The Ultimate Turkish Feast: An 11-Day Culinary & Cultural Odyssey

Start your exploration at this 1,500-year-old architectural marvel. Be sure to download the official audio guide beforehand and bring your own earphones to easily hear the history of the massive dome and Byzantine mosaics.

Located directly opposite Hagia Sophia, this Ottoman masterpiece is a sanctuary of intricate tilework. Respect the active place of worship by removing your shoes at the entrance and adhering to the modest dress code.

Descend into this massive 6th-century subterranean cistern. The atmospheric, eerie lighting makes it a fantastic backdrop for contemporary art exhibits. Don't miss the mysterious Medusa head column bases at the far end.

Stop at this waterfront café for a classic afternoon break. Order a traditional Turkish coffee paired with baklava topped with dondurma (traditional ice cream made with salep and mastic).

Wander through this historic market in the Eminönü district. It is a sensory explosion of colors, sounds, and spices. It is an excellent spot to sample and purchase high-quality Turkish Delight to take home.

Located inside the Grand Bazaar, this historic coffee house brews its coffee the old-fashioned way in hot sand. The sand acts as a slow heat conductor, resulting in a rich, creamy texture.

Walk up to this majestic mosque for a quieter, more serene experience compared to Sultanahmet. The outer courtyard offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

Explore the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans. Walk through the lavishly decorated Harem apartments, the eunuch headquarters, and the Imperial Treasury before enjoying the Bosphorus views from the fourth courtyard.

A highly recommended local 'lokanta' specializing in freshly prepared, home-style Turkish food. Choose your portions directly from the display bar; the lentils, stuffed peppers, and pasta gratin are excellent.

Indulge in the famous San Sebastian cheesecake at this incredibly popular spot right in front of the Galata Tower. The cheesecake is perfectly baked with a custard-like interior and served with warm, poured chocolate.

Take the ferry to the Asian side and head to Moda to try this unique take on a Turkish classic. They serve spiced bulgur bites (çiğ köfte) rolled tightly like sushi, complete with chopsticks, pickles, and walnut-tahini sauce.

Head to the colorful, historic neighborhood of Balat to try traditional Turkish manti (dumplings). Order a mixed plate featuring fried Kayseri-style manti served with thick garlic yogurt and warm chili sauce.

Conclude your Istanbul culinary journey at this legendary sweet shop, widely regarded as having the absolute best baklava in the city. Try the decadent tres leches baklava on their spacious outdoor terrace.

Check into a traditional cave hotel carved directly into the soft volcanic rock. While these rooms are incredibly cozy and unique, keep in mind they naturally receive very little natural light.

Walk up to this famous panoramic viewpoint overlooking the entire town of Göreme. It is the premier spot to watch the sunrise and the landscape of fairy chimneys, even if hot air balloon flights are grounded due to wind.

Dine at this wonderful women-run cooperative in Göreme that serves exceptionally fresh, homemade Anatolian food. It feels more like eating in a local home than a restaurant. Save room for their insanely delicious künefe.

Embark on an easy hike through this otherworldly valley, located within walking distance of Göreme. The trail winds past massive rock formations, ancient rooms carved into stone, and a hidden rock-cut church.

Enjoy dinner on a scenic terrace and try Cappadocia's most famous regional dish: testi (pottery) kebab. The slow-cooked meat is sealed inside a clay pot and cracked open dramatically at your table.

Explore one of the deepest and most fascinating underground cities in Turkey. Carved into soft volcanic rock, these narrow tunnels and multi-level rooms once protected entire communities from ancient invasions.

Visit the largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia. This massive complex was used by monks as both a religious and defensive settlement; you can still explore the ancient kitchen, chapel, and cathedral with faint frescoes.

Hike through this lush, deep canyon where ancient churches are carved directly into the steep walls. Stop halfway at a cozy wooden café sitting right over the Melendiz River to enjoy fresh gözleme and pomegranate juice.

Marvel at this towering rock fortress that has been shaped over centuries by both nature and human hands. While you can climb to the top for panoramic views, the view from the base is equally spectacular.

Also known as Monks Valley, this site features some of the most striking, multi-headed fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. Hermit monks once lived inside these hollowed-out rock formations, which you can still step inside.

A highlight of the region, this open-air museum is incredibly vast and open. Walk through the ancient pathways and abandoned cave dwellings that were inhabited until erosion risks forced residents to relocate.

End your Cappadocia adventure at this scenic terrace overlooking Göreme. It is the perfect spot to relax with a hot Turkish coffee, complimentary cookies, and a beautiful sunset view over the valley.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast run by two lovely local ladies. Order traditional gözleme stuffed with Turkish sausage and Kasseri cheese, alongside kibbeh (stuffed bulgur balls with seasoned meat).

Take this famous elevator up from the harbor level to the clifftops of the Old Town. The observation deck at the top offers a stunning, unobstructed view of the Mediterranean coastline and red-tiled rooftops.

Dine at this local cafeteria-style 'lokanta' located just outside the touristy center. You can view all the freshly prepared home-cooked dishes at the counter and choose your portions; the prices are excellent.

Walk through this monumental Roman triumphal arch, also known as 'The Three Gates.' Built in honor of Emperor Hadrian, it serves as the grand, historic entrance into Antalya's Old Town.

Try Antalya's famous regional specialty: burnt milk dondurma. The unique, slightly chewy ice cream has a distinct smoky flavor that tastes remarkably like toasted marshmallows.

Stroll down to this ancient stone tower overlooking the harbor. The surrounding cliffs and observation decks are the premier spots in the city to enjoy Mediterranean sea views and watch the sunset.

Dine at this highly rated local institution for one of the best meals in Turkey. Order the Iskender Kebab—tender grilled slices of veal served over pita bread with rich tomato sauce and fresh yogurt.

Begin your ancient ruins day trip at this remarkably well-planned Roman city. Walk down the grand colonnaded main street and admire the unique water canal system that once supplied fountains, baths, and shops.

Visit one of the absolute best-preserved Roman-era theatres in the entire world. Climb to the upper gallery to admire the incredible architecture and test the legendary acoustics of the stage below.

Conclude your day trip at the tip of the Side peninsula. Walk past the vibrant shops and promenade to reach the dramatic ruins of the Temple of Apollo, standing beautifully right against the Mediterranean Sea.

Celebrate your final night in Turkey at this fantastic local restaurant. Order fried eggplants and peppers in tomato-olive oil sauce (şakşuka), thick strained yogurt with hot chili butter, and homemade ayran.