56 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.

Popular historic sites such as Hagia Sophia Mosque and Sultan Ahmed Mosque are in your itinerary. Do your shopping at Kapali Carsi and Mısır Çarşısı. The adventure continues: take an in-depth tour of Topkapi Palace, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Suleymaniye Cami , admire the landmark architecture of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, and steep yourself in history at Rumeli Fortress.

To see traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Istanbul day trip planning app.

Chicago, USA to Istanbul is an approximately 14-hour flight. You'll lose 9 hours traveling from Chicago to Istanbul due to the time zone difference. Expect a daytime high around 79°F in June, and nighttime lows around 63°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) to allow enough time 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Güvercinlik Vadisi (Pigeon Valley) and Goreme National Park. Explore hidden gems such as Zelve Open Air Museum and Fairy Chimneys. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Goreme: Derinkuyu (Kaymakli Underground City & Derinkuyu Yeralti Sehri). The adventure continues: Head underground at Uchisar Castle, admire the verdant scenery at Gulludere Vadisi, take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, and learn about winemaking at Kocabag Winery.

To find photos, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Goreme trip maker website.

Traveling by flight from Istanbul to Goreme takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a bit cooler evenings in Goreme when traveling from Istanbul in June, with lows around 55°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) so you can go by car to Ankara.

Turkey's capital and second-largest city, Ankara supports a large population of foreign diplomats and young students, contributing to the city's international feel.

Explore hidden gems such as Hamamonu Restored Area and Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi. Appreciate the collections at Rahmi M. Koc Muzesi and Erimtan Arkeoloji ve Sanat Muzesi. There's lots more to do: examine the collection at Ulucanlar Prison Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Haci Bayram Mosque (Haci Bayram Camii), admire the striking features of Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii), and explore the world behind art at 8 Hubb Art Gallery.

For ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Ankara online attractions planner.

Take a bus from Goreme to Ankara in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or fly. Traveling from Goreme in June, you will find days in Ankara are a bit cooler (67°F), and nights are a bit warmer (64°F). Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight to Alanya.

A modest coastal town for most of its long history, Alanya became a cosmopolitan tourist destination in the 1990s, drawing big crowds with its nightlife and long stretch of sandy beaches.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Alanya Kalesi and Swim with Dolphins. Museum-lovers will get to explore Kizilkule and Alanya Arkeoloji Muzesi. There's much more to do: admire the sheer force of Dimcay, kick back and relax at Kleopatra Beach, take in the pleasant sights at Alanya LimanI, and explore the fascinating underground world of Dim Cave.

To see photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Alanya trip planner.

Fly from Ankara to Alanya in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sun) so you can go by car to Antalya.

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.

Antalya Muzesi and Side Museum will appeal to museum buffs. Get a sense of the local culture at Ancient Theater and Termessos Ruins. There's lots more to do: delve into the distant past at Hadrian's Gate, discover the deep blue sea with Deep Walker Diving Resort, buy something for everyone on your list at TerraCity, and stop by Excalibur Silver.

To find photos, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Antalya road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Alanya to Antalya takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. July in Antalya sees daily highs of 95°F and lows of 74°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can go by car to Olympos.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Phaselis and Olympos Archeological Site. Relax by the water at Cirali Beach and Karaoz Sahili. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Olympos: Adrasan Sahili (in Adrasan) and Kemer (Scuba & Snorkeling & TahtalI Dagi).

For reviews, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Olympos trip planning tool.

Drive from Antalya to Olympos in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In July in Olympos, expect temperatures between 95°F during the day and 74°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Kas.

An unspoiled fishing village for most of its existence, Kas now serves as a mostly quiet tourist town, located on the southern section of the country's Mediterranean coastline.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Patara Antik Kenti and Hellenistic Theatre. Shop till you drop at Tugra Art Gallery and Young and Partners Carpet and Kilim. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kas: Kekova Island (in Demre (Kale)), Patara Beach (in Patara) and Xanthos Antik Kenti (in Kalkan). There's still lots to do: get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

To see more things to do, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, read our Kas holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Olympos to Kas takes 2.5 hours. Traveling from Olympos in July, expect slightly colder with lows of 69°F in Kas. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Fethiye.

A prosperous hub of tourism on the Mediterranean coastline, Fethiye boasts one of Turkey's finest natural harbors.

Old Town and Tlos will appeal to history buffs. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Babadag and Adrenaline & Extreme Tours. Take a break from Fethiye with a short trip to Oludeniz PlajI in Oludeniz, about 30 minutes away. There's much more to do: slough off your stress at Turkish baths, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, stop by Bazaar Anatolia, and take in the waterfront at Fethiye Port.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Fethiye trip builder tool.

Drive from Kas to Fethiye in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In July in Fethiye, expect temperatures between 91°F during the day and 69°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) 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.

Kaunos and Lycian Rock Tombs will appeal to history buffs. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Marmaris Museum and Mona Titti Art Gallery. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Marmaris: Azmak Nehri (in Akyaka) and Iztuzu Beach 2 (in Dalyan). There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Icmeler Beach, cool off at Marmaris Atlantis Waterpark, kick back and relax at Marmaris Beach, and see Off-Road Tours.

To see photos, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Marmaris attractions website.

Getting from Fethiye to Marmaris by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. July in Marmaris sees daily highs of 91°F and lows of 69°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Bodrum City.

More than a million tourists visit Bodrum City each year, drawn by its sandy beaches and luxury hotels.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Castle of St. Peter and Knidos Antik Kenti. Popular historic sites such as Temple of Apollo and Miletus are in your itinerary. Step out of Bodrum City to go to Palamutbuku and see Palamutbükü Plajı, which is approximately 1h 40 min away. There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, relax and rejuvenate at The Spa at The Bodrum EDITION, and stroll through Bitez Beach.

For where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Bodrum City trip planner.

Drive from Marmaris to Bodrum City in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Marmaris in July, Bodrum City is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 75°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can go by car 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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Ephesus Museum and Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House). Explore hidden gems such as Public Latrine and Aqua Fantasy- Aquapark Hotel & SPA. Take a break from Selcuk with a short trip to Magnesia Antik Kenti in Germencik, about 40 minutes away. There's much more to do: explore the ancient world of Ancient City of Ephesus, take in the spiritual surroundings of Isa Bey Mosque, see the interesting displays at Camlik Locomotive Museum, and admire the local landmark of Trajan's Fountain.

For ratings, photos, and other tourist information, read our Selcuk online trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Bodrum City to Selcuk by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In July in Selcuk, expect temperatures between 95°F during the day and 71°F at night. On the 5th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.