Bodrum

Our trip began in Bodrum, where we were greeted by a laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking views of where the ocean meets the rolling hills. The town, with its waterfront bars and restaurants, was the perfect introduction to Türkiye’s charm. We spent the day soaking up the sun, browsing through shops filled with everything from souvenirs to knock-off designer goods, and sipping cocktails by the beach. Looking back, we could’ve easily spent an extra night enjoying the relaxed pace and beautiful surroundings.

Pamukkale

Next, we hit the road for Pamukkale, famous for its surreal terraces of white limestone created by calcium-rich thermal waters. Climbing the gleaming white cliffs was an unforgettable experience, and reaching the top rewarded us with the ruins of an ancient Roman spa city, Hierapolis, dating back to 190 BC. The combination of natural wonder and history here was awesome to explore if you have enough time. We felt that given our time restraints we would have skipped this spot to give us another day to pace ourselves on our journey east.

Fethiye

Arriving in Fethiye, we immediately felt the unique charm as we walked through the port of the town. The cafes and restaurants lining the waterfront invited us to explore, and we couldn’t resist taking a private boat out for the afternoon. The crystal-clear waters called to us for snorkeling, and we had an incredible time diving off the boat’s top deck, surrounded by stunning landscapes. It was one of the highlights of our trip along the coast and we were able to negotiate a bargain.

Kas

Kas was another gem on our journey. We spent a relaxing afternoon swimming in the pristine waters, with many of the waterfront restaurants offering direct access to the sea. The vibe in Kas was peaceful, and our accommodation, perched on a hill, gave us the perfect vantage point to enjoy a mesmerizing sunset.

Antalya

Unfortunately, our time in Antalya was cut short due to illness. However, from what we did experience, the city was the busiest and most vibrant stop on the coast. With so much to see and do, we wished we had more time to explore its bustling streets and attractions.

Note: The turquoise coast offered incredible views and experiences, but in hindsight, we underestimated the time needed to travel between destinations. We packed a lot into each day and could have benefited from a slower pace to truly appreciate everything the coast has to offer.

Hot Air Ballooning Above Caves

Cappadocia was, without a doubt, the standout part of our trip. There is simply no place like it in the world. We stayed in one of the iconic cave hotels in Göreme, which made our experience even more special, immersing us in the unique culture of the region.

Göreme itself offered an array of rooftop bars and restaurants, where we could unwind and admire the surreal landscape below. It’s undoubtedly one of the coolest towns we’ve ever visited.

One of the most unforgettable moments was floating over Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape in a hot air balloon at sunrise. As we soared above ancient rock formations and centuries of history, it felt like time stood still.

Explore Derinkuyu On Green Tour

We spent three days exploring Cappadocia’s wonders, including the underground city of Derinkuyu, a mysterious and mind-blowing site that left us in awe of how such a structure was built. We also ventured into the ancient caves of Yaprakhisar and took a guided nature walk through the Ihlara Valley, a lush oasis nestled among towering cliffs. Lunch by a serene river stream capped off our perfect day of exploration. This was all encapsulated in the Green tour which is promoted around the region.

Exploring Cappadocian Valleys On Horseback

On our last night we also took the time to explore some of the countryside by horse. Being the first time for many of us, we had a great time as we trotted through the bush tracks we wandering into the final hours of the day, before enjoying a delicious homecooked dinner with the friendly owners of the stable for a home-cooked dinner.

Our final stop was in Istanbul, a city that completely exceeded our expectations. The sheer size and energy of the city were overwhelming in the best way possible.

A Sightseers Dream

In Sultanahmet, we found ourselves surrounded by history, with iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque all within walking distance. We explored hours on foot taking in our surroundings as the daily prayer calls descended from the Mosques. Each site offered a glimpse into the city’s rich past. Our final stop of the day was a visited to the Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel worth every moment of exploration.

We also explored the Grand Bazaar, a shopping experience unlike any other with its endless maze of stalls. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit Kadıköy, a trendy neighborhood on the Asian side of the city, which came highly recommended.

Our stay in Taksim was a great choice—it felt safe, and we were just a minute’s walk from lively streets lined with upscale shops, bars, and restaurants. The mix of modernity and tradition in Istanbul made it one of the coolest cities we’ve ever visited.

Day Trip- Gallipoli: A Somber Journey Through History

For us, a trip to Gallipoli was a must, especially traveling with a group of Australians. The guided tour was both emotional and enlightening, taking us back to the days of World War I. We visited ANZAC Cove, the Lone Pine Cemetery, and saw the remains of the trenches where so many soldiers had fought and died. The experience was sobering but also a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.