From the magnificent palaces, mosques and bazaars of Istanbul, to the incredible geological formations and underground towns of Cappadocia, to the trendy restaurants and vibrant nightclubs of Bodrum, Turkey is undoubtedly a country with something to offer travelers of all interests. Calling Turkey “a genuine crossroads of civilizations,” RealTravel writer Michelle Finkelstein comprised an adventure-filled itinerary that will carry travelers through 10 exciting days of palaces, museums, ancient ruins, baths, bazaars, and much more.

Here are some excerpts from Michelle’s excellent travel blog, Turkey: a 10-Day Itinerary:

Istanbul: Days 1 & 2:

There is so much to do in Istanbul it nearly merits its own trip. With additional time I recommend staying four nights to really explore this vibrant and complex city. You will most likely need to overnight before your return flight home, which is reflected at the end of this itinerary.

To Do in Istanbul:
Istanbul is a sizeable, bustling city divided into four main neighborhoods:
-Seraglio Point
-Sultanahmet
-The Bazaar Quarter
-Beyoglu

Seraglio Point: This quiet area is easily navigable on foot.

-Topkapi Palace – Built by the Ottoman sultan Mehmet II between 1459 and 1456, this elaborate palace is a series of pavilions and courtyards. The pavilions are lavishly decorated with enameled, gilded and painted surfaces featuring traditional geometric motifs. The palace houses an extensive collection of antiques, including some created by palace craftsmen as well as swag from victorious military campaigns in Syria, Arabia and Egypt. Especially lovely are the Japanese and Chinese porcelains, brought along the Silk Route, and the exquisite miniature paintings and manuscripts.
-Archaeological Museum – The exceptional collection focuses on classical artifacts, Turkish tiles and ceramics and pre-classical pieces from the Mesopotamian, Egyptian and Anatolian civilizations. Don’t miss the richly carved Alexander Sarcophagus dating to the 4th century BC picturing Alexander the Great in battle. Also of note is the ornately tiled blue Karaman Mihrab, or prayer niche, from southeast Turkey.
-Meander through the grounds of the first courtyard of Topkapi outside the palace, enjoying the Gulhane Park, customary wooden houses, Fountain of Ahmet III, Haghia Eirene Byzantine church and Zeynep Sultan Mosque. (Click here for more things to do in Istanbul’s other three main neighborhoods…)

Cappadocia: Days 3 & 4:

Also known as the Valley of the Fairy Chimneys, due to the odd-shaped eroded tuff (solidified volcanic ash) formations, the region of Cappadocia in Central Anatolia is truly distinctive.

What to do in Cappadocia:
Many of the sites are centered around Nevesehir, the capital of Cappadocia, where abstract volcanic geologic formations and Byzantine troglodyte (underground) cities wow any tourist.
-Zelve – Inhabited until 1952, this secluded monastic retreat featuring rooms and caves spreads over three valleys.
-Derinkuyu – This eight-level, 197-foot deep underground complex is rumored to have been home to 20,000 people.
-Urgup – Abounding with troglodyte towns, there is also a good museum with works from the prehistoric to Byzantine eras.
-Kaymakli – Discovered in 1964 this smaller underground city possibly accommodated thousands from the 6th to 9th centuries.
-Goreme Open-Air Museum – Rock-hewn chapels and monasteries abound in this valley, many with surviving frescoes depicting biblical stories. Expect to spend at least a few hours walking along this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. (more…)

Konya, Hierapolis, & Pamukkale: Day 5:

What to Do in Konya:
Drive from Cappadocia to Konya (approx. 5 hours). In the 12th century, Konya was the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate.
-En route, stop at Agzikarahan Caravanserai, a 13th century inn for travelers.
-Konya is home to the Sufi Mevlevi Order, also known as whirling dervishes. The mystic who founded the order believed that the ecstatic state elicited by song and dance liberated one from the pain of daily life.
-Mevlana Museum – This 13th century whirling dervish monastery houses a fine collection of musical instruments used by the members as well as an opulently gilded tomb for the founder Mevlana.

What to Do in Hierapolis:
Drive from Konya to Hierapolis (approx. 4 hours). The Hellenic-era thermal springs found at Hieropolis made it a popular spa in ancient times. Today you can ramble around the ruins and end with a refreshing dip in a mineral pool surrounded by marble column fragments, possibly a sacred bath of the Temple of Apollo.
-Ruins – Highlights are an amazingly well-preserved theatre from 200 BC, the triple Arch of Domitian and the Martyrium of St Philip from the 5th century built on the spot where the apostle was crucified and stoned in 80 AD.

What to do in Pamukkale:
Continue onto Pamukkale, meaning ‘cotton castle’ next to Hierapolis. Immense tiers of white limestone terraces are formed from the calcium carbonate deposits left as the hot water from springs flows down the slopes, losing carbon dioxide along the way. You can no longer climb on the geologic formations, but they are an incredible sight to behold and photograph, and there are nearby hot springs for swimming. (more…)

Bodrum: Days 6 & 7:

Drive from Pamukkale to Bodrum on the coast of the Aegean Sea (approx. 2 1/2 hours).
-If you wish, stop at Aphrodisias en route (approx. 45 minutes from Hierapolis). Used as a shrine as early as 5800 BC, the site is dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite.
-Highlights are a well-preserved theatre and stadium and the 2nd century Tetrapylon gateway with Corinthian columns.

The fashionable resort town of Bodrum was originally a 4th century BC Dorian city called Halicarnassus. Now this harbor hamlet is a top European holiday hot spot, with chic hotels, trendy restaurants, nightclubs and boutiques.

What To Do in Bodrum:
Originally inhabited by Greeks as early as the 5th century BC, the Bodrum Peninsula can be explored on a scooter, by car, on foot or by boat to witness panoramic vistas, quaint medieval towns and serene fishing villages.
-Castle of St Peter – This imposing medieval crusader castle now houses a collection of shipwreck artifacts, earthenware amphorae and the Museum of Underwater Archeology.
-Snorkeling and Diving – These are two main draws of Bodrum and are fantastic in the Aegean.
-Halikarnas Disco – The most famous nightclub in Turkey, this open-air party can accommodate up to 5,000 revelers, features a laser light show and hosts world renowned DJs.
-Bodrum Hamam – A sister bathhouse to the Cemberlitas in Istanbul, these baths are housed in a charming stone building and are recommended for first-timers.
-Goktepe – Walk to this nearby village to take in the fairly decent theatre ruins and admire the stunning panoramic view.
-Gulet – Charter a traditional wooden ship for a few hours and sail on the Aegean, mooring at hidden bays and looking back at the city. (more…)

If these ideas have got you feeling excited about a trip to Turkey, be sure to check out the rest of Michelle’s inspiring ideas by visiting Turkey: A 10-Day Itinerary. She offers excellent suggestions for things to do in Ephesus and Kusadasi, and Pergamum and Istanbul, as well as ideas for where to go if you have extra time.

Turkey Itineraries by RealTravelers:
Turkey by seby
New Year’s in Istanbul by Wanderer
Turkish Deelight!!! by Travel Junkie’s

Useful Links:
Turkey Travel Guide
Top Spots in Turkey
Turkey Travel Blogs
Turkey Travel Photos