Two weeks in Türkiye lets you savor two distinct moods: Istanbul’s centuries-layered metropolis where empires rose and fell, and Belek’s calm Mediterranean stretch near Antalya, famed for beaches, waterfalls, and world-class golf. This itinerary blends history, food, and coastal relaxation with carefully chosen activities and insider eats.

In Istanbul, visit Byzantine marvels like Hagia Sophia and Ottoman icons like Topkapı Palace, then jump ferries between Europe and Asia for street food and sunset minarets. Boats, trams, and funiculars knit together grand mosques, smoky coffee houses, and modern galleries.

Down south, Belek slows the pulse: sandy strands, pine forests, and day trips to Antalya’s Old Town and sky-splitting Düden Waterfalls. Add a “Turkish Maldives” boat day, a steamy hamam, and fresh seafood to complete the coast-side reset. Dress modestly when entering mosques, carry an Istanbulkart for transit, and come hungry—the cuisine is a highlight.

Istanbul

Istanbul is where the Bosphorus divides continents and the call to prayer rolls over rooftops. The Historic Peninsula holds millennia of stories; across the Golden Horn, Beyoğlu buzzes with cafés and design shops, while the Asian side greets you with markets and tea gardens. Evenings are for meze by the water and shimmering bridge lights.

Days 1–4: Sultanahmet and the Historic Peninsula

• Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern: Start with the city’s spiritual and engineering landmarks. To optimize time at Hagia Sophia, consider a skip-the-line ticket:
  Hagia Sophia Entry Ticket (Skip the Ticket Line) + QR Audio Guide

  

• Topkapı Palace and Harem, plus the Archaeology Museums: Trace the Ottoman sultans’ lives from jewel-studded treasuries to serene courtyards. If you’re tight on time, a guide streamlines entries and context:
  Istanbul Guided Tour Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, Cistern with Tickets

  

• Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar: Haggle for İznik tiles, copperware, and textiles, then inhale cumin, sumac, and lokum by the Spice Bazaar. Look up to the blue-tiled dining room at historic Pandeli for lunch—perfect for eggplant “imam bayıldı” and lamb stew overlooking the Market Gate.
• Süleymaniye Mosque and Golden Horn views: Ottoman grandeur meets city panoramas; pair with tea at a terrace café nearby at sunset.
• Food and coffee: Breakfast on menemen and kaymak at Van Kahvaltı Evi; taste classic köfte at Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi; dine on seafood and meze at Balıkçı Sabahattin. For dessert, pistachio baklava at Hafız Mustafa. For coffee, try sand-brewed Türk kahvesi at Mandabatmaz and third-wave pours at Kronotrop and Karabatak.

Days 5–7: Beyoğlu, Karaköy, Galata, and the Bosphorus

• Galata Tower, İstiklal Avenue, and Pera Museum: Spiral up for views, then explore Belle Époque passages, artisan boutiques, and galleries. Lunch at Karaköy Lokantası for elegant meze and slow-cooked lamb shanks.
• Dolmabahçe Palace and Beşiktaş Market: Crystal staircases and sultanic halls by the Bosphorus; snack through Beşiktaş’s compact streets—simit, döner, and mussels stuffed with spiced rice.
• Ortaköy, Arnavutköy, Bebek: Mosque-on-the-water photos, kumpir (loaded baked potatoes), then continue along the shoreline for sunset. Book a night Bosphorus dinner cruise—dancing, whirling, and city lights:
  Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table

  

• Guided city overview: Use a small-group or private guide to knit history and neighborhoods together early in the week:
  Istanbul Highlights: Small-Group Tour with a Local Expert

  

• Dinner ideas: Contemporary Anatolian tasting menus at Neolokal; rooftop views at 360 Istanbul; meyhane culture (raki, meze, old songs) at Agora Meyhanesi.

Days 8–9: Asian Side—Kadıköy, Moda, and Üsküdar

• Kadıköy Market and Moda seaside: Ferry over for a morning of cheese shops, spice sellers, and pickles. Lunch at Çiya Sofrası for regional dishes like lamb-and-bulgur içli köfte and Southeastern stews. Stroll the seaside in Moda with ice cream from dondurmacı carts.
• Üsküdar mosques and viewpoints: See Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and Maiden’s Tower views from the waterfront. For sunset, tea on low stools at Kuzguncuk or Çengelköy, with simit and clotted cream.
• Istanbul by night: Consider a tailored evening:
  A Magical Evening in Istanbul: Private City Tour

  

• Eat & sip: Kadıköy’s Baylan for the classic “Kup Griye” dessert; fish sandwiches at Kadıköy Iskelesi; third-wave coffee at Petra or Story Coffee. Cap the night with meze in Moda’s side streets.

Where to Stay in Istanbul

• Search and compare stays: VRBO Istanbul | Hotels.com Istanbul
• Classic icons: Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul (waterfront Ottoman palace) | Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul (panoramic gardens and pools) | Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus.
• Old City favorite: Sirkeci Mansion (steps from the tram; warm Turkish hospitality).
• Budget social hub: Cheers Hostel.
• Bosphorus village vibes: Arnavutköy yali stays like A'jia Hotel or Fuat Paşa Yalısı if you crave waterfront tranquility.

Getting In and Around Istanbul

• Fly into IST or SAW: Most international flights arrive at IST; SAW serves many low-cost carriers. Compare fares on Omio (flights to/from Europe), Trip.com (global flights), or Kiwi.com. Typical Europe–Istanbul fares run ~$120–$280 one-way shoulder season; from North America ~$450–$900 roundtrip.
• Airport transfer: For door-to-door ease, book a private car:
  Private Istanbul Airport (IST) Arrival or Departure Transfer. Budget options include Havaist buses to central hubs, then tram/ferry.
• Transit tips: Load an Istanbulkart for trams (T1 is key for Old City), metros, and ferries. Expect low per-ride costs; ferries double as scenic mini-cruises.

Bookable Extras in Istanbul (choose 1–2)

• Taste of Istanbul - Food & Culture

  

• Skip-The-Line: 1–3 Days Private Istanbul Guided Tour

  

Travel Day to the Coast

Day 10 Morning: Fly Istanbul to Antalya, Transfer to Belek

• Flight: 1h15–1h25 nonstop from IST or SAW to AYT; fares often $35–$100 one-way if booked ahead. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Buses from Istanbul run ~10–12 hours; check Omio (buses in Europe/Türkiye) if you prefer overland travel.
• Transfer to Belek: 30–45 minutes by private car from AYT to Belek hotels (typically $40–$70 per vehicle). There are shared shuttles as well; resorts can arrange pickups.

Belek

Belek’s coastline pairs pine-fringed sands with warm, clear water and a laid-back rhythm. Beyond the beach, Antalya’s Old Town (Kaleiçi), cascading Düden Waterfalls, and hidden coves reward day-trippers. Golfers know Belek for its elite courses; spa lovers cherish its hammams; families come for boat days and gentle surf.

Days 10–12: Settle In—Beach, Spa, and Golf

• Beach time: Unwind at Belek and Kadriye Beach Park—long shores with sunbeds, casual seafood grills, and calm swims. Early mornings and golden-hour swims are sublime.
• Hamam ritual: Start your coast days with steam, scrub, and foam massage:
  Authentic Turkish Bath & Spa Experience in Belek

  

• Golf (optional): Book a morning tee time at courses like Carya (noted for night golf), Montgomerie Maxx Royal, or Gloria. Clubhouses serve excellent Turkish breakfasts post-round.
• Eat & drink: In Belek town, try Sefin Yeri Ocakbaşı for charcoal-grilled kebabs and mezes; Gardener’s Bar & Restaurant for easygoing crowd-pleasers; seafood platters at Deniz Fish in Kadriye. Coffee picks include Coffeemania Belek for reliable espresso and seaside cafés for Turkish tea.

Days 12–13: Antalya Old Town and Waterfalls

• Antalya city and boat day: Stroll Kaleiçi’s Roman harbor, Ottoman houses, and Hadrian’s Gate; pair with a coastal cruise and waterfall views:
  Antalya City Tour w/Boat Trip, Old Town & Waterfall From Belek

  

• Alternate focus—Düden by sea: Cruise under limestone cliffs to the Lower Düden Waterfall; swim stops included:
  Antalya Waterfall Boat Cruise with Lunch and Soft Drinks

  

• Antalya dining add-ons: Book a sunset table at Arma Restaurant over the marina; classic Antalya flavors at 7 Mehmet (grilled meats, seasonal meze); try piyaz (tahini-bean salad) at a local esnaf lokantası.

Day 14: Blue-Water Adventure or Adrenaline Blast

• “Turkish Maldives” Suluada: White pebble coves and electric-blue water—an easy full-day escape with lunch:
  Belek Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer

  

• Or go full adventure: Raft a mountain river, zipline canyons, and kick up dust in a buggy:
  Antalya Rafting, Jeep Safari, Zipline, Buggy Safari Combo Tour

  

• Farewell dinner: Back in Belek, toast your trip with grilled sea bream and a crisp çoban salad, or book a meyhane for raki and meze. For a sweet send-off, order kunefe—hot cheese pastry drenched in syrup.

Where to Stay in Belek

• Search and compare stays: VRBO Belek | Hotels.com Belek
• Pick by vibe: Family-friendly beach resorts with kids’ clubs; golfer-centric properties near Carya or Montgomerie; or villa-style stays with private pools for quiet evenings and barbecue nights.

Getting To/From Belek

• Airport rides: Private transfers between Antalya Airport and Belek typically 30–45 minutes; arrange via your hotel or book a VIP car:
  Antalya Airport Fast Transfer.
• Flying out: For onward flights, compare options on Omio, Trip.com, or Kiwi.com. Many routes connect via Istanbul; Antalya also has seasonal European nonstops.

Optional Add-Ons in Belek

• Mediterranean Diving Adventure from Antalya/Kemer

  

• Belek Adventures Jeep Safari Tour with Off-Road, Lunch & Transfer

  

Suggested Pace Overview

• Days 1–4: Historic Istanbul core (Sultanahmet, bazaars, Süleymaniye).
• Days 5–7: Beyoğlu, Karaköy, Bosphorus villages, night cruise.
• Days 8–9: Asian side culture and cafés; optional guided evening.
• Day 10: Morning flight to Antalya; transfer to Belek, beach and spa.
• Days 11–13: Belek beaches, golf, Antalya Old Town and waterfalls.
• Day 14: Suluada boat day or adrenaline combo; farewell dinner.

Across two weeks, you’ll trace empires along the Bosphorus and then exhale by the Mediterranean. Expect big flavors, generous hospitality, and a rhythm that swings from city energy to sea-breeze calm—Türkiye at its most rewarding.