True gems deserve to be flaunted — which is why some destinations are meant to be showcased. A universe of its own, Turkey offers such a rich specter of experiences that no matter how much Turkish coffee is pumping through your veins, covering them all can be a challenge. And this is a challenge that some of Oasis Travel Network’s top producers were very much up for, as they joined Travelive on a spirited FAM trip through Istanbul and Cappadocia, where every moment was filled with endless magic, joy, and the thrill of joint discovery!
Istanbul — Where Empires Whisper
Few cities in the world can pride themselves on bringing together continents, let alone bearing witness to the rise and fall of civilizations and empires. Istanbul is one such place. But this is not a city that simply rests on its laurels, it’s a living, breathing multicultural Zion that resonates with cosmopolitan charm and glows with the rarity of its historical sights — where every instance reminds you that the world is full of unbelievable treasures yet to be uncovered.
Speaking of treasures, we’re proud to say that we’ve laid claim to some of Istanbul’s most cherished gems. We stood where chariots once thundered across the Hippodrome, felt time pause and silence fill with reverence under the golden domes of Hagia Sophia, and ventured underground to bask in the atmospheric beauty of the Basilica Cistern — the perfect place to catch a break from the summer heat after a visit to the Church of Divine Wisdom.
But Istanbul doesn’t just whisper history, it sings it, loudly and colorfully — and nowhere is this more evident than in corridors of the Grand Bazaar. A labyrinth of over 4,000 shops, each a kaleidoscope of tradition and artistry, here every artisanal treasure tells a new story, one more vibrant than the last.
Beyond the sounds of haggling, Topkapi Palace brought us into the heart of imperial opulence, its courtyards cradling sacred relics and echoes of sultans, while a private cruise along the Bosphorus revealed the city anew — with palaces and minarets lining the shores, and Europe in gentle dialogue with Asia across the water.
Yet the city’s genuine rhythm is perhaps best felt on the Asian side. In Kuzguncuk, pastel facades and quiet synagogues tell tales of diversity. Yeldegirmeni’s striking murals add a bold, modern voice, while Kadikoy’s vibrant markets and sea-kissed cafés deliver flavors as rich as the culture itself. Coming on Sunday also proves to be ideal, as the milder traffic between the two continents make the trip easier and much more enjoyable.
A true Mecca for cultural enthusiasts, Istanbul is more than just a collection of sights — it’s an experience. This is a city where every moment ends up being a soulful souvenir from a journey that is guaranteed a place in history.
Cappadocia — A Living Fairytale
For those searching for the most immersive and esoteric experience that Turkey has to offer, all roads lead straight to Cappadocia — and these days you don’t need to join caravanners on a trade route to get there!
Hidden away in east-central Anatolia, just a brief flight away from Istanbul, Cappadocia is one of those places that you hear about, see, and then still stand in incredulity thinking that you’ve overdone it with the Raki the night before. And it’s not just the towering fairy chimneys or the rippling rose-colored valleys — it’s the way the land seems to hum with enchantment, inviting you to wander, to wonder, and to surrender to its ancient charm.
That being said, Cappadocia’s unique landscapes are certainly a sight to behold — and that we did, in all their glory, as our first full day in Anatolia began atop a colorful hot air balloon! One of the region’s quintessential experiences, watching the rising sun reveal the striking and at times peculiar beauty of Cappadocia’s moonscape valleys and obscure geological creations paints a picture that’s guaranteed a place in your memories. Mother nature is an artist, and Cappadocia is testament to that.
High Flying Tip: Booking at least 3 Days in Cappadocia not only ensures adequate time to explore its many wondrous facets but offers a chance to reschedule the Hot Air Balloon flight should the weather conditions necessitate it.
Back on earth, Cappadocia’s storybook terrain awaited with many more wonders. In Pasabag and Devrent, spindly rock formations stood above us like silent sentries, shaped by time and legend. Meanwhile in Avanos, we joined artisans in spinning clay into beauty, partaking in a craft rooted in millennia of tradition. At the Göreme Open-Air Museum, we admired the glow of Byzantine frescoes inside rock-cut churches, catching a glimpse into lives once lived in devotion.
But Cappadocia’s true essence often lies dormant, deep within its heart. A hike through Red Valley brought us to forgotten hermit chapels carved into stone, and in the village of Çavuşin, time-worn ruins resonated with faithful secrets. Beneath it all, the underground city of Kaymakli revealed a hidden world where early Christians once took refuge.
Our journey through Cappadocia concluded with a touch of mysticism, as the Mevledi Order — more commonly known as the Whirling Dervishes — bid us farewell with a ceremonial dance that turned silence into poetry and sound into art.
As surreal as it is inspiring, Cappadocia is a land where dream and reality seem to come together to offer a sensation that can’t truly be described — only experienced. From its organic beauty to its storied past, this is where Turkey’s magic comes to life.
A Story Worth Telling
In a world of unique places, Turkey always holds a special spot in the hearts of travelers — and now our esteemed partners at Oasis Travel Network can say the same. In the end, perhaps this wasn’t so much a trip as it was a shared story sealed in laughter, wonder, and camaraderie. As our FAM journey came to a close, one thing was clear: this adventure wasn’t just about seeing a destination, but about forging deeper connections to the place, to each other, and to the stories that we can share with our clients.