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Offering ancient architecture and surreal landscapes, transcontinental Turkey requires advanced planning to tick off the best in bucket list experiences, says Charles Edelstein, director of Travex.com. It can be daunting to plan a trip, taking in all the sights, with the best deals. Travex.com is a wonderful platform to make it easy to plan your trip. The platform is an aggregator of photography tours and a global trip planner. That means, that they do the work and curate multiple options from multiple service providers – all on one site. The user can compare across offerings – and organise trips – all from Travex.com. One tab will give you numerous options. Read on for more about Turkey on Travex.com’s page. Go to the map or to the drop down menu with Featured Photography Regions: Curated regions with detailed photography locations. And yes, there is an e-mail address, if you have questions or need assistance:
From bustling bazaars to Cappadocia vistas: Here’s how to plan an upcoming trip to Turkey
Turkey is a country requiring careful logistical planning to efficiently navigate its diverse regions, ancient architecture, and surreal landscapes. According to Travex.com director Charles Edelstein, mapping a customised route with earmarked points of interest allows travellers to fully experience the nation’s varied geography – without overlooking any notable highlights.
He adds: “When you click on our explore Turkey web page, you’ll find an earmarked map showcasing the main points of interest (POIs) we advise. You can scroll in or out, follow our route, or create your very own – but it is always a good plan to click through to each POI that we’ve earmarked per region, so as not to overlook anything exceptional along the way.”
Six key destinations to explore
The Istanbul Region
As a sprawling metropolis bridging Europe and Asia, the Istanbul region stands out as the historical and cultural heart of Turkey, and not just its capital city.
- See: The architectural mastery of the Hagia Sophia and the elegant minarets of the Blue Mosque framing the skyline.
- Do: Cruise along the scenic Bosphorus Strait and get lost in the sensory labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar.
Cappadocia and the Central Anatolia Region
Characterised by a moon-like volcanic landscape, the Central Anatolia region stands out as a wonderland shaped by millennia of erosion.
- See: Whimsical, cone-shaped rock formations famously known as “fairy chimneys”, which are scattered across the Göreme and Pasabag valleys.
- Do: Wake up before dawn for a bucket-list hot air balloon ride over the surreal valleys.
Turquoise Coast Region
The Mediterranean coastline, or Turquoise Coast, is an alluring combination of sun-drenched beaches, dense pine forests, and steep mountain drops.
- See: The stunning, hyper-blue waters of the world-famous blue lagoon in Ölüdeniz.
- Do: Go tandem paragliding from Mount Babadağ to experience an exhilarating aerial view of the coast.
Black Sea Mountains Region
The northern coast provides a complete contrast to the rest of Turkey, defined by its high-altitude alpine plateaus, misty valleys, and tea plantations.
- See: Traditional wooden architecture preserved in the UNESCO-listed town of Safranbolu and the green pastures of the Ayder Plateau.
- Do: Trek through the dense forests near Trabzon, to discover hidden waterfalls and mountain lakes.
Eastern Anatolia Region
For travellers seeking raw wilderness and rugged landscapes, the vast high plateaus of Eastern Anatolia offer unmatched historical isolation.
- See: The imposing, snow-capped silhouette of Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest peak, and the expansive shores of Lake Van.
- Do: Wander through the ghost-town ruins of Ani, the ancient Armenian “City of 1 001 Churches,” situated right on the border.
Turkey seamlessly weaves together a plethora of diverse climates and eras. Whether you’re keen on the vibrant energy of Istanbul, the tranquil green hills of the north, or the ancient frontiers of the east, a camera-ready adventure awaits at every turn.
Planning your budget
“Undertaking this Turkey trip, while staying in mid-range boutique hotels (Istanbul/Turquoise Coast) or authentic cave hotels (Cappadocia), including a traditional Turkish breakfast, provides visitors with the thrill of an exotic adventure, while enjoying at least a few creature comforts,” advises Edelstein.
“Take a look at the table below for an idea of costs; however, a mid-range to premium 10-to-12-day Turkish itinerary typically ranges from R26 000 to R60 000 per person sharing (10 days), or R31 200 to R72 000 per person sharing (12 days). This of course depends on the season you travel in, and just how luxury the accommodation bookings and other mid-tier budget points that you select.”
❇ Featured image: A bustling scene at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, featuring shopping tourists and waving Turkish flags. Sponsored feature. Images supplied.
