activitiesGuideTurkey

8 Experiences in Turkey That Will Blow You Away

Turkey always gets chalked up as the ‘bridge between East and West.’ And while that isn’t technically wrong, it’s so much more than that. With it’s stunning topography and friendly locals, Turkey is sure to blow your mind. Here’s a quick list of things you should try out!

1. Eat a midye dolma from the streets of Istanbul

The midye dolma is a popular street snack made of mussels, flavoured rice, and a bit of lemon juice. At just 1 turkish lira (or roughly S$0.45) a piece, you’ll definitely be buying more than one.

2. Take a hot air balloon over Cappadocia

Cappadocia has one of the most unique landscapes in the world and the best way to see it is from above. Catch glimpses of the famous fairy chimneys as you float along dreamily across the sky.

3. Paraglide over the Pamukkale

Pamukkale is one of Turkey’s most prized natural sights. It literally translates to “cotton castle,” and is famous the enormous white terraces of travertine formed after years of flowing water. Paragliding will give you an incredible view and experience of Pamukkale, but you can also opt for the ground tour

4. Explore the ancient city of Ephesus

Ephesus is a must-see for Turkey tourists. The ancient city is full of sacred shrines, including the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. You’ll also be able to visit the Church of the Virgin Mary; According to Bible scholars, the John the apostle took Mary to Ephesus in the days following Christ’s resurrection.

5. Afternoon çay

After a hectic few days of sightseeing, spend a lazy afternoon enjoying a cup of Turkish tea, locally called çay. Along the streets of Istanbul, you’ll see locals drinking their çay as they play a friendly game of backgammon. For the full experience, you can also indulge in a little shisha!

6. Detox with a Turkish Bath

While the Turkish bath was most popular during the Victorian era, it’s still widely practiced all over the world as a form of cleansing and relaxation.  It starts off with a sauna to detoxify, followed by a steam bath. Finish the experience with an aromatherapy oil massage, that will leave you rejuvenated for the remainder of your trip.