7 Days in Turkey: Top 4 Recommendations
From spectacular views along the Mediterranean to monumental historic sights, there is a lot to do in 7 days in Turkey. Focus on a region or two during your week-long trip to make the most of your time. Book a trip to Istanbul and explore its backstreets and see the highlights of western Turkey, including Pergamon, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. Alternatively, venture into Anatolia’s mountains, or cruise through the calm bays around Kas. Check out our best 6 to 8-day Turkey tour itineraries below.
- Ryan S
- From England
1. Istanbul and Cappadocia: 6 days in Turkey
| Day 1 | Arrive in Istanbul |
| Day 2 | Explore Istanbul's old city |
| Day 3 | Cruise down Bosphorus, fly to Kayseri |
| Day 4 | Explore Cappadocia’s villages and valleys |
| Day 5 | Discover Cappadocia’s underground cities, fly to Istanbul |
| Day 6 | Bid farewell to Turkey |
Wander through the serpentine streets of Istanbul's old city and take in the sights of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Then you are off Cappadocia, where colorful hot air balloons float over fairy chimneys. See its rock-cut churches and explore its underground cities before calling it a day. See our 6-day Turkey tour itineraries.
2. Black Sea Special: 7 days in Turkey
| Day 1 | Arrive in Trabzon, visit Sera Lake |
| Day 2 | Explore the Black Sea town of Macka |
| Day 3 | Visit Rize |
| Day 4 | Travel to Arhavi, visit Borcka Karagol Lake |
| Day 5 | Discover Macahel Valley |
| Day 6 | Return to Rize, travel to Hatila Valley |
| Day 7 | Catch your flight home |
Spend 7 days in Turkey visiting quaint villages dotting a narrow coastline flanked by the sea on one side and mountains on the other; Turkey's Black Sea Coast is nothing like the rest of the country. Tour the historic city of Trabzon before moving on to the mountainous Rize. Absorb the breathtaking natural beauty of the Ayder Highlands and cover local highlights like Zilkale Castle and Borcka Karagol Lake along the way. See all our 7-day travel itineraries in Turkey.
3. Active Turkey: 8 days in Turkey
| Day 1 | Take your first steps in Turkish Riviera |
| Day 2 | Cruise through the calm bays around Kas |
| Day 3 | Explore the foothills of Taurus Mountains |
| Day 4 | Canoe down Xanthas River |
| Day 5 | Enjoy free day in Kas |
| Day 6 | Cycle in Taurus Mountains |
| Day 7 | Kayak around Kekova Bay, visit Simena Castle |
| Day 8 | Depart Kas |
Eight days of excitement await you during this tour as you travel from the mountains to the Mediterranean. Start in the city of Kas and trek through the lush foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Soak up majestic views of striking rocky peaks along the way. Drift down the Xanthos to Patara beach, located on the Turkish Riveria. Swim in clear, turquoise waters if you want to, and kayak to the sunken city of Kekova. Want to spend more than a week in Turkey? See our 8-day tours in Turkey.
4. Hike Through: Turkey in 8 days
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dalaman |
| Day 2 | Hike to Karmilassos |
| Day 3 | Follow the southern slopes of Babadag Moutain to Faralya |
| Day 4 | Trek through Butterfly Valley to Aktas |
| Day 5 | Ascend to Alinca |
| Day 6 | Visit Gey |
| Day 7 | Continue to Gavuragli |
| Day 8 | Bid farewell to Dalaman |
A hiking trip through Turkey’s remote Lycian Coast is a dream come true for many travelers. Start your journey in the coastal city of Dalaman. Encounter spectacular coastal views and stumble upon historic ruins as you hike through forests, villages, and mountains. Relax on Aktas beach and visit the abandoned Greek village of Karmilassos. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and spend your evenings discovering small, tranquil villages. Describe your ideal 8-day trip to Turkey for a customized itinerary.
From the mesmerizing rock formations in Cappadocia to the ancient Roman ruins in Ephesus, there is a lot you can cover in 7 days in Turkey. If one week is not enough for you, check out our guide on how to spend 14 days in Turkey. But if you are short on time, spending 5 days in Turkey is also a great idea!
