Turkey Travel Agent Specialist

Photo I took of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Turkey:

Turkey is special to me because it is the first country I went to explore on a solo trip. I wanted to pick a country filled with history that is also rich in biodiversity. What I learned while there is that Turkey doesn’t just span two continents, but it bridges the gap between practices of the ancient world and the cutting edge of modern culture and society. Turkey has layers of complexity, and should be explored with a curious heart. While it may not be a country that first comes to mind when planning a vacation, if you take the leap to travel here you will be rewarded in all sensory aspects. Mediterranean meals with Asian twists, tea tastings and coffee rituals, clear waters and rock beaches in the Turkish riviera, historic sites older than the Roman Empire, calming massages, or even volcanic sculpted mountains you can hot air balloon over. The list really goes on and on, so let’s break it down with some of my favorite places to experience in Turkey.

Istanbul:

To understand Turkey, you must visit Istanbul. This is a city that feels like the center of the universe. Standing on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait that goes through Istanbul, you are literally looking at Europe while standing in Asia, or vice-versa. The energy here is electric, with a constant flow of  street vendors, the rhythmic clinking of tea glasses, and the vibration and respect ringing through the air as the Muslim call to prayer sounds five times a day.

The "Historic Peninsula" is home to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, architectural marvels that play with light and scale in ways that are truly humbling. My favorite mosque is the Süleymaniye Mosque. By walking there you are rewarded after an uphill journey as the view from the courtyard allows you to overlook the city standing on the European side, viewing the Asian side of Istanbul in the distance. For a traveler who appreciates the intricacies of craft, the Grand Bazaar is the ultimate place to let yourself get lost. With over 4,000 shops, it is a living museum of trade. Here, you can find the most exquisite Turkish rugs and tapestries, pottery, handmade glass lamps, sweet stands, and more. Istanbul is a city that invites you to get lost in its neighborhoods, from the trendy boutiques of Karaköy on the Asian side (also where some of my favorite cuisine is!), to the colorful houses of Balat in the European side's historic Greek neighborhood. I recommend staying a few nights on each side of Istanbul to really experience it all.

Izmir and Alaçati:

As you move toward the coast, the pace slows and the air fills with the salty breeze of the Aegean sea. Izmir and Alaçati are my favorite locations along the Turkish Riviera. This area is the sun-drenched heart of western Turkey. The city of Izmir is filled with palm-lined promenades and a zest for life that feels reminiscent of the Mediterranean’s most iconic ports. You can walk along the water and visit smaller local bazaars in the different neighborhoods.

A short drive away lies Alaçati, a town that looks like a dream. With its narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses with blue shutters, and vibrant pink flowers climbing up vines, it is arguably the most picturesque spot on the coast. Alaçati is a haven for foodies and design lovers. The local market is a celebration of Aegean herbs, olives, and there is fresh caught seafood at every restaurant. fresh seafood. It’s the perfect blend of rustic tradition and barefoot luxury.

Ephesus:

Ephesus is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean, and this is why I was drawn to Turkey. Seeing photos of the Library of Celsus does not do it justice. It is one of the largest roman libraries in the world, and its towering, intricate facade, stands as a testament to the intellectual grandeur of the ancient world. Walking down the marble paved roads of Ephesus is a transformative experience, where you will be able to see and touch the very stone structures that were visited by Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and even the Virgin Mary.

What makes Ephesus truly special is the level of detail that remains—the faint remnants of murals in the terrace houses, the massive Great Theater that once held 25,000 spectators, and the feeling that the residents only just stepped away.

My “Why Turkey”:

The magic of Turkey lies in its welcoming culture. It is a nation of profound hospitality, where a stranger is treated like a guest. It’s in the flavor of a chai shared with a shop owner, the steam of a traditional hammam and massage, and the realization that you are walking on layers upon layers of human history. Whether you are looking for a curated multi-city tour of the ancient sites, or a relaxing escape along the riviera, I can help you navigate the beautiful complexities of this country so you can experience it as I did.