It’s very likely that most travelers begin their journey in Istanbul. Typically, they arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST), the largest and busiest airport in Turkey, with the most direct international connections. Istanbul is also the main transport hub for buses, domestic flights, and tours heading to other regions such as Cappadocia, the Aegean coast, and Pamukkale (WHAT TO DO IN ISTANBUL).
Even those aiming to visit top sights in western Turkey, like Çanakkale, Izmir, Selçuk/Ephesus, and Pamukkale, often start their journey here. This route is a classic western Turkey itinerary, usually covered by road travel, offering mesmerizing scenery along the way. While some drives can be long, overnight stops in between allow for a more flexible and enjoyable trip.