11 days in Istanbul, Goreme & Izmir Itinerary

A physical and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, the transcontinental city of Istanbul serves as a living reminder of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Istanbul Modern | Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. Your inner history buff will appreciate Hagia Sophia Mosque and Obelisk of Theodosius. Next up on the itinerary: take a stroll through Beyoglu, explore the ancient world of Great Palace Mosaics Museum, stop by Jennifer's Hamam, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at The Ecumenical Patriarchate.

To find where to stay, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, use the Istanbul online sightseeing planner.

Kuwait City, Kuwait to Istanbul is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. Traveling from Kuwait City in January, expect nights in Istanbul to be about the same, around 10°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 10°C. You'll have a few hours on the 21st (Sat) to wrap things up before traveling to Goreme.

Famed for its landscape of unusually shaped stone formations and churches cut into the natural rocks, Goreme sits in the central part of the country, an area originally settled during Roman times.

Take a break from the city and head to Mount Erciyes and Goreme National Park. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Zelve Open Air Museum and Goreme Open-Air Museum. Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at Guray Museum, get into the urban bustle at Kapadokya Sanat ve Kultur Muzesi., see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, and slough off your stress at Urgup Hamam & SPA.

To find maps, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Goreme trip maker app.

Traveling by flight from Istanbul to Goreme takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Istanbul in January: highs in Goreme hover around 5°C, while lows dip to -4°C. You'll have a few hours on the 24th (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling to Izmir.

The birthplace of Homer, the ancient port city of Izmir boasts a colorful heritage that includes traces of Greek, Armenian, and Jewish cultures.

Museum-lovers will get to explore Arkas Art Center and Yesilova Hoyugu Ziyaretci Merkezi. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Forum Bornova and Has Deri Leather Shop. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the long history of AbacIoglu Han, don't miss a visit to Atatürk monument, and admire the striking features of Fatih Cinili Cami.

For photos, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Izmir sightseeing planner.

You can fly from Goreme to Izmir in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Goreme in January, things will get a bit warmer in Izmir: highs are around 9°C and lows about 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) so you can fly back home.