I traveled to Turkey mainly because I had seen photos of Cappadocia‘s surreal structures that looked something like a fantasy movie. Moreover, I really wanted to sit in Pamukkale‘s blue and white natural pools. At first, it may appear that Turkey mostly suits cultural travelers.
Make like James Bond and give paragliding a try in this picturesque seaside town. You can book a paragliding tour with Get Your Guide which includes an experienced instructor, transportation and extreme sports insurance. Kas is a town built right into the hillside, so there are lots of stairs and steep hills if you’re not staying right on the shore. Alternatively, you could fly into Dalaman Airport (DLM), which is just 2.5 hours to the northwest, and take a bus or a shuttle. A vibrant and lively atmosphere combined with comfortable accommodations.
Our Turkey Trips
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.
Your best bet is to take a bus or rent a car and make the drive yourself. This UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the hills of northern Turkey, is a living museum of Ottoman-era architecture. The town’s winding cobblestone streets lead visitors on a journey back in time, where they can admire the beautifully restored wooden houses and traditional bazaars.
You have had to wake up early on many mornings but the next will start late. The Galata tower has 9 floors but the lift will only take you till the 7th – so wear comfortable shoes. There is a 360-degree observation deck on top which will give you breathtaking views of Istanbul city. Set aside two hours for Topkapi Palace, especially if you will be eating lunch here.
You’ll want to fly into the Adıyaman Airport (ADF), which is just over an hour away. [newline]This budget-friendly hotel offers a comfortable and convenient stay with its well-appointed rooms, friendly staff, and a central location in the heart of Van city. If you’re looking for a serene lakeside retreat, the town of Akdamar on the southern shore of Lake Van is an excellent choice. For those seeking more amenities and services, the city of Van itself provides a range of hotels, from budget-friendly to upscale. You can fly into Trabzon Airport (TZX) from other cities around Turkey.
Lycian Rock Tombs, Dalyan: Ancient Kings Watching Over The River
Ankara, formerly known as Angora, is another great place to visit during your first trip to Turkey. It’s the second-largest city and the capital of the country with lots of sightseeing and museums to explore. It’s interesting to visit the Alaeddin Mosque (12th-century) in the center of town, located on the scenic Alaeddin Hill where the Seljuk Palace and citadel sat for centuries. Today, there are only traces and a sultan cemetery, but the area has been excavated to produce historic relics you can see and learn about at the Konya Archaeological Museum. With over 6 miles of sandy beaches stretching along the Southern Mediterranean coast, this historic port city is also a popular spot for sunbathers and swimmers seeking a little R&R in one of Turkey’s most beautiful areas. Meanwhile, the summer months can be very hot, they are perfect for relaxing at the Turkish Riviera and Turquoise Coast if that is your main priority.
Alexander the Great then swept through Anatolia until his death led to the region coming under the influence of Greek-Macedonian rulers. The Romans took over in 133 BC until the Byzantine Empire took hold. If you’re at all familiar with Turkish food, you’ve probably come across a meze plate before. In my experience, though, there’s meze elsewhere in the world, and then there’s meze in Turkey, and there’s simply no comparison between the two!
Day 8: Arrive In Istanbul, Cruise Over Bosphorus
If you’ve got more than 1 week in Turkey, there are plenty of other historical sites and beautiful parts of the country to discover. From Cappadocia, you can continue driving for 7 hours to the amazing site of Göbekli Tepe. You can also fly via Istanbul Viaggi in Turchia within 5 hours, but this is a great stop on a Turkey road trip. Spend your day hiking through the valley to reach the pretty waterfall or swim around the coast to the cave. The trails are well marked and your hotel staff give you basic directions.
Inhale the apple-flavored smoke from a water pipe as you listen to the strains of exotic music. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll fall hardest for the places you never expected—the sleepy fishing villages, the hidden mountain towns, the corners of Turkey that never make it to the postcards but should. From iconic wonders to hidden gems, explore 25+ beautiful places in Turkey with insider tips and must-see highlights. Here’s a travel itinerary on how to spend 14 days (13 nights) in Turquoise Coast. I flew into Antalya from Cappadocia, rented a car, and flew out of Izmir.
The thermal pools at Pamukkale come at just the right point in the journey to recharge. You’ll travel in buses with WiFi and regular stops every few hours, and our guides consistently get great feedback for their historical expertise and attention to individual needs. The Sacred Pathways tour really delivers – you’ll dig into Troy’s ancient layers, take a scenic cable car up to Pergamon’s acropolis and explore the marble-lined streets of Hierapolis. Our customers always mention how good the Ephesus guides are at bringing those Roman ruins to life.