What to see in Türkiye in 7 days for a dream trip

Turkey is a country divided between two continents, Europe on one side and Asia on the other. Due to its geographical position, long history and ancient culture, this is a country that fascinates and conquers many visitors. When thinking about a trip to Turkey, you must know that there are many cities and things to see, but a seven-day trip allows you to have a good taste of the cities. In a week, therefore, it is possible to visit some of its most iconic wonders , exploring not only the main cities but also archaeological sites, from the tranquility to the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia.

Day 1: Istanbul, the historical heart

Although it is not the capital of the country, for many the discovery of Turkey begins right inIstanbul , a city with a thousand-year history with a territory that extends between Europe and Asia. Exploring the entire city in a few days is really difficult given the numerous sites of interest and also the traffic in Istanbul which can be truly terrible. There are some stops, however, that you absolutely must not miss.

Sultanahmet, the area not to be missed

The first day can be dedicated to discovering the Sultanahmet district, the oldest heart of the city. Here you will find the majestic Basilica of Santa Sofia , once a Byzantine church and then a mosque, and the Blue Mosque, famous for its 20,000 blue ceramic tiles from İznik. The area also features the Hippodrome, which in Roman times hosted shows and horse races but later also became a significant site for riots and uprisings that have shaped the history of the city. Not far away, the Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries and still preserves many testimonies of that period. Also not to be missed is a stop at the Basilica Cistern, a place that despite its name is not a religious building but a museum. This space, in fact, was used by the Romans as a place to store water that was then used by the rulers who lived in the Great Palace.

Grand Bazaar Istanbul

From Sultanahmet you can walk to the Grand Bazaar , one of the largest covered markets in the world where it is impossible not to get lost among the numerous stalls and shops. First built in the mid-15th century and then expanded several times, the Grand Bazaar today hosts not only traders but also bars, restaurants and two mosques. Another short walk from the Grand Bazaar takes you to the Suleymaniye Mosque built in the mid-16th century for one of the most famous rulers of the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman the Magnificent.

Day 2: European Istanbul and Bosphorus Cruise

The second day can be dedicated to discovering the European area of ​​Istanbul, in particular the Beyoğlu district, which over the centuries has been the territory of both the Republic of Genoa and that of Venice. The day cannot be said to have ended without taking a cruise on the Bosphorus , admiring the splendid palaces and mosques that overlook the strait.

Beyoğlu and Independence Avenue

The Beyoğlu area during the Ottoman rule was for a long time home to European embassies, diplomatic offices and major foreign companies. Also for this reason the European influence is very noticeable in this area of ​​the city. Its heart is İstiklal Caddesi (or Independence Avenue), a pedestrian street almost 1.5 km long that connects Taksim Square with Tünel Square. It is one of the most famous streets in the city, full of shops, cafes and art galleries and is also traversed by a typical red tram.

Galata Tower

Built in 1348 by the Genoese as a watchtower, the Galata Tower still dominates the neighborhood with its 67 meters of height. Over the centuries it has had various functions: prison, astronomical observatory and signal tower. The best time to climb to the top is definitely at sunset since its panoramic terrace offers a spectacular view of the city, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. From the Galata Tower you can walk to the famous Galata Bridge, an extraordinary feat of engineering that connects the European side of Istanbul with the Ottoman side.

Day 3: Ankara, the capital

The third day can be dedicated to Ankara , the capital of Turkey, which has recently applied for inclusion in the UNESCO Tentative List . From Istanbul the easiest way to reach the city is by plane.

Atatürk Mausoleum and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Here the first stop of the day is the Atatürk Mausoleum (or Anıtkabir), dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938) the first President and founder of the Turkish Republic . Situated on a panoramic hill, Anıtkabir impresses with its monumental architecture and the importance it holds for the citizens of Turkey.

Not far away is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations , which houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Bronze Age, but also from the Roman, Byzantine and other periods that tell a lot about the history of the country.

Ancient Ankara

Continuing towards the old town, you will come across the impressive Hacı Bayram Mosque, built between the 16th and 17th centuries, and the Temple of Augustus , an ancient Roman temple built between 25 and 20 BC following the Roman conquest of Anatolia. Parts of the famous text “Res gestae divi Augusti” or “The deeds of the divine Augustus” have been engraved on its walls and can still be read today. A few steps away you can also admire the remains of the Baths of Caracalla dating back to the 4th century.

Finally, the Ankara Citadel (Ankara Kalesi) is definitely worth a visit, a fortress built in the Roman period but then rebuilt several times. Raised on top of a hill, from up there you can admire a splendid view of the city.

Day 4: Cappadocia and the lunar landscapes

Reach Cappadocia , a unique region in the world for its rock formations sculpted over time by wind and water that are known as “ Fairy Chimneys ” for their conical shape. The natural landscapes of this area are truly surreal so much so that hot air balloon flights at dawn are also organized here to admire all their charm.

Goreme Open Air Museum

Cappadocia is particularly famous for its Göreme Open Air Museum , a complex of rock-hewn churches, monasteries and buildings carved into the rock that still preserve frescoes and decorations made between the 10th and 12th centuries. Due to its charm and historical importance , Göreme Park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here many of the rock formations, of volcanic origin, have been a hiding place for hermits or Christian martyrs for centuries. The most famous churches are the Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise), known for its splendid frescoes, the Apple Church, the Church of St. Barbara and the funerary chapel of St. Basil.

Underground cities

An unmissable experience is a visit to one of the underground cities , such as Derinkuyu or Kaymakli: real labyrinths of tunnels, rooms and passages dug up to 80 meters deep during the invasions. The Christian population of the area, in fact, was repeatedly (between the 5th and 10th centuries) the object of persecution and to escape the harassment, real underground cities were built. The most famous of these is Kaymakli which is said to be the largest in all of Cappadocia given that it develops on eight levels, but only four of these are open to visitors. Walking inside it is like entering a real underground labyrinth: narrow tunnels lead to common rooms, kitchens, warehouses, churches and even stables for animals.

Zelve Museum

The Zelve Open Air Museum is one of the most evocative and least crowded sites in Cappadocia. Located about 10 kilometers from Göreme, Zelve was a village inhabited until the mid-1950s. Born as a monastic center and place of refuge, Zelve is home to special rock formations that make the landscape truly surreal. The complex houses rock-cut churches dating back to the 9th-13th centuries, but also a splendid mosque that testifies to how this area was inhabited over time by both Christians and Muslims.

Day 5: Hot Air Balloon Flight and Uçhisar Castle

Once in Cappadocia, one of the most exciting activities to do is definitely a hot air balloon flight at dawn, to admire the landscapes of the area from above. It is an experience that truly remains etched in your memory. Afterwards, before leaving for the next stop, you can visit the castle of Uçhisar, a fortress carved into the rock.

Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Cappadocia

Although it is not a particularly cheap activity, a hot air balloon flight over the skies of Cappadocia is an activity that you absolutely must include in your program. From above, in fact, the landscape of Cappadocia reveals itself in all its beauty. The valleys sculpted by the wind, the ancient villages and the numerous stone formations change color with the first light of the sun, creating a breathtaking panorama. Watching the sun rise from up there with this fantastic territory at your feet is truly a unique experience.

Uchisar Castle

Located in the village of Uçhisar , this imposing volcanic rock castle stands at the highest point of Cappadocia and from there dominates the surrounding valleys with its majestic shape. In reality it is a large tuff pinnacle dug on several levels, which over the centuries has served both as a fortress and a refuge.

Day 6: Pamukkale and the Travertine Terraces

Pamukkale and Hierapolis form one of the most fascinating sites in Turkey, where nature and history intertwine in a unique landscape.

Pamukkale

The name Pamukkale means “cotton castle” because that is what you seem to see when you admire this unique place in the world, famous for its spectacular white travertine terraces. Here the thermal water, rich in calcium, has flowed for millennia creating natural pools that take on the white color resembling cotton. The water that flows at high temperature has long been exploited for its healing properties.

Hierapolis

Hierapolis rises above the terraces of Pamukkale and is one of the most fascinating ancient cities in Turkey. Founded in the 2nd century BC by the kings of Pergamon, during the Roman domination it became an important spa center. Today you can walk along the street of the ancient city and admire the well-preserved remains of various Roman sites. Among the first testimonies you will find the theater that could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators, then the thermal baths, the temples and above all the necropolis which is one of the largest in Asia Minor, with many sarcophagi and funerary monuments.

Day 7: Ephesus, the ancient Roman city

For a nice trip back in time, you can end the tour with a visit to Ephesus, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the entire Mediterranean.

Ephesus Site

Considered one of the most impressive and best preserved archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, Ephesus has as its symbol the Library of Celsus , built in the 2nd century AD in honor of the Roman governor Celsus Polemeanus. Next to it is the Great Theater, which could accommodate up to 25,000 people and is still used today for concerts and events. Not far away you can visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World .

Visiting Turkey: all the useful tips

For Italian citizens, a visa is not required for tourist stays of up to 90 days. A passport is sufficient, but you can also travel with a valid identity card for expatriation. The best periods for a trip are Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October).

Turkey is a secular country but the majority of the population is Muslim. In the big cities there are no particular restrictions on clothing, while in the villages or rural areas it is preferable to dress more soberly. To enter mosques men and women must cover their legs and shoulders, in addition, women must wear a scarf to cover their head.