Turkey is not one destination. Istanbul is a European metropolis with sixteen centuries of monument stacked on top of each other; Cappadocia is a volcanic moonscape you fly over at dawn; the Turquoise Coast is warm sea and Roman ruins; the southeast is pistachios, mosaics and an eleven-thousand-year-old temple.
We plan around what you actually want, and we will tell you when an itinerary is too ambitious. These pages are our honest read on each place — including the parts that are less fun than the brochures suggest.
Seven places we plan
Istanbul
The flight hub and the country’s cultural centre, with the largest concentration of hospitals and clinics. Two days sees the highlights; three or four lets you enjoy it. Istanbul in detail →
Cappadocia
Balloons at sunrise, cave churches, underground cities, valleys you can walk. Worth three nights so a cancelled balloon flight does not cost you the whole experience. Cappadocia in detail →
Antalya and the Turquoise Coast
Beaches, resorts and an unusual density of classical ruins, most within an hour of the city. Best in May, June, September and October. Antalya in detail →
Ephesus and Pamukkale
The most complete Roman city you can walk through, and the white travertine terraces three hours inland. The best three-day archaeology trip in the country. Ephesus and Pamukkale →
Bodrum
White houses, a castle on the harbour and a peninsula of coves, each with its own character. A long season and the easiest resort town to enjoy without a car. Bodrum in detail →
Gaziantep and the southeast
The best food in Turkey, a mosaic museum of world rank, and Göbekli Tepe two hours away. Nowhere near the tourist trail. Gaziantep in detail →
Kaş and Kalkan
The prettiest stretch of coastline, the clearest water, and the Lycian Way running through it. Small, quiet and genuinely beautiful. Kaş and Kalkan in detail →
Some suggested shapes
| Time | What it comfortably covers |
|---|---|
| 4–5 days | Istanbul only — the monuments, the Bosphorus, and one day trip |
| 7 days | Istanbul plus Cappadocia, with a domestic flight between them |
| 10 days | Istanbul, Cappadocia and the coast — the classic first trip |
| 14 days | Add the Aegean: Ephesus and Pamukkale, then Bodrum or the Lycian coast |
If your trip includes treatment
The treatment decides the shape of the itinerary, not the other way round. Consultations and most procedures happen in Istanbul or Antalya; Cappadocia and the coast are usually the recovery end of the journey. Tell us what the procedure involves and we will tell you honestly what you will and will not want to do afterwards.
How the health side works → · Tours and packages →
Plan this with us
Tell us what you are planning and we will come back with options and an itemised price. info@gen.gen.tr