Turkey
Where East Meets West. Ancient Empires. Extraordinary Landscapes.
A country that has been at the crossroads of civilisation for millennia — where Byzantine domes rise alongside Ottoman minarets, and hot air balloons drift over valleys that look like another world entirely.
Planning your research? Read our Turkey travel guide →
Why Visit Turkey?
What makes Turkey unforgettable.
Two Continents, One Country
Turkey is the only country in the world that straddles two continents. Istanbul sits across the Bosphorus strait with one foot in Europe and one in Asia — a geographic fact that has shaped its entire history. For over a thousand years it was Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. For another four hundred it was Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Empire. That layered history is visible in every neighbourhood, every roofline, every museum.
Landscapes That Defy Expectation
Most travelers arrive expecting history and leave talking about the landscape. Cappadocia is like nowhere else on earth — a volcanic plateau where centuries of erosion have carved fairy chimneys, underground cities, and cave churches from soft rock, and where hot air balloons rise at dawn in numbers that make the sky look like a painting. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts offer turquoise water, ancient ruins at the water's edge, and a sailing culture that is one of the most pleasurable ways to travel anywhere.
Food That Deserves Its Reputation
Turkish cuisine is one of the world's great food traditions — and unlike some cuisines whose reputation has outpaced reality, it genuinely delivers. Breakfast alone — a spread of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggs, honey, clotted cream, and fresh bread — is an event. Kebabs in Turkey bear almost no resemblance to their Western adaptations. Meze culture is rich and varied. Baklava, Turkish delight, and künefe make the country one of the world's great destinations for those who travel partly to eat.
History at Every Turn
Turkey has been inhabited continuously for over 10,000 years. The sites reflect that depth: Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world; the underground cities of Cappadocia carved by early Christians; the Byzantine Hagia Sophia, which has been a cathedral, a mosque, and a museum and is currently a mosque with a dedicated tourist entrance; and Topkapi Palace, from which the Ottoman Empire ruled territories spanning three continents.
Must-Visit Places
Where to go in Turkey.
Istanbul
One of the world's truly great cities — ancient, layered, and entirely alive. The historic peninsula contains the Hagia Sophia (non-Muslim visitors access the upper gallery via a dedicated entrance for €25), the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar within walking distance of each other. Cross the Bosphorus by ferry and you are in Asia. Allow a minimum of three days.
Cappadocia
The volcanic landscape of central Anatolia has been sculpted into a terrain of cone-shaped rock formations, deep valleys, and cave dwellings. The Göreme Open Air Museum contains rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes. Underground cities at Derinkuyu descend eight storeys below the surface. The hot air balloon experience at dawn — floating over the valleys as the light changes — is one of the most extraordinary experiences in travel.
Ephesus
The best-preserved Roman city in the eastern Mediterranean. At its peak, Ephesus had a population of 250,000 and was the second largest city in the Roman Empire after Rome itself. The Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre seating 25,000, and the marble-paved commercial agora deserve a full day. Visit early morning before cruise ship tour groups arrive from Kuşadası.
The Turquoise Coast
The southwestern coastline from Bodrum through Fethiye, Kaş, and Antalya is one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful stretches of water. Ancient Lycian ruins sit directly above the sea. A traditional gulet sailing trip — the classic Blue Voyage — takes you to coves and ancient harbours accessible only by boat.
Experiences to Remember
What you'll love about Turkey.
Cappadocia Balloons
Rising before dawn to board a hot air balloon over the valleys of Cappadocia
Bosphorus Crossing
Crossing the Bosphorus by ferry as Istanbul's skyline recedes behind you
Ephesus at Dawn
Walking the marble streets of Ephesus as the morning light catches the Library of Celsus
Cave Hotel
Spending a night in a cave hotel carved into the Cappadocian rock
Blue Voyage
Sailing the Turquoise Coast on a traditional gulet between ancient Lycian harbours
Grand Bazaar
Sitting in the Grand Bazaar over a glass of tea, watching centuries of trade continue as it always has
Sample Journey
A week in Turkey.
Here's how ARTA might structure your Turkey experience — every itinerary is personalised to your interests.
- 1
Day 1–3: Istanbul
Hagia Sophia upper gallery, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus ferry, Beyoğlu neighbourhood.
- 2
Day 4: Cappadocia
Fly to Cappadocia — afternoon valley walk, sunset from Uçhisar Castle.
- 3
Day 5: Cappadocia
Hot air balloon at dawn, Göreme Open Air Museum, Derinkuyu underground city.
- 4
Day 6: Izmir
Fly to Izmir — coastal transfer, check in to Aegean hotel.
- 5
Day 7: Ephesus
Ephesus full day. Return to Istanbul for departure, or fly home from Izmir.
Why Travel with ARTA
Your Turkey journey, in expert hands.
Personalized Planning
Every journey is designed around your preferences, timeline, and budget — not a template.
Expert Local Knowledge
Our advisors have first-hand knowledge of every destination we serve.
Complete Arrangements
Flights, hotels, transfers, activities, and visas — handled end-to-end.
Support Throughout
We're available before, during, and after your trip. You're never on your own.