Turkey Tours

Catch a sunset by the Ulu Cami Minaret (Great Mosque)
You’ll probably recognize this iconic landmark from all the pictures you’ve seen online with Mardin! The Great Mosque (or Ulu Cami’s Minaret) is one of the most beautiful places in the city, and it was built in the 11th century by the Artuqid Dynasty. Its minaret (a type of tower built near a mosque) has some incredible inscriptions made by all the nations who ruled over Mardin. #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek #Europe #USA #EuropeTraveltips
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Mardin, Turkey | Update 2024
If you love hidden gems, history, and places that not many people know about, then I’ve found your next destination (drum roll, please): Mardin! An ancient city, filled with myths and ancient-old buildings, where you’ll feel as if time stood still and modernism didn’t creep in at all! Follow me as today we’ll discover the best things to do in Mardin, Turkey, the top hotels in the city, plus some useful information and tips! After reading this carefully-curated guide, you’ll be more than ready to start your trip! #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek #Europe #USA #EuropeTraveltips
Things to do in Mardin
Mardin is one of the oldest inhabited areas in the world! Its centuries-old architecture, unique atmosphere, and ancient history draw tourists from all over the world! Mardin’s symbol is Shahmaran, a mythological serpent queen who is considered to be the keeper of Wisdom! Definitely look into its story, as it’s so fascinating, or watch the Netflix series Shahmaran (which I highly recommend)! You’ll find there are lots of things to do in Mardin, and today, I’ll help you find the main and best ones that you shouldn’t miss out on. #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek #Europe #USA #EuropeTraveltips
Check out the architecture of the Kasımiye Medresesi
This is another 15th-century medrese complex that’s set west of the Old Town, just a 20 min walk away. Here you can admire the beautiful Madrasa architecture and wander around the complex and notice all the incredible stone carvings! Just like the attraction above, this one also has a small courtyard (this one has a small pool, though). Where you can take lots of pics. Besides checking out the architecture, there isn’t much you can do here as most of the rooms are closed to the public, but you will find a rooftop from where you can admire the views. But if you want to learn more about this place and all the other incredible attractions in Mardin, I recommend booking this private guided tour of Mardin, visit the Mardin Museum and the Great Mosque alongside a knowledgeable guide!
Visit the unique Mardin Museum
If you want to learn more about Mardin’s interesting history and all its different inhabitants, then I definitely recommend visiting the Mardin Museum, which is set in the Old Town. The Museum is set in a grand building (one of the biggest ones in town) that dates back to the 18th century and was used in the past as the headquarters of the Syriac Catholic Patriarchate. Today the building houses collections dating back to 4000 BC and also from the present day. As well as many fascinating exhibits with ancient tools from the Bronze Age, Assyrian, Roman period, Byzantine, and Artuqid periods, and some Ottoman artifacts. #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek #Europe #USA #EuropeTraveltips
Shop until you drop in Mardin’s Bazaar
I love Turkish Bazaars! They’re so colorful and merry and have the coolest souvenirs and yummiest foods and spices! The Old Bazaar, which is set near the main street in Mardin, doesn’t disappoint as it has such a vibrant atmosphere! If it weren’t for the modern souvenirs, you’d still feel as if you’re in an ancient marketplace (and the donkeys surely help with that as well). #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek #Europe #USA #EuropeTraveltips
Learn new things at the Deyrulzafaran Monastery
As I mentioned, Mardin is mostly made of centuries-old buildings, and many of those are churches, monasteries, and mosques. Each with its unique story, distinctive form, and fascinating exhibits. Deyrulzafaran Monastery is one of those places! The Syriac Orthodox monastery is a fine example of the coexistence of Christian and Islamic cultures in the area. History says that the monastery was originally built as a temple to the Sun God, but later in the 5th century, the site was slowly turned into what we see today. #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek #Europe #USA #EuropeTraveltips
Where is Mardin and how to get there
Before we jump into all the amazing attractions that you’ll get to visit in Mardin, this Turkish city that looks out of this world, let’s check out where it is located and how you can get there! The city is located in the Artuklu District of the Mardin Province in Southeastern Turkey, just north of the border with Syria and just west of the border with Iraqi Kurdistan. Probably the easiest way to get to Mardin is to fly to Istanbul and then get a connecting domestic flight from there to Mardin. The flight from Istanbul is around 2h. #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek #Europe #USA #EuropeTraveltips
Admire the views from the Zinciriye Medresesi
Once you step foot in this ancient city, you’ll feel as if you’ve left the modern world way behind you! And you’ll probably spot this attraction from afar! As one of Mardin’s best-preserved buildings, Zinciriye Medresesi is a large complex set a 10 min walk from the Old Town, which has a domed mosque, a mausoleum, and 2 inner courtyards. NOTE: You’ll hear me mentioning these “medreses” a few times. A medreses was a religious school used during the Ottoman period that also taught other subjects like science besides religion. Built by the last Artuqid Sultan and dating back to the 14th century, this attraction is known for its beautiful doorway, a fine example of Islamic artistry, and, of course, the stunning views of the Mesopotamia Plains from its rooftop building!
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Mardin, Turkey | Update 2024
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Mardin, Turkey | Update 2024. #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek #Europe #USA #EuropeTraveltips
Best Istanbul Neighborhoods & Hotels 2024
Next up, you should move on to the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Mosque, and continue to explore the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica CisternMy top recommendations for where to eat and drink in the area are Pepo’s Galata for traditional Turkish food and Viyana Kahvesi for desserts and Turkish coffee and tea. And if you like live music venues, I’d suggest spending an evening at Nardis Jazz Club. #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek
Karakoy – the trendiest place
Karakoy is one of the best areas in the Beyoglu district and a very trendy part of the city, full of nice cafes, outdoor terraces, tiny shops and young hipster locals. Located 3 km (1.8 miles) North of Sultanahmet, this neighborhood is a top choice among budget travelers. The neighborhood once was one of the most important ports in the city, located near the Golden Horn estuary. From here, you can still take the ferry and head over to the Asian side of Istanbul or hop on one of the tour buses and see the main landmarks. #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek
you leave the Asian part of Istanbul,
you leave the Asian part of Istanbul, pay a visit to the Uskudar and the Maiden’s Tower (map), a structure that was once used as a lighthouse. #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek
Best hotels near Istanbul Airport
Istanbul has two international airports – one on the Asian side (Sabiha Gokcen Airport) and one on the European side (Istanbul Ataturk Airport). Since most of the areas I’m recommending are on the European side and most people arrive there, I’ll be talking about hotels close to this airport. The airport is located in Arnavutköy district, around 40 km (25 miles) from the city center. If you have a very early or very late flight, choosing a hotel as close to the airport as possible might save you some precious time and sleep. Hidden Hills Hotel ($$$) – This 5-star hotel has an airport shuttle available for a small surcharge and offers free parking, luggage storage, he hotel provides airport transfers at an extra cost, a daily breakfast, room service, free Wi-Fi, and concierge services.
Istanbul is huuuuge,
Istanbul is huuuuge, but don’t worry, all the areas I recommend are actually located pretty compact to each other and around most popular tourist attractions too. Istanbul is extremely popular – teeming with tourists at any time of year – so you’ll have to make hotel reservations as soon as possible to secure your stay. #travelessentialsinspo #falltravel #Tour #Touristoutfit #touristoutfitspiritweek