Türkiye, 8 Days: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pamukkale

About the destination: Istanbul's historical significance and its incredible cultural and architectural legacy can be attributed to its ideal strategic location, spanning the Bosphorus straits that divide Europe and Asia Minor. Throughout most of its 2,500-year history, the city (initially known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and since 1930, Istanbul) has been a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of over 13 million is predominantly Turkish, with many of its residents being recent migrants from rural Turkey, drawn by the prospect of employment and career opportunities in this dynamic, rapidly expanding city. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of the country, it remains Turkey's economic and cultural hub - a status emphasized by its designation as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of many of its key landmarks. These range from breathtaking Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs, to the pillars of Hellenistic temples and the remnants of enormous medieval city walls. However, Istanbul offers more than just Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A rapidly growing economy has led to a thriving arts and music scene, with an abundance of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants, and designer fashion stores.

About the destination: Cappadocia is a historical region in Central Anatolia, primarily in the provinces of Nevşehir, Kayseri, Kırşehir, Aksaray, and Niğde in Turkey. As per Herodotus, during the Ionian Revolt in 499 BCE, the Cappadocians were said to inhabit a region stretching from Mount Taurus to the vicinity of the Euxine (Black Sea). In this context, Cappadocia was bordered to the south by the Taurus Mountain range that separates it from Cilicia, to the east by the upper Euphrates, to the north by Pontus, and to the west by Lycaonia and eastern Galatia. The name, which has been traditionally used in Christian sources throughout history, continues to be used in the context of international tourism to describe a region of extraordinary natural wonders, especially known for its fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage.

About the destination: Pamukkale is renowned for its stunning white calcite travertines (terraces) that cascade with warm, mineral-rich waters from the mountain above the village, earning it the nickname 'Cotton Castle' (with 'pamuk' meaning 'cotton' in Turkish). Just above these travertines lies Hierapolis, a former Roman and Byzantine spa city, which boasts significant ruins and a museum. The designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site has led to protective measures for these shimmering cliffs, ending the days of unrestricted wandering. However, the travertines remain one of Turkey's unique attractions. While the picturesque travertines attract busloads of day-trippers eager for a quick dip and photo opportunity, staying overnight allows you to visit the site at sunset and avoid some of the crowds. This also provides the opportunity for a day trip to the beautiful and less-visited ancient ruins of Aphrodisias and Laodicea, as well as the chance to appreciate the village of Pamukkale itself.