Climbing Mount Ararat is a doable 3-5 day venture for even beginner climbers, as long as you give yourself enough time to acclimatize at the higher elevation. The adventure starts in Cevirme Village in Doğubeyazıt, a town in the foothills with some neat historic landmarks and sites you can visit before or after your trek. The Bodrum Ancient Theatre is cool to see as a 4th-century waterfront amphitheater just steps from the city center that is still used today for concerts and performances. [newline]The crescent-shaped Bitez Beach and cove is alluring with its gorgeous views and access to the Aegean for water sports, like diving and snorkeling, and plenty of waterfront restaurants and bars to check out along the shore. Antalya is equal parts luxury beachfront and ancient history, with its prime location on the Turkish Riviera along the southern Mediterranean coast.
Imagine an entire city that is built underground but is yet airy and it somehow manages to stay hidden for years. The three tall fairy chimneys are slanted and are called three sister rocks or sometimes “the three beauties” as per the legends. The three sister rocks are three tall fairy chimneys at Ugrup Panorama Point.
While no longer the hidden gem it once was, you’ll have to get there early—like really early—to snag an umbrella and sun bed during the summer months. However, even with the crowd this beach draws, it’s still a stunner. The city of Derinkuyu is just a 45 min drive from Göreme (in the Cappadocia region). The quiet seaside town of Olympos Vacanze Turquia is known for its ruins, a laidback pebbly beach and the eternal flames called the Chimera. We booked our kayak tour in the town of Kaş where there were plenty of tour options to choose from. You can also browse the options on Get Your Guide for different types of tours (kayaking, boating, etc.) leaving from different nearby towns.
After a day of walking around Istanbul city during summer days, the Bosphorous cruise felt pretty amazing because I got to sit back and relax to just enjoy the view. Pamukkale and Selçuk are just 2.5 hours away from each other by road, so this journey is very easy if you do it in a rental car or entirely on a taxi. If you’re two or more in number, then a taxi makes sense and the cost isn’t so high when you split it up. As tempting as it is to wallow in the ‘healing waters’ of the hot springs all day, you also need to see Hierapolis, the ancient Roman city. Denizli city is slightly more industrial but is surrounded by beautiful valleys and natural sites.
If you want to head to the mountains for hiking, though, or to Mount Nemrut to view the stone heads on the summit, this is the best season to go. Pre-booking hotels in popular tourism destinations (Istanbul, all along the coast, and Cappadocia) is a good idea. Also, expect hotel prices in the above destinations to be at their highest.
This hotel features comfortable rooms, a warm atmosphere, and a rooftop terrace boasting panoramic views. She helped us put together this list of the most beautiful places in Turkey (plus things to do and where to stay!) that are reason enough to start looking into flights to this surprising country. On top of that, we’ve included some extra info in this article to help you plan your epic trip. As the gateway between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a country where East meets West and history meets adventure.
Izmir: Where The Aegean Breathes Life Into The City
Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes look like they’re straight out of a fantasy. Glide over the region in a hot air balloon at sunrise, admire the unique rock formations, and explore homes carved into the cliffs. Whether hiking through valleys or soaking in the view from above, this otherworldly destination feels truly magical. A luxurious and idyllic retreat where guests can enjoy world-class amenities, stunning golf courses, and pristine beaches.
In the ancient world, this was where famous people wanted to go for bathing treatments, interpreting dreams, and drinking water from the sacred fountain. Şirince Village was settled in the 15th century after Ephesus was abandoned; however, the current buildings date back to the 19th century. The inhabitants established this name because they did not want to share their village’s beauty with strangers. Enjoy the scenery of vineyards and peach trees from this mountaintop village. Before the Independence War, the Greeks lived in villages; after the war, the Turks in Greece returned to Turkey, and the Greeks in Turkey moved to Greece.
Highlights & Attractions
Looping through central Anatolia, this itinerary stars some of Turkey’s most important historical cities. On the way, stop off at Demre to see the ruins of Ancient Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas. It was the saint’s charitable exploits as Bishop of Myra in the 4th century that created the Santa Claus myth. Stop at famous Kaputaş Beach, squeezed between high cliffs, along the way. Stay directly across the water from the peninsula in the buzzy city of Çanakkale. This is the best base for visiting both Gallipoli and the much mythologized ruins of Troy.
Over the last few years, Sultan Cave Suites has become crazy expensive because it is Instagram famous. You can look at some other nearby hotels too, they are all pretty decent, and Turkish hospitality standards are amazing. To make your Göreme travel experience truly unique, please do yourself a favor and book a cave hotel. I was amazed at the stunning minarets on each side of the water with interesting old buildings and historical sites that can be seen from a distance like the Galata Tower, the Maiden’s Tower, etc. Rather than searching through various Turkey itineraries to find the one that best suits your interests, I will share golden nuggets on how to spend 10 days in Turkey. From information about how to move from point A to B and where to see the best sunsets, our Turkey trip planner has you covered.
The Black Sea region boasts lush greenery and a mild climate, while the central Anatolian plateau challenges visitors with its steppe climate and hot summers. Understanding these variations is crucial for planning your travel wardrobe and activities. For those who prefer flexibility and independence, renting a car in Turkey is a great option. Turkey has a well-maintained road network, and driving allows travelers to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations at their own pace.
Terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, ambushes, car bombs, and explosive devices, as well as shootings and illegal roadblocks leading to violence have occurred in these areas. U.S. government employees are subject to travel restrictions in the entire provinces of Sirnak and Hakkari, and any areas within 10 km of the Syrian border. Want to connect with fellow travel enthusiasts to get inspiration and discuss money-saving tips for your next trip?
The bustling marina town of Fethiye is another excellent base along the coast and we recommend a one-night stopover en route to Pamukkale. You can reduce the time by flying to Cappadocia or simple flying to Antalya and driving back to Istanbul via the coast road. Having crafted over 10,000 personalized itineraries, we help you design a trip that perfectly fits your travel dreams.
The tiny village of Pokut is a charming spot to start your explorations. Cappadocia is a geological wonderland in the center of Türkiye, serving up some of the world’s most arresting landscapes. The history of early Christianity in this part of Anatolia comes alive at the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the other cave churches and underground cities scattered around the surrounding valleys. As your journey comes to an end, this section offers advice for a hassle-free departure, from airport transfers to duty-free shopping. Whether you’re looking for luxury, comfort, or a touch of history, this section helps you find the perfect place to rest your head.