This time next week, I’ll be in Turkey exploring two completely different areas – the vibrant city of Istanbul and the bizarre cave-towns of Cappadocia.
Until about six months ago, it wasn’t a country I had thought about visiting. The turning point… a photo I saw on Instagram of Cappadocia with a sky filled with hot air balloons. It looked weird, wonderful and totally magical! I just HAD to go!
I’ve been busy putting together an itinerary to get the most out of my seven days away. Highlights include a foodie tour of Istanbul (I loved the one I did in Barcelona…), a hot air balloon trip in Cappadocia, a few nights in a cave hotel, a trip to see the ‘Fairy Chimneys’ and of course the key sights in Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Bosphorus.
I’d love to hear any recommendations you have – quirky restaurants, music, something you think shouldn’t be missed. Get in touch now, and watch this space for photos and blogs about my Turkish adventures!
I went to both of those places earlier this year and loved both, but especially the region of Cappadocia. Are you staying in Göreme? The name of the restaurants I ate at escape me, but they were so good. Definitely try the testi/ claypot kebab! I found the people of the town there super friendly.
Istanbul, I would also recommend visiting Rustem Pasha Mosque. It is a little awkward to find the entrance (it is up a flight of stairs from street level). When I visited, it was completely empty and the Rustem Pasha, is even “blue-r” than the Blue Mosque!
Thanks so much for the tips. I’ve just checked out your site and the pics of Goreme are incredible. I’m so excited to see it all for myself! I will stock up on kebabs and delicious food. I’m staying in Uschisar and Goreme. Hopefully our balloon ride will happen although I noticed there is rain forecast next week. Thanks again for commenting and reading my post 🙂
I absolutely love Turkey! I went last summer and like you, it was a country that hadn’t been on my radar. Istanbul is great, you should do a short cruise down the Bosphorus. It’s cool to see the sides of Europe and Asia at the same time. Didn’t get a chance to go to Cappadocia, but it’s on my bucket list. Have fun!
Hi Katy!
Thanks for your comment. Just on my way to the airport now. Very excited! Definitely going to try and take a cruise on the Bosphorus – looks really beautiful. Hoping to do a food tour too as I’ve heard amazing things! You should try to make it to Cappadocia another time. I think the weather isn’t great while I’m there but the landscape looks totally weird and wonderful!