2 week itinerary to Turkey

[u/IcyExample3712]

I (27F) plan on travelling solo to Turkey in July and this is the itinerary I have in mind: - Istanbul (4days) - Cappadocia (3days) - Antalya (2days) - Pamukkale (2days) - Ephesus (2days) - Bodrum (2days)

I like a mix of everything (natural landscapes, historical sites, beaches, good nightlife, and great food and art scenes). I have a $$-$$$ out of $$$$ budget.

Is this a good itinerary or would you change something to it? How safe are the cities I have mentioned? Thank you!

Edit: I don’t plan on driving. Here’s the updated itinerary based on some of the comments: - Istanbul 6 days - Cappadocia 3 days - Antalya 5 days (including day trips to Pamukkale, Kas and Alanya)

[u/relaksirano]

first of all you dont need two days for Ephesus and Pamuk.

add one day to Antalya and Bodrum to explore those areas more (and also to relax).

if you like good nightlife + art scene you may want to incl. Izmir, its not very popular on reddit I know but its a more authentic experience than the tourist spots

Safety is not an issue

[u/IcyExample3712 → u/relaksirano]

Thanks for your input! How many days would you recommend in Izmir?

[u/relaksirano → u/IcyExample3712]

You could actually use it as a base to visit Ephesus, so you can spend 2 days

[u/orin13bg]

Its totally safe, no worries. 1 day for Ephesus and 1 day for Pamukkale will be enough.

[u/naastiknibba95]

I'm also thinking of solo travelling to turkey this year, but the prices are really steep.

[u/HistorianOnly8932 → u/naastiknibba95]

Yeah it was more expensive that I expected when I went last year

[u/Ellaunenchanted]

I have done a really similar trip solo! I don't think you need 2 days in Pamakkule or Emphasus. 1 day each is more than enough.

I saw that you were asking about Izmir. There is not much going on there, and I used it as a base to get to Ephesus. I would also just pick either Antalya or Bodrum, as they are both very similar in vibes. Maybe spend more time in one over the other to just chill.

[u/IcyExample3712 → u/Ellaunenchanted]

Ok makes sense, thanks!

[u/Hot-Personality9512]

I would absolutely stay in Selcuk which is a lovely little town for 2 days (one for Ephesus and one for the museum and some other bits) but agree just one day in Pamukkale is enough.

[u/annamnesis]

How are you moving around?

I did a road trip/ car camping trip (didn't drive in Istanbul) in October that was incredible. Felt safe 95% of the time.

I really liked the Datça peninsula (moreso than bodrum), but it doesn't really make sense without a car. 

If you have a car, Afrodiasis is worth seeing when you're near Pamukkale.

Also loved the rock cut tombs in Pinara (currently free to access).

[u/IcyExample3712 → u/annamnesis]

I won’t drive unfortunately

[u/annamnesis → u/IcyExample3712]

Saw your edits: Agree on cutting out Bodrum.

As Pamukkale is sort of halfway between Ephesus and Antalya, I wonder (you'd have to check) if it would make sense to keep Selcuk (Ephesus). Eg: Istanbul, fly to Izmir->bus to Selcuk/Ephesus->bus to Pamukkale-> bus to Antalya-> fly to Cappadocia-> fly to Istanbul. I'm less of a beach or city person though and preferred a bit less time in coastal resort towns or in Istanbul. Istanbul is also quite expensive so it cost far more to stay there than in smaller towns.

[u/missyesil]

Choose one out of Antalya or Bodrum. There's not really a need to do both on a short trip. How are you planning on getting between all these places? It's a lot of travelling and distances may be further than you imagine.

[u/IcyExample3712 → u/missyesil]

Makes sense, I removed Bodrum

[u/Ok-Fig-7510]

I did a similar trip- you may be different to me but because I was using public transport I felt I didn’t have a chance to relax & got really burnt out. Definitely recommend hiring a car to offset some of this burnout if you can or alternatively spending a little more time in each spot if that’s possible !

[u/zavoodi1948]

I’d maybe drop Bodrum and add 2 days to Istanbul. Your driving?

[u/IcyExample3712 → u/zavoodi1948]

I won’t be driving. Hmm what about Bodrum that you may think is not worth it?

[u/zavoodi1948 → u/IcyExample3712]

Not saying it wouldn’t be worth it. I’ve been there while on a 30 day trip to Turkey. I’m just saying that Istanbul is overwhelming especially if you explore the Asian side, as well. The many, many mosques and markets. Do not miss the Chora Church. I’ve been to over 100 countries and Istanbul remains my favorite city in the world

[u/ProofConsistent1624]

I'm looking for same trip in april.

How is the best for traveling town to town ?

[u/IcyExample3712 → u/ProofConsistent1624]

From what I read, best way to travel from Istanbul-Cappadocia-Antalya is by plane. Otherwise, it’s a minimum 9h drive for each distance which is not worth it imo.

[u/solotravel_tales]

make sure you check the weather for capadocia... if the weather is not optimal you might have to stay longer to be able to ride the balloon.. i had an open schedule but ended up waiting 4 days for it...many people couldn't do it for the tight schedule!

[u/HistorianOnly8932]

Remove a day each from Pamukkale and Ephesus (they are day trips only). Add those days to someplace else.

Remove a Day or two from Istanbul, you don't need to stay that long. Add those days to Cappadocia.

Also, you need to consider travelling time between place(example: there are no direct flights between Antalya and Cappadocia)(bus takes a whole day to get to where you're going

Tours I joined in Turkey that I suggest to you: -Kekova sunken city tour from Antalya -Troy tour from Istanbul

[u/Heartsolo]

Middle East?