#wanderlustturkey

#cityplaybook Cappadocia felt like stepping onto another planet — and honestly, no photo could have ever prepared me for the real thing. From the moment I arrived in Göreme, with its honey-colored rock formations and cozy cave hotels, I knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary trip. It was a dream carved in stone. The morning I took a hot air balloon ride is etched in my memory forever. Floating above the fairy chimneys as the sun rose over the valleys was pure magic. The sky lit up in soft pinks and golds, and below, the surreal landscape stretched endlessly — Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and the patchwork of vineyards and stone paths that make this place so unique. It felt like I was gliding over a painting. But Cappadocia isn’t just about its views from above. I spent a day exploring the Derinkuyu Underground City — a vast, ancient maze carved deep below the earth. It’s humbling to realize how people once lived and hid here during turbulent times. Another standout was hiking through the Ihlara Valley, a lush river gorge dotted with centuries-old cave churches painted in fading frescoes. What mattered most to me was the peace. Cappadocia has a stillness that gets under your skin — the kind that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and really take in the beauty around you. Best time to visit? Definitely April to June or September to October — when the weather is perfect for hiking, ballooning, and soaking in the scenery without the intense summer crowds. Bonus Tips: Stay in a cave hotel in Göreme for the full experience. Try a traditional pottery kebab in Avanos — the slow-cooked meat is unreal. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum early to enjoy it before tour groups arrive. Book your balloon ride in advance — spots fill up fast! Location Tags: #Göreme #LoveValley #Derinkuyu #IhlaraValley #CappadociaViews #CappadociaMagic #TurkeyTravel #BalloonDreams #FairyChimneys #WanderlustTurkey #UndergroundCities #TravelInspiration #FeaturedByTrip #AdventureAwaits #SunriseInTheSky

#springitinerary Perched atop a dramatic hill in Bergama, Pergamon (or Pergamum) is one of Turkey’s most awe-inspiring ancient cities. Once a powerful Greek and Roman metropolis, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a treasure trove of ruins that tell the story of its rich cultural and architectural legacy. At the heart of Pergamon is the Acropolis, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the ancient city below. Here, you’ll find impressive ruins like the Temple of Athena, the Altar of Zeus, and the vast Theatre of Pergamon, which could hold up to 10,000 spectators. The Asclepius Temple, dedicated to the god of healing, stands as one of the ancient world’s most important medical centres, with remnants of baths, a library, and an ancient hospital. The city is also famous for its library, which was second only to Alexandria’s. Pergamon was a hub of knowledge and culture, and its library housed over 200,000 scrolls, contributing significantly to the development of literature and scholarship in the ancient world. Among the site’s many marvels, the Pergamon Museum in Berlin houses some of the most significant artefacts discovered here, including the monumental Altar of Zeus. But seeing the ruins in person, where they once stood in their grandiosity, is a truly humbling experience. Tip: The Acropolis is a bit of a climb, but the panoramic views from the top are totally worth it. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes! #Pergamon #AncientRuins #TravelTurkey #UNESCOHeritage #HistoryLovers #ArchaeologicalWonders #CulturalJourney #Bergama #TravelBlogger #WanderlustTurkey

#cherryblossom25 While most visitors to Istanbul flock to Topkapi and Dolmabahçe, few know about the stunning Beylerbeyi Palace — a true hidden gem sitting quietly on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. Built in the 1860s as a summer residence for Ottoman sultans, Beylerbeyi Palace is pure elegance. From the outside, its white marble façade gleams under the sun, reflecting beautifully against the water. Inside, it’s a feast of crystal chandeliers, French clocks, richly woven carpets, and intricate hand-painted ceilings — a blend of Eastern charm and European luxury. What makes Beylerbeyi special is its serene atmosphere. Unlike the busy palaces across the strait, here you can wander the lavish rooms and peaceful gardens without the crowds, feeling like you’ve stepped into a royal retreat of a bygone era. The palace gardens, with their small pavilions and views across the sparkling Bosphorus, are just as breathtaking as the interiors. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and imagine the glamorous summer days of Istanbul’s sultans. Tip: After your visit, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront in the charming Beylerbeyi neighbourhood — full of cafés, seafood restaurants, and local life. #BeylerbeyiPalace #HiddenGemsIstanbul #OttomanSplendor #BosphorusViews #TravelTurkey #PalaceLife #WanderlustTurkey #TravelBlogger #AsianSideIstanbul