Turkey
Istanbul straddling two continents, and Cappadocia's hot-air-balloon-covered valleys a short flight away
Turkey pairs Istanbul — genuinely one of the world's great cities, layered with Byzantine and Ottoman history and split by the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia — with Cappadocia's surreal volcanic-rock landscape, best known for its sunrise hot-air-balloon flights over fairy-chimney rock formations. Between the two, and the Aegean/Mediterranean coast beyond, it's a country that rewards more than a single city stop.
Best time to visit
April–May and September–October (mild weather across most of the country, good conditions for Cappadocia ballooning)
Getting there
Istanbul Airport (IST) — one of the world's busiest hubs, with direct flights from nearly everywhere; domestic flights connect to Cappadocia's Kayseri or Nevşehir airports
Highlights
- —Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Istanbul
- —Hot-air ballooning over Cappadocia at sunrise
- —The Grand Bazaar and Bosphorus ferry
- —Pamukkale's white travertine terraces
- —Ephesus's ancient ruins
The Turkey guide, section by section
Pick a topic below — each page covers real prices, current rules and practical logistics.
