16 days in Turkey, Samarkand & Saranda Itinerary
Created using Klarna Trips tour itinerary planner
Start: Sydney, Australia
Fly to Tashkent, Train to Samarkand
1
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
— 2 nights
Fly
2
Istanbul, Turkey
— 4 nights
Fly to Ioannina, Drive to Saranda
3
Saranda, Albania
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Cesme, Turkey
— 2 nights
Fly
5
Antalya, Turkey
— 2 nights
Fly
End: Sydney, Australia
Fri, Apr 12 - Sat, Apr 27
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Samarkand, Uzbekistan — 2 nights
©
Rome of the East
Uzbekistan’s most glorious city, Samarkand, offers a fine combination of history and modern urban life.On the 13th (Sat), admire the striking features of Hazrat Khizr Mosque, explore the world behind art at Imam Bokhari Mausoleum, explore the ancient world of Mausoleum of Ishrat-khona, admire the striking features of Samarkand Train Station, then examine the collection at Regional Studies Museum, and finally pause for some photo ops at Statue of Amir Temur. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 14th (Sun): take in the spiritual surroundings of Mausoleum Rukhabad, don't miss a visit to Madrasa Ulugh Beg, Madrasa Tilla Kari, Madrasa Sher Dor, get a taste of the local shopping with Art Gallery Happy Bird, then soothe aching muscles at Dovudi Hammam, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gumbaz Synagogue.
Plan a trip to Samarkand easily and quickly by telling Klarna Trips to suggest an itinerary.
Sydney, Australia to Samarkand is an approximately 26.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to Uzbekistan Standard Time (UZT) is minus 5 hours. Traveling from Sydney in April, Samarkand is slightly colder at night with lows of 10°C. You will leave for Istanbul on the 15th (Mon).
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Istanbul, Turkey — 4 nights
©
Queen of Cities
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.Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Besiktas and Kilic Ali Pasa Mosque. For shopping fun, head to Turkmenzade Handicraft or Heritage Nomadic Art Gallery. There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nuruosmaniye Camii, brush up on your military savvy at Naval Museum, examine the collection at Pera Museum, and get engrossed in the history at Galata Mevlevi Museum.
For traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Istanbul trip planner.
You can fly from Samarkand to Istanbul in 8.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and bus; or do a combination of train, taxi, and bus. The time zone difference moving from Uzbekistan Standard Time to Turkey Time is minus 2 hours. Traveling from Samarkand in April, you will find days in Istanbul are a bit cooler (20°C), and nights are about the same (9°C). Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Saranda.
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Saranda, Albania — 2 nights
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A popular summer destination for its inexpensive accommodation and stony Mediterranean beaches, Saranda has become a favorite of both Albanian and foreign travelers.Start off your visit on the 20th (Sat): kick back and relax at Ohana Beach Bar and then identify plant and animal life at Nature&joy. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Sun): discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, then pause for some serene contemplation at Monastery of Saint Michael, and then soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers.
For where to stay, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Saranda visit planner.
Traveling by combination of flight and car from Istanbul to Saranda takes 10.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and car. The time zone difference moving from Turkey Time (TRT) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Istanbul in April, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Saranda, with lows of 13°C. On the 22nd (Mon), you're off to Cesme.
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Cesme, Turkey — 2 nights
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The ancient coastal town of Cesme has managed to preserve its natural beauty, even after many years as one of the most popular beach resorts in Turkey's Aegean Region.Start off your visit on the 23rd (Tue): enjoy the sand and surf at Tekke Plaji, then examine the collection at Kostem Zeytinyagi Muzesi, and then take in the exciting artwork at Kirli Ciki Sanat Galerisi. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 24th (Wed): get outside with Rise’n Shine, learn about winemaking at Gemici Sarapcilik, and then do a tasting at Usca Winery.
To find photos, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Cesme online itinerary planner.
Explore your travel options from Saranda to Cesme with the Route module. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight to Antalya.
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Antalya, Turkey — 2 nights
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Offering both sandy beaches packed with modern amenities and a historical town center filled with Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques, Antalya serves as one of the country's major tourist destinations.Start off your visit on the 25th (Thu): wander the streets of Ataturk Boulevard, look for gifts at Lidya Suzani Carpet Gallery, and then see the interesting displays at Suna Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum. On the 26th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: kick back and relax at Mermerli Beach, then stroll around Kecili Park, and then examine the collection at Sandland.
To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Antalya road trip planning tool.
You can fly from Cesme to Antalya in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Cesme to Antalya due to the time zone difference. In April, daily temperatures in Antalya can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Fri) so you can fly back home.
Find places to stay Apr 24 — 26:
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Turkey travel guide
Rich in culture and customs and brimming with hospitality, natural beauty, and historical heritage, Turkey serves as a crossroads between Asia and Europe. The landmass known as Anatolia on which Turkey thrives has been home to numerous civilizations and their faiths and cultures, as attested by the 13 World Heritage Sites and countless religious sites you'll find here. Relive the ancient world through the ruins, customs, and traditions that are among the nation's most precious heritages. Adventure-seekers have plenty do to here, including mountain climbing, scuba diving, rafting, and skiing. A holiday to Turkey is incomplete without a cup of Turkish coffee, the pinnacle of Turkish cuisine inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Antalya Province travel guide
Once a land of ancient cities, Antalya Province lies along the Mediterranean coast and is now home to Turkey's largest international sea resort. Tour the narrow, cobbled streets and historical houses in the province's eponymous city, or pay a visit to the World Heritage Site of Xanthos. Ancient cities and ruins scattered throughout the province give it its historical character. The 657 km (408 mi) long shoreline offers plenty of space to relax along its immaculate beaches and ports. Fill your holiday itinerary with a yacht tour, game of golf, rock climbing, and bird-watching.
