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🗺 Why 10 days is optimal
7 days is not enough to cover Istanbul plus regions. 14 days is excessive without a beach vacation. 10 days allow you to traverse the key triangle: Istanbul → Cappadocia → Aegean coast — without rushing and unnecessary transfers.
📍 Days 1–3: Istanbul
Base yourself in the Sultanahmet or Beyoglu district. Between attractions, it's convenient to walk or take the T1 tram (single ticket — about 45 rubles, or Istanbulkart card).
- Day 1: Hagia Sophia (free entry), Blue Mosque (free entry), Basilica Cistern — about 890 rubles.
- Day 2: Topkapi Palace — about 2670 rubles, Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar — free entry.
- Day 3: Beyoglu district, Istiklal Street, Galata Tower — about 445 rubles, Bosphorus ferry ride — from 180 rubles.
From Istanbul to Cappadocia — flight ~1.5 hours, tickets from 4000 rubles. Bus is cheaper (from 1200 rubles), but takes 10–12 hours — the overnight option will save a day.
🎈 Days 4–5: Cappadocia
The center of the region is Göreme. Scooter rental from 1340 rubles/day — the best way to explore the valleys.
- Göreme Open Air Museum — about 890 rubles.
- Pasabag Valley, Ihlara, Derinkuyu (underground city) — about 670 rubles.
- Hot air balloon flight — from 17,800 rubles. Book in advance.
♨️ Days 6–7: Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Bus from Göreme to Pamukkale — about 1600 rubles, 4–5 hours. White travertine terraces and ancient Hierapolis — single ticket about 1340 rubles. You can swim in thermal pools right on the terraces. Antique Cleopatra's Pool — separate, about 890 rubles.
🏛 Days 8–9: Ephesus and Kusadasi
Ephesus is one of the best ancient cities of the Mediterranean. Entrance about 1780 rubles. Travel by bus from Pamukkale via Selçuk — about 1200 rubles. Stay overnight in Kusadasi: a coastal town with good hotels from 3500 rubles/night.
- Library of Celsus, theater for 25,000 people, Temple of Hadrian — all included in a single ticket.
- House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus — about 670 rubles.
✈️ Day 10: Izmir — departure
From Kusadasi to Izmir Airport — bus or taxi, about 45 minutes. In Izmir, it's worth walking along the Kornarti embankment and trying local börek (puff pastry) — about 30 rubles.
💰 Trip budget
| Expense item | Amount per person |
|---|---|
| Airfare (round trip) | 25,000–40,000 rubles |
| Domestic flights and buses | 7,000–9,000 rubles |
| Accommodation (10 nights, mid-range) | 25,000–35,000 rubles |
| Food (3 meals a day) | 10,000–14,000 rubles |
| Entrance fees and tours | 8,000–12,000 rubles |
| Hot air balloon (optional) | 17,800 rubles |
| Transportation within cities | 2,000–3,000 rubles |
| Total (without balloon) | ~77,000–113,000 rubles |
📋 Practical tips
- MIR cards are accepted in Turkey — it's one of the few countries where they work. Nevertheless, cash lire (1000 lire ≈ about 2670 rubles) will come in handy at bazaars and small cafes.
- Turkish visa is issued online via e-Visa in 15–20 minutes, costs about 1600 rubles.
- For connectivity, activate eSIM through e7m.ru — rates for Turkey from 79₽, activated before departure.
- Between cities, Flixbus or local companies Metro and Pamukkale buses are convenient — buy tickets on their websites in advance.
- In mosques, a modest dress code is required: shoulders and knees covered, shoes removed.