Istambul & Capadócia

About the destination: Istanbul owes its historic importance and its amazing cultural and architectural heritage to its perfect strategic location, straddling the Bosphorus straits which separate Europe and Asia Minor. Through most of its 2,500-year-long history, the city (first known as Byzantium, then as Constantinople and since 1930 as Istanbul) was a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of more than 13 million is almost exclusively Turkish, and many of its people are recent migrants from provincial Turkey, lured by the promise of jobs and careers in this vibrant, fast-growing city. Istanbul is no longer the nation's capital, but is Turkey's economic and cultural powerhouse - a status underlined by its role as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the award of UNESCO World Heritage listing to many of its most important landmarks, which range from stunning Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs to the columns of Hellenistic temples and the remains of massive medieval city walls. But there's more to Istanbul than Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A fast-growing economy contributed to a flourishing arts and music scene, with a plethora of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants and designer fashion outlets.

About the destination: Cappadocia, in central Turkey, looks more like a movie set than a real place. Wind and volcanic rock have sculpted strange “fairy chimneys,” deep valleys, and cave formations that stretch for miles. Early Christian communities carved churches and homes into the soft rock, leaving behind frescoes and underground cities that you can still explore today. Walking through towns like Göreme, Uçhisar, and Ürgüp, you’ll constantly move between surreal landscapes and traces of ancient civilizations. Most visitors start in Göreme, the main hub and easiest base for exploring. The Göreme Open-Air Museum is a must-see, with rock-cut churches decorated with centuries-old paintings. Nearby valleys such as Rose, Red, and Pigeon Valley offer excellent hikes at sunrise or sunset, when the colors of the rock glow pink and gold. For a different perspective, visit the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı, once used as refuges during invasions, where you can wander through tunnels, kitchens, and chapels deep below the surface. A hot-air balloon ride at dawn has become Cappadocia’s iconic experience. As the sun rises, dozens of balloons drift above the valleys and fairy chimneys, creating some of the most photographed views in Turkey. Flights are weather-dependent, so it’s wise to plan at least two or three mornings in Cappadocia to increase your chances. Even if you prefer to stay on the ground, watching the balloons from a rooftop terrace or viewpoint is unforgettable. Accommodation is part of the adventure here. Many hotels are built into caves or rock formations, combining traditional architecture with modern comfort. You can relax on terraces overlooking the valleys, enjoy Turkish breakfast with fresh bread, olives, cheese, and local jams, and soak in the slower rhythm of life. Whether you come for hiking, history, photography, or simply to disconnect, Cappadocia offers a landscape and atmosphere unlike anywhere else.