Explore Turkey
İstanbul
Visiting Istanbul is a dream for many! The largest city in Turkey, Istanbul, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination. The city is home to a number of historical and cultural landmarks. We recommend visiting the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Yerebatan Cistern with a guide. Spend some time in Beyoglu and Galata neighborhood for delicious food, drinks, and shops. Don't forget to go to the top of the Galata Tower. You can also visit the bustling bazaars and shop for traditional Turkish handicrafts, spices, and textiles. If you have some extra time, visit the Princes' Islands. When we visited in November 2021 with Melisa's parents, we stayed at an Airbnb in Galata. If you have 1-2 days extra to visit a single city, Istanbul is our top recommendation. Our favorite restaurants were Turk Fatih Tutak and Iskender Kuruluş. Iskender is John's favorite food!
Ephesus
Ephesus, located in western Turkey, is a popular tourist destination known for its well-preserved ancient ruins. The city was once an important center of trade and commerce in the ancient world and was home to a number of significant historical and cultural landmarks. Visitors to Ephesus can explore the remains of the city's ancient theater, which could hold up to 25,000 spectators, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The city is also home to the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic shrine believed to be the last home of Mary, the mother of Jesus. In addition to its ancient ruins, Ephesus also offers a number of other attractions, including beautiful beaches and a number of traditional Turkish baths. Melisa is originally from Salihli, a town 2-hours drive away from Ephesus. We visited in 2015 with Melisa's family, and highly recommend a visit – it's a 3-hour drive from Bodrum.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is a unique tourist destination known for its unusual and breathtaking landscapes. The region is home to a number of natural wonders, including the "fairy chimneys": tall, cone-shaped rock formations formed by the erosion of volcanic ash. Visitors can take hot air balloon rides over the region to get a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscape. In addition to its natural beauty, Cappadocia is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including ancient underground cities, rock-cut temples, and medieval castles. The region is also known for its traditional Turkish baths, or hammams, and its delicious cuisine. We visited in 2015, and stayed inside a natural cave hotel! We also went on an early-morning hot air balloon flight. PS: Some city descriptions written by ChatGPT!