Soaring Over Fairy Chimneys: Vishal's Thrillophiliia Review of a Trip to Turkey
It was one of those days when the travel itch hit hard, but the question was - where to go? I spent hours scrolling through travel blogs, yet nothing seemed to spark that sense of excitement.
As we thought about our previous adventures, the idea of spending a vacation in Turkey crossed our minds. We were drawn to the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, and the bazaars of Istanbul.
I had heard about Thrillophilia from a friend at work and thought of contacting them for this trip. Their destination experts helped us put together the perfect itinerary that included hot air balloon rides and a Bosphorus cruise.
Everything happened so fast that before we could even realise it, we found ourselves on a flight, on our way to the land of four seasons - Turkey.
Cruising Through Turkish Culture
This was the first international trip for my partner and me since the breakout of COVID-19. With our wanderlust unleashed, we were eager to dive into the rich culture and stunning landscapes that Turkey had to offer. It was finally time for us to head for our first experience on the trip - The Bosphorus dinner cruise.
Truth be told, the evening went beyond what we were expecting it to be. We glided along the shining waters that reflected the skyline of Istanbul against the evening skies. Sharing a table with our friends, who had joined us on this journey, we simply felt fortunate to have pulled off this trip.
“I can’t believe we’re finally in Turkey!” my partner exclaimed, sipping on her drink, her eyes sparkling with happiness. After years of not being able to travel, the reality of it all finally sank in. She was overwhelmed by the beauty of the moment.
There was also a folkloric show that we attended on the cruise - it was a delightful combination of traditional dance and music. Enjoying the performances while trying some of the local delicacies, we could literally taste the Turkish culture. As I took a bite of the grilled lamb and meze, I couldn’t help but admire the scenic views of the city all around us.
The shimmering lights of Istanbul could be seen on the horizon, and at that moment, it felt as though everything had come together perfectly.
“This is just the beginning!” I said, raising my last glass of wine for the night “To our adventures in Turkey!...”
ATVs and Ancient Wonders
We dedicated the next couple of days to exploring the historical wonders of Istanbul. We began with a private tour of the Byzantine sites and the Ottoman relics. One of the most interesting places that we visited during the tour was Topkapi Palace, where we got a chance to look at the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
“I could spend an entire day just looking at these lush green gardens,” my friend remarked as we took a stroll along the ancient courtyards that carried the scent of roses and tulips.
The highlight of our sightseeing tour was visiting the Blue Mosque. My wife particularly loved the colourful mosaics and tall minarets on the mosque campus. As we all stood inside, we were captivated by the peaceful ambience of the place. It was a place where our minds emptied themselves, and spiritual thoughts started flowing gently like a river.
After a long day of sightseeing, we flew to Cappadocia, which is known for its fairy chimneys, and cone rock formations. In Kayseri, our group was in for an exciting mix of activities, including an adventurous ATV ride. As we revved the throttle of our ATVs across the rugged terrain, the sun dipped below the horizon casting a golden glow all over the place.
"Now that's a sight to remember," I said to my wife.
“Isn't this the best way to see Cappadocia!” my friend shouted, his voice barely audible over the roar of the engine.
Cultural Treasures and Thrilling Adventures
Just when we thought it couldn't get any better - it did.
Over the next few days, we travelled to Antalya, making a stop at Konya to explore the Mevlana Mausoleum, a historic tribute to Rumi.
“I didn't know Rumi made such great contributions to Turkish culture,” I said to my partner as we gazed at the beautiful tile work. The peaceful ambience of the mausoleum was a perfect contrast to the vibrant streets outside.
During our time in Antalya, we also visited the stunning Duden Waterfalls, where we clicked many pictures. Speaking of this, I remember, there was one place where we had the most fun - the Land of Legends amusement park. We had a great time riding the roller coasters, roaming around the open-air mall, and trying unique water slides.
The climax of our vacation in Turkey was definitely the Pamukkale tour. Watching the terraces of the cotton castle with the white travertine pools was truly a sight to behold.
"Who's up for a refreshing dip" asked my friends, eager to check out the hot water springs there.
“Sure! But only if you promise to join us for a photo at that spot- it's too good to miss!” my wife replied.
As we were wrapping up our journey in Fethiye, there was one final adventure left - paragliding from Babadag Mountain. I could feel the rush of adrenaline in my veins as I looked at the paragliders soaring high in the sky.
“Are you ready to take off?” the instructor asked. “100%! Let’s do this!” I replied, and in just a couple of seconds, we were flying among the clouds.
The feeling of gliding through the sky was something out of the world - a mix of peace and exhilaration enveloped me as I soared high in the sky, overlooking the otherworldly landscapes of Fethiye.
Like all things in life, the trip came to an end, and we couldn’t help but reflect on the outstanding memories we’d made in Turkey. This place had won us over - The sunsets over Cappadocia, the joyful nights in Istanbul, and the breathtaking landscapes will forever be etched in our minds.
“We need to come back and explore more,” my wife said as we packed our bags.
“That we most definitely need to do. Next time, let’s stay for longer!” I promised.
Read More: Thrillophilia Turkey Reviews