite rooms with breakfast. Very close to ferry, waterfront, and main town attractions.
• Kinzi House in Çanakkale – A well-reviewed and centrally located self-catering accommodation that offers a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and flat-screen TV. This is a great value option if you are traveling with a few people and want to cook yourself.
• Artur Hotel in Çanakkale – A popular and well-reviewed hotel in the center of Çanakkale with private en-suite rooms and an on-site restaurant.
• Kolin Hotel in Çanakkale – A 5-star hotel with all the modern guestroom amenities, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants and bars, and a free airport shuttle. A good option for those looking for more amenities.
• Eceabat Gezen Hotel in Eceabat – A very well-reviewed value hotel offering private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Has a private beach area and a garden, as well as a bar and inclusive breakfast
• Villa Bagci Hotel in Eceabat – This is a well-reviewed hotel offering private en-suite rooms with breakfast. Located a few hundred yards from the beach.
• Hotel Casa Villa in Eceabat – Another well-reviewed hotel in Eceabat a few hundred yards from the beach. Features private rooms with en-suite facilities and breakfast is included.

How to Get from Çanakkale to Troy and Kusadasi

Your next stop of the trip is going to be Troy, after which you’ll head south via Izmir to Kusadasi. If you happened to already visit Troy today, then you can skip that stop and head straight to Kusadasi.

If you are not taking a guided tour, you have a few choices today:

By Car:   It’s around a 30 minute drive to Troy from Çanakkale, and then a little over 5 hours down to Kusadasi. We’d suggest spending a couple of hours at Troy, and then aiming to arrive in Kusadasi mid-afternoon if you are driving yourself.

By Plane: You can do part of the day by plane if you wish as you can fly from Çanakkale to Izmir. However, you will need to take a bus, car, taxi, or tour to get to and from Troy and then from Izmir to Kusadasi. Those planning to fly may want to base in Izmir instead of Kusadasi.

By Train: Part of today’s journey can be done by train as there is a train that you can take between Izmir and Selçuk (town next to Ephesus).

By Bus: There are regular buses (approximately every hour) from Çanakkale to Troy, the journey takes around 45 minutes. To head onto Izmir, you’ll need to backtrack to Çanakkale or head to Ezine, and from either you can get a bus to Izmir (about a 5.5 hour journey). From Izmir, it is about a 90-minute bus journey to Kusadasi.

You might consider taking a local private or shared taxi (called dolmus) to and from Troy. Then connect to the intercity buses in Ezine or Çanakkale onwards to Izmir and Kusadasi.

Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 4: Troy & Kusadasi

For your fourth day in Turkey, you’re going to visit the ancient city of Troy and then head down the western coast of Turkey to the city of Kuşadası. You may also want to make a stop in Izmir, along the way.

We recommend heading out straight after breakfast so you have time to explore Troy in the morning.

The first stop of the day is Troy which is only about a 30-minute drive south of Çanakkale. A city has been at this location known as Troy from around 3,000 years B.C. right up until about 450 A.D.

Of course, as it existed for almost four millennia, Troy saw a lot of changes in its time. In fact, there were in fact no less than nine cities on this location, which was favored due to its waterfront location. Reasons for its demise are unclear, but the fall of the Roman Empire was likely a factor in its final abandonment.

The main reason that Troy is famous today is that it was the main setting of Homer’s Iliad about the Trojan War. This ancient Greek epic poem gave us the famous story of the Trojan Horse and the disastrous love triangle between Helen of Troy, King Menelaus, and Paris. The historical accuracy of the tale is highly debated but many historians do believe there was some sort of war and siege of Troy by Spartan and Achaean warriors in the 12th or 13th century BC.

The actual location of the ancient city of Troy was lost to history in the subsequent centuries. Later travelers and archaeologists searched for the location of the famous city and many believed it was somewhere in the Anatolia region of Turkey, particularly the Troad peninsula. It was Englishman Frank Calvert who would first excavate the hill at Hisarlik and find what is now believed to be the remains of the ancient city of Troy.

Whether the events of the Iliad took place here or not, UNESCO notes that the archaeological findings at Troy are the “most significant demonstration of the first contact between the civilizations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world”. Structures have been found at Hisarlik from a number of periods including the Bronze Age and the Roman and Greek periods.

Today, Troy is a protected archaeological site, a national historical park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a visitor, you can wander around and learn about the history of the place while seeing the various layers of the different cities. Naturally, there’s a giant wooden horse you can take a photo of as well. The recently opened Troy Museum (Troya Müzesi ) holds a number of artifacts from the archaeological site. We’re recommend allowing 2 to 3 hours to visit Troy.

From Troy you’ll continue south along the coast to the city of Kusadasi. Along the way, you’ll go through Izmir. Izmir is one of the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean, and was originally believed to have been settled in 6500 BC! It is now the third-largest city in Turkey by population.

Izmir offers lots of attractions and services. Some of the main tourist sites include the Roman Agora of Smyrna , the hilltop castle of Kadifekale (the “Velvet Castle”), the seafront and Kordon esplanade, Konak Square and its clock tower, several museums, and the Kemeralti shopping district. There is also a rich Jewish heritage here with several synagogues and other Jewish landmarks to be found here, especially in the Kemeralti district.

So Izmir may be a good place to stop and stretch your feet, and maybe visit an attraction or two. You could also decide to overnight in Izmir; however, our advice is to press on to Kusadasi as it’s closer to upcoming highlights and also has its own attractions.

Kusadasi is a popular coastal town in Turkey, which offers a wide range of accommodation options as well as beaches and attractions. It is also very close to Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most famous ancient ruined cities.

Today will be a long journey, regardless of your means of transport, so we recommend having a relaxing evening once you arrive in the Aegean seaside town of Kusadasi. Perhaps a stroll around town or a dip in the hotel pool, and then a nice dinner.

We recommend spending two nights in Kusadasi. However, those who are traveling by public transportation may also want to consider Selçuk (town next to Ephesus) as a base instead for the two nights as the transit connections are a bit easier there.

Where to stay in Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a popular resort town and there are a great many hotels to choose from, the majority of which offer excellent value. Most have pools and some are next to a beach.

Kusadasi is pretty spread out and we generally recommend staying within walking distance of the city center and seaside. Those traveling by bus will want to stay within walking distance of the bus station and bus stops. Some options to consider for your 2-night stay are as follows:

• Hotel Stella – A well-reviewed good value 2-star hotel that offers en-suite rooms have balconies, a pool, an on-site restaurant, and inclusive breakfast. Located about 100 yards from the harbor.
• Sezgin Boutique Hotel – A popular budget hotel with en-suite rooms, inclusive breakfast, and a swimming pool. Located about 150 yards from the city center.
• Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel – This well-rated 4-star hotel offers ensuite rooms with views over city or water, a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, and inclusive breakfast. Located near the city center and water.
• Grand Sahin’s Hotel – This well-reviewed 4-star hotel offers ensuite rooms with balconies, an inclusive breakfast, on-site restaurant and bar, outdoor swimming pool, private beach area, and free parking. Located next to the seaside.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Kusadasi – A popular city-center hotel offering 5-star facilities, ensuite rooms with balconies, a rooftop restaurant and bar, 2 swimming pools, fitness center, and a spa.
• LaVista Boutique Hotel & SPA – This is a very well rated centrally located boutique hotel that offers large en-suite rooms, an on-site bar and restaurant, a fitness center, inclusive breakfast, and a lovely outdoor pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Where to stay in Selçuk

Those traveling by bus or train may prefer to spend the two nights in Selçuk instead of Kusadasi. For those using public transit, we recommend staying in central Selçuk within walking distance of the bus station and train station.

Here are a few accommodation options in Selçuk:

• ANZ Guest House – A budget-friendly hostel that offers dorm beds as well as private rooms and family rooms. Breakfast is included and there is a rooftop terrace. Centrally located, about a 12-minute walk to bus station and train station.
• Queen Bee Hotel – A good value bed-and-breakfast that offers rooms with private bathrooms and included breakfast. There is also a cafe on the ground floor here.  Centrally located, about a 12-minute walk to bus station and train station.
• Celsus Boutique Hotel – A boutique hotel featuring outdoor swimming pool, garden, shared lounge, and inclusive breakfast. Centrally located, about a 10-minute walk to bus station and train station.
• Vinifera Vineyards Hotel – If you are looking for something different and don’t mind being outside Selçuk, this hotel sits next to a vineyard and offers large ensuite rooms with patios, onsite restaurant and winery, a swimming pool, and inclusive breakfast. Located well outside of Selçuk so is best suited for those who plan to get around by car or taxi; however, you can get to Selçuk by train as the Çamlık station is about a 7-minute walk from the hotel.

Turkey Itinerary Day 5: Kusadasi & Ephesus

Today, we recommend heading to Ephesus after breakfast to explore the archaeological sites there. Then return and spend the latter part of the day exploring Kusadasi itself. Ephesus is very popular and can get very crowded, so going early is a good idea to avoid some of the crowds and the afternoon heat.

Many people visit Ephesus as part of a tour, but it is also easy to get to on your own. It is about a 25-minute drive, bus, or taxi ride away. If you are taking public transport, you can take a dolmus (shared taxi or minibus) from Kusadasi which can drop you at the lower gate of Ephesus.

Ephesus is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Turkey so it is on many visitors must-see lists. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was an ancient Greek city, founded in the 10th century BC, and only abandoned around the 15th century AD after centuries of decline, mainly due to the harbor silting up. At its height, it was second only to Rome in size and importance in the ancient world.

Today, Ephesus is a large and important archaeological site where you can see the remains of temples, theaters, wide marble streets, agoras, bathing complexes, tombs, aqueducts, fountains, terrace houses, and more. Some of the main sights include the spectacular Library of Celsus , the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre.

Ephesus is an important religious destination too, especially for Christians. It was the location of one of the Seven Churches of Asia (or Seven Churches of the Apocalypse), the seven major early Christian communities, as noted in the New Testament Book of Revelations in the Bible.

It is believed that the Gospel of John may have been written here, and that Mary, mother of Jesus, lived out her final years nearby in the care of John. Important early Christian sites in Ephesus include St. John’s Basilica , Church of the Virgin Mary , and The House of the Virgin Mary .

Also located nearby is the ruins of the Temple of Artemis , one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately today, very little remains of the ancient temple.

For those interested in seeing some of the artifacts found here, you may want to take time to visit the nearby Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk after visiting the archaeological sites. It contains a number of statues, columns, coins, sarcophagi, tools, and other artifacts uncovered in Ephesus.

Most visitors just visit the main archaeological complex which contains over 25 main points of interest. There is an entry fee that covers all the sites (there is an additional ticket required if you want to go inside the terrace houses), and you can enter at the upper or lower gates and exit from either side. There are taxis, shuttles, and carriages that can transport you between the two if you wish.

It’s quite a large site, which runs from the top of a hill to the bottom, but once you get here you can visit everything on foot. Just be prepared for a bit of walking by wearing comfortable shoes and bringing your water bottle.

As you would imagine, there is a lot to see and take in here, and there isn’t a lot of information on display. We would recommend renting an on-site audioguide, joining a guided tour such as this one , or bringing a guidebook (like this one ) so you have an idea of what you are looking at. Most people spend 2 to 4 hours exploring the complex.

There is more to explore outside the main archeological complex for those with more time and interest. Sites located outside the main archaeological complex include the Temple of Artemis, House of the Virgin Mary, St. John’s Basilica, and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Other attractions in Ephesus include Selçuk Castle, Ayasuluk Citadel, and Isa Bey Mosque.

If you are considering a tour from Kusadasi (or Izmir), there are a variety of tours of differing lengths. We think that around 4 to 5 hours would work and then give you time to sightsee in Kusadasi in the afternoon, but you could also do a full-day tour if you want more time in Ephesus. Some tours to consider to Ephesus from Kusadasi are:

• This 4 hour small group morning tour of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis
• This 3.5 to 4.5 hour private tour of Ephesus
• This 5 hour small group tour of Ephesus , which includes the house of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus Terrace Houses, and the Temple of Artemis
• This 6 to 8 hour small group tour of Ephesus , which includes the house of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, and Isa Bey Mosque.

Once you have finished touring Ephesus, it’s time to return to Kusadasi. Kusadasi is a popular resort town and has a lot of cafes and restaurants as well as beaches. Depending on how you are feeling and how much time you have, you might want to visit one of the beaches (Ladies Beach is the most popular public beach), spend some time exploring the city’s attractions, or just relax by the hotel pool.

Our favorite thing to do is to take a walk over to Güvercinada , or Pigeon Island, a small island linked to the mainland by a causeway. There is a castle here that you can visit if you wish.

How to get from Kusadasi to Pamukkale & Fethiye

The next part of the trip involves a long day of travel, no matter what method of transportation you choose as the attractions are spaced far apart.

If you are not taking a tour, your best options are to take public transit or drive.

By Car: If you are driving, Pamukkale is about a 120 mile (190 km) drive from Kusadasi, and that drive takes about 3 hours if taking the toll roads (about 4 hours if not). From Pamukkale, it is another 125 mile (200 km) drive to Fethiye which is around another 3 hours of driving.

If that sounds like too much driving, you could skip Pamukkale, and just head south along the coast from Kusadasi to Fethiye. Then you would have more time to spend in either Kusadasi or Fethiye.

By Plane : You can fly from Izmir to Denizli (town near Pamukkale) and then from Denizli to Fethiye (airport in Dalaman). However, many of these flights connect via Istanbul meaning the flights often take as long (or even longer) than taking public transit or driving.

By Bus: From Kusadasi, it’s relatively easy to get to Pamukkale by public transport. You can go by bus, either directly from Kusadasi or via Selçuk. The bus takes between 3 to 4 hours.

Note that some of the bus companies (and the train) terminate in the town of Denizli and do not go directly to Pamukkale. So you may need to take a short 25-minute minibus or taxi ride to get from the bus station to Pamukkale which is located just outside Denizli. Just be sure to ask so you know if you need to transfer or not.

Then from Denizli, you can then take a bus to Fethiye, which will take around 4 hours. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

By Train: You can do part of the route today by train. Take the local bus from Kusadasi to Selçuk (the town next to Ephesus), from where you can catch a train to Denizli. The train takes around 3 hours, and the first departure is usually around 9:00am. You can check train times and tickets here .

Then from the Denizli station, you can get a 25-minute minibus or taxi ride to Pamukkale. There is no train between Denizli and Fethiye, so you will have to take a bus from Denizli.

Turkey Itinerary Day 6: Pamukkale & Fethiye

For your sixth day in Turkey, our suggestion is to head east inland to Pamukkale and then south to the coastal town of Fethiye.

Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle” in Turkish, is another of Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s famous for two reasons. First, it well-known for its photogenic natural white travertine (a type of limestone) terraces which are filled with thermal water. Second, the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis are located here.

Springs in a cliff above the terraces provide the mineral-rich waters which have created the incredible landscape of petrified waterfalls and terraced basins of thermal water at Pamukkale. The milky white water is due to the large amount of calcium carbonate found in the water.

A thermal spa at Hierapolis was built on top of Pamukkale to take advantage of the hot springs in the 2nd century BC by the kings of Pergamon. It grew into a small city and you can see the Greco-Roman ruins here today. Pamukkale has been a popular tourist destination for about two thousand years.

The main reason people visit Pamukkale today is to see the white limestone terraces here, which are really quite incredible. These terraces cover a large area of almost 2 miles (3 km) in length. Although the terraces are natural, the bathing pools are artificial and have been created for tourists. Some of these are open to bathing or swimming.

Unfortunately, the thousands of years of tourism, as well as the more recent rise in mass tourism, has taken its toll on the location. Large sections of the pools don’t look like you see them in photos as many often have little water in them and the ones open to the public are often crowded with people.

To protect the site, most of the pools are now closed entirely to bathers, with only a small area accessible for swimming at one time. The water can be a bit dirty with all the people in them and they can also be very slippery so do be careful if you plan to go in them.

In addition to the small terraced pools, you can pay extra to swim at Cleopatra’s Pool, a former Roman pool, which is a thermal pool and spa that is privately run and includes locker rooms and showers. You need proper swimwear to enter this pool.

However, the good news is that the Pamukkale site is very large, and if you move away from the main crowds you can enjoy lovely views of the terraces with hardly any people around you.

After seeing the thermal spa and perhaps dipping your toes into one of the thermal pools, you can then take some time to explore Hierapolis. Many people come and just see some of the thermal pools and leave, but if you are going to take the time to come all the way to Pamukkale, we recommend taking some time to explore the rest of the site.

The city has Greek and Roman ruins, including ancient bathing complexes, gates, a huge theatre, temples, shrines, a martyrium, and an extensive Necropolis. The site has the Tomb of Philip the Apostle and the earliest evidence of the use of a crank and rod mechanism (as depicted on a sarcophagus). Housed in the former Roman Bath building is the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum which you can see some of the many artifacts unearthed at the site.

If you don’t have a guide but want to learn more about the history of Pamukkale and Hierapolis, we recommend taking along a good guidebook like this one .

There’s lots to see here, and it’s all included on the entry ticket, so take advantage of it. Most people spend about 3 hours here, but you’ll want to plan to spend longer if you want to fully explore Hierapolis.

Once you are done sightseeing in Pamukkale, continue on to Fethiye where we recommend you spend the night. Fethiye is a city (and district) located in the southwestern area of Turkey along the Aegean Sea. It is a popular tourist area and there are a lot of attractions in and around the city.

Given that you will likely be coming from a long day of travel and sightseeing, we recommend using your first evening in Fethiye to relax. We recommend spending two nights here.

Where to stay in Fethiye

You have two main options for where to stay in Fethiye. You can stay near the marina and old town for easy access to the sights, or you can stay a little further north on the 4km long Çalis Beach. So just depends if you prefer to be near the city center or have easy beach access.

Here are some options for places to stay in Fethiye:

• Turunç Hostel – If you’re looking for a hostel, this is a great value and well-reviewed option in the heart of the town. Private and dorm rooms are available, with a good value breakfast on offer.
• Infinity Exclusive City Hotel – A great value budget to mid-range option offering private en-suite rooms in the city center.
• Orka Boutique Hotel – This popular and well-reviewed mid-range boutique hotel offers en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant, and inclusive breakfast. Located a few yards from the sea, and a short walk from the city center.
• Ece Marina Suit – This well-rated beachfront hotel near the old town overlooks the marina and has a private beach. Rooms are designed to be family-friendly and offer good value comfortable accommodation with living area and apartment-style facilities.
• Hotel Delta – Found on Çalis Beach around 3 miles north of the old town, this well-reviewed hotel offers en-suite rooms with balconies and an on-site restaurant. Breakfast is included.
• Eyna Hotel – This popular beach front property on Çalis Beach has great reviews, en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant, and breakfast is included.

Turkey Itinerary Day 7: Fethiye

Fethiye is a beautiful coastal city and resort town on Turkey’s Aegean Sea. The area is known as the Turquoise Coast because of the incredible color of the water you’ll find here.

Fethiye has a lot to offer, but one of the most popular things to do here is to get out on the water and take advantage of the scenic coastline, beautiful waters, and nearby islands. Popular water activities include boating, swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, fishing, and water skiing.

The Travel Talk tour we did included 3 nights on a traditional gulet boat. This might be too much boat time for many, but we definitely recommend considering spending part of a day on the water here.

On a boat trip, you can take in the scenery, swim, snorkel, and sightsee at a relaxed pace. Then you can return to your hotel, take a shower, and head out to watch the sunset and enjoy a bit of the city’s culture and nightlife.

Or if a day on a boat sounds like too much, you can just find a pretty beach to lie on! Çalis Beach is a popular beach that stretches along the city or you can find a smaller and less crowded one further away.

Alternatively, if you are up for some more sightseeing and cultural sites today, there are a number of attractions in and around Fethiye. These include the Fethiye Museum, Saklikent National Park, the rock tomb of Amyntas, the Roman theatre above Fethiye, ancient Lycian hilltop citadel of Tlos, ancient Lycian city ruin of Cadyanda, Butterfly Valley, and the spectacular beach at Ölüdeniz Lagoon. Paragliding is also a very popular activity in this area.

Of course, many of these attractions and activities are located outside the city, so you’ll either need to have your own transport, take a bus, or take a tour to experience them.

Below, we’ve put together some recommend boat tours, as well as other day tours from Fethiye you might consider. Alternatively, feel free to just wander the city itself, which is very beautiful and has a number of sights worth visiting.

• A full day boat tour from Fethiye with swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Lunch included.
• A full day boat tour from Fethiye to Ölüdeniz with swimming, lunch, and stops at Butterfly Valley and St. Nicholas Island
• A popular tandem paragliding tour over beautiful Ölüdeniz

Hopefully, this gives you some inspiration for your day in Fethiye. We recommend enjoying the sunset from the beach, a seaside cafe, or your hotel balcony. Lots of nightlife opportunities here in the evening to enjoy in this popular resort town.

How to Get From Fethiye to Antalya

We recommend heading to Antalya on the next part of your trip. If you are not taking a tour, you have three options for getting from Fethiye to Antalya:

By Car: If you are driving, it’s about a 125 mile (200 km) drive if you take the most direct route which takes about  2.5 to 3 hours.

However, you can take the more scenic coastal route along the D400 between Fethiye and Antalya if you have more time and want to enjoy the scenery. It’s a nice drive. Taking the scenic route will add another 2 hours to your drive so I’d estimate about 4.5 hours.

By Plane: It is possible to fly from Fethiye (Dalaman Airport) to Antalya . Most flights are 3.5 to 4.5 hours long as most make a stop in Istanbul.

By Bus: In terms of public transport, there are regular direct buses from Fethiye to Antalya, with journey times taking around 3 to 3.5 hours on average. You can check bus routes and ticket prices online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 8: Antalya

Today, we recommend leaving Fethiye in the morning and heading to the southern coastal city of Antalya. But there’s no rush today so feel free to spend some more time in Fethiye if there is something you missed yesterday.

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to get to Antalya, depending on route and transport. So if you leave in the morning, you’ll still have half the day left to explore Antalya. Those traveling by car or tour bus may take the coastal route along the D400 which is slower but a very nice scenic route.

Antalya is believed to have been founded by King Attalus II of Pergamon around 150 B.C. and so has a long history. Most of the historical architecture in the city now dates to the medieval Ottoman period. The city is situated along the Turkish Riviera and has become Turkey’s most important international seaside resort.

There is a lot to do in Antalya and we recommend spending two nights here, giving you about 1.5 days to explore Antalya and the surrounding area. Once you arrive in Antalya and check into your hotel, we recommend spending your first afternoon exploring the town of Antalya and its city center attractions and perhaps spending some time on the beach.

In the town itself, we can recommend exploring the old town (Kaleiçi) on foot as there are a number of things to see here including Hadrian’s Gate, the Roman Tower (Hidirlik Tower), Yivli Minare Mosque (Fluted Mosque), and the Antalya Museum (regional history museum).

The Old Marina area is also worth exploring and is a great place to enjoy a meal or drink. You can also take a sightseeing boat tour from here.

Elsewhere in town you’ll also find a panoramic elevator for views over city, several city parks, a toy museum, and lots of other historical attractions.

If you prefer something more relaxing, you may also want to head to one of the area’s beaches. There are also some nice beaches within 10km of the city center, including Lara Beach (sandy beach) and Konyaalti Beach (pebble beach).

In the evening, Antalya is a lively place with lots of restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. The city also has cinemas and some movies are shown in their original English (with Turkish subtitles). There are also regular shows which include traditional Turkish music and dance and belly dancing performances.

Those who enjoy the theater or opera will also find the Antalya State Theater and the Antalya State Opera and Ballet here. There is also the popular Fire of Anatolia Dance Show that is regularly held at the Gloria Aspendos Arena.

If you are visiting in the summer months, you may want to see if the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is taking place during your visit. Throughout this popular festival, regular performances are held at the ancient Aspendos Roman theater.

Where to Stay in Antalya

Antalya is a large city and there is also a lot of accommodation throughout the Antalya region along the coast. We have two different recommendations depending on your interests and budget.

Our first recommendation is to either stay close to the Antalya Old Town center so you are within walking distance of the majority of attraction in the city itself. This is great for those who are are interested in the city attractions and nightlife here, and for those needing the public transit connections here.

Our other recommendation is to consider spending these two days at a nice coastal resort outside of the city. Antalya boasts some of the nicest hotel resorts in Turkey and if you are looking for an all-inclusive resort, you have a lot of options. These all tend to have multiple restaurants and bars, swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, and kids’ activities. Some also have beach access.

Here are some lodging options near the Antalya Old Town:

• Hostel Vague – If you’re looking for a budget option in Antalya, this hostel is a great option. It’s centrally located, offers shared and private accommodation and an on-site kitchen, lounge, terrace, and garden for guest use
• Beyaz Butik Hotel – A well-reviewed homestay option offering private en-suite rooms and breakfast. A short walk from the old town.
• White Garden Hotel – With a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and easy beach access, this is a great value and well-reviewed hotel near the old town
• Tekeli Konaklari – Located in a restored Ottoman Pasha’s residence, this property features private rooms set around a central courtyard, with easy access to the old town. Rooms are en-suite and breakfast is included.
• Cap d’Perge Hotel – This well-reviewed adults-only hotel offers private en-suite rooms with lots of amenities, a private beach, and an on-site restaurant. This one feels a bit tucked away but is still within easy walking distance of the historic center of the city
• ATICI Hotel – A popular and central hotel located right in the heart of the city center offering private en-suite rooms.

Here are a few resort hotel options to consider near Antalya:

• Xanadu Resort – This 5-star resort near Belek includes swimming pools, water slides, a kid’s club, fitness activities, several restaurants, a spa, and access to a private beach.
• Gloria Serenity Resort   – This 5-star resort includes swimming pools, a fitness center, sports center, several restaurants and bars, a spa, a game room, kids’ club, and beach access. We have stayed in one of the villas here and it is a great place if you want a relaxing place to stay on your trip.
• Land of Legends Hotel – This family-friendly hotel is geared to kids and all guests get free access to the Land of Legends theme park. The hotel and park feature roller coasters, a water park, pools, restaurants, children’s shows, and more.

Turkey Itinerary Day 9: Antalya

Today you’ll spend a second day exploring Antalya. There are lots of options for how you can spend your day, depending on your interests.

If you didn’t explore the historic city center and Old Marina areas yesterday, you might want to do that today. You can wander this area easily on foot.

Or perhaps head to the Beydaglari Coastal National Park. Here you can take the cable car (Olympos Telferik) to get a great view of the area. The park offers opportunities for hiking, paragliding, climbing, and other outdoor activities. In the winter there is skiing and snowsports.

For those interested in waterfalls, there are several waterfalls in the area. The most popular are the Upper Duden Falls and Lower Duden Falls. We can also recommend a visit to Kursunlu Waterfall.

For those looking for historical and archaeological sites outside the city, we can recommend the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aspendos . Here you can see the impressive remains of a Roman theatre, aqueduct, and basilica are well worth the visit. Another option is the ancient Greek city of Perga (or Perge) that contains a Bronze Age acropolis among many other of its ruins.

Those who like theme parks may want to spend the day at The Land of Legends , which is an amusement park with roller coasters, water slides, live shows, a surf pool, and a cinema. Very popular with families visiting the area.

Golfers may want to hit the links and try one or two of the many golf courses in the area. Belek and the surrounding area is considered the top golf destination in Turkey with over 20 different golf courses in Antalya. In 2012, the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final was hosted at the Antalya Golf Club in Belek.

If you are feeling like a lazy and inexpensive day out, consider just heading to a beach and having a relaxing day in the sun. Or if you are staying a resort, you can just spend your full day enjoying the resort amenities.

Note that many of these attractions, like the waterfalls, Aspendos, and the national parks, are located outside of the city center. Some you can reach by public bus, but many you will need to either hire a taxi or join a tour if you don’t have you own transportation.

Here are some day tours you might consider taking today:

• This 8 hour tour includes a guided city tour of Antalya, a boat tour, a visit to Duden Waterfalls National Park, and lunch
• This full day tour includes the Tunektepe cable car ride, visit to Duden Waterfalls National Park, Antalya city tour, lunch, and a boat ride
• This 9 hour tour from Antalya includes visits to the ancient cities of Aspendos, Perge, and Side as well as a stop at the Kursunlu Waterfall
• This 5 hour waterfall tour includes visits to three different area waterfalls in the Antalya region plus lunch
• This full day jeep safari includes Saklıkent Gorge, Patara beach, and Kaputaş as well as a buffet lunch

In the evening, we recommend enjoying more of the Antalya nightlife. There is something to suit just about any taste whether you are looking for a relaxing seafood dinner at the harbor, a dance performance, a sunset cruise, or a night out at the clubs.

Those traveling by bus may want to consider taking an overnight bus to Cappadocia tonight instead of spending the night in Antalya.

How to Get from Antalya to Cappadocia

Your next destination in Turkey is Cappadocia. Note that Cappadocia is the name of the region, rather than a specific city. The main tourist destinations in the region are in and around the town of Göreme.

By Car: It is a long 310 miles (500 km) drive from Antalya to Göreme, and the drive will take you about 7 hours. So this will use up most of your day. You may want to stop to visit the Derinkuyu Underground City before heading into Göreme today.

By Plane: Flying is the quickest option to get from Antalya to Cappadocia. Direct flights take about 1 hour, but those with connections usually take about 3.5 hours. In the summertime, there are often direct flights, but off-season you’ll likely have to connect through Istanbul.

The two main airports in Cappadocia are Kayseri Erkilet Airport in Kayseri, around a 1 hour drive from the main tourist sights, and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport in Gülsehir, around a 40 minute drive away. From the airports, you can book an airport transport service to hotels in the region here .

By Bus : If you are traveling by public transport, there are a number of buses from Antalya to Göreme. The buses take about 9 hours, and most are overnight buses although there are some daytime routes as well. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 10: Cappadocia

Today we recommend leaving Antalya after breakfast and heading to Cappadocia . Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most well-known tourist regions and it is definitely an area worth exploring.

Cappadocia is a region of central Turkey that has been inhabited since at least the 5th century BC. It is best known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys” and rock formations formed by erosion, the many rock dwellings carved into the rock valleys by the troglodytes (cave dwellers), and the carved rock churches, some of which still have existing frescos. There were entire underground villages here.

Cappadocia today is one of the most popular and visited areas of Turkey by international travelers. Visitors come to see its surreal landscapes, interesting rock formations, and ancient cave dwellings. It is also one of the most popular places in the world to take a hot air balloon flight!

The main town is Göreme and we recommend using this as a base to explore this region. There is a lot that you can see and do in the region, so you’ll want to prioritize your time here.

One of the most popular places to visit in the area is the Göreme Open Air Museum . The large outdoor complex contains ancient rock-hewn homes and some of the area’s most important rock churches and chapels. Many contain well-preserved frescos dating back to the 9th to 12th centuries. This site is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, along with several other locations in the region, including the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu.

A number of underground complexes built in this area. In terms of ones you can visit, Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are both partially open to visitors. The two underground cities were once connected. At Derinkuyu, it is believed that as many of 20,000 people could have lived there at one time!

Most of the area’s rock formations are made of soft volcanic tuff, which made it easy to carve and some of the dwellings were quite large. One of the better-known formations is the so-called Uçhisar Castle which is a mountain-castle that served as both a monastery and residential housing for up to 1,000 people in the Byzantine era.

Natural erosion of the rock has also lead to the interesting rock formations found throughout the region. There are lots of places to see these formations as they are scattered throughout the region.

For seeing local rock formations, you can visit one or two of the many valleys that feature a large concentration of these formations. These include Pigeon Valley (or Valley of the Dovecotes is full of dovecotes carved into the volcanic rock), Ihlara Valley (canyon full of cave dwellings and rock churches), Love Valley (full of phallic-shaped pillars), and Monk Valley (full of fairy chimneys and other rock pillars).

Most of these valleys offer plenty of opportunities for hiking as well. Some valleys also permit quad biking tours which are also popular.

This region is also known for its traditional arts and crafts, particularly pottery, and earthenware pottery has been made here for centuries. If you are interested in pottery and handicrafts, you’ll want to visit the town of Avanos which has a number of shops and galleries. We recommend a visit also to the Güray Museum in Avanos, which is an underground cave museum filled with antiques, ceramics, and pottery.

This is also an important region for those interested in the Hittites who were a people in the central Anatolia who established a Bronze Age empire in the region. The empire’s capital was in Hattusa, and the ruins of the ancient city can be visited today and are another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hattusa and the main Hittite archaeological sites are about a 2.5 hour drive from Göreme.

As Cappadocia is a bit spread out, again you will either need your own transport or to take a tour for the majority of these attractions.

There are lots of tour options around Cappadocia so they are all pretty competitive with each other so you should be able to find one at a decent price. Most include lunch in the tour price. Here are some tours of Cappadocia to check out:

• A full day small group tour of Cappadocia which includes lunch and visits to Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and Göreme Valley
• A full day private tour of Cappadocia which includes Göreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and other highlights
• A 6.5 hour tour of Cappadocia , including Devrent Valley, Zevle Open Air Museum, Pasabag, Göreme Open Air Museum, and Pigeon Valley. Lunch is included.
• A 6 to 7 hour tour of Cappadocia, including Uchisar Castle, Love Valley, Göreme Open Air Museum, Monks Valley, Avanos, and Devrent Valley. Lunch is included.
• A full day private tour of Cappadocia , includes lunch and visits to Göreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Pigeon Valley, and Kaymakli Underground City.
• This full day tour with trekking explores south Cappadocia and includes visits to Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Belisirma, and Selime. It also includes a 4 km trek in Ihlara Valley and lunch.
• This private Anatolian art tour focuses on the local art and handicrafts of the region, particularly in Avanos. This includes carpet weaving, pottery, Ebru (water marbling), and jewelry. You get a chance to watch some of the art being made and chances to shop for local pieces.

Depending on how you travel to Cappadocia, you are likely spending a large portion of today traveling between Antalya and Cappadocia. So you may not have much time to explore on your first day.

If you don’t get into Cappadocia until the late afternoon or evening, there are still some activities you might consider on your first day.  For example, you might consider a sunset ATV tour, sunset horseback riding tour , or night show performance and dinner . Or maybe just heading to Sunset View point to watch the sunset before dinner.

We recommend going to bed early so you can be up to take a hot air balloon flight or watch them take off from afar in the morning!

Where to Stay in Cappadocia

Our recommendation for your time in Cappadocia is to stay in Göreme, Ortahisar, or Ürgüp. These three towns are next to each other and all feature a wide range of accommodation options.

You can see the hot air balloons from all of them, depending on weather conditions, with Göreme being the closest to the main launch sites.

Our recommendation is to stay in one of the many cave hotels on offer in this area, which is a unique experience! Just be aware that many of the cave hotels offer a range of accommodation options, and not all of them will be in a cave, so do double check before booking a specific room type if this is important to you.

Here are some accommodation options to consider in Cappadocia:

• Hostel Terra Vista in Göreme – This is a well-reviewed budget hostel option that offers both dormitory and private rooms with included breakfast. It’s not in a cave, but it does offer lovely views across Göreme.
• Homestay Cave Hostel , Göreme – This is a well-rated hostel with some of the dormitory rooms located in a cave. Breakfast is included.
• Guzide Cave Hotel in Göreme – This good value cave hotel offers a range of en-suite cave room types with breakfast included.
• Grand Elite Cave Suites in Göreme – This well-reviewed cave hotel offers room types to suit most budgets, and also has an outdoor swimming pool and breakfast is included.
• Aydinli Cave Hotel in Göreme – This cave hotel offers ensuite rooms, inclusive breakfast, and a lovely rooftop terrace that offers great views across Göreme.
• Zara Cave Hotel in Göreme – This is another wonderfully reviewed cave hotel offering a range of en-suite cave rooms across a variety of budgets. Breakfast is included and the hotel has a shared lounge and terrace area for nice views.
• Kayakapi Premium Caves in Ürgüp – This upscale cave hotel offers stunning cave rooms in restored historical caves, a magnificent view across the surrounding landscape, an on-site restaurant, a swimming pool, a spa, and breakfast is included. We’ve stayed in this cave hotel and really loved it.

Turkey Itinerary Day 11: Cappadocia

This morning we recommend getting up early to enjoy a hot air balloon flight. Cappadocia is very well-known for hot air ballooning and up to 100 balloons fly here on most days (weather permitting). Due to the unusual landscapes and wide open places, it is considered one of the best places in the world to experience a balloon flight.

If you want to take a hot air balloon flight, just be sure to book once in advance. If you are traveling with a tour, almost all tours offer this as an optional activity.

You’ll need to get up early as the balloons fly in the morning around sunset. How early will depend on the time of year and this can range from a very early 4:00am to 7:00am. Most balloon companies offer pick-up from your hotel and many also include breakfast (or at least coffee and a snack).

Most flights last between 1 hour and 1.5 hours in the air and you travel slowly over the scenic landscape. It is great to see all the interesting rock formations from above as well as see all the other hot air balloons in the sky. If you are looking for a splurge experience in Cappadocia, this is a good one to consider.

We’ve been to Cappadocia twice and have done hot air balloon flights with two different companies, and we can say that some companies definitely are better than others. We can wholly recommend booking a flight with Royal Balloons based on our experience. The staff, food, and safety precautions were all excellent.

Hot air balloon flights are widely available from many companies, but you will want to book in advance to secure a spot. Here are some few suggested options to consider for a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia.

• This 2.5 hour experience with Royal Balloons includes flight, hotel pickup, champagne toast, and breakfast. We did this trip and it was excellent; highly recommend!
• This 2 hour experience includes breakfast, champagne, souvenir flight certificate, and hotel pickup
• This 2.5 hour experience includes breakfast, champagne, and hotel pickup
• This private balloon experience is exclusively just for you and your group and includes hotel pickup and champagne toast.

Just remember that hot air balloon flights are weather dependent so cancelations are common if the winds are too strong or the weather is bad. So we recommend trying to have flexibility in your schedule for the next morning to do the flight if it is canceled. This will allow you to reschedule and hopefully get a chance to go up the next day.

If you are not interested in taking a balloon flight or the flights are a bit above your budget, you might still want to get up to watch them take off in the morning. The majority of hot air balloon flights launch from around Göreme. You can see them from many of the hotels (ask at yours specifically) and from many parts of the city.

The Sunset View point we mentioned for sunset is also a good place to watch sunrise and the balloon launch, and take photos.

After your morning balloon experience, you may be tempted to crawl back into bed for a nap, but we’d recommend using the rest of your day to see more of the wonderful landscapes and explore the local cultural attractions. There is plenty to see and do in the region to keep you busy all day!

If you are planning to take a balloon flight and then join a day tour today, just make sure that you will have time to get back from your flight before the tour departs.

For those who do want a more relaxing day time activity, you might consider shopping, spending time at one of the local spas (some hotels have their own spas) or hotel pools, going hiking in one of the valleys, or enjoying a mud bath at the Cappadocia Mud Baths & Spa . Laurence found a visit to the mud baths invigorating after a day of travel.

In the evening, we recommend enjoying the sunset and having a nice dinner. There are plenty of evening experiences you can enjoy as noted on Day 10. But if you got up early today, you are probably ready for an early night!

How to Get from Cappadocia to Ankara

Your next destination in Turkey is Ankara, the country’s capital. You have several options on getting between the Cappadocia area and Ankara. If you are planning to use public transportation, we’d recommend checking the schedules in advance.

Those with less than 2 weeks in Turkey may want to skip the stop in Ankara and head onwards to Istanbul today.

By Car : It is about a 180 mile (290 km) drive from Göreme to Ankara, which takes about 3.5 hours.

By Plane : You can fly from Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevşehir airport) to Ankara, but there are rarely direct flights so you will likely need to layover in Istanbul. Flights often take 4 to 5 hours.

By Train : There are usually two regular trains a day that run from Kayseri to Ankara, one during the day and one overnight train. They are not high-speed trains so the journey takes about 6.5 hours. Check train times and book online here .

By Bus : You can take the bus from Göreme (or other town in Cappadocia) to Ankara. The bus journey takes about 5 hours on average. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 12: Ankara

If you had a really early morning the day before, you may want to enjoy a relaxing later breakfast to start the day. Then it is time to head onward to Ankara.

If you weren’t able to take a balloon flight on the previous morning for any reason, you could do that this morning. Also if there is anything else you missed in Cappadocia, you could fit it into your morning and then head to Ankara in the late morning or early afternoon.

Ankara is the capital of Turkey, and the second-largest city after Istanbul. Like most cities in Turkey, it has a long and rich history and has been inhabited since at least the Bronze Age. The city became the capital of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 and is today a major center of government, industry, and culture.

Despite being the capital city, Ankara is not nearly as well-known to travelers and is not as touristy as Istanbul. Many of its attractions are focused more to Turkish people than to international visitors, giving the city a much different feel than that of Istanbul and the more touristed regions of the country.

It is a great place to see and learn more about how Turkish people live, eat, work, and play. We recommend taking the time to explore this city and to consider hiring a local guide or joining a local walking tour during part of your time here.

The most popular visited attractions in Ankara is the Anıtkabir or the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk was the first president of Turkey, and is regarded as the founder of modern Turkey and was a leader of the Turkish War of Independence. He died in 1938, having served 15 years as President. Anıtkabir is a monumental complex of plazas, towers, statues, and a museum.

The city’s second most visited attraction is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and this is probably the one must-see place for most foreign visitors. The museum’s galleries tell the story of Turkey’s people in the past 8,000 years in chronological order, including the Neolithic, Early Bronze, Assyrian, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuq, and Ottoman periods. The museum is especially known for holding the most comprehensive exhibition on Hittite artifacts in the world. It was named the first “European Museum of the Year” in 1997.

Ankara has many archaeological and historical sites. These include the Ankara Castle (a.k.a. Ankara Citadel), Roman Theatre, Temple of Augustus and Rome, the Roman Baths, and the Roman Road. Most of the Roman ruins can be found in or near the Ulus quarter in central Ankara.

The largest mosque in the city is the Kocatepe Mosque which has become a landmark of the city. Other impressive mosques the 16th-century Yeni Mosque, the 15th-century Haci Bayram Mosque, and the 12th-century Alâeddin Mosque.

Ankara offers a lot of shopping opportunities, from traditional bazaars to modern shopping malls. The street bazaar along Cikrikcilar Yukusu, also known as the “Weavers’ Alley”, is one of the best places to go in the city for traditional shopping. Another nearby popular market is Bakicilar Carsisi which is famous for its copper products. Those looking for more modern stores may want to head to the Kızılay area.

We also recommend a wander around the Hamamönü, which is a restored late Ottoman neighborhood in the center of Ankara. The area has been restored and amongst the historical structures are handicraft markets, shops, cafes, and restaurants.

If you enjoy museums, there are about 50 of them in and around Ankara. They focus on everything from war to art to steam locomotives to technology. In addition to those already mentioned, some museums you might consider are the Ethnographic Museum, Çengelhan Rahmi Koç Museum (technology), Independence War Museum, and Republic Museum.

Ankara is also a cultural performance hub. You can see the state opera and ballet companies of Turkey perform, as well as classical music orchestras and theatre performances.

For those looking for a different type of nightlife, the large student population of Ankara means there are also things happening in the bars, clubs, and cafes located in the more student-friendly areas of the city.

Here are a few tour ideas in Ankara:

• This private full-day tour of the city’s highlights is designed to help you understand the history of Ankara with visits to some of the city’s main attractions including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara Citadel, Ataturk Mausoleum, and the Old Copper Market.
• This private tour with a local guide can be booked from 2 to 6 hours and focuses on introducing visitors to Ankara. This tour is designed to show you the local side of Ankara and help you plan the rest of your time in the city.
• This full day private day tour visits the Hittites sites of Yazilikaya and Hattusas. Includes hotel pick-up and lunch.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do to fill a couple of days in Ankara!

Where to Stay in Ankara

Ankara is a big city, so ideally you will want to stay relatively close to the center to minimize transport times. We recommend staying near the city center, so in the area around Ankara Castle and the train station, as this will put you in walking distance of most of the main sights in the city.

Here are some accommodation options in Ankara to consider:

• Deeps Hostel – This budget-friendly hostel offers both dormitory and private rooms, an on-site shared kitchen, and a dining room. It is also centrally located and is about a 5 minute walk from the main train station.
• Sahinbey Hotel – This great value central 2-star hotel offers rooms with private bathrooms and an included breakfast. It is located about a 5 minute walk from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and also near Ankara Castle.
• Kahya Hotel Ankara – This centrally located 4-star hotel offers en-suite rooms, 24-hour front desk, free on-site parking, terrace, and an on-site restaurant.
• Güvenay Business Hotel – This well-rated central business-focused hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms, an on-site restaurant, a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, and inclusive breakfast
• Divan Cukurhan – This very well-reviewed historical hotel offers lovely en-suite rooms, with an on-site restaurant, 24 hour front desk, and optional breakfast. Located directly opposite of Ankara Castle and a 5 minute walk from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
• The Ankara Hotel – Another well-reviewed 4-star hotel offering modern en-suite rooms with lovely views of the city, an on-site bar and restaurant, free on-site parking, and inclusive breakfast. Located within the train station so a great place to stay for train travelers.

If you are looking for a self-catering option in Ankara, there are a number of options to rent a private room, apartment, or villa. You can check out these city center apartment options on Booking, and these city center options on Vrbo.

Turkey Itinerary Day 13: Ankara

For your second day in Ankara, we recommend you use it to do the things that you didn’t have time to do on the first day.

If you visited many of the most popular attractions like Anitkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and Ankara Castle yesterday, you might want to spend a more relaxing day wandering around one of the neighborhoods, doing a local food tour, and shopping. Ankara is a good place to search out any Turkish foods you haven’t had the chance to try yet or buying any last minute souvenirs or gifts.

Also a good time to do anything you had been wanting to do in Turkey that you hadn’t been able to do yet. For instance, if you had been wanting to try a Turkish hamam, you could do that today. One central historical hamam to consider is Şengül Hamamı .

If this is your final night in Turkey, we recommend planning something nice to do in the evening!

How to Get from Ankara to Istanbul

As the two largest cities in Turkey, Istanbul and Ankara are very well connected so you have lots of options on how to travel between them. The fastest way to get from Ankara to Istanbul is to fly although taking a direct high-speed train is also a good option.

By Car: If you’re driving, it’s around a 280 miles (450 km) drive from Ankara to Istanbul, and the drive takes around 5 hours.

By Plane : There are many daily direct flights between Ankara and Istanbul and these flights take about 1 hour.

By Train: The direct train takes around 4 to 4.5 hours. Several trains run this route each day and there is also an overnight sleeper train.

By Bus: Bus journeys between Ankara and Istanbul take between 6 and 7 hours on average. There are a great many bus services to choose from, including overnight options. Check bus times and prices, and book online here .

Turkey Itinerary Day 14: Istanbul

You’re back in Istanbul, having completed your fantastic 2 week trip in Turkey!

If you have more time in Istanbul, you can see anything that you didn’t have time to see during your first visit here. There are plenty of things to see and do in the city. You can also do some final souvenir shopping and enjoy a final Turkish meal.

If you are flying home from the Istanbul airport, you may want to pre-arrange an airport transfer .

Our 2 Week Turkey Itinerary Map

We have marked out our suggested route for our 2 week Turkey itinerary on Google maps. This should help you more easily visualize the route over the 14 day trip through Turkey.

You can access our route map  here or by clicking on the map image below:

There you have it, our suggestions on where to travel in Turkey for 2 weeks!

Like what you see above but don’t want to book the transport, hotels, and activities yourself? Considering booking a guided tour, you can see our list of recommended tours of Turkey earlier in the post.

Which of these places would be on your Turkey travel itinerary? Have you been? If so, we’d love to hear about your favorite places or tips on traveling in Turkey.

If you have any questions about traveling to Turkey or our 2 week Turkey itinerary, just leave them as a comment below and we’ll try our best to answer them. As always, we love to hear from you!

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Isha Post author

March 24, 2024 at 3:23 pm

I will be in Turkey on Tuesday. This guide has been an extremely useful resource in planning my 14 day trip. I will be starting from Istanbul to Izmir (stay in kusadasi) – Cappadocia – Antalya (from Antalys day trip to Heirapolis and Permukkale). Thank you very much

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

March 25, 2024 at 4:26 am

So happy to hear our Turkey itinerary has been helpful in planning your own 14 day trip. Sounds like you hae a great trip planned. Hope you have a wonderful time and just let us know if you have any questions!

Best, Jessica

April 10, 2024 at 2:02 am

Hi, thanks again for this blog which was the best resource in planning my trip. I am back. I had an amazing time. The only thing i did not need was a water bottle (which i packed). I also downloaded the vpn.

Istanbul – toured by myself and didnt need a tour guide as most places are accessible by wandering around-4 days flew to Izmir-kusadasi-ephesus. did a tour with a guide. 2 days

flew to cappadocia did the green and red tours, skipped the balloon. Also did the turkish night dance which was overpriced in my opinion. 4 days

flew to Antalya. did day tour and went to permukkale and hierapolis by road.

Thank you so much for this amazing blog resource.

April 14, 2024 at 1:00 am

You’re very welcome and thanks for taking the time to tell us about your travels in Turkey. So glad you had such a great trip to Turkey and that our Turkey itinerary was a helpful resource in planning your trip and thanks for letting us know where you went and how you organized your time. Sounds like you did a mix of independent travel and guided travel, which sounds nice. I am sure it might be helpful to future readers looking to plan a similar trip.

Hawa Post author

February 20, 2024 at 4:33 am

Thank you so much for sharing your 14 day itinerary as well as tips! Extremely useful and no doubt that you guys had an amazing time! My hubby and I are planning to visit Turkey in September. Overall itinerary is 16-17 days. We want to visit the following places but are not sure which way to plan the routing. Can you please advise/assist us based on the places that we want to visit. We also not keen to hire a car and would prefer flying wherever possible. If there are no flights available for certain routes, then we opt to take a bus. The places are: Istanbul, Izmir, Pamukkale, Cappadocia and Antalya. Please assist us. Also we were planning to spend 3 full days in Antalya and about 2 and half days in Cappadocia. Is this okay? Or would you suggest us staying longer in Cappadocia then Antalya. Thank you! Kind regards,

February 20, 2024 at 12:44 pm

Happy to try to help with your trip. I am going to assume you are flying in and out of Istanbul? In that case, you could do Istanbul – Izmir – Pamukkale – Antalya – Cappadocia – Istanbul or do that in reverse ordering, leaving Istanbul and going to Cappadocia first. It really makes little difference which way you go, just that you on in an order that makes logical sense.

So a trip based on those locations and some of your plans you stated might be:

Istanbul – 3 nights Izmir – 4 nights Pamukkale – visit as part of a day trip from Izmir? Antalya – 4 nights Cappadocia – 3 nights Istanbul – 2 nights

Above is 16 nights in total

So it is easy to fly from Istanbul to Izmir. When in Izmir, you can either use local buses, taxis, or join day tours to visit places like Epheseus and Kuşadası. I’d also consider taking a day tour from here to Pamukkale. You can see a number of day tours available from Izmir here on GYG and here on Viator .

For Pamukkale, you can visit by public bus, join a day tour from Izmir (or Antalya), fly into Denizli airport and then take a taxi or bus. I’d probably opt to just join a day tour as you don’t have to worry about getting to the actual sites from a bus station or airport. Most of the tours include stops at both the hot springs and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Then from Izmir, you can take a flight to Antalya and then taxi to your hotel. Then from Antlaya, you can take a flight to Cappadocia (2 different airprot options). Then from Cappadocia, fly back to Istnabul for a couple of days before your flight howm.

Our suggested itinerary has lots of info on things to do at each of these locations, but feel free to ask if you have further questions.

Anyway hope that helps answer your questions and get you started in planning out your itinerary and starting to book your trip.

Just let us know if you have more questions as you continue to research your trip!

Linda Post author

January 14, 2024 at 6:50 pm

Hi Jessica and Lawrence, Your post is so amazing and helpful for me to understand traveling in Turkey! My partner and I are thinking of hiking the Lycien Way. Do you have any recommendation regarding tour group and how to do it? This will be our first time going to Turkey. Thank you! Linda

January 15, 2024 at 4:49 pm

So glad that our Turkey itinerary has been helpful to you and your partner. So are you looking to extend a 2 week trip around Turkey by adding in the hike, or are you going to to focus on doing the hike? The full hike is about a month but you can easily do a shorter section of it which can range from 1 day to a couple of weeks.

So if you want to do a general trip around Turkey (similar to the one we wrote about) and hike the Lycien Way as part of a guided tour, I’d probably do a regular guided tour around Turkey first, exploring places like Istanbul, Epheseus, Antalya, Troy, Cappadocia, etc. first. We give lots of suggestions for tour companies that do similar itineraries to the one above as well as those for slightly shorter or longer trips.

Then after that ends (almost all begin and end in Istanbul) add on a second hiking specific tour of the Lycien Way after that you can get a flight down to Dalaman Airport (DLM) or Antalya Airprot. Most of the hiking trips end/begin at the Dalaman Airport (or in nearby Fethiye) or in Antalya. Domestic return flights within Turkey are normally pretty cheap (about $150 to $250 per person). You just need to be sure to book your tours in advance and leave a little leeway in case there are delays or anything, so I’d probably leave a full day at beginning and end (also nice to have a day to relax in between tours).

So as you probably already know the Lycien Way is an approximately 760 km (472 mile) way-marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey, stretching from Fethiye to Antalya. However, the exact length and such is different depending on map and guidebook, and has changed over time. But generally it takes about 30-40 days to walk the full path. It is generally recommended to do it in the Spring by most sources although autumn also can be nice. I can’t give any specific personal advice on hiking it or a tour group as we have never tried hiking any more than a short section.

Now if you are looking for a tour group, I don’t know of any that regularly do the full path from start to finish with English speaking guides (I would check local hiking/trekking companies in Turkey or ask in a Turkey hiking forum) but there are several companies that do group or private 6-10 day hiking highlights tours of the Lycien Way so that you experience some of the main and more scenic and easy to reach sections. But they also arrange your transport, food, luggage, accommodation, etc. Tour companies like Intrepid, Explore, and UTracks all seems to offer them, and the Explore one in particular seems to get a lot of really good reviews online. You can compare various tours here that include the Lycien Way.

If you want to do the Lycian Way, I would recommend getting a copy of the English guidebook on this by Kate Clow (she is the authority on the route as she waymarked and promoted it). Note that the latest version of this guidebook was published in 2022 (it can be hard to find so you may need to order it directly from her website Trekking in Turkey). This guidebook along with free online resources and mapping apps should help inform and guide you whether you choose to do it on your own or with a guide.

Hope the above helps, but let me know if you have more questions as you research and plan your trip to Turkey!

Charles Post author

December 15, 2023 at 4:18 pm

Istanbul, Turkey is such a captivating destination, love the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. This website offers such valuable insights into these attractions, as well as local cuisine and practical travel advice. Had such an enjoyable visit to this enchanting city. Would love to return to follow your whole itinerary but not the time on this trip. Thanks so much and Happy travels!

December 16, 2023 at 8:18 am

Hi Charles,

So glad you had such a wonderful visit to Istanbul and glad you found our Turkey articles helpfull. Hope you get a chance to return to Turkey soon and see more of the country beyond Istanbul – lots of great places to visit!

Georges Chahoud Post author

October 11, 2023 at 11:09 am

Thanks a lot for the precious informations two weeks in turkey , what do you suggest me if I would like to visite the princesses islands ( Istanbul) and more excursions tour three weeks .

October 12, 2023 at 11:30 am

Hi Georges,

Glad you are finding our 2-week Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your trip. So with three weeks, I would probably just spend some more time at the cities and stops that are of most interest to you. It can also give you more time to do day trip and excursions from those places such as Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, or Kuşadası. Or if you are planning to join a tour, it will likely allow you to choose a longer tour with more stops.

I think you mean the Princes’ Islands in Turkey, near Istanbul (I am not familiar with any Princesses Islands)? For that, I would probably just do it as a day trip and allocate a morning and afternoon for the visit. We have visited as part of a day trip and the main island is easy to get to by taking a ferry boat. I think it is the equivalent of a couple of dollars for a ticket each way and most people head to Büyükada (Big Island). You can book tickets in advance or just buy once you are there. You can also join as part of a tour, and here are some day tour options that you can book in advance. In addition to your transport, some of the tours also include a guided walking tour, lunch, bike rides, music, and/or fishing.

If you are looking for a 3 week guided tour, it is hard to make a recommendation without knowing more about your budget, age, interests, and who all is traveling together. But a couple of options would be this 19-day tour with TravelTalk or this 18-day tour with Intrepid Travel. But here are several more tour options that are between 18 and 25 days in length. If you decide to do a tour like those that is less than 21 days, then plan a couple of extra nights on your own in Istanbul at the end (where you can visit the Princes Islands for instance).

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey!

October 15, 2023 at 12:55 pm

Hi Jessica. Thanks a lot for your reply, I found it very useful. I’m happy to find you and to be one of your followers. Concerning my voyage to turkey, my budget is about 5000C$, do you think is enough for 21 days, I’m 61 years old and for me it’s a discovering voyage, most probably I gone be alone . Thanks again.

October 16, 2023 at 8:19 am

You’re very welcome. Glad the information was useful in planning you vogage to Turkey.

Yes, $5000 CAD (about $3700 USD) is enough for a comfortable trip around Turkey for 3 weeks if you plan it well. Turkey is not that expensive. Flights are the biggest cost, if the $5000 is in addition to your international flight then that is a very nice budget to have, but you’ll need to be more budget focused if your flights will come out of that sum. You’ll have about a $230 CAD budget per day (currently about $170 USD or 4700 Turkish lira).

Just a side note, the Turkish lira (the official currency of Turkey) is very unstable and so most tourist places prefer you to pay in euros (or sometimes GBP or USD). A lot of tourist activities will be priced in euros so good to know the CAD to EUR conversion rates once in Turkey. So while you may want to have a small amount of Turkish lira cash on you for small establishments/markets/gratuities/etc, you can pay with most things with your credit/debit card or in euros.

You can stay in comfortable moderate hotels or guest houses, visit attractions, do some excursions, and eat well within your budget. You can choose to plan the full trip yourself and do your own travel (by car or public transit) or join a tour with a tour guide where that all is taken care of for you with that budget. If doing it on your own, you should be able to book most big things in advance (flights, hotels, car rental, excursions) so you’ll know the cost and be able to stick to your budget and then allow for all the needed extras (food, attraction tickets, public transit, taxis, souvenirs, gratuities, etc.).

If you want to do it on your own, you certainly can, but if you prefer some company and a guide, there are lots of tours within your budget as well. We’ve used Travel Talk in Turkey but they definitely cater to a younger demographic but Intrepid Travel’s Comfort or Premium tours might be nice fit. We’ve used Intrepid Travel in Morocco and the age range was from late 20’s to 70’s on their more Premium category tours.

One thing you might consider is to do a mix where you are part of a tour for some parts of your travels and you are on own for other parts so you get the ease of group travel for the more far flung destinations and can do it on your own in places like Istanbul.

I am not sure when you are planning to visit, but if you are flexible, I would probably recommend avoiding the hottest months in Turkey (particularly July and August) as it can be pretty uncomfortable to sightsee, especially the historical sites and gardens, in the summer heat.

Hope that helps! If you have further questions as you get further into planning your trip, just let us know.

Georges Post author

October 17, 2023 at 9:46 am

Hi Jessica, i hopeI do not bother you with my questions, but I find that your instructions are very useful. I have two questions,since I am planning to visit the western part of Turkey. In your opinion, is it better for me to start in Ankara and end with Istanbul, or vice versa, or to start and end in the same city (to avoid distances). Secondly, in your opinion, is it better for me to book hotels In advance, such as a flight ticket, or to leave hotel reservations until I arrive in Turkey to avoid unpleasant surprises (I heard that, as for some hotels, you book a room and are surprised when you arrive that your room does not look at all like what you saw in the picture, and perhaps it is from another hotel. What do you think? Thanks a lot.

October 18, 2023 at 12:31 pm

Sure, no problem. So I would probably recommend flying in and out of Istanbul as that is normally the cheapest option as Istanbul is the larger international airport. If you are planning to take domestic flights in Turkey, Istanbul is also a good hub for that. But flying in and out of Ankara can also work if prices are better there. So definitely price compare across airports, dates, and routes. We’ve generally flown Turkish Airlines on round-trip tickets into Istanbul. Then I’d just recommend planning your itinerary in a circular fashion around the Western part of Turkey starting and ending in either Istanbul or Ankara.

We do generally recommend booking your accommodation in advance (before you leave for your trip) if you know your dates. Trying to find accommodation on the same day once in a location is not the best idea and can waste a lot of time. It is also easier to stick to a budget if you know your lodging cost beforehand. But it is of course up to you and I would do what best fits your travel style.

But if you want to stay in a comfortable hotel and have that set and know the price in advance, I would just book in advance once you know your dates and itinerary and I would generally recommend booking with a free cancellation option just in case you needed to cancel your trip or change dates. Of course if you have travel insurance, you can normally do a claim there if you couldn’t make your trip due to illness or flight cancellation or something, but having the free cancellation for your hotels just makes that easier.

We normally book online via Booking.com (or Hotels.com) with some kind of cancellation option. We have not had any unpleasant surprises in Turkey but I think if you stick to well-reviewed hotels on an international booking website like Booking or Hotels with plenty of reviews (especially from other Western travelers) and photos, you should be fine. We give some hotel recommendations throughout the itinerary across budgets and that should get you started on your search, at least in those areas. But Turkey has a lot of decent mid-range options in the main tourist cities and towns in the west part of the country that are not very expensive, but I would avoid the very cheap/basic ones and any that have no or few reviews.

gezilecek yerler Post author

August 9, 2023 at 7:01 am

Thank you for this great Turkey itinerary. Greetings from Turkey!

August 10, 2023 at 10:49 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment. You are very welcome and glad you found our 2 weeks in Turkey itinerary helpful! If you have any questions, just let us know. And enjoy your travels around Turkey!

Anne Post author

July 28, 2023 at 8:13 am

Thank you for so generously sharing this itinerary in such detail! We are planning to spend the entire month of May, 2024 in Turkey. For most of the first week we’ll be staying with friends in Istanbul, and after that we will travel by bus. We would love to follow your itinerary, expanding on it to fill out our month. Which of these options would you recommend as the best ways to spend our extra time: 1. Spending time in the Black Sea region on our way back from Capadocia? 2. Adding a multi day boat tour while we’re in the Mediterranean region? 3. Spending additional days in one or more of the Mediterranean towns along the route? 4. Adding stops along the Mediterranean? 5. Taking the ferry and spending time in Greece? So many ideas!

July 30, 2023 at 4:22 pm

That is wonderful that you have a full month here and have friends in Istanbul. So it sounds like you have 3 weeks to cover the rest of the itinerary (excluding Istanbul of course) and that gives you time to add some extra time to all the stops and to add an extra stop or two to the trip. So I would recommend going through the itinerary and seeing which places you want to add time in the existing places, taking into account bus travel times/stops. Then see how much extra time you have leftover and then that can help you decide which of the options might work best.

I would first add an extra day or two to the places along the route that you are most interested in visiting. As the itinerary covers a lot of ground in 2 weeks, you have extra time to add an extra day or two to any of the stops. Even if you don’t want to spend 3 days in the town itself, it nice to have the longer stay without needing to move hotels and you can do day trips (either by public bus or join a bus tour) to neighboring towns and attractions. You already have a lot of time in Istanbul, but you might want to spend extra time for instance in Kusadasi, Fethiye, or Cappadocia. Maybe spend a night in Denizli/Pamukkale to make that day not so long and more leisurely. So I would go through the 2 week itinerary you already have and make it slower first of all.

If interested in cultural sights/cities, you might want to add an overnight stop in Konya – a lot of people stop to see a whirling dervishes performance at the Culture Center but also a number of mosques and museums. If you like more the beach vibes, you might want add more of those such as Bodrum or Marmais.

If you like time on the water, then yes, I would definitely recommend a boat cruise. Laurence did a multi-day gulet trip and enjoyed it a lot. It’s a great way to see some of the islands, swim, etc. Options range from budget group trip to luxury private ones, and from a few hours to 2 weeks in length. You can take boat trips from a number of places such as Kusadasi, Kas, Fethiye, and Bodrum. If you want to do a multi-day trip, you would want to book that in advance before you leave. Boat day tours you can normally arrange the day before or even same day if needed (although still a good idea to book those in advance too).

If you want to see a bit of Greece and plan to do a boat trip, some of the boats also go to Greek islands given that some of them are so close to Turkey. But the ferry could also be an option if you wanted to make a short visit to Greece. To be honest with 3 weeks outside of Istanbul to explore, I’d probably recommend focusing on Turkey and saving Greece for a future trip. But if you don’t think you’ll ever return to the area, it could be worth the extra time.

The Black Sea region is not as popular with international tourists as most of the other places on the itinerary but can definitely be a nice extra place to spend some of your time if you have at least a few extra days to spare in your itinerary. The beaches are not going to be as great as the ones in the south but it has some lush green hilly areas, alpine areas, forests, waterfalls, castles, coastal cities, tea plantations, historic mosques, lovely lakes, etc. So if you are looking for a more off the beaten path area or just a green area this can be a good choice and you could head there after either Ankara or Cappadocia before heading back to Istanbul. But just be sure you have plenty of time to add this and that there are good bus connections to the parts of the region that you would like to visit. Depending on which part of the region you visit, it can take you a day (~12 hours) to get from the region to Istanbul, and also most of a day to get there from Cappadocia (a little less if leave from Ankara) so you’d probably need 5 days free to be able to spend 3 days here so may or may not work with your schedule. The biggest Turkish city in the Black Sea region, Samsun, definitely has regular connections to both Kayseri, Ankara, and Istanbul by bus so you can look at that route to get an idea of connections and timing. You can check them on Busbud and FlixBus .

Anyway, hope that helps a little! Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your 2024 trip to Turkey.

Radhika Bayanwala Post author

May 1, 2023 at 9:56 am

Hello, for a 12 day trip what part of this trip do I cut down on?

May 1, 2023 at 12:48 pm

Hi Radhika,

I think it really depends on what you are most interested in doing/seeing in Turkey. I would maybe look at the itinerary day by day and see which places seem less interesting and take 2-3 days out of the itinerary. So for example if not very interested in the coast, you might cut the 2 nights in Antalya or if not as interested in more city/cultural stuff you could cut the stop in Ankara and go directly back to Istanbul from Cappadocia, which would save you two days. It is really just up to you!

If you have any questions as you plan your trip to Turkey, just let me know!

Ferhana Abader Post author

February 11, 2023 at 12:51 pm

Hi Jessica, Thank you so much for this, it really is helpful. My husband and I want to visit Turkey towards the end of April from South Africa. We will be staying for 2 weeks. We want to go to Istanbul, Cappadocia and Antalya. Do you think it’s a good idea to stay in Istanbul for 2 nights, Cappadocia for 3 nights, Antalya for 3 nights and back to Istanbul for another 6 nights. We not really into history so we won’t be visiting quite a few of the places mentioned here. If 8 days in Istanbul is too much where do you recommend we go to where there’s other things to do besides visit historical sites?

Thank you so much 🌹

February 13, 2023 at 8:43 am

Hi Ferhana,

Glad you have found our Turkey itinerary helpful!

So yes, I think if historical and cultural sites are not that interesting to you, you might find that 8 full days in Istanbul might be too much. That is a pretty long time. Istanbul has a variety of things to do, but the main appeal to many visitors is of course the historical sites, churches/mosques, museums, etc. Of course there are also loads of other things including the markets, shopping, art, boat rides, evening entertainment, food tours, etc. So I think 4-6 days in total would probably allow you to see much of what you wish to see perhaps? But it really depends on what you enjoy doing. I’d maybe make a list of what you really want to do there and see how much is on it. That should help you decide.

If you feel you are spending too much time in Istanbul, the simplest thing would perhaps be to just add a night or two to your time in both Cappadocia and Antalya. This way your time is still divided by just 3 places.

If you like the beach and/or outdoor activities, another idea would be spend more time along the Turkish coast. In addition to Antalya, you might want to spend a few nights in either Fethiye or Bodrum. In the coastal cities, in addition to beaches, shopping, and the local historical attractions, you can do things like hiking, boating, golfing, water parks, and adventure tour activities like sailing, paragliding, rock climbing, or dirt biking. Gulet boat tours are popular and you could even consider an overnight trip where you get to sleep on the boat – they range from budget to luxury experiences.

Anyway, hope that helps give you some ideas! If you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey, just ask.

February 13, 2023 at 10:07 am

Thank you so much for your response 🌹 This definitely helps me to make a more informed decision about my itinerary. Take care

February 13, 2023 at 11:58 am

You’re very welcome! Wishing you a great trip, and just let us know if you have further questions.

Jonathan Abrahams Post author

February 11, 2023 at 1:54 am

Thanks so much for this great write-up and itinerary for Turkey. It has definitely helped make my upcoming trip a lot easier to plan.

I’m visiting Turkey in April from the 22nd of April to the 6th of May this year. I’ll be mostly using public transport since I’m traveling solo.

My current schedule is as follows: 01. Istanbul (I arrive 7pm first day so it wouldn’t really count) 02. Istanbul 03. Istanbul 04. Istanbul 05. Selcuk (catch an early morning flight to Izmir and train to Selcuk – visit Ephesus and whatever else I can fit in) 06. Denizli (catch an early train from Selcuk and visit Pammukkale and whatever else I can fit in) 07. Antalya (take a bus to Antalya from Denizli – This time can be flexible if I want to see a bit more of Denizli) 08. Antalya 09. Antalya (taking an overnight bus from Antalya to Cappadocia – 9 hours) 10. Cappadocia 11. Cappadocia 12. Cappadocia 13. Ankara (take a bus from Cappadocia to Ankara – probably early in the morning) 14. Ankara 15. Ankara (take early afternoon flight from Ankara to Istanbul and catch my early evening flight out of Istanbul back home)

Normally when I travel I like to stay in one location for about 3 days to explore it and the surrounding areas, but I had to fit Selcuk in (for Ephesus) and Denizli (for Pammukkale). Do you think I’m spreading my time alright or should I perhaps move around a day or two here or there? Also, have you ever used AirBnB in Turkey and if so, how has it been?

Many thanks Jonathan

February 13, 2023 at 8:18 am

Hi Jonathan,

I think your proposed Turkey itinerary looks fine and glad to hear that our post made it easier for you to plan your trip and itinerary.

I do think that you will be a bit rushed for the 1 night visits as you say but that really can’t be helped unless you borrow time from elsewhere to stay longer in say Selcuk. Days 5 & 6 are definitely going to be longer/busy days for you. So it just depends if you are OK with this or not. If you wanted more time in those places, I’d suggest removing one of the other longer stops (say Antalya or Ankara).

In terms of how to spend your time, I would just review what you really want to see/do in each place and make sure you have enough time to do that. For example, as yourself what are the three main things you really want to do? How much do you want to see Pammukkale? What do you plan to do in Cappadocia/Ankara? etc. If you find that you are having to skip something you really wanted to see or feel it is too rushed, see if you can remove time elsewhere where maybe there are lower priority places. It is really about your priorities and how you want to organize your time, so really only you can decide if the alloted time and itinerary is a good fit for you or not. It is always good to also go with the mindset that hopefully you will return another time so you don’t feel like you have to see everything this trip.

Traveling by public transit is definitely your cheapest option; however, it does of course have the drawback as taking the longest and you will lose some travel time and have to be sure to check the bus/train schedules to be sure to make the most of your time. The overnight bus is a good way to maximize time (and saves you from paying for a hotel that night).

We have used Airbnb in a lot of places around the world, but not in Turkey. In Turkey, good value lodging is easy to find and often includes things like free breakfast, a front desk, a restaurant, and housekeeping so we have found it more appealing to stay in hotels here. I am sure Airbnb is good in Turkey, and if you use it just make sure to stick to places that have consistent good reviews and will be within walking distance of any needed public transit stops. We tend to only find Airbnb worth it for 3 night or more stays.

Anyway, hope that helps and wishing you a great trip to Turkey. If you have any further questions, just ask!

Jonathan Post author

February 13, 2023 at 3:16 pm

Thanks for the feedback Jessica. I’ve only made one change by flying out of Istanbul on my 4th day so I can spend two nights in Selcuk. Other than that I’m happy with my itinerary. Again, I can’t help but say thank you again for this awesome write-up that you’ve done.

Regards Jonathan

February 14, 2023 at 12:59 am

That sounds great to have that extra night in Selçuk so that you don’t have to feel rushed there. Ephesus is a large and important site so it is good to have a full morning and afternoon – having a tour guide can be a good idea here to better understand the ruins.

Having 2 nights will also give you time to see other things in that area. Depending on your interests, Kusadasi is a fairly easy minibus or taxi ride away (about 20 minutes), so that would be an option on the day you are not visiting Ephesus.

Wishing you a great first trip to Turkey!

Mona Post author

January 25, 2023 at 9:58 am

HI! Loved getting all the ideas from your trip! We’re travelling early March this year with our 9 month old! i wanted to know if they would allow him to be on the hot air ballloon with us in a baby carrier strapped to us since were traveling alone and cant leave him anywhere ! would love to know while i plan! def want to do the air balloon though

February 1, 2023 at 4:32 am

Glad you are finding our advice and Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your upcoming trip!

So you can not and should not take a baby in a hot air balloon. It would not be safe to do so as your baby could easily be injured, whether strapped to you or not. Landings can be rough and we’ve seen a number of injuries over the years we’ve been ballooning, luckily most are minor and it is not usual.

There are generally age and/or height requirements for hot air ballooning and these vary around the world and by the operator. Minimum age generally is between 5 and 10 years of age. In Cappadocia, I think the minimum age for most operators is 7 years of age.

So if you want to take a hot air balloon in Turkey, I would choose a hotel in Cappadocia that offers well-reviewed babysitting services. Many hotels in the area do this. For example, the hotel I last stayed at in the region, Kayakapi Caves hotel , offered family rooms, children’s menus, and babysitting services to parents. I would check on these services before booking any hotel.

But if you don’t want to leave your baby, I would choose an alternative activity that you would be able to do safely together. Then you can always return in several years and do a hot air balloon ride together as a family.

Anyway, hope that helps and wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey!

Ashwani Post author

November 17, 2022 at 4:10 am

Very very detailed article. As someone who lives in Turkey, I really appreciate your travel information. it was a good guide.

November 18, 2022 at 3:57 am

Hello Ashwani,

So glad to hear from those in Turkey that they have found the travel information useful and accurate. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Wishing you happy travels!

Ustun Post author

October 7, 2022 at 2:18 pm

Very very detailed article. As someone who lives in Turkey, I really appreciate your travel information. it was a good guide. You can also contact me for any help.

October 12, 2022 at 2:43 pm

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let us know that you enjoyed our Turkey travel guide. Always glad to hear from locals that our travel information is accurate and helpful.

If you have any questions, just ask but I am sure you have your own local contacts!

Preeti Post author

September 30, 2022 at 1:10 pm

Extremely helpful blog! We planned our itinerary quite similarly to the one mentioned above. Super in-detail and insightful. Thanks!

October 1, 2022 at 10:27 am

So glad you found our 2 weeks in Turkey guide helpful in planning your itinerary. If you have any questions, just ask!

Wishing you a wonderful trip! Jessica

Dominic Martin Post author

August 29, 2022 at 7:53 pm

Hi Jessica & Laurence, I am glad to have come across your blog. I am planning a 30 day budget trip to Turkey (end Oct to End Nov). We are a couple and will be using Istanbul for arriving and departing in to Turkey. Could you suggest an itinerary for the same? We are open to exploring all options.

Jessica Post author

August 31, 2022 at 12:14 pm

Hi Dominic,

The first thing to determine is how you plan to get around Turkey. We talk about all the options above.

If traveling on a smaller budget, the cheapest way to get around Turkey is definitely by bus. Buses go to most destinations in Turkey. Since you have a lot of time, you can be flexible and would have the time to work with a bus schedule.

Another good option to consider is a budget-oriented tour for part of your trip. For instance, you could do a week in Istanbul on your own, join a tour for a couple of weeks that will take you to all the tourist highlights (Ephesus, Pamukkale, Troy, Cappadocia, beaches, etc.) and then return you to Istanbul to spend another week on your own. One example of a tour company we have used for budget trips is Travel Talk Tours . Some of the tours average out to about $50 to $100 per person/per day so can be a good value, depending on your budget and if any of the itineraries match the main things you want to see/do. Some include time sailing on a boat for a few days.

It is easy to find inexpensive and good value hotels or hostels in most places in Turkey and food is also not very expensive (in comparison to Western countries anyway). You can book your lodging in advance to make sure you stay within your budget.

It is really hard to say what would be the best itinerary for you as it will depend on what you like to do, what you really want to see, your budget, etc. A person most interested in history and ancient sites may have a very different itinerary and priorities than someone more intersted in beaches and sailing. So here is a suggestion that is basically just adding nights to our itinerary and making day stops into overnight stays:

Istanbul – 5 nights Gallipoli/Çanakkale – 1 night izmir – 2 nights Troy/Şirince – 1 night Kusadasi – 3 nights Denizli/Pamukkale – 2 nights Fethiye – 3 nights Antalya – 3 nights Konya – 2 nights Cappadocia – 4 nights Ankara – 2 nights Istanbul – 2 nights

Hopefully, the above gives you an idea of how to get started in booking your trip to Turkey.

Dominic Post author

August 31, 2022 at 6:03 pm

Thanks for the detailed information Jessica. Will work around this.

September 1, 2022 at 1:52 pm

You’re very welcome and hope this helps. Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey!

Jay R Post author

August 29, 2022 at 6:22 pm

Hey Jessica & Laurence!

Thanks for putting together such a great guide. We are planning to go to Turkey in October for an engagement. We were trying to keep it to 14 days but finding it difficult. Also, we were hoping to squeeze in Mount Nemrut but it does not seem practical.

We are planning to rent a car.

Here is what we are thinking:

Istanbul – 3 nights Safranbolu – 1 night Hattusha – few hours Cappadocia – 4 nights Antalya – 2 nights Kas – 1 night Fethiye – 1 night (Paragliding) Pamukkale – 1 night Selçuk – 2 night Istanbul – 1 night

We really want to try and squeeze in Epheseus but we are already over the 14 day stay we were planning.

Do you have any suggestions based on this proposed itinerary? Would you remove any stop or shorten any days?

Also, for renting cars, the reviews seem all over – do you have any suggestions?

Thanks again to both of you for putting together such a great resource!

August 31, 2022 at 11:45 am

Glad that our suggested 14 day itinerary was helpful in putting together your own. Happy to try to give advice about your upcoming trip.

My biggest advice especially if trying to decide what to try to fit in and what to cut, is to just make a list of your top must-see places and then order them by how much you and your travel partner(s) want to visit. Then you can cut the places you want to see least and spend more time on the places that are a must-see. With only 14 days you can only see a bit of Turkey as its a huge country with so much to see/do but you can certainly see a number of places in 2 weeks. Hopefully you have the chance to return some day and see those places that don’t make it on this trip 😉

I would definitely not recommend adding to your current itinerary if you are trying to keep it to 14 days unless you remove some of the stops as you currently already have 16 days/nights by what you listed. If you want to bring it down to 14, some suggestions would be to skip Safranbolu/Hattusha, remove one night from Cappadocia (3 nights is probably enough), skip the 1 night in Kas, and/or remove the last night in Istanbul (and just fly home that day). What you remove will of course depend on how much you want to see each place. Removing the 1 night stops is generally a good place to start if needing to pare down an itinerary.

You might also consider dropping off your car at the Izmir airport and flying home from Izmir (via Istanbul) to avoid that long drive back from Selçuk and avoid the need to spend an extra night in Istanbul. Also you could potentially stop in Ephesus that day if you had time as it would be on your way to the airport.

So if you want to include Mount Nemrut, you can do so, but you are going to have to skip some of the other places. That will take you much further over to eastern Turkey and is about a 7 hour or so drive from the most eastern place on your itinerary at the moment. If you want to do that I’d probably end your itinerary as you have it above in Fethiye and fly home from there via Istanbul (skipping Pamukkale, Selçuk, and extra night in Istanbul). That would put you at about 14 days in total if you add a couple days for driving and visiting Mount Nemrut.

I am not sure if your question about rental cars is about where to check rates/companies or safety of driving a rental car in Turkey? We cover some of this above in the article. But in terms of where to look for rates, I’d recommend this comparison website to get a good idea of prices as they compare a lot of brands, both international (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar) as well as more local Turkish companies. Make sure you read all the terms of the rental. In Istanbul, you can pick up a car at the airport or in the city, so if exploring the city first, you might want to compare prices as you can sometimes save by not getting it from the airport.

In terms of driving/safety, the road network in Turkey and road safety are not the best in general, but if you stick to main routes to tourist destinations in western Turkey, it is OK, well-signed, and doable. But the further east you go and the more you go to rural and offbeat places, the less great the road system is. It also depends where you are coming from, your comfort with driving, and the road conditions you are used to in your home country. If safety is a concern, I’d definitely do your own research and read the latest stats/reports to make your own informed decisions.

Alternatives are taking buses or trains (buses go to most/all of the places you list, trains to a few), flights, or guided tours that include transport. Buses for most popular destinations are easy to book online these days (see some links above in article). The issue of course with taking public transit or flights is you’d have to keep to a schedule and you’d probably want to remove the 1 night stops (and maybe do them as guided day trips instead).

Anyway, hope the above helps give you some direction and answers to your questions. If you have further questions as you book your trip, just ask.

Wishing you a safe & fun trip to Turkey!

Ivelisse Garcia Post author

August 26, 2022 at 3:17 pm

Hi, Jessica am going to Turkey for 15 days , arriving in Istanbul then capadocia, konya, Antalya, Pamukale, but my question is from pamukale what other city I need to stay to see the churches and then returning to Istanbul, please advise( no tour company on our own)

August 27, 2022 at 5:17 am

Hi Ivelisse,

Happy to try to help. So there are a lot of churches in Turkey, so it depends of course on which ones in particular you want to see.

I am guessing you might be talking about the Seven Holy Churches of Asia (as mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Revelation) as those are popular places for tourists and pilgrims? Those would be the seven churches located in the ancient cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

I’d probably recommend splitting your time between Denizli and Izmir to see the 7 churches and Pamukkale (which is near Denizli). So maybe two nights in Denizli and then three nights in Izmir.

If you are looking for a single base to see all 7 churches, I would recommend Izmir. You’d probably need at least 3 days to see them as day trips plus I’d recommend another day to explore Izmir itself. So I would maybe do 4 nights there if trying to see all 7 churches from there.

Then from Izmir, you can then head north to visit Troy, Gallipoli, etc. before returning to Istanbul.

Ivelisse Post author

August 27, 2022 at 7:24 am

Thank you so much that helps me so much

August 28, 2022 at 3:44 am

You’re very welcome, happy to help. Yes, if you are wanting to visit all seven churches, the best solution would probably be to split your time between Denizli and Izmir.

Wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey.

Ana Post author

August 10, 2022 at 5:02 pm

Hello Jessica and Lawrence! Thank you for such nice detail explanation in what to do in Turkey. I am planning a trip by the end of October 2022 and I’m traveling solo ( I’m a female 54 old and have traveled before by myself but I’m a bit rusty.. haven’t traveled in the last 4 years)I like the options provided, but was wondering if I have 14 days to spend there what would be the best for me? I was thinking about using air to move from one city to another in order to save time and get to know more places. I was thinking arriving to Estambul from USA Florida and get a flight to start in Capadocia so I could finish in Estambul. Do you have any plan for a solo female traveler??

August 11, 2022 at 6:49 am

Glad you are finding our 2 week Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your own 14 days in Turkey. We are happy to try to help.

If you are wanting to get between places by plane, then I’d recommend choosing 4 to 5 places to base with nearby airports and from those cities/towns you can explore the city and take day tours to places you want to visit from those places (e.g.,Epheseus, Pamukkale, Troy, etc.). Note that you will of course need to take a taxi, bus, or book a transfer to get from airports to towns.

So I would first recommend making a list of any must-see places and planning based on that. For example Izmir can be a base for places like Ephesus, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Kusadasi, etc. You can visit some places by bus on your own and others are going to be best by day tour.

Then you’ll want to check the nearest major airport to those sites. Some of the places with regular flights are Istanbul, Izmir, Konya, Antalya, the Cappadocia area, Bodrum, and Ankara.

So for example if you have 14 days, you mights do something like: 3 days Cappadocia, 3 days Antalya, 4 days Izmir, 4 days Istanbul. But it of course depends on where you want to go and your travel preferences (e.g., beaches versus museums versus ancient sites).

You might also want to look into tour options if you don’t want to make all the arrangements on your own and don’t mind some travel companions. For example you could join a tour for the first 10 days and then spend the rest of the time on your own in Istanbul. Tours are generally a good value in Turkey and can make life simpler if you don’t have a lot of time to plan.

Hope that helps! Jessica

September 24, 2022 at 3:10 pm

Thank you so much!!! Your ideas have helped a lot!😀

September 25, 2022 at 6:01 am

You’re very welcome! If you have any further questions as you start planning and booking your trip, just ask and we’re happy to try to help.

VINCE YIP Post author

August 10, 2022 at 12:19 am

I, fortunately, stumbled upon your blog. Its super informative and comprehensive – THANKS so much for that. Just hoping you can help give me some advice, It will be my first trip to Turkey and I will be travelling solo, arriving either Istanbul or Izmir on 25SEP22.

I will be flying into Turkey from Santorini and am thinking of flying straight into IZMIR (although it will take a good 8 hrs including transits in Athens and Istanbul.

I would like to cover Istanbul, Izmir/Selcuk/ Ephesus , Pergamon & Ayvalik, Miletus / Prienne (Kusadasi as base ?), Fethiye, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya and Cappaodicia – 3 nites at least (for last, then fly back to Istanbul and spend a week in Istanbul). I do not have a time constraint so do not need to rush as such but do not wan to “over-stay” unneccesarily either in areas that do not warrant more time.

My “dilemma” is between Izmir and Cappadocia – what do you propose is the best way to move from one place to another and which cities would you recommend flying between instead of public transport ? Are buses well-served for your destinations – going anti-clockwise from Izmir. I am thinking once i arrive each town, i will look local guided tours as necessary.

Are there tours originating from Izmir to Ephesus and Pergamon where they pick me from my hotel. Any suggestions or insights you can offer with regards to travelling efficiently in time and logistics would be appreciated.

Thanking you in advance.

August 11, 2022 at 5:48 am

Glad that you found our Turkey itinerary and travel advice helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Turkey.

Yes, I don’t think it really matters if you start in Istanbul or Izmir, as it just depends if you want to spend some time in Istanbul at the beginning or your trip or not. As you note, you will likely fly to Istanbul either way, you just need to decide if you want a connecting flight to Izmir or not.

I would consider skipping Ayvalik as this seaside town is about a 2.5 hour drive north of Izmir and while you can get there by bus pretty easily, it will eat up a lot of time unless there is something here you really want to visit. It is also in the wrong direction based on your travel plans.

So an itinerary might look something like this:

Izmir – 3 days (visit Ephesus/Selcuk from here, perhaps also Pergamon or Ayvalik if going there) Kusadasi – 3 days (visit Miletus and Priene on day tour from here, visit Pergamon if haven’t done so from Izmir) Pamukkale – 1 day – (you can either visit by taking bus from Kusadasi to Denizli and stay overnight and just do on own, or just join a guided day tour from Kusadasi) Fethiye – 2 days Antalya – 3 days Konya – 2 days Cappadocia – 3 days Istanbul – 7 days

Since you have a lot of time, buses are cheap and pretty easy. You should be able to book regular buses (see section above about transport and buses) to any of the above. You can book online in advance in most cases. The nearest station I think to Pamukkale is Denizli so that one might be better done as a day tour unless you want to stay overnight there. Between Cappadocia and Istanbul, I’d probably recommend flying as it will save you time but you can also take a bus.

The easiest way to book tours is to just do so online in advance once you know your dates of travel and when you want to go. Most tours by both GetYourGuide and Viator offer free cancelation if done so 24 to 48 hours in advance if you needed to change your trip. Just be sure to check the cancellation policy before booking. This way you will know you have a tour booked and will know price in advance.

Tours to Ephesus, both group and private tours, are available from Izmir, Kusadasi, or Selcuk. If you are basing in İzmir you can see tour options here .

Similarly, tours to Pergamon are offered from Izmir, Kusadasi, or Selcuk. Izmir makes the most sense as it is the closest one to the city, but it will depend on tour availability what might be best for you. This is one of the reasons it makes sense to book any tours in advance to help determine how many nights you need in each town or city.

Vince Yip Post author

August 11, 2022 at 11:31 am

Hi Jessica,

Thank you so much for responding with your recommendations-really appreciate your generosity. Your suggestions sound great and sensible. I am overwhelmed by the number of similar tours on offer …but will get there. I was initially thinking of driving but at the same time didn’t want the hassle. I will let you know how I go…in due course.

Thanks again n all the best !! Vince

August 12, 2022 at 1:31 am

Between Izmir, Kusadasi and Selcuk – which town would you suggest as a better base , also which of these 3 would have more to offer apart from being a good base to Ephesus, Pamukkale etc.

August 12, 2022 at 3:15 am

You’re very welcome for the help.

As for the best town to base of the 3, as I said, you could do the tours to Ephesus, Pergamon, and Pamukkale from any of those three towns/cities. So any would work. However, if you were to choose just one, I’d personally say Kuşadası just as there are a lot of tours on offer from there (probably more than from Izmir) and it also has the seaside location, beaches, resorts, nightlife, tourist services, the castle, and some other sites of historical interest, etc. It is also a popular place from which to do boat tours or buggy tours. So you could definitely spend a day or two enjoying the town in between the tours.

When choosing tours, there are going to be a number of competing options to all the popular places like Ephesus and Pamukkale. So I would just recommend reading the details, see what is included for the price, make sure it is available on your date of travel, and check the cancellation policy. I would also recommend booking ones with good recent reviews from the past year and good cancellation policies. For example from Kusadasi, you can see a number of tour options here from GYG.

If flying in from Izmir and basing in Kusadasi, it is about a 1 to 1.5 hour drive by car, bus, private transfer, or taxi to get to Kusadasi. With luggage, I’d probably just book a private transfer for convenience. But you could also go by bus which takes a little longer but is much cheaper. I think the Havas airport shuttle is currently only about $5 (USD).

If just staying in one and considering 3 tours, and you have a lot of time, I’d probably spend 5 days there. That would give you 3 days out and 2 days to spend exploring and relaxing in the town/city.

Div Post author

June 27, 2022 at 2:52 pm

Hi Jessica and lawrence, You have a wonderful blog full of useful information. I stumbled upon it while researching about Turkey. I would like to know if last week of November will be a good time to visit Istanbul and Cappadocia. I am looking for a family trip 3 days in each location. This will be our first time in Turkey and not planning to do too much all at once. I would like to fly hot air balloons and visit the historic sites in Cappadocia and also do the high profile locations in Istanbul as you have listed above. Is Antalya doable in one week time frame? will be traveling from west coast of US and hence want to leave time for jet lag and travel delays. Any recommendations much appreciated.

June 28, 2022 at 10:39 am

November can be a good time to visit Turkey as the weather is cooler so you don’t need to worry about the hot temperature in the summer and it is not as popular a time to visit so less tourists. But you’ll want to bring along long sleeves and some warmer clothes as it can get chilly, especially in the evenings. I’d be sure to check the predicted weather in both places before your trip so you can pack accordingly.

So if you have 1 week in total for your trip and 6 nights, then splitting it between Istanbul and Cappadocia is a good idea. I wouldn’t really recommend trying to visit anywhere else as it will make for a rushed trip. If you are driving, you might consider a stop in Ankara on the way between them (since it is on the way), but since flying is probably a better option to save time (it is an 8 to 10 hour drive), I’d probably just split your time between Istanbul and Cappadocia. Taking the short flights in between them.

Three nights in Istanbul will give you plenty of time to see many of the highlights as we describe in the article. If you stay in the city center, it is easy to walk to many places. There are also a lot of walking and driving tours you can join for sightseeing.

For your time in Cappadocia, I’d recommend flying to save time (you can get a domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, and then book a shuttle or taxi to the town where you are staying). If the hop-on hop-off bus is running when you are there then that is a good option to get around as it stops at all the main tourist sites (Göreme is probably the best place to stay if doing bus). Or you can just book a guided tour (group or private) that goes to the places you want to go. And yes, we’d definitely recommend also booking the hot air balloon flight for one morning as that is definitely a highlight for many people. If staying 3 nights, I’d book the balloon flight for your second morning so that if it gets canceled due to weather you’d be able to potentially rebook on your third morning.

Antalya is not close to Istanbul or Cappadocia, so unless you have more than 1 week, I would probably not recommend also trying to go there. But if you have more time, it is a good option if you want to add some beach time to your trip. But you’d probably want 2-3 nights there to really enjoy it.

Hope that helps, and if you have more questions as you plan your Turkey trip, feel free to ask!

Kownain Andrabi Post author

June 21, 2022 at 8:02 am

Hi! We have planned our 2 week Turkey trip in the third week of August this year. I have been reading and re-readinh this blog so many times! 🙂 We have planned a few places – Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Konya, Bodum, Selcuk and Antalya. I am just a bit confused as to the sequence of the places. Like which place should we visit first. This itinerary is being really helpful but since we are not going to all the places listed, I am a bit confused

June 21, 2022 at 9:32 am

Hi Kownain,

Glad you are planning a trip to Turkey and that our blog has been helpful!

All of these places you mention are in the itinerary except Bodrum. Selçuk is just the town next to Ephesus (which as we note could be a good overnight stop instead of the suggested Kusadasi. The order you would probably want to visit them based on their geographical locations would be Selçuk, Bodrum, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, and then Cappadocia.

Now, it is also going to depend on where you are going to enter into Turkey (if you are coming from abroad). Most international flights land in Istanbul (or possibly Ankara). So if planning to fly in and out of Istanbul, then you can start your trip there.

But if you are not planning to actually visit Istanbul and do sightseeing there, you might consider taking a regional flight onward to Izmir to start your trip there and fly out of one of the airports in Cappadocia. This will allow you to skip several hours of driving or buses to get to the starting point of your trip from Istanbul.

Hope that helps, and I would definitely recommend that you start planning and booking your travel now (e.g., flights, hotels, tours, car rentals) as your trip is only a couple of months away.

Just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip!

June 23, 2022 at 1:08 pm

Thank you so much ch Jessica. Yes I forgot to mention that we are landing in Istanbul and leaving back from there as well. So the beginning and end of our trip will be Istanbul. We have already booked to and fro flights but we might have to book some domestic ones. I am trying to finalize the itinerary by this weekend. I might have more questions to follow😅

June 24, 2022 at 5:03 am

You’re very welcome!

Yes, so your itinerary would likely be Istanbul, Selçuk, Bodrum, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, and then Istanbul. I would check to see what makes sense in terms of price and time on how to get to Selçuk and from Cappadocia. You have the options of flying, renting a car to drive, or taking a bus.

Your other option of course if you don’t want to plan and book all your transport, accommodation, and activities is to book a private tour that starts and ends in Istanbul such as this one .

Yes, happy to answer any further questions you might have. Wishing you a great trip to Turkey.

July 3, 2022 at 3:24 pm

Hi Jessica! I am here again 🙂 I made the itinerary and had to skip Pamukkale and Konya because they just didn’t fit. Also we are traveling with our 2-yr old for the first time so we don’t want to rush through places. Following is our itinerary (as of now). Can you please see and check if there’s anything we can change/improve. Day 1,2: Istanbul Leave for Cappadocia on Day 3 by air Day 3,4: Cappadocia Leave for Antalya on day 5 by air Day 5,6: Antalya Leave for Fethiye early on Day 7 by car Day 7,8: Fethiye Leave for Bodrum on day 9 in bus/car Day 9,10: Bodrum Leave for Selcuk on day 11 in car/bus Days 11,12: Selcuk/Ephesus Leave for Istanbul on day 12 via air Day 12,13: Istanbul Leave for home on day 14

We want to spend one more day in Istanbul, but not sure how to do that. Waiting for your insight Thank you so much

We have booked the main flights to and from home but not any other ones. We really want to finalize the plan in a couple of days so that we can book the hotels and domestic flights

July 4, 2022 at 4:24 am

Glad you have an itinerary drafted now for your Turkey trip. It looks OK to me and makes sense in terms of the order. Skipping Pamukkale and Konya is probably a good idea given traveling with a 2-year-old. But as you say, it may be a bit rushed with a young child, as you’ll only have 2 nights at any location with a lot of travel time getting from place to place.

So if you are wanting to simplify it a bit, I would probably take out one of the three coastal stops. I guess it depends on what you speciically want to do in Antalya, Fethiye, and Bodrum, but if it is mainly beach and water related, then I’d recommend cutting out at least one (if not two of them). If you have 4-5 nights in the same place it would make for a much more relaxing time, especially with a 2 year old. It might also mean you won’t need to rent a car and you could have the extra day in Istanbul.

Antalya is a great family destination and has good flight connections. A lot of the hotels and resorts have a kids pool, children’s activities, beach access, and offer babysitting services. Antalya has lots of beaches, historical sites, family theme parks, water activities, day tours you can take, etc. So unless you have things that you really want to see/do at Fethiye or Bodrum, I’d consider spending more time there and taking them out of the itinerary. Or you could alternatively just split your time between Antalya and Fethiye and skip Bodrum.

Another idea to save time and reduce stops is to group together all your time in Istanbul at the beginning of your trip and spend the first full 4 or 5 days there at once, rather than splitting it into 2 separate shorter stays. This would mean less moving and changing hotels, and less time going back and forth from the aiport. So for example, at the end you could book a flight from İzmir back home (likely will connect via Istanbul airport) rather than going back into Istanbul itself.

P.S. You are probably already aware of this, but many popular activities and tours have minimum age limits. So for example, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is not possible with a 2 year old due to safety regulations. So just be sure when planning activities, that you check the age limits.

Anyway, hope that helps and gives you some ideas.

August 14, 2022 at 11:30 am

Your suggestions and advices have been really helpful. We are leaving in 5 days so everything is pretty much booked. We skipped Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Konya and are doing Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya and back to Istanbul. As I had mentioned earlier, going to Cappadocia with our toddler doesn’t make much sense and Pamukkale and Konya were too hectic. I just want some final suggestions. In Istanbul we have 3 full days in the beginning and another 3 full days at the end. I was wondering how to split the Istanbul itinerary effectively. We want to visit as many places in the city as we can (including the cruise) since there is plenty of time but not sure how about the order. About Izmir, we are planning to do one half day in Ephesus and then visit the town of Izmir and for the next day. In Bodrum, we will mainly be relaxing and then we have two full days know Antalya. How do you suggest we go about our itineraries for each of these cities effectively without getting over-exhausted? Really looking forward to your valuable suggestions.

P.s: Also I am all nerves because this will be our first vacation as a family and don’t know what to expect from the little one😥

August 15, 2022 at 2:28 am

So glad to hear that you have decided on your itinerary and have a lot of your trip booked now. I think splitting your time between just 4 cities makes sense if traveling mostly by plane and traveling with a toddler.

Yes, given the age restrictions I mentioned, Cappadocia may not be the best place to visit now with a 2-year-old and so taking it out gives you more time in the other places.

We give suggestions for about 3 days worth of things to do in Istanbul and since you have 5 to 6 full days, I’d consider just doing them slowly over time. With a toddler, you are not going to want to try to squeeze stuff in all day, so since you have the time, you can go more slowly and be more flexible. For instance you might plan 3 hours of sightseeing after breakfast, come back to have a big break in the afternoons and then go out for a few more hours later in the day. I am not sure the order makes much difference although you’ll want to check opening dates/hours but most of the major attractions are open most days.

Izmir, I think splitting time between Ephesus and visiting the city is good. For Antalya, if you have two days, you might spend one day walking around the old city, perhaps a cable car / gondola ride for the view, and maybe a tour out to Aspendos (Roman amphitheater). Then the second day just relaxing, whether that be one of the water parks, beach, or pool. You could also consider a boat ride. But this does depend a bit on where you are staying in Antalya as the resorts are a bit spread out and many also have their own activities on offer.

I think the best thing to do to not become over-exhausted is to just plan ahead and make sure you have time for breaks in your trip each day. I would also check the weather and see how hot it will be on your trip. If it is going to be really hot on some parts of your trip, it is best to avoid being outside (especially in unshaded places) during the hottest parts of the day (usually from about noon to 5pm). This is particularly important obviously with a baby. So if doing say a tour to an ancient ruined city or amphitheater or an outdoor walking tour, these might be best done in the mornings. Then taking a break in the afternoon in your hotel or some other air-conditioned or shaded area. And then coming out again in the late afternoon or early evening.

Hope that helps, and wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey with your family!

Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota Post author

May 19, 2022 at 1:31 am

What an incredible itinerary. we are planning a road trip in Turkey of this nature. Thank you very much for sharing this information.

May 19, 2022 at 4:46 am

Hi Mr. Devkota,

Glad our Turkey itinerary and travel information is helping in planning your own road trip in Turkey. If you have any questions as you plan your trip, just ask.

Wishing you safe and fun travels!

Sid Post author

May 17, 2022 at 5:48 am

Thank you so much for this post. We are planning a 12 days trip to Turkey in Beginning the 4th of July week (aware it will be pretty hot). The places we plan to cover are Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Fethiye/Oludeniz and Pamukkale.

We were not sure which way would work best. Whether we do the circular country tour left to right (beginning with Pamukkale) or right to left (beginning with Cappadocia) from Istanbul.

Request you to please share your thoughts on the same

May 17, 2022 at 6:07 am

Glad you enjoyed our post! So it sounds like you are planning to visit most of the places we list in our 2 week Turkey itinerary on your 12 day visit. The direction you do the trip really makes no real difference as you are essentially doing a circular trip. You just want to make sure that things are in logical order based on location as you go around. So you can follow the order as we list it or you can just reverse it.

Now, it does depend of course on how you plan to get around Turkey. As it may be easier to go one direction or the other depending on available flights, bus schedules, etc. Or if you are joining a tour or hiring a driver, they will of course have a set route. But if you are driving, then you’ll rent your car in Istanbul and return it in Istanbul so it wouldn’t make much difference. The only thing you may want to check on is accommodation availability as that could sway the direction.

If all is equal, I’d personally recommend leaving Cappadocia for last. Just as the scenery there is really unique and stunning, and if doing a hot balloon flight that is something special to look forward to doing towards the end of your trip.

And yes, expect it to be hot. You will want to be prepared for the heat so just be sure to pack accordingly, protect yourself from the sun, and always have plenty of water with you. But as long as you know the temperatures and weather and are prepared, you should be OK.

If you are planning to visit in early July, I’d highly recommend booking the main parts of your trip soon, particularly any international flights, rental cars, tours, and accommodation. You will be visiting at the height of the High Season for tourism to Turkey so good to make advance bookings, especially if working with a set trip budget.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Turkey!

May 18, 2022 at 7:34 am

Thank you so much Jessica!!

ALEX THOMPSON Post author

November 16, 2021 at 4:01 am

Nice article on Turkey, it helped us a lot to explore. I am an entrepreneur by profession and a traveler by heart. Your article made our stay exciting. Very attractive information.

November 16, 2021 at 4:13 am

Thanks so much and glad you had such a wonderful trip to Turkey and that our article could help provide some helpful information.

Wishing you safe & exciting future travels!

Sandra Post author

November 16, 2021 at 3:23 am

Thank you for all your useful information. Our Turkey trip was great.

We didn’t end up staying at a big resort in Antalya but drove one hour from Antalya to Milyos Hobbit Hotel . This hotel was situated on a mountain with great views and nice staff.

We will go plan a new trip to Turkey at soon, there is so much to see!

Best regards Sandra

November 16, 2021 at 4:12 am

So happy that you found our 2 week Turkey itinerary helpful, and that you had such a wonderful trip to Turkey!

Glad you enjoyed your time in the mountains. I think a lot of people enjoy the time along the coast, but certainly, some might prefer the mountains for a more peaceful time. For those reading this, the hotel she stayed in is about an 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Antalya and the coast. So a great location for getting away in the mountains but not so great if you want to be on or near the coastal area. Can be good for car drivers but not so convenient to reach by public transit.

So glad that you are considering another trip to Turkey soon. There is so much else to see in the country, particularly in eastern Turkey!

Wishing you safe & wonderful future travels! Jessica

Jack Hall and Sam Montgomery Post author

October 26, 2021 at 8:41 am

Great and informative article on visiting Turkey for two weeks or so. We went for 18 days in 2016 in the spring. Everything was organized by toursturkey which we found online. Their agent Tujan did a wonderful, detailed job. Our itinerary was almost identical to yours, but did not include Ankara. It did include the 4 day gullet cruise out of Fethiye, which we would not have missed. All hotels and guided tours were included ( we specified top grade hotels, not luxury) and breakfasts included at the hotels. Some other meals at sites outside cities. A great trip.

October 28, 2021 at 9:18 am

Hi Jack & Sam,

So glad you enjoyed our article about traveling to Turkey! And happy to hear that you have been to Turkey back in 2016 and went to many of the places we recommend. We definitely tried to give people a sense of what they could see with 2 weeks and tried to include a variety of the most popular places in Turkey.

Yes, I think that if people have the extra time, spending some time on a gulet is really nice and my husband spent several days on one as well once as part of a tour and really enjoyed it. Most people just do a day cruise (which is a nice way to spend a day), but you can definitely see a lot more of the coast/islands if you do a multi-day cruise and stay aboard the boat. But if you only have 2 weeks, it definitely takes away some of the time that could be spent doing other things so it is something people would need to weigh the pros and cons of doing. We are lucky to have been to Turkey a few times but most people just visit once so will need to prioritize what they want to see given the big distances in the country.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on your own visit to Turkey. Perhaps you will have a chance to return to see more of the country and also explore the capital city 😉

Saleem A Bikanerwala Post author

September 2, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Extremely informative. Thank you so much. Can you kindly point me to folks who do package tours. We are interested in a 14 day tour and want to know how much it would cost. We are 16 in total.

September 3, 2021 at 1:05 am

Yes, just scroll down to the “Tours of Turkey” section of our article and we list a number of tour providers and specific tours, including one that is 14 days in length. That should get you started, but there are a number of options out there. It will depend on your budget and where you want to go.

In places like Istanbul, you can also book day tours easily as there are a lot of options. But you would want a longer guided tour to explore the rest of Turkey.

LYNETTE SANTIAGO Post author

May 19, 2021 at 6:20 am

Hello! Thank you so much for the valuable information.

I am planning on going to Turkey in June (after school is out, I am a teacher.). I live in Doha and this will be my first adventure. My husband and I want to do the road trip, starting at Istanbul and finishing the trip there as well.

Your information is so important to me. Are hostels easy to find? Do you suggest I get a sim card for the phone, so that I can use Waze and research things easily? Should I rent a car at the airport or is it ok to get a rental outside of the airport?

Thank you in advance for sharing all of your knowledge! 🙂

Best, Lynette

May 20, 2021 at 5:01 am

Hi Lynette,

So glad to hear that our 14 day Turkey itinerary has been helpful to you in planning your summer road trip in Turkey with your husband!

Yes, if you are flying into and out of Istanbul, then I’d follow the itinerary as is since it starts and ends in Istanbul. If you have less than 14 days, however, you’ll likely need to cut out some of the stops and rework the route a bit.

So hostels are easy to find in the larger cities for sure and many of the popular tourist towns. However, in smaller towns and cities, there may only be one hostel so options may be limited. But if you are on a budget, I’d also recommend checking out guesthouses, B&Bs, and budget hotels in Turkey as many offer a really good value, especially for a couple traveling together. Many of the guesthouses are not too much more expensive than a private hostel room.

If you are trying to stick to a budget for your accommodation, I’d recommend booking in advance so you know the price in advance and know where you will be staying. We list a number of hostels, guesthouses, and hotels for each place in the itinerary so you can book online in advance once you know your dates.

For the rental car, you can either rent from the airport or from Istanbul as there are rental car offices in the city as well. If you don’t need a car in Istanbul (we never use one there), you can save money by waiting to pick up your rental after you have already spent time exploring Istanbul. I’d just be sure to book your car in advance once you know your dates and where you plan to pick it up.

Yes, if your mobile phone works on the same frequency as used in Turkey and it is unlocked, you should be able to just use a local Sim card. You should be able to purchase these in many places in Istanbul or at the airport (or you can order one online before your trip). Just be sure to check the Sim card data rates. For more information about this, you can read this post about options for getting online when traveling .

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have further questions as you plan your road trip. Wishing you a safe and fun trip to Turkey!

Sylvia Dsilva Post author

May 13, 2021 at 7:16 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence,

I’m really glad to have come across your post and its helps me plan my trip to Turkey. My boyfriend and I are going to be travelling in June’21 and I would like to know if I can start my journey from Cappadocia onwards and follow the same itinerary backwards and arrive to Istanbul.

Thank you for all the answers in advance, Sylvia

May 14, 2021 at 4:25 am

First, I am happy to hear that our Turkey itinerary has been helpful to you and your boyfriend in planning your summer trip to Turkey.

I would like to just note, as you are probably already aware, that Turkey is currently in a strict lockdown due to a surge of coronavirus cases over the past few months so almost all businesses are closed and travel is very restricted. The current strict restrictions will last at least until May 17th but some restrictions are likely to remain for the near future. So I would keep watching that situation to make sure that you are able to travel in June and that the things you want to visit will be open and it is safe to travel to those areas. I would make sure that any travel plans and bookings are able to be changed or canceled or that you have good travel insurance that would cover you in the event that you were not able to travel to Turkey in June.

Now, in terms of where to start your Turkey itinerary, you can start it anywhere along the route as it is a circular route. I would probably base it on where you are entering the country. Most foreign travelers will arrive into either Istanbul or Ankara, which makes them the best places to start the trip. It might also depend on how you plan to get around the country (e.g., car, train, bus, guided tour, etc.) as routes and dates may affect your itinerary.

But yes, you can, of course, start in Cappadocia. So you can go from Cappadocia to Antalya to Fethiye, and so on, going backwards through the itinerary. Just note if you start in Cappadocia and end in Istanbul, you will have to decide what to do with the days in Ankara – you can either skip Ankara or head there from Istanbul, perhaps by train as there is a good connection between the 2 cities, and spend the 2 days there before heading back for your time in Istanbul. Then you can depart from Istanbul.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any further questions.

Shek Ahamed Shadhik Post author

March 25, 2021 at 4:49 pm

Such an amazing Itinerary. Me and my lady are planning on such a road trip experience. Is it ideal for a couple where only I will be driving the car the whole time? Also, do I have an option of airport pick up and drop at Ankara for car rentals?

March 26, 2021 at 9:06 am

Glad you found our Turkey itinerary helpful in planning your future road trip around Turkey. Yes, I think it is fine for someone driving but you also have the option of course to do public transit or take a guided tour instead. It just really depends on what you prefer and how much you want to spend behind the wheel driving as some of the distances are pretty great.

Yes, if you are arriving to Turkey through Ankara airport, you can rent your car there as there are several rental car agencies located at the airport as well as in the city center.

If starting in Ankara, I would just adjust the itinerary to start in Ankara and you can start there and then move to Istanbul and follow the itinerary until you are back in Ankara.

You don’t really need the car to explore Ankara (or Istanbul) and especially in Istanbul, I wouldn’t really recommend one. So you might want to explore Ankara and Istanbul on foot and using public transport (the 2 cities are well linked by train), and then pick up a car in Istanbul if you want to save some money on a rental car and not have to worry about parking/driving in the larger cities.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any other questions as you plan your trip.

Wishing you happy and safe travels, Jessica

Blaž Dobravec Post author

March 21, 2021 at 4:28 am

Dear Jessica & Laurence,

Me and my girlfriend are traveling to Turkey in the middle of April, we were also thinking of doing a similar route as you guys did. I have a question about the current situation about the overnight busses and the domestic planes, since there is a curfew. Are there any other restrictions?

thank you for all the answers in advance, Blaž Dobravec

March 21, 2021 at 8:57 am

Hello Blaž,

Glad that our Turkey itinerary has been helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Turkey. If you have a similar amount of time, this can be a good route to try to see some of the highlights.

Unfortunately, Turkey is seeing an increase of coronavirus cases right now and many believe that there will likely be travel restrictions throughout the Spring and perhaps the summer months as well. Many governments, including ours here in the UK, are urging people to not travel there and to cancel any non-essential travel plans there for now.

So yes, I think not only will there be restrictions regarding transport in Turkey as you are seeing, but you are likely to see a lot of travel attractions closed or with travel restrictions. A lot of bars and restaurants are currently allowed to operate with reduced capacity (I think many that are open are at 50%).

I would check the latest news and also check to see what your home country has to say about travel to Turkey. Depending on your thoughts on this information, you might want to consider rebooking your trip for a later time when things are more stable there and you are going to be more able to travel freely and visit more places. There has been a lot of speculation about another short lockdown in Turkey by multiple news outlets recently given the spiking cases which could occur during your trip.

Sorry for the bad news, but I hope it helps and encourages you to check out the latest news and restrictions in Turkey and make an informed decision regarding your travel plans. If you do still plan to go in April, I would make sure that everything you book is able to be canceled and/or you have travel insurance that would cover disruptions due to Covid-19.

Let me know if you have any further questions about planning a trip to Turkey!

Josh Clement-Sutcliffe Post author

July 18, 2020 at 5:54 am

We love Turkey and feel like you should go for at least two weeks, partly because its such a large country but also because there is so much to do! Istanbul is magnificent, I loved exploring Topkapi palace and learning about the Ottoman history

July 18, 2020 at 6:55 am

Yes, we agree! 2 weeks is a great introduction trip to Turkey to explore Istanbul and see some of the highlights of the western part of the country. If you wanted to cover the highlights of the entire country, we’d recommend adding an additional 2 weeks to your trip.

Glad you enjoyed your time in Istanbul!

Marc Forrest Post author

April 6, 2020 at 6:56 am

This is a very impressive and detailed itinerary for Turkey – very helpful indeed! My wife and I are dreaming about a tour to Turkey and we now have a good draft of what to see and do! However, one place we may want to add is a stop in Konya to see some of the spiritual places and things. Have you been ? Would this be easy to add to this itinerary? Are there tours that go there or how might be the best method?

Thanks for any help and keep up the good work. Hopefully we will all be traveling again soon once we beat COVID-19!

Keep safe! Marc

April 6, 2020 at 8:36 am

We have not visited Konya yet, but it is one of the places we’d love to see on a future visit.

If you are planning to follow our suggested Turkey itinerary, then you could stop at Konya between Antalya and Cappadocia. I would recommend adding a night in Konya to your trip so you have plenty of time to visit some of the highlights there. Or you could do a day trip from Ankara as you should be able to easily hire a guide and do a guided day tour to Konya from Ankara.

If you are driving or taking the bus between Antalya and Cappadoccia, you will drive right past Konya so it makes a convenient place to stop. It is about a 4 to 4.5 hour drive from Antalya or about 6 hours by public bus.

Once you get to Konya, there are guided tours you can join such as this one of the city highlights and this one focused on Sufism .

In terms of guided tours of Turkey that include Konya, not many of the English ones stop at Konya. However, it is a regular stop for Turkish people and people interested in Sufism and archaeological sites like Çatalhöyük. So if you want a tour that stops in Konya in English, you will likely need to book a private tour or you can just add on a private day tour from Anakara. There is this private tour that is for 12 days and includes Konya.

If you want to join a guided tour and it doesn’t include Konya, you can fly from Istanbul to Konya pretty easily and spend a couple of days there to explore Konya on your own (or join day tours around the city from there) before or after your tour. I’d probably recommend a local guide or getting a good guidebook to the sites for exploring Konya to get the most of the visit (as with many places in Turkey).

Hope that information helps, and wishing you a wonderful trip to Turkey once travel opens back up and is safe again!

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A Day in Ankara: The Top Sites of the Turkish Capital

Last Updated on: 2nd February 2022, 09:59 pm

Despite being Turkey’s capital, Ankara is seldom visited by foreign tourists. With only a handful of attractions and having only become a prominent city quite recently, it’s easy to see why. But for those touring central Turkey, Ankara has some significant landmarks and museums that are worth dedicating at least a day to see. We’ll be going over each in the following Ankara guide.

Be sure to check the end of the article for tips on accommodation and transport.

The portrait of Republic of Turkey founder Kemal Mustafa Atatürk (1881-1938) can be seen in nearly every shop and hotel throughout the country. And there’s at least one statue of him in every city. A cult of personality surrounds the man that has little parallel in today’s world outside of places like Thailand or China.

Accordingly, no corners were cut when building Atatürk’s mausoleum, known locally as Anıtkabir. Situated atop the hill of Rasattepe, the massive project was designed by architect Emil Onat. Work commenced in 1944 and took nine years to complete.

Born in Ottoman-occupied Thessaloniki, Greece, Atatürk quickly made a name for himself as Ottoman military commander. During World War I, he’s best known for defeating the Allied Powers at the Battle of Gallipoli in 1915.

Throughout the war, he also commanded armies in the Balkans, Caucasus, Syria and Palestine. And despite the Ottoman Empire’s eventual loss, Atatürk was the only general to have never suffered a defeat in World War I.

Following the war, the Allied powers were set on taking over Anatolia and dividing it amongst themselves. And while the Ottomans were willing to let that happen, Atatürk was intent on driving all the European powers out.

Disassociating himself from the Ottomans, Atatürk established the Grand National Assembly with Ankara as its capital. This greatly angered the Ottomans, and for a time the country was home to two rival governments. But due to Atatürk’s influence and reputation, he quickly gained many followers.

What followed was the Turkish War of Independence which took place between 1919-23. And upon achieving victory, Atatürk officially founded the Republic of Turkey, putting an end to the Ottoman Empire for good. He would then remain in power as president until his death in 1938.

Atatürk isn’t just remembered for his military prowess and for founding the republic, but also for the major cultural, political and economic reforms he implemented during his rule. 

He created the first modern and secular republic in the Muslim world. And to do this, he felt it necessary to rid Turkey of many aspects of the Ottoman era that he believed were holding the country back.

He looked to the West for inspiration, especially when it came to education. Math and science were emphasized by schools, and a common curriculum was implemented for the whole country. 

Atatürk also abolished the Arabic-based script used to write Turkish, replacing it with the Romanized script we see today. As a result, literacy rates increased dramatically.

Some of his major cultural reforms included granting women voting rights (though only local elections were a thing in Atatürk’s time). And quite controversially, he abolished the Islamic caliphate that had been centered in Turkey since Ottoman times.

He also abolished sharia courts and translated the Quran into Turkish for the first time.

Another controversial move was the banning of Sufism, along with the Mevlevi Order (Whirling Dervishes) which had thrived in the country since the time of Rumi .

While many of Atatürk’s reforms were popular and successful, some of his policies were confusingly contradictory. For example, while implementing major secular reforms, he also claimed Islam to be a fundamental aspect of Turkish national identity.

And while looking up to the West as a model for the new republic, he expelled most Greek and other Christian communities from the country. He even went as far as banning non-Turkish surnames, creating a homogeneous ethnostate almost overnight – at least on the surface.

What resulted was a rather confused sense of identity that persists today. On the one hand, many Turkish citizens want to be perceived as progressive and European. But they also cling strongly to their Turkish identity. And historically speaking, the Turks have long been at odds with the West.

Interestingly, despite their pre-Turkish origins, Atatürk took a great interest in the Bronze and Iron Age cultures of Anatolia, such as the Hittites and Phrygians. Accordingly, Hittite-style lion sculptures flank either side of a long ceremonial avenue near one of Anıtkabir’s entrances.

And Atatürk was surely aware of the history of the Hittite Empire when he established his new capital at Ankara. The city is in the same general region as the former Hittite capital of Hattusa . The Hittites clearly saw value in ruling from the central part of their vast empire, despite also controlling most of the coasts.

Anıtkabir also features an Atatürk museum, though it was closed at the time of my visit. There’s no shortage of Atatürk museums elsewhere throughout the country, however.

You can also walk around outside the mausoleum to enjoy the well-manicured gardens, while an on-site cafe serves snacks and tea. And there’s even a gift shop selling all sorts of Atatürk memorabilia.

Anıtkabir can be reached via the Anadolu Metro Station. But if it’s a nice day out, it can also be accessed on foot from the city center.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

For most foreign visitors, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is Ankara’s star attraction. It houses one of the best collections of archaeological artifacts in the country, and it’s the top place in the world to see ancient Hittite artifacts.

Despite its reputation, some visitors are surprised by the museum’s relatively small size. But while it may not be as big as other major museums, its atmosphere more than makes up for it. The collection is housed in a 15th-century building that functioned as a covered market in Ottoman times.

Abandoned in the 19th century, it was Atatürk’s idea to establish a museum here. But the museum wouldn’t open until 1943, several years after his death.

Before stepping inside, you can find some impressive Hittite and Greco-Roman artifacts in the surrounding garden. And upon entering, you’ll find the museum’s very oldest artifacts at the beginning.

One of the main highlights of the museum is its impressive collection of artifacts and wall paintings from the Neolithic site of Çatal Höyük. 

Easily visited as a day trip from Konya, you can learn more in our dedicated guide to the site , along with pictures of the featured items.

Another highlight is the Early Bronze Age section, which largely focuses on ancient cultures from throughout central Anatolia. Many of the most interesting artifacts come from the Hittite sites of Hattusa and Alaca Höyük , the latter of which had previously been a flourishing center of the Hattian culture.

You can learn more about both of these locations in our dedicated guides.

From around 1750-1200 BC, the Hittites controlled a huge territory which encompassed most of Anatolia and large sections of the Middle East. They even held their own militarily against the ancient Egyptians.

As one might expect, they left behind a lot of great art, including elaborate vessels, sculptures and figurines. As we’ll cover below, a separate room of the museum is entirely dedicated to stone stela from the Hittite and ‘Neo-Hittite’ civilizations.

After the fall of the Hittites, the next major group to control the territory around Anakara was the Phrygians. The Phrygians, who thrived from around 1200-700 BC, are most known today for their legendary King Midas.

The museum used to contain a large collection of Urartian artifacts as well, but only a few small displays remain. This is surely due to the recent opening of the Van Museum , where most important artifacts from Urartu are now kept.

Stepping into the ‘Hall of Stone Artifacts,’ you’ll find a spacious room comprising of carved orthostats, or stone slabs placed at the bases of walls.

While some of the carved stones date from the Bronze Age Hittite era, many of them are from centuries later. Judging from appearance alone, one would never guess. 

After the fall of the Hittite Empire in the late 12th century, numerous states emerged across Anatolia that we now refer to collectively as ‘Neo-Hittite.’ While politically independent, they carried on many of the classical Hittite artistic traditions.

Many of these Neo-Hittite states were situated in southeast Anatolia, such as Gaziantep and Malatya Provinces. Previously, during a visit to the Gaziantep Archaeology Museum , I’d seen many interesting orthostats on display from throughout that area. But there’s an even great number of pieces here in Ankara.

Also on display is the first-ever depiction of the Chimaera. While most often associated with Greek mythology, the earliest representation actually comes from eastern Turkey. Learn more in our guide to Mt. Chimaera and Olympos .

There is yet another building that’s part of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, but it was closed for renovations during my visit.

With so many quality regional museums throughout the country, this museum may not be a must-visit for everyone. But if you’re planning to visit either Hattusa or Çatal Höyük during your Turkey trip, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations shouldn’t be missed.

Nearby Museums

Nearby the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and around the base of Ankara Castle are a couple more interesting museums that are worth checking out if you have the time.

Erimtan Archaeology Museum

Though it hadn’t come up in my research, I passed by the Erimtan Archaeology Museum and just had to take a look. But what is an additional archaeology museum doing so close to what’s considered the country’s most famous?

Founded in 2015, the museum displays the private collections of a collective of archaeology enthusiasts. Many of the pieces are Anatolian in origin, but there are also a collection of foreign pieces from places like Iran.

For those with an interest in Persian culture, you’ll enjoy the artifacts from the Achaemenid Empire, along with much later pieces from the Persian Safavid era.

You’ll also find plenty of Greco-Roman artifacts and even some items from ancient Urartu. The Erimtan Archaeology Museum requires its own ticket, and it can be a little underwhelming coming from the more famous establishment next door.

But at only 10 TL, it’s worth a quick visit for many.

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

If you’re looking for a break from archaeology, the Rahmi M. Koç Museum makes for a fun visit. This quirky museum, situated in a restored caravanserai, largely focuses on antique cars and Turkish folk art.

Rahmi M. Koç has a few museums throughout the country, the most famous of which is in Istanbul. I also visited another museum situated in a restored church on  Ayvalık’s Cunda Island . But this location is noteworthy because the Koç family are Ankara natives.

Rahmi Mustafa Koç, born in 1930, is one of Turkey’s wealthiest businessmen. He was the son of Vehbi Koç, an Ankara native who started a humble family general store in 1917. 

At the time, Ankara was little more than a small provincial town. But later, upon Atatürk’s decision to make it the national capital, Vehbi decided to expand into the property sector.

Business prospered and Vehbi later founded the Koç Group. He then entered the automotive industry, bringing his young son to the Henry Ford Museum during a trip to the United States. The trip later inspired Rahmi to create similar museums throughout Turkey using his vast collection of various collector’s items.

Ankara Castle

Just in front of the museums is Ankara Castle, one of Ankara’s few significant historical sites that predates the 20th century. The earliest incarnation of the citadel was constructed by the Phrygians in the 8th century BC, and it was later restored by the Gauls who entered Anatolia from southern Europe in the 3rd century BC. 

And despite Anakara never being a city of major importance until recently, the fortress remained in place throughout Byzantine and Ottoman times.

Stepping inside the imposing gate, you’ll walk past a series of traditional structures which now function as souvenir shops for tourists. I happened to visit with a local friend who explained that the city government is hoping to make Ankara more tourist friendly. 

To accomplish this, they’re even going as far as demolishing many of the surrounding houses, with plans to build more traditional-style structures in their place.

Getting closer to the central part of the citadel, notice the interesting variety of stone used to construct the walls and towers. They were apparently usurped by the Byzantines from various Greco-Roman sites nearby.

The highlight of the structure is the large circular tower, which provides some nice views of the city. While by no means one of Turkey’s most impressive fortresses, its central location means it gets a steady stream of visitors.  

By now you’ll probably be dying to rest your legs. Luckily, the fortress area is surrounded by restaurants and coffee shops. Or you may want to hop on the subway to the Kızılay district to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at night.

Kocatepe Mosque

Given its lack of importance throughout the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, not to mention Atatürk’s push for secularism, Ankara contains few notable mosques. One major exception, however, is Kocatepe Mosque.

It’s the largest mosque in Anakara and among the largest in Turkey, not to mention the entire world. And at first glance, one would never guess that it was completed in 1987.

The structure largely took inspiration from the famous mosques of Mimar Sinan, the master Ottoman architect who lived in the 16th century. 

Interestingly, however, the original design was that of a modernist style. It then had to be altered midway due to significant controversy.

The mosque was closed during my visit, which probably had to do with the coronavirus pandemic, but the interior is said to be impressive as well.

The structure too big to take in from up close, so be sure to walk across the nearby road to appreciate it from afar.

More Things to Do in Ankara

In addition to the sites mentioned in the Ankara guide above, the city is also home to a small collection of Roman ruins. Several hundred meters north of Ulus Square is an Augustus Temple, the Column of Julian and the remains of Roman baths.

Though I’d planned to see them on my last day, it was unfortunately raining. Judging from reviews online, though, there doesn’t seem like a whole lot to see overall.

At some point during your visit, you should also check out the Kızılay district, the city’s central commercial and shopping district. This is also where you’ll find most of the city’s hotels.

Ankara is known for its restaurants that serve set meals. While the basic menu is pretty typical, after ordering the main dish they’ll bring out a large array of appetizers, salads and desserts.

Additional Info

As the Turkish capital and second largest city, getting to Ankara is easy, and you can find direct buses from just about anywhere in the country. The main bus terminal is known as AŞTİ, and it’s conveniently located along one of the metro lines.

Ankara can also be reached by rail, with direct trains to nearby cities like Konya or Eskişehir. For those coming from or traveling further east, Ankara is also connected by rail to cities like Kars , Diyarbakır and Van .

Ankara also has an airport, Esenboğa, with plenty of direct flights to cities throughout the country. It also has direct flights to various cities in Europe.

If you’re staying in a centralized location, the best way to get around Ankara is a combination of subway and on foot. As one might expect, the city has one of the better metro systems in the country which you can take to get to all of the locations in the Ankara guide above.

But Ankara is surprisingly pleasant to walk in. It’s a much more pedestrian friendly city than Istanbul , so if the weather is nice you’ll enjoy exploring the city on foot.

As one of Turkey’s largest cities, there’s no shortage of hotels to choose from in Ankara. One of the most popular places to stay would be Kızılay, the commercial heart of the city.

For those arriving and departing by bus, I would recommend  Mina 1 Hotel . It’s located one stop away, or about 10-15 minutes on foot, from Kızılay. It’s right by the Kolej metro station, which is on the same metro line as AŞTİ, the city’s main bus terminal.

As I used AŞTİ multiple times, including staying in Ankara an extra night after my trip to Hattusa, I found it very convenient to be somewhere that didn’t involve a transfer.

For the average tourist, the answer is no. Situated far from most other major cities and with only a handful of attractions, the Turkish capital isn’t quite worth going out of your way for.

However, if you’re into visiting ancient sites, the former Hittite capital of Hattusa is indeed worth traveling for. It’s a vastly underrated site that most tourists overlook despite its importance. And a visit can easily be combined with a trip to nearby Alaca Höyük.

While Ankara is a few hours away from those sites, it’s well worth spending a night or two in town on the way in order to see the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. And you’ll also have plenty of time to see the other locations mentioned in the above Ankara guide.

While the Turkish government isn’t quite as extreme as China when it comes to online censorship, you’ll probably want a decent VPN before your visit.

I’ve tried out a couple of different companies and have found  ExpressVPN  to be the most reliable.

Booking.com is currently banned in the country (at least when you search for domestic accommodation). However, there are actually quite a few Turkish hotels listed on there anyway. And many them don’t even appear on Hotels.com, which hasn’t been banned.

Over the course of my trip, I ended up making quite a few reservations with Booking.com and was really glad I had a VPN to do so.

Another major site that’s banned is PayPal. If you want to access your account at all during your travels, a VPN is a must.

While those are the only two major sites that I noticed were banned during my trip, Turkey has even gone as far as banning Wikipedia and Twitter in the past.

Update May 10, 2024

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U.S. Embassy Ankara, Turkey - ANK

Please follow the steps below before  your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.

Step 1: Register your appointment online

You need to register your appointment online. Registering your appointment provides us with the information we need to return your passport to you after your interview. Registration is free. Click the “Register” button below to register. Each passport holder applying for a visa must register their passport pickup location with Turkish Post (PTT) before coming to the Embassy at: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv or calling +90-850 390 2884 (or 703-520-2490 from inside the United States).   

Register >>

Step 2: Get a medical exam in Turkey

As soon as you receive your appointment date, you must schedule a medical exam in Turkey. Click the “Medical Exam Instructions” button below for a list of designated doctors’ offices in Turkey. Please schedule and attend a medical exam with one of these doctors before your interview.

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 3: Complete your pre-interview checklist

It is important that you bring all required original and translation documents to your interview. We’ve created a checklist that will tell you what to bring. Please carefully review the checklist and interview Guideline before your interview to avoid any delays.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Additional Instructions for Iranian Applicants >>

Step 4: Review interview guidelines

Read our interview guidelines to learn about any special actions that you need to take before your visa interview.

Interview Guidelines >>

Medical Exam Instructions

All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, are required to undergo a medical examination by one of the medical doctors or clinics on the following list. Only a physician accredited by the U.S. Embassy can perform this exam. Medical examination results from other physicians are not accepted.

It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam with one of the doctors listed below before your interview at the U.S. Embassy.  Failure to complete your medical exam before your visa interview may result in processing delays.

Each applicant is required to show his/her passport as identification at each step of the medical examination process. In some cases, an applicant may need a follow-up examination.

Once the medical exam is completed, the panel physician will electronically send the medical report to the Immigrant Visa Unit.

Note: Fiancé(e), Diversity and Following-to-join Asylee visa applicants receive a sealed medical report which should not be opened prior to the interview.

Medical exam instructions can be found at: tr.usembassy.gov

Approved Physicians:

Dr. Mehmet Ungan Dr. Handan Ungan Atatürk Bulvarı 237/44-45, Ankara Emails: [email protected] , [email protected] , or [email protected] Website: www.doctorun.com Hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00-19:00, Saturday: 9:00-13:00

Items to bring to your medical examination

The doctor will need the following items to complete the medical exam forms:

• Your visa interview appointment letter.
• Your passport.
• Two (2) recently taken passport-sized color photographs.
• A copy of your immunization records (medical records from Iran will not be accepted). 
• If you suffer from a chronic illness, have been treated for any disease, ever had any important operation, or are under psychiatric care, doctors recommend you present your medical file during examination.
• If you are using medicine, bring their names or the boxes of your medicine.
• If you use eyeglasses, bring your glasses with you.
• For women who are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant): Applicants are required to have a chest x-ray. Please be aware that if you prefer not to have a chest x-ray your medical report cannot be completed until the end of your pregnancy. Please consult your obstetrician or physician regarding any health concerns on this subject. When you go to the panel physician’s office for your medical exam, bring a written document from your doctor detailing your decision.
• DS-260 confirmation page.  

Charges for the physical examination and other required tests are to be paid by the visa applicant directly to the examining physician’s practice. Total standard fee is $270, which includes the blood test, urine test, chest x-ray, gonorrhea testing and the physical examination. If further testing is needed additional fees my apply, like sputum smears and culture testing for TB, drug screening test, pregnancy test, etc. Vaccination fee varies from $20 to $200 depending on age and vaccines required.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants ages two (2) years to fourteen (14) years of age must undergo the medical examination at least four (4) work days prior to their scheduled appointment at the embassy. Failure to do so may result in processing delays or rescheduling of initial appointment.

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During the medical exam

The medical examination will include a medical history review, physical examination, and (for applicants 15 years of age or older) chest x-ray, gonorrhea test, blood test and urine test.  Please be prepared to discuss your medical history, medications you are taking, and current treatments you are undergoing. More information on general medical requirements for U.S. immigrants is available on the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website .

U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa. Instructions and procedural guides direct panel physicians who conduct immigrant visa medical examinations to verify that applicants have met the vaccination requirement, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive them. Current immigrant vaccination requirements are available on  the CDC website . You can also read  Frequently Asked Questions about medical examination requirements online.

In order to assist the panel physician and avoid delays in the processing of your visa, all immigrant visa applicants should have their vaccination records available for the panel physician’s review at the time of the medical examination.  Visa applicants should consult with their regular health care provider to obtain a copy of their immunization record, if available. If you do not have a vaccination record, the panel physician will work with you to determine which vaccinations you may need to meet the requirement.  Certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of the panel physician.  Only the panel physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical condition.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Immunization records and other test results from Iran will not be accepted.

After the medical exam

When your examination is completed, the doctor will either provide you with exam results in a sealed envelope or send them directly to the U.S. Consulate. IF GIVEN AN ENVELOPE TO CARRY TO YOUR INTERVIEW,  DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE. Instead, bring it to your visa interview.

Any x-rays taken will be given to you on a CD. You DO NOT need to bring the CD to your visa interview unless you suffer from tuberculosis. However, you must carry the x-rays with you when you travel to the United States for the first time.

The panel physician will give you a copy of Form DS-3025, which is U.S. Department of State vaccination documentation worksheet. An original will be in your sealed medical package to take to the embassy. Please DO NOT lose your copy of the vaccination documentation sheet. You should make several copies of your Form DS-3025 vaccination sheet because various U.S. authorities will need it after you arrive in the country.

Your medical report must be less than six (6) months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant. The validity of your visa will be limited to the validity of your medical report. Medical reports classified as “Class B1 (TB)” are valid for three (3) months from the date the doctor signed the report. All other medical reports classified as “No apparent disease or defects” are valid for six (6) months after the doctor’s signature date. Expiration date of your medical examination is on the right upper corner of the four-language information sheet attached to your medical package. 

If your case is subject to further administrative processing, or if the processing of your file is delayed due to missing documents, the medical report may expire before your visa is issued. In that case, you would be required to renew all components of the examination and submit a new medical report to our office before you receive your visa.

Pre-Interview Checklist

Please refer to the list at: https://tr.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/pre-interview-checklist/ to identify the documents that you must upload to your online application and/or bring with you to the interview. To help avoid delays or a refusal, make sure that you carefully review the interview guidelines for your immigrant visa category and follow the instructions. 

The National Visa Center attempts to collect documents for all files assigned to Ankara. Some files take an extended amount of time, and some documents can expire before your visa interview. In that case, you must bring (and for electronic PIVOT cases upload) updated documents to your interview. 

Remarks **Uploading/Scanning Documents: If your case is electronic/paperless (PIVOT), all required documents listed below must also be uploaded/scanned to your file in the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at https://ceac.state.gov/IV . Failure to upload these documents will cause processing delays. If you need guidance on uploading/scanning your documents, instructions can be found at: https://tr.usembassy.gov .

Please visit the Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country to learn more on the civil documents for each country how to obtain them. 

Pre-appointment Document Checklist

For Immigrant Visa Applicants: Complete the DS-260 “Immigrant Visa Electronic Application Form” for each applicant (spouse, children, etc.). The DS-260 is available at: https://ceac.state.gov/iv/default.aspx  

By filling out Form DS-260 (the online immigrant visa application form) accurately and completely, the process will be faster. The applicant's entire employment history is needed, not just the past 10 years. Responses such as "retired" or "self- employed" without an explanation of where the applicant worked will lead to delays. In addition, exact dates of every trip (not just the year) to the United States must be provided. If the applicant stayed more than 6 months in the United States on a tourist visa, he/she must bring to the interview proof that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted an extension of stay. Administrative processes can take six months or more. 

Reminder: IR-5 visas (parents of U.S. Citizens) are for individuals only. Separate files and documents are required for each parent. Children under age 21 of IR-5 applicants do not qualify to immigrate on their parent's petition. 

• A copy of your NVC interview letter (does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).
• Unexpired passport valid for six (6) months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States. 
• Previous passport with valid US. nonimmigrant visa,  if applicable.
• Two (2) color passport-size photographs of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2 inch x 2 inch).  Please review our online photo requirements . For PIVOT (electronic) cases, please bring one per each applicant.   
• Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv .
• The applicant must obtain an original or certified copy of their birth certificate and those of any family member immigrating with the applicant.  
• Diversity Visa (DV), Fiancée Visa (K1/K2), Following to join asylees (V92), Following to join refugees (V93) - Medical examination results in a sealed envelope. Other visa categories will be sent directly to the Embassy.
• Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).

Applicants who fall into any category below should bring these additional documents:

For family-based visa applications:  

• The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support sponsor (if it has not already been submitted to National Visa Center) for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript OR their most recent U.S. federal income tax return and corresponding W-2s.  
• Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card).  
• Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary. Evidence varies by visa type. If the petitioner is a parent, child, or sibling, bring an original birth certificate with a translation and a photocopy to verify this relationship. For marriage-based or fiancée visas please bring photographs, letters, emails or any other evidence to support your relationship.
• If you are married:   Your original marriage certificate. A certificate is required for all marriages, including those that have been terminated.  
• If the applicant is applying for an IR5 or an F4 visa:   They must bring the original or certified copy of the petitioner’s birth certificate. 
• If you were previously married:   Your original final legal divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment papers. 
• If you are under 14 years of age:   An original power of attorney signed by the petitioner. The power of attorney must be notarized and contain either the passport number or national ID number of the visa applicant.
• If you are older than 16 years of age:  The original police certificate from your country of current residence and countries of previous residence. If these three items are all true, you must bring a more recent police certificate to the interview:

1. You are older than 16 years;

2. You obtained a police certificate more than two years ago; and

3. You still live in the country that issued the police certificate.

If any applicant has lived in any other foreign country for more than 12 months, where a police certificate is available or was arrested for any reason, regardless of how long they lived there, a police certificate is also required from that country. Please visit travel.state.gov for information regarding other country police certificates.

For employment-based visa applications:  Letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.

If you have ever been convicted of a crime:  Court and criminal records, and a photocopy. If any applicant has been arrested, charged, convicted, or imprisoned in any country, you must obtain a certified copy of each court record and any prison record. Court records should include complete information regarding the circumstance surrounding the crime of which you were convicted and the disposition of the case, including sentence or other penalty or fine imposed. If the court document(s) is not in English, applicants should provide an English translation.

If you have served in any country’s military:   If the applicant has ever served in the military of any country, they must obtain an original or certified copy of their military record. If the applicant is exempted, they must obtain an original or certified copy of their exemption.

If you are adopted and the application to immigrate is based on a parent-child relationship: Applicants must submit the following:

• An original or certified copy of the adoption decree.  

• The legal custody decree if custody occurred before adoption.  

• A statement showing dates and places where the applicant resided with the adoptive parent(s); and

• If the applicant was adopted when ages 16 or 17, evidence that they were adopted with, or after, the adoption of a natural sibling under the age of 16 by the same adoptive parents.  

If you are the petitioner’s stepchild:   The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent. If the petitioner or applicant’s natural parent was previously married, the applicant must obtain evidence of the termination of every prior marriage.

If you are applying for a K Visa: After receiving notice of your case being sent to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, please send an email to [email protected] and provide the beneficiary's email address, full name, and case number for timely processing of your application.  

Interview Guidelines

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

If you are unable to attend your appointment, you may request to reschedule your immigrant visa appointment 24 hours after the interview date passes through  https://ais.usvisa-info.com . After you register your original appointment date on this web site please click on "group actions" menu and select "Missed my appointment" and "send request". Once we approve your request, we will provide you further instructions.  If you are unable to attend your original appointment there may be a significant delay before the next available appointment .  

Please note: You need to register your original NVC/KCC appointment online before you can reschedule it. Rescheduling is only possible on a date after your assigned appointment.

If you already have a scheduled appointment and need to request an earlier appointment due to a medical or humanitarian emergency, please log into your account at the official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service site https://ais.usvisa-info.com and select “Request Expedite” under “Group Actions” and detail the emergency.  

For some family-based and employment preference visa categories, a visa became available within the month you have been scheduled by NVC.

DV applicants should note that visas are numerically limited and must be issued by September 30 of the program year. There is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview. Please carefully consult the Visa Bulletin before you decide to reschedule your interview

Updating required interview documents

The National Visa Center attempts to collect documents for all files assigned to Ankara. Some files take an extended amount of time and some documents can expire before your visa interview. In that case, you need to bring updated documents to your interview. Police certificates are NOT required from Iran. However, please note that documents related to military service in Iran are required. 

If your case is electronic (PIVOT), you also need to scan/upload the required documents to your file in the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at  https://ceac.state.gov/IV , your CEAC account on https://ceac.state.gov/ceac/ . To see the uploading/scanning tips, please review the instructions on: https://tr.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/Uploading-to-CEAC-instructions.pdf

Security screening procedure

All visitors to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara must follow certain security procedures. Any visitor who declines to be screened by U.S. Embassy security personnel will be unable to enter the embassy. To avoid delaying your entry and that of those in line behind you, please bring only what is required for your interview. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment. Please read the US Mission Access Policy before you come to the Embassy. Please do not bring any prohibited items with you

Accompanying persons

The following persons may accompany a visa applicant to their interview: 

• Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring ONE person to help if they are elderly, disabled, or a minor child. 
• Interpreters/Translators:   Interviews are conducted in English, Turkish and Farsi.  If you require your interview in another language, you must bring a sworn translator who is certified by a Turkish Notary Public on the day of your interview. The translator must speak English and your native language. Please note that as of March 13, 2023, only English-speaking interpreters/translators will be accepted. Please provide your interpreter's full name, date of birth, copy of his/her ID card/passport bio page and copy of his/her translator certification by sending an email to https://forms.gle/42fn69ZosC2SHphm6 48 hours before your interview. Please make sure that your interpreter brings his/her original documents. Petitioners or family members (unless they are also applying for visa with you as a derivative applicant), cannot act as a translator. 

Attorneys and petitioners are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview without prior approval from the consular section.

Immigrant visa fees

If you have not paid all required fees to either the National Visa Center or via the appointment website, please be prepared to pay these fees on the day of your interview. 

All fees may be paid either in U.S. dollars or Turkish Lira via cash or credit card. Please bring exact change for each applicant. This fee is non-refundable, whether a visa is issued or not. 

Please note that if you are found ineligible to receive a visa, the application fee cannot be refunded. You can find a complete list of fees at Fees for Visa Services .

Do not make travel plans to leave Turkey

If your visa is approved, we will keep your passport at the embassy while we prepare your immigration packet and print a visa for your passport.

Please note If your case is electronic/paperless:  Previously all first-time immigrant travelers to the United States were required to hand-carry an Immigrant Visa (IV) packet and present it at the U.S. Port of Entry to the Customs and Border Protection authorities. In 2017, the Department of State began to use an online application center to collect, review, and process the required documents previously contained in the IV packet. IV packets are now transmitted electronically to Customs and Border Protection and are accessible at the U.S. Port of Entry.  Any immigrant traveler carrying a visa with a special annotation (IV Docs in CCD) is not required to hand-carry an IV packet. We will return your passport to you later via Turkish Postal Office (PTT) courier services only to your registered PTT branch If you have to travel within Turkey while your passport is with us, please make sure you have a valid picture ID other than your passport. 

A consular officer can make a decision on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not sell your house, car or property, resign from your job or make non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.

If more infomation is needed

Sometimes a consular officer is unable to make a decision on a visa application because he/she needs to review additional documents, or the case requires further administrative processing. When additional documents are requested, the consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents. The letter will include instructions on how to send those documents to the embassy.

If your application was denied because documentation or information is missing, you can provide the missing documents or information as soon as possible. After submitting the documentation, your visa application can then be processed to conclusion to determine whether you qualify for a visa. You have one year from the date you were refused a visa to submit the additional information. Otherwise, if you do not provide the required additional information within one year, you must reapply for the visa and pay another application fee. 

If your application requires further administrative processing, this takes additional time after your interview. Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances

After Your Visa Interview

Sending documents to the U.S. Embassy in Ankara after the interview

Please send all of the missing documents along with your passports at once as soon as possible. 

Documents may be submitted to the U.S Embassy via any courier service and must also be uploaded/scanned to your file in the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at https://ceac.state.gov/IV , for electronic/paperless cases. If you need help uploading your documents, please see the instructions at https://tr.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/91/Uploading-to-CEAC-instructions.pdf .

If you are registered with Turkish Postal Office (PTT), you may send documents via PTT. For more information on courier services, please visit our consular service provider at: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv/information/courier .  

If you need to upload any missing document, please do not request document review via e-mail unless you submitted all of the required documents and passport. 

If your case requires further administrative processing, please send all of the missing documents along with your valid passport after receiving processing completed confirmation via email from the Embassy. 

Once you provide the documents, a consular officer will review your case to ensure each applicant meets eligibility and admissibility criteria. You will receive a decision as soon as the reviewing is completed. 

If you already submitted additional documents for your case as requested by the Embassy, please note that it takes an average of 5-10 business days for a consular officer to reassess your case.  Due to the volume of mail received,  you will not be notified of receipt of your documents unless we require additional information.  Please refrain from sending multiple emails with the same inquiry.  Once the additional information is evaluated, we will notify you of required further steps. 

For any questions regarding the return of your passport or change of selected delivery option, please contact our Visa Service Provider at: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv/information/contact_us . Further information on document delivery is available at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/iv/information/courier .   

Administrative Process

We will place your immigrant visa on a page in your passport. Please review your visa to make sure there are no spelling errors. If applicable, we will also give you a sealed envelope containing documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time. Do not open this envelope. You must carry it with you; do not put it in your checked luggage.  If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, carry those with you and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities. 

Please note if your case is electronic/paperless:  The Department of State began to use an online application center to collect, review, and process the required documents previously contained in the IV packet. IV packets are now transmitted electronically to Customs and Border Protection and are accessible at the U.S. Port of Entry.  Any immigrant traveler carrying a visa with a special annotation (IV Docs in CCD) is not required to hand-carry an IV packet.     

USCIS Immigrant Fee – All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. The only people exempt from paying this fee are: children entering the United States under the Hague Process, returning residents, and people traveling on a K visa. Please refer to USCIS Immigrant Fee to make the payment.

When You Should Travel – You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually six months from the date of your medical exam. Your visa cannot be extended and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Children who turn 21 years after visa issuance must enter the United States before they turn 21 years old; otherwise they will lose their immigrant status. 

Getting a Green Card – Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States that you write in your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. Do not travel outside of the United States until you receive your Permanent Resident Card. Once your card is issued, you should not stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do, you will lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident. 

Children’s Issues – Children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school in the United States. Therefore, we recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. Additionally, if your child is adopted, you have full custody as a result of a divorce, or you share custody with the child’s other parent, we recommend that you bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custodial papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will likely need these papers (translated into English) in the United States for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.

Information for New Immigrants – Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States. You can read their publication https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-618.pdf  "Welcome to the  United States: A Guide for New Immigrants".

Diversity Visa Applicants - Additional Information

If you are interviewing for a Diversity Visa (DV), all of the above instructions apply to you. Please schedule and attend a medical examination prior to your visa interview; enroll in the required courier service; and gather the required documents. For more detailed explanation of qualification criteria and required documents please refer to “Instructions for Diversity Visas” at https://tr.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/visa-packages-forms/

Below are additional instructions that apply only to DV applicants. 

Bring to your interview

In addition to the documents listed on the Pre-Interview Checklist in this package, DV applicants should also bring the following items to your visa interview:

• Appointment information printed from the “Entrant Status Check” on the E-DV website .
• Documents showing that you have either a qualifying high school education OR have two years of qualifying work experience in the last five (5) years immediately prior to application (for the principal applicant only; more information is available on our  Diversity Visa Process webpage ).

Proof of finances (assets, savings, job offer in the U.S. or U.S. citizen sponsor)   I-134 Affidavit of Support – In order to demonstrate qualification for entry at the time of visa adjudication, diversity visa applicants must demonstrate to a consular officer that they possess the financial resources to pay for reasonably foreseeable living and medical costs. Visa applicants must establish that they would not become a public charge after entering the United States. That determination is based on a consular officer’s assessment of the totality of the circumstances, including the age; health; family status; assets, resources, and financial status; and education and skills. Diversity Visa application fee: Please bring exact change in the amount of $330 U.S. dollars per applicant. You can pay in cash in TL or U.S. dollars, or by credit card. This fee is non-refundable, whether a visa is issued or not.

Review your DV Lottery entry

Prior to your visa interview, we recommend that you review the data on your initial E-DV entry. On your initial E-DV application, you must have correctly entered your marital status. If you are legally married you must have listed your spouse, even if you are currently separated from him/her (unless your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident). Additionally, you must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country.

Primary applicants must have either a high school decree or two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform/an occupation in Job Zone 4 has an SVP range of 7.0 to < 8.0 (7.0 to less than 8.0). O*Net Online. This information and links were provided in your DV appointment letter. 

If you do not meet one of these criteria or found ineligible for an immigrant visa on another ground, your application will be denied, and your application fee(s) will not be refunded. 

COMMON DISQUALIFIERS INCLUDE:

• Providing inaccurate biographic information (name, date of birth, place of birth, passport number) at the time of entering the DV Lottery, 

• Failure to list spouse and all children at the time of entering the DV Lottery. You must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country, 

• Failure to choose a “Foreign State of Chargeability” to which you are not eligible at the time of entering the DV Lottery - For example, you were born in Iran, and you chose Turkey as your country of eligibility

• Failure to overcome public charge (e.g., you must provide evidence that you will not require U.S. government assistance during your transition to the United States) 

You can review the eligibility requirements at  Diversity Visa Process webpage .

This information is designed to prevent common problems faced by Iranian applicants. It is not a list of visa requirements.

Children’s issues

If a one-time-only exit stamp can be obtained for the child applicant, contact the embassy before the interview to make sure the file is complete to avoid a possibly lengthy wait in Turkey.

Last Updated: 3/21/2023

Contact Information

U.S. Embassy Ankara 1480 Sokak No. 1 Çukurambar Mahallesi 06530 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye

Other Links

Diversity Visa Instructions After Your Interview Frequently Asked Questions Turkey Document Guide

Interview Preparation Video

External Link

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Home > How To Get From Ankara To Istanbul (& Istanbul To Ankara)

How To Get From Ankara To Istanbul (& Istanbul To Ankara)

Written by our local expert Mehmet

Mehmet is digital nomad who was born in Istanbul, Türkiye and now calls the Balkans region his home-office.

Discover the best ways to travel from Ankara to Istanbul and vice versa. Whether you’re looking for a quick Ankara to Istanbul flight, prefer to sit back and relax on a scenic train journey, or choose the affordability of a bus, we’ve got all the travel options covered.

Find the best route to suit your needs, including the convenience of flying, the comfort of train travel, or the cost-effectiveness of a bus.

With our guide, you can effortlessly find the option that best suits you, ensuring a smooth journey between these two vibrant cities. So, whether you fly, take a train, or board a bus, prepare for an enjoyable travel experience tailored just for you.

Ankara and Istanbul are two of Turkey’s most important cities. Many people confuse the two and assume that Istanbul is the capital, but that’s not the case! Ankara is Türkiye’s capital city, while Istanbul is the largest and one of the most important cities overall.

There are many reasons why people would want to travel between Istanbul and Ankara, primarily for business. However, Istanbul is, without a doubt, one of Turkey’s most popular tourist spot s, and there is so much to see and do there.

If you’re traveling to Türkiye , you might want to know how to get from Ankara to Istanbul or, indeed, from Istanbul to Ankara. In that case, there are a few options you can go for. One of the most efficient is, without a doubt, traveling by train.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

From Istanbul To Ankara By Train And Get From Ankara To Istanbul

Aside from flying, the fastest and easiest way to take a trip from Ankara to Istanbul and then back in the other direction is to travel by train.

The distance between Istanbul and Ankara by train is 352km, and there is a high-speed train that travels between the two cities several times per day. Trains are very modern and have plenty of legroom, comfortable seats, and enough space for your luggage . The train also takes a pretty scenic route, so you get to see the best of the country as you’re relaxing en route.

Learning how to go from Istanbul to Ankara by train or in the other direction, from Ankara to Istanbul by train, isn’t complicated for a tourist or someone unfamiliar with the country.

You can easily book Ankara Istanbul high-speed train tickets online , and the site is in English and Turkish. You can also visit a train station and book your tickets with the person behind the desk.

Trains run from Ankara Central Station four times per day to Istanbul’s Sirkeci Railway Station on the European side—the  Ankara to Istanbul train times between 7 am, with another service at 10 am. In the afternoon, trains depart at 4 pm and 5 pm. If you want to travel from Istanbul to Ankara by train, there are another four services per day via TCDD, which is the Turkish railway system.

Traveling by train basically means that you can sit down and relax, knowing that you’re saving time . The Ankara to Istanbul train time is around 5.5 hours, while in the opposite direction, from Istanbul train station to Ankara, you’re looking at just over 4.5 hours.

Booking Your Bus Ticket

We recommend you book your ankara & istanbul bus trips here., travel by plane from istanbul to ankara & fly from ankara to istanbul.

If you want to fly, that’s a good option too. Every day, there are countless flights from Ankara to Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the European side .

1h Time To Fly

The flight time is just over 1 hour, and you can purchase tickets online or directly at the airport. Although, do bear in mind that if you leave it until the day of travel, you’ll probably end up paying more.

If you want to travel from Istanbul to Ankara, flying is probably easier in terms of getting to the airport than the train station. Istanbul is huge and extremely busy . If you’re nowhere near Sirkeci Railway Station, it’s always going to be easier to get on the bus to the airport instead . However, it’s an option you can choose.

Top Airline Choices (Several Direct Flights A Day)

The popular airlines that you can choose from include:

Turkish Airlines

As Turkey’s national flag carrier, Turkish Airlines offers numerous flights daily between Istanbul Airport (IST) and Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB). They also operate flights from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul to Ankara.

Pegasus Airlines (Cheapest)

Known for budget-friendly options, Pegasus Airlines operates cheap flights from Ankara & Istanbul from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul and Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)

A subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet offers cost-effective flights primarily from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), serving as a budget-friendly alternative with good coverage.

Ankara Esenboga Airport is around half an hour away from the city center, and you can connect via taxi or bus with ease. In Istanbul, there are Havas buses that will take you to the airport regularly throughout the day, regardless of which airport you’re flying to/from. You can also book a private transfer. 

Travel By Bus From Ankara To Istanbul & Bus Connections To Istanbul

The other option is to travel by bus. If you’re not pressed for time, the bus is an excellent way to sit back and chill out. The journey is around 6.5 hours by bus, and you will stop a few times along the way. However, buses are a relatively cheap way to travel , so this is the most commonly used option.

Long-distance buses in Turkey are very high quality. You’ll find comfortable seats, a good amount of legroom, snacks, and refreshments en route, several bathroom stops, and Internet on the bus .

Kamil Koc and Pamukkale run the main services. Tickets can be purchased online, and you can travel to any of the main sites in i̇stanbul . There is one main stop in Ankara, at the central Ankara bus station, but you can travel to the  European or Asian sides of Istanbul , depending upon where you need to be.

As you can see, traveling from Ankara to Istanbul and then back again is pretty straightforward. It really depends on how you want to get from Ankara to Istanbul and vice versa.

For the quickest option, nothing beats flying between Ankara and Istanbul, while if you want to see some Turkish scenery, the best way to travel from Istanbul to Ankara is probably by train. Buses, on the other hand, are arguably the cheapest choice.

Brands We Use And Trust

Traveling between ankara and istanbul frequently asked questions, what are the transportation options from ankara to istanbul.

Common transportation options include high-speed trains, long-distance buses, domestic flights, and car rentals.

How long does it take to travel from Ankara to Istanbul by high-speed train?

The high-speed train journey from Ankara to Istanbul takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, making it a convenient and time-saving option.

Are there direct flights from Ankara to Istanbul?

Yes, there are direct flights between Ankara and Istanbul operated by various airlines. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Is it recommended to book transportation in advance?

It is advisable to book transportation, especially train tickets and flights, in advance to secure your preferred travel times and avoid last-minute availability issues.

Can I rent a car to travel from Ankara to Istanbul?

Yes, car rentals are available, and driving offers flexibility to explore the route at your own pace. The journey by car takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

What are some places to visit along the way from Ankara to Istanbul?

While traveling between Ankara and Istanbul , you can consider stopping at places like Eskişehir, Bursa, or the historic city of Iznik.

How far is Istanbul from Ankara?

Istanbul is approximately 450 kilometers (280 miles) away from Ankara when traveling by road.

How long does it take to get from Istanbul to Ankara?

The travel time from Istanbul to Ankara by high-speed train is around 3.5 to 4 hours. By flight, it takes approximately 1 hour.

How much does it cost to get from Istanbul to Ankara?

The cost of transportation from Istanbul to Ankara varies depending on the mode of travel. Train tickets may range from X to X, while flight tickets can cost X to X.

What Airlines fly from Istanbul to Ankara?

Several airlines offer flights between Istanbul and Ankara, including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AnadoluJet.

While traveling between Ankara and Istanbul, you can consider stopping at places like Eskişehir, Bursa, or the historic city of Iznik.

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C Raja Mohan writes | With Mohamed Muizzu’s India-out policy, Turkey’s inroads into Maldives

Smaller states in the region have gone from being ‘pawns’ in fights between india and china, to using the big powers as ‘pawns’ in internal politics. delhi must tread cautiously, engage with internal politics in the country, manage ankara.

The international evolution of the Maldives has long been framed in terms of the entrenched geopolitical rivalry between India and China. The new president of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has muddied that framework by choosing Turkey as his first foreign destination.

That Ankara is Muizzu’s first destination underlines the recent pattern of significant swings in foreign policy with every change of government. It is tempting to view the shift in the strategic orientation of the Maldives under Muizzu as a natural inclination of small countries to diversify their security partnerships. But more is at play in the Maldives.

Smaller states of the Subcontinent are becoming attractive geopolitical targets not only for the US, China and Russia but also for middle powers like Turkey. Muizzu’s visit is also a reminder of Turkey’s growing strategic footprint in the Subcontinent and rising geopolitical friction between Delhi and Ankara.

What does this mean for India, which has invested much diplomatic, political, and financial energy in reinforcing its primacy in the Subcontinent? The answer depends on understanding three imperatives that are producing structural changes in the geopolitics of the Subcontinent.

First is the recognition of the growing political agency of the elites, even in the smallest of our neighbours. Contrary to the popular narrative, the small states in the Subcontinent are not mere “pawns” in the great power rivalries, including those between Delhi and Beijing.

As the strategic value of the smaller countries — for example, the critical location of the Maldives straddling the Sea Lines of Communication in the Indian Ocean — for the major powers becomes explicit, the local elites have learnt to play the external powers against each other.

If Abdulla Yameen, the president of Maldives from 2013-18, ostentatiously played the China card against Delhi, his successor, Ibrahim Solih, swung the other way with his “India first” policy. Muizzu rode the campaign of “India Out” to claim power in the last general elections held in September. He is signalling the determination to increase Male’s political distance from Delhi.

The external powers can now be seen as the “pawns” in the internal squabbles of the small states. Purists will say violent swings in foreign policy are not good for any country — small or big. But when the stakes in leveraging “external” power politics for winning “internal” power struggles become high, national interest and stable foreign policy are the last considerations on the minds of competing sections of the elite.

A second change in the regional environment is the fact that rising middle powers can now match the major powers in their ability to deliver favours to the local elites. Over the last decade, Iran, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have all demonstrated the will and capability to act as external patrons — political, economic and military — to competing political factions in various states located in Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

Third, Turkey remains an underestimated power in the Indian strategic discourse despite its growing assertiveness in our extended neighbourhood, including Africa, the Mediterranean, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Subcontinent.

Erdogan has leveraged Turkey’s multiple identities to pursue his expansive geopolitical ambitions. Turkey is a founding member of the NATO alliance and straddles a critical location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It is a critical regional power in the Middle East, a self-proclaimed champion of Islamic and Turkic causes across Eurasia, and a dominant military power in the Black Sea and the Caucasus.

To the extent that India viewed Turkey seriously, it was through the lens of Pakistan. Turkey’s considerable goodwill for the Indian national movement in the first half of the 20th century was transferred mainly to Pakistan after the Partition and Independence in 1947. Since then, Ankara and Delhi have struggled to build a productive political relationship.

Matters have become a little more complicated under Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has dominated Turkey’s political landscape for the last two decades. He has intensified Turkey’s diplomatic and political support for Islamabad on Kashmir. Even as he turned the traditional partnership with Pakistan into a trilateral alliance with Azerbaijan, Erdogan has sought to raise Turkey’s profile in Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

Getting Muizzu to travel to Ankara on his first foreign visit underlines the success of Turkey’s foray into the island states of the Indian Ocean. This is not a diplomatic bolt out of the blue. Last year, the Turkish foreign minister made the first-ever visit to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and laid the basis for deeper engagement.

Turkey has now stepped in to seize the strategic possibilities opened by Muizzu’s plan to turn Maldives away from India. Erdogan rolled out the red carpet in Ankara for Muizzu, accompanied by his foreign, trade, defence ministers and other senior officials. Turkey’s ambition to draw the Maldives into its Islamic orbit figured prominently in the visit. It remains to be seen if Ankara’s regional Islamist partners, like Doha and Islamabad, will follow Turkey into the Maldives.

Besides a bilateral trade agreement that was signed in their presence, Muizzu and Erdogan have reportedly discussed a range of other areas of cooperation, including defence. Turkey, with its flourishing arms industry, is well-placed to deliver significant military assistance to the Maldives as Muizzu pushes to end defence cooperation with India.

Where does that leave India?

While near-term setbacks for India in the Maldives seem inevitable, Delhi must necessarily remain patient in engaging with the critical neighbour. India’s long-term bet in the Maldives must focus on four elements.

One is the importance of India’s geographic proximity to the Maldives. This is unlikely to change despite the frequent shifts in the Maldives’ foreign policy.

Second, India needs more and not less engagement with the domestic politics of the Maldives. The recent election in Maldives has shown that small changes in the domestic balance of power can produce major changes in the external orientation of Maldives. There is nothing to suggest that the current internal dynamic in the Maldives is immune to change.

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Third, India must work with its like-minded partners in the Gulf to prevent any potential destabilisation of the Maldives by Turkey. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have often been at the receiving end of Erdogan’s regional assertiveness and have a stake in preventing the Maldives from being sucked into a Turkish sphere of influence.

Finally, as Turkey advances into the Maldives, Delhi can’t adopt a defensive strategy limited to South Asia. Turkey’s rise is real, and its impact on the Subcontinent will continue to grow. Delhi needs a more active posture in Ankara’s neighbourhood to improve India’s position in the intensifying geopolitical joust with Turkey.

The writer is a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, Delhi and a contributing editor on international affairs for The Indian Express

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Greek and Turkish leaders seek to stress thawing relations but tensions remain under the surface

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ISTANBUL (AP) — The leaders of Greece and Turkey met Monday for talks aimed at underlining their efforts to put aside decades-old disputes , but they also revealed deep divisions over the Israel-Hamas war.

Speaking at a news conference in Ankara following the two-hour face-to-face summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan jumped on comments by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in which he described Hamas as a terrorist organization.

“I do not see Hamas as a terror group, ” Erdogan said. “I see it as a group of people trying to protect their own land.” He also revealed that Turkey was currently treating “more than 1,000 Hamas members” in its hospitals.

Greece, like most Western states, considers Hamas a terrorist organization but Erdogan repeated his reference to the group as a “resistance organization.”

The leaders were meeting for the fourth time in the past year in a bid to strengthen a normalization process.

Turkey and Greece, which are NATO members, have been at odds for decades over a series of issues, including territorial claims in the Aegean Sea and drilling rights in the Mediterranean, and have come to the brink of war three times in the last half-century. A dispute over energy exploration rights in 2020 led to the two countries’ warships facing off in the Mediterranean.

They agreed last December to put their disputes aside and focus on areas where they can find consensus. The list of items on the so-called positive agenda includes trade, energy, education and cultural ties.

Since that summit in Athens, the regional rivals have maintained regular high-level contacts to promote fence-mending initiatives, such as allowing Turkish citizens to visit 10 Greek islands without cumbersome visa procedures.

Stressing the ties between the two countries, Mitsotakis said the deal allowed Turks and Greeks to "get to know each other, which is an important step.”

Similarly, Erdogan referred to the Turkish-Muslim minority in Greece's Thrace region as a “friendship bridge between the two communities.”

Earlier, he described the normalization process as beneficial to both countries and the region. “The channels of dialogue are being kept open and we are focusing on the positive agenda,” Erdogan said, adding that they were trying to increase trade volumes from $6 billion to $10 billion.

The propensity for quarrels remains, however. The recent opening of a former Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul for use as a mosque led to Greece accusing Turkey of “insulting the character” of a World Heritage Site.

Turkey, meanwhile, criticized a Greek plan unveiled last month for “marine parks” in parts of the Ionian and Aegean Seas. Ankara said the one-sided declaration was “a step that sabotages the normalization process.”

But such low-level disputes are far removed from relations a few years ago, when energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean resulted in a naval confrontation and a vow by Erdogan to halt talks with Mitsotakis' government.

The two countries are also locked in a dispute over Cyprus , divided since 1974 between its ethnic Greek and Turkish populations. For the past seven years, Turkey has rejected a long-standing agreement for a reunified Cyprus under a federal system. Instead, Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot administration, which is only recognized by Turkey, have proposed a two-state solution.

Despite sharp differences over the Israel-Hamas war , Erdogan and Mitsotakis are keen to hold back further instability in the Mediterranean as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine grinds on.

The recent thaw in relations was partly helped by Greek solidarity after last year's devastating earthquake in southern Turkey. Erdogan has initiated a broader effort to reengage with Western countries following an election victory last year that saw him extend his two-decade rule by a further five years.

Speaking before the meeting, Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said that the leaders would review progress in bilateral relations and the agreed upon areas of cooperation.

“Our country seeks to maintain the climate of dialogue with the neighboring country,” he said, adding that “we believe that dialogue is only positive for the two countries.”

Elena Becatoros contributed to this report from Athens, Greece.

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It's morning in Gaza. Here's what you need to know

From CNN staff

The US has assessed that Israel has amassed enough troops on the edge of Gaza's southernmost  city of Rafah  to launch a full-scale incursion in the coming days, but senior American officials are unsure if a decision to carry out the offensive has been made, two senior administration officials told CNN.

The White House believes an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah would be a mistake and is “urgently” working toward a ceasefire, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday.

The Biden administration is urging Israel to connect their military operations to a “clear” end game for the war, Sullivan told reporters. And, a top State Department official said the US and Israel are “struggling over what the theory of victory is” for Israel in Gaza, and that the US does not believe that the kind of total victory Israel says it is fighting for against Hamas is “likely or possible.”

Here are the major developments:

Unclear military strategy: The Israeli military has renewed its fighting in northern Gaza where it  previously claimed  to have dismantled Hamas’ command structure. But it now says the Palestinian militant group is trying to “ reassemble ” in the area, raising doubts about whether Israel’s goal to eradicate the group in the enclave is realistic and renewing questions about its long-term military strategy.

Hamas treated in Turkey: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that "more than 1,000 Hamas members are currently under treatment" in Turkish hospitals. He said he does not see Hamas as a "terrorist organization" but as a " resistance organization ."

Aid ransacked: Israeli activists opposed to helping Palestinians in Gaza intercepted and ransacked an aid shipment . Video from a checkpoint in the occupied West Bank shows at least two trucks ransacked. Other footage showed activists blocking the path of the trucks, throwing packages on the ground and stomping on boxes. It’s unclear whether the aid was coming from Jordan or the Palestinian Authority.

United Nations staffer killed and wounded: At least one UN aid worker was killed  and another wounded after a vehicle marked as belonging to the agency was attacked in Rafah, according to a UN secretary-general spokesperson, who did not assign blame to either Israel or Hamas for the attack.

US assesses Israel has amassed enough troops to launch full-scale incursion into Rafah, officials say

From MJ Lee and Kylie Atwood

One of the officials also warned that Israel has not come anywhere close to making adequate preparations – including building infrastructure related to food, hygiene and shelter – ahead of potentially evacuating more than 1 million Gazans in Rafah.

If Israel were to proceed with a major ground operation into Rafah, it would be going against months of warnings from the US to forego a full-scale offensive into the densely populated city.

Biden himself  voiced that warning  in his most explicit terms yet last week, telling CNN’s Erin Burnett that the US would withhold some arms shipments to Israel if they were to take such a step.

“The president was clear that he would not supply certain offensive weapons for such an operation were to occur,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House Monday. “It has not yet occurred.”

As the war enters its eighth month, US officials are increasingly questioning Israel’s approach to the war, including publicly suggesting it is unlikely to achieve its stated aim of destroying Hamas.

On Monday, Kurt Campbell, the State Department’s No. 2 official, said there have plainly been tensions between the two countries on “what the theory of victory is.”

“Sometimes when we listen closely to Israeli leaders, they talk about mostly the idea of some sort of sweeping victory on the battlefield, total victory. I don’t think we believe that that is likely or possible,” Campbell said.

“We view that there has to be more of a political solution,” Campbell said.

Read the full story.

More than 1,000 Hamas members are being medically treated in Turkey, president says

From CNN's Hande Atay Alam 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that "more than 1,000 Hamas members are currently under treatment" in Turkish hospitals.

He also said that calling Hamas a "terrorist organization" would be "a cruel approach."

"I do not see Hamas as a terrorist organization. On the contrary, Hamas is a resistance organization whose lands have been occupied since 1947 and after the occupation they have protected their lands. They are resistance organization struggling to protect those places," Erdogan added, according to Turkey's state news agency Anadolu.

Israeli activists ransack aid trucks bound for Gaza

From CNN's Lauren Izso, Kareem Khadder, Tara John and Eugenia Yosef

A shipment of humanitarian aid bound for Gaza was intercepted and ransacked by Israeli activists opposed to sending help to Palestinians living in the besieged enclave.

Video from the Tarkumiya checkpoint near Hebron in the occupied West Bank, through which the convoy was traveling, shows at least two trucks ransacked, with sacks and boxes of food strewn across the road.

Other footage showed activists blocking the path of the aid trucks, throwing the aid packages on the ground, and stomping on the boxes. It’s unclear whether the aid was coming from Jordan or the Palestinian Authority.

The Regavim movement, which opposes the transfer of aid to Gaza, said: "We will not be the 'silver platter' of the Palestinian Authority." Regavim and activists from another group, Tsav 9, were involved in the disruption of the convoy.

"Unfathomable to the mind and heart, that precisely on the day of Remembrance Day for the fallen soldiers of Israel's battles and the victims of hostilities, the Israeli government opens a supply route from the Palestinian Authority in Hebron to the Hamas terrorists in Gaza," the Regavim movement said.

Israeli police said they have since opened an investigation and arrested several activists over the interception.

The US raised the incident with the Israeli government. The US State Department previously condemned several other attacks on aid convoys by Israeli activists and called on Israel to hold the alleged perpetrators accountable.

UN says death toll in Gaza remains unchanged after controversy over revised data

From CNN’s Abeer Salman, Richard Roth, Jeremy Diamond and Sugam Pokharel

The United Nations has clarified that the Gaza death toll tallied by the enclave's Health Ministry remains unchanged, at more than 35,000 since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas on October 7.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) published a report on May 8 with revised data on the number of Palestinian casualties in the war. The report showed the number of women and children believed to have been killed in the war reduced by nearly half.

The number was reduced because the UN says it is now relying on the number of dead women and children whose names and other identifying details have been fully documented, rather than the total number of women and children killed. The ministry says bodies that arrive at hospitals get counted in the overall death count.

What the UN says: UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said Gaza's Health Ministry recently published two death tolls — an overall death toll and a total number of identified fatalities. In the UN report, only the total number of fatalities whose identities (such as name and date of birth) were documented was published, leading to confusion.

What the ministry says: CNN spoke to two officials from the Palestinian Health Ministry. They said although the ministry keeps a separate death toll for identified and unidentified individuals, the total number of people killed remains unchanged. The total number of dead does not include the approximately 10,000 people who are still missing and trapped under the rubble, the officials said.

Israel’s return to areas of Gaza it said were clear of Hamas raises doubts about its military strategy

From CNN's Nadeen Ebrahim

The Israeli military has renewed its fighting in northern Gaza where it  previously claimed  to have dismantled Hamas’ command structure. But it now says the Palestinian militant group is trying to “ reassemble ” in the area, raising doubts about whether Israel’s goal to eradicate the group in Gaza is realistic.

Israel’s renewed ground operation began on Saturday, with intense shelling and gunfire gripping much of the Jabalya refugee camp in northern Gaza. The Israeli military also began operating  in the area of  Zeitoun in central Gaza, as it continues its offensive in eastern Rafah and near the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

Israel’s return to pockets it had supposedly cleared of Hamas renews questions about its long-term military strategy, which — after more than seven months of war — has left more than  35,000 Gazans  dead and much of the enclave in ruins, but more than 100 hostages from Israel still in captivity and Hamas’ top leadership still at large.

The resumption in fighting in the north comes as talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire-for-hostages deal have stalled, and as the Biden administration signals that the United States  is losing patience  with its closest ally in the Middle East.

Israel's return to areas of Gaza it said were clear of Hamas raises doubts about its military strategy | CNN

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After Five Centuries, Stars Rise in Istanbul

The Zeyrek Cinili Hamam, an early-Ottoman-era masterpiece, is restored to its original use as a public bathhouse.

At Zeyrek Cinili Hamam, visitors can enjoy a Turkish bath under domes pierced with star-shaped skylights. Credit... Bradley Secker for The New York Times

Supported by

By Wendy Moonan

Reporting from Istanbul

• May 10, 2024

This article is part of our Design special section about water as a source of creativity.

On May 3, Zeyrek Cinili Hamam , a 500-year-old public bathhouse, reopened in Istanbul after a 13-year, $15-million-plus restoration. Named for its original cobalt-and-turquoise cladding (cinili is the Turkish word for “tiled”), the hamam is the jewel of the Zeyrek district, a historic neighborhood in Istanbul that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visitors can enjoy a traditional Turkish bath under soaring domes pierced with star-shaped skylights that send shimmering rays into the rooms. A typical hourlong bath costs 95 euros (about $101) and includes an exfoliation scrub and a massage accompanied by the soothing sound of water splashing into marble basins.

Just as in Ottoman times, anyone who can afford the entrance fee is welcome, regardless of faith, class or profession.

Restoring the bathhouse, which was built from 1530 to 1540, was Bike Gursel’s self-described obsession. Fourteen years ago, as a board member of the Marmara Group, a privately held real estate investment firm, Ms. Gursel decided a classical Turkish hamam was just the thing to diversify the company’s offerings.

“I was looking to buy a hamam for a long time, and when I couldn’t find one, I began collecting hamam artifacts such as embroidered towels and mother-of-pearl inlaid clogs made for the bath,” she recalled. “I was already thinking about a museum.”

In 2010, at Ms. Gursel’s urging, the Marmara Group bought the Zeyrek Cinili Hamam even though it was a near ruin. “The architect said it would take three years to restore,” she recalled. “Not 13.”

The restoration specialists KA-BA Architecture in Ankara, Turkey, supervised the project and its team of archaeologists, engineers, scholars and artisans. The long and complicated process began with a survey of the bathhouse, which had been badly damaged over the centuries by earthquakes, fires and neglect.

The 30,000-square-foot building was completely unstable.

“We had to excavate 36 feet down to find solid ground,” said Cengiz Kabaoglu, KA-BA Architecture ’s founder. A subterranean structure of steel and concrete was built to reinforce the compound. This allowed the builders to repair the roof and walls, install gas furnaces to replace the former wood-burning ones, replace the wood beams and tie the domes with ribbons of steel.

Antiques surfaced during the excavations: ancient coins, fifth-century Roman glass bottles, Byzantine oil lamps, terra-cotta vessels and tile fragments. They are on view in a new museum next to the bathhouse.

What didn’t turn up were the resplendent 16th-century Iznik tiles that once covered the walls. Ms. Gursel learned that, in the 1870s, an Ottoman antiques dealer took possession of the tiles and spirited them off to Paris. Some ended up in the Louvre. Others in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Others in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. All were reassembled virtually in a display at the hamam’s museum.

Now the hamam walls are covered in pale gray Marmara marble. The rooms are minimal, elegant and serene. On the rebuilt exterior, the roofs have been resurfaced in lead, with handblown glass “elephant-eye” hats protecting the skylights. A roof terrace offers views of the magnificent domes.

When Ms. Gursel retired in 2021, she passed her Marmara Group board seat and restoration responsibilities to her daughter, Koza Gureli Yazgan, a business school graduate.

Mrs. Gureli Yazgan described the restoration project as thrilling, but not easy. “We value cultural preservation, but this project was like opening a Pandora’s box,” she said. “Every discovery led to a delay. At one point the board said, ‘Stop digging.’ But we couldn’t. It was the story that kept us going.”

The hamam’s original patron was Hayreddin Barbarossa, the grand admiral of the Ottoman Empire who was also known by the Italian translation of his name: Redbeard. Born on the island of Lesbos in the late 1400s, Barbarossa was part of a family of pirates who roamed the Mediterranean at the time of Spain’s conquest of Grenada. As privateers, they ferried Muslim immigrants forced to leave Spain to North Africa, captured Rhodes and Tunis, attacked the Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese fleets, and briefly conquered Algiers in 1516.

Barbarossa’s successful naval campaigns attracted the attention of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, who appointed him his grand admiral in 1534.

Before Barbarossa died in 1546, he commissioned the bathhouse from Mimar Sinan, a former slave who became the chief imperial architect of the Ottoman Empire at the height of its political and cultural power in 1538.

The bathhouse is a rare “double hamam” with separate areas for men and women.

“In addition to the functions of physical and spiritual purification and cleansing, hamams also provided their frequenters with the opportunity to socialize, keep up with daily events, gossip and celebrate many milestones of life together,” writes Leyla Kayhan Elbirlik, a visiting scholar at Harvard University, in a new book on the bathhouse restoration, “Barbarossa’s Cinili Hamam: A Masterpiece by Sinan.” Those milestones included circumcision baths for boys, premarriage baths for men and women and postnatal baths for mothers and their newborns.

The bathhouse was also notable for its address — the “Fifth Avenue” of an affluent Ottoman neighborhood, home to palace officials and military commanders. Barbarossa presumably picked the spot because it overlooked the Bosporus, allowing him to view the sultan’s shipyards he supervised on the opposite shore.

Now, 500 years later, the Zeyrek Cinili Hamam may again be the anchor of a fashionable area. Across the street, a large new hotel is under construction.

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Greek PM seeks to build on better ties in Ankara

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ will highlight the positive steps taken so far in Greek-Turkish relations during his visit to Ankara on Monday, while also expressing his dismay to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the conversion of the Byzantine Chora Monastery into a mosque.

The progress made recently consists of the “calm on the ground” as there are no violations on either side and there is calm in the Aegean, which three years ago seemed difficult.

A second aspect of this progress is the visa-free agreement that allows Turkish citizens to easily visit 10 islands in the east Aegean, and whose mutual benefits have improved the climate between the two countries.

No less important are the achievements regarding the migration issue, which have brought about a major reduction in flows. 

Government sources stressed to Kathimerini that these positive steps will be highlighted by the prime minister as a concrete example that improving relations between the two countries is possible despite disagreements, and can benefit both Athens and Ankara. “The prime minister will talk about steps forward, but not about ‘acquis’ which is a heavier word,” a government source said.

At the same time, however, Mitsotakis will express his “strong dissatisfaction” with the conversion of the historic Chora Monastery into a mosque. The question that remains to be answered and is subject to change is whether he will do so on air or in the face-to-face discussion he will have with the Turkish president. Government sources said that the PM wants a candid discussion, to express what bothers the Greek side directly, and not to undermine “what positive things have been built so far.”

It is clear that the trip, which will last just a few hours, will not break any news, as it is essentially “a trip of confirmation” that relations between the two countries can get better and even “even if we disagree, we must discuss.” 

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Erdogan rebukes Greek PM for calling Hamas ‘terrorists,’ says 1,000+ members being treated in Turkey

Monday’s summit between Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, heralded as a milestone in improving ties between the historically hostile nations, was marked instead by Erdogan’s spirited defense of Hamas during a live press conference that followed their meeting in Ankara and his disclosure that over 1,000 Hamas members were being treated in Turkey.

“There is a very important issue on which we disagree,” Erdogan told the audience. “I do not see Hamas as a terror organization."

Noting that Palestinian lands have been occupied since 1947, Erdogan said that “Hamas is a resistance group” that was “waging a struggle to protect” Palestinian lands. “If one calls Hamas that has lost 40,000 of its people a terrorist organization, this would be a heartless approach,” Erdogan added. He then dropped the bombshell: “As of this moment, I am following Hamas step by step, and there are more than 1,000 Hamas members who are all being treated in our hospitals. This is how we are doing things. … I cannot agree with your approach. This would be unfair,” Erdogan concluded. He did not explain how the Hamas militants had made their way to Turkey.

Media reports later cited Turkish officials claiming Erdogan misspoke regarding militants being treated in the country, but Ankara has yet to issue any official clarification. 

Erdogan has sharply increased his verbal salvos against Israel since the March 31 local elections in which his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) suffered heavy losses in part over what his pious base saw as the government’s wimpish stand on Gaza. Turkey has since formally scotched all trade with Israel, and on Sunday, Erdogan said Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “reached a stage in genocide methods that even Hitler would envy.”

Erdogan’s latest comments came after Mitsotakis told the news conference that “particularly in the Middle East there are differences with Turkey.” Noting that Israel had entered Gaza after losing its citizens in a “terror” incident, and that Greece considered Hamas a “terrorist organization,” Mitsotakis said, “We know that Turkey sees things differently and has a different definition [of Hamas].” Mitsotakis continued, “nonetheless we agree on the need for the bloodshed to cease and for civilians in Gaza to be protected and that a land invasion of Rafah would be unacceptable.”

Mitsotakis handled Erdogan’s outburst skillfully, saying “let us agree to disagree.” But the exchange will have put something of a damper ahead of a state dinner that Erdogan is hosting in his Greek guest’s honor. It will not have helped that Mitsotakis rebuked Erdogan in his remarks for last week’s formal conversion of the Chora, an iconic Greek Orthodox Church, into a full-service mosque, calling it “unfortunate.” Erdogan retorted that “Turkey has set an example for all as a country that preserves its cultural heritage … the Chora Mosque is open to everybody with its new identity.”

A spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry declined to comment on Erdogan’s revelations about the Hamas members being treated in Turkey. Hay Eytan Yanarocak, a Turkey expert at Tel Aviv University, said, “There’s a big difference between treating wounded civilians and treating Hamas militants.”  

“This is a new low,” Yanarocak said, and canceled out the “positive news” that junior Israeli diplomats were returning to Ankara following months after being withdrawn in October amid security concerns.

A State Department spokesperson, speaking on background, said, "We have been clear about our position on Hamas. With regard to Hamas, the United States designated Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997." 

"As for President Erdogan's comments, we would refer you to his office," the spokesperson added.

No irreconcilable differences

Before the barbs began flying, the two leaders spoke warmly of their meeting — the second in five months — which is in line with the new “positive agenda” established by the sides and aimed at de-escalating tensions that have at times brought the traditional foes and NATO allies to the brink of conflict. “We had an immensely productive, sincere and constructive meeting,” Erdogan said, noting that the sides aimed to increase annual bilateral trade to $10 billion from the $6 billion recorded last year and confirmed the establishment of a Greek-Turkish business council. “I shared my belief that there are no problems between us and Greece that are insurmountable. This is a process. In order for it to yield further results, we must move forward with the utmost care,” Erdogan said. He also praised Greece for backing Palestine in last week’s UN general assembly vote on its bid to become a full member of the international body.

The Turkish leader sported a blue tie and suit and a white shirt, the national colors of Greece. Mitsotakis, who dressed almost identically, was equally effusive, saying relations between the two countries were proceeding on a “win-win basis.” For example, Turkish tourists are now allowed visa-free travel to 10 Greek islands even though Greece is a member of the European Union, which has strict restrictions on entering its borders. Mitsotakis praised Turkey’s efforts to curb illegal immigration to Europe via Greece. “Turkey is very determined on this count. It made a very positive contribution,” he said.

Both leaders made only passing allusions to the chronic problems bedeviling ties. Topping the list are differences over territory and air space in and over the Aegean Sea. More recently, tensions flared over drilling and production rights in the Eastern Mediterranean, which is home to large gas reserves that are claimed by both sides as well as by Cyprus.

A senior Greek official who briefed Al-Monitor ahead of the visit said the sides were deliberately modest in their expectations. “There won’t be a breakthrough. What is important is to keep the channels of communication open,” the official, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to speak freely, said.

US mediation

The meeting follows a period of detente that kicked off last year when Greece rushed to Turkey’s aid after massive twin earthquakes rocked the country’s southern region killing more than 50,000 people. However, Washington is known to have played a critical role in accelerating the thaw when it signaled that the sale of 40 F-35 fighter jets to Greece might be authorized if pro-Greek congressmen in the United States agreed to withdraw their objections to the sale of 40 F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. One of the reasons cited by Congress for its continued opposition to the Turkish deal was Ankara’s aggressive and threatening behavior toward Greece. Last year, Erdogan said that Mitsotakis “does not exist for me” after accusing him of lobbying Congress to bar the sale.

Congress began softening after Turkey stopped military flights over Greek islands in the Aegean, marking a significant de-escalation after years of incendiary rhetoric and provocative actions by both sides. Mock dogfights by Greek and Turkish jets and the mutual shadowing of navy frigates eased in tandem, and Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s membership of NATO cemented the deal. “It would have probably been very difficult” for it to go through had Turkey not de-escalated with Greece, said Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, Turkey director for the German Marshall Fund for the United States. More broadly, improving ties with Greece will help Turkey repair its own with the United States and Europe, Unluhisarcikli added, which in turn will help Erdogan turn around his country’s ailing economy.

In December, Erdogan traveled to Athens where he signed a declaration with Mitsotakis on “friendly relations and good neighborliness,” which set a framework within which the two countries hope to build confidence through trade, tourism and cooperation in fields such as combating illegal migration, which is vital for Europe who sees Turkey as a gatekeeper for unwanted refugees.

Further confidence building measures have followed, the Greek official said. There is now a direct hotline between the Greek and Turkish militaries who exchange officers and organize joint sports events. “The aim of these meetings is to sustain the de-escalated status so as to avoid potential, if accidental, war,” Unluhisarcikli said.

Rina Bassist and Elizabeth Hagedorn contributed to this report.

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The Israel-Hamas War: Live Q&A with Amb. David Satterfield (Part 2)

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• International

May 13, 2024 Israel-Hamas war

By Chris Lau, Leinz Vales, Sana Noor Haq, Joshua Berlinger, Aditi Sangal, CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war in Gaza has moved here .

Catch up on Israeli military strategy and other developments in the Israel-Hamas war

From CNN staff

The US believes an Israeli operation in Gaza's southern town of Rafah would be a mistake and is “urgently” working toward a ceasefire, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said.

This comes as the Biden administration has assessed that Israel has amassed enough troops on the edge of the  city of Rafah in Gaza  to move forward with a full-scale incursion in the coming days , two senior administration officials told CNN.

The White House is urging Israel to connect their military operations to a “clear” end game for Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas, Sullivan told reporters. 

A top State Department official said the US and Israel are “struggling over what the theory of victory is” for Israel in Gaza, and that US does not believe that the kind of total victory Israel says it is fighting for against Hamas is “likely or possible.”

Meanwhile, here's what else has happened in Israel's war in Gaza:

Aid to Gaza ransacked: Israeli activists opposed to sending help to Palestinians in Gaza intercepted and ransacked a shipment of humanitarian aid bound for Gaza. Video from the Tarkumiya checkpoint near Hebron in the West Bank, through which the convoy was traveling, shows at least two trucks ransacked, with sacks and boxes of food strewn across the road. Other footage showed activists blocking the path of the aid trucks, throwing the aid packages on the ground, and stomping on the boxes. It’s unclear whether the aid was coming from Jordan or the Palestinian Authority.

UN staffer killed and injured: At least one United Nations aid worker was killed  and another injured after a vehicle marked as belonging to the agency was attacked in Rafah on Monday, according to Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN secretary-general. Haq did not assign blame to either Israel or Hamas for the attack.

Unclear Israeli military strategy: The Israeli military has renewed its fighting in northern Gaza where it  previously claimed  to have dismantled Hamas’ command structure. But it now says the Palestinian militant group is trying to “ reassemble ” in the area, raising doubts about whether Israel’s goal to eradicate the group in the enclave is realistic and renewing questions about its long-term military strategy.

Probe into intel failures: The Israeli State Comptroller's Office, which is investigating possible intelligence failures prior to the October 7 terror attack by Hamas, has welcomed a Supreme Court decision denying a request by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to delay the inquiry. The office said it expects "all audited entities to order their people to comply with the duty imposed on them ... and to fully cooperate."

US assesses Israel has amassed enough troops to launch full-scale incursion into Rafah, officials say

From MJ Lee and Kylie Atwood

The Biden administration has assessed that Israel has amassed enough troops on the edge of the  city of Rafah in Gaza  to move forward with a full-scale incursion in the coming days, but senior US officials are currently unsure if it has made a final decision to carry out such a move in direct defiance of  President Joe Biden , two senior administration officials told CNN.

One of the officials also warned Israel has not come anywhere close to making adequate preparations – including building infrastructure related to food, hygiene and shelter – ahead of potentially evacuating more than 1 million Gazans are who currently reside in Rafah.

If Israel were to proceed with a major ground operation into Rafah, it would be going against months of warnings from the US to forego a full-scale offensive into the densely populated city. Biden himself  voiced that warning  in his most explicit terms yet last week, telling CNN’s Erin Burnett that the US would withhold some additional arms shipments to Israel if they were to take such a step.

“The president was clear that he would not supply certain offensive weapons for such an operation were to occur,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House Monday. “It has not yet occurred.”

As the war enters its eighth month, US officials are increasingly questioning Israel’s approach to the war, including publicly suggesting it is unlikely to achieve its stated aim of destroying Hamas and eliminating its leadership.

On Monday, Kurt Campbell, the State Department’s No. 2 official, said there have plainly been tensions between the two countries on “what the theory of victory is.”

“Sometimes when we listen closely to Israeli leaders, they talk about mostly the idea of some sort of sweeping victory on the battlefield, total victory. I don’t think we believe that that is likely or possible,” Campbell said in a seeming allusion to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s repeated references to a “total victory.”

“We view that there has to be more of a political solution. That’s one of the reasons why the president’s team has been so engaged with the surrounding region,” Campbell said at the NATO Youth Summit co-hosted by the Aspen Institute.

Read more on the US assessment of Israel's possible incursion of Rafah .

US Army intel officer resigns over US Gaza war policy and support for Israel

From CNN's Oren Liebermann

An Army intelligence officer resigned in an act of protest over what he called “nearly unqualified” US support for Israel, according to a resignation letter posted on LinkedIn .

Maj. Harrison Mann was assigned to the Defense Intelligence Agency, according to his LinkedIn profile, and said in his resignation letter that US policies have “enabled and empowered the killing and starvation of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinians.”

Mann has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency since August 2021 as a Middle East analyst, according to his LinkedIn profile. He has been in the Army for 13 years, during which he attended Army’s Special Warfare Center and School, as well as Harvard’s Kennedy School. 

Mann says he submitted his resignation on November 1, which was less than a month after the Hamas terror attack on October 7 and the beginning of Israel’s bombardment of the coastal enclave.

CNN has not been able to reach Mann, but when The New York Times reached him Monday, Mann confirmed he was the author of the post but declined to comment further.

An official from the Defense Intelligence Agency confirmed Mann’s resignation and said such resignations are a “routine occurrence.”

“We can confirm that Maj. Mann was previously assigned to DIA,” the official said. “Employee resignations are a routine occurrence at DIA as they are at other employers, and employees resign their positions for any number of reasons and motivations.”

According to the Army, Mann had deployed to Tunisia, Bahrain, Kuwait and South Korea during his 13-year military service. Mann requested an unqualified resignation on November 29, 2023, the Army said in a statement, in which an officer voluntarily requests to be discharged after completing his or her service obligations. Mann’s request was approved on January 8, 2024. It will be become effective June 3, 2024.

More than 1,000 Hamas members are under treatment in Turkey, president says

From CNN's Hande Atay Alam 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Monday that he does not see Hamas as a "terrorist organization" but as a "resistance organization" and "more than 1,000 Hamas members are currently under treatment" in Turkish hospitals.

He said calling Hamas a "terrorist organization" would be "a cruel approach."

"I do not see Hamas as a terrorist organization. On the contrary, Hamas is a resistance organization whose lands have been occupied since 1947 and after the occupation they have protected their lands. They are resistance organization struggling to protect those places," Erdogan added, according to Turkey's state news agency Anadolu.

Germany is against a "broad attack" against Rafah, chancellor says

From CNN's Inke Kappeler in Berlin and Zahid Mahmood in London

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he is sending “a clear message” that the country is   against a “broad attack” against Rafah.

“We are very clear saying that there should be not a broad attack against Rafah because we think there are too many people living,” Scholz said Monday. “We have no idea how this could happen without too many civilian casualties, which could not be accepted, so this is also a clear message.”

Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 35,000 Palestinians and injured another 78,600 people since October 7, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. CNN is not able to independently verify the numbers issued by the ministry.

Israel has said it would press ahead with plans for a full scale ground offensive in the southern city of Rafah, despite international warnings and pressure from aid agencies worsening a humanitarian catastrophe inside the Palestinian enclave.

The United Nations says 360,000 people have fled Rafah ahead of Israel's planned invasion into the southern Gaza city.  

UN says total number of fatalities in Gaza remains unchanged after controversy over revised data

From CNN’s Abeer Salman, Richard Roth, Jeremy Diamond and Sugam Pokharel

The United Nations on Monday clarified that the overall number of fatalities in Gaza tallied by the Ministry of Health in Gaza remains unchanged, at more than 35,000, since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas on October 7.

The clarification comes after the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) published a report on May 8 with revised data regarding the number of Palestinian casualties in the war. The UN agency in its report reduced the number of women and children believed to have been killed in the war by nearly half.

The number was reduced because the UN says it is now relying on the number of deceased women and children whose names and other identifying details have been fully documented, rather than the total number of women and children killed. The ministry says bodies that arrive at hospitals get counted in the overall death count.

UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told a daily briefing at the UN that the health ministry in Gaza recently published two separate death tolls — an overall death toll and a total number of identified fatalities. In the UN report, only the total number of fatalities whose identities (such as name and date of birth) have been documented was published, leading to confusion.

CNN spoke to two officials from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. They said although the ministry keeps a separate death toll for identified and unidentified individuals, the total number of people killed remains unchanged. Additionally, the officials said, the total number of dead does not include the approximately 10,000 people who are still missing and trapped under the rubble.

While CNN cannot independently verify the ministry’s numbers, it has seen a daily report from the ministry which matches the number OCHA published in the revised version. Both the UN and US officials have previously appraised the figures from the Ministry of Health in Gaza as credible.

Jake Sullivan: US is urging Israel to connect their military operations to a political end game in Gaza 

From Sam Fossum

The White House is urging Israel to connect their military operations to a “clear” end game for Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters. 

"If Israel's military efforts are not accompanied by a political plan for the future of Gaza and the Palestinian people, the terrorists will keep coming back, and Israel will remain under threat. We are seeing this happen in Gaza City. So we are talking to Israel about how to connect their military operations to a clear strategic endgame about a holistic, integrated strategy to ensure the lasting defeat of Hamas and a better alternative future for Gaza and for the Palestinian people,” Sullivan said Monday.  

His comments come as the White House has continued to make clear that it would not support a large-scale invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza. 

"[A] military operation has to be connected to a political plan for the day after, so that there is a clear alternative and there's governance and there’s security and all of the steps you need to take to finally fully defeat a hardened entrenched terrorist foe. And yes, one of the risks of engaging in any kind of counterinsurgency campaign is the ability of the terrorist group to attract more recruits and more followers as time goes on. This is something we have talked to the Israelis about,” Sullivan said. 

He also said that one of the "key points" that US officials are making to their counterparts is to look beyond the current military plan. 

"So one of the key points that we have been reinforcing is to step back just from a tactical military analysis of the situation but strategically, how do we get to the common goal, the enduring defeat of Hamas and that is going to require military pressure, yes, but more than just military pressure, a political plan to get there,” he said. 

US believes a Rafah operation would be a mistake and is “urgently” working toward a ceasefire, says Jake Sullivan

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday that the ongoing ceasefire negotiations continue  “urgently” and that the administration remains “intent and determined” to help Israel and Hamas reach a deal and secure the release of hostages.   

He added: “This particular negotiation has had its ups and downs, its ins and outs, its twists and turns.”

Sullivan also said that it’s his belief that Israel can and must do more to protect civilians in Gaza and that the US government still believes a Rafah operation would be a mistake. 

He added: “We still believe it is — would be a mistake to launch a major military operation into the heart of Rafah that would put huge numbers of civilians at risk without a clear strategic gain.”

Some context : Top American officials have been offering stark warnings against an Israeli  invasion of Rafah , predicting that a major ground offensive in the southern Gaza city would lead to widespread civilian casualties, spark a Hamas insurgency and create a power vacuum the terror group would later seek to fill.

It follows US  President Joe Biden's ultimatum last week on CNN that an Israeli invasion of Rafah  would cause him to pause certain weapons transfers.

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