Want to Visit Southern Europe

Turkey

Duration 12 days Cost ~EUR 1,800 for two Season April-June, September-November Currency TRY (Turkish Lira) USD 1 USD = 36.2 TRY Lang Turkish

“Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.”

— Dalai Lama

Where East meets West — Istanbul straddles two continents, Cappadocia is otherworldly, and the food is among the best in the world.

Why I Want to Visit

Ancient ruins, Ottoman palaces, surreal landscapes, world-class hammams, and cuisine rivaling Italy and France. Affordable, welcoming, and endlessly fascinating.

Planned Itinerary

Istanbul (4 days) — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus cruise, street food
Cappadocia (3 days) — Hot air balloon ride at sunrise, underground cities, cave hotels
Pamukkale (1 day) — White travertine terraces and ancient Hierapolis ruins
Antalya & Turquoise Coast (2 days) — Old town, beaches, ancient Olympos
Ephesus (2 days) — One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world

What I’m Most Excited About

Hot air balloon sunrise over Cappadocia
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Swimming in Pamukkale’s white terraces
An authentic hours-long Turkish breakfast

Where to Eat

Ciya Sofrasi (Istanbul) — Legendary lokanta preserving regional Anatolian recipes. ~TRY 300-600. 📍 Maps
Karadeniz Doner (Istanbul) — No-nonsense doner kebab spot near Taksim. ~TRY 150-250. 📍 Maps
Mikla (Istanbul) — Rooftop fine dining atop the Marmara Pera with Golden Horn views. ~TRY 1,200-2,000. 📍 Maps
Asitane (Istanbul) — Recreates Ottoman palace recipes from centuries-old manuscripts. ~TRY 500-900. 📍 Maps
Tarihi Karadeniz Pide Salonu (Istanbul) — Beloved pide house near the Grand Bazaar. ~TRY 150-300. 📍 Maps

Where to Stay

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha ★★★★ (Istanbul) — Boutique hotel on the Hippodrome with rooftop Blue Mosque views. ~TRY 3,500/night. Book
Museum Hotel Cappadocia ★★★★★ (Cappadocia) — Luxury cave hotel in Uchisar with infinity pool over fairy chimneys. ~TRY 8,000/night. Book
Mia Berre Hotels ★★★ (Istanbul) — Budget-friendly hotel in Beyoglu-Taksim with rooftop restaurant. ~TRY 1,800/night. Book
Akol Hotel ★★★★ (Antalya) — Seafront hotel in Kaleici with private beach. ~TRY 2,500/night. Book

Tours & Excursions

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Two Continents Tour — Cruise between Europe. 4h, ~EUR 30. Book
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise — Float above fairy chimneys and valleys at sunrise. 1.5h, ~EUR 180. Book
Ephesus Day Trip from Kusadasi or Izmir — Library of Celsus. 6h, ~EUR 40. Book
Istanbul Street Food Tour: Bazaars & Hidden Gems — Spice Bazaar tastings. 4h, ~EUR 45. Book
Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Trip — White travertine terraces. 12h, ~EUR 35. Book