Turkey, from city lights to the coast.

Fourteen days, with room in between.

An editorial route suggestion. Transfer days count; transport, availability and your preferences determine what is practical.

1. 01

   Istanbul

   5 days

   Make the first day about arriving. Then explore Sultanahmet, leave a separate day for the waterfront and take time to discover a neighbourhood beyond the busiest sights. A ferry journey can be part of the day itself; check its actual destination before boarding.

2. 02

   Cappadocia

   4 days

   Include your transfer from Istanbul in this block. Use one base and choose a modest mix of valley scenery and cultural visits. Check access and conditions locally. Ballooning is optional and weather-dependent: do not make the whole trip depend on a particular flight.

3. 03

   Antalya

   5 days

   Allow for the journey to the coast, then settle into a slower rhythm. Explore Kaleiçi, choose a beach day that suits local conditions and leave the final day for your departure. Check whether your flight actually leaves from Antalya or requires a return to Istanbul.

Good things to know.

Your first hour: know which Istanbul airport

Check the airport code on your ticket before arranging a pickup. Save your hotel address, check-in instructions and the agreed meeting point offline. Compare transport options with your accommodation and the official airport information. Leave your arrival evening flexible: collecting luggage and crossing a large city can take longer than the flight schedule suggests.

Give the famous sights their own time

In Istanbul, pair the historic Sultanahmet area with a quieter meal or waterfront walk instead of squeezing every monument into one day. GoTürkiye lists places such as the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque; check current visitor rules, prayer arrangements and tickets at the venue before visiting. Follow dress and photography guidance, especially in places of worship. A neighbourhood afternoon can be just as memorable as a ticketed attraction.

Cappadocia works without a packed excursion list

The landscape is the reason to slow down here. Choose a manageable walk or guided outing for your experience level and the conditions, then keep another block free for a museum or village visit. Ask your accommodation about current access before heading into a valley. Check the cancellation rules for any balloon reservation and have a pleasant ground-based alternative ready. Do not promise yourself the same view as a promotional photograph.

Finish in Antalya without racing the coastline

Kaleiçi makes a useful focus for an old-town day. Choose your accommodation area before planning beach visits: a destination name covers more ground than a single map pin. Group nearby activities and confirm the return journey before a day trip. Keep your last night practical for the airport. You do not need to drive the entire coast to have a rewarding coastal stay.

Budget in Turkish lira, not yesterday’s conversion

Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY). Start with separate budget lines for accommodation, transfers, food and paid sights. Use our country guide’s converter as a reference, then check the actual rate and fees offered by your bank or exchange provider. Compare like-for-like totals, including baggage or booking fees. Keep a second payment option and enough flexibility for an unexpected transfer.

Pack for three different parts of the country

Istanbul, inland Cappadocia and the Mediterranean coast need separate weather checks. A forecast for one city does not describe the whole itinerary. Build indoor alternatives into city days and leave outdoor outings flexible. Check current official travel advice for the particular regions you will visit, plus entry requirements for your passport. This suggested route is not a current safety assessment of Turkey.

Set up connectivity before the moving days

Check the provider’s latest installation and access instructions before departure, and keep a copy offline. Do not assume that every provider website or app will be reachable at your destination. A domestic transfer may consume much of a day but still counts towards plan validity. Check the local network, activation trigger, hotspot allowance and support channel for the exact eSIM. Country coverage does not guarantee service inside every building or valley.

Choose a small daily routine

Before leaving your accommodation, save the next address and return route, check your battery and confirm any reservation. Download large files on a connection you trust instead of using your travel allowance accidentally. If you keep your normal SIM active, check its roaming charges and phone settings separately. The calculator below gives a transparent estimate; your own video, navigation and backup habits decide the real total.

A smoother arrival starts here.

Saved on this device only. A tick records your own check, not an automatic verification.