Unsplash Turkey
“Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.”— Dalai Lama
Planning notes — I haven't been here yet. This page is my personal research for a future trip.
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.
Draft 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
Food spots on my radar
- Ciya Sofrasi (Istanbul) — Legendary lokanta preserving regional Anatolian recipes. 📍 Maps
- Karadeniz Doner (Istanbul) — No-nonsense doner kebab spot near Taksim. 📍 Maps
- Mikla (Istanbul) — Rooftop fine dining atop the Marmara Pera with Golden Horn views. 📍 Maps
- Asitane (Istanbul) — Recreates Ottoman palace recipes from centuries-old manuscripts. 📍 Maps
- Tarihi Karadeniz Pide Salonu (Istanbul) — Beloved pide house near the Grand Bazaar. 📍 Maps
Hotels I’ve shortlisted
- Hotel Ibrahim Pasha ★★★★ (Istanbul) — Boutique hotel on the Hippodrome with rooftop Blue Mosque views. View →
- Museum Hotel Cappadocia ★★★★★ (Cappadocia) — Luxury cave hotel in Uchisar with infinity pool over fairy chimneys. View →
- Mia Berre Hotels ★★★ (Istanbul) — Budget-friendly hotel in Beyoglu-Taksim with rooftop restaurant. View →
- Akol Hotel ★★★★ (Antalya) — Seafront hotel in Kaleici with private beach. View →
Experiences I’m considering
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Two Continents Tour — Cruise between Europe. 4h. View →
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight at Sunrise — Float above fairy chimneys and valleys at sunrise. 1.5h. View →
- Ephesus Day Trip from Kusadasi or Izmir — Library of Celsus. 6h. View →
- Istanbul Street Food Tour: Bazaars & Hidden Gems — Spice Bazaar tastings. 4h. View →
- Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Trip — White travertine terraces. 12h. View →
Getting Around & Where to Stay
Airports, transport, taxis, hotels & useful apps for Turkey
Places on my radar
Some links on this page are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hot air balloon rides & ancient ruins
Cappadocia sunrise flights, Hagia Sophia tours, and Turkish bath experiences.
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