If you are looking for turquoise waters, spectacular mountain trails, well preserved UNESCO World Heritage sites and a unique culture, than you should check our list with Things to do in Turkey.

Turkey, the well-known “bridge between East and West” is a fascinating country that combines influences from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, Central Asia and Balkans. Its beautiful beaches, historical places and religious sites, unique bazaars and shopping centers and numerous world heritage sites have created one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the world.

Shopping in the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsisi)

Visiting Istanbul means also preparing yourself for a huge vibrant shopping experience. In the heart of the Old City awaits you a labyrinthine and chaotic bazaar with mosques, restaurants, workshops more than 2000 shops and even banks and a police station. It is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. This is the world of antique shops, jewelries, hand-painted ceramics, embroideries, carpets and spices. You should have a rest at any of the bazaar’s Cafes or Nargile Bars, embracing the Turkish atmosphere.

Enter in a spectacular place of worship: Sultan Ahmed Mosque / Blue Mosque

The moment you’ll remain speechless is when you’ll see the Sultan Ahmed Mosque from far, for the first time. Then, entering in the Blue Mosque will instantly make you melt. It’s a truly unique experience to witness this combination of spaciousness and wondrous mosaics with the blue Iznik tiles, among people practicing their faith in this spectacular place of worship, probably Turkey’s most famous landmark.

Visit Ishak Pasha Palace

One of eastern Turkey’s most emblematic sites, a rare example of the historical Turkish palaces, Ishak Pasha Palace was built in the Ottoman period during three generations. It can be admired on a high and vast platform, 6km uphill southeast of Dogubeyazit, on the Silk Route.

Enjoy the Therapeutic waters at Pamukkale Thermal Pools

The warm therapeutic waters from ‘Cotton Castles’ that fill the natural travertine terraces attract many tourists and locals that come to bathe in the calcium-rich water which cascaded over the cliff edge , creating an amazing frosty landscape. This place has been declared a World Heritage site, together with the nearby ancient ruins of the city of Hierapolis.

Hot Air Ballooning over Cappadocia

After exploring the underground mysteries of this area (subterranean rock-carved cities and churches are up to eight levels deep) you should have an overall view of the undeniably beautiful landscape from above. Probably the most exciting way of admiring Cappadocia’s oddly-formed landscape is Hot Air Ballooning. You’ll be free to admire the spectacular lunar landscape, the astonishing rock formations and the Troglodyte Villages hewn out of the soft porous rock.

Have a relaxing Turkish bath

Try a hammam, or in other words, relax in a Turkish style. In the steamy Turkish baths you’ll also have a have a scrub and a massage. This would make a wonderful way to round off a day’s sightseeing.

Spare a moment for spirituality at the Ruins of Ephesus

Ephesus is the most visited antic site of Turkey and the best preserved of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean. Entering this ancient city and admiring its immense archaeological remains would be a journey along the pathways of the temple of Hadrian and the Temple of Artemis.

Start a Blue Cruise along the Turkish Riviera

The Blue Cruise typically starts in Bodrum and terminates in the port of Antalya. You’ll have the chance to see busy ports, picturesque bays, ancient cities and deserted coves. Make sure though you won’t miss the stunning Kaputas Cove or Patara beach.

For more information about car hire Turkey, or in any Turkish location, please contact us over the phone on +44 (0)113 880 0748 or via email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk