Let’s wander through world-class museums, marvel at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and embrace the great outdoors for a truly adventurous escape. Join us on a trip to Türkiye, where summer stays comfortably on your side, warm enough for a trip to the coast and cool enough for an invigorating trek through the highlands.
Unlocking history via a journey through İstanbul’s museums
İstanbul was once the heart of the great Ottoman Empire. Today, it proudly preserves its rich legacy through heritage sites and museums, as time continues to write new chapters in its story.
While you may already have a bucket list of things to do in İstanbul, here are a few of our favourites to inspire your next visit:
İstanbul Toy Museum
The İstanbul Oyuncak Müzesi, or İstanbul Toy Museum, houses thousands of toys purchased from over forty different countries, showcasing the history of toys, some of which date back to the early 1800s.
The museum tells the story of dreams and science through the medium of toys, offering everyone a delightful space to spark their curiosity and create photo-worthy moments.
Take a break in between to enjoy a delicious cuppa at the museum café that will make you feel like you are in a doll’s house. Before you leave, don’t forget to visit the museum shop for the best souvenirs. You will find everything from actual toys, replicas of exhibits, to books, stationery and merchandise that are toy-themed.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
If you or someone in your family admires trains and submarines, then find your way to Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Türkiye’s only museum dedicated to the history of communication and transportation.
Overlooking the shores of the Golden Horn, a walk through the museum feels like stepping into a picture book.
It tells the tale of cars, trains, planes, a real World War II submarine, and the historical Fenerbahçe Ferry, among other fourteen thousand objects. Detailed models and life-sized exhibits vividly mirror the industrial revolution through the eras.
Sultanahmet Archaeological Park
The Sultanahmet Archaeological Park is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take your time to explore the many treasures within this historic neighborhood.
However, if you are short of time, make sure to visit these top two places:
Hagia Sophia
Built in the 6th century, Hagia Sophia was once the seat of the Christian cathedral of Constantinople, as the Church of God’s Holy Wisdom. It later became the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, also known as Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi.
Despite the changes it has witnessed over the centuries, the building’s status as a pioneering architectural feat remains unshaken. Set on Sarayburnu Hill, flanked by the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, Hagia Sophia is truly awe-inspiring.
Let yourself be drawn into its aura of divinity as you gaze up at the Grand Dome. Trace your fingers along the Wishing Column and pause for quiet reflection at the Weeping Column. To truly grasp the centuries-old legacy of Hagia Sophia, visit the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum, located within the Defter-i Hakani Nezareti building, before you leave the grounds.
Basilica Cistern
To the southwest of Hagia Sofia lies a timeless architectural legend. Once a marvel of Byzantine engineering, the Basilica Cistern has transformed into a space where history and art intertwine, preserving stories that transcend time.
Today, it stands as the Basilica Cistern Museum, inviting visitors into its subterranean world to the evolution of human ingenuity through the lens of water. The space features evocative installations by contemporary artists such as Ali Abayoğlu, Yasemin Aslan Bakiri, Jennifer Steinkamp, and many more.
İstanbul Archaeological Museums
For history buffs, a visit to the İstanbul Archaeological Museums is an absolute must. This impressive complex consists of three distinct galleries, each offering a unique window into the ancient world.
Start at the Archaeology Museum, Türkiye’s first museum, which houses about one million artifacts spanning numerous civilizations, offering an unparalleled journey through time.
Then, step into the Museum of Ancient Oriental Artifacts, which showcases a remarkable collection of archaeological treasures. This museum features historically significant items, including the Kadesh Peace Treaty and a fragment of the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, as well as cuneiform tablets from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula.
Finally, visit the Tiled Kiosk Museum, a rare example of Ottoman civic architecture in Istanbul with strong Seljuk influences. This museum presents exquisite examples of Seljuk and Ottoman tiles and ceramics, celebrating centuries of decorative art.
Bosphorus Strait
On your final evening in Istanbul, immerse yourself in the magic of this transcontinental city by cruising the Bosphorus Strait at sunset aboard a private yacht.
As the sun dips into the golden shimmering water, enjoy a unique vantage point to admire Istanbul’s architectural masterpieces.
Watch the city slip into its evening glory as you pass historic monuments bathed in twilight, such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Galata Tower, etc.
Cruise through the blues at Bodrum
A walk along the cobblestone seaside streets, lined with whitewashed houses and blue doors, guided by the gentle sway of the windmills, welcomes you to Bodrum. Here, the turquoise waters of the Aegean perform a practiced choreography across its bays, creating a playground for all.
Bodrum Castle
Bodrum Castle, or the Castle of St. Peter, is a historic fortress listed on the UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage status. Built by the Knights of St. John, it stands on a rocky peninsula between two sheltered bays. The castle is a striking example of Gothic architecture and a reflection of Bodrum’s rich past.
A walk through the museum will take you past towers such as the Snake Tower, Lion Tower, Strong Tower, Embroidery Tower, and Relief Tower, each with its own distinctive story about how it served the knights or later the Byzantine Empire. Throughout the castle, a series of halls and exhibits invite you to weave together a unique tapestry of Bodrum’s past, blending centuries-old narratives with your own personal journey.
Muğla Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum
Located within the walls of the Bodrum Castle is the only museum of its kind: the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum. It houses underwater artifacts dating back to the 16th century AD.
As you continue your trip to the museum from the English Towers, you will come across maritime discoveries. These include the Uluburun Shipwreck, a 14th-century BC vessel considered as one of the earliest known examples of international maritime trade, and the Serçelimanı Glass Wreck, which features the largest collection of medieval Islamic glass from Syria.
Milta Bodrum Marina
Located in the heart of this charming coastal town, Milta Bodrum Marina is one of the most prestigious marinas in the Aegean and Mediterranean. Whether you are a sailing enthusiast or simply looking to soak in the maritime vibes with your family, the marina serves as your gateway to cruising through the turquoise waters.
Charter a luxury yacht to explore the stratospheric Bodrum Peninsula or enjoy a day trip to the nearby Greek island of Kos. For a dreamier experience, opt for a sunset cruise to glide past the castle and the windmills bathed in a golden hue. End your evening with dinner at the little cafés or restaurants lining the Bodrum Harbour.
Aquarium Bay
Aquarium Bay or Akvaryum Koyu is a quick, serene escape from Bodrum’s town center if you are in the mood to scuba dive in crystal clear waters with gentle slopes.
Charter a boat out to the bay for an immersive day of underwater exploration, or drive there for a more relaxed visit.
Capture the sight of turtles, stingrays, groupers and moray eels swimming alongside you and your family. If you are lucky, you may even get to spot nudibranchs, octopuses and squids adding bright color to your line of vision.
Embrace the lush greenery of Trabzon
For our last stop, we head northeast into the green embrace of the Pontic Mountains of Trabzon. These peaks are enveloped by the cool mountain air and the refreshing breeze from the nearby Black Sea coast. Stepping into this region feels as though you have been transported into a land woven with folklore, thousands of years of history and cultural richness.
Sera Lake and its surroundings
Set the tone for your Trabzon tour with a visit to Sera Lake and its tranquil surroundings for a multisensory experience.
Let nature guide your steps along the walking trails as you breathe in the crisp mountain air. For a slower pace, enjoy a picnic surrounded by rich flora and fauna in this serene setting.
Let nature guide your steps along the walking trails as you breathe in the crisp mountain air. For a slower pace, enjoy a picnic surrounded by rich flora and fauna in this serene setting.
Uzungöl
Continue your exploration of the Turkish Highlands with a visit to Uzungöl. This halcyon lake is surrounded by emerald forests, misty peaks, and wooden chalets.
One of the musts in Uzungöl includes hiking through the many easily accessible trails of Uzungöl Nature Park. If you prefer a calmer pace, promenade by the flat lakeside paths before settling in for a picnic by the lake, framed by spruce trees and postcard-perfect scenery.
Wake before sunrise, bring binoculars, and you may catch glimpses of wild deer, squirrels, and other small creatures stirring at dawn.
Virgin Mary/Sümela Monastery
Of the many monumental museums that Trabzon is home to, one you must not leave without experiencing is the Sümela Monastery, part of the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Convention.
Perched on the cliffs of Mount Karadağ overlooking the Altındere Valley, Sümela Monastery is a timeless sanctuary. Founded in the 4th century as two modest chambers, it expanded significantly during the Byzantine era. Over the centuries, it has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, undergone several renovations, and now stands as an enduring testament to faith and artistry.
The trip to the monastery winds through endless green vales, offering moments for quiet reflection before you climb its stony stairways. After the ascent, the Rock Church provides a welcome respite with its serene atmosphere and cool air. From there, pathways lead you past ancient frescoed walls depicting biblical scenes and into the various chapels, courtyards, a library, the bell tower, and a historic aqueduct. Take your time to truly explore the magnificence of Sümela Monastery.
Boztepe
For the grand finale of your Summer ’25 journey, take a picturesque drive uphill to Trabzon’s own Boztepe hill. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a true bird’s-eye view of the city sprawling below and the vast Black Sea horizon.
Soak in the myriad colors of the sunset from the hilly gardens, cradling a glass of traditional Turkish tea from the hilltop cafés. Click Polaroids during the golden hour and then watch the city come alive for the night, its twinkling lights bidding adieu to you and your family until next time.
