Stay : In-depth discovery of Turkey in three weeks
Despite the size of the country, the quality of the roads and the regularity of the transport can allow you to reach the main sites in three weeks. FromIstanbul, you will head for Cappadocia and then Antalya where you will scour the archaeological discoveries. You will then enjoy a well-deserved rest on the beautiful beaches of Bodrum.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
21 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : In-depth discovery of Turkey in three weeks - 21 days
Day 1: First steps in Istanbul
Steps: Istanbul
Visit of the Topkapi Palace and the harem in the morning. The afternoon will be devoted to the Blue Mosque and the Basilica of Saint Sophia which are located in the same area. On your way out of Hagia Sophia, dive into the fantastic lair of the Basilica Cistern which is only a few meters away. In the evening a visit to Beyoğlu is a must, so why not head to the Asmaliı Mescit Sokak or the more popular Nevizade Sokak to enjoy some of Istanbul's nightlife atmosphere? Restaurant terraces have completely invaded the pavement and everywhere there is laughter and singing. One tastes mezze and grilled fishes accompanied by raki with the sound of the gipsy or Turkish orchestras, and soon the whole of the customers is carried along in a mad dance. For those who like a last drink, there are plenty of bars in the area.
Day 2: Between bazaars and mosques
Steps: Istanbul, Mustafapasa - Sinasos
Located not far from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar remains a must-see in Istanbul. To recover from your emotions, allow yourself a tea in some kahve (picturesque café) or in the gardens of an old medersa. On the way out west of the bazaar, a pleasant little book market will lead you to Beyazit Square. The amateurs will be able to cross the gardens of the university to join the mosque of Soliman the Magnificent, the largest of the city. From there, go to the Egyptian Bazaar to enjoy the scents and colors before heading to the Eminönü quays. A fish sandwich will satisfy the small hungers and you will not get tired of watching the comings and goings of this very lively district.
Day 3: Bosphorus Walk
Steps: Istanbul
Balade to the European shore of the Bosphorus with a visit to the magnificent palace of Dolmabahçe. One hour walk to the Ortaköy district to take you down the water and enjoy it to make some purchases and finish the day by enjoying the famous waffles or kumpir served in this neighborhood. Dinner on the water.
PALAIS DE DOLMABAHÇE (DOLMABAHÇE SARAYI)
Day 4: Ankara, modern capital of Turkey
Steps: Ankara
Direction the museum of Anatolian Civilizations and visit the mausoleum of Atatürk. The Gazi died in 1938, but this mausoleum was built between 1944 and 1953. Also buried there, the second president of the Turkish Republic and faithful companion of the Turkish leader, Ismet Inönü. You can also visit a museum, where personal effects of Atatürk as well as his numerous cars are exposed. Departure for Cappadocia by bus or plane.
Day 5: Arrival in Cappadocia
Arrival at Göreme or Uçhisar. Cappadocia is a magical region, where it is hard to believe that you are still on earth. Whatever the season, the landscapes, simply lunar, are breathtaking. After a good breakfast, the open-air museum of Göreme is a good introduction. Make a stop at the viewpoint between Göreme and Ürgüp, from where the view of the pink valley is breathtaking. And for a cooler afternoon, visit the village of Uçhisar and its kale. In the evening, prefer a troglodyte hotel to make the change of scenery last.
Day 6: In the maze of underground cities
Steps: Kaymakli, Derinkuyu, Antalya
Visit the Ihlara Valley, one of the largest canyons in the world, full of rock churches and where nature is breathtaking. Then go up through one of the magnificent underground cities, Derinkuyu or Kaymakli being the most famous. To protect themselves from the attacks of the barbarian hordes, the inhabitants of the region had decided to build huge underground cities, where they took refuge in case of invasions, making believe that their villages had already been razed. They then waited for the intruders to leave. Wonderful! Departure by bus or plane to Antalya.
Day 7: Meeting the dervishes
Visit of the Dervish Brotherhood Centre. In the 13th century, the mystical poet Rumi settled there and developed the Mevlevi order. A must for any admirer of Islamic art. On the program, visit the Tekke of Mevlana. Continue the road to Antalya.
Day 8: Visit Antalya
Steps: Ayvalik - Kydoniai, Aspendos, Perge
Short walk in the old town of Antalya, which is the only interesting part of the city and departure for a Hellenic site. The superbly preserved theater ofAspendos is magnificent, as well as the ruins of Perge or the ancient city of Thermessos. Night in the old town (Kaleiçi).
Day 9: The charming ports of Phaselis
Less than 60 km from Antalya, the beautiful archaeological site of Phaselis is one of the most charming visits in the region where you can visit and swim. Three small harbors, dating back to the ancient times, had the chance to welcome Alexander the Great and enchant the visitors. You can admire a theater large enough to accommodate 1,500 people, the agora, an arch, a paved avenue ... and beautiful enchanting coves. Visit the famous chimeras in Olympos at nightfall and spend the night in the trees in Olympos or in the quiet village of Çirali.
Day 10: Cruise from Olympos
Steps: Kaş, Demre - Kale - Myra
Departure from Olympos for a 4-day cruise. Possibility to follow the same route by car, with days of visit by boat here and there, or on foot. Visit of Myra, in Demre and its magnificent Lycian tombs embedded in the mountain. Night in the bay of Kekova.
Day 11: Visit of Kaleköy
Steps: Kaş
This site is located in the ancient city of Simena. Passage by boat over the sunken city of Kekova. Break in Kaş and stroll through the charming little town that offers fabulous handicraft stores. On the program, a little rest and swimming on one of the many beaches in the area. Visit of the theater for the more adventurous.
Day 12: In the valley of the butterflies
This valley is only accessible by boat. A baba cool village located in front of the beach, a half hour walk allows to reach a magnificent waterfall where more than 200 butterflies are visible in spring. Even if there are no butterflies, the beauty of the place is worth the detour. Then visit the bay of Ölüdeniz, and the site of Saint-Nicolas for the sunset.
Day 13: To the Dalyan lagoon
Steps: Fethiye - Telmessos, Dalyan
Arrival in Fethiye in the middle of the afternoon, stroll in the village and departure for Dalyan, village famous for its fish restaurants and its beautiful lagoon.
Day 14: At the meeting of giant turtles
Steps: Kaunos
Boat excursion on the ancient site of Caunus or Kaunos, which has been one of the main Lycian cities until the sea is enslaved. For more than 7 centuries, Perses, Greeks and Romans succeeded. You can admire rock tombs, acropolis, theater and Byzantine basilica. Next direction the Iztuzu beach (beach to turtles), long strip of sand of 10 km, where giant turtles come to lay eggs every year!
Day 15: Departure for Bozburun peninsula
Steps: Marmaris, Hisarönü, Bozburun
Bozburun is home to small shipyards where tapered wooden caiques are built. We pass by Hisarönü, a kind of small terrestrial paradise with beautiful beaches via Marmaris. Numerous ancient vestiges in the region.
Day 16: Beach, promenade and ancient site
Departure to Datça and visit Knidos, the ancient city of Knidos. To get there you have to pass by the beautiful beach of Palamüt Bürkü. Knidos, one of the richest cities of the Dorian confederation in the 6th and 7th centuries. You can admire a theater, the temple of Aphrodite and many ruined buildings. The view on the Greek islands in front is superb. Nice walk in perspective.
Day 17: Departure to Bodrum with the morning boat
Visit the museum of underwater discoveries in the Crusader castle and the peninsula. Bodrum is also famous for its nightlife and its many shopping opportunities. Bodrum is the ancient Halicarnassus, conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 BC. Dinner in Yalikavak, a small fishing village on the peninsula. Overnight stay.
Day 18: One night in Heraklion
Steps: Assos - Behramkale, Lac Bafa, Didymes - Didim, Milet, Priene
Departure by boat (from Yalikavak) to Didymes and visit the site dedicated to the oracle of Apollo. Then go up to Millet (the most important of the Ionian cities with the most beautiful theater of Asia Minor) and Priene (with its great temple of Athena). These sites are among the most interesting in Turkey. Night on the lake Bafa and its site Heraklion.
Day 19: Under the spell of Ephesus
Steps: Selçuk
The site of Ephesus is without question one of the highlights of a visit to Turkey. How to remain insensitive to the charm of this site? The marvelous library of Celsius or the temple of Hadrian are only two of the innumerable jewels of this site. To visit preferably in the morning or at the end of the afternoon because of the heat in summer. You can also admire the mosque of Isabey in Selçuk. Overnight in the lovely Greek village of Şirince.
Day 20: Inland
Steps: Aphrodisias, Pamukkale
Departure inland to Pamukkale and visit the archaeological site of Hieropolis and natural travertines, a splendid "cotton castle". The visit takes only two hours. Then leave for Aphrodisia, one of the most beautiful ancient sites in Turkey. Drive back to Istanbul.
Day 21: Back to Istanbul
Steps: Istanbul
Last shopping session in the big bazaar or visits and return.
GRAND BAZAR (KAPALI ÇARŞI)
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