7 Days Turkey Beyond Istanbul Adventure Itinerary

Begin your second day with a visit to Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. The mosque's stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture are sure to leave you in awe. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at Van Kahvalti Evi, known for its delicious spreads and cozy atmosphere.

Spend your afternoon exploring the vibrant Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi), one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here, you can shop for unique souvenirs, spices, textiles, and more. For lunch, try some authentic Turkish kebabs at Dürümzade, a local favorite.

In the evening, experience an enchanting performance at the Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema. This spiritual dance is both mesmerizing and culturally significant. For dinner, head to Nusr-Et Steakhouse, famous for its high-quality meats and lively atmosphere.

Travel from Istanbul to Ankara early in the morning (approximately 4 hours by train). Start your exploration with a visit to Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi), offering panoramic views of Ankara and insights into its ancient history. Enjoy breakfast at Cafe des Cafes, known for its charming ambiance and delicious pastries.

In the afternoon, delve into Turkey's rich past at the renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. This museum houses artifacts from various periods of Anatolian history. For lunch, savor traditional Anatolian dishes at Zenger Pasa Konagi, located near Ankara Castle.

Conclude your day with an immersive experience on an evening tour: Ankara Private Walking Tour. Discover hidden gems and learn about Ankara's culture from a local guide. Enjoy dinner at Trilye Restaurant, celebrated for its seafood specialties.

Start your day with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Begin at the Temple of Domitian (Temple of the Sebastoi), one of the largest temples in Ephesus dedicated to Emperor Domitian. This site offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Roman architecture and religious practices. For breakfast, stop by Selçuk Pidecisi, known for its delicious Turkish pastries and pide.

Continue exploring Ephesus with a tour of the Fountain of Trajan. This beautifully preserved fountain was built in honor of Emperor Trajan and is an excellent example of Roman engineering. For lunch, enjoy a meal at Mehmet and Ali Baba Kebab House, famous for its kebabs and friendly atmosphere.

In the evening, visit the Public Latrine at Ephesus, an intriguing aspect of Roman daily life that showcases their advanced sanitation systems. End your day with dinner at Ayasoluk Restaurant, offering stunning views and a menu featuring local Aegean cuisine.

Izmir Clock Tower (Izmir Saat Kulesi) is your first stop today. This iconic symbol of Izmir stands proudly in Konak Square and is a great place to start your exploration. Afterward, have breakfast at Sevgi Cafe, known for its delightful Turkish breakfast spread.

Church of St. Polycarp awaits you next. This historic church is one of the oldest in Izmir and offers insights into early Christian history in Turkey. For lunch, head to Deniz Restaurant, renowned for its seafood dishes and beautiful seaside views.

Sardis (Sart) will be your evening destination, located just outside Izmir. Explore this ancient city that was once the capital of Lydia, known for its impressive ruins including the Temple of Artemis. Return to Izmir for dinner at Kordon Yengeç Restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Termessos is your first stop today, an ancient city perched high in the Taurus Mountains offering breathtaking views and well-preserved ruins. Enjoy breakfast at Çakırlar Kahvaltı Salonu, famous for its traditional Turkish village breakfast.

Antalya Museum (Antalya Muzesi) will be your next destination, housing an extensive collection of artifacts from various periods in Anatolian history. For lunch, dine at 7 Mehmet Restaurant, celebrated for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Konyaalti Beach (Konyaalti Plaji) is perfect for a relaxing evening by the sea. Take a leisurely stroll along this beautiful beach or simply unwind on the sand as you watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. End your day with dinner at Arma Restaurant, offering stunning views and exquisite seafood dishes.

Start your final day in Turkey with a visit to the Castle of St. Peter (Bodrum Castle). This impressive fortress offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. After exploring the castle, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Kahve Dünyası, known for its delicious coffee and pastries.

In the afternoon, head to the Bodrum Amphitheater, an ancient theater that dates back to the Hellenistic period. The amphitheater offers panoramic views of Bodrum and is a great spot for some memorable photos. For lunch, dine at Musto Bistro, which offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes and a cozy atmosphere.

Spend your evening relaxing on the beautiful Bozburun Peninsula. This tranquil area is perfect for unwinding by the sea, swimming, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Turkish coastline. End your day with dinner at Limon Gümüşlük, known for its stunning sunset views and delicious seafood.