WHY TURKEY: At the crossroads of history, you will find Turkey, a vibrant blend of East and West where ancient history meets modern culture. Cultures, continents, and religions have intersected in this beautiful country for millennia. Turkey has been home to diverse faiths—Islam, Christianity, Judaism—and empires like the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have left their spiritual and architectural imprints. The Hagia Sophia, for example, beautifully embodies this blend, having served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum. From bustling bazaars to fairy-tale landscapes, and from exotic sights to seriously wonderful food, Turkey offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
WHEN TO GO: The best times to visit Turkey are in the spring, from April to June, and in autumn, from September to October, where you will find nice weather and smaller crowds.
THINGS TO DO: Explore magnificent mosques like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, admire Ottoman architecture, dive into the lively maze of shops selling spices, textiles, and handcrafted jewelry, sail between Europe and Asia on the lively Bosphorus, indulge in a nice scrubbing at a famous Turkish Bath (I highly recommend the Suleymaniye Hamami), soar in a hot air balloon and hike the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and head to the Aegean coast and the vibrant city of Bodrum to enjoy beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and historic castles!
SPECIAL TIPS: Haggling is practically a national sport in Turkey. Try your skills at the Grand Bazaar – in a very polite way, of course. Cover your head, shoulders, and knees when you visit a mosque. Sip Turkish tea, and don’t count calories when you enjoy Turkey’s famous baklava. Visit Cappadocia for 2-3 days in hopes that you’ll find a perfect day to go hot air ballooning!
BRING HOME: Turkey’s handicrafts are beautifully and intricately made. Turkish specialties are handwoven rugs and kilims, linens and textiles, Iznik ceramics, fresh spices and teas, and high-quality leather goods, all of which are wonderful artisan-made goodies to bring home.
To start planning your visit to Turkey, or anywhere else in the world, reach out or call 404-550-0069. Let’s start the conversation!
Until next time, happy travels!
Travelista Alli 