Turkey is a land that has served as a significant crossroads for many civilizations throughout history, and from the Silk Road to the prosperous Grand Bazaar.
It is a country with diverse geography. It offers a unique blend of snowy mountains, beaches, deep valleys, ancient sites, natural wonders, and rich history one must explore. The western side of Turkey, including the Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean regions, is perfect for a relaxing beach with warm waters, and there are ancient and cultural sites in each inch. On the other hand, the country's eastern side, including the Anatolia and Black Sea regions, is wild and distinctive, offering many amazing experiences that are unique to this area.
As a result, Turkey is still one of the world's top tourist destinations, with its stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and strong government support for tourism. Dozens of special interest trips are possible in Turkey, depending on your interests and passions. Here's how to include them in your itinerary:
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Turkey's diverse geography offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities in the country.
Blue Voyage Yacht Cruise
Did you notice Turkey is a large peninsula surrounded by three seas: the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean Sea? So, believe us when we say the cruise industry is huge in Turkey! Moreover, cruising by a private yacht in Turkey is surprisingly affordable.
Popular cruise destinations include Istanbul's Marmara Sea and the coastal cities of Bodrum, Çeşme, Kaş, and Antalya along the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
Bicycling
A number of growing bicycling routes have been added to the country's rich list of special interest trips. Today, cross-country cycling is possible and growing in popularity. Mountain biking is already big!
Hiking & Trekking
Hiking, trekking, and exploring are some of the activities to try here, with many cultural routes in the country, it is possible to combine your hike with natural wonders and cultural sites. From short country walks in Cappadocia to 500-km (310-mile) treks in the Mediterranean region, there are many hiking routes to choose from.
Hot Air Ballooning
With fairy chimneys, beautiful landscapes, and mysterious underground cities, biblical Cappadocia may be the best, most visually striking place in the world for a hot-air balloon flight. Your sunrise flight will be an unforgettable experience.
Horseback Riding and Safari
Turkey's most stunning region, Cappadocia, has some of the most unique valleys, such as Göreme National Park, Kızılırmak Vadisi, and Ihlara Vadisi. Perfect for horseback riding, hiking, and ATV/Jeep Safari.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is among the other popular outdoor activities in Turkey. In fact, scuba diving in Turkey is so popular that most resorts have certified teachers ready to help you on your journey toward the bottom of the sea.
Skiing
Turkey is not just a summer destination. You can also have a great winter holiday by visiting the snowy mountains of the country. With all those mountains, Turkey has some great ski resorts, even a few with crisp, deep, dry powder.
Windsurfing
The Aegean coast offers great windsurfing conditions in the warm months, and several coastal towns stand out for their excellent conditions and facilities, such as Çeşme, Çanakkale, and Gökçeada.
Cultural and Historical Experiences
Asia Minor has been home to Turks for more than 700 years, from the Ottoman Empire to the modern Turkish Republic. This multicultural society has resulted in a rich blend of civilizations and a diverse range of cultural experiences. You can now explore this fascinating history and culture through cultural trips.
Belly Dancing
Belly dance is a type of dance commonly known as Oryantal Dans in Turkey. This dance style has been influenced by the Roma people, who have a strong presence in the country.
Cuisine/Turkish Cooking
An agriculturally rich country surrounded by seas sounds like joy in the kitchen. You bet! Learn how to cook alaturka! Turkish cuisine has finally been recognized as one of the world's best. Want to learn how it's done? Check out cooking classes in Turkey.
Eastern Turkey Expedition
Eastern Turkey offers visitors breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins, unique architecture, and a glimpse into the past. The eastern region demands a trip of its own.
Explore the Historical Sites
Turkey has been home to many civilizations throughout the years, such as the Lycians, Greeks, Hittites, Romans, Byzantine Empire, Ottomans, and more! As a result, there is an abundance of cultures and historic sites to explore in the city. Even two of the Seven Wonders of the World are located in Turkey!
Jewish Interest Sites
Jewish people have also lived here for over 2000 years, and they have a number of historical sites. In Turkey, you can search for your roots in a community that has been here since Roman times.
Music
Traditional Turkish music, with its "flat" quarter tones and unfamiliar modes, may seem exotic at first, but there's a whole world of wonderful music waiting to be discovered if you give it a chance.
Relaxation and Health
Turkey is not only a natural haven for exploration and cultural experiences, but also a place to relax and unwind after a long year.
Beaches
Turkey's western side is located between the pristine Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Turkey has hundreds of kilometers of warm-sand beaches. There are over 500 hundred blue-flag beaches you can visit for a relaxing day. Cities such as Bodrum, Çeşme, Antalya, Kaş, and Fethiye are among the most popular options. Here are the ten best!
Hamam (Turkish Bath)
You've probably heard about Turkish Hammams before, which are traditional bathhouses where visitors move from cold to hot rooms and receive massages and washes from bathhouse attendants. Have you experienced it? You'll love it! (See also Spa Resorts.)
Medical Tourism
Turkey is a well-known destination for medical tourism, offering quality treatments at affordable prices. Whether you require dental treatment, plastic surgery, or a hair transplant, Turkey is here to help you regain your health.
Spa Resorts
Turkey is volcanic, which means there's lots of hot mineral water bursting from the earth. Many of these thermal spa resorts have been popular since Roman times.
Professional and Long-Term Stays
Turkish Language Learning
The Turkish language is logical, sensible, and fun. Also, around 100 million people speak it! You can learn Turkish by watching dramas or movies or by studying at a language school with native speakers.
Working in Turkey
Want to stay longer than just a vacation? Consider working in Turkey as a viable option. Teaching English is what many people do on their first job in Turkey. However, there are lots of other things to do, and you just need the right visa and permits.
Unique Experiences
Children
Traveling in Turkey with children, whether infants, toddlers, or teenagers, is not difficult. Turks love kids!
Handicapped Travel
Turkey has made great strides in accommodating handicapped travelers who have mobility and other challenges and those who use wheelchairs. However, there is still much to be done.
Honeymoons
You might be surprised to know that one of history's most famous couples, Mark Antony and Cleopatra, met in Turkey. Turkey is a stunning country where luxurious holidays meet affordable prices. With its serene atmosphere, many people choose to spend their honeymoons here in peace. Even our founder, Tom Brosnahan, and his wife decided to go to Turkey for their honeymoon. Why don't you do the same?
Shopping
Turkey's ancient bazaars are among the popular historical sites, but did you know people also come here to shop for quality garments at affordable prices? In fact, All of Turkey is one huge Grand Bazaar, which may well be where the "shopping mall" was invented!
Weddings in Turkey
Talk about a unique setting for your wedding! Turkey offers beautiful wedding venues such as beaches, resorts, yachts, restaurants, cafes, castles, palaces, and hotels. Lots to choose from and helpful people to set it all up, including your honeymoon. We have info on legal requirements as well.
—by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Can Turan
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