If I could give this trip 10 stars I would! It was perfectly paced and covers a fascinating range of locations. Our tour guide, Biju, was quite simply the best tour guide ever. So patient, knowledgeable and helpful. Normally the time spent on the bus between locations would be unwelcome but he made it something to look forward to as it was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the politics, religion and history of this amazing place. Highlights for me included the tea plantation trek, the houseboat on the backwaters, and the snake temple.
Cultural Holidays in Turkey
Turkey Culture Holidays
Top 5 Places to Explore on Cultural Holidays in Turkey
Cappadocia: One of the most bizarre and spectacular landscapes in the world, Cappadocia is like nowhere else on earth. Its giant rock pillars form a distinctive skyline that is often described as a fairytale setting by anyone that visits. Found among central Turkey’s hilly landscape, these geological wonders are known as the ‘fairy chimneys’. One of the most beautiful sights you’ll see are colourful hot air balloons floating across the sky with visitors wanting to gain a bird’s-eye perspective of Cappadocia.
Goreme Open-Air Museum: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Goreme Open-Air Museum is one of the most incredible places to visit in Turkey. It’s believed to be a monastic settlement dating back to Byzantine times, later becoming an important pilgrimage site. The museum has been meticulously preserved throughout the centuries and you can see wonderful examples of Byzantine architecture and artwork that pepper the landscape. Wander around rock-hewn churches, monasteries and chapels where fabulous frescoes give you an insight into Goreme’s past. The Dark Church and the Chapel of St Basil are particularly interesting buildings to explore when you visit Goreme.
Ephesus: This ancient site is located in the Central Aegean region of Turkey and is one of the finest classical cities you’ll see in the Mediterranean. The well-preserved remains of Ephesus include Greco-Roman architecture, ancient squares and magnificent monuments. Ephesus was first discovered in the 11th-century BCE by the Ionian Greeks and was deemed a significant religious site. Originally built in honour of Artemis, the temple of Ephesus would later become the Temple of Diana, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As you explore the marble paved streets, step back in time and walk in the footsteps of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
Pergamon: Rising above Tukey’s Aegean region, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pergamon is a Greek city home to ancient temples, theatres and monuments protected by the city walls. This fascinating site was once the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty and dates to circa 323 to 31 BCE. A cable car ride takes you up to the Acropolis of Pergamon where some of the most significant archaeological remains and burial mounds can be found. Roam around the temples, library and palaces and discover the history of the Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine empires of Turkey.
Istanbul: One of the most unique and fascinating cities in western Europe, Istanbul is a heady concoction of cultures from the East and West. This alluring capital of Turkey flaunts imposing mosques, basilicas and palaces among its frenetic streets and the sound of bustling bazaars fills the air. There are so many sites to explore in Istanbul that it’s hard to know where to start but the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque should be top of your list. If you need a little respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Gülhane Park, a beautiful green space next to the palace.
Helen Rynne The Tropical South
Nicky Gray Trails of VietnamOne of the best group trips (and I have been on quite a few) I have done simply due to the wonderful country, lovely warm locals, excellent guide and fun fellow travellers! We travelled on many modes of transport – bus, boat (motor, kayak, paddle), train, plane, bike, foot – saw a wide variety of landscapes – countryside, small villlages, big cities – learned (more) about the old and new history of this incredible country and experienced a wide variety of foods. We did visit some homes and centres where the locals showed us how they made items such as clay pots, toffee brittle, embroidery paintings etc; never was there pressure to purchase anything which made the experience that more enjoyable. This trip has everying – just do it!
Angelika Ernst Cycle the Back Roads of Sri LankaEine wundervolle Reise durch Sri Lanka! Die atemberaubende Landschaft, die freundlichen Menschen und die wunderbare srilankische Küche haben diese Reise zu etwas ganz Besonderem gemacht. Ich kann die Tour in Sri Lanka sehr empfehlen!
What a wonderful journey! this cycling trip in Sri Lanka was truly an unforgettable experience. The beautiful green landscapes, picturesque villages, very friendly locals and the excellent food made every moment of the journey special. Cycling through the tea plantations in the hill country was a highlight, as well as exploring the ancient ruins and riding along rice fields and tea or banana plantations. the Ayurveda massages, offered at the hotels, were great as well.
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