15 days in Turkey & Athens Itinerary

A physical and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia, the transcontinental city of Istanbul serves as a living reminder of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.

Visiting Selale Parkuru and Polonezkoy Tabiat Parki will get you outdoors. Head to Kapali Carsi and Aponia Storefor some retail therapy. Next up on the itinerary: admire the landmark architecture of Hagia Sophia Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Suleymaniye Cami , take a stroll through Ortakoy, and explore the world behind art at Istanbul Modern.

For where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Istanbul online holiday builder.

Cairo, Egypt to Istanbul is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive. Traveling from Cairo to Istanbul, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Cairo in August, things will get slightly colder in Istanbul: highs are around 34°C and lows about 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Antalya.

Offering both sandy beaches packed with modern amenities and a historical town center filled with Roman ruins and Ottoman mosques, Antalya serves as one of the country's major tourist destinations.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Fri): examine the collection at Antalya Muzesi, stop by Lidya Suzani Carpet Gallery, and then admire the sheer force of Lower Duden Waterfalls.

To see ratings, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Antalya trip maker tool.

Traveling by flight from Istanbul to Antalya takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Istanbul in August: highs in Antalya hover around 41°C, while lows dip to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) early enough to drive to Marmaris.

One of Turkey's major port towns and tourist resorts, Marmaris sits on the stretch of the Mediterranean coastline popularly known as the "Turkish Riviera." Nestled between verdant mountain ranges and the sea, Marmaris draws sailors and divers from around the globe, its marinas packed with private yachts and tour boats.

For shopping fun, head to Kurt Jewellery or Latina Goldsmiths. Visiting Marmaris Zeus Boat and Iztuzu Beach 2 will get you outdoors. There's still lots to do: stroll through Icmeler Beach, go for a stroll along the water at Marmaris Marina, explore the historical opulence of Marmaris Museum, and kick back and relax at Marmaris Beach.

To find where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, use the Marmaris travel planner.

Getting from Antalya to Marmaris by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Antalya in August: high temperatures in Marmaris hover around 38°C and lows are around 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) early enough to travel to Athens.

One of the world's most ancient cities, Athens remains Europe's undisputed historical and cultural capital.

Visiting Glyfada Beach and Voula Beach will get you outdoors. Museum-lovers will get to explore Acropolis Museum and Byzantine and Christian Museum. The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Acropolis of Athens, delve into the distant past at Temple of Olympian Zeus, wander the streets of Monastiraki, and get a taste of the local shopping with Ermou Street.

To find traveler tips, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Athens online route planner.

Traveling by combination of ferry and flight from Marmaris to Athens takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or drive. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Marmaris to Athens due to the time zone difference. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Marmaris in August since evenings lows in Athens dip to 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.