20 days in Turkey 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.

Appreciate the collections at Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Hagia Sophia Mosque and Ortakoy. Next up on the itinerary: hunt for treasures at Kapali Carsi, take a stroll through Istiklal Caddesi, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and admire the masterpieces at Istanbul Modern | Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.

To find reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Istanbul trip itinerary website.

London, UK to Istanbul is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 3 hours traveling from London to Istanbul. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from London in March since evenings lows in Istanbul dip to 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sun) early enough to fly 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 Goreme National Park and Off-Road Tours. Museum-lovers will get to explore Goreme Open-Air Museum and Kapadokya Ebru Sanat Evi. There's much more to do: get outside with Outdoor Activities, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at TokalI Church, appreciate the views at Gulludere Vadisi, and slough off your stress at Turkish baths.

To find photos and tourist information, read Goreme itinerary planner.

You can fly from Istanbul to Goreme in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Istanbul in April, Goreme is a bit cooler at night with lows of 5°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Ancient City of Ephesus and Isa Bey Mosque. Get some cultural insight at Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House) and Ephesus Museum. Go for a jaunt from Selcuk to Germencik to see Magnesia Antik Kenti about 40 minutes away. There's still lots to do: get a dose of the wild on Troy Tours, explore the historical opulence of Ayasoluk Castle, stop by La Tulip Art Gallery, and explore the ancient world of Public Latrine.

To find photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Selcuk day trip website.

Fly from Goreme to Selcuk in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Goreme in April, expect a bit warmer with lows of 9°C in Selcuk. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) early enough 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.

On the 11th (Tue), delve into the distant past at Hierapolis, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Anatolia Cemetery, and then buy something for everyone on your list at Aquamall AVM. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the natural beauty of Pamukkale Thermal Pools, push the limits with an extreme tour, and then soar above the sights with a balloon tour.

For other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Pamukkale holiday maker app.

Drive from Selcuk to Pamukkale in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Kekova.

Kekova, also named Caravola, is a small Turkish island near Demre district of Antalya province which faces the villages of Kaleköy and Üçağız . On the 13th (Thu), enjoy the sand and surf at Tersane Koyu and then see what you can catch with Kekova kardesim-m boat.

To see photos, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read Kekova route planner.

Getting from Pamukkale to Kekova by car takes about 4.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) so you can 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.

Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Pasha & CO Fine Jewelry and Mona Titti Art Gallery. Get outdoors at Icmeler Beach and Iztuzu Beach 2. Get out of town with these interesting Marmaris side-trips: Oren PlajI (in Oren) and Mugla (Spas & Ekincik Plaji). There's still lots to do: head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

To see photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Marmaris tour planner.

Traveling by car from Kekova to Marmaris takes 4 hours. In April, daily temperatures in Marmaris can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sun) so you can catch the flight back home.