Turkey Travel Guide
Turkey is a beautiful place to visit with amazing Wonders of the World, friendly people, inspiring culture, beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and aquamarine shores. Cities have remnants of ancient Roman ruins, the Byzantine Hagia Sophia, and awesome mosques. Outside the cities lie peculiar landscapes with rising rock chimneys and buildings carved into the side of stone mountains. Exploring the Turkish landscape by hot air balloon is a dream come true. Turkey was not a place high on our radar, but we fell in love with the country immediately and there is much to see and do here.
Turkey Stats
Official Language: Turkish
Population: 85 million
Capital City: Ankara
Currency: Turkish lira
Power Outlet: Type F
Turkey Itinerary
10 Day Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus
Turkey is an amazing country to explore. With 10 days, you can tour Istanbul, explore the fairytale land of Cappadocia, and visit the ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus. Highlights of this Turkey itinerary include a visit to the Hagia Sophia, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, hiking in Cappadocia, and a magical hot air balloon ride, if you so desire.
Istanbul
22 Must-Have Experiences in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities. There are so many wonderful reasons why you should visit this city. Istanbul is old, dating back thousands of years, and with that, there are many historical places to visit. Istanbul is gorgeous, with its assortment of mosques and their colorful tile work and dramatic architecture. Istanbul […]
Shopping in the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar…four thousand shops in the world’s oldest shopping mall…what fun! We fell in love with Istanbul. This is a city that keeps you busy for days and then stays in your heart long after you leave. For us, one of the highlights was shopping in the Grand Bazaar. Normally, shopping can be a […]
Cappadocia
3 Days in Cappadocia: The Perfect Itinerary
Cappadocia…the land of whimsical fairy chimneys and peculiar rock formations. Coming to Cappadocia is almost like visiting another planet. The landforms are so unique that it’s hard to believe they really exist until you see them with your own eyes. With 3 days in Cappadocia, you have the perfect amount of time to visit the […]
A Magical Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cappadocia
Seeing the unique scenery of Cappadocia from the vantage point of a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience. Imagine floating over the surreal landscapes of fairy chimneys, rock formations, and small towns. Going for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia was our favorite experience in Turkey. Gazing out over these magical landscapes at […]
Best Hikes & Things to Do in Cappadocia with Kids
Cappadocia is the perfect place to go hiking and exploring. The scenery is very unique, the trails are just challenging enough to keep it fun for kids, and while we were here in March, there were very few people on the trails. Tyler and Kara could run off all of their extra energy, explore ancient caves, […]
Selcuk
When you visit Selcuk, Turkey, there is more to see than the ancient city of Ephesus. You can also tour a mosque, visit an Ancient Wonder of the World, and see where the Virgin Mary lived after the death of Jesus.
7 Unique Things to Do in Selcuk, Turkey
Top Experiences in Turkey
Istanbul. Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities, offering countless reasons to visit. With a history spanning thousands of years, it boasts numerous historical sites to explore. The city is stunning, adorned with beautiful mosques featuring colorful tile work and dramatic architecture. Its charm is undeniable, as we encountered many welcoming and friendly people. A highlight of any visit is the Hagia Sophia, an incredible architectural marvel and one of the Wonders of the World.
Cappadocia. Cappadocia, with its whimsical fairy chimneys and peculiar rock formations, feels like a visit to another planet. The unique landforms are so extraordinary that you have to see them to believe they exist. Experiencing the scenery from a hot air balloon or exploring ancient ruins along the hiking trails are two unforgettable ways to enjoy this surreal landscape.
Selçuk. Selçuk is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, most notably the city of Ephesus, which was once one of the largest cities in the Mediterranean. Visitors can also tour the stunning Isa Bey Mosque, explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (one of the Ancient Wonders of the World), and visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where she lived after the death of Jesus.
Fethiye. Located on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast (also known as the Turkish Riviera), Fethiye is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal adventures. Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, and the Blue Lagoon are some of the most popular beaches, celebrated for their stunning blue waters, paragliding opportunities, and dramatic cliffs. In addition to these beaches, you can explore the ancient ruins of Telmessos and the ghost town of Kayaköy.
Antalya. This city on the Turkish Riviera offers beautiful beaches, nature retreats, ancient wonders, and a fascinating history. Walk through Kaleici, Antalya’s old town with buildings dating back to Roman times. Besides its pristine beaches nestled beneath the Taurus Mountains, you can also marvel at the Duden Waterfalls, which plunge directly into the Mediterranean Sea.
Bodrum. Bodrum is another fantastic destination on the Turkish Riviera, offering a glamorous seaside retreat. It’s perfect for a luxurious vacation, with yacht rides, beach clubs, artisan shops, and upscale restaurants. In addition to its modern attractions, Bodrum boasts a quaint old town and a 15th-century castle to explore.
Bursa. Once the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa boasts beautiful mosques, Ottoman architecture, and delicious cuisine. Visit the stunning Green Mosque, explore the 700-year-old village of Cumalikizik, and admire ancient artifacts at the city’s museums. You can also ride to the peak of Mount Uludag, a prominent mountain and popular ski resort.
Mardin. Mardin, with its rich history of Syriac, Arab, Turkish, Mongol, and Ottoman influences, is renowned for its stunning architecture. Intricately carved limestone buildings climb the mountainside, with narrow cobblestone streets and staircases weaving through the city. Grand mosques, numerous churches, monasteries, and museums dot Mardin, offering endless exploration opportunities.
Pamukkale. Pamukkale is a wondrous place, with vast white thermal pools filled with aquamarine water cascading down its cliffs. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to dip into hot springs that Cleopatra is said to have bathed in. You can wade in these natural wonders or enjoy a hot air balloon ride for a breathtaking aerial view. Nearby, explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, which include Roman and Byzantine-era structures, and the intriguing Gate to the Underworld temple.
Best Time to Visit Turkey
The best months to visit Turkey are April, May, September, and October, when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities.
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. However, summer is also the peak season for cruise ships, so expect coastal cities to be crowded with tourists.
Some love to visit Turkey in the winter months for their lower crowds, cheaper prices, and skiing opportunities. Cities become dusted in snow, adding a certain charm, and hot air balloon rides still run at this time.