The Fun Side of Turkey (with a Samos Getaway)

Getting to Istanbul’s city center

Istanbul Airport is about 40 kilometers from the city center (about an hour by car). Booking your transfer in advance is strongly recommended, as airport counters and taxis can be 20 percent more expensive. Pre-arranged transfers ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival.

Where to stay

Sultanahmet is a great option if it’s your first time in Istanbul. A guided walking tour (about three hours) through its iconic buildings and streets will give you a first overview and valuable tips on what you’ll want to explore in depth. Don’t rush to visit landmarks such as Hagia Sophia right away—take time to discover the city’s vibe first. You may be pleasantly surprised, and you’ll still have plenty of time to see the famous spots later.

Afternoon plan

Enjoy a three-hour Bosphorus cruise. Book one that starts around 3 pm to catch the sunset. By the end of your first day, you’ll already have a great sense of Istanbul, helping you make the most of the days ahead.

Don’t worry—you’ll return to Istanbul at the end of your trip with plenty of time to explore. For now, check into a cave hotel with a terrace where you can enjoy breakfast while watching hot air balloons rise at sunrise. My favorite pick is Design Cave Hotel, which even has lavender fields—perfect for unforgettable Instagram photos.

In the afternoon, head to a hidden sunset spot: Artemis Cave Rooftop. Sip raki cocktails, taste Turkish delights, and soak in the romance with live music as the sun sets over Cappadocia.

Start your day with Cappadocia’s most iconic experience—a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Keep in mind, flights can be canceled at the last minute due to weather, so it’s best to book for your very first morning in Cappadocia and plan to stay at least three nights (there’s so much to explore!). Choose a reputable balloon company—cheaper options often skip flying over Göreme, and you’ll miss the most breathtaking views. Be sure your balloon flight is scheduled for early morning to catch the magic of sunrise from above the fairy chimneys.

After the balloon flight: Quad tour adventure

Once you’ve floated above Cappadocia, it’s time to explore it from the ground. Hop on a quad bike and ride through the valleys, weaving between fairy chimneys and ancient rock-carved monasteries. It’s fun, adventurous, and gives you access to spots you can’t easily reach on foot. Just be ready to get a little dusty—it’s part of the experience!

At sunset: Electric vintage motorbike tour

Trade your morning balloon for a retro ride—hop on an electric vintage motorbike and cruise to Zelve Valley for a whole new perspective of Cappadocia. As night falls, reward yourself with an authentic Turkish dinner at Nazar Börek & Gözleme, a family-run cave restaurant. The short uphill walk is worth every step—for both the flavors and the view.

Start your day early with a unique experience: a microlight flight. Unlike the hot air balloon, here it’s just you and the pilot in a small plane, flying much closer to Cappadocia’s valleys for a completely different perspective.

Later, explore those same valleys on a guided tour. You’ll discover Love Valley, Imagination (Devrent) Valley, the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Uçhisar Castle, and ceramic and carpet workshops—which may not sound appealing at first, but you’ll likely be amazed by the artistry behind each handmade piece.

The highlight: exploring one of Cappadocia’s underground cities. These vast tunnels once sheltered the first Christians. Even if you’re a little claustrophobic, don’t skip it—you can always return to the entrance if needed. I visited Ozkonak, and it was completely manageable.

Time for a road trip! Pick up your rental car and head towards Konya.

First stop: Lake Tuz

The second-largest lake in Turkey. In summer, its waters turn pink thanks to natural algae. The lake’s salt is known for its therapeutic properties, and at the entrance, you’ll find a large shop selling spa products (totally worth it!). Strangely enough, chocolates here are also much cheaper than anywhere else in Turkey.

Next stop: Sultanhani Caravanserai

the largest caravanserai in Turkey, once a key stop along the ancient Silk Road. Today, it houses an exhibition of antique carpets. Take a break at the small museum café for tea, ice cream, or Turkish coffee, but save your appetite for lunch: the nearby lokantas serve excellent, authentic döner.

Final destination: Konya

A city often overlooked by tourists, but a hidden gem of spirituality. Here you’ll find the Mevlana Museum, home to the tomb of the poet and mystic Rumi. Remember to respect the dress code required in mosques. If you visit on a Saturday, you may witness the Whirling Dervishes. This is not a show or performance, but a deeply spiritual ceremony inviting you to open your heart and soul.

After your visit, stroll through Aziziye Street with its traditional markets and eclectic Ottoman-style mosque. For dinner, try Şifa Restaurant—a local favorite, known for warm service and the very best of Konya’s gastronomy.

On the road to Pamukkale, you’ll drive through rural towns and countryside landscapes. Stop for lunch at a traditional lokanta and enjoy authentic Turkish comfort food. Don’t worry about directions—you won’t get lost.

20 minutes before Pamukkale is Laodicea—take the detour and visit this ancient city, mentioned in the Book of Revelation. At sunset, the ruins feel magical. Stroll through the old streets as the Greeks and Romans once did and soak in the atmosphere of history.

Once you arrive in Pamukkale, check into a thermal hotel (a must here!). Cleopatra had her famous pool, and you too can enjoy the mineral-rich thermal waters. The slightly murky look is due to the healing minerals—completely normal. Remember, limit your soak to about 20 minutes for health reasons.

End your day with a massage or a hammam experience—the perfect way to relax after a long drive.

If you’re driving, park at the South Entrance and head straight to the travertines as early as possible. Even at 8 am, it will already be crowded. The travertines are one of those places heavily “romanticized” by the tourist industry—you may expect a relaxed, Instagram-perfect moment, but reality is a bit different.

Tips: Wear shorts to avoid getting soaked, bring a backpack to carry your shoes, and walk carefully—the ground is slippery. A selfie stick (firmly held!) can help keep your phone safe while capturing the views. Safety first.

Next, visit the Cleopatra Pools. At the moment, it’s closed for renovations, but if it’s open, you’ll need to pay an extra entrance fee.

From there, explore Hierapolis at your own pace. For many travelers (myself included), this is the highlight of Pamukkale. With your ticket, you can rent earphones for the audio guide, or download the app and bring your own. Be aware the app isn’t always easy to follow. If you’re passionate about history, consider booking a guided tour.

Plan to spend around half a day here. Afterwards, relax in your hotel’s thermal pools—an experience you can’t miss in Pamukkale.

For dinner, enjoy a Pamukkale wine experience at Kaya’s Wine House, my favorite spot in town.

If you’re craving steak (and maybe pairing it with Pamukkale wine, too), head to White House Restaurant & Steak House.

First stop: Salda Lake

Often nicknamed the “Turkish Maldives.” Truth be told, it’s closer to a Patagonian lake, with turquoise waters framed by mountains. You’ll find small beaches where you can swim, but the water is cold and the bottom mostly rocky. My honest advice: Skip the dip and save your energy for Kuşadası.

Optional detour: Aphrodisias

If you’re a true history enthusiast, take the side road and explore these ruins. Otherwise, keep going—you’ll soon meet Ephesus, the crown jewel of archaeological sites in the region.

Arrival in Kuşadası

Check into your hotel, drop off your bags, and return the rental car. You won’t need it here, and driving in Kuşadası can be chaotic.

End your day at Ladies Beach

Hop in a taxi and head straight to the shore. After all the road trips and ruins, nothing beats a well-deserved sunset by the Aegean Sea.

Start with Ephesus

Book a private guided tour: it’s worth every cent. The history here will leave you speechless. As a bonus, don’t miss the virtual reality experience at the museum, which brings ancient Roman life to reality. With a guide, you’ll skip the large cruise groups and truly make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime visit.

Next, Virgin Mary’s House

Tradition says she spent her final eight years here. Popes have visited, and the site is revered not only by Christians but by people of other faiths as well. Inside, you can leave a small donation and light a candle for your prayers. Outside, don’t miss the rose perfume (a unique local souvenir!) and the wall where visitors leave handwritten wishes. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual—you’ll feel it.

Then, Saint John’s Basilica

Here lies the tomb of the Apostle John. From the site, you can also spot what remains of the Temple of Artemis—sadly, only a single column stands, but it’s still impressive to imagine its former glory.

End your day at Planet Yucca, Kuşadası

A lively spot with international food, signature cocktails, and music. Dance with locals, enjoy an oriental show, and even learn a few moves yourself. The perfect way to balance a spiritual and historic day with fun and celebration.

Ferry crossing

Book your ferry tickets to Samos well in advance. Aim for the first departure in the morning (yes, even if it means skipping breakfast). When you arrive at the port, remember to check in with the ferry company before security. The crossing takes about 45 minutes, and upon arrival you’ll go through Greek immigration.

Arrival in Vathy

Pick up your rental car here (a must, since Samos is large and it can take up to 40 minutes to drive across the island). For your stay, I recommend Pythagoreio—it has the best vibe and infrastructure.

First stop: Psili Ammos Beach

Relax at Noya Beach Bar. Expect warm water, fine sand, and true paradise vibes. A sunbed with umbrella costs around €4, and you can enjoy cocktails, fresh juices, or light meals straight from the bar.

Late afternoon: Kokkari

Stroll this charming seaside town and enjoy a coffee at Wave Café Bar, the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Aegean.

Dinner: Elia Restaurant

Treat yourself to the best moussaka of your life, paired with a local Samos semi-dry rosé. A truly unforgettable combination.

Morning at Livadaki Beach

Although your first instinct might be to return to Psili Ammos, resist the temptation and head instead to Livadaki Beach Bar. This exclusive spot offers free sunbeds, warm water, stunning scenery, and a relaxed vibe. Food and drinks are reasonably priced, and there are showers and changing facilities available. Just keep in mind that the seabed is rocky—pack flip-flops for comfort.

Lunch in Avlakia

Continue your journey to Avlakia, a charming coastal village. Here, you can enjoy a traditional Greek lunch at a seaside taverna, with fresh fish and homemade dishes served right by the water.

Afternoon in Karlovasi

Next stop is Karlovasi, a town famous for its many churches and authentic atmosphere. Take your time to stroll its streets and soak in the local charm.

Evening in Pythagoreio

End your day back in Pythagoreio with cocktails and dinner at one of my favorites: Artemis Restaurant. Elegant yet affordable, it’s known for excellent service and delicious Mediterranean dishes (their pastas are a highlight).

Farewell, Samos

I would have stayed longer on this island, but this was just a short getaway. You may want to consider adding extra nights if your schedule allows. Head to the airport, return your rental car, and catch your flight back. There are connections from Samos to Istanbul via Athens, and if you have additional days off, a short stopover in Athens is worth considering.

Arrival in Istanbul

Make sure your airport transfer is pre-booked for a smooth arrival. After checking into your hotel, hop on the tram/train to Eminönü.

Spice Bazaar

A must-visit, full of aromas and flavors. Did you know Turkey has purple olives? Sample as much as you can—it’s an experience for the senses.

Balat

From Eminönü, take the train to Balat, a vibrant neighborhood full of colorful houses, cafés, and history. Worth seeing both day and night.

Dinner in Beyoğlu

End your evening at Musco Lounge, near Galata Tower. With stunning views, delicious kebabs, and refreshing mocktails (non-alcoholic), it’s the perfect way to wrap up your day in Istanbul.

Night out

If you’re still in the mood to party, head over to Nevizade Street. This lively street bursts with bars, live music, and a buzzing crowd late into the night. Istanbul truly has it all.

Pro tip: Start your morning at the Basilica Cistern. Go as early as possible to avoid crowds. If you’re not joining a guided tour, book your ticket online and download the audioguide in advance—internet connection inside is unreliable.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Next, head to this masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Entry is free, but remember to respect the dress code, as with all mosques in Turkey.

Balat

Continue to Balat, one of Istanbul’s most colorful and vibrant neighborhoods. Wander through the alleys, look for the iconic rainbow-painted houses, and enjoy a coffee at Natalie K Café, a local favorite.

Eyüp

An authentic neighborhood less visited by tourists. Visit Eyüp Mosque, stroll the streets, and take in the everyday rhythm of local life—it feels like stepping into another, more traditional side of Istanbul. Then, take the funicular up to Pierre Loti Hill for some of the best panoramic views of the city.

Ortaköy

Take a taxi to visit one of Istanbul’s most beautiful landmarks, the Ortaköy Mosque—an icon right on the Bosphorus.

While there, don’t miss Kumpir, Ortaköy’s famous stuffed baked potato. Mashed with butter and cheese, then topped with endless choices—corn, olives, pickles, sausages, salads, and sauces—it’s a street food classic you simply can’t miss.

Kadıköy

Afterwards, hop on a ferry across the Bosphorus to Kadıköy and end your night at Kadife Sokak (Barlar Sokağı). With its lively bars, live music, and buzzing atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to toast your Istanbul nights.

If you’re a history enthusiast, this place will blow your mind.

St. Romanus Gate (Topkapı) is the legendary gate on the Theodosian Walls where Sultan Mehmet II “the Conqueror” entered Constantinople on May 29, 1453, marking the end of the Medieval era and the beginning of the Modern age. Standing here, you can almost feel the weight of history. It’s not a touristy spot—you can visit freely and even walk along the walls on your own!

Ready for more? Take a taxi to the Fatih Mosque, built in just three months by Sultan Mehmet II (Fatih, “the Conqueror”). Inside, you can also visit his tomb, a deeply significant site for Turkish history.

After that, take a stroll through the neighborhood and have lunch at a local restaurant. It’s a truly authentic experience—far from the tourist crowds and full of local flavor.

One last ferry: End your journey in Istanbul in the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Kuzguncuk. With its colorful houses, art galleries, cozy cafés, and unique blend of cultures, this Bosphorus gem makes the perfect farewell to the city—and in our case, to Turkey.