Two weeks lets you combine Turkey’s great cities and sights with proper beach time on the Turquoise Coast.

Days 1–3: Istanbul

Days 4–6: Cappadocia

  • Fly to Kayseri or Nevşehir.
  • Balloon flight, Göreme, Uçhisar Castle, Love and Rose valleys, an underground city and a pottery workshop in Avanos.

Day 7: Pamukkale

  • Travel to Denizli (fly via Istanbul or take an overnight coach).
  • Sunset on the white terraces and an evening swim in the Antique Pool.

Days 8–9: Ephesus and Şirince

  • Drive or take a coach to Selçuk (about 3 hours).
  • Ephesus, the Terrace Houses and the House of the Virgin Mary, with lunch in Şirince.

Days 10–14: The Turquoise Coast

  • Drive south to Fethiye or Kaş (4–5 hours) or fly via Istanbul to Dalaman.
  • Ölüdeniz, a 12 Islands boat trip, Saklıkent Gorge, Kaputaş beach and a sunken-city kayak at Kekova.
  • Fly home from Dalaman.

Getting around

Hiring a car from Ephesus onwards gives you the most freedom. Long-distance coaches are comfortable and cheap if you’d rather not drive. Read getting around Turkey.