Join our growing community of adventurers on Facebook and Instagram. There are late-night bars and clubs (like Inferno) around the Grand Hotel if you’re seeking nightlife in the city. And when you’re hungry, there are top-rated Turkish restaurants to choose from serving up lamb, kebabs, and vegetarian dishes all around Alaeddin Hill. While you’re here, take a taksi (taxi) to Kadikoy and eat a filling traditional meze spread (similar to Spanish tapas) or grab kebabs from a food cart and sip twice-distilled grape rakı to catch an Istanbul buzz. Welcome to Travel Melodies, your ultimate resource for all things travel. I bring years of writing experience to this vibrant online space, sharing inspiring and meticulously curated family travel stories to inspire and empower you to explore the world more thoughtfully with your loved ones.
Do I Need To Purchase Travel Insurance For A Trafalgar Tour To Turkey?
Istanbul may not be the capital of Turkey, but it’s certainly the tourism capital of the country and the one that most people come to see when visiting Turkey. Istanbul is the most visited tourist destination in Turkey, seeing upwards of 16 million visitors each year (according to Statista) and leaving other Turkish destinations far behind in terms of annual tourism numbers. Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa, or “Green Bursa” (thanks to all its parks and natural areas) is now a bustling city that pays homage to the past as it sits in the shadow of Mount Uludag.
Every bite tells a story of cultural fusion, blending flavors from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East into unforgettable dishes. Enjoy the curative thermal waters that have attracted visitors for centuries. Overnight sleeper trains are available for longer distances, providing an opportunity to rest and arrive at the destination refreshed.
It was once a Roman port, and relics and architecture from that era can be explored in Kaleici, its Old Town city center, and at the Antalya Archaeology Museum. Turkey’s coasts are stunning, and Marmaris, a pebbled beach resort village on the Turkish Riviera, is one of the best to visit on the Southwestern coast. Famous for its nightlife and beautiful views of lush, green mountains next to the Mediterranean Sea, it’s a great place to relax and explore. Selçuk is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, most notably the city of Ephesus, which was once one of the largest cities in the Mediterranean. Visitors can also tour the stunning Isa Bey Mosque, explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis (one of the Ancient Wonders of the World), and visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where she lived after the death of Jesus.
Where To Stay In Safranbolu
Your best bet is to take a bus or rent a car and make the drive yourself. This UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the hills of northern Turkey, is a living museum of Ottoman-era architecture. The town’s winding cobblestone streets lead visitors on a journey back in time, where they can admire the beautifully restored wooden houses and traditional bazaars.
The highlights are the Lions’ Gate and the Royal Gate, the rock art and the Great Temple, the best-preserved ruin of a Hittite Temple from the 13th century BC. The Ottoman City of Safranbolu is perfect for a one or two-night stop. We opted for two nights as the drive to Cappadocia requires an early start and we wanted to have a day to explore Safranbolu. If you prefer, you can go straight from Istanbul to Cappadocia using our guide on how to travel between them. A trip of discovery, taking you from vibrant Istanbul through to mystic Cairo, exploring many world-famous historical sites along the … I travel solo, but I also often travel with my family, so you will find a bit of everything – van life, famous European cities, beach destinations, national parks, music festivals and more.
You can book your rafting tour with Get Your Guide which includes an experienced guide, transportation and extreme sports insurance. With its convenient location near the beach, attentive service, and a rooftop terrace providing panoramic views, the Bliss Suites & Hotel provides a delightful and luxurious experience for guests visiting Fethiye. Blending contemporary elements with traditional Turkish influences, the Sato Hotel stands out with its unique and stylish design. The trendy hotel also boasts beachfront access, chic rooms and a welcoming ambiance. You’ll find the most accommodation options in the capital city by the same name. From there, you can venture into the natural surroundings on day trips and excursions.
I’ve tried multiple overpriced, mediocre hotels in this city, but there are fortunately a few gems to be found. I stayed in Tin Suites in my late-2024 trip to Istanbul and loved it; it’s now where I send all of my friends when they visit the city! The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, and the balcony overlooking the Hagia Sofia is incredible because — yes, the location can’t be beaten. The staff are super friendly and the rooms are silent, despite their central location. Istanbul is a phenomenal city, with mosques scattered across the skyline, an incredible food scene, and so much history to delve into. The ruins of Ephesus are some of the most impressive I’ve seen, and the site of Troy is breathtaking.
Lunch In Pamukkale
Our customers particularly appreciate having 2-3 days in Cappadocia – enough time to properly visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, float in a hot air balloon and explore multiple underground cities at your own pace. The route includes cultural stops that shorter trips miss, like Konya’s Mevlana Museum and old Silk Road caravanserais. Guide Ali comes up often in reviews; travelers value his deep knowledge and ability to discuss everything from ancient ruins to modern Turkish society. It’s perfect for those wanting to understand Turkey’s culture beyond surface-level sightseeing.
From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the iconic Hagia Sophia, Turkey’s historical sites are not just attractions; they are portals to the past. Considering all the moving parts to the trip with internal flights, pickups and drop offs to various hotels and airports and various tours, the trip went very well. Mehmet and his team responded very quickly when there was an issue(very few considering) and corrected it. I feel there was a good value to using Rough Guides and I would consider using your services again.
From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year. Spring wildflowers bloom across the countryside in May, while the displays of colorful fall foliage during October make these two months the best for keen photographers. Overall, depending on what you plan to do, Turkey can be visited year-round, but for the most dependable weather, the best times to visit are the months of May, June, July, August, September, and October.
Rural regions like Cappadocia will be difficult for travellers with mobility impairment to navigate independently. “Dramatic sunsets are universally adored, inspiring awe and wonder at the phenomenal beauty of nature. The main base for exploring stunning Cappadocia, Goreme is famous for its fairy chimneys, deserted rock-cut homes and churches. For a unique perspective of this alluring landscape, take an optional hot air balloon ride over the village to see the skyline speckled with balloons. For those seeking a romantic getaway, Turkey offers enchanting experiences, from sunset cruises to intimate cave hotels. Start your trip any date to explore the best of Turkey in comfort with tailor-made vacation packages, cultural tours, small group escorted or private tours and a choice of stylish boutique or luxury hotels.
The perfect lodge, the perfect tour guide, the perfect sunrise hike and the perfect cultural experience are all out there, and we’d like to help you find them. We are on a quest for adventure that will take us from the mountain tribal villages of Thailand to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro, and the volcanic sand beaches of Galapagos, and we’d like to bring you along for the ride. Travellers with impaired mobility will find that while tourist locales in Istanbul, such as hotels and mosques, are fitted with ramps and connected by an accessible tram, getting around the rest of the city can be challenging.
As an example, a bus from Istanbul to Izmir takes 8-10 hours depending on traffic, and costs just under $20. If that’s not a problem for you, housesitting is an excellent way to reduce travel costs, stay in beautiful homes, care for cute animals, and experience living like a local. Vacanze Turquia For those interested in getting started with housesitting, Trusted Housesitters is the best site, as it has the highest number of listings by far. Essentially, housesitting involves taking care of someone’s house and pets while they’re away, in exchange for free accommodation.