10 Days Exploring Turkey’s History, Culture, and Cuisine

Arriving in Istanbul is an experience in itself—the city’s energy is palpable the moment you land. Our group was met at the airport and transferred into the heart of the city. The drive to the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus offered glimpses of the Bosphorus Strait and the city’s iconic skyline. After settling into our rooms, we gathered for dinner at Murver Restaurant. The rooftop setting was the perfect introduction to Istanbul, with panoramic views and a menu that celebrated the best of Turkish cuisine. It was a relaxed evening, giving us time to shake off the jet lag and anticipate the adventures ahead.

We started our day by skipping the hotel breakfast—on purpose. Instead, we dove straight into Istanbul’s culinary scene with a guided walk that took us from the European side’s Karaköy neighborhood to the bustling markets of Kadıköy on the Asian side. Along the way, we sampled borek, a savory phyllo dough breakfast item, a spicy skillet-cooked fish, tavuk göğsü—a sweet milk pudding made with very finely shredded chicken breast and so much more. Crossing the Bosphorus by ferry, we felt the city’s unique position between continents. That evening, we dined at Gallada Restaurant, located inside the iconic Peninsula Hotel, where the Silk Road-inspired menu and Bosphorus views made for a memorable meal. After dinner, we capped off the night with craft cocktails and panoramic city views at Mikla, the rooftop bar atop The Marmara Pera Hotel.

Our third day was dedicated to Istanbul’s historic heart. With our guide leading the way, we explored the architectural wonders of Sultanahmet—Hagia Sophia’s mosaics, the serene beauty of the Blue Mosque, the mysterious columns of the Underground Cistern, and the ancient Hippodrome. In the evening, we set out on a private cruise along the Bosphorus. Seeing Istanbul from the water, with its palaces and mosques lining the shore, gave us a new perspective on the city’s history and daily life. We ended the day with dinner at Tershane Karakoy, savoring modern Turkish flavors in a relaxed setting.

Our last morning in Istanbul was one of the most memorable. We joined a private guide for an insider’s tour of the Grand Bazaar, not just weaving through its labyrinth of shops and artisan stalls, but walking on the rooftop itself—a vantage point few visitors ever experience. Standing above the city, we took in sweeping views and gained a new appreciation for Istanbul’s scale and history. Later, we headed to the airport for a short flight to Denizli. From there, we drove through the countryside to Pamukkale, a region famous for its gleaming white travertine terraces and ancient ruins. Arriving in Pamukkale, we settled in and prepared for the next chapter of our journey.

Pamukkale greeted us with its surreal landscape—white mineral terraces cascading down the hillside, and the ancient city of Hierapolis perched above. We spent the morning exploring these natural and historical wonders, learning about the sacred hot springs and the stories behind the ruins. After soaking in the views (and the thermal waters), we continued on to Sirince, a charming hillside village known for its cobbled streets and fruit wines. We checked into Gullu Konaklari, a quaint and welcoming inn that felt like a hidden gem. The pace slowed here, and we enjoyed a quiet evening wandering the village and sampling local flavors.

The day began with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site nestled in the hills above Ephesus. After some time for reflection, we headed down to explore Ephesus itself—one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities. Walking the marble streets, we marveled at the Library of Celsus, the grand theater, and the intricate Terrace Houses. In the afternoon, we caught a flight from Izmir to Kayseri, arriving in Cappadocia as the sun began to set. Our home for the next few nights was Argos in Cappadocia, a stunning cave hotel with panoramic views and a warm welcome.

We started the day by cooking alongside a local family, learning to make comforting lentil soup and stuffed eggplant—classic Turkish dishes that brought us closer to the region’s traditions. In the afternoon, we visited Gulor Winery for a private tasting, sampling regional wines in a cave setting. Dinner that evening was at Seki Restaurant, located at Argos in Cappadocia, where the menu highlights contemporary Anatolian cuisine with fresh, local ingredients and creative presentations. It was the perfect end to a day full of flavor and discovery.

We started the day with a hike through Rose Valley, winding past dramatic rock formations and ancient cave churches, soaking in the quiet beauty of Cappadocia’s landscape. Afterward, we visited a local ceramics workshop, where we watched artisans shape clay and learned about the centuries-old techniques that make Cappadocian pottery so distinctive. Lunch was a private picnic in Wish Valley—an incredibly scenic spot surrounded by natural rock formations and sweeping views. In the afternoon, we explored the Kaymakli Underground City, descending into the labyrinth of tunnels and rooms that once sheltered entire communities. For dinner, we returned to Argos and dined at Nahita, where the menu features more international cuisine, offering a fresh take on global flavors in a beautiful setting.

Cappadocia’s magic is best experienced at sunrise, and we woke early for a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys and valleys. Floating above the landscape as the sun rose was unforgettable. After breakfast, we said goodbye to Cappadocia and flew from Nevsehir back to Istanbul for our final night. We checked into the Burdock Hotel, a modern property in the lively Karaköy district. That evening, we enjoyed dinner at the hotel, reflecting on the journey and savoring our last night in Turkey.

On our final morning, we experienced a traditional Turkish bath at the historic Cağaloğlu Hammam—a ritual of steam, scrub, and massage that was the perfect way to unwind before our flight home. Relaxed and refreshed, we departed for the airport, carrying with us memories of ancient wonders, vibrant markets, and the warmth of Turkish hospitality—a journey that truly crossed cultures and continents.