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Top 3 tantalising Turkish adventures

There are many sides to a country, some well-travelled and others left untouched. This is no truer of any country than it is of Turkey, a land steeped in rich history, a vibrant culture, and a bevy of magical destinations to fulfil your each and every desire. From the bustling streets of one of the worldÂ’s great cities to the other worldly landscapes found in the heart of the country, Turkey has many sides to discover. Here are the top 3 most tantalising Turkish destinations… Turkish lanterns 1. The city buzz Istanbul isnÂ’t just a city, itÂ’s one of the cities. ItÂ’s easy to see why this bustling metropolis has attracted people for thousands of years, with its spectacular harbour, vibrant markets and unique way of living. The smell of succulent meats sizzling lingers in the air as you walk through the cityÂ’s streets, with locals catching up with friends and family as they sit along the waterfront or atop one of the cityÂ’s many beautiful buildings. Stylish rooftop bars are a way of life here, with each offering its own unique view of the never-ending skyline that zigzags around the harbour. Everything is bigger and better in Istanbul, including luxury. Istanbul The city is home to a thriving dining scene, one that represents the face of Istanbul by offering a defined local flavour with a vibrant cosmopolitan twist. Head to the Kasa Lokanta & Bar for an authentic taste of Turkey with Executive Chef Volkan CengelÂ’s delectable dishes inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine. Cengel has been working in local kitchens throughout Turkey since he was 13, adding current culinary trends to his repertoire of traditional Turkish delicacies like stuffed mussels and mezze platters. A signature dish is uskumru, which is smoked mackerel with pomegranate and beets. For some international spice, head to the revered Mikla Restaurant. Set 20 storeys above street level, the sweeping sea vistas take a back seat to the tantalising treats of chef Mehmet Gürs. An extensive wine list complements a menu that reflects his Turkish-Swedish roots, with dazzling dishes including Cherrywood-smoked loin of lamb, pistachio-crusted lamb chops and crispy sardines. You wonÂ’t believe the view, and you wonÂ’t believe your taste buds! 2. Ultimate beach bliss A playground for the Turkish elite, Bodrum has managed to retain much of its spectacular Ancient City while developing into an international beach resort where luxury is right at home. Sunshine graces the beaches of Bodrum year-round, resulting in a picture-perfect beach break that resembles the refined style of the French Riviera with the addition of an exotic mix of bazaars, hammams and ancient Mosques. Bodrum While exploring the pristine beaches and local culture of Bodrum is bound to keep you busy, itÂ’s also useful to note the townÂ’s proximity to numerous Greek islands. Direct boat services offer day trips (or even an impromptu overnight!) to Kalymnos, Kos, Simi and Rhodes, allowing you to discover the magic of another country with minimal travel time. If you want to escape the opulent nightlife and stylish wining and dining of Bodrum, head along the coast to the quaint tranquillity of the historic Turkish seaside. The most majestic among these seaside towns is the fishing village of Gumusluk, which has managed to keep its original seafront architecture due to strictly-enforced building regulations. Dine on the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea and soak up the relaxed atmosphere, made even more magnificent by the vivid colours of bougainvillea in bloom, the sparkling white sand beaches and the lush greenery that surrounds. 3. A quirky quest Most destinations can be summed up exquisitely using emotive language that creates a clear visual in the readerÂ’s head, sparked from memories and past experiences. This feat isnÂ’t so easy when describing the unique authenticity of Cappadocia and its cities, which can only be likened to venturing into an otherworldly landscape created in the mind of a sci-fi enthusiast. Underground cities lie below the moon-like terrain while churches are elegantly carved into rock formations. Look up and youÂ’ll see the sky alight with hot-air balloons, full of zealous travellers eager to make sense of this indescribable region from above. ThereÂ’s a reason why Cappadocia is famed for its flock of hot air balloons – itÂ’s an unforgettable experience. Cappadocia Add a luxurious twist to your exhilarating ride by opting for an exclusive private balloon ride, with all the frills available (including breakfast and champagne!) as you marvel at the spectacular scenery that lies below. Head to the surreal town of Uçhisar to discover the beautifully quirky luxury accommodation, which includes cave resorts with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Cappadocia Filip Boyen is Chief Executive Officer of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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11 Comments

  1. I have never been to Turkey but it looks beautiful and every so colourful. I would like to to bustling Istanbul.

  2. I would just love to visit Istanbul for it’s vibrant colours,food stalls and fine scenery x your photo’s captured the country in all its beauty x

  3. Interesting Post!! Great places in Turkey for Adventrous trip. I’d like to bookmark these places in travel bucket list. Thanks for Sharing info

  4. Love this! I’m obsessed with Istanbul and it’s definitely next on my list in Europe. Thanks for sharing these Turkey adventures :)

  5. what amazing buildings and architecture and I would love to visit the markets- this has to be somewhere I must visit soon

  6. Looks lovely!I’m a big fan of Turkish food and the towns and cities look amazing. Plus I would have to stock up on loads of rugs and lanterns lol

  7. The hot air Ballon ride is my Dream, hpe it comes true soon :)
    thanks for this amazing blog post very informative.

  8. What a great country to take a Hot Air Balloon ride over,imagine the views/scenery xx great idea,to see everything x

  9. Visited Turkey last August, started in Kusadasi then onto to Cappadocia and ended in Istanbul. An amazing country, with much to see and do! Pamukkale, Ephesus, Whirling Dervish, hot air balloon ride, hamam, mosques and bazaars – incredible!

  10. Turkey is one of the most spectacular countries I’ve been to. Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia was inspiring and the archeological sites were also amazing.

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