Plan a trip to Turkey

This captivating country attracts travelers with its wide range of attractions - from the bustling metropolis of Istanbul to the incredible landscapes of Cappadocia, the pristine beaches along the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas to the delightful and diverse cuisine. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient civilizations, relaxing on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in urban adventures, Turkey has something to cater to your interests and beckons travelers for an unforgettable experience.

Istanbul

A meeting point of East and West, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. It is sprawled across two continents, Europe and Asia, making it a unique blend of cultures, history, and contemporary life.

Explore some of the must-see highlights in this captivating city:

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya): Hagia Sophia, originally constructed in the 6th century as a cathedral, was later converted into an imperial mosque. Today it is home to a museum and is a recognized UNESCO historic site.

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): With its distinctive blue tiles and six majestic minarets, this mosque is one of Istanbul’s icons. Its impressive interior and tranquil courtyard are tourist favorites.

Topkapi Palace: Once the regal residence of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace is a vast complex housing museums, courtyards, and opulent rooms. Don't miss the intricate tile work in the palace.

The Grand Bazaar: This bustling, historic market is one of the largest and oldest in the world and is a must-visit destination for shoppers looking to buy souvenirs, carpets, jewelry, and spices.

The Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): This delightful market is filled with the fragrance of spices, tea, and Turkish delights. It is a great place to explore local spices.

Chora Church (Kariye Museum): Known for its well-preserved Byzantine mosaics and wall paintings, this church offers a glimpse into the artistic and religious history of Istanbul.

Istanbul Modern Art Museum: This museum displays contemporary Turkish and international art and offers fantastic views of the Bosphorus.

Galata Tower: Climb this medieval tower to enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul or explore the popular neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife and restaurants.

Bosphorus Cruise: Take a boat tour on the Bosphorus to enjoy breathtaking views of the city's skyline and explore the city’s historical sites.

Immerse yourself in the age-old tradition of Turkish baths, a perfect retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Explore renowned hammams like Cagaloglu Hamam and Cemberlitas Hamam in Istanbul, where centuries-old bathing rituals await.

Cappadocia

Discover this enchanting area, nestled in the heart of Turkey, celebrated for its surreal landscapes and distinctive rock formations. Cappadocia is renowned for hot air balloon rides that provide unforgettable views of fairy chimneys and the picturesque valleys. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes churches, ancient caves, and monasteries adorned with exquisite wall paintings.

Discover the subterranean wonders of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, ancient cities that served as sanctuaries for persecuted Christians. Wander through the picturesque Ihlara Valley, a canyon with a meandering river, ideal for hiking and exploring intricately carved churches. Head to Pasabag, or Monks Valley, renowned for its distinctive rock formations resembling giant mushrooms, providing a unique and picturesque backdrop for unforgettable photo opportunities.

The Zelve Open-Air Museum, an ancient cave village, provides a glimpse into the history and lifestyle of Cappadocia, with well-preserved houses and churches. For outdoor enthusiasts, Cappadocia offers a variety of hiking and horseback riding tours.

Pamukkale

This is a natural wonder of thermal water terraces, abundant in white minerals formed by calcium deposits. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination that blends both natural beauty and historical attractions. To protect the site, there are restrictions on walking in certain areas, and visitors are required to wear special shoes. Explore Hierapolis, an ancient Roman city known for its hot springs and well-preserved ruins, including theaters, temples, and a necropolis that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cleopatra's Pool: Immerse yourself in the thermal waters of Cleopatra's Pool, where legend has it that Cleopatra herself bathed.

Travertine Terraces: Walk along the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, created by the flow of mineral-rich calcium water. The terraces create a surreal and stunning backdrop.

Ephesus

ֿEphesus, located on the western coast of Turkey, is an archaeological treasure with well-preserved antiquities from ancient times. The highlight is the 2nd century Library of Celsus, which serves as both a library and a Roman mausoleum. Its impressive facade makes it an important historical landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Ephesus Theater is an ancient Greek-Roman theater, one of the largest and best preserved in the ancient world. The theatre was constructed in the 1st century AD, and it accommodated approximately 25,000 spectators for performances and events.

The Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemision, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built around 550 BCE as a tribute to the Greek goddess Artemis, it is a massive and intricately designed temple that has undergone several reconstructions. Today, there are only scant remains of its former grandeur.

Terrace Houses, also known as "Houses of the Rich," are a group of well-preserved ancient Roman residential buildings. Wealthy citizens lived in these homes during the Roman period, and they feature intricate architecture, wall paintings, and mosaics that provide insights into the daily life and prosperity of Ephesus during that time.

The 6th century Basilica of St. John, an ancient Christian basilica located near Ephesus, was dedicated to John the Apostle, a prominent figure in Christianity. The ruins include the central nave, the apse, and several chapels. It is a pilgrimage site, as it is believed that the tomb of St. John is also located here.

The Province of Antalya

Antalya, the Turkish Riviera on the country’s southwestern coast, is a popular resort destination known for its beautiful beaches and charming towns. Here are some of the highlights in Antalya:

• Kaleiçi’s narrow streets are rich in Ottoman architecture and lined with boutique hotels and beautiful cafes.
• Hadrian's Gate is a Roman triumphal arch built to honor the visit of Emperor Hadrian to the city.
• The ancient Roman theatre in Aspendos is one of the world’s best-preserved theatres.
• Perge is an ancient city boasting impressive Roman ruins, including a theater and a stadium.
• Termessos is a well-preserved ancient city set in the region’s mountainous landscape.
• Konyaalti Beach offers stunning views of the Taurus Mountains, and there are many waterfalls in the area.

Bodrum

Bodrum, a charming coastal town on the southwestern Aegean coast, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and historical sites. The Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter) is a well-preserved fortress that houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Bodrum Peninsula offers a blend of stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and picturesque villages such as Türkbükü and Yalıkavak. The ancient Bodrum Amphitheater has a sea view and often hosts cultural events.

Troy

Troy, located in northwestern Turkey, is famous for its pivotal role in Greek mythology and the legendary Trojan War. Key attractions include the Troy Archaeological Site, housing the remnants of the ancient city, including the iconic Trojan horse, and the Troy Museum.

Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat is the highest peak in Turkey and a popular destination for hikers and climbers. According to legend, Noah's Ark found its resting place here. For experienced adventurers, guided tours led by local guides are highly recommended.

Pergamon

Pergamon is an ancient city with a rich history, situated in western Turkey. The Acropolis of Pergamon includes an impressive theater with fantastic views.

Sports

Turkey boasts an abundance of beautiful coastal areas along the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, creating ideal settings for a variety of water activities. The pristine beaches, including popular destinations such as Bodrum, Antalya, Oludeniz, and Alanya, offer swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.

Sports enthusiasts can also engage in rock climbing in spots like Geyikbayiri and Datça, paragliding over the stunning landscapes of Oludeniz and Pamukkale, and diving in Turkey's coastal regions with underwater caves, sunken ships, and vibrant marine life. During the winter months, head to ski resorts like Uludağ and Erciyes for skiing and snowboarding.

Cuisine

Turkish cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, renowned for its rich variety of dishes and spices, from succulent kebabs and aromatic stews to flavorful mezes. Be sure to indulge in Turkish sweets, too, including baklava and ice cream. Here is a run-down of not-to-be-missed dishes!

Adana Kebab: Spicy ground meat kebab, usually made from lamb, served with flatbread and salad.

Shish Kebab: Skewered and grilled pieces of minced meat, usually beef or chicken.

Doner Kebab: Slices of meat, typically lamb or chicken, roasted on a vertical rotisserie and served in wraps or on a plate.

Iskender Kebab: A dish that includes slices of Doner kebab meat served on pieces of flatbread, topped with tomato sauce, yogurt, and melted butter.

Lokum: These chewy and sweet confections come in various flavors, often including nuts or spices.

Baklava: A sweet and flaky pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Mezes: A variety of appetizers and small dishes, usually served as spreads, including items like stuffed grape leaves (dolma), hummus, and baba ganoush (roasted eggplant).

Lahmacun: Sometimes called Turkish pizza, this dish consists of thin flatbread topped with a mixture of minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and herbs.

Pide: Turkish flatbread in the shape of a boat typically topped with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, or vegetables.

Mantı: Turkish dumplings filled with seasoned minced meat, served with yogurt and a tomato-based sauce.

Simit: A popular street food, simit is a round bread, similar to a bagel, coated with sesame seeds.

Menemen: A unique breakfast dish made with eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and various spices, usually served in a pan.

Manti: Small dumplings filled with meat, typically covered with yogurt, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Kumpir: Baked potato loaded with various toppings like cheese, olives, and corn, commonly found in Istanbul.

Turkish Tea and Coffee: Turkish tea is black tea served in small glasses, while Turkish coffee is strong and aromatic coffee traditionally prepared in a small pot (cezve).

Turkish Breakfast (Kahvaltı): The traditional Turkish breakfast is a feast, usually including cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, various jams, eggs, and a selection of bread.

Raki: A traditional Turkish alcoholic beverage, also known as "lion's milk," it is an anise-flavored alcohol usually diluted with water and enjoyed alongside mezze.

Pomegranate Juice: Fresh pomegranate juice, both refreshing and nutritious, is widely available in Turkey.

Ayran: A popular Turkish yogurt-based drink, often served as a refreshing beverage with spicy dishes.

Kofte: Turkish meatballs, typically made from minced beef or lamb, seasoned with spices and herbs.

Sucuk: Turkish sausage, rich in flavor, made from beef or lamb and often spiced with garlic and red pepper.

Turkish Ice Cream (Dondurma): Made with salep (orchid flour), it is often served with pistachios and other toppings.

Hamsi Pilav: A dish featuring anchovies (hamsi) cooked with rice, commonly found in the Black Sea region.

Imam Bayildi: A vegetarian dish made of eggplant stuffed with onions, tomatoes, and herbs, baked in olive oil.

Kuzu Tandır: Slow-cooked lamb, often flavored with garlic and oregano, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Lahana Sarma: Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice and minced meat, typically cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.

Sujuk: Turkish spicy sausage sometimes enjoyed as a snack or for breakfast.

Turkey beckons travelers for an unforgettable journey filled with a diverse array of experiences. From ancient wonders and historic landmarks to breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for adventure, it is truly a captivating tapestry of culture, cuisine, and nature complemented by warm and welcoming hospitality.