The ultimate Turkey travel guide: How to plan the ideal itinerary

Offering ancient architecture and surreal landscapes, transcontinental Turkey requires advanced planning to tick off the best in bucket list experiences, says Vanessa Rogers.

Turkey is a country requiring careful logistical planning to efficiently navigate its diverse regions, ancient architecture, and surreal landscapes. According to Travex.com director Charles Edelstein, mapping a customised route with earmarked points of interest (POIs) allows travellers to fully experience the nation’s varied geography – without overlooking any notable highlights.

He adds: “When you click on our explore Turkey web page, you’ll find an earmarked map showcasing the main POIs that we advise. You can scroll in or out, follow our route, or create your very own – but it’s always a good plan to click through to each POI that we’ve earmarked per region, so as not to overlook anything exceptional along the way.”

Six key destinations to explore

The Istanbul Region

As a sprawling metropolis bridging Europe and Asia, the Istanbul region stands out as the historical and cultural heart of Turkey, and not just its main economic and cultural centre.

• See: The architectural mastery of the Hagia Sophia and the elegant minarets of the Blue Mosque framing the skyline.
• Do: Cruise along the scenic Bosphorus Strait and get lost in the sensory labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar.
• Photograph: The subterranean moody lighting of the Basilica Cistern and the panoramic city views from the top of Galata Tower at sunset.

Cappadocia and the Central Anatolia Region

Characterised by a moon-like volcanic landscape, the Central Anatolia region stands out as a wonderland shaped by millennia of erosion.

• See: Whimsical, cone-shaped rock formations famously known as “fairy chimneys”, which are scattered across the Göreme and Pasabag valleys.
• Do: Wake up before dawn for a bucket-list hot air balloon ride over the surreal valleys.
• Photograph: Hundreds of colourful hot air balloons illuminating the pastel morning sky above the jagged ridges.

Pamukkale & Ancient Wonders Region

Located in southwestern Turkey, this area showcases the striking interplay of rare geological formations and Greco-Roman remnants.

• See: The magnificent, snow-white travertine terraces filled with mineral-rich, azure thermal water.
• Do: Walk barefoot along the warm terraces and swim among submerged Roman columns in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool.
• Photograph: The sprawling ruins of the ancient spa city Hierapolis, especially the ancient theatre, which is set against the gleaming white slopes.

Turquoise Coast Region

The Mediterranean coastline, or Turquoise Coast, is an alluring combination of sun-drenched beaches, dense pine forests, and steep mountain drops.

• See: The stunning, hyper-blue waters of the world-famous blue lagoon in Ölüdeniz.
• Do: Go tandem paragliding from Mount Babadağ to experience an exhilarating aerial view of the coast.
• Photograph: The dramatic, rock-cut Lycian Tombs carved into the cliff faces of Dalyan. 

Black Sea Mountains Region

The northern coast provides a complete contrast to the rest of Turkey, defined by its high-altitude alpine plateaus, misty valleys, and tea plantations.

• See: Traditional wooden architecture preserved in the UNESCO-listed town of Safranbolu and the green pastures of the Ayder Plateau.
• Do: Trek through the dense forests near Trabzon, to discover hidden waterfalls and mountain lakes.
• Photograph: The gravity-defying Byzantine Sumela Monastery, which clings dramatically to a sheer cliff face in Altındere National Park.

Eastern Anatolia Region

For travellers seeking raw wilderness and rugged landscapes, the vast high plateaus of Eastern Anatolia offer unmatched historical isolation.

• See: The imposing, snow-capped silhouette of Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest peak, and the expansive shores of Lake Van.
• Do: Wander through the ghost-town ruins of Ani, the ancient Armenian “City of 1 001 Churches”, which is situated right on the border.
• Photograph: The spectacular, fairy-tale fusion of Ottoman and Seljuk styles at the Ishak Pasha Palace, which overlooks the rugged plains of Doğubayazıt.

Turkey seamlessly weaves together a plethora of diverse climates and eras. Whether you’re keen on the vibrant energy of Istanbul, the tranquil green hills of the north, or the ancient frontiers of the east, a camera-ready adventure awaits at every turn.

Planning your budget

“Undertaking this Turkey trip, while staying in mid-range boutique hotels (Istanbul/Turquoise Coast) or authentic cave hotels (Cappadocia), including a traditional Turkish breakfast, provides visitors with the thrill of an exotic adventure, while enjoying at least a few creature comforts,” advises Edelstein.

“Take a look at the table below for an idea of costs; however, a mid-range to premium 10-to-12-day Turkish itinerary typically ranges from R26 000 to R60 000 per person sharing (10 days), or R31 200 to R72 000 per person sharing (12 days). This of course depends on the season you travel in, and just how luxurious the accommodation bookings and other mid-tier budget points are that you select.”

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