TOP 10 PLACES TO ADD TO YOUR TURKEY ITINERARY
This past summer we spent two weeks exploring Turkey with Intrepid Travel, and we both haven't stopped talking about this trip since. Turkey is a must visit, and has made its way into our top 5 list of favourite places we have travelled. We think this is because of three things - the first being Turkeys variety, second is the fact that Turkey has some of the most friendliest people we have ever met and the third being the way we travelled Turkey.
We have experienced on a number of group tours with Intrepid Travel in the past, from catching trains across Japan to hiking Machu Picchu - but there was something extra special about this Turkey tour. The places we visited, our amazing guide, Fatih, the accommodations we stayed in and the variety of the places we visited all came together to make this one of our favourite group trips we have ever done!
Keep scrolling to read about some of our favourite places we visited during our time in Turkey, and we have scattered a bunch of videos from our Turkey YouTube series for you to check out too!
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1. Cappadocia
Located in Central Anatolia, visiting Cappadocia is like arriving in a fairytale landscape surrounded by formations from another world. Ancient volcanic eruptions and erosions have helped sculpt the land into odd formations like chimneys, cones and pinnacles that are scattered across the area. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that thousands of years ago, mankind decided to carve these landscapes into houses, churches, and underground cities from the soft rock.
A visit here is like no other. Sleep inside a cave hotel, float above the land along with 100s of other hot air balloons and explore underground cities many meters below the surface.
Read more:Top 10 things to do in Cappadocia
2. Pamukkale
Pamukkale has got be one of of Turkey's most famous natural wonders. The pure white travertine terraces (translating to Cotton Castle in English) covered in hot springs rich in the mineral, has been drawing visitors since the 2nd century. Come and take a dip in the calcium-rich travertines, explore the Hierapolis City Ruins and bath in Cleopatra's Pool, all making up this UNESCO Site.
Quick tip: During sunset this place gets very crowded, we recommend waking up for sunrise and being the first to entire the site. This way you can enjoy the beauty of this place all to yourself.
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3. Ayvalik
Ayvalik is a town located on Turkey's north Aegean coast. The reason we loved this place so much is that it isn't very popular with foreign tourists, but very popular for Turks - giving it a more authentic feel. The town is famous for olive oil and Ayvalik toast - a toasted sandwich stuffed with sausage, pickle, tomatoes and a lot of sauce.
Spend an afternoon exploring the cobblestone backstreets, beautiful houses and lively cafes. We also highly recommend hopping on the ferry to Cunda Island, filled with Greek Orthodox churches, a lot of delicious food and great outdoor markets.
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4. Faralya
Faralya, not quite big enough to be called a village, this spot located on the edge of a canyon overlooking the crystal blue Mediterranean, is one of the most stunning places in all of Turkey.
The best way to enjoy this place is to camp out at George House. If you need some convincing just check out the photo below to see a view from where we camped! There is also a bunch of hiking trails from his accommodation, taking you to some stunning scenic spots throughout the area.
5. Istanbul
Istanbul is a city you must visit at least once in your lifetime. Come and explore the famous Hagia Sophia, the magnificent church that has since been turned into a mosque or Blue Mosque built in the 17th century. You also can not miss the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world filled with stunning carpets, jewellery and spices.
There is so much to see and do here in Istanbul, you could easily spend a week or two exploring this city alone!
Read more:15 amazing things to do in Istanbul
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6. Canakkale
If you want to visit the Gallipoli battlefields and the ruins of Troy, the perfect base is to stay in Canakkale. Located on the southern shore at the narrowest point in the Dardanelles strait, Canakkale has been a strong defence site from the time of the Trojans through to World War I. Today however, it is a peaceful town, with a lot of delicious seafood restaurants and cute hotels.
Something cool to check out is if you walk along the waterfront promenade you will see a massive wooden horse, which was used in the film Troy!
7. Antalya
Antalya, known as the capital of the Turkish Mediterranean is a must see. With cobblestone streets, the old city, the marina and the Taurus Mountains in the distance - this city is one of Turkeys most beautiful. We recommend spending your time exploring the charming back streets of the Kaleiçi (old city), enjoy some of the best museums in the country, catch a performance at Aspendos (a beautiful intact theatre from Roman times) and go for a dip at the stunning Mermerli Beach.
8. Fethiye Old Town
Fethiye old town is a cute small shopping area where you will find the famous Umbrella Street and, our favourite, the Fish Market. Here at the market you pick your fish and a restaurant at the market prepares it for you. This is hands down the best dinner we had during our time in Turkey and a place you must check out for yourself!
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9. Kas
If you are looking for a quiet seaside town, than you need to visit Kas. It is located in the Antalya region on the Mediterranean coast, and is the best spot to go scuba diving. There are many seaside cafes to chill out at and many colourful streets full of old markets.
If you are looking for a place to grab lunch we suggest checking out Oburus Momus, serving the best vegetarian food in town!
10. Sail The Southern Coast
A trip to Turkey is not complete without spending at least one night sailing in the Mediterranean. We started our sailing adventure from Kekova, where we boarded our boat and spent the next few days swimming, exploring sunken cities, sunbathing and eating a lot of delicious food.
One morning we stopped off at a tiny village that can only be reached by the water. Something unique is the fact that the kids here don't have a school bus... they catch a school boat! The village also has old fortress ruins that you can hike to and at the top you are greeted to the most breathtaking views.
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READ MORE: TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
Thanks to Intrepid Travel for inviting Flying The Nest to experience their Real Turkey Tour, as always all opinions are our own.