Turkey

Personal narrative:
Turkey will always hold a sentimental place in my heart as the very first country of my two-year adventure across Asia. I flew from my hometown of Warsaw to Izmir, with the mindset that I would simply spend the next few months discovering the world. I allocated 30 days to Turkey, traveling from west to east, and south to north. I explored a massive part of the country, which gave me countless incredible experiences and memories to last a lifetime.

Local impressions:
I divide this adventure into two parts: about 2 weeks in Turkey and 2 weeks in Turkish Kurdistan. The people in both regions were extraordinary, but the hospitality in the remote areas of Kurdistan completely exceeded my expectations, especially in Hakkari. As a vegetarian, the food became increasingly monotonous the further east I went, but I never went hungry. The weather was absolutely perfect. The turn of April and May is still considered the off-season, so there were no overwhelming crowds anywhere, perhaps with the exception of Istanbul. Traveling all around Turkey was truly a valuable time filled with amazing impressions.

Every day brought a completely new perspective on how diverse this country really is. The transition from the coastal Mediterranean vibes to the rugged, mountainous landscapes of the east was breathtaking. Traveling by local buses allowed me to blend in and experience the authentic daily life of the locals. It made me realize that the true beauty of Turkey lies far beyond the standard tourist brochures.

Day-by-day highlights:
Day 1-2: Izmir
I started my journey in this vibrant coastal city, soaking up the Aegean atmosphere and exploring the bustling historic bazaar. It was the perfect, lively introduction to Turkish culture and urban life.

Day 3-4: Selcuk/Ephesus/Sirince
I wandered through the magnificent ancient ruins of Ephesus, marveling at the beautifully preserved Library of Celsus. Afterward, I relaxed in the charming, hillside village of Sirince, famous for its old stone houses and fruit wines.

Day 5-6: Pamukkale
The striking white travertine terraces filled with thermal waters looked absolutely surreal, like a landscape made of cotton. I also explored the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, which sits right at the top of the terraces.

Day 7-9: Fethiye/Oludeniz/Butterfly Valley
This stunning coastal area blew me away with its turquoise waters and the breathtaking Oludeniz beach. I spent my time hiking parts of the Lycian Way and enjoying the dramatic sea views.

Day 10: Antalya
I took a quick stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Kaleici, the charming historic old town. The contrast between the ancient Roman harbor and the towering Taurus Mountains in the background was incredible.

Day 11-14: Istanbul
This massive metropolis where Europe meets Asia completely overwhelmed me with its energy and rich history. I spent days getting lost in the Grand Bazaar, visiting the majestic Hagia Sophia, and watching the sunset over the Bosphorus.

Day 15: Ankara
The capital city gave me a much more modern and governmental vibe compared to Istanbul. I visited the impressive Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, which holds great significance for the country.

Day 16-17: Amasya
Nestled in a narrow river valley, this picturesque town charmed me with its traditional Ottoman houses. The ancient Pontic tombs carved directly into the sheer rock cliffs towering over the city were an unforgettable sight.

Day 18: Diyarbakir
Entering this ancient city felt like stepping into the heart of Mesopotamia, surrounded by its massive black basalt walls. Walking through the historic streets gave me my first real taste of the region’s deep and complex history.

Day 19-20: Van
I was amazed by the sheer size of Lake Van and took a boat to Akdamar Island to see the beautiful medieval Armenian church. The local breakfast culture here was also an incredible culinary experience.

Day 21-23: Dogubeyazit/Ararat
The legendary Mount Ararat dominated the landscape, looking incredibly imposing as I prepared for the trek. I also visited the stunning Ishak Pasha Palace, which looks like something straight out of a fairy tale.

Day 24-26: Hakkari
This remote, mountainous province offered some of the most raw and breathtaking landscapes of the entire trip. The wild scenery was matched only by the incredible, heartwarming hospitality of the local people.

Day 25: Batman/Hasankeyf
I visited the ancient town of Hasankeyf, heavily impacted by the modern dam project along the Tigris River. Seeing the mixture of thousands of years of history alongside recent changes was deeply thought-provoking.

Day 26: Diyarbakir
I returned to this historical hub to rest and reflect on my journey through the eastern regions. It served as a familiar base to regroup before heading towards the southern plains.

Day 27-28: Mardin
This golden, stone-built city overlooking the plains of Mesopotamia felt like an open-air museum. Winding through its labyrinthine alleys and listening to the mix of languages was a magical experience.

Day 29: Trabzon
Heading up to the Black Sea coast, the scenery changed dramatically into lush green forests and misty mountains. I explored the city’s unique coastal vibe and enjoyed the cooler, fresher climate.

Day 30: Uzungol
My final stop was this beautiful lake hidden deep in a valley surrounded by dense, green mountains. It was a peaceful and serene place to wrap up an unforgettable 30-day journey across the country.

Budget:
My daily budget for transport, accommodation, and food was €40, and I exceeded it by an average of €1.50 per day. On top of that, I spent a total of around €100 on various attractions, plus an additional €350 for the Mount Ararat climb.