Istanbul, Oludeniz, Cappadocia, Fethiye

Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey absolutely blew us away with its incredible diversity - from the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia to the turquoise waters of Oludeniz and the vibrant cultural melting pot of Istanbul. The combination of adventure activities, rich history, and amazing food made Turkey one of our absolute favorite destinations.

Top Highlights in Turkey

Hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys at sunrise

Paragliding from Babadag Mountain over Oludeniz's Blue Lagoon

Exploring underground cities and hiking through Ihlara Valley

Experiencing authentic Turkish hammam and oil massage

Discovering Istanbul's incredible food scene from fish sandwiches to baklava

Taking the ferry between Europe and Asia in Istanbul

Essential Travel Tips for Turkey

Turkish visa on arrival - 50€ each, cheaper than online, just a sticker in passport

Paragliding in Oludeniz - Wild Winds waited 2h for clouds to clear, worth it

Gozlemeci Sema in Oludeniz - only authentic place, try ravioli (takes hours to make)

Turkish hammam - do local experience for 1/5th price, soaping on marble slab hilarious

Fish sandwich cart near Karikoy ferry - get there when there's a line

Ayran yogurt drink is amazing - loving it with every meal

Suggested Turkey Itineraries

Cappadocia Magic

3 Days

Day 1: Arrival & Love Valley

Morning: Sunrise from hotel watching hot air balloons light up pre-sunrise
Day: Walk Uchisar to Goreme through Love Valley - 4km took 3h, got hot
Evening: Lunch at rooftop - delightful eggplant pastry with goats cheese and herbs

Day 2: Hot Air Balloon & Rose Valley

Pre-dawn: Hot air balloon flight - amazing across rose valley towards Goreme
Day: Rose & Red Valley walk 4h 10km - lots of houses and churches to explore
Evening: Sunset from Uchisar Castle, dinner at café overlooking castle

Day 3: Green Tour

Morning: Great breakfast feast, tour pickup
Day: Derinkuyu underground city, Ihlara Valley, Selime monastery
Evening: Real Turkish delight tasting, sunset wine bar in Goreme

Oludeniz Adventure

2 Days

Day 1: Blue Lagoon & Paragliding

Morning: Arrive Fethiye, bus to Oludeniz, gorgeous clear water beach
Afternoon: Paragliding from Babadag - waited 2h for clouds, flew through clouds
Evening: Gozlemeci Sema - ravioli with yogurt and spicy sauce, meatballs

Day 2: Deep Blue Boat Tour

Morning: Cold Water Bay with springs coming from rocks (5min = 1 year life)
Day: Saint Nicolas Island, Aquarium Bay, Butterfly Gorge waterfall hike
Evening: Blue Cave with great visibility, exhausted but amazing day

Istanbul Cultural Immersion

3 Days

Day 1: Historic Peninsula

Morning: Blue Mosque - so pretty! Sofia Mosque during prayer time
Afternoon: Sunset between mosques, busy touristy area with bright lights
Evening: Falafel Koy - great fatoush, Turkish tea and baklava

Day 2: Asian Side & Markets

Morning: Ferry to Kadikoy Asian side, coffee at Montag Roasters
Afternoon: Lahmacun and fresh ayran, walk through spice markets
Evening: Fish sandwich cart with line - great with soy sauce and spiced

Day 3: Hammam & Local Life

Morning: Run along channel, coffee at Amelie with painting coffee art
Afternoon: Local hammam experience - soaping on marble slab, oil massage
Evening: Sunset on north side of Galata Bridge with men fishing, so many birds