Join me for a ten-day journey to explore the breathtaking landscapes and culture of Turkey, including experiences with paragliding and hot air ballooning.
For first-timers in Istanbul, three days barely scratch the surface. The Blue Mosque, an exquisite blend of Byzantine design and traditional Islamic architecture, left the most lasting impression on me. Not to be missed is the Basilica Cistern, beneath the Hagia Sophia—a palatial subterranean wonder supported by 336 ornately carved columns, making it one of Istanbul’s most romantic and enigmatic spots.
Also worth your while are Sultanahmet Square, the Hippodrome of Constantinople, İbrahim Pasha Palace, the grand Topkapı Palace, and the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque. Don’t miss a Bosphorus cruise for a scenic glimpse of where Asia meets Europe!
In the evening, you may opt to dine at a local restaurant while enjoying a Turkish whirling dervish performance. This mesmerizing dance embodies the philosophy that everything, from the molecules in our bodies to the planets in the universe, is perpetually spinning. It reflects the cycle of life—from birth to death, youth to old age—continuously revolving in an eternal flow.
From Istanbul, take a flight to Cappadocia to explore the mysterious Derinkuyu Underground City. I highly recommend signing up for the Cappadocia Sunset Guided ATV-QUAD Tours to experience the thrill of driving through the desert. Notably, the Selime Monastery here served as a filming location for Star Wars, a testament to the area’s unique landscape.
For the night, consider booking a stay at a local cave hotel, where you can sleep within eco-friendly, naturally carved rock walls—absolutely cool and authentically Cappadocian.
Göreme in the Cappadocia region ranks among the world’s premier hot air balloon travel destinations, thanks to its excellent flying conditions and jaw-dropping views from above. The peak season for balloon trips spans from early April to the end of November.
To join this adventure, I had to rise at 5 AM as the balloon company picked me up from my hotel to head to the launch site. As the balloon ascended alongside the sun and the first rays of morning light danced on the whimsically shaped fairy chimneys, cheers erupted from everyone aboard, affirming that the early start was well worth it. Typically, you can sign up for a hot air balloon ride right at your hotel.
Stroll along the Roman Harbour in Antalya and visit Hadrian’s Gate, a marble monument built during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD) featuring three arches with exquisite carvings. I found a quaint café where I could enjoy the sea breeze and listen to local live music—a truly delightful experience.
After a relaxing break in Antalya, today we set out for a hike. The Lycian Way is a famous trekking route, stretching about 500 kilometers along the coast from Fethiye to Antalya. It’s renowned worldwide as a premier hiking path. Today, we’ll experience a segment of this trail, estimated to take about three hours of hiking.
Southern Turkey boasts a long and winding coastline, particularly near Fethiye, where the shores curl into a tranquil and serene bay. Our hiking path mostly encircles the beautiful coastline of Oludeniz, offering views of this stunning bay from various heights and perspectives.
Fethiye is most famous for its paragliding opportunities. The mountainous terrain paired with breathtaking scenery had me eager to feel what it’s like to soar through the skies. Admittedly, I’m quite afraid of heights, and it took a lot of mental preparation before the experience. However, as I ran and took off with my instructor, I felt no discomfort from weightlessness; instead, it was incredibly comfortable, like being a bird gliding through the air! I realized that paragliding descends very slowly, unlike the intimidating free-fall of skydiving—it’s perfect for someone like me, haha.
The prices here are also very reasonable, and you can easily find multiple local companies offering this experience.
Out of all the places in Turkey, I think the most beautiful one is Pamukkale, or the Cotton Castle. To enter the Pamukkale Thermal Pools, you must first walk barefoot for 250 meters to reach the upper platform. There, white, jade-like terraces stack upon each other. From a distance, they appear as large cotton puffs standing on the hills, with countless streams flowing gently through the crevices of the hillside. The warm steam envelops the area in a light, mystic fog. The spring water accumulates in the steps, creating serene, waveless pools—no wonder why it’s renowned as one of the world’s wonders!
Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my bikini, so I could only dip my feet in the pools, envying those who were prepared and could physically immerse themselves into the scenic water and blend into the beautiful landscape.
On the last day, I always recommend indulging in some shopping. Start with the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest bazaars in the world, boasting at least 58 covered streets and over 4,000 shops—its scale is truly immense. Another iconic spot is the Spice Bazaar, where the air is rich with the fragrances of exotic spices.
Additionally, Istanbul is known as the city of cats. Whether in back alleys or sprawling parks, cats are a common sight in every nook and cranny of Istanbul. Most of these cats don’t have definite “owners,” and locals are accustomed to their free-roaming presence. Interacting with them is a daily joy during your stay in Istanbul.
Before you leave, I also recommend treating yourself to a Turkish bath for relaxation. A Turkish bath involves sweating it out in a hot bathhouse, followed by a thorough rinse with warm or cold water to cleanse the skin, relax the muscles, and alleviate fatigue. It’s a perfect way to conclude your visit.
