Classic Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale
Duration : 10 days
Route : Istanbul (3 nights) → Cappadocia flight (3 nights, balloon) → Izmir flight → Ephesus + Pamukkale (2 nights) → return Istanbul (1 night)
Custom travel to Turkey
Turkey is one of the world's most extraordinary countries, a bridge between East and West, where the Byzantine Empire reigned 1,000 years, followed by the Ottoman Empire for 600 years. 85 million inhabitants, straddling 2 continents and 4 seas. Istanbul, a thousand-year-old city on the Bosphorus, houses Hagia Sophia (UNESCO, 537), the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace. Cappadocia and its fairy chimneys (UNESCO), hot air balloon overflight at sunrise, one of the world's most iconic experiences. Ephesus (UNESCO), one of antiquity's best-preserved cities. Pamukkale and its white travertine pools. Turquoise and Aegean coast (Bodrum, Kas, Antalya). Refined cuisine (kebabs, mezze, baklava). The country's geographic diversity is immense: Cappadocia's mountains, Mediterranean coastline, Central Anatolian steppes, and the cosmopolitan megacity of Istanbul all follow one another within a few hours by road or domestic flight. Turkish hospitality ('misafirperverlik'), a sense of welcome deeply rooted in local culture, leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Just 3-4 hours' flight from Paris, Turkey suits both a long weekend in Istanbul and a full two-week circuit.
Highlights
- Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi (UNESCO)
- Cappadocia: hot air balloons and fairy chimneys (UNESCO)
- Ephesus: preserved ancient city (UNESCO)
- Pamukkale: white travertine pools (UNESCO)
- Turquoise coast: Bodrum, Kas, Antalya
- Bosphorus: cruise between 2 continents
Sample itineraries
Complete Turkey + Turquoise coast
Duration : 14 days
Route : Istanbul (3 nights) → Cappadocia (3 nights) → Ephesus + Pamukkale (2 nights) → Bodrum/Antalya flight (4 nights, Turquoise coast) → return Istanbul (1 night)
Premium Istanbul and Cappadocia
Duration : 8 days
Route : Istanbul Four Seasons Sultanahmet (4 nights) → Cappadocia Argos in Cappadocia (3 nights) → return flight
When to go
April-June and September-October are ideal (mild climate 18-25 °C). Avoid July-August (very hot in Istanbul and coast 35 °C+, crowds) and November-March (cool, sometimes snow in Cappadocia, pretty but balloon canceled if windy). In Istanbul, however, expect occasional showers even in spring and autumn, unlike the generally drier Aegean coast during these periods. May offers one of the best compromises: Cappadocia in bloom, stable balloon flights, and still-moderate crowds before summer.
- Spring (April – June), All sites, ideal balloon
- Hot summer (July – August), Turquoise coast (26 °C sea)
- Autumn (September – October), All sites, Cappadocia harvests
- Winter (November – March), Snowy Cappadocia (magical but balloon uncertain)
Practical information
Very safe in tourist zones (vigilance in Syrian border areas). No visa for French citizens < 90 days. Cards accepted everywhere. Avoid tap water (bottled water). Modest dress in mosques (headscarf for women, provided at entrance). 10% restaurant tipping. Ramadan modifies some restaurant schedules. When paying by card, always choose to be charged in Turkish lira rather than euros or dollars (the terminal's dynamic currency conversion applies a noticeably worse rate). At the Grand Bazaar and local markets, haggling is part of the experience, expect roughly 20 to 30% margin over the asking price.
Frequently asked questions
When?
April-June and September-October. Avoid July-August (heat, crowds) and winter (cool, uncertain balloon).
How long?
10 days for Istanbul + Cappadocia + Ephesus + Pamukkale. 14 days to add Turquoise coast.
Budget?
€1,800-€2,600 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €3,200-€4,800. Flights: €200-€450.
Visa?
No for French citizens < 90 days.
Balloon: how much and how to book?
€200-€300 per person. 1-2 month advance booking recommended. Cancellation possible if strong wind (balloon postponed or refunded). Multiple operators (Royal Balloon, Voyager).
Family?
Yes, from age 8 (balloon from age 6). Total safety, warm welcome.
How to get around?
Private car with driver or Turkish Airlines domestic flights (Istanbul-Cappadocia 1 h, Istanbul-Izmir 1 h).
Is Turkey safe?
Very safe in tourist zones (Istanbul, Cappadocia, coast). Vigilance in border zones (Syria, Iraq).
Combine?
Yes: Turkey + Greece, Turkey + Israel (Istanbul-Tel Aviv 2-h flight), Turkey + Georgia.
Tips?
10% in restaurants. Appreciated in hotels and with guides.
Should I get a local SIM card?
Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom offer prepaid SIM cards with data plans, available at airport shops and in town (passport required for purchase). Network coverage is excellent nationwide, including in Cappadocia and along the Turquoise coast. eSIM is also a convenient option for compatible phones.
What to wear when visiting mosques?
Shoulders and knees covered for everyone, a headscarf to cover hair for women (provided free at the entrance of major mosques like Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque if needed). Shoes must be removed before entering, so wear shoes that are easy to slip off. Outside places of worship, dress remains casual in tourist areas.