Take a look at the picture.
This time, it’s not about some abstract painter [nose pick R][laugh cry R]. Since I didn’t leave the country for long, I flew directly from Abu Dhabi to Ankara, Turkey’s capital, for a nine-day, eight-night adventure. The entire journey is meticulously documented in my notes on Xiaohongshu—feel free to explore them on my homepage.
Ankara is a refreshingly cool and comfortable mountain city, with Ankara Castle standing as an absolute must-visit gem.
From Ankara to Cappadocia, you can take a bus; I opted for Flixbus, which offers a supremely comfortable ride. You can choose the panoramic front-row seat to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery along the way.
It’s highly recommended to spend two nights in Cappadocia, dividing your time between Göreme and Üçhisar. Argos in Cappadocia, nestled in Üçhisar, is a dream destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Cappadocia has two airports, allowing you to fly directly from Kayseri Airport to Antalya. Antalya, though a seaside city, can feel somewhat underwhelming, so rent a car promptly and drive along the scenic D400 route to Kalkan.
Kalkan stands out as one of the most enchanting seaside towns in all of Turkey.
If you’re inclined to disagree, save your breath—I’ll simply handle it by blacklisting. Stay at Villa Mahal in Kalkan for three peaceful nights. During this time, you can venture to Patara’s ancient ruins, Kaputas Beach, the charming town of Kas, or Butterfly Valley, depending on your preference. For thrill-seekers, skydiving in Fethiye is an unforgettable experience.
From Kalkan, drive to Dalaman Airport to return your car and catch a direct flight to Istanbul. Spend one night in Istanbul before heading back to Abu Dhabi.
How to make the most of Istanbul? Refer to the picture.
That’s pretty much it. Turkey does have its fair share of tourist traps, and places like Pamukkale might not be worth the hype. The Mediterranean coast around Kalkan boasts a stunning deep sapphire blue hue, while from the vantage point of Argos hotel in Üçhisar, the mysterious landscapes of Cappadocia come alive.
Pair these natural wonders with the rich cultural and historical architecture of Istanbul, and you’ve got the ultimate Turkish travel trifecta. If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, these are the three destinations you absolutely cannot miss.
That’s all.
