Turkey: Where East Meets West

Turkey had been a bucket list item for me for a LONG time! It’s a super unique country where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes collide in the most magical way. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, every moment here felt like stepping into a different time and place.

Stop 1: Istanbul

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Sari Konak Hotel, a charming boutique hotel with traditional decor and a cozy atmosphere, just a short walk from all the major landmarks. From our location, we had an incredible view of the Blue Mosque. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go inside due to ongoing reconstruction, but just seeing its majestic domes and minarets from the outside was enough to appreciate its beauty.

Activities

• The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)—an ancient underground water reservoir that once supplied the Great Palace of Constantinople. The dim lighting, towering columns, and mystical Medusa head sculptures made it feel straight out of a movie.

• The Grand Bazaar— This place is chaotic, colorful, and completely mesmerizing. We wandered through its endless maze of shops, bargaining for souvenirs, Turkish delights, and beautiful ceramics.

• Boat Tour— To get a feel for both sides of Istanbul, we took a boat tour on the Bosphorus Strait, which connects Europe and Asia. The views of palaces, mosques, and bridges along the way were absolutely stunning.

• The Mosques— One of my favorite moments was visiting a small mosque with breathtaking blue tiles (not the Blue Mosque, but still equally stunning). And we waited until nighttime to enter the Hagia Sophia, which was totally worth it—no lines, a smaller crowd, and just peaceful awe.

• Topkapi Palace— Once home to Ottoman sultans, we wandered through lavish courtyards, admired intricate tilework, and imagined the grandeur of royal life.

• Hammam— We visited a traditional hammam for the ultimate Turkish bath experience. It was steamy, intense, and honestly, a little brutal—but so worth it. Getting scrubbed down and massaged in an ancient bathhouse left us feeling brand new and completely relaxed.

Stop 2: Cappadocia

Where we stayed

After exploring Istanbul, we flew to Cappadocia and stayed in a cave hotel (Maya Cave Hotel). Sleeping in a room literally carved into ancient stone was such a unique experience—it felt like being in another era.

Activities

We spent our days exploring Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and towering rock formations. Some of the highlights included:

• Göreme Open-Air Museum – A UNESCO World Heritage site filled with rock-cut churches from the Byzantine era, many of which still have well-preserved frescoes.

• Uçhisar Castle – The highest point in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views of the entire region. Climbing to the top was totally worth it for the breathtaking scenery.

• Paşabağ (Monk’s Valley) – Known for its fairy chimneys, these tall, mushroom-shaped rock formations were one of the most unique sights in Cappadocia.

• Kaymaklı Underground City – This sprawling underground city was built by early Christians as a hidden refuge from invaders. We explored the tunnels, rooms, and secret passages, which could once house thousands of people!

• Ortahisar Viewpoint – A stunning panoramic spot overlooking volcanic rock formations and ancient cave dwellings. It was the perfect place to take in Cappadocia’s surreal beauty.

• Three Beauties – One of Cappadocia’s most famous rock formations, said to resemble a mother, father, and child.

• Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – This valley is filled with rock formations that resemble animals, including a famous camel-shaped rock! It felt like walking through a natural sculpture garden.

• Local Shops:

  • First stop was a rug shop. We learned about the traditional art of Turkish weaving (and, of course, left with two beautiful rugs). Our tour guide told us about how many of the local shops were supported by the government in order to ensure fair wages for the weavers as well as keeping the local economy steady.

  • We also stopped by a pottery workshop to watch artisans handcraft stunning ceramics—and happily purchased a set of gorgeous, handmade teacups as a souvenir.

• The Whirling Dervishes— One of the most magical experiences of the trip was seeing the Whirling Dervishes perform their spiritual Sufi ceremony. Watching them spin in perfect harmony was both mesmerizing and peaceful.

Turkey is a country full of rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse landscapes. From the ancient wonders of Istanbul to the otherworldly beauty of Cappadocia, it’s a place that surprises and captivates at every turn. If you ever visit, be prepared to shop, eat, relax in a hammam, and explore your way through a destination that truly has it all.

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.