In this Destination Special episode, we head to Turkey or Türkiye as it’s now officially known - a country where continents, cultures and centuries collide. From the energy of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and from the beach clubs of Antalya to the hidden coves of the Turquoise Coast, this is a journey through one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories and recommendations from past Travel Diaries guests including Simon Reeve, Beverley Knight, Jamie Laing and Fiona Duncan, alongside expert insight from travel writer Annabelle Thorpe, who shares where to go, what not to miss, and her favourite hidden gems. 

Whether you’re planning a multi-stop itinerary or dreaming of your next escape, this episode is packed with inspiration for exploring Turkey.

Destination Recap:

Istanbul

• Hagia Sophia
• Bosphorus
• Pudding Shop
• Kadıköy
• Eminönü
• Beyoğlu
• Topkapı Palace
• Blue Mosque
• Bebek
• Moda
• Çukurcuma
• Istiklal Street
• Tarabya
• Kıyı

Cappadocia

• Derinkuyu
• Kaymaklı
• Red Valley
• Argos in Cappadocia

Antalya & Surrounds

• Kaleiçi
• Lara
• Belek

Turquoise Coast / Southwest Coast

• Fethiye
• Hillside Beach Club
• Göcek
• Dalyan
• Marmaris Bay
• Marmaris

Kalkan & Kaş Area

• Kalkan
• Villa Mahal
• Merkez
• Kaş
• Kekova
• Meis
• Çıralı

Bozburun Peninsula

• Selimiye
• Orhaniye
• Bozburun

Datça Peninsula

• Datça
• Knidos
• D Maris Bay

Dalaman Area

• Ahama hotel

Eastern Turkey

• Gaziantep
• Mount Nemrut

With thanks to trip.com for their support of today’s episode. If you’re anything like me and tend to plan quite layered, multi-stop trips, trip.com is a really useful tool to have in your back pocket. What I love is being able to see everything in one place, whether that’s flights, hotels, trains or experiences, and to just map it all out properly. With trip.com I can book everything - perfect for exploring a destination as vast and diverse as Turkey.

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You can also follow me on Instagram @hollyrubenstein and on TikTok for more travel inspiration and behind the scenes.

Thanks again for listening, and see you next week!

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