From one of the greatest cities in the world to seascapes that rival any tropical destination, Türkiye is home to a kaleidoscope of shifting scenery. Walk in the shadow of ancient empires, merchants, and pilgrims, below towering mosques and impossible mountains. Revel in heavenly cuisine and incredible history while discovering a world between east and west. Turkey is generally a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers as long they exercise discretion.
Divan Cave House – Located in Göreme, this hotel is perfect for those who want to stay in a fairy chimney while in Cappadocia. They have several classicly-decorated rooms and a great daily breakfast. You can also take organised tours to see some of the epic Roman amphitheatres and ruins along the Lycian Way if you don’t have your own transport or enough time for hiking. Just north of Fethiye is Dalaman Airport, the main airport for the region, so if you’ve just got 7 days, this is a great place to finish and take your flight back home or back up to Istanbul to transfer on further afield. You can spend a whole day wandering amongst the ancient pillars and friezes, dating back to the 10th century BCE when the Greeks founded the city, and others from the Romans’ take over in the 2nd century CE. Zeniva Hotel – Situated in the centre of Izmir close to Cumhuriyet Square, this hotel is perfect for mid-range visitors.
Destinations
A 6th-century masterpiece showing the opulence of distant eras, Hagia Sophia is a former cathedral transformed into a mosque before finding its current form as a museum. Stare upwards in awe of dome ceilings and ornate chandeliers Viaggi in Turchia before stepping outside to take in the external beauty from various angles. Speak face to face with one of our Travel Experts who will help answer any questions you might have and assist with planning your best travel experiences.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and lively atmosphere of Istanbul while enjoying the comfort and luxury of their Sofitel experience. Today, visit the glorious city of Ephesus, the capital city of the Roman Province of Asia Minor, founded over 4,000 years ago. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is represented by one column and fragments of a frieze.
It’s brewed in a two-piece teapot with loose black tea leaves on top and water at the bottom. I use and recommend SafetyWing for travel insurance in Turkey, as they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy insurance after you’ve left home. Finally, they have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always a bonus. Ask at your accommodation for recommendations on the best budget eats, or simply walk around and see which restaurants are full of locals.
Don’t expect to look down and see a whole city with recognizable storefronts and homes. The clear water allows you to see remains of a town that was flooded after an earthquake. One of the main attractions of Koprulu Canyon is white water rafting.
This section provides tips for making your trip enjoyable for all ages, with suggestions for family-friendly attractions and activities. Turkey’s calendar is packed with festivals and events that offer a glimpse into its cultural heart. This section guides you through the most significant and vibrant celebrations across the country.
Day 2: Istanbul To Cappadocia, Overnight In Göreme
An extra bonus is that because of the Cappadocia region’s small size, there’s no need to move hotels. This old trade route town is famous for its old town, replete with cobblestone alleyways crammed with finely restored timber and red-tile roofed Ottoman mansions. Once home to wealthy traders and merchants, today these grand houses now function as cafés, restaurants, and boutique hotels. When you’re finished with the sand, it’s only a short hop to your last stop at Antalya, with its historic old town district; beaches; and plentiful day trip options to big-hitter Roman sites such as Aspendos, Perge, and Side.
Do pack your umbrella if traveling in spring, as this is Turkey’s rainiest season. It was my first time doing a trip where we covered so many kilometres which made it tiring, but I expected that at the outset.
Under it is a network of numerous underground passageways and rooms which are now blocked. Today is the day when you will head to Uchisar, but first there’s another fun early morning activity. This place was so stunning that I saw three newly married couples here for their wedding photoshoots. Looking back, I have realized that some of my best Cappadocia photos turned out at this spot. There are no fairy chimneys here in Red Valley but miles and miles of reddish-pink hills that look better than any place that I have ever seen before when the sun sets.
In Turkey, May and September are categorised as the shoulder season, with October to March marking the low season, where you’ll find the cheapest prices. If you do have the option of visiting in the shoulder season, I highly recommend it. No only will the weather be perfect but prices will be lower, crowds will be thinner, and accommodation will be emptier. I’ve been recording every single cent I spend in the countries I visit from day one of my travels, because I want to prove that seeing the world is inexpensive and achievable.
Antalya, simply known as the “Turkish Riviera,” is a perfect mixture of sun, sea, history, and adventure. The city boasts stunning turquoise waters, golden beaches, and breathtaking waterfalls such as Düden and Kursunlu. Stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town in Kaleiçi, enjoy historic Ottoman mansions, and experience the lively bazaars. Experience the surreal landscapes with a hot air balloon ride and underground city explorations. Witness the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys that make Cappadocia an enchanting destination. A land of mesmerizing landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Turkey is where the East meets the West in perfect harmony.
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast, Kaputas Beach is a true natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe. Accessed through a narrow and winding staircase that descends from the cliffs, the beach welcomes you with mesmerizing turquoise waters and breathtaking beauty. The Cappadocia region of Turkey is known for its “fairy chimney” cave dwellings, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rafter, the canyon offers various levels of difficulty, making it suitable for all skill levels.