Wondering how to get from Istanbul to Ankara? This guide outlines four practical transport options for traveling between two of Türkiye’s most important cities. Heading to Türkiye’s capital to see Anıtkabir, explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, or walk up to Ankara Castle? Whatever your plan, choosing the right mode of transport will make your … Read more

My next stop on a South Western tour of Turkey was the small coastal resort of Cirali. After feeling underwhelmed by Kemer, I arrived with high hopes. One day of exploring Cirali and its surroundings was all it took — I fell completely in love with this unspoilt, tranquil destination. About Cirali Cirali is a … Read more

Update – July 2016 – Dear readers: if you have come here seeking guidance after the failed military coup in Turkey on 15 July 2016, follow your government’s travel advice. Your travel insurance may be invalid if you act contrary to official guidance. On 18 July the U.S. State Department updated its recommendation: “In light … Read more

I have always loved castles, not because of fairy-tale princesses, but because they remind me of childhood. Growing up in Nottingham, UK, I spent many weekends at the castle acting out Robin Hood stories and imagining the wicked sheriff. So when I arrived in Gaziantep, the first place I wanted to visit was its castle. … Read more

When I lived in England, I never understood the appeal of fishing. It seemed odd to catch fish only to throw them back. I was a city girl whose diet mostly consisted of fast food and frozen microwave meals, so fish rarely featured unless it came from the local takeaway—deeply battered, greasy, and wrapped in … Read more

While Istanbul changes rapidly with new skyscrapers and modern developments, one neighborhood has preserved its culture and history: Kuzguncuk. Many locals consider it one of the last places in the city that still feels like old Istanbul. If you want to explore off the beaten path and discover a hidden gem, Kuzguncuk will charm you. … Read more

Antipater of Sidon, a noted Greek poet from the latter half of the 2nd century BC, visited many famous sites of the ancient world, including the Temple of Artemis near the ruins of Ephesus in Selçuk on Turkey’s Aegean coast. Also called the Temple of Diana, the sanctuary honoured Artemis, goddess of fertility. It was … Read more

One town I was keen to visit while in Cappadocia was Nevsehir. As the main hub for the surrounding villages, it felt like the centre of the region. We jumped in the car and arrived in a busy town within an hour. We hadn’t planned much before leaving — we assumed there would be signs … Read more

Growing up Christian but living in a predominantly Muslim country has given me a close view of the many shared figures and stories across both faiths. One striking example is the prophet Ibrahim, known in the Bible as Abraham. Tradition places his birth in the Mesopotamian region variously called Ur or Edessa, today known as … Read more

Flying is one of the easiest and fastest ways to travel around Turkey. Flights are often affordable, they cover long distances in an hour or two, and the country’s extensive airport network means almost every region is within reach. Turkey is large—about 783,500 sq km (302,500 sq miles), roughly twice the size of Germany and … Read more