#featuredbytrip

#cityplaybook Valletta didn’t just surprise me — it completely captivated me. As the smallest capital city in Europe, I expected it to be charming. But I wasn’t prepared for how much soul it would have. From the moment I walked through the City Gate and into its golden limestone streets, I felt like I was walking through a storybook — one with layers of history, art, sea breeze, and Mediterranean magic. I stayed in a cozy boutique hotel just off Republic Street, Valletta’s main artery. Each morning, I’d grab a pastizz (flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas) and stroll past honey-hued buildings with their iconic balconies. St. John’s Co-Cathedral took my breath away — it’s easily one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever stepped into, its baroque interior dripping in gold and Caravaggio masterpieces. But what mattered most to me? The views. Valletta is surrounded by sea, and its Upper Barrakka Gardens offer one of the most stunning panoramas in Europe — watching the cannons fire at noon while gazing out over the Grand Harbour was unforgettable. Evenings were for wandering the narrow side streets, where the light hits the stone just right and restaurants spill out into the lanes. The seafood? Fresh, flavorful, and best enjoyed with a Maltese white wine. Best time to visit? April to June or late September to October, when the sun still shines but the crowds thin out. The weather is perfect for walking, exploring, and catching ferry rides to Sliema or the Three Cities. Bonus Tips: Take the Valletta Ferry Service for a scenic and cheap ride across the harbor. Visit the MUŻA Museum for a taste of local and European art. Don’t miss the National Library — quiet, beautiful, and filled with centuries of Maltese history. Pack comfortable shoes — Valletta is hilly with plenty of steps and hidden corners to explore. #VisitValletta #MaltaMagic #MediterraneanEscape #BaroqueBeauty #FeaturedByTrip #WanderlustMalta #HiddenGemsEurope #HistoryByTheSea #VallettaViews #GoldenCityVibes

#cityplaybook Izmir isn’t loud or showy. It doesn’t scream for your attention — it wins your heart quietly, with its effortless charm, friendly locals, and deep-rooted culture. My trip to this Aegean gem felt like a slow, beautiful exhale — the kind of travel that fills your soul more than your camera roll (though trust me, I filled that too!). I stayed near Alsancak, where the palm-lined promenades, boutique cafes, and waterside views made every walk feel like a scene from a romantic movie. Evenings were my favorite. Locals gather along Kordonboyu — a long seaside promenade — to sip tea, share laughter, and watch the sun melt into the sea. I joined them every night, just sitting on the grass, eating roasted corn, and listening to street musicians. It felt like being part of something simple and beautiful. One morning, I explored Kemeralti Bazaar — a sprawling, colorful labyrinth of spice stalls, antique shops, and hidden courtyards. I stumbled upon a tiny old coffeehouse, and the owner brewed me a cup of Turkish coffee so rich and strong, I can still taste it in my memory. Another day, I visited Ephesus (an hour’s drive away) and stood in awe at the Library of Celsus, where history whispered from every stone. What mattered most was Izmir’s genuine, unhurried vibe. It reminded me to slow down, savor moments, and connect with people — even strangers. Best time to visit? Late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October). The weather is gorgeous, the Aegean breeze is gentle, and the crowds are light. Bonus Tips: Take a day trip to Şirince — a charming wine village in the hills. Try boyoz (a savory pastry) for breakfast — a true Izmir tradition. Ride the İzban train for a smooth trip to/from the airport and nearby towns. Sunset at Asansör offers panoramic views and a peaceful escape. #IzmirVibes #AegeanSoul #TravelTurkey #HiddenGemIzmir #CoastalCharm #HistoryMeetsModern #FeaturedByTrip #WanderlustIzmir #AegeanDreaming #LocalLifeInIzmir

#cityplaybook Antalya wasn’t just a destination — it was an escape into sunshine, history, and sheer Mediterranean bliss. Nestled on the southern coast of Turkey, it instantly stole my heart with its blend of ancient charm and modern elegance. From wandering through old stone streets to diving into crystal-clear waters, this city had me enchanted from the start. My journey began in Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic old town. The narrow, cobbled alleys, colorful Ottoman houses, and blooming bougainvillea created the perfect postcard scene. I spent hours just getting lost — finding hidden cafes, local art shops, and views of the turquoise sea framed by ancient city walls. The Hadrian’s Gate, a beautifully preserved Roman arch, felt like a time portal. One of the most unforgettable experiences was swimming at Kaputaş Beach, a short drive away but worth every curve of the coastal road. The water was unbelievably clear — a vibrant mix of blues and greens — and the surrounding cliffs made it feel like a secret slice of paradise. But what truly mattered to me was how effortlessly Antalya combined relaxation with cultural richness. One morning, I explored the ancient ruins of Perge and Aspendos, and by afternoon, I was sipping Turkish tea by the harbor, watching yachts drift lazily by. The pace was perfect. Best time to visit? Late April to early June or September through October. The weather is warm but not scorching, and the beaches are less crowded — ideal for both exploration and soaking up the sun. Bonus Tips: Stay near Lara Beach if you want resort-style luxury. Visit Düden Waterfalls — they're right near the city and absolutely stunning. Don’t miss the local cuisine: grilled sea bass and Antalya-style piyaz are musts! Use the AntRay tram to easily get around the city. #AntalyaAdventures #TurkishRiviera #WanderlustAntalya #HistoryAndSea #MediterraneanEscape #FeaturedByTrip #BeachAndRuins #TravelTurkey #SunshineAndCulture

#cityplaybook Stepping into Istanbul is like stepping into a living museum where every street tells a story. My city tour began at the heart of it all — Sultanahmet Square — where the majestic Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia stand face to face, separated only by centuries of history and a stone-paved plaza. I remember standing in awe, trying to take in the scale and beauty of structures that had witnessed empires rise and fall. What struck me the most wasn’t just the grandeur of the monuments, but the feeling of being somewhere truly alive with culture. At the Grand Bazaar, the air was thick with the scent of spices, leather, and freshly brewed Turkish tea. I wandered through its maze-like alleys, picking up handmade ceramics and chatting with local vendors, many of whom had inherited their stalls from generations past. A highlight of my tour was a Bosphorus cruise at sunset. The breeze was gentle, the mosques lit up golden against the dusky sky, and the calls to prayer echoed softly over the water. Seeing Istanbul from the water — its minarets, palaces, and bridges stretching across two continents — gave me chills. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend going between April and June or September and early November. The weather is ideal, the crowds manageable, and the city feels especially vibrant in spring and autumn. Bonus Tips: Visit Galata Tower early in the morning to skip the lines and catch panoramic views of the city waking up. Don’t miss the Arasta Bazaar right behind the Blue Mosque — it’s quieter and full of unique treasures. Get an Istanbulkart for easy public transport access across trams, ferries, and metros. #IstanbulCityTour #TravelTurkey #WanderlustIstanbul #BosphorusVibes #HistoricWonders #CityOfEmpires #TravelInspo #FeaturedByTrip #TurkishDelights

#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