When you picture a vacation destination that features beautiful beaches, fascinating cities, and ancient archaeological sites teeming with wonder and history, there are many destinations that might come to mind… but Türkiye (Türkiye) should be at the top of your list! Find out what makes this breathtaking country so incredible, and what you should do when you’re there, with these 10 cool things to do in Türkiye!
Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
With beauty so vast, there is a high chance you’ve seen pictures of this legendary landscape before. Cappadocia is known for its fairy-tale scenery filled with fascinating geological formations and captivating cave dwellings, which makes this the perfect place to head on a hot-air balloon ride in the vast open landscape, as you watch the sunset spectacularly over the horizon. The wind conditions are known to be good in Cappadocia, as you won’t have to worry and can grab your camera and snap away!
These tantalizing thermal pools will absolutely take your breath away… along with your worries, as you rest and relax in the hot thermal waters that are believed to have powerful healing properties for your mind, skin, and body. The hot springs of Pamukkale, also known as the “Cotton Castle”, boast formations that developed over thousands of years, and consist of white limestone carrying calcium-rich water. What a perfect stop to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul during your trip to Türkiye!
Spend Some Time on the Beaches of Antalya
Antalya… there is no better place to take in the views of the Taurus Mountains, while you surround yourself with luxurious sandy beaches and stunning vistas. This coastal haven is a paradise for beach bums and nature fanatics and is filled with resorts that will make for an incredibly scenic and serene getaway. Go swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Turkish Riviera having 300 days of sunshine a year or venture out into the nearby islands with a boat… You can also go hiking through the ancient Lycian paths and experience ancient culture with the heritage sites around.
See the Blue Mosque and Visit Hagia Sophia
These are two of the most extraordinary landmarks in Türkiye — and for good reason! Hagia Sophia boasts extraordinary architecture like no other, dating back to the time of the Eastern Roman era. It was built all the way back in 537 CE and it had the largest dome of its time. Another incredible experience would be seeing the Blue (Sultanahmet) Mosque, known for its extravagant décor and magnificent masterpieces dating back to the Ottoman era. You can walk from the Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia for the perfect day adventure!
Not only is Ephesus one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Europe, but the entire city is teeming with history so vast, with its extraordinary archaeological sites dating thousands of years back in time, Ephesus was named an “open-air museum”. It is home to famous attractions such as the Temple of Hadrian, built in the second century AD and the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. So, take a step back in time, as you head on a blast into the past with a trip to Ephesus… it will be one you will never forget!
Go on a Sailing Adventure in TurkAegean
An unforgettable experience in TurkAegean would be heading on a sailing adventure. Make your way over to the Aegean Region as you explore the “Coast of Happiness” where you will discover truly jaw-dropping landscapes oozing in color, in a place that is famous for its picture-perfect beaches, lush trees, and sunny skies, as you let yourself be swept away into a natural paradise! You will be swept away by the beauty of the land, as you will find out why this is one of the top vacation destinations in Türkiye.
Experience the Bustling Bazaars of Türkiye
Turkish bazaars are known to be incredibly lively and atmospheric. This is the perfect way to go shopping for traditional goods while getting a taste of the present-day lifestyle and a glimpse into the past. With many historic markets to choose from in Türkiye, which are oozing in bright colors, you will be fascinated by the way these markets work. One of the most famous bazaars to visit is the Grand Bazaar in İstanbul, one of the oldest covered markets in the world (and the largest), for a spectacular local shopping experience.
Taste Turkish Cuisine
Türkiye may be known for its beautiful beaches, gorgeous landscapes, fascinating rock formations, lively nightlife scene, and many more factors that make this a beautiful and historic destination… but did you know the country is also famous for its food? During your stay in Türkiye, you can try a vast variety of mezes (a selection of appetizer-sized dishes on small plates), delicious olive oil-based vegetable dishes such as zeytinyağlı yaprak sarma (rice-stuffed grape leaves or cabbage leaves braised in olive oil), zeytinyağlı enginar (artichokes braised in olive oil), pilaki (tomato sauce and olive oil-braised navy beans). For breakfast, try simit (freshly baked, molasses-dipped, and sesame-crusted dough) with a cup of tea. Do not miss to taste some baklava in a local restaurant, a famous dish dating all the way back to the Ottoman Empire, döner kebab, traditionally prepared with lamb, and some Turkish delight in the place where the confectionaries are made!
Visit Two Continents in One Day — in İstanbul
Between magnificent mosques, bustling bazaars, an extraordinary nightlife scene, and over 2500 years of history, there are many reasons why İstanbul is a fascinating vacation destination. But did you know the city is situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia — separated by the Bosphorus strait? You can hop on over to both sides as you explore The City That Lies on Two Continents and see if you can spot any notable differences among the neighborhoods, architecture, and way of life.
Rest and Relax in a Traditional Turkish Bath
After a few days of exploring, you might be craving a relaxing evening laying back in a traditional Turkish bath. Commonly referred to as “Hammams”, these rejuvenating centers come with many health benefits, as the high heat will help you eliminate toxins from your body, relax your muscles, and increase blood circulation. First, you will enter a room with dry heat to work up a sweat, and then dip into the large pool, which will be lavishly decorated with marble and filled with lots of natural light.
Takeaways
Are you interested in traveling to Türkiye? Whether you have any questions about this fascinating destination or any of our tours or would like to get started with seeing your options, reach out to our travel experts! You can also ask them about our safe travels assurance policy for risk-free bookings or inquire about our flexible payment plans. Let’s get traveling!
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