18 days in Turkey Itinerary

Famous for its big lagoon, Oludeniz acts like a magnet for mass tourism, featuring some of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Fri): look for gifts at Can BaharatcIlIk Cihan Zor, enjoy the sand and surf at Oludeniz PlajI, and then see where the ancients bathed at Lycian D Spa & Turkish Bath. On the 13th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get outside with Outdoor Activities and then stroll through The Lycian Way.

To see photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Oludeniz trip planner.

Hyderabad, India to Oludeniz is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from India Standard Time to Turkey Time is minus 2.5 hours. Plan for cooler temperatures traveling from Hyderabad in May, with highs in Oludeniz at 29°C and lows at 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Marmaris.

One of Turkey's major port towns and tourist resorts, Marmaris sits on the stretch of the Mediterranean coastline popularly known as the "Turkish Riviera." Nestled between verdant mountain ranges and the sea, Marmaris draws sailors and divers from around the globe, its marinas packed with private yachts and tour boats.

On the 14th (Sun), slough off your stress at Turkish baths, then enjoy the sand and surf at Icmeler Beach, and then deepen your understanding of the past and present with Marmaris Travel Center.

For ratings, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Marmaris online travel route builder.

You can drive from Oludeniz to Marmaris in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. In May, daily temperatures in Marmaris can reach 29°C, while at night they dip to 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Pamukkale.

A popular spa since the second century BCE, the modern city of Pamukkale continues to draw worldwide attention with its hot springs and travertines--naturally formed calcite bathing pools.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Mon): take in the natural beauty of Pamukkale Thermal Pools, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and then get outside with Outdoor Activities. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the different monuments and memorials at Anatolia Cemetery and then explore the ancient world of Hierapolis.

For ratings, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Pamukkale route planner.

You can drive from Marmaris to Pamukkale in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) so you can drive to Selcuk.

An ideal base camp for exploring the Aegean coastline, Selcuk draws big tourist crowds due to its proximity to the ancient city of Ephesus.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Wed): delve into the distant past at Temple of Hadrian and then delve into the distant past at Ancient City of Ephesus.

To see where to stay and tourist information, go to the Selcuk tour itinerary maker app.

Traveling by car from Pamukkale to Selcuk takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Selcuk can reach 30°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can catch the flight 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Goreme National Park and TokalI Church. Take a break from the city and head to Balloon Rides and Uchisar Castle. Next up on the itinerary: trot along with a tour on horseback, see Off-Road Tours, admire the verdant scenery at Gulludere Vadisi, and stop by Antik Galeri.

To find more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Goreme trip itinerary planner.

You can fly from Selcuk to Goreme in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Selcuk in May; daily highs in Goreme reach 27°C and lows reach 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) early enough to fly to Istanbul.

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.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Hagia Sophia Mosque and Basilica Cistern. Appreciate the collections at Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower. There's lots more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Sultan Ahmed Mosque, admire the masterpieces at Chora Museum, take a stroll through Istiklal Caddesi, and hunt for treasures at Kapali Carsi.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read our Istanbul route planning website.

You can fly from Goreme to Istanbul in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Goreme in May since evenings lows in Istanbul dip to 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) so you can fly back home.