Turkey deserves to spend a vacation for 14 days, and you deserve to pamper yourself through what Turkey offers you in its various regions of facilities, entertainment, comfort, and recreation. Turkey is a large and sprawling country, and God has loved it with its picturesque and charming nature and pleasant weather, even in the summer. This country has been interested in tourism for a long time, so its municipalities prioritize infrastructure that makes tourists move around and enjoy the beauty of nature, mountains, lakes, and large tree areas. This is without losing sight of the tourist monuments, exhibitions, shops, markets, malls, restaurants, cafes, hotels, chalets, seaside, and other destinations that cannot be counted here.
It can even be said that Turkey, with its richness of tourist destinations and the wonderful nature found in all its provinces, needs more than a tourist visit and more than 14 days. Nevertheless, we will try to put together a schedule for you here that includes the highlights of what you can do in 14 days and complete the rest of the activities and tourist destinations on a new trip to this beautiful country.
In this tourist program, we have selected three ancient and distant Turkish cities to feel the significant difference in tourist and geographical sights when you move from one city to another. And these cities are Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus.
And the beginning will be in Istanbul
Day 1: Reception at Istanbul
On the first day, we will pick you up at Istanbul airport and take you to the hotel, where you will need some rest, and then we will show you your program with us in 14 days. You will take your time at the hotel to prepare your affairs, have your meal, and drink your favorite drink. And then our first tour on the first day will be light. Focused tours should start on the second day.
Breaking barriers with a new place you have not visited before is essential on the first day. We will go down to the Bosphorus Coast pier to take a sea tour, where you will get acquainted with the general sights of Istanbul, its location, and its location between two continents, Asia and Europe. You will be fascinated by the faces of people strolling along the line of the pier with a magnificent view, and you will see the splendor of ships and water ferries leisurely crossing the Strait. You will visit one of the cafes to drink your coffee. You will sit on the sidewalk to eat one of the delicious snacks, contemplating the splendor of the scene from both banks and the grandeur of the ancient architecture of a city that had a sensitive political location in the past centuries but turned during the last century into one of the most important tourist destinations in the region.
You will return to the hotel to rest, sleep, and prepare yourself for the second day in Istanbul.
Day 2: Discover the Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia landmarks
On the second day, after you wake up and have your breakfast, we will show you the program for the second day. It will be a tour of the historical and tourist attractions of Istanbul. It is about more than diving into the components of this ancient city.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or the Blue Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist destinations. The mosque is distinguished by its unique architectural design, which combines Islamic and Ottoman styles.
After visiting the Sultanahmet Mosque, you can head to the Hagia Sophia landmark, one of the world’s most important monuments of art and architecture. This place is distinguished by many other attractions, such as walls decorated with mosaics and frescoes.
After visiting the Sultanahmet and Hagia Sophia mosques, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Topkapi Palace, one of the most essential palaces that ruled the world in ancient times.
Located in the heart of Istanbul, Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries. The palace is distinguished by its unique architectural design, which mixes Ottoman and Islamic styles. The court also houses many important historical and archaeological monuments.
Day 3: Princess Islands, away from the hustle and bustle of the city
The Princess Islands are located in the Sea of Marmara, a few kilometers from Istanbul. The Islands consist of nine islands, the largest of which is Buyukta, and the smallest is Kenali.
The islands have a picturesque landscape, as green forests and crystal-clear lakes surround them. It also has a quiet and cozy atmosphere, far from the bustle of the city.
Today, the Princess Islands are one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations. It is an ideal destination to relax and enjoy the picturesque nature.
You can do many activities during a trip to the Princess Islands, including Wandering through the narrow streets of the islands, admiring the traditional horse-drawn carriages, visiting the markets and shops, and tasting the delicacies of traditional Turkish cuisine.
Day 4: Visit the big, popular markets of Istanbul
Famous markets in Istanbul are one of the most popular tourist destinations, offering a variety of goods at cheap prices that attract locals and tourists alike. Among the markets that can be visited are:
1- Grand Bazaar in Istanbul:
It is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world. The Grand Bazaar has over 4000 shops selling various goods, including handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, and food.
2- The Egyptian market in Istanbul, the famous spice market:
The Egyptian market in Istanbul is located in the historical Fatih district. Selling spices and other products, such as honey, sweets, and nuts, characterizes it.
3- Friday market in Istanbul cheap goods market:
The Friday market in Istanbul is held on Friday of every week in the historical Fatih district, featuring a variety of inexpensive goods, including clothes, shoes, household items, and food.
Day 5: Discovering the Asian Side of Istanbul
The Turkish city of Istanbul is famous for its distinctive geographical location, as it is located on the continents of Asia and Europe, which allows visitors to enjoy various tourist attractions from both continents.
The Asian side of Istanbul is ideal for relaxation, shopping, and entertainment, as it has many remarkable historical and cultural sights. One of the best places on the Asian side of Istanbul:
1- Baghdad Street is one of the most famous streets in Istanbul, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it an ideal destination for shopping and entertainment.
2- Polonezhskoye Nature Park is the largest park in Istanbul, characterized by its picturesque landscapes and diverse recreational facilities.
3- The Toy Museum in Istanbul houses a vast collection of ancient and modern toys worldwide.
4- Maiden’s Tower: it is a tower in Istanbul, one of the city’s most famous sights. It offers a magnificent view of the Bosphorus.
Day 6: Visit the mall and get ready for the next city
The last day in Istanbul will be spent taking a tour of some shopping malls, having lunch at one of the restaurants serving delicious meals, and then returning to the hotel to take enough rest in preparation for traveling to the city of Cappadocia.
The city of Cappadocia
Day 7: Tour the city by hot air balloon
After arriving in the city of Cappadocia, you will have a rest at the hotel; you will also have a meal, and you will prepare for a tour in which there will be no hardship or fatigue; you have to watch and admire the most beautiful views in the most incredible style. How will it be?
You will have an unforgettable adventure by experiencing a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.
Cappadocia is famous for its picturesque nature and magnificent rock formations, which seem to be from another world. And when you fly over it in a hot air balloon, you will feel like you are in a dream.
Day 8: hiking in the magnificent valleys
The mountainous areas of Kapaukea give you the adventure of “hiking” amidst green valleys and winding rocks, which satisfies the passion of hikers, mountain bikers, and trail riders.
Day 9: Derinkuyu discovers the underground archaeological city
The underground city of Derinkuyu is located in Cappadocia. It is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the region. The newly discovered wonder of time, Derinkuyu, expresses the charming and ancient natural face of ancient Cappadocia. Under this ancient city, volcanic rocks were formed, giving it its unique shape, resembling chimneys.
Derinkuyu includes many rooms, corridors, and facilities that Christians used in ancient times as a refuge from persecution. The city also has many churches, cemeteries, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Derinkuyu is an ideal tourist destination for a unique and distinctive experience. The city provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the history and culture of Cappadocia and also offers stunning views of the region.
Day 10: Visit the markets of Cappadocia
In Cappadocia, you will find a variety of shops and markets; for example, Mall Forum Cappadocia is an ideal destination for those looking for an unforgettable shopping experience. The mall offers a wide range of options for shopping and entertainment, making it a perfect place for family and friends.
Ephesus
Ephesus is a beautiful historical city located in the west of Turkey and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The city has many remarkable historical and cultural monuments, which makes it a popular tourist destination.
Day 11: Discover the ancient archaeological site of Ephesus
The city of Ephesus has a rich archive of ancient and diverse historical monuments. It is the most recognizable among the Turkish cities. And your tour of the sights of the ancient city of Ephesus takes a long time. On the eleventh day, you can walk around the ancient city of Ephesus, where you will see large areas of ancient Roman monuments, from tombs to stone structures, baths and arcades, the ruins of the old theater, and the magnificent library of Celsius, of which only stone structures remain.
Day 12: Nature tour in Ephesus
The Turkish city of Ephesus is famous for its incredible historical and cultural sights, but many do not know it is also located in a beautiful rural area. If you want a unique experience, head to the countryside surrounding Ephesus and enjoy walking or cycling in the beautiful nature.
You can choose the walking or cycling route that suits you best, as many different options are available. You can also visit the small villages in the area and get acquainted with the local culture.
And don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous Turkish cuisine in restaurants and cafes. Turkish cuisine is distinguished by its variety and delicious taste. You can try dishes like kebabs, pasta, and desserts.
Day 13: Recreation on the beach
Located 8 km from the center of Selcuk and 6 km from the ancient city of Ephesus, Pamugak Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. Also known as Ephesus Beach, it is 11 kilometers long and about 80 meters wide.
Pamugak Beach is distinguished by its fine golden sand and clear turquoise waters. It is also an ideal place for water sports and camping.
Pamugak Beach has many tourist facilities, including restaurants, cafes, and shops.
If you are looking for an ideal beach to relax and enjoy nature, Pamugak Beach is the right place.
Day 14: tour the markets and buy souvenirs
On the last day, you will make a short tour of the markets to buy what you need and to pick up some souvenirs before making the final preparations for leaving Turkey for your homeland.