Endowed with a lot of scenery that doesn’t fail to impress and laden with ancient monuments left behind by a horde of conquerors, Turkey is an amazing destination straddling Europe and Asia. Its vast history, famous food, and vibrant culture stun all those who visit the country, while its arid steppe, mighty mountains, and glorious landscapes are highlights worth mentioning. Whether you want to spend a day lazing on the beach or lap up the Ottoman and Byzantine glories of Istanbul, Turkey is regarded as an attraction galore. Highlighted below are some epic things to do and see in the country that will definitely spice up your trip:
- Go for a blue cruise
During the summer season, there is nothing better than cruising along with the Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea, while making frequent stops for exploring or swimming. There are numerous blue cruises (also called gullet sailing) that you can enjoy in Turkey and they are a unique way of experiencing the country’s beautiful beaches and coastal towns.
- Swim in Çıralı
One of the most beautiful beaches imaginable and somewhat a local secret is Çıralı, which is at a distance of an hour’s drive from Antalya. You can stay at a pension and enjoy a dip in the dark blue waters while exploring the ruins of the city of Olympos.
- Have some Kebab and Baklava in Gazianstep
If you want to taste some of Turkey’s best Baklava, Gazianstep is one of the best ones because it boasts fields of pistachio trees. The excellent kebab varieties in the city are also well-known and are often consumed by the locals for breakfast.
- Go to a thermal spa in Afyonkarahisar
The mountainous countryside, a delicious sucuk (sausage with spices), and renowned Turkish delight are enough reasons to visit Afyonkarahisar. However, the health-boosting thermal spas of the city are also its claim to fame and you can spend a weekend at one of the numerous thermal spa hotels.
- Enjoy a wine tour
The wine industry of Turkey has just started to make its mark in the world and some of the most breathtaking and scenic Turkish landscapes are where boutique vineyards exist. You can find a number of tours that can give you a glimpse into these vineyards in areas such as Sarkoy, Haskoy, and Tekirdag and you can have a private dinner with wine pairings.
- Check out Mardin
Mardin is one of Turkey’s lesser-known destinations, but it is undoubtedly a treasure in terms of history as well as architecture. It is also regarded as one of the most beautiful cities of the country and you can spend your time indulging in its local cuisine, such as its well-known spiced wine, marvel at the Artuquid stone houses, or wander through the narrow historic streets.
- Go to Vefa Bozacisi for drinking Boza
A fermented millet drink that’s enjoyed in the winter months is called Boza and the best place you can taste it is Vega Bozacisi. It opened its doors back in 1876 and it provides you a sense of the old and nostalgic Istanbul that you won’t feel elsewhere.
- Enjoy a long Bosphorus Cruise
Bosphorus is one of the best ways that you can see Istanbul and the city ferry operates the Bosphorus Cruise that takes you from Eminonu to where the strait and the Black Sea come together. You can enjoy some fresh fish by the water when you get off at Anadolu Kavagi and then take the ferry back.
- Stay a weekend in Sirince
Outside of Izmir is the small village known as Sirince, which is still quite unknown to most visitors. It is a true marvel and the historic houses make it a spectacular find. You can stay at the Nisanyan Hotel, as its owner was the first one to begin restorative projects for saving the houses in Sirince back in 1991.
- Do some hiking on Mount Nemrut
Having a height of 2,134 meters, Mount Nemrut is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the top of the peak has a royal tomb that can be dated back to as far as the 1st century BC. There are huge statues that you will see, which depict different Armenian, Greek and Medes gods, along with King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene.
- Visit Hasankeyf before it disappears
Throughout history, there were six different empires that inhabited Hasankeyf, but this significant ancient city is slated to dissolve soon because the entire area would be flooded by a dam project. You should check out the Old Tigris Bridge, the ancient caves, the Zeynel Bey Mausoleum and the mosque before they disappear.
- Check out Aya Sofya
It is just not possible for anyone to visit Turkey and not explore Aya Sofya. Considered one of the world’s most beautiful buildings, the Byzantine glory of the Hagia Sophia or the Aya Sofya Museum cannot be missed. Delicate minarets were added to the exterior after the Ottoman conquest, whereas the interior is frescoed and serves as a reminder of the power and might of old Constantinople.
- Take a look at Ephesus
The mighty ruin that is Ephesus is not to be missed, as it is a city of marble-columned roads and colossal monuments. It is one of the still-standing and most complete Roman cities in the Mediterranean and this is where you can see what life was like in the Roman Empire during its golden age. You can schedule half a day for sightseeing here in order to see all the prominent highlights.
- Explore the wonder of Cappadocia
The swooping and surreal rock valleys of Cappadocia are a dream for every photographer. Hill crests and cliff ridges are home to wacky-shaped pinnacles or wave-like rocks that have been formed by millennia of water and wind action. If you don’t want to hike to the top for the views, you can always take a ride up in a hot air balloon and enjoy new levels of excitement.
