11 days circular tour exploring the western part of Turkey
12 cities |
43 attraction(s) |
total distance 799
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day11
Day1: Istanbul
5 attraction(s) ·
10 km
1
The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a landmark building in Istanbul. It was built during the Ottoman Empire and is known for its grandeur and unique design, with its interior walls covered in blue ceramic tiles. Construction of the mosque began in 1609 and was completed in 1616.
5
km
2
The Galata Bridge spans the Golden Horn and is a major transportation route in Istanbul. It has been rebuilt multiple times, and the current Galata Bridge is the fifth one in history, completed in 1994. The bridge is 490 meters long and has a movable section in the middle to allow ships to pass through. Since the 19th century, this bridge has frequently appeared in Turkish literature and art works.
2
km
3
Suleymaniye Mosque, located on a hilltop in the Golden Horn Bay of Istanbul, is one of the many grand mosques in Turkey. This building was ordered to be built by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557, and it is one of the important works of the architect Mimar Sinan. The complex includes a mosque, a magnificent inner courtyard, minarets, and a cemetery, as well as urban and national significance. Comparable to the Hagia Sophia, it is considered one of the masterpieces of early Ottoman architecture. The mosque is located within a courtyard that is 216 meters long and 144 meters wide, including the inner courtyard, mosque, and four minarets that are 81 meters tall. The entire building is based on Euclidean geometry, and the simple interior decoration is completely subordinate to the needs of the architecture. The Suleymaniye Mosque is also seen as a symbol of paradise, as it is a mosque illuminated by the divine light of Allah. References and inscriptions further reinforce this metaphor. Special cement was used to strengthen the foundation of the building and support its weight. The careful selection of stone columns gives the Suleymaniye Mosque many similarities to Solomon's Temple. The building also reflects the Ottoman Empire's frugal spirit in terms of budget and worship areas.
2
km
4
The Yeni Cami, also known as the Istanbul New Mosque, began construction in 1597 and faced many challenges along the way, including delays and interruptions. It was finally completed in 1663. The design of the mosque was inspired by the Blue Mosque and the Süleymaniye Mosque. It features a large courtyard, towering minarets on the sides, a beautiful fountain in the central courtyard, a series of semi-domes surrounding the main dome, and a spacious interior with golden leaves, carved marble, and colorful Iznik tiles, making the mosque exceptionally splendid. Outside the mosque, there is often a large gathering of pigeons, as if they are reluctant to leave this unique Yeni Cami. This mosque represents the pinnacle of Ottoman architecture and is worthy of careful exploration.
3
km
Day2: Istanbul
5 attraction(s) ·
186 km
1
Hagia Sophia Cathedral is located across from the Blue Mosque. It was originally a Byzantine cathedral until it was occupied by the Turks and converted into a mosque. It is a famous historical building in Turkey, built in 325 AD. It has been damaged and rebuilt multiple times, representing the epitome of Byzantine culture. The mosaics inside the cathedral depict the history of the time and showcase the beauty of Byzantine art.
Hagia Sophia Cathedral, built by Emperor Constantine in 325 AD to honor the goddess of wisdom, Sophia, was damaged during wars and rebuilt by Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD. It served as a Christian church for 916 years and then was converted into a mosque for 481 years. Since 1935, it has been open to the public as a museum, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Inside the Hagia Sophia Museum, there are the tombs of Sultan Selim II, Sultan Mehmed III, Sultan Murad III, and some of their relatives, as well as the fountain of Mehmed I, a primary school, a soup kitchen, a library, the conference room of Sultan Abdul Mejid, and the room where the star scholar of the mosque lived. These artifacts, especially the interior decoration of the tombs, pottery, and architecture, are masterpieces of the Ottoman period.
5
km
2
Taksim Square is a major transportation hub. It is the endpoint of Istiklal Avenue, a long pedestrian shopping street. Nostalgic trams run from the square along the avenue, ending near Tunel (the second oldest subway line in the world, after the London Underground, opened in 1875). Taksim Square is surrounded by many travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, pubs, and international fast-food chains such as Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and Burger King. Some of Istanbul's luxury hotels, including InterContinental, Ritz-Carlton, and Marmara Hotel, are concentrated in Taksim Square.
Taksim Square is the largest square in Istanbul. It is considered a sacred place for Turkish fans, where they have cried and laughed. Taksim Square serves as a symbol of the connection between Turkish people, sports, and the Olympics. Whenever the Turkish national team competes, thousands of fans gather in Taksim Square to celebrate the spirit of the football players' courageous efforts.
Taksim Square is located on Beyoğlu Road in the center of Istanbul. This historic city square has witnessed numerous significant events and exciting moments, undoubtedly becoming the cultural center of the city. Standing to the south of the square is the circular Independence Monument, erected to commemorate the founder of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who is greatly revered by the Turkish people. Lifelike bronze reliefs showcase the charisma of the founding father to the world. On major holidays, many Turks send wreaths to the monument. The spacious open area to the north of Taksim Square was once a large reservoir. The tall, deep brown building adjacent to the square is the Atatürk Cultural Center. To the west of the square is Taksim Park, which used to be a large artillery barracks during the Ottoman Empire. Crossing Republic Avenue leads to the parade ground of the barracks. This wide space has been preserved since World War II. In recent years, star hotels and high-rise buildings have emerged here.
On the evening of April 3, 2008, as the lights came on, Taksim Square welcomed the Olympic flame for the Beijing Olympics and hosted grand celebratory events. The Atatürk Cultural Center (Atatürk Kültür Merkezi), a multifunctional cultural center and opera house, is also located in Taksim Square.
Taksim Square is an important hub for public transportation in Istanbul. In addition to being a major interchange for the bus system, Taksim Square is also the terminus of the Levent-Taksim subway line. The nostalgic tram line from Istiklal Avenue to Tünel starts from Taksim Square.
On June 29, 2006, a cable car line connecting Taksim Metro Station to Kabataş tram station and the harbor was opened, allowing a short 110-second ascent to Taksim.
1
km
3
This is the main street in the city center on the north bank of the Golden Horn in Istanbul. Its importance was established in the 19th century when the area, known as Beyoğlu, was called Pera, and the street was known as Pera Avenue. This area was historically home to Christians in Istanbul, including Greeks, Armenians, European expatriates, and foreign embassies, and played a significant role in the city's political, economic, and cultural life as well as throughout the Ottoman Empire. Many famous buildings and institutions in Istanbul are still located on both sides of this street, including various churches, foreign consulates, and renowned hotels. In recent years, the Istanbul government has revitalized this area, restoring its status as an important commercial street and making it the city's largest pedestrian street, attracting a large number of shopping malls, bookstores, restaurants, entertainment facilities, and both locals and foreign tourists. In the evening, there are also many bars, making it a popular socializing spot for young people.
3
km
4
Dolmabahçe Palace is located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait, spanning over 600 meters. It was built between 1843 and 1856 and is known as the New Palace. The palace is a blend of Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles and is famous for its opulence, including the world's largest crystal chandelier weighing 4,500 kilograms. It served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1889 and 1909 to 1922. The construction cost 5 million Ottoman gold pounds, equivalent to 35 tons of gold, with 14 tons of gold used to decorate the palace's ceiling with gold leaf. The palace is a fusion of European court style, similar to the Louvre and Buckingham Palace, combined with Turkish architectural elements, known as "Ottoman Revival." It covers an area of 250,000 square meters and consists of three sections: Selamlik, the central hall, and the harem. The palace features 285 rooms and 6 Turkish baths. It was the residence of the last six Ottoman Sultans and witnessed the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, lived here until his death in 1938.
179
km
5
Bosphorus Strait (also known as Istanbul Strait) is the boundary between Europe and Asia. It is about 30 kilometers long, with a maximum width of about 3,700 meters and a minimum width of about 700 meters. It connects the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the south. In the center of the strait, there is a strong current that flows from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, and beneath the surface, there is a counterflow that brings saltwater from the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. Due to the seasonal migration of fish through the strait, the fishing industry is prosperous. The shores of the strait are covered with lush trees, and there are villages, tourist attractions, magnificent residences, and villas scattered along it. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is located across the Bosphorus Strait from the Anatolian Peninsula, serving as the gateway to the Black Sea for countries along its coast. The strait is the only passage connecting the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
Day3: Safranbolu
3 attraction(s) ·
5 km
1
Safranbolu, also known as Safranbolu, a historic town of the Ottoman period, has been recognized as a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO. It has preserved the entire ancient town and undergone perfect restoration, making it included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. With nearly 1000 well-preserved urban buildings, it is a highly representative "living fossil" of Turkish Ottoman-style architecture, and the entire city environment and style have been fully preserved as a result.
4
km
2
Carsi is a district in Sapanca. Taking a stroll here is a visual feast, with houses in the Ottoman style lined up one after another. In fact, every house in this area, whether freshly painted or neglected, is a valuable old house.
1
km
3
This is one of the best viewpoints in the urban area, and from the top of this hill, you can overlook the entire Fanhonghua City.
Day4: Ankara
4 attraction(s) ·
10 km
1
The mausoleum was built to commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. It is magnificent and definitely worth seeing. It stands high above the city and is constructed with a large amount of marble, inspiring great respect.
6
km
2
Ankara Citadel is located on a hilltop and is currently one of the most interesting places to visit in Ankara. With its well-preserved thick walls and charming winding streets, it still showcases its appearance from the 9th century.
1
km
3
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations showcases the ancient civilizations of Turkey from different eras, housing a diverse collection of artifacts gathered from all significant archaeological sites in Anatolia.
4
km
4
Day5: Konya > Goreme
3 attraction(s) ·
209 km
1
Salt Lake in Turkey is located in a dry central plateau basin, at an elevation of 925 meters (3,035 feet). For most of the year, the lake covers an area of approximately 1,500 square kilometers (580 square miles) and has a depth of about 900 meters (2,950 feet). Under normal conditions, it is about 80 kilometers long (50 miles) and 50 kilometers wide (30 miles). During the dry season, extensive salt flats are exposed, providing a source for salt extraction. The salt flats in the dry season reflect a golden glow at sunset, which I personally find more beautiful than when there is water because it's truly a rare sight.
178
km
2
Turkey has always been a contested land, whether it was the Romans expanding eastward or the Persians pushing westward, battles were fiercely fought on this plain. The local residents, burdened by the hardships of war, devised a method of digging caves in soft rocks to create shelters during times of conflict.
The city was initially built in the 7th century and is the deepest underground city in Cappadocia, with a depth of over 40 meters below the surface. It consists of approximately 18-20 levels, but only 8 levels are currently open to visitors. The underground city has over 1,200 rooms, including living quarters, chapels, schools, wineries, warehouses, and tombs, providing facilities for various purposes. It can accommodate around 15,000 people. The underground city is also connected to tunnels and other underground cities. One known tunnel is 10 kilometers long, connecting the Derinkuyu Underground City to its sister city of Kaymakli.
31
km
3
Pigeon Valley is a small scenic spot near the Fairy Chimneys, with tree branches adorned with Turkish lanterns and legendary evil eyes.
Day6: Goreme
6 attraction(s) ·
13 km
1
The highest point of Grey Meadow Village offers a panoramic view of the entire village, as well as various rock formations and valleys. On clear days, you can see the sunset, and the faint red color on the stone surface is very beautiful! You can also watch the sunrise and hot air balloons in the morning. As the sky darkens, the night view with the village lights is not to be missed! Sunset Point can be a bit chilly in the evening, but there is a convenience store and Sunset Point Cafe nearby where you can sit down, have a cup of coffee, and warm up.
2
km
2
If you can only visit one attraction in Cappadocia, it must be the Goreme Open Air Museum. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Turkey, consisting of a complex of rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries built on the natural landscape. The open-air museum is located in a steep valley and showcases the natural, historical, and cultural aspects of Cappadocia, with over thirty different-sized rock-cut churches. These churches were originally built by Christians who fled political persecution and settled in Cappadocia. To avoid detection, they carved the mountains to create hidden churches adorned with colorful frescoes, which are truly magnificent. Some of the well-known churches include the Apple (Elmali) Church, St. Barbara Church, Snake (Yilanli) Church, Dark Church (Karanlik kilise), Buckle (Tokali) Church, El Nazar Church, Sandals (Carikli) Church, and Hidden (Sakli) Church, among others.
2
km
3
The village is centered around a cluster of Roman castle buildings, surrounded by natural volcanic rock and fairy chimney formations. It is one of the oldest villages in the Cappadocia region. Some cave hotels are situated on these volcanic rock hills, providing a breathtaking view of the Roman castle in the village of Goreme, showcasing the marvels of nature.
2
km
4
Love Valley is famous for its fairy-tale-like rock formations: peculiar rock structures, caves, and historical relics of semi-reclusive communities that are fascinating. Initially, it served as a refuge for Christians fleeing Roman persecution, and in the 4th century, a group of monks established the main part of Cappadocia here. With its blushing and breathtaking natural structures, it is one of Turkey's most popular tourist attractions. In addition to beautiful scenery and Asia's best hiking trails, there are also numerous phallic-shaped volcanic ash formations. These towering and lifelike structures attract many tourists from around the world.
2
km
5
The name Rose Valley vividly describes the appearance of the valley from a distance. Water, floods, and frost have caused these rocks to crack, with the softer parts being eroded away, resulting in a peculiar moon-like landscape. It consists of conical, pyramid-shaped, and turret-shaped rock formations called "fairy chimneys." The layers of mountains are rugged, with bizarre rocks, and the wind whips up dust, evoking a sense of "heroes rise and fall like passing rivers."
6
km
6
In the vicinity of Göreme, there are the most beautiful and lovely fairy chimneys in the entire Cappadocia region. Besides having the tallest fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, the basalt fairy chimneys here are all multi-headed and pointed, which is very unique. Underneath the towering fairy heads are churches, which were originally the hermitage of St. Simeon in the 5th century and are still very well preserved.
Day7: Konya
2 attraction(s) ·
6 km
1
This is the most important historical site in Konya. Mevlana Jalal ed-Din Muhammad Rumi (1207-1273), a famous Sufi poet of the Middle Ages, was the founder of the Mevlevi Sufi Order. Originally from Balkh (now in Tajikistan) to escape the Mongol invasions, he traveled to Anatolia and gained fame after being invited by Sultan Ala' ud-Din Kayqubad to preach in Konya. This site is the burial place of Rumi and other important figures of the order, as well as the headquarters of the Mevlevi Order. The museum primarily consists of a garden, with Rumi's mausoleum at its center. The mausoleum was built in 1274 and is an impressive structure, particularly notable for its blue glazed-brick dome. Inside the mausoleum, there are the tombs of the Mevlana family, a mosque, and a seminary, among other buildings, with high artistic value and deep historical significance.
6
km
2
The Alaeddin Mosque is located on the top of Alaeddin Hill in the city center of Konya. It was ordered to be built in the 13th century by Alaeddin Keykubad I, the Seljuk Sultan of Rum, with Konya as the capital. The mosque is large in size and has a simple architectural style, with some areas such as the minbar (pulpit) and mihrab (prayer niche) decorated with glazed tiles. There are also two mausoleums outside the mosque for the Seljuk sultans and their families. Underneath the mosque, there are the remains of the Seljuk palace, commonly known as the "Alaeddin Pavilion".
Day8: Side > Antalya
5 attraction(s) ·
90 km
1
Temple of Apollo, built in the 2nd century, many columns have been preserved and still stand in their original positions. At night, the beams of spotlights dramatically project their shapes into the night sky, making it one of the most romantic and moving ancient ruins you may encounter in Turkey.
1
km
2
The Greek Amphitheater is impressive. Built in the 2nd century, the theater is in the style of ancient Rome, with some details reflecting ancient Greek influence. It is one of the largest ancient Greek-Roman ruins in Asia Minor and can accommodate over 15,000 spectators.
78
km
3
The Hadrian's Gate is a marble monument, built during the rule of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD). Many family-run guesthouses in the old city area use this ancient city gate as a starting point landmark because it is easy to find. The three arches are elaborately carved, and the stone columns are beautiful. Some parts of the ancient city walls still remain nearby.
4
km
4
Walking in the historic district of Kaleici, you will find an area untouched by modern development. Many grand Ottoman buildings have been restored and transformed into hotels and guesthouses. The northern part of the district is the most suitable for travelers, with peaceful alleyways.
8
km
5
Antalya Beach, located in the city of Antalya, is different from other beaches in that it is not sandy but covered in small pebbles. It attracts relatively fewer tourists compared to other beaches, so it is rarely crowded. The visitors here are usually local families, making it a great destination for families, friends, or couples on vacation. Antalya Beach is known for its convenient transportation, crystal-clear waters, and it is an excellent place to relax and experience the local way of life during your journey.
Day9: Pamukkale
3 attraction(s) ·
7 km
2
Due to the continuous emergence of underground hot spring water, which contains abundant minerals, the formation of Cotton Castle is the result of the spring water flowing out from rocks 200 meters above the plain, undergoing thousands of years of calcification and sedimentation, forming layers of semi-circular white terraces. From a distance, they resemble large cotton flowers standing on the hills. The Turkish people call it "Pamukkale," which means "Cotton Palace," hence the name Cotton Castle. The hot spring water forms natural pools of various sizes, cascading down in layers, sparkling with numerous ripples, creating a unique and extraordinary scenery.
6
km
3
Hierapolis is an ancient Greek city located at the top of a thermal spring, near Denizli in southwestern Turkey. Hierapolis and the nearby site of Pamukkale are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The thermal springs here have been used for healing since the 2nd century BC, and many people came here to treat their ailments, with some retiring or dying here. The vast necropolis is filled with sarcophagi, including the sarcophagus of Marcus Aurelius. The water wheels are also a sight to see. The grand bath complex was constructed using massive stone blocks without the use of cement, with various open or enclosed sections connected together. The interior of the baths features deep recesses that served as libraries, gyms, and other enclosed or open spaces. This complex was built in the 2nd century BC and represents an exemplary model of vaulted architecture. The complex now serves as an archaeological museum.
Day10: Ephesus > Selcuk > Izmir
4 attraction(s) ·
88 km
1
The Ephesus Theatre was renovated by the Romans between 41 AD and 117 AD. It had a seating capacity of 25,000 people, and each row of seats was designed to be steeper than the previous one, improving the visual and auditory experience for the upper outer audience.
4
km
2
The Celsus Library was built in honor of Aquila Julius, the son of Julius Celsus, a Roman ruler of Asia Minor in the 2nd century. The library, located in the archaeological site park, contained approximately 12,000 volumes of books.
4
km
3
The Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Originally, the temple was even grander than the Parthenon in Athens, with 127 columns, each with intricate carvings at the base. Unfortunately, in 356 BC, the temple was burned down by Herostratus. Today, only one column remains, leaving a sense of regret.
81
km
4
Küçük Kordon Square is located by the Aegean Sea and is an important central square in Izmir. The central Küçük Kordon Clock Tower on the square was built in 1901 and is a significant landmark of the city. Other buildings surrounding the square include the Izmir Municipality and Küçük Kordon Mosque.
Day11: Bursa > Istanbul
3 attraction(s) ·
180 km
1
Cumalikizik is located in the north of Uludağ, Bursa, Turkey. It is a logistics service city that was established before Bursa was occupied and later incorporated into the city. Bursa became the capital of the early Ottoman Empire in 1326 and has since become a renowned industrial and natural scenic area. Cumalikizik is the best-preserved Ottoman-style village, with over 270 houses that continue the architectural features of the Ottoman era over 700 years ago. It is one of the most typical examples of rural Ottoman architecture. Bursa and the town of Cumalikizik still maintain the Ottoman-style trading culture and traditional rural life. The village is inhabited, and visitors can purchase jams, handicrafts, shoes, enjoy Turkish breakfast, or have coffee here. In 2014, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
13
km
2
Built for Mehmed I, it is a landmark of the transition from Persian-style architecture of the Ottoman Empire to purely Turkish architecture. The delightful wall surfaces and beautiful marble carvings are captivating.
167
km
3
The Kariye Museum, also known as the Chora Church, was built in the 5th century and later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. It is a famous Byzantine-era monument in Istanbul, second only to the Hagia Sophia. The church's walls feature stunning mosaic artworks from the 13th to the 14th century, depicting the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, showcasing the vibrancy and artistic achievements of Byzantine art. Despite some damage over the years, the mosaics remain remarkably expressive and vivid, maintaining their artistic beauty. This attraction may not be in the usual tourist areas, but it is definitely a must-visit destination.
Its official name is the Church of Chora Monastery. Similar to other Christian churches in Istanbul, the Chora Monastery Church, built in the 5th century, was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. However, under the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, the stunning mosaics on the walls of the church from the 13th to the 14th century were simply covered with plaster instead of being destroyed. Visiting the Kariye Museum and observing the mosaics is like reading the Bible, as the church's space, from the entrance to the walls and small domes, narrates the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, including the Annunciation, the Nativity of Christ in the manger, miracles performed by Christ, blessings bestowed by Christ, the birth and death of the Virgin Mary, and other saints and messengers.
