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🇨🇭SWITZERLAND

Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland If you like mountains, picturesque valleys, cute Alpine scenes, beautiful lakes and excellent public transport, you’re going to love Switzerland. Click for Luxury, Mid-range or Budget. Here’s your Switzerland itinerary:

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Luxury
1	To Zurich (✈ Book >)	Dep: Afternoon	Arr: Afternoon	🏨Widder Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Once you’ve checked in to your hotel in the lovely Lindenhof district, go for an evening stroll along Niederdorfstrasse.			Buy a Swiss Travel Pass in advance as this will include the train journey from the airport.
2	Visit historic Grossmünster church and then the Swiss National Museum. Indulge in some shopping along Bahnhofstrasse and then go to the fascinating horology museum Uhrenmuseum Beyer. In the evening go for a drink at the famous Cabaret Voltaire.			Public bicycles are free to use in Zurich – put down a small deposit at the Swiss National Museum and remember to bring ID.
3	🚄Zurich to Lucerne train (Book >)	Dep: 10:04	Arr: 10:49	🏨Hotel des Balances (Book >)	All hotels >
	Explore the Old Town then take a trip up Mount Pilatus which, between May and October, can be visited as part of the Golden Round Trip. Back in town a walk across the famous Chapel Bridge is a must, as are the city defences of Musegg Wall.			Consider downloading the SBB rail app, for quick and easy reference to the rail system timetable.
4	🚄Lucerne to Interlaken Ost train 🚄Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald train (Book >)	Dep: 12:06 Dep: 14:05	Arr: 13:55 Arr: 14:38	🏨Hotel Belvedere Grindelwald (Book >)	All hotels >
	Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, then enjoy the beautiful train ride to Grindelwald. Here you can take the gondola up to First and enjoy hikes long or short in tremendous mountain scenery (my favourites include to Grosse Scheidegg or Bachalpsee).			Pack layers – it can be warm in the valleys but cold up the mountains.
5	Today you’ll embark on one of the most incredible journeys on this planet; two steep train journeys to the mountain-top Jungfraujoch. Later in the afternoon visit the dramatic Gletscherschlucht.			Go for a short walk to Mönchsjoch Hut when you reach Jungfraujoch
6	🚄Grindelwald to Zweilütschinen train 🚄Zweilütschinen to Lauterbrunnen (Book >) train 🚡Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp cablecar 🚄Grütschalp to Mürren train (Book >)	Dep: 09:49 Dep: 10:16 Dep: 10:38 Dep: 10:44	Arr: 10:09 Arr: 10:25 Arr: 10:42 Arr: 10:58	🏨Hotel Eiger (Book >)	All hotels >
	A true test of the perfectly punctual Swiss transport system, this is a journey which you’ll be glued to the window throughout. When you arrive you can enjoy the peaceful alpine village of Mürren before heading on up the remarkable Schilthorn.			The Schilthorn restaurant may not have the most refined cuisine, but it does revolve and is the best place to see the views.
7	🚄Mürren to Grütschalp train 🚡Grütschalp to Lauterbrunnen cablecar (Book >) 🚄Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost train 🚄Interlaken Ost to Spiez train 🚄Spiez to Visp train 🚄Visp to Zermatt train (Book >)	Dep: 09:58 Dep: 10:13 Dep: 10:32 Dep: 11:00 Dep: 11:36 Dep: 12:08	Arr: 10:11 Arr: 10:17 Arr: 10:53 Arr: 11:21 Arr: 12:02 Arr: 13:14	🏨Hotel The Omnia (Book >)	All hotels >
	Another day of picturesque journeys and another day where you end up in glorious mountain scenery. Zermatt is where you come for views of the famous Matterhorn, best seen from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.			Miss a connection? Not a problem. Trains in Switzerland are frequent.
8	🚄Zermatt to Visp train 🚄Visp to Montreux train (Book >)	Dep: 14:13 Dep: 15:35	Arr: 15:22 Arr: 16:46	🏨Hotel Victoria (Book >)	All hotels >
	Ride on the Gornergrat Bahn for your last mountain journey and hike, then depart for Montreux where you can stroll along the lake to Chillon Castle.			You are now in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
9	🚄Montreux to Geneva train (Book >)	Dep: 11:47	Arr: 12:48	🏨Hotel D’Angleterre (Book >)	All hotels >
	Time for more promenade strolling before departing to Geneva. In Geneva you can walk down to the waterfront to look at the huge fountain, go to St. Pierre Cathedral and climb the towers, see the muddy and clear rivers meet at La Pointe de la Jonction and visit the United Nations building.			Get a free Geneva Transport Card from your hotel.
10	Geneva to Home (✈Book >) (🚄 Book >)	Dep: Afternoon Dep: Morning	Arr: Evening Arr: Afternoon	Connect this Switzerland itinerary with the France, Italy, Germany or Austria & Munich itinerary
	Enjoy any sights you missed yesterday before heading to the airport.
Mid-range
1	To Zurich (✈ Book >)	Dep: Afternoon	Arr: Afternoon	🏨Hotel Plattenhof (Book >)	All hotels >
	Once you’ve checked in to your hotel in the lovely Lindenhof district, go for an evening stroll along Niederdorfstrasse.			Buy a Swiss Travel Pass in advance as this will include the train journey from the airport.
2	Visit historic Grossmünster church and then the Swiss National Museum. Indulge in some shopping along Bahnhofstrasse and then go to the fascinating horology museum Uhrenmuseum Beyer. In the evening go for a drink at the famous Cabaret Voltaire.			Public bicycles are free to use in Zurich – put down a small deposit at the Swiss National Museum and remember to bring ID.
3	🚄Zurich to Lucerne train (Book >)	Dep: 10:04	Arr: 10:49	🏨Keyforge City Apartments Waldstätter 8 (Book >)	All hotels >
	Explore the Old Town then take a trip up Mount Pilatus which, between May and October, can be visited as part of the Golden Round Trip. Back in town a walk across the famous Chapel Bridge is a must, as are the city defences of Musegg Wall.			Consider downloading the SBB rail app, for quick and easy reference to the rail system timetable.
4	🚄Lucerne to Interlaken Ost train 🚄Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald train (Book >)	Dep: 12:06 Dep: 14:05	Arr: 13:55 Arr: 14:38	🏨Hotel Alpina (Book >)	All hotels >
	Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, then enjoy the beautiful train ride to Grindelwald. Here you can take the gondola up to First and enjoy hikes long or short in tremendous mountain scenery (my favourites include to Grosse Scheidegg or Bachalpsee).			Pack layers – it can be warm in the valleys but cold up the mountains.
5	Today you’ll embark on one of the most incredible journeys on this planet; two steep train journeys to the mountain-top Jungfraujoch. Later in the afternoon visit the dramatic Gletscherschlucht.			Go for a short walk to Mönchsjoch Hut when you reach Jungfraujoch
6	🚄Grindelwald to Zweilütschinen train 🚄Zweilütschinen to Lauterbrunnen train (Book >) 🚡Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp cablecar 🚄Grütschalp to Mürren train (Book >)	Dep: 09:49 Dep: 10:16 Dep: 10:38 Dep: 10:44	Arr: 10:09 Arr: 10:25 Arr: 10:42 Arr: 10:58	🏨Eiger Guesthouse (Book >)	All hotels >
	A true test of the perfectly punctual Swiss transport system, this is a journey which you’ll be glued to the window throughout. When you arrive you can enjoy the peaceful alpine village of Mürren before heading on up the remarkable Schilthorn.			The Schilthorn restaurant may not have the most refined cuisine, but it does revolve and is the best place to see the views.
7	🚄Mürren to Grütschalp train 🚡Grütschalp to Lauterbrunnen cablecar (Book >) 🚄Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost train 🚄Interlaken Ost to Spiez train 🚄Spiez to Visp train 🚄Visp to Zermatt train (Book >)	Dep: 09:58 Dep: 10:13 Dep: 10:32 Dep: 11:00 Dep: 11:36 Dep: 12:08	Arr: 10:11 Arr: 10:17 Arr: 10:53 Arr: 11:21 Arr: 12:02 Arr: 13:14	🏨Hotel Bella Vista (Book >)	All hotels >
	Another day of picturesque journeys and another day where you end up in glorious mountain scenery. Zermatt is where you come for views of the famous Matterhorn, best seen from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.			Miss a connection? Not a problem. Trains in Switzerland are frequent.
8	🚄Zermatt to Visp train 🚄Visp to Montreux train (Book >)	Dep: 14:13 Dep: 15:35	Arr: 15:22 Arr: 16:46	🏨Golf Hotel René Capt (Book >)	All hotels >
	Ride on the Gornergrat Bahn for your last mountain journey and hike, then depart for Montreux where you can stroll along the lake to Chillon Castle.			You are now in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
9	🚄Montreux to Geneva train (Book >)	Dep: 11:47	Arr: 12:48	🏨Starling Residence Genève (Book >)	All hotels >
	Time for more promenade strolling before departing to Geneva. In Geneva you can walk down to the waterfront to look at the huge fountain, go to St. Pierre Cathedral and climb the towers, see the muddy and clear rivers meet at La Pointe de la Jonction and visit the United Nations building.			Get a free Geneva Transport Card from your hotel.
10	Geneva to Home (✈Book >) (🚄 Book >)	Dep: Afternoon Dep: Morning	Arr: Evening Arr: Afternoon	Connect this Switzerland itinerary with the France, Italy, Germany or Austria & Munich itinerary
	Enjoy any sights you missed yesterday before heading to the airport.
Budget
1	To Zurich (✈ Book >)	Dep: Afternoon	Arr: Afternoon	🏨Youthhostel Zurich (Book >)	All hotels >
	Once you’ve checked in to your hotel in the lovely Lindenhof district, go for an evening stroll along Niederdorfstrasse.			Using buses for some of your journeys means you can get a Swiss Travel Pass for 4 days of train travel and then a single additional train ticket to Geneva on day 9.
2	Visit historic Grossmünster church and then the Swiss National Museum. Indulge in some shopping along Bahnhofstrasse and then go to the fascinating horology museum Uhrenmuseum Beyer. In the evening go for a drink at the famous Cabaret Voltaire.			Public bicycles are free to use in Zurich – put down a small deposit at the Swiss National Museum and remember to bring ID.
3	🚌Zurich to Lucerne bus (Book >)	Dep: 09:40	Arr: 10:40	🏨Barabas Luzern (Book >)	All hotels >
	Explore the Old Town then take a trip up Mount Pilatus which, between May and October, can be visited as part of the Golden Round Trip. Back in town a walk across the famous Chapel Bridge is a must, as are the city defences of Musegg Wall.			Äss-Bar is a new concept in Switzerland and is a chain of stores that collects bread and pastries just at the end of their sell-buy dates and sells on at low prices.
4	🚄Lucerne to Interlaken Ost train 🚄Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald train (Book >)	Dep: 12:06 Dep: 14:05	Arr: 13:55 Arr: 14:38	🏨Youthhostel Grindelwald (Book >)	All hotels >
	Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, then enjoy the beautiful train ride to Grindelwald. Here you can take the gondola up to First and enjoy hikes long or short in tremendous mountain scenery (my favourites include to Grosse Scheidegg or Bachalpsee).			Pack layers – it can be warm in the valleys but cold up the mountains.
5	Today you’ll embark on one of the most incredible journeys on this planet; two steep train journeys to the mountain-top Jungfraujoch. Later in the take the 122 bus to the dramatic Gletscherschlucht.			Go for a short walk to Mönchsjoch Hut when you reach Jungfraujoch
6	🚄Grindelwald to Zweilütschinen train 🚄Zweilütschinen to Lauterbrunnen train (Book >)	Dep: 09:49 Dep: 10:16	Arr: 10:09 Arr: 10:25	🏨Valley Hostel (Book >)	All hotels >
	After a beautiful journey hike to Trümmelbach Falls. If you can afford the fare, take the cable car to the lovely village of Mürren and on to the remarkable Schilthorn.			Your hostel has a kitchen – save money by buying food in the Coop supermarket in town.
7	🚄Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost train 🚄Interlaken Ost to Spiez train 🚄Spiez to Visp train 🚄Visp to Zermatt train (Book >)	Dep: 10:32 Dep: 11:00 Dep: 11:36 Dep: 12:08	Arr: 10:53 Arr: 11:21 Arr: 12:02 Arr: 13:14	🏨Youthhostel Zermatt (Book >)	All hotels >
	Another day of picturesque journeys and another day where you end up in glorious mountain scenery. Zermatt is where you come for views of the famous Matterhorn, best seen from Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.			If you’re staying a few nights with Swiss Youth Hostels then consider membership which can save you money.
8	🚄Zermatt to Visp train 🚄Visp to Montreux train (Book >)	Dep: 14:13 Dep: 15:35	Arr: 15:22 Arr: 16:46	🏨Youthhostel Montreux (Book >)	All hotels >
	Ride on the Gornergrat Bahn for your last mountain journey and hike, then depart for Montreux where you can stroll along the lake to Chillon Castle.			You are now in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
9	🚄Montreux to Geneva train (Book >)	Dep: 11:47	Arr: 12:48	🏨City Hostel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Time for more promenade strolling before departing to Geneva. In Geneva you can walk down to the waterfront to look at the huge fountain, go to St. Pierre Cathedral and climb the towers, see the muddy and clear rivers meet at La Pointe de la Jonction and visit the United Nations building.			Get a free Geneva Transport Card from your hotel.
10	Geneva to Home (✈Book >) (🚄 Book >)	Dep: Afternoon Dep: Morning	Arr: Evening Arr: Afternoon	Connect this Switzerland itinerary with the France, Italy, Germany or Austria & Munich itinerary
	Enjoy any sights you missed yesterday before heading to the airport.

🇹🇷WESTERN TURKEY

Istanbul, Turkey A land of huge contrasts, from the minarets, markets and mosques of Istanbul, to the beaches of the Med, to the weird rock formations of Cappadocia. Click for Luxury, Mid-range or Budget. Here’s my Western Turkey blog post and here below is your Western Turkey itinerary:

Print this itinerary

Luxury
1	✈Istanbul (Book >)	Dep: Morning	Arr: Afternoon	🏨Four Seasons at Sultanahmet(Book >)	All hotels >
	You’ll arrive in time to hear the last couple of muezzin calls to prayer – an evocative soundtrack for your visit. Get your bearings from the top of Galata Tower.			It’s recommended that you obtain an e-visa for Turkey before you arrive. Apply here.
2	An action-packed day starting with a visit to the immense Aya Sofya. Just next to the mosque is the fascinating Basilica Cistern, the scene of many movies. Nearby is the unmissable (be sure to take in the Blue Mosque on the way) Topkapi Palace where you’ll find peaceful courtyards, a rich treasury and incredible views across the Bosphorus.			You will need to dress modestly in order to visit the mosques. Bear in mind that you will also have to take your shoes off before entering.
3	At 10:35 embark on a ferry tour from Eminönü docks up the beautiful Bosphorus to Anadolu Kavağı where you can walk up to the ruined Yoros Kalesi fortress and look out over the Black Sea. You’ll be back in the city at 16:40 – plenty of time to see the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.			The sights mentioned here are within easy reach if you’re on foot. Istanbul also has a good metro system, the journey planner can be found here.
4	🚌Istanbul to Çanakkale bus (Book >)	Dep: 07:30	Arr: 11:55	🏨Artur Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Hop on the Metro to Otogar İstasyonu for your bus to Çanakkale. Join a tour to Troy at 13:00 – marvel at the excavatations and reproduction Trojan horse, then return at 17:00. There’s another Trojan horse model in town if you fancy another snap.			Try to visit Troy mid-week to avoid it at its busiest.
5	🚌Çanakkale to Izmir bus (Book >)	Dep: 09:00	Arr: 15:32	🏨Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir (Book >)	All hotels >
	Izmir is over 5,000 years old and you’ll want to head straight for the buzz of Konak Square. Alternatively, catch a later bus and visit the Gallipoli battlefields from Çanakkale. In the evening explores the streets of Izmir’s Alsancak.			Kumru is a delicious warm sandwich made of sesame bread, Turkish sausage (veggie options also available), grilled cheese and tomatoes.
6	Spend the day on a tour visiting the breathtaking ruins at Ephesus and St Mary’s House.			Avoid the dark and narrow alleys in Alsancak at night.
7	🚌Izmir to Fethiye bus (Book >)	Dep: 10:01	Arr: 16:00	🏨Yacht Classic (Book >)	All hotels >
	Today you’re on your way to the gorgeous coastline of Lycia.			Look out for signpost number 6 and head up hill for a superb view from Ojstrica.
8-9	Fethiye not only is surrounded by beautiful beaches but also boasts ancient sarcophaguses in town as well as cave tombs in the cliffs. You may also wish to go on a thoroughly enjoyable 12 Island boat cruise or take a dolmuş to the Blue Lagoon.			Consider renting a car in Fethiye for easy travel to and from the beaches.
10	🚌Fethiye to Kas bus (Book >)	Dep: 09:45	Arr: 11:55	🏨Lukka Exclusive (Book >)	All hotels >
	Join a diving or snorkelling or diving trip in Kas then, in the evening, soak up the atmosphere in the cute streets and main square.			The old amphitheatre is safe to visit at night and looks amazing under spotlights.
11	🚌Kas to Antalya bus	Dep: Every 1.15 hours	Arr: About 4hrs later	🏨Hotel Barat Lara (Book >)	All hotels >
	In Antalya visit the many sights of Kaleiçi (the old quarter), including the famous fluted minaret, the fortified Roman port and the ruins of Kesik Minare.			Ask your hotel to call Bati Antalya on (242)-836-36-77 to book your bus ticket.
12	✈Antalya to Kayseri flight (Book >) 🚕Kayseri to Ürgüp transfer (Book >)	Dep: Morning Dep: 12:30	Arr: Morning Arr: 14:20	🏨Kayakapi Premium Caves (Book >)	All hotels >
	Ürgüp is the perfect base from which to explore this part of Cappadocia. This is also considered one of the best places in which to enjoy a hot air balloon ride, especially at sunset.			Book your transfer to Antalya airport here.
13	A full day in which to explore the trails along the surrounding valleys. This site will help you to plan them out.			Be sure to take plenty of water with you on hikes, especially in summer, and aware that lone women have in the past been attacked.
14	🚕Ürgüp to Kayseri transfer ✈Kayseri to Istanbul flight (Book >) ✈Istanbul to Home	Dep: 07:00 Dep: Morning Dep: Evening	Arr: 08:50 Arr: Afternoon Arr: Evening	Connect this Western Turkey itinerary with the Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria itinerary
	Book a transfer to Kayseri airport.
Mid-range
1	✈Istanbul (Book >)	Dep: Morning	Arr: Afternoon	🏨White House Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	You’ll arrive in time to hear the last couple of muezzin calls to prayer – an evocative soundtrack for your visit. Get your bearings from the top of Galata Tower.			It’s recommended that you obtain an e-visa for Turkey before you arrive. Apply here.
2	An action-packed day starting with a visit to the immense Aya Sofya. Just next to the mosque is the fascinating Basilica Cistern, the scene of many movies. Nearby is the unmissable (be sure to take in the Blue Mosque on the way) Topkapi Palace where you’ll find peaceful courtyards, a rich treasury and incredible views across the Bosphorus.			You will need to dress modestly in order to visit the mosques. Bear in mind that you will also have to take your shoes off before entering.
3	At 10:35 embark on a ferry tour from Eminönü docks up the beautiful Bosphorus to Anadolu Kavağı where you can walk up to the ruined Yoros Kalesi fortress and look out over the Black Sea. You’ll be back in the city at 16:40 – plenty of time to see the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.			The sights mentioned here are within easy reach if you’re on foot. Istanbul also has a good metro system, the journey planner can be found here.
4	🚌Istanbul to Çanakkale bus (Book >)	Dep: 07:30	Arr: 11:55	🏨Artur Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Hop on the Metro to Otogar İstasyonu for your bus to Çanakkale. Join a tour to Troy at 13:00 – marvel at the excavatations and reproduction Trojan horse, then return at 17:00. There’s another Trojan horse model in town if you fancy another snap.			Try to visit Troy mid-week to avoid it at its busiest.
5	🚌Çanakkale to Izmir bus (Book >)	Dep: 09:00	Arr: 15:32	🏨Renaissance Izmir (Book >)	All hotels >
	Izmir is over 5,000 years old and you’ll want to head straight for the buzz of Konak Square. Alternatively, catch a later bus and visit the Gallipoli battlefields from Çanakkale. In the evening explores the streets of Izmir’s Alsancak.			Kumru is a delicious warm sandwich made of sesame bread, Turkish sausage (veggie options also available), grilled cheese and tomatoes.
6	Spend the day on a tour visiting the breathtaking ruins at Ephesus and St Mary’s House.			Avoid the dark and narrow alleys in Alsancak at night.
7	🚌Izmir to Fethiye bus (Book >)	Dep: 10:01	Arr: 16:00	🏨Jiva Beach Resort (Book >)	All hotels >
	Today you’re on your way to the gorgeous coastline of Lycia.			Look out for signpost number 6 and head up hill for a superb view from Ojstrica.
8-9	Fethiye not only is surrounded by beautiful beaches but also boasts ancient sarcophaguses in town as well as cave tombs in the cliffs. You may also wish to go on a thoroughly enjoyable 12 Island boat cruise or take a dolmuş to the Blue Lagoon.			Consider renting a car in Fethiye for easy travel to and from the beaches.
10	🚌Fethiye to Kas bus (Book >)	Dep: 09:45	Arr: 11:55	🏨Hotel Sonne (Book >)	All hotels >
	Join a diving or snorkelling or diving trip in Kas then, in the evening, soak up the atmosphere in the cute streets and main square.			You may want to invest in your own snorkelling kit to visit Kucuk Cakil or Buyuk Cakil beach for free
11	🚌Kas to Antalya bus	Dep: Every 1.15 hours	Arr: About 4hrs later	🏨Dogan Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	In Antalya visit the many sights of Kaleiçi (the old quarter), including the famous fluted minaret, the fortified Roman port and the ruins of Kesik Minare.			Ask your hotel to call Bati Antalya on (242)-836-36-77 to book your bus ticket.
12	✈Antalya to Kayseri flight (Book >) 🚕Kayseri to Ürgüp transfer (Book >)	Dep: Morning Dep: 12:30	Arr: Morning Arr: 14:20	🏨Perimasali Cave Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Ürgüp is the perfect base from which to explore this part of Cappadocia. This is also considered one of the best places in which to enjoy a hot air balloon ride, especially at sunset.			Book your transfer to Antalya airport here.
13	A full day in which to explore the trails along the surrounding valleys. This site will help you to plan them out.			Be sure to take plenty of water with you on hikes, especially in summer, and aware that lone women have in the past been attacked.
14	🚕Ürgüp to Kayseri transfer ✈Kayseri to Istanbul flight (Book >) ✈Istanbul to Home	Dep: 07:00 Dep: Morning Dep: Evening	Arr: 08:50 Arr: Afternoon Arr: Evening	Connect this Western Turkey itinerary with the Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria itinerary
	Book a transfer to Kayseri airport.
Budget
1	✈Istanbul (Book >)	Dep: Morning	Arr: Afternoon	🏨Second Home Hostel(Book >)	All hotels >
	You’ll arrive in time to hear the last couple of muezzin calls to prayer – an evocative soundtrack for your visit. Get your bearings from the top of Galata Tower.			It’s recommended that you obtain an e-visa for Turkey before you arrive. Apply here.
2	An action-packed day starting with a visit to the immense Aya Sofya. Just next to the mosque is the fascinating Basilica Cistern, the scene of many movies. Nearby is the unmissable (be sure to take in the Blue Mosque on the way) Topkapi Palace where you’ll find peaceful courtyards, a rich treasury and incredible views across the Bosphorus.			You will need to dress modestly in order to visit the mosques. Bear in mind that you will also have to take your shoes off before entering.
3	At 10:35 embark on a ferry tour from Eminönü docks up the beautiful Bosphorus to Anadolu Kavağı where you can walk up to the ruined Yoros Kalesi fortress and look out over the Black Sea. You’ll be back in the city at 16:40 – plenty of time to see the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market.			The sights mentioned here are within easy reach if you’re on foot. Istanbul also has a good metro system, the journey planner can be found here.
4	🚌Istanbul to Çanakkale bus (Book >)	Dep: 07:30	Arr: 11:55	🏨Güven Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Hop on the Metro to Otogar İstasyonu for your bus to Çanakkale. Dolmuses leave Çanakkale for Troy every hour on the hour, with the last one returning at 17:30. There’s another Trojan horse model in town if you fancy another snap.			Try to visit Troy mid-week to avoid it at its busiest.
5	🚌Çanakkale to Izmir bus (Book >)	Dep: 09:00	Arr: 15:32	🏨Piano Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Izmir is over 5,000 years old and you’ll want to head straight for the buzz of Konak Square. Alternatively, catch a later bus and visit the Gallipoli battlefields from Çanakkale. In the evening explores the streets of Izmir’s Alsancak.			Kumru is a delicious warm sandwich made of sesame bread, Turkish sausage (veggie options also available), grilled cheese and tomatoes.
6	Take a dolmus to Selcuk bus station and then another to the breathtaking ruins at Ephesus and St Mary’s House.			Avoid the dark and narrow alleys in Alsancak at night.
7	🚌Izmir to Fethiye bus (Book >)	Dep: 10:01	Arr: 16:00	🏨Sakura Hostel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Today you’re on your way to the gorgeous coastline of Lycia.			Look out for signpost number 6 and head up hill for a superb view from Ojstrica.
8-9	Fethiye not only is surrounded by beautiful beaches but also boasts ancient sarcophaguses in town as well as cave tombs in the cliffs. You may also wish to go on a thoroughly enjoyable 12 Island boat cruise or take a dolmuş to the Blue Lagoon.			Either dolmus or regular buses can take you to and from the beaches.
10	🚌Fethiye to Kas bus (Book >)	Dep: 09:45	Arr: 11:55	🏨Meltem Guesthouse (Book >)	All hotels >
	Join a diving or snorkelling or diving trip in Kas then, in the evening, soak up the atmosphere in the cute streets and main square.			You may want to invest in your own snorkelling kit to visit Kucuk Cakil or Buyuk Cakil beach for free.
11	🚌Kas to Antalya bus	Dep: Every 1.15 hours	Arr: About 4hrs later	🏨Role Street Hostel (Book >)	All hotels >
	In Antalya visit the many sights of Kaleiçi (the old quarter), including the famous fluted minaret, the fortified Roman port and the ruins of Kesik Minare.			Ask your hotel to call Bati Antalya on (242)-836-36-77 to book your bus ticket.
12	🚌Antalya to Göreme bus (Book >)	Dep: 22:00		🏨Night bus
	Chill out on Konyaalti Beach or visit the Düdenb waterfalls before your night bus.			Take ear plugs and a sleeping mask for the bus.
13	🚌Antalya to Göreme bus		Arr: 07:15	🏨Sato Cave Hostel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Göreme is the perfect base from which to explore this part of Cappadocia. This site will help you to plan out some hikes.			Be sure to take plenty of water with you on hikes, especially in summer, and aware that lone women have in the past been attacked.
14	🚌Göreme to Kayseri bus (Book >) ✈Kayseri to Istanbul flight (Book >) ✈Istanbul to Home	Dep: 06:15 Dep: Morning Dep: Evening	Arr: 07:30 Arr: Afternoon Arr: Evening	Connect this Western Turkey itinerary with the Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria itinerary
	If you don’t want to get up so early you can book a transfer to Kayseri airport.

🇸🇮SLOVENIA & 🇭🇷CROATIA

Ljubljana, Slovenia Action-packed itinerary that takes in mountains, lakes, cities, national parks and stunning Croatian beaches. Click for Luxury, Mid-range or Budget. Here’s your Slovenia and Croatia travel plan:

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Luxury
1	✈To Ljubljana(Book >)	Dep: 13:15	Arr: 16:25	🏨Hotel Cubo (Book >)	All hotels >
	Familiarise yourself with the pedestrian-friendly old streets of the city.			Book your transfer to the hotel.
2	Walk over the Triple Bridge and up the steep hill to the castle. Paying for access to the tower is well worth it.			Buy provisions for your hiking adventure whilst in Ljubljana.
3	🚌Ljubljana to Ribčev Laz bus (Book >)	Dep: 10:03	Arr: 11:57	🏨Vogar Hut (Book >)	All rentals >
	Spend the afternoon walking to Vogar meadow and views close to the hut. Ask the park ranger for their dinner recommendation.			When booking the hut ask if the national park ranger will drive you to and from the bus.
4	A wealth of breathtaking trails await you, from gentle rambles or exciting via ferrata.			Read about some of the trails here and invest in a good map.
5	🚌Ribčev Laz to Bled bus (Book >)	Dep: 13:49	Arr: 14:28	🏨Vila Bled(Book >)	All hotels >
	Walk around the lake and take a boat across to Blejski Otok. Return back on the other side of the lake and be sure to leave time to visit the castle.			Look out for signpost number 6 and head up hill for a superb view from Ojstrica.
6	🚌Bled to Ljubljana bus (Book >) 🚌Ljubljana to Postojna bus (Book >) 🚌Postojna to Ljubljana bus (Book >)	Dep: 08:30 Dep: 10:00 Dep: 17:56	Arr: 09:48 Arr: 10:52 Arr: 18:40	🏨Hotel Cubo (Book >)	All hotels >
	Visit the massive, breathtaking Postojna caves.			It gets cold in the caves – bring warm clothing.
6	🚌Ljubljana to Poreč bus (Book >)	Dep: 07:10	Arr: 11:00	🏨Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence (Book >)	All hotels >
	Today’s journey is broken up with a visit to the massive Postojna caves.			Add on a night in Trieste if you have time.
7-8	Two more days to enjoy beautiful Poreč and its surrounding islands. If you’ve time be sure to visit nearby Rovinj.			Your hotel offers a free boat ride to peaceful Sveti Nikola island.
9	🚌Poreč to Karlovac bus (Book >) 🚌Karlovac to Plitviče bus (Book >)	Dep: 09:15 Dep: 14:20	Arr: 14:05 Arr: 15:45	🏨Hotel Degenija (Book >)	All hotels >
	Karlovac City Museum is an interesting place to while away an hour if you’d like to break up the journey.			The museum is closed on Mondays.
10	🚌Plitviče to Zagreb bus (Book >)	Dep: 16:45	Arr: 19:00	🏨Esplanade Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Enter the Plitvice Lakes national park from entrance No1 and stroll around the paths and walkways to experience the stunning colours of the lakes and waterfalls.			Do not leave the trails! Plitvice is an extremely delicate eco system.
11	✈Zagreb to Home (Book >)	Dep: 14:15	Arr: 16:15	Connect this Slovenia and Croatia itinerary with the Croatia and Montenegro, Poland and Slovakia or Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria itinerary
	Book a transfer to the airport.
Mid-range
1	✈To Ljubljana(Book >)	Dep: 13:15	Arr: 16:25	🏨Central Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Familiarise yourself with the pedestrian-friendly old streets of the city.			Public buses run frequently from the airport to the centre.
2	Walk over the Triple Bridge and up the steep hill to the castle. Paying for access to the tower is well worth it.			Buy provisions for your hiking adventure whilst in Ljubljana.
3	🚌Ljubljana to Ribčev Laz bus (Book >)	Dep: 10:03	Arr: 11:57	🏨Vogar Hut (Book >)	All rentals >
	Spend the afternoon walking to Vogar meadow and views close to the hut. Ask the park ranger for their dinner recommendation.			When booking the hut ask if the national park ranger will drive you to and from the bus.
4	A wealth of breathtaking trails await you, from gentle rambles or exciting via ferrata.			Read about some of the trails here and invest in a good map.
5	🚌Ribčev Laz to Bled bus (Book >)	Dep: 13:49	Arr: 14:28	🏨Hotel Astoria (Book >)	All hotels >
	Walk around the lake and take a boat across to Blejski Otok. Return back on the other side of the lake and be sure to leave time to visit the castle.			Look out for signpost number 6 and head up hill for a superb view from Ojstrica.
6	🚌Bled to Ljubljana bus (Book >) 🚌Ljubljana to Postojna bus (Book >) 🚌Postojna to Ljubljana bus (Book >)	Dep: 08:30 Dep: 10:00 Dep: 17:56	Arr: 09:48 Arr: 10:52 Arr: 18:40	🏨Central Hotel (Book >)	All hotels >
	Visit the massive, breathtaking Postojna caves.			It gets cold in the caves – bring warm clothing.
6	🚌Ljubljana to Poreč bus (Book >)	Dep: 07:10	Arr: 11:00	🏨Valamar Riviera Hotel & Residence (Book >)	All hotels >
	Today’s journey is broken up with a visit to the massive Postojna caves.			Add on a night in Trieste if you have time.
7-8	Two more days to enjoy beautiful Poreč and its surrounding islands. If you’ve time be sure to visit nearby Rovinj.			Your hotel offers a free boat ride to peaceful Sveti Nikola island.
9	🚌Poreč to Karlovac bus (Book >) 🚌Karlovac to Plitviče bus (Book >)	Dep: 09:15 Dep: 14:20	Arr: 14:05 Arr: 15:45	🏨Villa Katja (Book >)	All hotels >
	Karlovac City Museum is an interesting place to while away an hour if you’d like to break up the journey.			The museum is closed on Mondays.
10	🚌Plitviče to Zagreb bus (Book >)	Dep: 16:45	Arr: 19:00	🏨Best Western Astoria (Book >)	All hotels >
	Enter the Plitvice Lakes national park from entrance No1 and stroll around the paths and walkways to experience the stunning colours of the lakes and waterfalls.			Do not leave the trails! Plitvice is an extremely delicate eco system.
11	✈Zagreb to Home (Book >)	Dep: 14:15	Arr: 16:15	Connect this Slovenia and Croatia itinerary with the Croatia and Montenegro, Poland and Slovakia or Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria itinerary
	Buses to the airport from the bus station take about 35-40 minutes.
Budget
1	✈To Ljubljana(Book >)	Dep: 13:15	Arr: 16:25	🏨Hostel Vrba (Book >)	All hotels >
	Familiarise yourself with the pedestrian-friendly old streets of the city.			Public buses run frequently from the airport to the centre.
2	Walk over the Triple Bridge and up the steep hill to the castle. Paying for access to the tower is well worth it.			Buy provisions for your hiking adventure whilst in Ljubljana.
3	🚌Ljubljana to Ribčev Laz bus (Book >)	Dep: 10:03	Arr: 11:57	🏨Vogar Hut (Book >)	All rentals >
	Spend the afternoon walking to Vogar meadow and views close to the hut. Ask the park ranger for their dinner recommendation.			When booking the hut ask if the national park ranger will drive you to and from the bus.
4	A wealth of breathtaking trails await you, from gentle rambles or exciting via ferrata.			Read about some of the trails here and invest in a good map.
5	🚌Ribčev Laz to Bled bus (Book >)	Dep: 13:49	Arr: 14:28	🏨Jazz Hostel & Apartments (Book >)	All hotels >
	Walk around the lake and take a boat across to Blejski Otok. Return back on the other side of the lake and be sure to leave time to visit the castle.			Look out for signpost number 6 and head up hill for a superb view from Ojstrica.
6	🚌Bled to Ljubljana bus (Book >) 🚌Ljubljana to Postojna bus (Book >) 🚌Postojna to Ljubljana bus (Book >)	Dep: 08:30 Dep: 10:00 Dep: 17:56	Arr: 09:48 Arr: 10:52 Arr: 18:40	🏨Hostel Vrba (Book >)	All hotels >
	Visit the massive, breathtaking Postojna caves.			It gets cold in the caves – bring warm clothing.
6	🚌Ljubljana to Poreč bus (Book >)	Dep: 07:10	Arr: 11:00	🏨Castello Gulici (Book >)	All hotels >
	Today’s journey is broken up with a visit to the massive Postojna caves.			Add on a night in Trieste if you have time.
7-8	Two more days to enjoy beautiful Poreč and its surrounding islands. If you’ve time be sure to visit nearby Rovinj.			Your hotel offers a free boat ride to peaceful Sveti Nikola island.
9	🚌Poreč to Karlovac bus (Book >) 🚌Karlovac to Plitviče bus (Book >)	Dep: 09:15 Dep: 14:20	Arr: 14:05 Arr: 15:45	🏨Villa Katja (Book >)	All hotels >
	Karlovac City Museum is an interesting place to while away an hour if you’d like to break up the journey.			The museum is closed on Mondays.
10	🚌Plitviče to Zagreb bus (Book >)	Dep: 16:45	Arr: 19:00	🏨Hostel Bureau (Book >)	All hotels >
	Enter the Plitvice Lakes national park from entrance No1 and stroll around the paths and walkways to experience the stunning colours of the lakes and waterfalls.			Do not leave the trails! Plitvice is an extremely delicate eco system.
11	✈Zagreb to Home (Book >)	Dep: 14:15	Arr: 16:15	Connect this Slovenia and Croatia itinerary with the Croatia and Montenegro, Poland and Slovakia or Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria itinerary
	Buses to the airport from the bus station take about 35-40 minutes.