Get into vacation mode! I could talk about Turkey for the rest of my life. It is a stunning country that will tempt you with everything it has to offer. Everyone has daydreamed about travelling here for years. And finally, it happened after a lot of manifestation.
However, I know that even if you are excited and curious, you will also be confused about messing up your Turkey Itinerary and missing some of the best places to visit.
For Indians, Turkey can be expensive, or at least for me. So, you need to save, plan, and make your trip the best it could be.
Most of all, many people couldn’t access the accurate and necessary information they needed. That’s why this blog provides information on flight costs, visa requirements, timing, budgeting, and many other useful tips.
Useful Turkish Phrases for Your Turkey TripIn most parts of Turkey, vendors or restaurant staff speak little English. In certain areas, or the outskirts of any city, it will be hard to find anyone who knows English. It’s good to be prepared with some of the basic words Greetings
Polite Words
Travel Essentials
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Know This Before Planning Your Turkey Itinerary from India
When you are going to Turkey, you shouldn’t just research the places to visit and go there. There are many criteria you need to check before booking your flight tickets.
Each section I have mentioned below is important. If you don’t pay attention to them, you might spend more money, get sick, or waste your time
Best Time to Visit Turkey
In Turkey, you can experience a variety of things. From beach stays to hiking, the options can keep you excited. For total enjoyment, you need to travel to Turkey at the best time.
What are the best seasons to visit Turkey? Honestly, it is Spring (April to June), the most underrated season. I really don’t know why summer is mostly hyped.
The spring climate is perfect for beach and road travel. There is less crowd and the prices are much cheaper compared to summer.
Summer (July to August) can be unbearable due to its intense heat. It reaches 30 °C or even higher. Especially in the cities of Cappadocia and Istanbul, you will start sweating in the fifth minute you step out of your room.
Additionally, flights, hotel rooms, and sightseeing can also increase the cost. Then, there are more people on the beach and at all the tourist places.
Note: Winter is the most affordable season to travel, and the country transforms into a snow wonderland. But I wouldn’t recommend it for Indians to travel, as it can be extremely cold.
From November to March, it is wintertime, during which you can expect the temperature to drop by as much as 3 °C at night.
Turkey Visa for Indians
I know many people, including myself, hate the visa process, especially when you’re unsure of the exact steps to take.
So, the main question is, do you need a visa for Turkey? Yes, you do. There are two types of visas- an E-visa and a Sticker visa.
You are eligible for an E-visa only if you hold a visa from one of the following countries: the Schengen area, the USA, the UK, or Ireland.
If you are qualified for an E-visa, use the DTV E-visa Services to apply for one.
Since many Indians do not have an E-visa for other countries, the traditional visa, which is the Sticker visa, is the most preferred option.
For this, you need to go to the VFS Global in India. You also need to submit several documents for visa approval. I have explained step-by-step how to apply and the necessary things you need for a Turkey Tourist Visa for Indians.
Key Points to Consider for Your Turkey Itinerary
And, just like this IstanbulKart. Each city has cards like Ankara Kart, Bursa Kart, and İzmir Kart.
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Turkey Itinerary for 10 Days: Detailed Day-Wise Plan
Turkey has many things, I would even say endless things. If you don’t plan it well, all your days will get messed up.
A well-planned itinerary can make for a stress-free trip. With this structured list in hand, you can simply have a day-wise plan.
Day One of the Turkey Itinerary: Landing in Istanbul & Dinner Cruise
You will land in Istanbul, followed by a transfer from the airport to the hotel. Take rest, freshen up, and get ready for the Bosphorus dinner cruise.
The dinner cruise offers a chance to witness Istanbul’s magical views. There are many operators to book from; each cruise differs, as they all have different packages.
You can book a cruise, where you don’t have to just sit, eat, and watch the ocean. So, book it with a Turkish night show that’s included in the cruise package.
You will have the best time with traditional Turkish folk dancing. Then, watch Dervishes (Turkish dances), Latin dance, Flamenco (Spanish art form of music, song, and dance), Sirtaki (Greek dance), and belly dance.
Later, enjoy a relaxing evening over dinner and drinks. Sit and take in the beauty of Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
You will have a pick-up and drop-off arranged when you booked the cruise. The whole experience lasts around 3-4 hours.
Once you are dropped off, you can either sleep in or roam around the city. My advice would be to keep it low-key and save energy.
Cruise Cost: 2,080 INR per person.
Day Two of Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul City Tour
Have your breakfast at the hotel. Then you have a full day for the Istanbul city tour with a local lunch on a SIC (Seat-In-Coach, shared basis).
The tour usually starts early, around 8:30 am. So, you need to get ready soon to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The Tour Covers
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Istanbul City Tour Stops
City tours may sound like a school excursion, but they are one of the best options to see all the best things in Istanbul. When you are in a country with which you have no prior knowledge, this tour helps you mingle with other travellers.
With a guide, you will learn a lot about the places you visit, rather than just going for the sake of visiting and posting about it on Instagram.
Stop 1: Your first stop is the Roman Hippodrome. It was once the heart of Constantinople’s social and political life.
You will see ancient monuments like the Serpent Column and the Obelisk (Pillar) of Theodosius. Your guide will share stories of thrilling chariot races and events that took place during that era.
Stop 2: The magnificent Blue Mosque you waited for. It is famous for its six minarets (towers) and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. This mosque is a peaceful place to admire Ottoman architecture.
Stop 3: Just near the mosque, you will visit the charming German Fountain. Its golden mosaics and an elegant design can grab your attention for the whole day.
Stop 4: Hagia Sophia, the most visited and most hyped mosque in Istanbul, is definitely worth all the recognition. It was once a church, later a mosque, and now a mosque again; it’s a true symbol of Istanbul’s layered history.
Stop 5: Finally, the day ends at the lively Grand Bazaar. You can see over 4,000 shops here. It’s a heaven for shopaholics. Souvenirs, spices, and Turkish delights, anything your heart desires will be found here. Spend at least two hours exploring and shopping.
Cost: 5,500 INR
Day Three of Turkey Itinerary: Princess Island Tour
Take your breakfast at your hotel, because who wants to waste the delicious food? Then prepare a whole day for the Princess Island tour.
First, you are taken to the ferry point from your hotel. Then hop on the boat, which takes about an hour to reach the island.
I am telling you, this one hour is more blissful. You can sit on the deck, enjoy the calm sea wind, and watch the beautiful view of Istanbul slowly getting smaller behind you. At that moment, you will feel as though you have become a part of Istanbul and take pride in knowing the city very well.
The island you will be visiting is Buyukada, which is in the Princess Islands. It is the biggest and most famous among the Princess Islands.
The moment you arrive, you can see the difference; there will be no cars or buses here. Only bicycles and small battery vehicles are allowed. You will feel so much better, as life here is slow, calm, and fresh.
The guide will take you around and explain the island’s history. Don’t worry, you won’t be on a schedule. You will also have time to explore on your own, walk through the streets, sit at a roadside cafe, and shop a little.
Then, you will have a local Turkish lunch, which can include fresh seafood and traditional dishes. Having lunch by the sea with a peaceful atmosphere makes it all the more special.
After lunch, you can relax, rent a cycle, or just enjoy tea and snacks before returning to the boat. By evening, you will arrive in Istanbul and be dropped off at your hotel.
Cost: 3,476 INR per person
Day Four of Turkey Itinerary: Cappadocia Tour
Now, it’s time to leave Istanbul and head to Cappadocia. You can have breakfast at the hotel, then check out and head to the airport according to your flight to Cappadocia. It will take you 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach.
From the airport, you will be picked up to explore the best of Cappadocia, including its most magical landscapes and rock formations.
The Tour Covers
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Cappadocia City Tour Stops
You know how engaging the Istanbul Tour is; the same can be said for Cappadocia, that is, it’s not just about sightseeing. It is about meeting new people and getting to know different cultures
With a guide, it will be incredibly easy to grasp the historical significance of every place you visit.
Stop 1: Start with Uchisar Castle. It is a natural rock fortress. From the top, you will get a wide view of the valleys and fairy chimneys. It will be just a short stop, but it will be totally worth it.
Stop 2: Goreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO site filled with cave churches and colourful frescoes (paintings). You can easily spend 1 – 1.5 hours exploring.
Stop 3: At Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, your imagination literally runs wild. The rock shapes look like camels and even human faces.
Stop 4: Pasabag has the most famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. It’s where monks once lived and prayed inside caves.
Stop 5: The last stop is more interesting. At Avanos, you will have a fun time with pottery. You can watch artists at work and even try making your own clay pot.
You will then be dropped off at your hotel, and you can go straight to bed, as you have an early activity the following day.
Cost: 5,500 INR
Day Five of Turkey Itinerary: Hot Air Balloon
Day five will be the most-awaited day in your 10-day trip to Turkey. It’s time to be as excited as a 10-year-old to float in the hot air balloons.
You will wake up around 3 am. I know it is tough, but you need to get ready. It will be cold, so wear a jacket with hand gloves. You will have a pick up around 4 am to head to Goreme.
You don’t necessarily have to book the hot air balloon flights this early. However, this is the best time to experience this activity. And sure, it will be spectacular, floating at the same time the sun is rising.
Note: I wrote an entire article that is dedicated to the Turkish hot air balloon. You can find out everything about it, including where to book, the best time, and the cost.
After the hot air balloon, you will be dropped back at your hotel around 10 am. As you wake up early, you can rest for a while. Throughout the evening, you have the whole time to explore nearby cafes and shops. At night, you can stay in the hotel and have a luxury bath.
Hot Air Balloon Cost: Approximately 20,500 INR
Day Six of Turkey Itinerary: Antalya City Tour
Wake up, have your breakfast, and then go on with your checkout process. I have to say, Cappadocia has the best stays. The cave hotels are truly unique, and everyone should experience them at least once.
Head straight to the Kayseri airport to catch the flight to Antalya. From the airport, you will be picked up and dropped off at the hotel. Then, you need to prepare for the whole day tour. It will be packed with engaging things to do, including a local lunch on a shared basis.
The Tour Covers
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Antalya City Tour Stops
I cannot highlight enough that city tours are the easiest way to cover many places in one day without stress. Taking a city tour in each city will help you get to know the places quickly.
This Antalya city tour mixes nature, history, and sea views. Basically, giving you the packed Antalya experience.
Stop 1: Your first stop is the beautiful Duden Waterfall. The water falls directly from the cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. The sound of the water and the cool breeze make this place very refreshing.
Stop 2: Next, you walk into Antalya’s old town, called Kaleiçi. Here, narrow lanes are filled with small shops, cafés, and wooden houses that look like they belong in another era. It’s the best place to relax, shop for souvenirs, and taste local snacks.
Stop 3: In the centre of the old town stands Hadrian’s Gate, a stone arch built almost 2,000 years ago when a Roman emperor visited Antalya. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks and a quick but essential stop.
Stop 4: From the old harbour, you will take a short boat ride. The sea views are simply amazing; you see Antalya’s cliffs, beaches, and mountains from the water. It’s a peaceful break in the middle of the day.
Stop 5: If you choose, end your day with a cable car ride up Tunektepe Hill. The ride is just 10 minutes long, but it offers a complete view of the sea and the entire city from the top. It’s a perfect spot for sunset pictures.
The whole day is packed with visiting amazing spots. You just need to save your energy to experience all the best things Antalya has to offer.
City Tour Cost: 3,000 INR
Day Seven of Turkey Itinerary: Pamukkale Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, you will need to get ready for a full-day Pamukkale tour, which includes a local lunch on a shared basis.
You will be picked up from your hotel and go on a long drive through small towns and the countryside. Honestly, the journey itself is peaceful as you will pass by sunflower fields, small Turkish villages, and incredible landscapes.
You may have seen many photos before, but being there in person will be a completely different experience. I think it will be the same astonishing experience for you.
The white terraces will look like snow at first glance, but they will feel warm and soft under your bare feet, and they will give you goosebumps the instant you touch them.
Then the guide takes you to walk across the travertine pools (natural & mineral-rich pools). The water is warm and soothing, making you feel as though you are in a spa.
Right above the terraces, there is Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city. The guide will explain how people from all over came here thousands of years ago for healing baths.
You will walk through the ruins, the grand theatre, old streets, and temples, and it feels like entering a history book.
Another highlight is Cleopatra’s Pool, a hot spring where you can actually swim. After a local Turkish lunch, you will start the journey back to the hotel.
Pamukkale Tour Cost: 6,000 INR
Day Eight of Turkey Itinerary: Ephesus Tour
As usual, start the day with a hotel breakfast, then set off for the Ephesus tour. You must have read about Ephesus before, but actually being there, walking through the ruins, will really hit you: this place is famous for a reason.
First stop will be the Temple of Artemis. There’s not a lot left, just a few columns here and there, but honestly, even that felt pretty special. You can almost picture how impressive it must have been in the past.
After that, you will be headed into the heart of Ephesus. The city has really well-preserved marble streets, a huge old theatre, fountains, and old houses.
People back then clearly knew how to build things that last. The Library of Celsus was the big star. It is truly impressive, and honestly, it’s no wonder everyone wants a picture with it.
Then, you will take a break for a local Turkish lunch. On the way back, you will visit the House of the Virgin Mary.
It’s a simple stone house in a peaceful spot. It is believed by some that this is where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her last days. You will get a calm, almost quiet environment, even with a few other visitors around.
Tour Cost: 5,000 INR
Day Nine of Turkey Itinerary: Exploring Izmir
After breakfast at the hotel, take a flight to Izmir, which will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then, you will reach the hotel. There is no strictly guided tour on this day. So, you can spend the day however you want to.
You can slowly explore Izmir. It is a vibrant coastal city with a rich mix of history, culture, and modern influences.
Visit the Kemeralti Bazaar. It is a lively market full of shops selling spices, clothes, jewellery, Turkish snacks, and many other things.
Then, find the best places to eat nearby. Focus on indulging in local seafood or Turkish kebabs at one of the seaside restaurants.
Take a relaxing walk along the Kordon Promenade, where locals gather in the evenings. The sea breeze, street cafes, and sunset views make it a perfect end to the day.
Mostly, keep the day low-key and don’t rush; don’t try to do 10 different things on this day. Just roam around peacefully and engage with many locals.
Day Ten of Turkey Itinerary: Say Your Goodbye
This is the final day in Turkey. After checking out, head to Izmir Airport in time for your flight back to India. Although you will be sad to say goodbye to a country this beautiful, you will have suitcases full of souvenirs and memories to compensate for that.
Note: Based on your flight timing, you can still roam around or hop in cafes before you board.
Central Budget for Your Turkey Trip
You need to be prepared one hundred percent financially and physically for this trip. When planning a journey, everyone has a set budget, and often we tend to exceed it.
However, having an idea of the actual cost you will spend during the trip is most important. It also helps you save up accordingly.
Flights: A round-trip flight from India can cost approximately 57,000 INR.
You need to be very careful and book ahead; flight tickets can even increase by up to 48,000 INR for a one-way trip.
Accommodation: The stay ranges from affordable to luxurious, depending on your budget. Choose wisely and select what suits you best.
- Low budget: 2,700 – 4,000 INR per night (Hostels, budget hotels, Airbnb)
- Mid-range: 5,500 – 15,000 INR per night (Boutique hotels, good 3-4 star stays)
- Luxury: 16,000 INR and more per night (5-star & resorts)
Note: The cost of the stay varies depending on the season and the city in which you are located. And, when you share a room with others, it will be half the price.
Food: The cost of food depends on where you eat and the dish you choose to eat.
- Street Stalls: 180 – 250 INR per meal
- Mid-Range Restaurants: 350 – 600 INR per meal
- High-End Restaurants: 1,000 – 2,500 INR per meal
Sightseeing: Even the entry fee, workshops, and activity costs vary by season, but it’s good to have an approximate range.
- Hot Air Balloon: 20,000 – 25,000 INR
- Bosphorus Cruise: 2,000 – 3,500 INR
- Day Tours: 3,500 – 8,000 INR for each tour.
Total cost of how much it might cost for each individual for a 10-day trip to Turkey
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Conclusion
Turkey is honestly something else. This 10-day trip to Turkey is packed with stunning scenery, ancient sites that make you feel tiny, because every place has huge columns.
And the most special moment will be floating over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon. It will be like a dream. And walking barefoot on the white terraces at Pamukkale, randomly talking to a local, every single moment will be incredible.
I know, Turkey’s been sitting on your bucket list for a while, just go for it. Sometimes the best trips are the ones you stop overthinking and finally make things happen.
If you need any help with planning your trip, you can reach out to us. From making your day-wise itinerary, hotel, flights, sightseeing, and everything will be taken care of at Dimaak Tours.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Itinerary for Turkey
How do you get to Turkey from India?
It’s pretty easy. There are direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai. Turkish Airlines and IndiGo fly straight to Istanbul.
Do Indians need a visa for Turkey?
Yes, you do. If you already hold a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa, you can apply for an e-visa online, which is a simple and quick process. If not, you will need to go through the Turkish embassy for a Sticker visa.
Is Turkey expensive for Indians?
Turkey is expensive, but you can make your trip for a reasonable cost. For that, you can book a 2-star or backpacker hotel and take public transport instead of cabs. And go during the seasons of Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October).
What is the best time to visit Turkey?
April to June (Spring) and September to October (Autumn) are the ideal times to visit Turkey. Summer is very hot, and prices tend to rise, while winter can get extremely cold, which may not be the most comfortable for most.
Is Turkey safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s safe in the tourist areas of main cities and minor tourist spots. Just keep an eye out for pickpockets in crowded places and be aware of lonely streets at night.
Is vegetarian food easy to find?
Yes, you will find vegetarian options, though not as many as in India. There are mezes, salads, breads, cheese, lentil soup, pide (which is like Turkish pizza), and many other varieties.
Can you use Indian Rupees in Turkey?
No, Indian Rupees aren’t accepted. Change your money to Turkish Lira. Or bring some US dollars; they usually get you a better exchange rate.
