Türkiye, a jewel between Europe and Asia

Photos: Unsplash & Freepik

We could say that Turkey is a country that has it all: history, culture, nature, exquisite gastronomy and a lot of charm.

Turkey is one of the five countries that straddle two continents. Europe and Asia. With a population of approximately 86 million inhabitants and an area of around 291.500 miles in Western Asia and 9265 miles on the European side. Istanbul

We find Istanbul, the ancient Constantinople, divided in two by the Bosphorus Strait. Türkiye’s largest city welcomes us full of light, full of culture, frenetic life, history and, of course, traffic jams. Istanbul is a vibrant city that offers those who stroll through it the reflection of centuries of interchange of civilisations, full of contrasts, as East meets West, where the ancient and the modern embrace.

No visit to ancient Constantinople is complete without a boat trip on the Bosphorus, particularly on the famous Golden Horn, the estuary that separates the old Istanbul from the new.  From the water, it is possible to admire idyllic views of Ottoman palaces, ancient fortresses and picturesque neighbourhoods on both sides of the city. A different view, full of monuments. It is an ideal way to enjoy the magical sunset that the city has to offer, and to get to know it from a different perspective.

A trip across the Galata Bridge - Galata Köprüsü - is a must on your itinerary to the city as it links old Istanbul with the more modern part of the city. Dozens of fishermen gather on both banks for hours in search of the best fish. Creating a bucolic view. Eating at the restaurants on the bridge, on the lower deck, in the middle of the Bosphorus, is recommended to everyone and particularly to gourmets. From the Galata Bridge you can climb aboard the historic Tünel funicular for an elevated and authentic experience to the top of the Galata Tower, one of the oldest structures in the world, allowing you to immerse yourself in the grandeur of Istanbul.

The neighbourhoods of Kadıköy and Balat are full of cafés and charming streets. Balat, Istanbul’s trendy neighbourhood, is famous for its colourful houses, which were restored by Unesco after the neighbourhood fell into disrepair. Nişantaşı, in contrast to the traditional, is the perfect district for luxury lovers, with international designer boutiques and high-end jewellery shops.

Izmir

The pearl of the Aegean, it combines the charm of a cosmopolitan city with the richness of its historical heritage. Strolling along the Kordon at sunset, with the sea gently caressing the shore, is an experience that captivates those in search of serenity and beauty. The Clock Tower is the symbol of the city overlooking Konak Meydani Square, where Ottoman history and Izmir’s vibrant modernity converge. Izmir’s Agora, an ancient Greek and Roman market square, transports visitors back to a time when trade and culture flourished in this strategic port. Nearby, the Alsancak district invites you to discover exclusive boutiques, charming cafés and a vibrant cultural scene that reflects the sophisticated soul of the city.

Cappadocia

Located in the heart of Turkey, Cappadocia is a dream destination straight out of a fairy tale. Long before the sun rises, the adventure begins. Under the stars and the darkness of a sky that has not yet awakened, the balloons begin to come to life, filling with flames that illuminate the early morning.  The excitement begins to be palpable. The fresh dawn air, the eagerness and the nerves of what is about to arrive begin to create a magical atmosphere. The balloons begin to inflate and rise gently.

One of the most special flights begins. The sun, still timid, begins to peek over the horizon. The spectacle becomes even more fascinating. The sky is painted in hundreds of colours, including the magnificent sunrise over these fairytale valleys, and from the heights we can admire the vast expanse of Cappadocia and its iconic fairy chimneys. Göreme, if anything, is even more beautiful from the air. Göcek

This elegant port attracts the international yachting community with its six world-class marinas, located in a bay where the Mediterranean and the Aegean meet to offer a haven for those seeking tranquillity and exclusivity on the high seas.  Chartering a private yacht allows you to explore hidden coves and beaches inaccessible by land, where turquoise waters caress golden sands. Sunset cruises, with gourmet dinners prepared on board by renowned chefs, offer a touch of sophistication as the sun sets over the horizon. For those seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of luxury, a week spent sailing between deserted islands and enchanting harbours is an experience that redefines the meaning of relaxation. Assos

This place is an ancient jewel perched on an extinct volcano 236 metres above sea level. The town was home of the philosopher Aristotle and is location of the Temple of Athena, a Doric construction that offers breathtaking views of the Aegean, especially at sunset. A stroll through the necropolis and a visit to the Agora, Gymnasium and open-air theatre is an invitation to relive the grandeur of ancient civilisation. The possibility of private tours guided by archaeologists adds a level of depth and exclusivity to the experience.

Turkey, with its diverse landscapes, rich history and exclusive offerings, remains an unrivalled destination for those seeking experiences that transcend the conventional. Here, luxury is lived in every detail, from the history that whispers in its ancient stones to the warmth of its people and the magnificence of its landscapes. Click here to read full article