No itinerary to Turkey would be complete without exploration of the capital city. In fact, your adventure starts as soon as you touch down at Istanbul airport after your non-stop flight with Turkish Airlines. The airport is modern and sleek, packed with restaurants and boutiques, including a bazaar with authentic Turkish food and snacks, and plenty of clothing stores from Prada and Mont Blanc to affordable brands like LC Waikiki.
 

Check in to your hotel – we recommend staying in Sultanahmet – and fight off the urge to take a nap. You won’t regret it, after a day spent exploring some of the city's must-visit iconic sights. In one day, you can squeeze in a visit to both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Spend your second day at the Topkapi Palace, once the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans. Afterwards, enjoy an evening cruise on the Bosphorus River. Take in both sides of the Istanbul skyline from the water as you cruise along the river that separates Asia and Europe .

Spend the morning at the Grand Bazaar and do a little bit of shopping in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Remember to haggle – it’s expected here! Stop for a bite of lunch overlooking the Bosphorus. In the afternoon, catch a flight to Antalya, a gateway to the Turkish Riviera, to start your beach experience. Drive to the town of Kaş after landing in Antalya and settle in for the night.

Spend some time relaxing on Kaputaş Beach, a picturesque spot nestled between cliffs. Enjoy a swim in clear blue waters or just soak in the sun from the beach. Afterwards, explore the charming historical town of Kas, where you’ll find whitewashed houses and colourful bougainvillea. Visit the Lycian tombs, which are carved into the cliffs and mountainsides surrounding the town and date back thousands of years.

Turkey might strike you as a food and culture destination first and foremost, but their coastlines are incredible. So incredible that hotels and resorts are in fierce competition to claim the best spots on their sandy white beaches and clear blue waters. Think Greece or Croatia – Turkey’s beaches are much the same!

Kaş is also known for its excellent diving opportunities. Explore underwater Lycian rock tombs and a variety of marine life. consider a boat tour to nearby Kekova Island to see sunken ruins. For those who prefer to stay on land, visit the ancient ruins of Xanthos and Patara, along with Patara Beach, one of the longest in the Mediterranean.