The Ultimate Turkish Adventure

Istanbul is a sprawling city of 15+ million people that contains two continents and a wealth of history. From the Byzantines to the Ottoman Empire to the modern Turkish Republic, Istanbul has seen the churn of history throughout the centuries, and the remains of all these eras live alongside the ever-changing face of contemporary Turkey. The Hagia Sophia, formerly a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, and a Republic-era museum, before reverting recently to a mosque, is Istanbul’s most significant site, located in the heart of Sultanahmet. The hip districts of Beyoglu, Besiktas, and Kadikoy overflow with restaurants and cafes, and the central boulevard Istiklal Caddesi serves as the main artery for shopping, food, and nightlife in this buzzing city.

Of Turkey’s three biggest cities, Izmir is the most relaxed, free from the politics of Ankara and the cultural vanguard of Istanbul. Instead, Izmir is a city that fits in comfortably to its Aegean locale. Known as Smyrna from the classical antiquity era until about 1930, Izmir brims with the history of the empires, settlements, and people who have passed through, while remaining a vibrant and ever-changing modern metropolis. Enjoy fresh Aegean cuisine at Izmir’s outdoor restaurants, where local olive oil, fresh herbs, and grilled fish are the stars of the show, and wanted around the market district at Kemeralti to haggle like a local.

Bodrum is one of the most popular seaside destinations on the Turkish Riviera, where sunbathers and yachts share space along the turquoise coastline. Ruled over the centuries by the Greeks, Romans, Persians, Crusaders, and Ottomans, among others, history is still visible throughout the Bodrum peninsula, including at the well-preserved Theater of Halicarnassus and the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the wonders of the ancient world. And yet, Bodrum is a thoroughly modern city, where the glitterati of Istanbul are as likely to be spotted as international beach lovers. With this kind of coastline, there is something here for everyone who loves the sea.

While Fethiye is often just the departure point for travelers on their way off to explore the region, the city has a charm in its own right. With abundant sunshine, blooming bougainvillea, and easy access to the sea, Fethiye is a lovely place to stop if you want to experience the Turkish coast while still surrounded by the convenience of a major city. History, nature, and sea are all easily accessible from Fethiye, with constant bus connections and car transfers available. A diverse dining scene caters to the diverse clientele that passes through the city, and the Fethiye Museum collects artifacts that have been uncovered in the region.

Antalya is a popular destination and s a hub for all sorts of travelers and home of one of the main airports in the Mediterranean region. The city has a reputation for being laid-back and easy to navigate, with its compact old city containing most of the sites of historic interest and a tram line that stretches down a palm tree-lined street around the city. Traces of Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Seljuk empires still are visible in the ruins scattered throughout the city, all mashed together with the distinct look of modern Turkey. The Roman-era Hadrian’s Gate is the most prominent ruin, serving as an entryway to the old city.

The contrast between Konya’s quite conservative population and its embrace of the culture of Rumi, complete with poetry and dancing, makes the city endlessly fascinating. Jeladdin Rumi, also known as the Mevlana, ended his journey in Konya, and the museum-tomb where he is laid to rest is Konya’s most prominent landmark and most popular spot to visit. The Seljuks, Byzantines, and Ottomans left the most prominent traces on the city, but Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Romans, and others have all passed through in Konya’s long history. Today, it is a modern Turkish city that celebrates its past while existing fully in the present moment.

With a name drawn from the region’s ancient Christian history, Cappadocia combines stunning natural landscapes with a complex and still-visible history. Cave churches throughout the region boast still-colorful frescos and a shady respite from the Cappadocia sunshine. In Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, underground cities twist and turn in a knot of hidden hallways, preserved throughout hundreds of years. Above ground, the volcanic landscape seems to change every few miles, curling into stunning new rock formations and undulating hillsides around every turn. This is a perfect place to be in nature, with the quiet sounds of birdsong and wind filling the big open sky.