From historical sites and temples to nature, hills, and mountains, even simple pleasures like seeing rows of orange and olive trees along the roads are fulfilling. The long rides between cities may not always showcase Turkey’s top attractions, but there is always something to catch the eye out of the window. Comfort breaks in quiet rural areas for sitting back and having a drink, as the silence away from the bustling top attractions.
The days pass
quickly, ensuring all the must-see sights and top Turkey attractions are ticked
off before the loop brings the journey back to Istanbul and, eventually, home (YOGYAKARTA INDONESIA TOP SITES).
Sultanhanı
Caravanserai, Aksaray, Turkey
On the long
road from Konya to Cappadocia, there is a spot worth visiting: the Sultanhanı
Caravanserai, about an hour from the city of Aksaray. Like an ancient Turkish
mansion, it greets with huge doors leading inside.
Sultanhanı
itself is a small town, more like a village, with not much else to see. It is
quiet, with a few street stalls, but the caravanserai has put it on the map of Turkey
historical sites.
Built in the 13th century, the caravanserai was a safe resting place and trading post along the famous Silk Road. Constructed between 1229 and 1236 by Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat I, it has stood for over 800 years and has been restored several times. It became an important stopover for traders traveling to Istanbul.
.
It is a top
spot in Turkey attractions for the feeling of stepping back in time, and for
appreciating how Sultanhanı Caravanserai has been preserved almost as it was
centuries ago.
Cappadocia,
Turkey
Cappadocia is one of the must-visit regions in Turkey, including towns and villages such as Göreme, Ürgüp, Avanos, and Nevşehir (the provincial capital). Caves are what catch the eye in Cappadocia attractions. And it’s not just the caves. There’s so much happening in and around them. There are underground restaurants and hotels, adding to the top sights in Cappadocia.
The Underground
City of Kaymaklı
One of the top
things to do in Cappadocia is visiting the Underground City of Kaymaklı. It is
an adventure, though not for anyone who fears tight, narrow paths. Some areas
require bending to get through, and the air can feel a little heavy in spots.
Still, stepping inside feels like traveling back in time, imagining what life
was like in this unique cave city.
Kaymaklı is the
widest underground city in Cappadocia, with nearly one hundred tunnels. Opened
in 1964, it is believed to have been built by early Christians as a refuge from
persecution. Beneath the surface lies a fascinating maze of tunnels, chambers, and
galleries carved deep into volcanic tuff rock. The city could hold up to 3,000
people and reaches over 85 meters deep, with low winding passages, steep
stairs, and rooms for all kinds of daily life.
It is like a small underground town, complete with water wells, storage spaces, and ventilation shafts. Some areas even include a church, stables, and kitchens. Surprisingly, there are burial chambers where the dead were laid to rest within the city walls.
Göreme Open-Air
Museum
A UNESCO World
Heritage Site, Göreme Open-Air Museum is contained within a smaller cave space.
A must-see in Cappadocia, the churches and chapels are close together, making
it easy to explore. The cave churches, carved between 1000 and 1200 AD, are
filled with detailed paintings that tell stories from the Bible. Walking
through the tunnels and rooms, it can be mind-boggling to imagine how monks
actually lived, prayed, and worked in this carved volcanic rock.
Set against
Cappadocia’s unique landscape, the museum shows how nature and history coexist.
The painted walls, rock formations, and narrow passages make it a small space
packed with stories and sights.
Hot Air Balloons in Turkey
At an altitude
of about 1,000 to 3,000 feet, the panorama of Cappadocia stretches from the
ground to the sky and everything in between. This is the hallmark of
Cappadocia—a world-famous hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey. It’s not
exactly cheap, but when in Turkey, missing this experience would be a shame.
The ride is
professionally arranged, starting with a 5 am hotel pickup, followed by a quick
breakfast at a café by 6 am. By 7 am, it’s time to step into the balloon’s
basket. The basket is tall, so either a small stool or help from the crew is
needed to get in.
Inside the
basket, space is tight, standing back-to-back with other passengers, barely
enough to move. But once in the air, it’s all worth it. From above, the fairy
chimneys, cave houses, and ancient valleys unfold like a living map. Slowly,
the sun rises, warming the rocks and lighting up the landscape.
The landing is
smooth, followed by a traditional celebration with a certificate and a glass of
champagne. A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is an experience that stays
forever, truly unforgettable.
Avanos Town
As a
continuation of the hot air balloon experience, a short stop is included in
Avanos Town in Cappadocia. From the hilltops, the striking natural rock
formations create a beautiful backdrop. Pigeons fly across the sky, while
below,
Avanos is known for its pottery-making tradition, believed to date back
to Hittite times, using clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak River. It’s a
spot where the old town and riverside meet, ideal for standing around and
taking photos.
Avanos is also famous for the blue eye charm, one of Turkey’s most recognizable symbols, known as Nazar Boncuğu. These talismans are tied to tree branches and are believed to protect from bad luck or harm caused by envy. The blue eye charm is also part of Turkish home culture and is worn as jewelry.
Bolu, Turkey
Bolu is all
about nature and makes a great stop halfway between Istanbul and Ankara. An
overnight stay in any of the cozy, cottage-style accommodations, set in a
garden, adds to the relaxing stay. For those with extra time, things to do in
Bolu, Turkey include visiting its beautiful nature spots in Bolu.
Yedigöller
National Park
Seven beautiful
lakes, walking trails, and picnic spots make this park a nature lover’s
delight.
Gölcük Nature Park
A peaceful lake
surrounded by pine trees, ideal for a stroll or quiet reflection.
Kartalkaya Ski Resort
A popular
destination for skiing and snowboarding in winter, with slopes suitable for
beginners and experienced skiers alike.
Abant Lake
Scenic lake
views with options for picnics, horse rides, or simply enjoying the
tranquility.
Seben Rock Houses
Ancient
rock-carved houses that reveal part of Bolu’s history and traditional
architecture.
Ankara -
Anıtkabir
About a
3.5-hour drive brings to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Such a significant name
feels big and mighty, and the city itself lives up to it. The wide roads lead
toward Anıtkabir, the mausoleum where Atatürk’s tomb is located. Simply huge,
the mausoleum is the central and most prominent structure of the complex.
It is
surrounded by ceremonial plazas, memorial halls, and museum areas. It dominates
the site both visually and symbolically. Strong honor guards stand watch.
Walking up the many steps, it is hard not to wonder how such a design was
built.
The mausoleum
honors Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic
of Turkey and the leader of the Turkish War of Independence. Anıtkabir is one
of Ankara’s top landmarks and a powerful symbol of the nation’s history.
Inside, personal belongings, historical documents, books, and other treasures
reveal more about Atatürk’s life and vision.
The changing of the guards is a solemn and memorable highlight. Anıtkabir is also where İsmet İnönü, Turkey’s second President, was laid to rest. His tomb sits directly opposite Atatürk’s across the Ceremonial Ground. Hours can be spent simply seated somewhere quiet, away from the crowds.
The long, wide Ceremony Road,
used for official ceremonies, is a pathway lined with flagpoles, statues, and
garden, where countless number of people are seen walking up and down.