A loop that goes city, then landscape, then ruins, then sea, and flies home from the far end. Internal flights are frequent and short, which is what makes a country this size manageable in two weeks.
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı in Sultanahmet, then cross to Kadıköy on the Asian side for the food and the ferry ride.
Onward: Flight, 1 hr 20. To Kayseri or Nevşehir for Cappadocia
Balloons at sunrise, the underground city at Derinkuyu, and the Göreme open-air museum. Stay in a cave hotel — it is not a gimmick.
Onward: Flight, 1 hr 30. To Antalya, via Istanbul on some days
The Turquoise Coast. Kaş for a small harbour town and sea kayaking over a sunken city; Antalya for the old town and easier flights.
Onward: Road, 3 hr 30. Inland and north to Pamukkale
The white travertine terraces and the ruined city of Hierapolis on top of them. One night is genuinely enough.
Onward: Road, 3 hr. West to Selçuk
One of the best preserved classical cities anywhere. Go at opening or in the last two hours, and pay for the terrace houses.
Onward: Flight, 1 hr 15. Izmir home, or back to Istanbul
On nine nights, Istanbul and Cappadocia with a short coastal stop. Drop Pamukkale first.
Add a gulet cruise along the Lycian coast, or the Lycian Way if you walk.
Booking one morning for the Cappadocia balloons. Flights are grounded for wind far more often than people expect, and a single-morning window means a real chance of missing them entirely. Book the first morning of a three-night stay so you have two more chances if it is cancelled.
Read the full Turkey travel guide or take the Turkey packing list.