Turkey isn’t just a country – it’s a full-blown adventure. One minute you’re crawling through Cappadocia’s eerie underground cities, the next you’re slicing across the Bosphorus on a ferry, and a few days later you’re gliding past ancient ruins in Antalya like you just stepped onto a movie set. And the kicker? It’s all just four hours from London. No wonder Brits are pouring in: nearly 4.4 million of them are set to touch down in 2024, smashing records and proving once and for all that Turkey isn’t just a destination – it’s the place to be.
Logistics from London
A direct flight with British Airways, Turkish Airlines, or Pegasus takes about four hours – easy. Sure, in summer a round-trip can easily blow past £350, but hit April or October and you’re looking at £150–180. No insane layovers, no brutal jet lag – just hop on a plane and you’re there. For anyone leaving London, Turkey is basically the easiest bite of “exotic” outside Europe.
Itinerary logic: from Istanbul southward
First three days: Istanbul
A city where East and West are still squabbling over the spotlight. Don’t rush Istanbul – let yourself wander the twisting streets of Fatih, or get blissfully lost in the chaos of the Grand Bazaar. Trust us, the city only reveals its magic when you slow down. A surprising tip: set aside at least half a day for kayaking in Istanbul from GetExperience. From the water, the city reveals itself in a different light: you see the silhouette of Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus Bridge not like a postcard tourist, but like a participant in living history.
Next spot: Cappadocia
Perhaps the most otherworldly place in Turkey. Valleys with stone “mushrooms”, underground cities, and sunrises when the sky over Göreme is filled with hundreds of hot air balloons. The easiest way to get there from Istanbul is by domestic flight to Nevsehir or Kayseri (about 1.5 hours).
Planning the beginning of second week: Antalya and the Coast
People call Antalya a “beach conveyor belt” – and yeah, that’s lazy thinking. The old town, Kaleiçi, is packed with Ottoman-era charm, and the Antalya Museum? One of the best collections of ancient sculptures you’ll see anywhere. Venture a bit west, and you hit Kaş – a chilled-out paradise for divers and anyone craving a slower pace away from the tourist crowds.
Pick your finale: Izmir or Ephesus
The last stop? Izmir – Turkey’s third-biggest city, where ancient ruins rub shoulders with a sleek modern waterfront. From here, a quick trip takes you to Ephesus, home to a 25,000-seat theater and the legendary Library of Celsus. It’s the perfect full stop to your journey: Turkey isn’t just beaches and sun – it’s stacked with layers of history, culture, and civilizations waiting to be explored.
Quick tips before you jet off
Someone might say, “Two weeks is too long; I’ll get tired”. But experience shows otherwise. Turkey isn’t a country where you want a “ticket in your passport”. It’s important to give yourself time. Only after a couple of days in Istanbul do you begin to understand the rhythm of the city; only after morning tea in Cappadocia do you realize it’s not all just decoration.
Final say!
The goal of a two-week trip from London to Turkey is to experience a shift in perspective and pace rather than a sightseeing marathon. From a city on two continents to the ancient Ephesian theaters and the quiet cliffs of Cappadocia – it’s a journey that leaves you feeling you’ve been through many eras.
