Turkey in 14 Days: From Istanbul to Bodrum

Take the metro or Havaist from Istanbul Airport to the centre. The journey takes about 60-90 minutes.

First contact with Istanbul's historic heart. Stroll between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to get your bearings.

The ancient chariot-racing square with the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the German Fountain.

Try Turkish kebabs and mezes at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated Blue Mosque.

Byzantine architectural masterpiece, a cathedral for 1000 years and now a mosque. The 56-metre dome is breathtaking.

The mosque with six minarets and an interior of 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. One of Istanbul's iconic landmarks.

Try a lahmacun (Turkish pizza) and ayran (yogurt drink) on this main artery of Sultanahmet.

Underground palace with 336 columns and the mysterious Medusa heads. Magical atmosphere with lights and water.

Residence of Ottoman sultans for 400 years. The Harem, the treasury with the Spoonmaker's Diamond and Bosphorus views.

One of the world's largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops. Carpets, ceramics, jewellery and leather.

Istanbul kebabs with a panoramic terrace overlooking the Golden Horn. The iskender kebab is outstanding.

Mountains of spices, Turkish delight (lokum), tea, dried fruit and saffron. The aromas are intoxicating.

Sail between Europe and Asia, passing Ottoman palaces, fortresses, wooden yalıs and suspension bridges.

Revitalised neighbourhood with modern restaurants. Try the balık ekmek (fish sandwich) on Galata Bridge.

14th-century Genoese tower with 360° views of Istanbul. The Golden Horn panorama is spectacular.

Istanbul's most famous pedestrian avenue. Historic tram, bookshops, churches and the atmospheric Çiçek Pasajı.

Alley of meyhanes (taverns) with mezes, rakı and live music. The grilled octopus is a must.

Cross the Bosphorus by ferry (20 min). Kadıköy has Istanbul's most authentic and least touristy market.

Browse Kadıköy market, walk up to Moda and watch the sunset with views of the old city skyline.

1h15 flight from Istanbul. Low-cost airlines like Pegasus offer flights from €30.

Stay in a hotel carved into Göreme's volcanic rock. A truly unique experience.

Complex of Byzantine rock-cut churches with 10th-12th century frescoes carved into volcanic rock.

Cappadocia's signature dish: lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in a clay pot that's smashed open at your table.

Climb to the highest point in Cappadocia for sunset views over fairy chimneys and valleys.

Soar over fairy chimneys, valleys and rock formations at sunrise. The sky fills with over 100 balloons.

The Turkish kahvaltı is a feast: cheeses, olives, honey, kaymak, eggs, menemen, fresh bread and unlimited tea.

Hike among phallic volcanic rock formations sculpted by erosion over millions of years.

Valley with hundreds of dovecotes carved into rock. Hiking trail to Uçhisar with incredible views.

The pottery town. Visit a traditional workshop and shape your own piece on a potter's wheel.

8 levels underground that housed 20,000 people. Churches, stables, wineries and ingenious ventilation.

14 km canyon with over 100 rock-cut churches, a winding river and lush vegetation.

Restaurants with platforms over the Melendiz River. Fresh grilled trout in an idyllic setting.

Cappadocia's most photogenic valley at sunset. The rocks turn red and orange in the golden light.

Last night in Cappadocia. Dinner with local Turkish wine and views of Göreme's lights.

1h15 flight from Kayseri or Nevşehir to Antalya. Transfer to hotel in Kaleiçi (old town).

Mezes and fresh fish with views of Antalya's Roman harbour surrounded by Ottoman walls.

Cobbled Ottoman streets with restored wooden houses, mosques, minarets and bougainvillea.

Roman triumphal arch from 130 AD, the monumental entrance to ancient Antalya.

Stroll through Karaalioğlu Park above the cliffs with views of the Mediterranean and Taurus mountains.

40-metre waterfall plunging straight into the Mediterranean from the cliffs. View from boat or lookout.

Pebble beach with crystal-clear water and the Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. Local atmosphere.

Boat-shaped Turkish pizza. Try the pide with minced meat and egg. Öz Asmaaltı restaurant is famous.

One of Turkey's best archaeological museums. Sculptures from Perge and Aspendos, spectacular Roman sarcophagi.

Stroll around the old harbour at sunset and enjoy a seafood dinner with views. Try the Turkish-style garlic prawns.

3.5-hour scenic drive through mountain roads. Rent a car or take a direct bus.

White calcite terraces formed by thermal springs over millennia. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Homestyle Turkish food: köfte (meatballs), shepherd's salad and ayran. Very reasonable prices outside the tourist zone.

Roman spa city above Pamukkale. Theatre seating 12,000 people and an extensive necropolis.

The white terraces turn pink and gold at sunset. The most magical moment of the day.

3-hour drive to the Aegean coast. Ephesus was one of the most important cities of the ancient world.

The best-preserved Roman city in the eastern Mediterranean. Library of Celsus, Great Theatre and mosaic-lined streets.

Charming town near Ephesus. Try gözleme (stuffed Turkish crepes) freshly made by local women.

Chapel on Mount Koressos where tradition says Mary spent her last years. A pilgrimage site.

Only one column remains of what was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. A reflective sunset moment.

3 hours along the Aegean coast. Bodrum is Turkey's Saint-Tropez: glamour, history and incredible beaches.

15th-century Crusader fortress over the harbour. Houses the world's most important underwater archaeology museum.

Grilled octopus, calamari and mezes with views of white yachts and the castle. Pure Mediterranean living.

Remains of another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Tomb of King Mausolus who gave 'mausoleum' its name.

Bodrum has one of the most beautiful Aegean sunsets. Walk among bougainvillea and whitewashed houses.

Sail to hidden Aegean coves on a gület (traditional Turkish schooner). Stops for swimming in turquoise waters.

Typical Turkish food served on the boat: salads, grilled fish and fresh fruit.

Sandy beach with shallow waters and relaxed beach bars. Perfect for windsurfing.

Former fishing village with waterside restaurants and views of Rabbit Island. The most romantic sunset.

Table with your feet almost in the water. Salt-baked sea bass, seafood mezes and rakı. Unforgettable.

Last full Turkish kahvaltı: simit, beyaz cheese, olives, sucuk (spiced sausage), honey with kaymak and tea.

Iconic white windmills on the hill above town. Panoramic photos with the castle and sea in the background.

Bodrum's market for spices, Iznik ceramics, local olive oil and natural soap.

Köfte (grilled meatballs) with salad and fresh bread. Simple but perfect.

Flight from Milas-Bodrum Airport. Connection to Istanbul or direct international flight.