Turkey Travel Guide

Hagia Sophia is a historic Byzantine church later converted to a mosque with a massive dome and history. Blue Mosque is an Ottoman mosque with blue tiles and intricate decoration. Topkapi Palace is the Ottoman sultan's former residence with treasures and palace grounds. Grand Bazaar is a historic covered market with thousands of shops selling spices and crafts. Bosphorus ferry crossing is a boat ride crossing the strait separating Europe and Asia. Galata Tower is a medieval tower with views of the city and water.

Must-Do Experiences in Cappadocia: Hot air balloon rides at sunrise floats over fairy chimneys and valleys with dramatic golden light. Göreme Open Air Museum contains rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes carved into stone formations. The underground city (Derinkurey or Kaymaklı) shows multi-level dwellings carved beneath the earth for ancient protection. Uçhisar Castle is a rock fortress with views of the valley and surrounding landscape. A cave hotel stay lets you sleep in a room carved into the rock formations.

Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi) is a historic district with narrow cobblestone streets, Ottoman buildings, and harbor views. Düden Waterfalls cascade dramatically into the sea where the river meets the coast. Aspendos ancient theatre is a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater still used for performances. Konyaaltı Beach is a long pebble beach with mountains in the background and water sports available.

Travertine terraces are white mineral-rich hot spring deposits cascading down the mountainside creating otherworldly formations. Hierapolis ancient ruins are the remains of a Greco-Roman city above the terraces with temples and theaters. Cleopatra's Pool is a thermal spring pool surrounded by ancient marble columns where visitors can swim. Pamukkale Antique Pool is a traditional hammam-style thermal pool with warm mineral water and historic stone features.

Library of Celsus is an ancient Roman library facade with multiple stories and intricate architectural details still standing. Great Theatre is a massive amphitheater carved into stone with capacity for 25,000 people still used today. Terrace Houses are preserved residential homes showing how wealthy Romans lived with decorated walls and mosaics. The Temple of Artemis site is where one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World once stood, now marked by ruins.

Bodrum Castle is a medieval fortress overlooking the harbor built by crusaders with museums inside. Bodrum Marina is a modern waterfront area with luxury boats, restaurants, and shops. Gulet sailing trip is a traditional wooden sailing boat journey along the Aegean coast with swimming stops. Old Town bazaar is a traditional market with shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and local goods.