Turkey in 6 Day Itinerary
Culturally vibrant and dynamic, Turkey is an amazing destination with a mix of World Heritage sites, remains of the glory of several vast empires of the bygone eras, delectable cuisine, typical European look and feel coupled with traditional Turkish culture. If you are planning to visit Turkey and can spare only six days in the country, then you should incorporate these key highlights in your itinerary. Check out our recommendation of spending six memorable days in Turkey with your friends, family and kids.
2 Days in Istanbul
Day 1: Istanbul City Tour
Istanbul is the best place to start your Turkish sojourn. Explore the city of Istanbul, the most beautiful and culturally significant among the Turkish cities on the first day of your travel. The city has witnessed the rise and fall of several empires and being on the crossroads of Europe and Asia has remained a key trading and cultural centre in the world. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the historic areas of Istanbul. Check out the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, which house the important relics of Islamic world among several other artefacts of Ottoman Empire. In the evening, visit the neighbourhood of Galata where you can see the Genoese architecture of Tower of Galata and ornate Galata Bridge. The perfect first day to kickstart your Turkey in 6 days itinerary.
Day 2: Morning cruise in the Bosphorus straits and visit to Dolmabahce Palace
On the second day, you can indulge in a morning cruise in the Bosphorus straits which separates the continent of Europe and Asia and is a major shipping route of the Asia Minor region. While sailing in the Bosporus, admire the stunning Ottoman era heritage buildings and facades of palaces. Also visit the famous Dolmabahce Palace, a very significant palace which served as the residence of iconic leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president of Republic of Turkey. In the evening, visit the iconic Grand Bazaar, the historic covered market still retains its charm.
Day 3: Things to do in Izmir
Thereafter, you can take a flight to Izmir on the 3rd day of your visit. Drive to the historic city of Ephesus, one of the best preserved Roman cities filled with remains of the lost civilizations. The UNESCO World Heritage sites here were discovered and restored in the late 19th century by a team of British, German and Austrian archaeologists. You will also see the sites of Temple of Artemis, Library of Celcus, Temple of Hadrian and many more. Ephesus highlights the extent of socio-cultural development of the area during the Roman and Byzantine times. Ephesus will be a complete eye opener for people interested in the region’s history and is a must for every Turkey in 6 days itinerary.
Day 4: Cappadocia 1 day tour from Istanbul or Izmir
Visit Cappadocia on the fourth day after taking a flight from Izmir. Cappadocia is a major tourist destination of Turkey, and is renowned for its other-worldly landscape comprising of rock-cut dwellings and underground cities, fairy chimney rock formations and scattered villages. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage site of Goreme, the best site to understand the mystifying cave dwellers of these underground cities. In the summer months, do try hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, a must have experience of Turkey. Spending a day is must, if your are looking for Turkey in 6 days itinerary.
Day 5: Visit Konya for a day trip!
Next day visit Konya, the spiritual city of Turkey, renowned for its practice of whirling dervishes, one of the most important cultural heritages of the country. Formed as a method of worshiping the supreme creator, whirling dervish encompasses the teachings of famous theologian and thinker Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Balkhi-Rumi. In Konya, visit the museum of the revered Mausoleum of Rumi, Alaaddin Mosque, Karatay Madrasa. Experience the Whirling Dervishes festival in Konya and also don’t forget to visit the Mevlana Museum. Konya offers an amazing insight into the country’s culture and religion and is an amazing place to visit in Turkey in 6 days tour.
Day 6: Ankara City Tour
Your last stop in Turkey should be Ankara, the modern capital of Turkey, a dynamic and vibrant city with its own distinct cosmopolitan outlook and interspersed with a lot of history. In Ankara, see the Ankara Castle, Museum of Anatolian Civilization and War of Independence Museum and in the evening enjoy bar and club hopping to get the best out of the thriving nightlife of Ankara before flying out of the country.
