With stunning beaches and seaside resorts, steep mountains and a rich history and culture, this colourful destination will delight visitors in every way. Come and explore Turkey with us as we discover what’s in store for visitors to this country between Europe and Asia.
What to see in Turkey
Turkey is dotted with archaeological sites, cities decorated with beautiful Byzantine mosaics and covered bazaars where locals shop and trade. The sophisticated cultural diversity and radiant natural beauty make Turkey a place to explore and revisit.
Istanbul
Istanbul is Turkey’s most well-known city, though it’s not the capital (that’s Ankara), and it’s often the first destination on a tour of Turkey. Allow a full day to explore this vibrant city which boasts ancient monuments, beautiful palaces, and mosques.
Istanbul has been the focal point of several ancient empires, and the city has a thrilling and turbulent history. Landmarks like the Blue Mosque stand tall alongside modern skyscrapers and malls. At the heart of Istanbul, Sultanahmet Square has the remnants of an ancient Hippodrome.
Hagia Sophia’s interior, Istanbul, Turkey by Dennis Bunnik
Cruising the Bosphorus Strait is a leisurely way to connect the sites along the European and Asian shores, from the Maiden’s Tower, a lighthouse on a tiny islet that’s the source of romantic legends to Dolmabahce Palace, a European-style Baroque monument with gold-leaf embellished ceilings and the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier.
Istanbul is a place to treasure time spent exploring both the modern city and the ancient remaining cultures that have left lasting imprints on the shape and culture of Turkey.
Kas
Kas, Turkey by AdobeStock
Kas is a seaside town on the turquoise coast of Turkey, a place where old meets new, where ancient structures stand alongside modern buildings. This popular destination is also a working town where fishing is the primary economic activity.
Beach clubs line the coast, with sun lounges reclining on over-water decks — the ideal place to rest and enjoy the afternoon sun (and yes, sip a frozen margarita).
For those seeking more action, a kayaking trip or Jeep safari is a great way to see the area.
A day trip from Kas on a boat to Kekova Island to see the remains of the ancient city of Dolikisthe which has been submerged underwater since an earthquake in 2 AD is a relaxing way to pass the time. Be sure to pack swimmers to enjoy the glittering Mediterranean!
Kusadasi
Ephesus, Turkey by Sacha Bunnik
Not far from Kas is Kusadasi, a beachside town with an average of 300 days of sunshine every year. The beaches are diverse, from ‘Ladies Beach’, which was once for women-only, to Gold Beach which is grass-lined, manicured and peaceful.
Explore the town to discover shops and galleries, or venture outdoors to the local caves and beaches. There are numerous places to eat, catering to international flavours, with bars and restaurants on the coast providing views of the ocean. Explore the Kusadasi markets before leaving to pick up a memento of the trip.
A day trip from Kusadasi takes visitors to the Roman ruins of Ephesus, the ancient art hub of Aphrodisias where the renowned sculpture school of Aphrodisias was once located. Next on the journey is the largest stadium of the classic world, which once held gladiator competitions, athletics and circuses.
Cappadocia
Zelve Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey by Dennis Bunnik
In the south of Turkey, Cappadocia is near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock formations of the Goreme Valley, often called ‘fairy chimneys’. The unique natural landscape includes the Ihlara Valley, a 14-kilometre canyon formed by the Melediz River, where thousands of dwellings and cave churches line the rock walls.
In the Zelve Valley visitors can wander through the ancient dwellings and churches carved into rock or ride in a hot air balloon above the fertile valleys to view the exquisite natural beauty below.
How to get around Turkey
The key to exploring Turkey is to choose the key things to visit, and then pick the best travel option between each location that provides the optimal balance of relaxation, speed and incidental sightseeing.
Travelling in Turkey by plane between major cities is a quick and affordable way to get from A to B, saving time that is best spent exploring the destination. Along the coast, travel by boat is peaceful, and relaxing, enabling visitors to enjoy the ambience of the ocean, whilst benefiting from fortuitous sights and sounds along the journey.
Overland travel in a bus (with air conditioning, of course) is also a great way to see the scenery outside, especially with a local guide who can tell stories that bring the landscapes to life.
How to get to Turkey
Most visitors fly into Turkey, with international flights landing in Istanbul. Cruise ships often stop at Turkey’s ports, thanks to the close proximity of the Greek Islands, and ferries run from Greece to Turkey, allowing Europeans to bring their own car.
Overnight bus services run between Turkey and Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Bulgaria, the Netherlands and Greece, and trains also connect some of Europe’s major cities with Turkey.
Unique experiences in Turkey
Turkey has been a hub of culture, travel and art. The close proximity to Europe and the multiple empires that once ruled means there’s no shortage of exciting and unique experiences to seek out. Here are a few that are included with our small group tour, providing a boutique itinerary for our travel guests.
High Tea at the Pera Palace Hotel
For anyone who has read Agatha Christie’s ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ or watched Alfred Hitchcock’s films, a visit to the Pera Palace Hotel is a must. Built in 1892 at the terminus of the Orient Express, this famous hotel now serves a delightful high tea in the afternoons between three and six pm.
The red velvet, gilt-edged salon hints at the grandeur of the golden age of travel. French pastries are served on Christofle silver, accompanied by the music of a Schiedmayer grand piano — a refined experience indeed.
Cruise the Mediterranean Sea
The sparkling Mediterranean Sea is irresistible — relax on board the ship, enjoy the sunshine and sail near the sunken city of Simena, buried below the waves in an earthquake many centuries ago.
Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey by @PeraPalaceHotel
Honour the ANZACs at Gallipoli
Turkey is where key World War I battles took place, including the Battle of Gallipoli, the subject of films, and stories of sacrifice that shaped the Australian national identity. A specialist guide expands on the history here as visitors explore ANZAC Cove, the Lone Pine, Johnston’s Jolly and the Chunuk Bair Memorials.
Sleep in a cave hotel in the heart of Cappadocia
The luxurious cave rooms in Cappadocia’s hotels offer the comfort and embrace of the surrounding earth. Carved into the stone, no two rooms are alike, with quirky layouts and winding cobblestone hallways.
Gallipoli, Turkey by Dennis Bunnik
Turkish phrases
When travelling abroad, learning about the local language is part of appreciating the culture — plus it provides a way to connect with local people. Whether greeting a stranger, hailing a taxi or attempting to describe an experience, a few Turkish phrases can go a long way.
Turkish is a beautiful language with some descriptive adjectives that are unforgettable. For example, the word “yakamoz”, means “shimmering beautiful moonlight as it reflects on water”.
Here are a few of the phrases that might aid conversation in Turkey:
- Merhaba — Hello
- Nasilsiniz? — How are you?
- Taksi nereden bulabilirim — Where can I find a taxi?
- Neönerirsiniz? — What do you recommend?
- Güle güle — go with a smile on your face (goodbye)
What are Turkish foods?
Turkey is famous for its coffee and sweet delicacies like baklava and Turkish delight. Savoury foods are sometimes compared to Greek fare, using olive oil, yoghurt and herbs, but Turkish cuisine is a little spicier with red pepper and cumin, whereas Greek foods favour oregano and mint.
Here are a few favourite dishes for sharing and tasting during a journey through Turkey. Be inspired to explore the gastronomic variety Turkey has to offer an epicurious traveller.
Cooking lunch in Fahriye, Turkey by Dennis Bunnik
Mezze
Perhaps Turkey’s most famous food, mezze includes small plates with babaganoush, tabouleh, falafel and other tasty dishes. Mezze is ideal for sharing amongst a small group and allows each guest to taste every different flavour combination. Fresh ingredients and a mixed cultural heritage inform the diverse colours and flavours of stuffed vegetables, cheese, dips, salads and more.
Manti (Turkish dumplings)
Turkish dumplings are small, ravioli-like dumplings filled with minced meat, onions and spices, boiled and served with a garlicky yoghurt sauce, melted butter and dried mint. This labour-intensive meal showcases the chef’s dedicated attention to detail.
Etli ekmek (bread with meat)
Translating to ‘bread with meat’, Etli ekmek is a delicious, pizza-like food that originates in the city of Konya. The thin, flat crisp bread is made by a skilled chef using flour, sugar, salt, yeast and oil, then topped with ground beef, finely chopped onions, tomatoes and peppers.
Some versions add cheese before baking, and once baked, the dish is golden-brown. Enjoy this pizza-like treat with a glass of local wine or refreshing ayran (a salty yoghurt drink).
Gozleme
A practical ‘pocket dish’, gozleme is a savoury Turkish stuffed turnover made with unleavened dough, brushed with butter or oil and filled with savoury fillings like spinach and feta, lamb, or spicy potato. This street food is sometimes eaten for breakfast or as an on-the-go snack.
Doner kebab
Meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in a flatbread with salads.
Ekmek kadayifi
This delicious dessert is made of dehydrated bread and served with rich Turkish cream.
Raki
Raki is the national drink of Turkey. It’s made with twice-distilled grapes and flavoured with aniseed, served in a special glass filled just below halfway and topped up with water and ice.
Why visit Turkey?
Turkey is brimming with cultural experiences, historical sites and a blend of European and Asian narratives that inform the rich heritage. Discover the history, stories and legends of the countryside, simply relax on the coast and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, or visit the many mosques and temples that honour a mix of religions.
A trip to Turkey reveals how many different cultures have merged, blended and coexisted for centuries. There’s also amazing natural beauty along the coast, the cave and rock formations and thermal pools. Back in the cities and towns, travellers can immerse themselves in the dance, art, music and cuisine, enjoying the legendary hospitality of locals.
See architectural marvels, taste exquisite food and delight in tranquil vistas in Turkey with a small group tour
The natural wonders and majestic ancient marvels of Turkey await — there’s never been a better time to explore this delightful destination. Take the trouble out of travel with a small group tour, with an itinerary that includes the key highlights of the country as well as unique experiences that connect travellers with the local people and culture.
It’s time to create memories that will last a lifetime — choose to explore Turkey in depth or opt for a luxurious trip that features a visit to a boutique winery and so much more. Our expert local guides will make the journey unforgettable!
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-see historical sites and attractions in Turkey?
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia are all must-see attractions in Turkey. Pamukkale’s terraces and the historic region of Troy also provide insight into Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.
What is traditional Turkish food?
Popular dishes in Turkey include doner kebab, lufer (blue fish, mezze, dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice) and menemen (scrambled eggs). Breakfast often consists of cheese, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, jam, honey, fruit, sausage and Turkish tea.
What is the nicest part of Turkey to visit?
Kas and Kusadasi offer a coastal holiday vibe, with submerged ancient ruins to explore, an opportunity to swim, snorkel or scuba dive, and the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coast near the border of Asia and Europe.
What is the best way to explore Turkey?
Travelling with a small group, where flights and overland connections are arranged in advance, allows visitors to maximise the opportunity to make lasting connections, create memories and bask in the purity of the travel experience in Turkey’s cities and towns.