Planning a Turkey travel itinerary may seem difficult, but with the right guide, it becomes simple and fun. This Turkey itinerary 5 days will help you see the best of the country without any stress. From historic Istanbul to magical Cappadocia and sunny Antalya, you will explore the top places to visit in Turkey. With our step-by-step Istanbul trip itinerary, your travel will be easy, budget-friendly, and truly memorable.
How to Travel in Turkey – Flights and Local Transport
When planning your Turkey travel itinerary, choosing the right mode of transport is just as important as deciding the places to visit. The fastest and safest way to begin your journey is by taking flight to Istanbul from India.
Flights to Istanbul from India
Istanbul is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
- Direct flights from Mumbai to Istanbul take about 7 hours.
- From Kolkata or Hyderabad, the journey is around 11 hours with one stop.
- Popular airlines include Turkish Airlines, Air India, Air Arabia, Oman Air, Kuwait Airways, and EgyptAir.
Transportation in Istanbul – Sultanahmet Guide
Most travelers stay in Sultanahmet, the historic heart of Istanbul, as it is close to landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. You can reach Sultanahmet by shuttle buses, taxis, metro, or private vehicles.
Transportation Tips in Turkey
- For long distances (e.g., Istanbul to Cappadocia or Antalya), domestic flights save time.
- For short trips, Turkey has reliable buses, metros, and taxis.
- Private transfers are available if you want comfort and convenience.
With the right transportation plan, your Turkey itinerary 5 days will be stress-free.
Main modes of transportation
Turkey like India is accessible by various modes of transportation to move around the cities. You can avail the Istanbul Card that gives you access to all modes of transportation in Istanbul. It is a rechargeable, smart card that is convenient and easy to use. Some of them are as follows:
- Bus: Municipal buses are easily available, and you can get around to most places. It is cheap too. Major bus companies in Turkey include Kamil Koç, Metro Turizm, and Pamukkale Turizm.
- Tram: Tram is also convenient and accessible in most parts of Turkey.
- Ferry: Ferry is the oldest and cheapest means of transportation in Istanbul.
- Train: The Turkish State Railways (TCDD) operates trains that connect major cities, which includes high-speed trains between Istanbul, Ankara, and Eskişehir.
- Metro: Turkey is well-connected by an extensive network of subways and metro stations that connects cities.
- Taxi: You can save time, energy and get around by availing private vehicle like a taxi.
5 day Turkey Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Please purchase a Museum Pass Istanbul or online tickets to avoid queues. All the museums are walking diatance from Sultanahmet.
- Hagia Sophia Mosque: The entry fee is 100 TL for adults and 50TL for students. You need to cover your head and remove your shoes before you enter. This is a Byzantium era mosque turned museum.
- Basilica Cistern: The entrance fee is 30 TL for adults and 15TL for students. It is a large water reservoir of the Bronze Era. You should wear comfortable clothing here.
- The Blue Mosque: There is no entrance fee here. You can enjoy the peace and beautiful scenery. You need to cover your head and remove your shoes before you enter.
In the evening, you can enjoy a lovely dinner at Turkish local restaurant. You must try the local cuisine.
Day 2: Explore Istanbul
You can start again early morning from your hotel in Sultanahmet to go for shopping and explore the other landmarks on foot.
- The Topkapi Palace: It was the official residence of Ottomans. It is a museum now which showcases the life of the royal Turkish family. The entry fee is 1700TL.
- The Grand Bazaar: You can buy all types of gifts and souvenirs to bring to India from here. Bargaining is the norm here. It contains around 4000 shops and stalls.
- The Bosphorus Cruise: There is no entrance fee, but you should contact a cruise operator for budget friendly options. You must enjoy this cruise ship ride to admire the stunning city views and the strait.
You can enjoy a romantic or family dinner in the cruise for a special evening experience. This plan help you to follow Istanbul trip itinerary of 2 days as per your time and trip duration.
Day 3: Explore Cappadocia
You have to start early and take a flight to Cappadocia and check into a cave hotel thereafter. Please book your Museum Pass Turkey or book tickets online to avoid queues.
- Your day at Cappadocia starts with a mind-blowing Hot Air balloon ride. You can watch the landscape and the view of the city from the sky.
- Göreme Open-Air Museum: It is a UNESCO heritage site you must not miss. This is famous for artefacts from Byzantium era and cave churches. The entrance fee is 100TL
- Derinkuyu and Kaymakli Underground City: These cities were built to save people from invasions and disasters. They are a complex and well-designed cities of rooms, kitchens, storage rooms and so on. The entrance fee is 100TL.
- Fair Chimneys: The most special attraction of Antalya is these lovely and stunning rock formations. Its scenic view is a result of volcanic eruptions from a million years. Its most famous valleys are Imagination Valley, Monk Valley.
Day 4: Explore Antalya
You have to fly to Antalya in an early morning flight
- Explore the Old Town (Kaleiçi): You can explore the cobblestone streets and alleys of the street. It is full of Ottomon-styled houses.
- Hadrian’s Gate: This is a triumphal arch that dates back to the Roman era.
- Lara or Konyaalti Beach: You can relax at the beach or go for water sports in the sea.
You must not miss the delicious seafood dinner by the Mediterranean Sea while at the beach.
Day 5: Explore Antalya
- Düden Waterfalls: It is a stunning natural wonder and the most important scenic landmark of Antalya.
- Antalya Aquarium: It is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. The entry fee is 55 Euros for Adults and 45 Euros for Children.
You can keep the afternoon free and enjoy souvenir shopping or further exploration.
Departure to India from Turkey
Antalya like Istanbul is well-connected with major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad airports. There are no direct flights connecting from Antalya to Turkey. You may take a flight to Istanbul to catch a direct flight to Mumbai or New Delhi. The travel duration is around 10 hours. You have to transit at London or Dubai. You can compare prices of the airlines at Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak. The most popular airlines are Azerbaijan Airlines, Turkish Airlines or IndiGo.
Tips for Indian Travelers visiting Turkey
You have seen the sights. You’ve planned your trip. But here are 5 real hacks that will make your Turkey visit smoother, cheaper and more memorable
1. Skip the airport currency scam – don’t exchange money at Istanbul Airport
- The exchange counters at IST Airport give terrible rates — sometimes 20–30% worse than in the city.
- Hack: Carry ₹10000–₹15000 worth of Turkish Lira from India
- Use your Indian debit card at ATMs in Sultanahmet (lower fees, better rate). Tip: Choose “Turkish Lira” as currency never “INR” to avoid dynamic currency conversion scams.
2. Get the museum Pass Istanbul, if you want to save some money
- Want to visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, and Basilica Cistern? Paying separately = ~3,500 TL (~₹9,500)
- Buy the Museum Pass Istanbul (2,500 TL), this will cover 12+ sites ( all major ones)
- Where to buy: At your first museum (e.g., Hagia Sophia). You just have to show your passport.
- Valid for 5 days (perfect for short trip).
3. Visit the Blue Mosque right after sunset prayer (Maghrib)
- Everyone goes at 9 AM. Crowds. Long lines. Heat.
- Best time: 6:30–7:30 PM (after Maghrib prayer).
- Fewer tourists
- Cooler air
- Mosque lights up beautifully
- Peaceful, spiritual vibe
- Combine it with dinner at Sahaflar Carsisi (book market cafe)
4. Book your Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia before you arrive in Turkey
- Balloons sell out 3–7 days in advance during peak season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct).
- Don’t wait until you’re there.
- Book online via reliable operators – cost: ₹22000–₹28000.
- Fly with Royal Balloon or Butterfly Balloons – safest, most experienced.
- Wake-up call comes at 4:30 AM — yes, it’s early. But sunrise over fairy chimneys? Worth every second.
5. Use the “Turkish Nod” to say “Yes”
- In Turkey, people say “yes” by raising their eyebrows and tilting their head up.
- A single nod means “no”.
- If you don’t know this, you might misunderstand taxi drivers, shopkeepers, or guides.
- Example: You ask, “Is this the right bus?” They nod once, you think “yes” but it’s “no”
- Hack: When in doubt, point and ask “Evet mi?” (Yes?) they’ll use the head lift.
6. Bonus hack if you are tea lover
- Pack one small packet of chai from home.
- Most hotels serve Turkish tea or Nescafe.
- If you want your morning brew, bring your own (you can carry 100g of dry goods, no issue at customs)
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