14 Days Exploring Turkey's Rich Heritage Itinerary

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi) is an excellent place to start your second day in Istanbul. Explore contemporary Turkish art and exhibitions from international artists. Afterward, stroll through Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi), a bustling pedestrian avenue filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. For breakfast, stop by Pelit's Patisserie for some delightful pastries.

Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) offers breathtaking views of Istanbul from its observation deck. Next, head over to Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas of spices, sweets, and local delicacies. Enjoy lunch at Hamdi Restaurant, known for its delicious kebabs and stunning views of the Golden Horn.

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema provides an enchanting cultural experience that showcases traditional Sufi music and dance. Afterward, take a leisurely walk across Galata Bridge (Galata Köprüsü) before dining at Karaköy Lokantası, famous for its modern take on classic Turkish dishes.

Balat is one of Istanbul's most colorful neighborhoods filled with historic houses, street art, and charming cafes. Spend your morning exploring this area on foot or by bike. Stop by Café Naftalin K for breakfast; their homemade pastries are highly recommended.

Arasta Bazaar is perfect for picking up unique souvenirs such as handmade ceramics or textiles while supporting local artisans. Then visit the nearby Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Türk Islam Eserleri Müzesi Hizmete), which houses an impressive collection spanning centuries of Islamic culture in Turkey. Have lunch at Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine, where you can sample dishes inspired by Ottoman palace kitchens.

Istanbul: Guided Food Tour of Street Food and Markets will take you through some lesser-known parts of Istanbul while introducing you to authentic street food flavors like simit (sesame bread), kokoreç (grilled intestines), or midye dolma (stuffed mussels). End your evening with dessert at Mado, famous for its ice cream made from goat's milk.

Fairy Chimneys are one of the most iconic natural formations in Cappadocia. Start your day with a visit to these unique rock structures, which have been shaped by centuries of erosion. Afterward, take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscape with Pamukkale: Hot Air Balloon Flight. For breakfast, enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at Seyyah Han, offering panoramic views of the region.

Özkonak Underground City (Ozkonak Yeralti Sehri) is an incredible subterranean city that offers a glimpse into ancient life in Cappadocia. Explore its tunnels and chambers before heading to Guray Ceramic Museum, where you can learn about the region's rich pottery tradition. Have lunch at Ziggy Cafe, known for its delicious mezes and cozy atmosphere.

Monks Valley (Pasabag Vadisi) is perfect for an evening hike. The valley is famous for its fairy chimneys and serene atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy dinner at Seten Anatolian Cuisine, which offers a modern twist on traditional Anatolian dishes.

Ephesus: Full-Day Archeological Site Tour with Lunch will take you through one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Explore the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and other significant ruins while learning about their historical significance from your guide. For breakfast, stop by Cafe Carpouza before starting your tour.

House of Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis Tour continues your exploration with visits to these two important religious sites near Ephesus. The House of Virgin Mary is believed to be where she spent her last days, while the Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Enjoy lunch at Aqua Restaurant, located within walking distance from these attractions.

Kusadasi: Ephesus & Mary's House Shore Excursion with Entry offers a relaxing end to your day with a guided tour that includes transportation back to Kusadasi port or your hotel. For dinner, dine at Mezgit Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood dishes.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools are famous for their stunning white terraces filled with mineral-rich thermal waters. Spend your morning soaking in these natural pools while enjoying breathtaking views over Pamukkale village below. Have breakfast at White Heaven Hotel Restaurant, which offers both indoor seating options as well as outdoor terraces overlooking this beautiful landscape.

Hierapolis is an ancient city located near Pamukkale known for its well-preserved ruins including temples theaters baths necropolis among others Take guided tour explore learn about history significance site Enjoy lunch nearby restaurant called Kayaş Wine House specializes local wines regional cuisine

Walking Sunset tour in Hierapolis Pamukkale[709602] provides perfect way end day watching sunset over ancient ruins illuminated golden light Afterwards head back town dinner popular spot calledMehmets Heaven serves variety Turkish international dishes

Konyaalti Beach (Konyaalti Plaji) is the perfect place to start your day in Antalya. Enjoy a relaxing morning by the sea, soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean. For breakfast, visit BigChefs, which offers a variety of delicious options with a view of the beach.

Antalya: Sightseeing City Tour with Cable Car and Boat Trip will take you on an adventure through some of Antalya's most iconic landmarks. Start with a cable car ride to Mount Olympos (Tahtali Dagi), where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the region. Afterward, enjoy a boat trip along the coast, exploring hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. Have lunch at 7 Mehmet, known for its traditional Turkish cuisine.

Antalya Old Town (Kaleici) is perfect for an evening stroll. Wander through its narrow streets filled with historic buildings, shops, and cafes. Stop by Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy gourmet dishes in a charming courtyard setting.

Hadrian’s Gate is an ancient Roman triumphal arch that serves as one of Antalya's most famous landmarks. Start your day by exploring this historic site before heading to Antalya Museum (Antalya Muzesi), which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from various periods in Turkey's history. For breakfast, visit Rokka, known for its delicious pastries and coffee.

Antalya Aquarium offers a fascinating underwater experience with its extensive exhibits featuring marine life from around the world. Afterward, take a short drive to Duden Waterfalls, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of cascading falls surrounded by lush greenery. Have lunch at Shakespeare Coffee & Bistro, located near the aquarium.

Fire of Anatolia Dance Show at Ancient Aspendos Theater provides an unforgettable cultural experience showcasing traditional Turkish dance and music performances in one of Turkey's best-preserved ancient theaters. For dinner, dine at Vanilla Lounge, offering contemporary European cuisine with a Turkish twist.

Devrent Valley (Devrent Vadisi) is known for its unique rock formations that resemble various animals and objects – it's like walking through a natural sculpture park! Start your day exploring this whimsical valley before heading over to Zelve Open-Air Museum, which showcases ancient cave dwellings churches monasteries carved into soft volcanic rock formations Enjoy breakfast nearby restaurant calledSeyyah Han offering panoramic views region

Cavusin[16997] is small village famous well-preserved cave houses churches dating back centuries Spend afternoon wandering narrow streets discovering hidden gems learning about history culture area Have lunch local eatery calledZiggy Cafe known delicious mezes cozy atmosphere

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment[64959] offers perfect way end first day Istanbul Enjoy scenic cruise along Bosphorus Strait while indulging Turkish cuisine live entertainment Before heading back hotel stop byMikla nightcap enjoy panoramic views city

Cavusin is a small village known for its well-preserved cave houses and churches dating back centuries. Spend your morning wandering the narrow streets, discovering hidden gems, and learning about the history and culture of the area. Enjoy breakfast at Seyyah Han, offering panoramic views of the region.

Zelve Open-Air Museum showcases ancient cave dwellings, churches, and monasteries carved into soft volcanic rock formations. Explore this fascinating site and immerse yourself in the rich history of Cappadocia. Have lunch at Ziggy Cafe, known for its delicious mezes and cozy atmosphere.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment offers a perfect way to end your day in Cappadocia. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait while indulging in Turkish cuisine and live entertainment. Before heading back to your hotel, stop by Mikla for a nightcap and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Ephesus: Full-Day Archeological Site Tour with Lunch will take you through one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Explore the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and other significant ruins while learning about their historical significance from your guide. For breakfast, stop by Cafe Carpouza before starting your tour.

House of Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis Tour continues your exploration with visits to these two important religious sites near Ephesus. The House of Virgin Mary is believed to be where she spent her last days, while the Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Enjoy lunch at Aqua Restaurant, located within walking distance from these attractions.

Kusadasi: Ephesus & Mary's House Shore Excursion with Entry offers a relaxing end to your day with a guided tour that includes transportation back to Kusadasi port or your hotel. For dinner, dine at Mezgit Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood dishes.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools are famous for their stunning white terraces filled with mineral-rich thermal waters. Spend your morning soaking in these natural pools while enjoying breathtaking views over Pamukkale village below. Have breakfast at White Heaven Hotel Restaurant, which offers both indoor seating options as well as outdoor terraces overlooking this beautiful landscape.

Hierapolis is an ancient city located near Pamukkale known for its well-preserved ruins including temples theaters baths necropolis among others Take guided tour explore learn about history significance site Enjoy lunch nearby restaurant called Kayaş Wine House specializes local wines regional cuisine

Walking Sunset tour in Hierapolis Pamukkale[709602] provides perfect way end day watching sunset over ancient ruins illuminated golden light Afterwards head back town dinner popular spot calledMehmets Heaven serves variety Turkish international dishes

Konyaalti Beach (Konyaalti Plaji) is the perfect place to start your day in Antalya. Enjoy a relaxing morning by the sea, soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean. For breakfast, visit BigChefs, which offers a variety of delicious options with a view of the beach.

Antalya: Sightseeing City Tour with Cable Car and Boat Trip will take you on an adventure through some of Antalya's most iconic landmarks. Start with a cable car ride to Mount Olympos (Tahtali Dagi), where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the region. Afterward, enjoy a boat trip along the coast, exploring hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. Have lunch at 7 Mehmet, known for its traditional Turkish cuisine.

Antalya Old Town (Kaleici) is perfect for an evening stroll. Wander through its narrow streets filled with historic buildings, shops, and cafes. Stop by Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy gourmet dishes in a charming courtyard setting.

Hadrian’s Gate is an ancient Roman triumphal arch that serves as one of Antalya's most famous landmarks. Start your day by exploring this historic site before heading to Antalya Museum (Antalya Muzesi), which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from various periods in Turkey's history. For breakfast, visit Rokka, known for its delicious pastries and coffee.

Antalya Aquarium offers a fascinating underwater experience with its extensive exhibits featuring marine life from around the world. Afterward, take a short drive to Duden Waterfalls, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of cascading falls surrounded by lush greenery. Have lunch at Shakespeare Coffee & Bistro, located near the aquarium.

Fire of Anatolia Dance Show at Ancient Aspendos Theater provides an unforgettable cultural experience showcasing traditional Turkish dance and music performances in one of Turkey's best-preserved ancient theaters. For dinner, dine at Vanilla Lounge, offering contemporary European cuisine with a Turkish twist.