Turkey is a wonderful country with endless variety. It is the only country where East meets West, revealing breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the grandeur of Istanbul, with its great mosques and palaces, to the antiquities of Ephesus and the clean sandy beaches of the Mediterranean Sea region by the Aegean Sea, Turkey offers an unparalleled travel experience. To fully explore this captivating destination, consider a well-planned Turkey Tour Itinerary that encompasses these diverse attractions and more.
There is something that can entice the tourists in every nook and cranny of this wonderful land. This is why it is perfect for individual, grouped, couples and families to visit. There are lots of fun things in Turkey that are extensive, but in my opinion the cultural assets increase its appeal more. This is a place of fruit and spices markets, ancient cities, or beautiful nature. There is a lot of must to do in Turkey because the opportunities are endless. Welcome to join us to explore the most attractive day activities and attractions in this interesting country.
Turkey Tour Itinerary - Discovering the Diverse
Istanbul – the Heart Of Turkey
Istanbul is a city of many surprises with history in its ancient quarter, culture in the art and music and of course attractions. From the majesty of Hagia Sophia, to the splendor of the Topkapi Palace or the bazaar, one can never tire of the discovery. Do not leave these must do in Turkey activities out of your list to ensure you get the best experience.
Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmed Mosque or popularly known as the Blue Mosque is among world renowned buildings located in Istanbul. With interiors that feature blue ceramic tiles giving it its beautiful color, this mosque is a must visit. There are no charges on entry,but donations can be made.
Caution for foreign people:
We all must respect all religions. To get into the blue mosque First, the clothing should be formal, covering all body parts, and second, the shoes should be taken off upon entering.
Hagia Sophia
Only a few steps from the blue Mosque, is another architectural gem – Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia is a museum which was once a church, then a mosque, and in its glory it has no equal. Tickets would cost about 100 TL, which would roughly translate to $7 per ticket. The best way to acquire a ticket is by buying it online in order to minimize the time one has to spend in a queue.
Topkapi Palace
Explore the ancient life of Ottoman sultans in the world famous Topkapi Palace. One important site for getting a feel for this wealth and splendor during the Ottoman Empire is this huge complex. It is advisable to spend a few hours just to look into all the rooms and courtyards that it has to offer.
Grand Bazaar
There are numerous sites to visit in the city of Istanbul. Grand Bazaar marks the best fun activities in Turkey for women. This historic market is a labyrinth of shops selling everything from spices to jewelry.
Special Tip for foreigners
Haggling is expected, so brush up on your bargaining skills. It's free to enter, but be prepared to spend on souvenirs!
Practical Information
Ticket Prices
- Blue Mosque: Free (donations welcome)
- Hagia Sophia: 100 TL (approx. $7)
- Topkapi Palace: 200 TL (approx. $14) + additional for Harem
Money Exchange Points
Istanbul has numerous money exchange points, especially in tourist areas like Sultanahmet and Taksim Square. Rates can vary, so shop around for the best deal.
Internet and SIM Cards
Istanbul provides your everything. Stay connected with your loved ones by having a local Sim card of all famous cellular networks of Turkey like Turk Telecom, Turkcell and others. SIM cards with data plans start at around 100 TL (approximately $7) for 20GB of data, valid for one month. You can buy these at the airport, shopping malls, or local shops.
Points to Ponder While Visiting Istanbul
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TL)
- Language: Turkish (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather
Kusadasi - Gateway to Ancient Ephesus
Kusadasi has many points of interest ideal for culture lovers and beach lovers due to history and beautiful sandy shores respectively. It can be history in the archaeological sites or beaches for leisure or tasting a new way of life. There is always something to see or do. That’s why you need to mark the following during your Kusadasi Turkey tour if you want to make the best of your trip.
Key Highlights of kudasai Turkey
- Ephesus: Stroll through the remains of this once Elope, a prominent city of ancient Rome. Pose for pictures with the remaining building, the Library of Celsus, the large theater, and moving floor designs.
- House of Virgin Mary: The remains of the holy vessel that is presently thought to have been the dwelling place of the Virgin Mary. It is somewhere to go that is calming and sight-see.
- Beautiful Beaches: You can take a walk on the beach sand or simply lay back and watch the beauty of the clear blue waters of Aegean Sea. The famous beaches are Ladies Beach and Long Beach.
- Kusadasi Castle: This island also known as Pigeon Island is inhabited, has a castle and stunning view of the area and the region’s history in maritime activities.
- Shopping in Kusadasi: Visit grocery and walking streets to buy souvenirs, locally made products and delicacies such as Turkish sweets.
Practical Information
Ticket Prices
- Ephesus: 200 TL (approx. $14)
- House of Virgin Mary: 60 TL (approx. $4)
Money Exchange Points
There are numerous money exchange points throughout Kusadasi, especially in the main tourist areas and near the port. Compare rates to get the best deal.
Internet and SIM Cards
Internet and SIM cards of the local providers Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom can be bought in the kiosks. SIM cards are widely sold at airports, shopping malls, and almost all shops that deal in phone and accessories. The costs for SIM cards with data packages range from 100 TL ($7) for 20GB and valid for one month.
Pro Tip for Nature Lovers
Other attractions in and around Kusadasi other than the archaeological sites as well as the sandy beaches include; bazaar shopping, fish and seafood eating, dancing and so on. Still, if you want to know what to see in Kusadasi you must visit Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes Delta National Park. It is the best gift from mother nature for its lovers.
Getting to Kusadasi
By Air
The most convenient airport that is nearest to Kusadasi is the Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, about 80 km away. After arriving at Kusadasi through the airport you can take a shuttle bus or a car rental service or you can also hire a private taxi.
By Sea
Kusadasi is one of the great favorites among cruise lines’ stops. If your voyage is a Mediterranean cruise then while cruising you may dock at Kusadasi and get the chance to take a look at the place or surrounding areas.
By Bus
Turkey does have a good network of buses and you can very easily travel from Kusadasi to Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and several other cities. The buses, though rather luxurious, are comparatively cheap and therefore preferred by most travelers within the country.
By Car
For those who like driving a car, you can rent one and get to Kusadasi on your own. The roads are ok and the road trip technically, takes about 1.5 hrs from Izmir.
Tips
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TL)
- Language: Turkish (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather
Ankara – Now Capital with Thousand Years of History
Ankara, and Turkey’s capital has always developed a unique blend of the contemporary world significance while at the same time being steeped in history.
Must-See Sites:
Anıtkabir: Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk mausoleum, this is the founder of modern Turkey, Kocatepe Mosque. It features a large building which is complemented by splendid gardens around it.
- Ticket Price: Free entry
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Address: Anıttepe, 06570 Çankaya/Ankara
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: Check out some of the great relics of Turkey’s history that have been uncovered so far. From the displayed objects it is possible to reveal the paleolithic period and the ottoman empire.
- Ticket Price: 60 TL (approximately $4)
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Address: Gözcü Sokak No:2, 06240 Ulus/Altındağ/Ankara
Kızılay Square: The walkway area with lots of shops, cafes and even people rushing around during a working week. As such, it is wonderful to feel the vibe of Ankara with the sound in one of the bars.
- Activities: Shopping, dining, people-watching
- Nearby: Numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops
Atakule Tower: If you want to get a bird’s eye view of Ankara, this is the place to visit through this tower. At the top there is a rotating restaurant so people can see the beautiful view of the city.
- Ticket Price: Approximately 20 TL (about $1.50) for adults.
- Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Location: Atakule Tower, Cinnah Caddesi No: 12, Çankaya, 06690 Ankara, Turkey.
Roman Baths: Explore the ruins of ancient Roman baths, a reminder of Ankara's long history.
- Ticket Price: Approximately 50 TL (about $3.50) for adults.
- Timings: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Address: Roman Baths, Kocatepe Mahallesi, Yıkık Minare Caddesi, 06100 Ankara, Turkey.
Practical Information
Money Exchange Points
You can find money exchange points throughout Ankara, particularly in popular areas like Kızılay Square and Ulus. Banks and official exchange offices offer competitive rates.
Internet and SIM Cards
Staying connected in Ankara is easy with local SIM cards available from major providers like Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport, shopping malls, or local shops. Prices for SIM cards with data plans start at around 100 TL (approximately $7) for 20GB of data, valid for one month.
Getting to Ankara
By Air
Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) is the main airport serving the city. It's about 28 kilometers from the city center, and you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or private transfer to reach your destination.
By Train
Ankara is well-connected by train, with regular services from major cities like Istanbul and Izmir. The high-speed train is a convenient and comfortable option.
By Bus
Turkey has an extensive bus network, and you can reach Ankara from almost any city in the country. Buses are comfortable and reasonably priced.
Fethiye - Natural Beauty and Adventure
Fethiye is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Fethiye, located in the Mugla Province of Turkey, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This charming town, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, offers a variety of exciting activities and attractions. If you're wondering what to see in Fethiye Turkey or looking for things to do in Fethiye Turkey, here's a guide to some of the best experiences in this beautiful city.
Things To Do In Fethiye Turkey Things
Paragliding over oludeniz: Soar above the turquoise waters and enjoy breathtaking views. It's one of the best paragliding spots in the world.
- Ticket Price: Approximately 800-1200 TL (around $55-$85), depending on the season and provider.
- Best Time to Go: April to October for the best weather conditions.
Butterfly Valley:A stunning natural reserve home to numerous butterfly species. You can hike down to the valley or take a boat trip.
- Boat Trip Cost: Around 50-100 TL (approximately $3.50-$7) for a round trip.
- Opening Hours: Daylight hours, but it's best to go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Kayaköy: Explore the eerie ruins of this ancient Greek village. It's a hauntingly beautiful place with a poignant history.
- Ticket Price: 20 TL (approximately $1.50).
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Kayaköy: Explore the eerie ruins of this ancient Greek village. It's a hauntingly beautiful place with a poignant history.
- Ticket Price: 20 TL (approximately $1.50).
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Saklikent Gorge: if you are curious about what to see in fethiye turkey just get through one of the most colossal gorges in all of Turkey. It serves to be useful to many during the hot summer period of the year.
- Ticket Price: It is around 40 TL that is approximately equal to 3 dollars for the adult people.
- Timings: Monday to Sunday and open at 8:00 AM up to 6:00 PM.
Fethiye Marina: If you are interested in places that are free of charge with free attractions in Turkey then climb up to the marina for luxury yachts and water side restaurants.
- Ticket Price: The entry to Fethiye Marina is usually free of charge, but there might be charges for parking, and also the trips that you can take on boats.
- Timings: Accessible 24/7 while shops and restaurants may be open from around 10 AM until 10 PM.
- Address: P. O. Box: 48 Booth No. 404-406 Fethiye Marina Karagözler Mahallesi 48300 Fethiye Muğla / Turkey.
Fethiye Marina: If you are interested in places that are free of charge with free attractions in Turkey then climb up to the marina for luxury yachts and water side restaurants.
- Ticket Price: The entry to Fethiye Marina is usually free of charge, but there might be charges for parking, and also the trips that you can take on boats.
- Timings: Accessible 24/7 while shops and restaurants may be open from around 10 AM until 10 PM.
- Address: P. O. Box: 48 Booth No. 404-406 Fethiye Marina Karagözler Mahallesi 48300 Fethiye Muğla / Turkey.
Practical Information
Money Exchange Points
There are many money exchange points present in Fethiye, especially in the tourist area and in the central business district. Banks and the official exchange offices offer favorable and similar rates.
Internet and SIM Cards
Should you need to keep a connection to the outside world, local SIM cards with Turkcell, Vodafone or Türk Telekom should suffice in Fethiye. SIM cards are available at the airport, shopping malls or at any nearby store that deals with consumer products.
Getting to Fethiye
By Air
Fethiye has a small airport, but if this is not convenient there is another airport much nearer called Dalaman airport, which is only about 50 kilometers from Fethiye. The easiest way to get to Fethiye is by bus, taxi or a private transfer starting from the airport.
By Bus
A variety of buses are available from the big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya to Fethiye. It is also convenient and relatively cheap for tourists as buses are rather comfortable.
By Car
It will be so nice to drive around the coast to get to Fethiye passing through beautiful scenery. The roadways are well tarred and hiring a car comes with the flexibility in the moves you want to make.
Bodrum - The Aegean Gem
Bodrum is known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, enjoying the beaches, or indulging in the local cuisine, Bodrum promises a memorable adventure. Make sure to add these Bodrum Turkey attractions to your itinerary and experience the charm of this Aegean gem.
Main Attractions:
Bodrum Castle: A medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the harbor. It also houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
- Ticket Price: Approximately 70 TL (around $5).
- Timings: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only ruins remain, it's a fascinating historical site.
- Ticket Price: Approximately 20 TL (around $1.50).
- Timings:Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Vibrant Nightlife: Enjoy the lively bars, clubs, and restaurants that make Bodrum a top destination for fun. Don't miss the famous Halikarnas nightclub.
Bodrum Marina: A picturesque spot to see luxury yachts and enjoy fine dining.
- Ticket Price: Entry to Bodrum Marina is generally free, but there may be fees for docking boats and using certain marina facilities.
- Timings:Open daily, 24 hours a day, with shops and restaurants typically operating from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Address:Bodrum Marina, Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi, No:5, 48400 Bodrum, Muğla, Turkey.
Bitez Beach: Famous for its good, clean waters, and relatively calm, it is ideal for sunbathing and swimming on the beach.
- Ticket Price:A recommended beach is Bitez Beach and the good news is that the entrance is free. It is possible to encounter charges for any equipment for rent including sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sporting devices.
- Timings:Open from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Address:Bitez Beach, Bitez Mahallesi ,48470, Bodrum, Muğla, Turkey.
Practical Information
Money Exchange Points
There is no problem finding money exchange offices and banks in Bodrum, particularly in the city area and the areas with tourists. It is prudent to make sure you have some Turkish currency – the Turkish Lira – on hand just in case.
SIM Cards
It was also ascertained that Bodrum enjoys a fairly good connectivity to the Internet. There are local mobile operators available in Turkey namely Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey and TT (Türk Telekom).
Prices of SIM Cards: And while it begins at 100 TL (approximately $7) for the call plans with data.
- Internet Facility: Cafes, hotels and many other areas have the possibility of connection to the Internet for free.
Getting There
Bodrum is accessible by various means:Bodrum is accessible by various means:
By Air:
The closest airport is Milas/Bodrum Airport (BJV) which is about 23 miles from central Girit. Turkish airlines have daily flights that operate frequently from Bodrum to Turkey’s major cities and European cities.
By Road:
Buses and cars are fine too. Bodrum has a good bus link to other parts of Turkey; the bus services are fairly frequent.
By Sea:
The marina of the city welcomes ferries and yachts hence it is well known among sea transporters.
Conclusion
Turkey as a country boasts of several attractions which include; cultural split and natural geographical distribution. From the lively Souks of Istanbul to the vibrant nightlife of Bodrum. There are all sorts of fun activities in Turkey that will make your heart and soul dance in ecstasy. So you should grab your suitcase and be prepared for the guided wonderful journey through Turkey's must-do list.
Turkey has lots of tourist attraction centers, give us a trial through our well-developed itineraries and get ready for a magical trip. In one way or the other, you’ll always find what you are looking for in Turkey; be it history, nature, or adventure. Make it today and discover the many beautiful facets of this interesting country.
