Inside Hagia Sophia

We also stopped by Topkapı Palace for a quick visit before heading underground to the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul's most unique attractions. Originally built during the Byzantine Empire to store water for the city, it now feels almost otherworldly. Rows of towering columns disappear into dimly lit reflections, creating an atmosphere that's equal parts peaceful and mysterious. It's difficult to describe until you're standing there yourself.

One unexpected benefit of having a local guide was being introduced to shops we never would have found on our own. Rather than wondering whether we were buying authentic Turkish ceramics or rugs, Hakan brought us to reputable artisans he trusted. We left with a beautiful ceramic bowl and a traditional Hittite wine jug, both carefully wrapped for the trip home - and thankfully they survived the journey intact!

The same was true when he introduced us to the Egyptian Bazaar. We sampled what felt like every variety of Turkish delight imaginable before stocking up on teas, spices, sweets, and gifts to bring home. We loved it so much that we returned later on our own for a second shopping trip. If you're deciding between the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar, we'd absolutely recommend making time for both - but the Egyptian Bazaar ended up being our favorite.

The food throughout Istanbul was equally memorable. If you enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, you're in for a treat. One afternoon we decided to venture over to the Asian side of the city, figuring out Istanbul's ferry system ourselves after a few attempts at the ticket kiosk. Crossing the Bosphorus was part of the adventure, and our destination was Çiya Sofrası, a restaurant we'd discovered on Netflix's Chef's Table. It completely lived up to the hype. I still think about their red lentil soup, and the Kadın Budu Köfte was equally delicious. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we crossed the Bosphorus a second time later in the trip just to eat there again!

Another unforgettable meal came during my birthday celebration at Tuğra Restaurant inside the magnificent Çırağan Palace Kempinski, a former Ottoman palace that now operates as one of Istanbul's most luxurious hotels. We asked our concierge at The Ritz-Carlton to make the reservation for us, and between the exceptional service, incredible cuisine, and beautiful Bosphorus views, it became one of the most memorable meals of the entire trip. If you're celebrating a special occasion in Istanbul, it's absolutely worth the splurge.

From Istanbul we flew to Cappadocia, where our biggest priority was the famous hot air balloon ride. After quite a bit of research, we booked with Royal Balloon, choosing their King Flight because it limits each basket to just 8-12 passengers. It cost a little more, but having plenty of room to enjoy the experience without feeling crowded was well worth it.

Our launch morning began with breakfast while everyone anxiously waited for word on the weather. About 45 minutes later, we were finally cleared to fly. Although we would have been disappointed if conditions hadn't cooperated, we appreciated seeing firsthand how seriously every balloon company treated safety. Once given the green light, the entire launch area came alive as crews inflated dozens of balloons at once. Before long, we were quietly floating above one of the most recognizable landscapes in the world. Seeing the fairy chimneys below us while dozens of colorful balloons drifted across the sky was every bit as incredible as we'd hoped. We even celebrated our successful landing with a champagne toast - a perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.

The nice part about balloon flights is that they're over early enough to leave the rest of the day free for exploring. Cappadocia itself is charming, with small shops, restaurants, and cafés set against an extraordinary landscape unlike anything we'd seen before. Our stay at Cappadocia Cave Lodge was another highlight. Sleeping inside an actual cave hotel is one of those experiences that's just as memorable as the sightseeing itself.

One restaurant we can't recommend enough is Topdeck Cave Restaurant. It was one of our favorite dining experiences of the trip, with outstanding food in an intimate setting. We definitely ordered more than we could finish, but we didn't regret it for a second.

The following day we hired another private guide to explore the region. From Uçhisar Castle and Pigeon Valley to the famous Fairy Chimneys, every stop showcased a landscape unlike anywhere else we'd traveled. Towering rock formations, homes carved directly into the cliffs, and valleys stretching in every direction made it feel almost surreal. There was plenty of walking throughout the day, but every viewpoint was so impressive. We also explored Kaymaklı Underground City, where entire communities once lived beneath the surface. Walking through the narrow passageways, kitchens, storage rooms, and living spaces carved into the rock offered a fascinating glimpse into how people adapted to life underground centuries ago.

Our final destination was Izmir, where we stayed at the Izmir Marriott Hotel. By this point we had experienced three completely different sides of Türkiye - bustling and cosmopolitan Istanbul, Cappadocia's dramatic natural landscapes, and now the relaxed coastal atmosphere of the Aegean.

Once again, we hired a private guide, this time through Ephesus Port Tours, and once again it proved to be one of the best decisions of the trip. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, spoke perfect English, and even taught us about Türkiye's rigorous licensing process for tour guides, giving us an even greater appreciation for the profession.

Walking through Ephesus was like stepping back in time. The remarkably preserved Library of Celsus, once one of the largest libraries in the Roman Empire, remains one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and served as both a library and an impressive symbol of the city's wealth and importance. We also visited the House of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to be her final residence, the Basilica of St. John, and the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. One thing I found especially interesting was learning that archaeologists are still uncovering new sections of Ephesus today, meaning there's still more history waiting to be discovered.

Before heading home, we spent one final day enjoying Izmir at a slower pace. Adam rented a scooter and cruised along the city's scenic waterfront while I treated myself to a relaxing massage at the Marriott spa - an enjoyable way to unwind before the journey home.

Our trip came full circle with one final night back in Istanbul, this time at the JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea. Thanks to my Marriott status, we were upgraded to an incredible room, and because of our early morning flight, the staff thoughtfully prepared breakfast boxes for us to take to the airport. It was such a small gesture, but one that perfectly captured the warmth and hospitality we experienced throughout our time in Türkiye.

Looking back, Türkiye couldn't have been a better place to celebrate a new decade. Between the incredible food, fascinating history, unforgettable scenery, and genuinely welcoming people, every stop offered something completely different. It's one of those destinations that kept surprising us from beginning to end, and one we'd recommend without hesitation to anyone looking to combine culture, adventure, and some of the best food we've ever had.

Last updated: September 2026