In full disclosure, I am biased.
I lived in Türkiye for ten years — longer than anywhere outside the UK. I learned the language, immersed myself in the culture, and experienced the country in ways that go far beyond the typical visitor. And yet, even with that background, I would still say this: you never really “finish” discovering Türkiye.
Its history, geography and cultural depth make that impossible. Straddling Europe and Asia, with a remarkable culinary scene, strong wine heritage, varied landscapes and a constantly evolving identity, it remains one of the most layered destinations I know.
A destination people return to
Türkiye has always felt like a destination that people want to experience at least once — but rarely only once.
There is simply too much to take in.
Friends often ask me: “You lived there — what should we do?”
The answer is never simple. It depends on where they are going, how long they have, and what they are actually looking for.
That flexibility — the ability to shape an experience around very different interests — is part of what makes Türkiye so compelling, both for travellers and for event programmes.
Beyond the obvious: experiencing Istanbul properly
Of course, there are the major landmarks. The Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Spice Bazaar — they are essential and worth seeing.
But they are only part of the story.
The real value of Istanbul lies in what happens beyond those sites. Walking along the Bosphorus between Arnavutköy and Bebek, watching fishermen at the water’s edge, buying corn from a street vendor while tankers pass just metres away — these are the moments that give the city its character.
Food plays a central role in that experience. A long lunch of meze followed by fresh fish or kebabs, finished with something sweet like künefe, is as much part of Istanbul as any monument.
Evenings bring another dimension — from relaxed drinks in Ortaköy to the more polished settings of hotels such as the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus or Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul. And for those looking for energy, the city’s nightlife remains as vibrant as ever — provided you know where to go.
That, ultimately, is the difference. Istanbul rewards those who go beyond the obvious and engage with it more locally.
A country built for exploration
The same applies across the rest of the country.
Türkiye is not a single experience — it is a collection of very different ones.
From golf in Antalya to sailing along the coastlines of Kaş, Kalkan and Göcek, from the energy of Bodrum to the historical depth of Ephesus, the range is unusually broad. On a recent visit to Kaş and Kalkan with my family, we found ourselves doing exactly what the destination does best — slowing down, connecting locally, and letting the experience unfold naturally.
We rented a gulet for the day, went fishing with a local who knew the coastline intimately, spent time in small restaurants where relationships matter, and, of course, ate exceptionally well. It is this combination of informality and quality that makes the experience feel genuine.
Cappadocia remains on my personal list — particularly the opportunity to experience it from the air at sunrise or sunset. It is one of those landscapes that feels entirely unique, made even more memorable by its cave hotels and sense of place.
Why it works for events
From an event perspective, this diversity is what makes Türkiye particularly effective.
Few destinations allow such a wide range of experiences within relatively short distances — combining city, coast, history and landscape in a way that can be adapted to very different programme objectives.
It offers scale where needed, but also intimacy. Structure where required, but also flexibility.
And perhaps most importantly, it offers a level of authenticity that is increasingly difficult to find.
Closing
As I said at the beginning, I am biased.
But I also believe that the more time you spend in Türkiye, the more that perspective becomes shared. It is a destination that reveals itself gradually — and continues to do so, even after years.
And for those designing experiences, whether personal or professional, that depth is exactly what makes it so valuable.
