How to Design a Perfect Turkey Itinerary: What to See, Where to Stay, and How to Link It Together
Curated By
Hannah Lucas
Curator’s statement
I just got back from my first familiarization trip with Fora, an advisor trip designed to help us quickly and confidently match clients with the best experiences and stays in a destination. We partnered with incredible local experts, so it felt like an immersive crash course in Turkey rather than a tour or a personal vacation. I chose Turkey because it’s the perfect next step for clients who love traditional European destinations (Italy, Greece, France), but are craving something new and different. It’s a country of contrasts: where Asia meets Europe, ancient meets modern, and opulence meets real life. After exploring Istanbul and Bodrum, I left completely taken by how seamlessly history, design, and warmth come together here. It’s a trip that stays with you.
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Where to stay in Turkey
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Things to do in Turkey
The Hagia Sophia is a building that’s been a church, a mosque, and a museum, with layers of history in one breathtaking space
Explore Istanbul’s historical peninsula: Walk through millennia of history at Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern, then dive into the Grand Bazaar’s labyrinth of textiles, lamps, and gold. A guide helps bring the stories (and shortcuts!) to life.
Visit Dolmabahçe Palace: Once the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire, this palace rivals Europe’s grandest estates with its Baccarat chandeliers and gilded halls. It’s an unexpected highlight even for travelers who’ve seen their share of royal residences, myself included.
Cruise between continents: Take the ferry or a private boat at golden hour from the European to the Asian side of Istanbul. Locals sip tea and feed seagulls while the skyline glows at sunset.
Experience a traditional hammam: A must-try ritual of deep cleansing, steam, and relaxation. Many of Istanbul’s luxury hotels have stunning hammams, but I think the traditional neighborhood spots are better for an authentic adventure.
Discover local neighborhoods: Wander through Beyoğlu, Galata, and Karaköy to see the city’s creative edge. Pop into design boutiques, cafés, and galleries. I can share a detailed map of places I visited or that were recommended by locals while I was there.
Visit a generations-old rug atelier: Step inside a family-run workshop to see how Turkish rugs are still woven by hand. Learn about natural dyes, silk production, and the artistry passed down through generations.
Grab a Turkish coffee at a corner café, and watch the city’s famously friendly cats go about their day. Those small moments make Turkey truly special.
Walk atop the Grand Bazaar: Explore the rooftops of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (like the scene from Skyfall without the motorbikes). It’s not open to the public, but I can help organize a private visit for incredible views and bragging rights.
Gulet day in Bodrum: Spend a day on a traditional wooden yacht gliding through secluded coves. Many travelers charter for several days, and it makes you understand why it’s a Turkish signature that you really can’t find anywhere else.
Hot air balloon in Cappadocia: Watch the sunrise over Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape from a hot air balloon. Skip Viator—I work directly with the local company that operates most of the region’s balloons for the best service and experience.
Places to eat & drink in Turkey
Gaggan at The Peninsula. Chef Gaggan Anand’s playful tasting menu, rooftop views, and a DJ spinning
Gaggan: Playful, creative tasting menu with Turkish flair. A big night out and worth it if you love inventive dining.
Borsam: Casual lahmacun (Turkish pizza) spot where you can watch the process unfold. Always packed with locals.
Güllüoğlu: Iconic baklava stop. Go hungry.
Eleos: Seafood and mezze with Bosphorus views. Fresh, bright flavors, and a lovely vibe.
Mandabatmaz: Tiny spot for thick, foamy Turkish coffee.
Cağaloğlu Hamam Restaurant: Inside one of Istanbul’s most famous historic hammams, with a serene, candlelit (or garden) setting.
Fahri Konsolos: Creative cocktail bar inspired by Ottoman flavors. Great music and a relaxed, designy vibe.
Durumzade: Legendary kebab wraps with serious flavor and zero fuss.
Need to know
Turkish people are incredibly welcoming and cosmopolitan. Modest dress is appreciated in mosques, but the vibe in the rest of the city and coastal areas is relaxed and cosmopolitan. Credit cards are widely accepted, and English is common in hospitality. Don’t skip Turkish coffee, hammams, simit, or a Bosphorus/Gulet boat cruise. They’re as essential as any monument.
September is an ideal month to visit with warm seas, fewer crowds, and long golden evenings. End of May through June offers shoulder-season comfort, while July and August are peak. Bodrum Airport is about an hour from the main resorts, and traffic can stretch that in summer. In Istanbul, everything feels safe and surprisingly walkable. With a guide, you can easily hit 15,000 steps in a day.
Travel Advisor
Hannah Lucas
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Turkey page.