7 days in Istanbul, Antalya & Cesme 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.

Here are some ideas for day two: stop by Ruby Ceramics & Gift Shop, then stroll around Gulhane Park, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Istanbul trip maker website.

Sydney, Australia to Istanbul is an approximately 22.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Turkey Time, which is usually a -7 hour difference. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Sydney in April; daily highs in Istanbul reach 20°C and lows reach 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) to allow enough time to fly 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.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Wed): play a few rounds at Carya Golf Club and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Konyaalti Beach. Here are some ideas for day two: delve into the distant past at Termessos Ruins, then look for gifts at Excalibur Silver, and then explore the ancient world of Hadrian's Gate.

To find ratings, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Antalya attractions planner.

You can fly from Istanbul to Antalya in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Istanbul in April, things will get a bit warmer in Antalya: highs are around 26°C and lows about 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) so you can fly to Cesme.

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 19th (Fri): enjoy the sand and surf at Ilica Plaji.

For where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Cesme trip itinerary builder site.

Traveling by flight from Antalya to Cesme takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Antalya to Cesme due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Antalya in April, plan for slightly colder days in Cesme, with highs around 22°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 13°C. On the 19th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.