12 days in Istanbul, Ankara & Antalya Itinerary

A physical and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, the transcontinental city of Istanbul serves as a living reminder of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

You've now added Anas Crecca Travel to your itinerary. Visit Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmed Mosque for their historical value. Museum-lovers will appreciate Galata Tower and Pera Museum. There's still lots to do: take a stroll through Ortakoy, admire the landmark architecture of Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Hagia Triada Church, and browse the eclectic array of goods at Kapali Carsi.

For more things to do, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, read Istanbul trip planner.

Islamabad, Pakistan to Istanbul is an approximately 9-hour travel. You can also fly. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from Islamabad to Istanbul due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Islamabad in December, you will find days in Istanbul are much colder (7°C), and nights are about the same (7°C). On the 23rd (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Ankara.

Turkey's capital and second-largest city, Ankara supports a large population of foreign diplomats and young students, contributing to the city's international feel.

8 Hubb Art Gallery and Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get some historical perspective at Haci Bayram Mosque (Haci Bayram Camii) and Roman Wall. And it doesn't end there: look for gifts at Pia Stop-coffee.shoes.accessories, see the interesting displays at Rahmi M. Koc Muzesi, admire the landmark architecture of Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii), and buy something for everyone on your list at ANKAmall Alisveris Merkezi.

For where to stay, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Ankara travel route planning tool.

Fly from Istanbul to Ankara in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Istanbul in December, with highs in Ankara at 3°C and lows at 2°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can travel to Antalya.

Offering both sandy beaches packed with modern amenities and a historical town center filled with Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques, Antalya serves as one of the country's major tourist destinations.

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Sun): tour the pleasant surroundings at Konyaalti Beach, explore the wide array of goods at Balon Park, then see the interesting displays at Antalya Muzesi, and finally contemplate the long history of Hadrian's Gate.

To see photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Antalya travel itinerary planner.

You can fly from Ankara to Antalya in 4.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. While traveling from Ankara, expect much warmer days and a bit warmer nights in Antalya, ranging from highs of 19°C to lows of 7°C. On the 29th (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Istanbul.

To see other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Istanbul road trip tool.

You can fly from Antalya to Istanbul in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Antalya in December, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Istanbul: temperatures range from 7°C by day to 7°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can travel back home.