Explorer’s Journal: Journey through Turkey with Destination Expert Adam

Adventure through Turkey with Destination Expert Adam! From Istanbul’s grand mosques and bustling bazaars to Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes and the Aegean’s ancient ruins, Turkey stuns at every turn. Join Adam as he explores the history, culture, and unforgettable moments across this vibrant and diverse country. 

Hi y’all – Destination Expert Adam back on ground, this time from stunning Turkey. I’ll be hitting up the highlights from Istanbul, the incredible hot air balloons of Cappadocia and ending with a bit of R&R on the Aegean Coast! 

Ottoman Istanbul  

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Stepping into history—this iconic gate at Topkapi Palace once welcomed Ottoman sultans into a world of opulence, intrigue, and imperial power. (Photo: Adam Laughter)

With so much to see in Istanbul, our guide recommended splitting our time between two great empires: the Byzantines and the Ottomans. Today was all about the Ottoman legacy, so we set off to explore sultans’ palaces, grand mosques, and the city’s famous bazaars. 

We began at the Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmed I to rival the Hagia Sophia. Inside, 20,000 Iznik tiles shimmered under stained-glass light. A short stroll took us to Topkapi Palace, where Ottoman rulers once lived in lavish luxury. Picture emerald-studded daggers, silk-draped courtyards, and a harem with over 300 women (though the real power often lay with the sultan’s mother). 

After a stop at the Rustem Pasa Mosque, we dove into the Spice Market, where the air smelled of saffron, sumac, and a hundred other things I suddenly “needed.” Then came the Grand Bazaar—a whirlwind of over 4,000 shops, filled with carpets, lanterns, and some of the most convincing “not-fake” designer bags you’ll ever see. 

Before calling it a day, I indulged in Katmer with Turkish ice cream—a crispy, pistachio-filled pastry topped with Istanbul’s famous stretchy, chewy dondurma. Watching the vendor play tricks before finally handing it over was priceless. 

Byzantine Istanbul  

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SA Expeditions Destination Expert Adam exploring the layers of Istanbul's past and present. (Photo: Adam Laughter)

Today we began at the Hippodrome, once the social and political heart of the city. Though the grand chariot-racing arena is long gone, its monuments remain: the Egyptian Obelisk, brought from Karnak; the Serpent Column, a relic from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi; and the Walled Column, a centuries-old testament to the city's layered history. 

Next, we stepped inside the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia—a structure that has seamlessly transitioned from church to mosque to museum and back to a mosque again. The sheer scale of its dome and the fusion of Christian mosaics with Islamic calligraphy.  

After lunch, we visited the Underground Cistern, a vast subterranean reservoir built by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. Once a critical water source for the city, it now captivates visitors with its dimly lit columns, vaulted ceilings, and the enigmatic Medusa heads repurposed as column bases. But the real indulgence of the day? A visit to the legendary Cağaloğlu Hammam, where I traded sightseeing for steam and a vigorous scrubdown in a 300-year-old bathhouse. This hammam has hosted everyone from Florence Nightingale to Cameron Diaz and even Oprah—so naturally, I had to see what the hype was about. 

As the day wound down, Istanbul delivered yet another unforgettable moment: a breathtaking sunset over the Bosphorus.

Exploring Cappadocia’s Hidden Wonders  

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From cave hotels to hidden paths, Destination Expert Adam explores the magic of Cappadocia. (Photo: Adam Laughter)

After a quick flight to Nevsehir, we arrived in Cappadocia and checked into our cave hotel in Ürgüp—a place that, according to our guide, was her childhood playground. Imagine growing up where ancient rock formations were your jungle gym! While Göreme’s hot air balloons may be the internet’s favorite backdrop, the region’s history runs far deeper. 

We started with a hike through Soganli Valley, where rock-cut churches and faded frescoes told the stories of early Christianity. Passing through Mustafapasa, a town filled with elegant Greek stone houses, we continued to the Zelve & Göreme Open Air Museums, once vibrant monastic communities. 

To close the day, we ventured deep into the Underground City of Kaymaklı, an elaborate subterranean refuge used for centuries to shelter entire populations during invasions. Let’s just say, if you’re even slightly claustrophobic, this is where you find out for sure.  

A Bucket List Experience: Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia  

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Adam takes in Cappadocia’s magic from a hot air balloon. (Photo: Adam Laughter)

Let’s be honest—this was the highlight of the trip, and it did not disappoint. Before dawn, we arrived at the launch site, where dozens of balloons stood half-inflated like sleeping giants. As the sun rose, we floated over Göreme, taking in the surreal landscape of fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings. 

Fun fact: Cappadocia’s ballooning industry is strictly regulated, with only 150 balloons allowed in the sky at once for safety. Meanwhile, the ground was packed with photographers, vintage cars, and travelers in flowing gowns doing sunrise photoshoots. (We, on the other hand, were wrapped in layers and clutching our Turkish coffee. Priorities.) 

A toast of sparkling wine wrapped up the morning—because nothing says “once-in-a-lifetime” like soaring over a history packed wonderland to start your morning.   

The Aegean Coastline  

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From ancient wonders in Ephesus to the turquoise shores of the Aegean—Turkey’s contrasts come vividly to life. (Photo: Adam Laughter)

After exploring Istanbul’s grandeur and Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, arriving on the Aegean Coast felt like stepping into an entirely different Turkey. Staying in Kuşadası, we had the sea at our doorstep—perfect for a refreshing dip in the Aegean—while just a short drive from Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities. 

Walking along its marble streets, past the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, it was easy to picture the city in its prime—alive with merchants, scholars, and Roman elites. Nearby, we visited the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene site believed to be her final home. 

That’s a wrap! Thanks for following along. If you’re ready for your own adventure—filled with baklava, Turkish delights, and unforgettable experiences—reach out to connect with a Destination Expert!  

About the Author: Born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina, Adam Laughter has spent the last half-decade traveling throughout regions like the Middle East, Polar Regions, and much of Latin America. With years of first-hand experience, he plans private tailor-made adventures for his travelers from his home base in Lima, Peru.