Some sample tours

Here are three possible Turkey (Türkiye) tour options starting and ending in Istanbul, along with estimated budget costs for travel and accommodation. These options explore the rich history, natural wonders, and vibrant culture of Turkey, offering flexibility for 2-week, 3-week, and 4-week tours. The costs provided are estimates and can vary depending on the season, type of accommodation, and personal preferences.

2-Week Tour: Highlights of Turkey

Itinerary:

1. Day 1-3: Istanbul

o Visit iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

o Explore Bosphorus by ferry and visit Galata Tower for panoramic views.

Accommodation: $40–$60 per night (budget/mid-range hotel) Activities: Entrance fees around $30 (total for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, etc.)

2. Day 4-5: Cappadocia

o Fly or take a night bus to Cappadocia.

o Explore the fairy chimneys, take a hot air balloon ride (optional), visit Göreme Open-Air Museum, and hike in Love Valley.

Accommodation: $30–$50 per night (cave hotel/guesthouse) Hot Air Balloon Ride (optional): $150–$200 Flight from Istanbul: $60 one-way or bus: $25

3. Day 6-8: Pamukkale and Hierapolis

o Take a bus or flight to Pamukkale and visit the Cotton Castle and ancient city of Hierapolis.

o Soak in the thermal pools and explore Cleopatra’s Pool.

Accommodation: $25–$40 per night (guesthouse) Pamukkale/Hierapolis entrance: $10–$15

4. Day 9-11: Ephesus and Selçuk

o Travel to Selçuk by bus or train.

o Visit the Ephesus ruins, including the Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Accommodation: $30–$50 per night Entrance fees for Ephesus: $15

5. Day 12-14: Istanbul

o Return to Istanbul by bus or flight.

o Spend the last few days shopping in the Spice Bazaar and visiting sites like the Basilica Cistern.

Accommodation: $40–$60 per night

Estimated Budget:

· Accommodation and food: $700–$900

· Transport: $200–$300 (flights/buses)

· Activities and tours: $100–$200 (additional for hot air balloon)

· Total: $1,000–$1,400

3-Week Tour: Cultural and Historical Journey

Itinerary:

1.   Day 1-4: Istanbul

o Explore Istanbul’s historical sites, including Dolmabahçe Palace, Chora Church, and Bosphorus Cruise.

Cost: $40–$60 per night

2.   Day 5-8: Cappadocia

o Stay in Göreme and explore more of the valleys, cave churches, and underground cities like Derinkuyu.

o Optional: Take a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys.

Accommodation: $30–$50 per night Tour of underground cities: $50

3.   Day 9-12: Pamukkale and Denizli

o Visit Pamukkale and Laodicea.

o Optional visit to the nearby Aphrodisias.

Accommodation: $25–$40 per night Entrance fees: $15

4.   Day 13-15: Ephesus and Selçuk

o Tour Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and St. John’s Basilica.

o Optional day trip to the Sirince wine village.

Accommodation: $30–$50 per night Transport: $30–$50 (bus or train)

5.   Day 16-19: Bodrum or Marmaris (Turquoise Coast)

o Relax by the Turquoise Coast, explore Bodrum Castle, or enjoy beaches in Marmaris.

o Optional day trip to the Greek island of Kos.

Accommodation: $50 per night (seaside guesthouse) Ferry to Kos (optional): $30–$40

6.   Day 20-21: Return to Istanbul

o Return to Istanbul for final exploration or rest.

Cost: $40–$60 per night

Estimated Budget:

· Accommodation and food: $1,050–$1,300

· Transport: $300–$400

· Activities and tours: $200–$250

· Total: $1,500–$1,950

4-Week Tour: Complete Turkey Exploration

Itinerary:

1. Day 1-5: Istanbul

o Dive deep into Istanbul’s treasures: visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, and Galata Tower.

o Take a day trip to Princes’ Islands.

Cost: $40–$60 per night

2. Day 6-10: Cappadocia

o Explore Göreme, Red Valley, and Pasabag.

o Take a guided tour of Derinkuyu and hike through the scenic valleys.

Accommodation: $30–$50 per night Tour cost: $50

3. Day 11-13: Konya

o Travel to Konya, the home of the Whirling Dervishes and Mevlana Museum.

o Visit Alaeddin Hill and Karatay Medrese.

Accommodation: $25–$40 per night Bus from Cappadocia to Konya: $15

4. Day 14-17: Pamukkale and Hierapolis

o Enjoy the hot springs and explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

Accommodation: $25–$40 per night

5. Day 18-21: Ephesus and the Aegean Coast

o Visit Ephesus and nearby sites, take a day trip to Sirince Village.

o Enjoy the coastline in Kusadasi.

Accommodation: $30–$50 per night Entrance fees: $15

6. Day 22-25: Fethiye and Ölüdeniz

o Head to Fethiye and explore the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz.

o Take a boat trip to the Butterfly Valley and 12 Islands.

Accommodation: $40–$60 per night Boat trip cost: $20–$30

7. Day 26-29: Antalya

o Spend a few days in Antalya, exploring the Old Town (Kaleiçi), Hadrian’s Gate, and Konyaalti Beach.

o Optional day trip to Aspendos or Perge.

Accommodation: $35–$55 per night Tour to Aspendos/Perge: $30

8. Day 30: Return to Istanbul

o Fly or take a bus back to Istanbul for your departure.

Flight: $40–$60

Estimated Budget:

· Accommodation and food: $1,400–$1,800

· Transport: $450–$500

· Activities and tours: $300–$400

· Total: $2,150–$2,700

Key Notes:

· Accommodation: The prices are based on budget to mid-range hotels or guesthouses, with options for more luxurious stays depending on preferences.

· Transport: Turkey’s buses are very affordable, and domestic flights between major cities (Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya) are also economical.

· Activities: Entrance fees for historical sites are typically inexpensive, and guided tours for larger sites (e.g., Ephesus or Cappadocia) are widely available.

These tours offer a comprehensive exploration of Turkey’s diverse regions, combining cultural and historical sites with breathtaking natural landscapes!