Most Fascinating Ruins in the World: Turkey Edition

After two weeks in Turkey, mingling with locals and tourists who have been coming back to Istanbul or Bodrum for years, I’ve already started plotting our next Turkish escapade.

First on the list is Cappadocia. We skipped it this time to indulge in some well-deserved rest. No regrets there; cramming it in would have been overkill. Plus, we also want to see, Derinkuyu, Çatalhöyük, Pamukkale & Hierapolis, Ephesus, Sardis, and Çanakkale – Troy on my list.  Quite the odyssey, isn’t it?

These locations are all about ancient history, scenery, and nature. Although I studied the map of the area before our trip,  it wasn’t until our boat tour in Bodrum that I truly grasped Turkey’s proximity to Greece, the striking similarities of their coastlines, and their intertwined histories. Learning how many ancient cities and UNESCO heritage sites are in this area, I knew it would be a great location for one of our two-week trips.

Planning the Itinerary

The main dilemma I have about this is where to start. Should we go from Cappadocia upwards, or the other way around? Also, what kind of transportation options should I expect between the locations? Would it be safe to drive? It would be a great road trip. Ideally, we would fly to Istanbul, then to Cappadocia, and then take the rest of the tour by train or car. We would end the trip in Çanakkale, where we want to see the ancient city of Troy. Fly to Istanbul from there, and then back home.

Therefore, an extensive Google research is necessary. Turkey has one of the best public transportation networks between regions and cities, which is a great start. Also, I know from our recent experience that Turkish Airlines have affordable flights in Turkey and their service is impeccable.

Thus, the rough itinerary would be:

Transportation & Accommodation

The planning starts with checking tickets from Istanbul to our first destination and from our last destination to Istanbul. Also, it would be preferable to depart from the same Istanbul airport we arrive at.

Luckily, Turkish Airlines has flights from both airports to Nevsehir in the evening, and the cost per person is about 75 euros. There is also a flight from our last destination, Çanakkale, to Istanbul in the morning, for 95 euros, which leaves enough time to catch the afternoon flight back home. There is also a ferry for this route, which sounds interesting.

The options for flights to Istanbul and back home are multiple, and we can fly with different companies from different cities, with prices ranging from 70 to 200 euros depending on the time of the year and how much in advance the tickets are bought. So, based on our previous experience, I am hoping to pay 100 euros per person for a return ticket.

When it comes to accommodation, we have 4 conditions: free cancelation, private bathroom, rated 8 or more on Booking.com, and if possible a balcony or a terrace.

In Cappadocia, I’d like us to stay at one of the cave hotels, which I found to be around 90 euros for two nights, per room. In Pamukkale, I also found various options under 100 euros for 2 nights. The remaining three destinations are a bit more expensive and would require a bit more research after I am done planning the itinerary for every day. Considering we are staying shortly at every location, the accommodation should be close to attractions so we don’t waste too much time.

Sightseeing Itinerary

Since our days will be packed, it’s important that we don’t have anything booked on travel days. Those are for travel and rest. So, if we exclude travel days, this is what is left for sightseeing:

Now comes the difficult part: what to see at every location. Considering the area’s history and how many of those locations are UNESCO heritage sites, I am sure we won’t have time for everything. So, we need to prioritize.

Cappadocia & Derinkuyu (Days 2-3)

Cappadocia is like stepping into a dream—if your dreams involve whimsical fairy chimneys, hot air balloons, and underground cities. The first day would be spent exploring the Göreme Open-Air Museum, hiking in the Rose Valley, and, of course, floating over the alien-like landscape in a hot air balloon at sunrise. On the second day, we’d venture to Derinkuyu, an underground city that could house 20,000 people.

Çatalhöyük (Day 5)

One of the oldest known settlements in the world, Çatalhöyük is about 9,000 years old. This Neolithic site is essentially the first recorded example of people deciding that living in one place might be a good idea—before promptly stacking their homes on top of each other with rooftop entryways. It’s an archaeological site that gives a fascinating glimpse into early human civilization.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis (Days 7-8)

Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is a surreal landscape of white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. It’s essentially nature’s most luxurious infinity pool. Right next to it is Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city famous for its well-preserved theater, necropolis, and Cleopatra’s Pool, where you can swim among ancient columns.

Ephesus & Sardis (Days 9-10)

Ephesus is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world and home to the famed Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and an amphitheater so grand you can practically hear the echoes of gladiator fights and political debates.

Sardis, on the other hand, is the lesser-known but equally fascinating site of the former capital of the Lydian Empire. Ever heard of King Croesus? The guy who basically invented the concept of being filthy rich? His kingdom was here, and you can visit the impressive ruins of the gymnasium and the synagogue that showcase the cultural mix of the time.

Çanakkale & Troy (Days 12-13)

This stop is for all the history nerds and mythology lovers. Troy is not just a legendary city from Homer’s Iliad—it’s a real place. The archaeological site features multiple layers of settlements dating back over 4,000 years, proving that it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, possibly due to ancient zoning disputes. Çanakkale itself is home to the famous Gallipoli battlefields, a significant site from World War I, and a coastline that offers a stunning backdrop to a city rich in both ancient and modern history.

Getting Around

Turkey has a well-developed public transportation network, making it easy to travel between these destinations. I came across two excellent resources for planning this trip: Rough Guides, which provides comprehensive information on all modes of transport in Türkiye, and Turkey Travel Planner, a go-to site for practical travel tips and insights.

Here are the options we have:

• Domestic Flights: Turkish Airlines and Pegasus offer affordable flights between major cities. Flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia (Nevşehir or Kayseri airports) are frequent and cost around €75.
• High-Speed Trains: The YHT (Yüksek Hızlı Tren) network connects major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Konya, but doesn’t cover all historical sites on this trip.
• Buses: Turkey’s intercity buses are comfortable, reliable, and much cheaper than trains or flights. Companies like Metro Turizm and Pamukkale Turizm run extensive routes.
• Car Rental: Renting a car is a great option for flexibility, though driving in Turkish cities can be chaotic. Outside urban areas, roads are in good condition, and highways connect major sites.
• Ferries: Apparently, taking a ferry across the Aegean or between Istanbul and Çanakkale offers scenic travel options.

Final Thoughts

Turkey is a place where history, nature, and modern life blend seamlessly. This itinerary is ambitious, but with a mix of flights, buses, and rental cars, it’s entirely doable. The toughest part will be choosing what to see and what to (reluctantly) skip. One thing’s for sure: this won’t be my last trip to Turkey.

If you are struggling to organize your next trip, or you simply need a little bit of inspiration, check out some of these articles:

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Safe travels,

Asya