Traveling through Türkiye for a full month allowed me to explore the country at a leisurely pace, from the easternmost tip to the more touristy areas in the west.
I was traveling overland from Georgia, which meant the adventure began even before I arrived in the country. Turkey is a vast country, full of contrasts: from mountainous and snowy landscapes inland to turquoise beaches on the Mediterranean coast, passing through cities steeped in history that blend East and West at every turn.
In this one-month itinerary in Türkiye, I share how I organized the trip, the destinations I visited, the time I spent in each place, and the experiences I enjoyed the most.
The idea is to serve as a practical guide if you're also planning to travel around the country, either following a similar route or adapting it to your time and interests.
Table of Contents
What to visit in Turkey
First of all, let's review the most famous places to visit in Türkiye.
My visit to Türkiye was part of a long journey along the ancient Silk Road. In this post, you can learn more about the countries I visited and how to do it all on your own.
Istanbul
Istanbul is the soul of Türkiye and the most common entry point into the country. A city that unites Asia and Europe on a single map, with the Bosphorus as its natural border.
Its main monuments, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque or the Topkapi Palace, speak of centuries of history and empires that left their mark on its architecture and culture.
But Istanbul isn't just about the past. The bustle of the Grand Bazaar, the aromas of spices in Eminönü, the cafes overlooking the Golden Horn or a sunset boat ride make the city an experience that never ends.
Ankara
Ankara is the country's administrative and political capital, with a more modern and organized style than other Turkish cities. The Mausoleum of Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, is a must-see.
It is also home to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where you can see artifacts dating from the Neolithic to the Byzantine era.
Its less touristy atmosphere allows you to experience a more everyday and authentic Türkiye.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is an otherworldly place: valleys of volcanic rock, underground cities and fairy chimneys shaped by nature.
Getting lost in places like the Valley of Love or the Valley of Roses, with their unique, otherworldly landscapes, is an unforgettable experience.
The site is also famous for hot air balloon flights at dawn, where you can see a landscape from above that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale dazzles with its white terraces formed by calcium carbonate. These "cotton castles" contrast with the blue hot springs that run through the formations. It is a unique place, declared a World Heritage Site.
Very close by, in the same complex, are the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city that allows you to complement your visit with history.
Walking through its streets and amphitheaters while observing the white landscape of Pamukkale makes this destination very attractive to visit.
Ephesus
Ephesus is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre are must-sees, but the best thing to do is walk through its cobbled streets, imagining everyday life in Roman times.
Its proximity to the sea and the magnitude of the ruins make it a must-see for history lovers.
Furthermore, it was a key point of early Christianity, which makes it even more interesting.
Izmir
Izmir is a modern and dynamic city, with a more Mediterranean feel than other areas of Turkey. Its Kordon promenade is ideal for strolling at sunset and enjoying local life.
At the same time, it is an excellent base for exploring nearby sites such as Ephesus or the House of the Virgin Mary.
Mediterranean Coast (Antalya and surrounding areas)
The Turkish Riviera is synonymous with pristine beaches and historic ruins. Antalya has an old town (Kaleiçi) full of cobblestone streets, Ottoman houses and a charming harbor.
From there, you can visit ruins such as Aspendos or Perge, or explore the coast by boat. Its beaches and coves make the region an ideal destination for relaxing after so much history.
Black Sea
The Black Sea offers a completely different landscape than the rest of Türkiye. Green mountains, mist, and traditional villages make for an alternative, much less crowded trip.
Trabzon and Rize are the best-known cities, surrounded by mountain monasteries, tea plantations, and an atmosphere that blends Turkish hospitality with their own cultural influences.
Eastern Turkey
The east of the country is a region steeped in history and cultural diversity. Cities like Mardin, with its golden stone architecture, or Van, by its lake, show a very different Turkey from the west.
It is also an area where Kurdish, Armenian, and Arab cultures coexist, reflected in its cuisine, language, and customs.
It's less touristy, but perfect for those seeking authenticity and adventure.
Other places in Türkiye
The country has many other fascinating sites worth visiting. For history lovers, Pergamon (Bergama) is a must-see. This ancient city boasts a remarkable Acropolis, the steepest in the classical world, and the Asclepius, an ancient medical center where healing practices of the time were developed.
Another iconic site is Troy, famous for its legendary wooden horse and immortalized in Homer's Iliad.
Nearby, the Temple of Aphrodite is another point of interest, located in a picturesque place that shows the spiritual and cultural life of ancient Türkiye.
My favorite places in Türkiye
Choosing just a few destinations in Türkiye isn't easy, because I truly enjoyed the country. However, there were some places that left a special impression on me and became my favorites.
Cappadocia
Before visiting, I thought Cappadocia was only famous for hot air balloon rides, but when I arrived, I found myself in a magical area.
Its rock formations, underground cities, and hiking trails make it much more than an aerial postcard. Plus, I was lucky enough to see it before and after a snowfall.
The white blanket covering the fairy chimneys and valleys gave it a fairytale feel, reinforcing the feeling of being in a unique place in the world.
Cappadocia was, without a doubt, one of the most magical experiences of my entire trip to Türkiye and of my life.
Antalya
I loved Antalya for its relaxed and Mediterranean atmosphere, especially coming from the cold of Cappadocia.
Its turquoise beaches and proximity to the mountains create a spectacular natural contrast. It's a place that invites you to relax, enjoy the sea, and at the same time explore the historic sites in and around the old town.
That mix of nature, culture, and relaxation was what appealed to me most. I would have loved to spend a few days trekking the Lycian Way, which I've heard is very beautiful, but the weather wasn't right for embarking on that adventure.
In any case, Antalya was a real respite for me in the middle of the itinerary.
Pamukkale and Hierápolis
Despite social media being saturated with images of Pamukkale, the landscape is simply out of this world.
Its white travertine terraces look like cotton, and walking barefoot across them is a strange and unique sensation. The postcard is so unreal it's hard to believe it really exists.
And the best part is that the ruins of Hierapolis are just a short walk away. Some structures are still quite well preserved, such as the theater or the baths with Roman columns inside.
Strolling among the ruins with the thermal pools in the background gives the place a special charm. It's nature and archaeology combined in one destination.
Ephesus
Ephesus is one of the most impressive archaeological sites I've ever seen. Although much of the city is in ruins, what remains perfectly conveys its once magnificent state.
The Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre are two of the most impressive monuments still standing. Standing before them, it's impossible not to marvel at the architecture and history that still permeate this site.
Also, walking down the grand avenue lined with ruins made me travel back in time and imagine how vibrant this place must have been hundreds of years ago.
Istanbul
Istanbul was and remains one of my favorite cities in the world. I've been there twice and always want to go back.
It's a city full of contrasts, with a wealth of history and corners that seem straight out of a novel.
It's an inexhaustible city, and I'm sure I would return many more times without ever getting bored.
Map with the travel itinerary in Türkiye
1 month Turkey itinerary details
I arrived in Türkiye from Batumi, Georgia, crossing the border by bus. From there I took a bus to Trabzon, on the Black Sea coast.
Although I initially planned to stay there for a few days, I had to advance my plans and head straight to Cappadocia, as the weather forecast called for a snowstorm to hit the region.
So from Trabzon I took another night bus and went straight to Cappadocia, where my tour of the country truly began.
Cappadocia – 5 days
Cappadocia was my first big stop, and without a doubt one of the most special moments of the trip. I stayed for five days and was lucky enough to see it in different climates: with the typical snowless landscape, with a storm that covered everything in white, and finally with the valley completely covered in snow. This contrast made it even more magical.
The icing on the cake was being able to take a hot air balloon ride over that epic scenery. Seeing the fairy chimneys and valleys from the air, with the snow covering everything, was an experience that will forever be etched in my mind.
Antalya – 5 days
After Cappadocia I took a bus to Antalya, where the weather was much warmer and the sea breeze was there.
I spent a few days exploring the city, especially the coastal area with its beaches and the charming old town.
The combination of sea, nearby mountains, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere made Antalya one of my favorite places on the trip. It was a perfect contrast to the snowy Cappadocia and a much-needed break from the itinerary.
Pamukkale – 3 days
From Antalya I traveled by bus to Pamukkale, although not directly, since I couldn't find any services that covered the entire route.
I had to go through Denizli first and from there take another bus to Pamukkale, where I stayed for a couple of days.
What at first seemed like just an Instagram spot ended up surprising me: walking barefoot on the white travertines was an incredible experience, and the views from above offer a truly unique landscape.
Days 11-13: Things to do in Pamukkale, including a visit to the travertines and the ruins of Hierapolis (coming soon)
In addition, the ruins of Hierapolis, which are located right next door, added an unexpected bonus. The theater and some well-preserved structures make the visit not only natural but also historical.
Ephesus – 3 days
My next stop was Selçuk, the base city for visiting Ephesus, one of Turkey's archaeological gems. Walking through its ancient streets, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre was a trip straight back in time.
Day 14-16: How to visit the ruins of Ephesus (coming soon)
What impressed me most was the library, which reminded me a bit of Petra due to its imposing facade. Without a doubt, Ephesus is one of the best historical sites I visited in the country.
Izmir – 3 days
I then took a train to Izmir, a modern city on the Aegean coast. I spent a few days there, although honestly, it was the place I liked the least on my itinerary.
Day 17-18-19: Izmir, the city I liked the least in Türkiye (coming soon)
While it has its attractions and a coastal vibe, it didn't wow me as much as other spots in Türkiye. For me, it ended up being more of a stopover than a must-see destination.
Istanbul – 10 days
Finally, I took a bus to Istanbul, where I stayed for about ten days. I divided my time between the old town, with all its great historical attractions, and the Galata area, with its bohemian and modern atmosphere.
Days 20-29: What to see in Istanbul, the bridge between Europe and Asia (coming soon)
On this second visit, which I had already been to in 2020 during another trip, I discovered many corners I hadn't explored on my first trip to the city: narrow streets, hidden cafes, and other walks that showed me other facets of Istanbul. It's an inexhaustible city, impossible to fully explore in a single trip.
Heading to Bulgaria
At the end of my trip, I took a bus from Istanbul to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, thus closing out a full month in Türkiye filled with contrasts, history, unique landscapes, and experiences that left their mark on me.
Guide to traveling in Bulgaria (coming soon)
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