Discovering Turkey: An All-in-One Adventure for Asian Travelers
Turkey, a land straddling Europe and Asia, is a destination that might not be as familiar to travelers from Asia as it is to those in Europe. Istanbul, for instance, was a top destination in 2023 for Europeans, yet for many in Asia, Turkey remains a relatively unexplored gem. This captivating nation, with 97% of its territory in Asia and 3% in Europe, offers a profound cultural and historical connection with Greece, stemming from shared empires like the Byzantine and Ottoman. While ancient Greek and Mediterranean history often bring Greece to mind, Turkey presents a compelling alternative.
Rest assured, current flight paths have been rerouted to completely avoid any conflict zones, ensuring a safe journey.
An Unforgettable 11-Day Journey: Istanbul, Mediterranean Coast, and Cappadocia
Our 11-day adventure took us through four incredible cities and regions: Istanbul, the Mediterranean coast (Mugla/Antalya), and Cappadocia.
Trip Highlights
- Turkey truly is an all-in-one destination, seamlessly blending history, culture, and relaxation. It's a place where you can experience a multitude of things in one trip.
- The weather in late September was absolutely perfect – not too hot, not overcrowded, and we only experienced one cooler day in Cappadocia towards the end, without any cancellations.
- Be mindful of the significant inflation in Istanbul; choose your dining spots wisely and select a few must-see attractions.
- Turkey's Mediterranean coast is stunningly beautiful and wonderfully uncrowded. Instead of the French Riviera or Spain, consider Turkey for a change of scenery. Popular spots like Bodrum and Mugla attract many global celebrities.
- Cappadocia offers an abundance of activities and was the absolute highlight of our entire trip.
Culinary Delights and Getting Around
The food in Turkey has a distinct local flavor, which might not be universally described as delicious but is certainly unique. As a land of olive cultivation, be sure to indulge in olives for their benefits to skin and hair.
Istanbul: Navigating the Bustling Metropolis
As a densely populated city, Istanbul experiences significant traffic. Staying in the central Taksim Square area proved most convenient for accessing ferry terminals and was close to Istiklal Street. The prices in Istanbul were a bit of a shock due to inflation; entrance fees to attractions can reach around 1200 Turkish Lira per site, and dining, especially near tourist hotspots, is also quite expensive.
Must-Visit Attractions: While we didn't go inside due to perceived high costs and less visual appeal, the exterior views of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are worth seeing. We highly recommend visiting the Domahbahce Palace (approximately 1200 TL), a beautiful palace where photography is not permitted. The Galata Tower and Istiklal Street are also essential experiences. Booking a Bosphorus cruise to admire the scenery along both banks of the river is a must.
Dining Recommendations: For a meal with a view of Hagia Sophia, Seven Hills restaurant offers delicious food but comes with a higher price tag (around 800 TL upwards for a dish). You can also visit just for the photos. The cheesecake at Egonu near the Galata Tower was exceptionally good and worth the cost. Other recommended restaurants include Sirkeci Lokantasi 1912, Mivan Restaurant Cafe, My Terrace Cafe & Restaurant, Cukurcuma Antiques & Cafe, Deraliye Terrace, Nova Santiye CF, and Cafe di Dolce.
Muğla: A Serene Coastal Escape
Muğla, a coastal province in southwestern Turkey bordering the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, is renowned for its beauty. Bodrum, in particular, is a favorite among international stars, with Lewis Hamilton visiting earlier this year. We spent two days in Fethiye, including a boat trip to the stunning Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz. The water here is remarkably clear and blue, and notably uncrowded. Other attractions include a day boat trip, hiking the Lycian Way, and exploring the hauntingly beautiful Kayakoy Ghost Town. This seaside city is incredibly peaceful, perhaps a bit too quiet for those seeking vibrant nightlife, as there are fewer lounges and clubs. We noticed a significant number of Russian tourists and residents here, with very few Asian visitors.
Dining: In Fethiye, we enjoyed a meal at Trattoria di Kukina, an Italian restaurant with a sea view. The food was quite palatable and reasonably priced, not as expensive as in Istanbul.
Antalya: A Glimpse of Mediterranean Charm
We dedicated one day to Side in Antalya. Our visit included the Side Ancient City, featuring the Temple of Apollo, remnants of a Byzantine church, and the Roman Theater. The Side Museum was unfortunately closed for renovations. This area is grand and beautiful, seamlessly integrating historical ruins with restaurants and cafes, all boasting quintessential Mediterranean views. If we had the chance to redo our itinerary, we would have spent two days in Side, Antalya, as it's more developed, offers superior hotels, and its historical sites are open 24/7.
Cappadocia: The Crown Jewel of the Trip
Cappadocia was undoubtedly the highlight of our entire journey, offering a rich tapestry of activities over four days. Here, we encountered more Asian travelers, primarily from China and South Korea. Cappadocia is globally recognized for its magical natural landscapes and its iconic hot air balloons.
Must-Do Activities: We chose to take photos from our hotel balcony at Caftan Cave Suite, offering breathtaking views of the hot air balloons without the usual crowds and queues. While the Red Tour was an option, we found it rather ordinary compared to other activities. Experiencing a hot air balloon ride, ATV adventures, and particularly horse riding through the Love Valley at sunset were incredibly enjoyable. For a memorable photo opportunity, consider the Sultanhamet Red Carpet, opting for the version with the genie lamp for enhanced visual appeal – the photos cost around 15 Euros.
Dining: We mostly ate in the Goreme center. Not being huge fans of Turkish food, we didn't take extensive notes, but we did compile a few recommendations from previous reviews: Cappadocia Cuisine Restaurant (delicious), Turkist Ravioli Restaurant, and Cf Brew & Co, where we had a delightful conversation with some Australians.
All photos were taken by us! #Turkey
