Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for Gulf families, and its best-known route combines Istanbul, Cappadocia and the green north around Trabzon. This 10-day itinerary splits the time between city and nature, using domestic flights between regions to save time. At the end of the page there is a shorter alternative (Istanbul, Bursa and Sapanca) for those who prefer less travel.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) suit Istanbul and Cappadocia. For Trabzon and Uzungöl, June to August is best, with green landscapes and mild weather, and it is also the busiest season. Hot-air balloon flights in Cappadocia operate most of the year, depending on the weather.
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | City | Activities | Transport | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Istanbul | Arrival, Taksim Square and Istiklal Street | Flight to Istanbul Airport | Hotel, Istanbul |
| 2 | Istanbul | Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace | Tram | Hotel, Istanbul |
| 3 | Istanbul | Bosphorus cruise, Grand Bazaar | Boat | Hotel, Istanbul |
| 4 | Istanbul → Cappadocia | Transfer, Göreme Valley | Domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir | Hotel, Göreme |
| 5 | Cappadocia | Sunrise balloon flight, underground city | Organised tour | Hotel, Göreme |
| 6 | Cappadocia → Trabzon | Transfer | Domestic flight (usually via Istanbul) | Hotel, Trabzon |
| 7 | Uzungöl | The lake and highlands | Car (about 1.5 hours) | Hotel, Uzungöl |
| 8 | Trabzon | Sumela Monastery, Sera Lake | Car | Hotel, Trabzon |
| 9 | Trabzon → Istanbul | Return and shopping | Domestic flight | Hotel, Istanbul |
| 10 | Istanbul | Departure | Flight | — |
Alternative: Istanbul, Bursa and Sapanca
For less travel and a road trip: five nights in Istanbul, then two nights in Bursa with Uludağ mountain, then two nights by Lake Sapanca, returning to Istanbul for departure. Bursa is about three hours from Istanbul by car, or by fast ferry.
Visa and trip documents
Entry requirements for Turkey depend on your nationality, so check them on the official e-Visa website. Residents of Saudi Arabia who need a paper visa will find the steps in our guide to the Turkey visa for residents. That is where flight reservations, hotel bookings and travel insurance with matching dates are required.
We prepare this itinerary or the alternative with your own dates, with bookings for each city.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Trabzon?
Yes, or a private driver, because Uzungöl and the highlands are far from the city and public transport is limited.
Is the balloon flight guaranteed?
No. Flights are sometimes cancelled because of wind, so it is better to spend two nights in Cappadocia for a second chance.
Are 10 days enough for all three regions?
Yes, with domestic flights. By car only, you would need at least two weeks.
