Traveling Through Turkey

In this second half of my travel blog to Turkey, I’m happy to share the details of my travels that began in the bustling city of Istanbul, continued in the charming port town of Bodrum, took a detour for an 8-day cycling and boat adventure, and ended in Cappadocia. 

Let’s go! 

First stop, Instanbul

We began our trip with four nights in Istanbul, where we stayed at the Pera Palace Hotel,  an ancient hotel with a history of famous celebrity guests over the years. It was an AMAZING hotel and a bit of a splurge, but well worth the money for the experience. We couldn’t have asked for a better hotel location; it was a perfect base to walk throughout the city and visit the famous mosques and see a wide variety of tourist attractions. For walking tours like these, I always recommend hiring local guides to learn about the history and get the true flavor of an area. 

We loved the food in Istanbul, especially a standout dinner at Mikla, a Michelin-rated restaurant with a pre-fixed menu.  The food was incredible and exquisitely presented and the views of Istanbul at sunset were stunning. 

Our time in Istanbul included visits to:

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya):  This stunning architectural marvel was originally a Byzantine cathedral, then an Ottoman Mosque, and today is a mosque and museum. It’s famous for its massive dome, mosaics, and blend of Christian and Islamic elements.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is known for its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles inside. Be sure to dress modestly and avoid visiting during prayer times, as it still functions as a mosque. 

Topkapi Palace was the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Be sure to visit the Harem, the Imperial Treasury, and the views of the Bosphorus.

Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water reservoir with majestic columns and eerie lighting. Look for the Medusa heads at the base of two columns.

We had a blast visiting markets and shopping for treasures. 

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops. It’s a great spot for jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and souvenirs.

Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) is a fragrant and colorful market specializing in spices, dried fruits, teas, and sweets. And don’t miss a delicious restaurant called “Pandeli” for lunch.

Galata Tower is in the charming Galata neighborhood and is full of cafes and shops. Plus, it’s a great stop for panoramic views of the city and Bosphorus River.

In addition, be sure to book a Bosphorus Cruise. This scenic boat ride offers views of Istanbul’s skyline, palaces, and bridges. You can opt for short tours or romantic dinner cruises. 

Dolmabahçe Palace is a lavish 19th-century palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus.

After sightseeing and shopping, it was time for rest, relaxation, and local traditions. 

When in Turkey… relaxation is found at a Turkish hammam. We visited one in our hotel but noticed multiple hammams throughout the city. What happens at a hammam? The experience begins with a body scrub using a loofah, followed by the most amazing bubble treatment, and finally, the skin is re-hydrated with an oil massage. A must! 

Before I wrap up the Istanbul part of our trip, I need to tell you about the Hodjapasha Whirling Dervish Show, a UNESCO-recognized ritual that takes place in the Hodjapasha Cultural Center, a beautifully restored 15th-century Ottoman bathhouse in the Sirkeci District. The incredible experience gave us a glimpse into spiritual traditions of Sufism, including a Sema Ceremony, which is a sacred ritual performed by the Mevlevi Order and inspired by the teachings of the 13th-century poet and mystic Rumi. During the ceremony, dervishes (i.e. members of the Sufi Muslim fraternity) take part in a meditative dance, and spin gracefully. The dance is meant to symbolize the soul’s journey towards divine love and unity. The performance, accompanied by traditional Sufi music, made for a serene and incredibly calming experience.

Instanbul…. to Bodrum

After Istanbul, we headed to Bodrum, a port town located on the Aegean Coast of Turkey. Bodrum was the starting point of our bike and boat trip, but we first spent two nights at a quaint, family-run hotel called El Vino. The rooms were beautifully decorated and adorned with Turkish carpets, and we’re still talking about the delicious breakfast of fresh figs, yogurt, honey, eggs, fruit and other delights that was included with our room. 

Bodrum … to Our Ship, The Boreas for Cycling & Boating

After our stay at El Vino, we boarded a gullet ship called the Boreas and set out on an 8-day adventure of cycling and boating. Our group consisted of 23 people who were a mix of e-bikers and road bikers. We rode along the coastline all day, stopping for swim breaks and lunch along the way, always enjoying the amazing coastal views. Our daily mileage was between 30-50 miles, and by the time we met the boat at the end of each day, we were ready for the delicious Mediterranean-style meal on board. We loved our meals on the boat and appreciated the fact that all food on the boat was included in our tour.

Back on Solid Ground in Cappadocia 

After our week-long boat trip, we flew to Cappadocia for the last three days of our trip. The historic city was the perfect spot to wrap up an amazing trip. Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia is a surreal, otherworldly region best known for its fairy-tale landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and iconic hot air balloon rides. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure—making it one of Turkey’s top travel destinations. 

Here we learned that one way to appreciate the beauty of the area is from above, and in Cappadocia, the best seat in the house is a hot air balloon.  It’s easy to see why it’s one of the world’s best places for ballooning. Dozens of colorful balloons rise over the valleys at sunrise, offering breathtaking panoramic views. 

Visitors to Cappadocia will also tell you about the area’s unique geology. The surreal landscape includes Love Valley and its phallic-shaped rocks, Rose Valley with pink-hued rock formations, and Devrent Valley where the rocks resemble animals. 

And finally, Cappadocia is full of historical areas like the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO-listed site with Byzantine churches carved into rock and filled with ancient frescoes. The Kaymakli & Derinkuyu Underground Cities offer a glimpse at the multi-level cities used by early Christians to hide from invaders. And go back even further with a look at the many cave dwellings & pigeon houses throughout that were carved into the soft tufa rock over centuries.

My trip to Turkey reminded me of the magic of travel - it’s amazing how one journey can open your eyes to so many layers of culture, history, and human connection… and show you just how much beauty is out there waiting to be discovered through travel. 

Perhaps this is your call to plan your next trip. 

Wherever that trip may be, please travel safely and remember…

It’s a sunny life. Wear your hat!