Interesting stops include the ancient ruins of Knidos, the dramatic Crusader Castle in Kaleköy and Kaş with its cool cafe-restaurants. Held in different areas on set days of the week, these local markets are cheap and lively places to buy staples and seasonal fruit and veg, and discover which ingredients locals are using in their kitchens at home. A rakı-balık meal is a quintessential Turkish custom, particularly in Istanbul and along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. The name explains this popular dining experience – rakı is a strong anise-flavored liqueur typically mixed with water and ice, and balık is fish. These lavish spreads typically start with an assortment of meze dishes, which are often the real stars of the show.

Day 12 –  Coast Drive Between Antalya And Kas

If you do want to hike, the middle of summer may not be the best time to visit this area due to the intense heat. Mardin, with its rich history of Syriac, Arab, Turkish, Mongol, and Ottoman influences, is renowned for its stunning architecture. Intricately carved limestone buildings climb the mountainside, with Viaggi in Turchia narrow cobblestone streets and staircases weaving through the city. Grand mosques, numerous churches, monasteries, and museums dot Mardin, offering endless exploration opportunities. This city on the Turkish Riviera offers beautiful beaches, nature retreats, ancient wonders, and a fascinating history.

Day Turkey Tours & Trips

Beyond its coastal charm, the city is surrounded by lush green mountains, where you can embark on hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints overlooking the Black Sea. Lush green mountains, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque valleys adorn the landscape. The ​​Uzungöl Lake is a particularly stunning vista, just 1.5 hours outside the capital city. Exploring the narrow streets of the capital city’s old town, visitors can soak up the authentic atmosphere. Marvel at traditional wooden houses and discover hidden gems, like the bustling bazaars where you can sample local delicacies and shop for textiles and souvenirs.

Q5 Is Tipping Customary In Turkey?

See one of the oldest structures in the city, Kızlarağası Inn, built in 1744, where there are now guest rooms and shops you can browse. Walk through the Kemeralti Market and out to Kordonboyu’s pier to gain a full appreciation of how this port city is still thriving today. The museum was once the Mevlevi dervish (“whirling dervish”) lodge and features the Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi mausoleum. If you’re interested in the dervish rites and rituals, you can see whirling dervish ceremonies at the Mevlana Cultural Center close to the museum. Start your visit with some sightseeing at the Bodrum Castle, a medieval fortress built for St. Peter by the Knights of Saint John. You can look over the city’s two bays and look for the hilltop, white-washed Bodrum Windmills below.

Unlike most of the trip – you won’t need to wake up early for the next 2 – 3 days so take time to explore Istanbul’s party scene. After soaking up as much history and culture as you possibly can, spend a relaxing evening with a beer and cool off at Denis Bar or Dplphin Bar. Having spent one week in Turkey, Ephesus introduces a new and exciting adventure to your trip. Depending on where your hotel is in Selcuk, you can choose to bicycle or walk to Ephesus over a distance of roughly 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). Leave your luggage there or carry it with you to the market where you can spend some time in a restaurant. You will wake up early tomorrow, eat breakfast, and then visit the most famous attraction here.

This Turkey itinerary can be extended or reduced depending on what sights you want to see and the time you have available. We did this route in 3 weeks which was around the right amount of time, however we had been to Istanbul previously so only spent 3 days there on this trip. Soak up the Mediterranean sun while sitting on one of the many white sandy beaches that Turkey has to offer. There are over 300 blue flagged beaches to keep you busy on your Turkey holiday package. Check into your Istanbul hotel of choice, and head straight to a Turkish hammam for a one-of-a-kind experience. If you want to make the most of your Turkey itinerary 10 days in, then we suggest you get an early start. [newline]The lost city of Ephesus has a lot to explore, and you want to get the most out of it before all of the day-trippers arrive.

Alternatively, you could rent a car and road trip (the drive from Istanbul is about 14 hours), or endure a 17-hour bus ride. There is only one official accommodation option within the valley itself. Outside of that you’ll have to stay in nearby towns and visit the valley on a day trip. The oceanside gem of Kas has ancient ruins, hip restaurants and stunning beaches. And as an added bonus, it hasn’t quite caught the tourism boom and commercialization of some of the other well-known towns in the south. After a few relaxing days in Antalya, it’s time to move west along the stunning Turkish coastline.