15 days in Turkey 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.

Istanbul is known for historic sites, museums, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: admire the landmark architecture of Hagia Sophia, take in the spiritual surroundings of Suleymaniye Cami , browse the eclectic array of goods at Kapali Carsi, and get engrossed in the history at Topkapi Palace.

To find where to stay, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Istanbul sightseeing planner.

Paris, France to Istanbul is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of car and train. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Turkey Time (TRT), which is usually a 2 hour difference. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Paris in May; daily highs in Istanbul reach 25°C and lows reach 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Mon) early enough to travel to Goreme.

Famed for its landscape of unusually shaped stone formations and churches cut into the natural rocks, Goreme sits in the central part of the country, an area originally settled during Roman times.

Goreme is known for museums, historic sites, and nature. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: soar above the sights with a balloon tour, stop by Alaturca Taner, make a trip to Bezirhane Pottery, and Head underground at Uchisar Castle.

Plan my Goreme trip by asking Inpirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

Getting from Istanbul to Goreme by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Istanbul in May since evenings lows in Goreme dip to 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Thu) so you can travel to Pamukkale.

A popular spa since the second century BCE, the modern city of Pamukkale continues to draw worldwide attention with its hot springs and travertines--naturally formed calcite bathing pools.

On the 15th (Fri), push the limits with an extreme tour, get outside with Outdoor Activities, and then witness a stunning natural landmark at Pamukkale Thermal Pools. On the 16th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the ancient world of Hierapolis, then stroll the grounds of Anatolia Cemetery, and then explore the fascinating underground world of Kaklik Cave.

For other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Pamukkale trip itinerary planning tool.

Getting from Goreme to Pamukkale by flight takes about 7 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Selcuk.

An ideal base camp for exploring the Aegean coastline, Selcuk draws big tourist crowds due to its proximity to the ancient city of Ephesus.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Sun): stop by La Tulip Art Gallery, then look for gifts at Lilys Authentic Art carpets and textiles shop, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House), and finally steep yourself in history at Ancient City of Ephesus.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Selcuk vacation website.

Traveling by car from Pamukkale to Selcuk takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In May in Selcuk, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 15°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) so you can travel back home.