The Magic of Turkey & Beauty of Greece: Simerjit’s Trip with Thrillophilia
“There’s a unique joy in exploring new places and meeting new people.”
As an outgoing person with a passion for connecting with others and learning about different places, I cherish new experiences. However, balancing work and family life often limits such adventures. Still, whenever I get the opportunity to take a break, I take my family for a vacation. And this time, we decided on a two-week vacation to two amazing destinations together- Greece and Turkey!
After spending hours researching online and taking recommendations from friends, we decided on Thrillophilia’s Turkey and Greece package. The idea of exploring these two countries was simple, Greece has always been on our bucket list and Turkey felt alluring with its beautiful historical and ancient ruins.
The combination seemed perfect to us - from ancient historical sites to stunning beaches and magical sunsets, this trip had everything we were looking for.
A Beautiful Intersection of Modern Charm & Ancient Wonders
I have always seen pictures of Turkey with barren lands, grand historical monuments, and vast areas of ruins. But when we stepped in Istanbul, its capital it was a very different scenario. It is a beautiful city which balances its heritage monuments and modern skyscrapers perfectly. We started our visit by exploring the famous Ottoman and Byzantine relics.
Walking through places like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque felt like stepping back in time. The stunning architecture and intricate details of these marvels left us speechless, and we couldn’t stop taking pictures. The vibe around the place was quite bustling, yet, we felt like we were the only ones there admiring it in peace.
The city tour was amazing because it gave us a chance to see the different sides of Istanbul. From the bustling markets to the quiet corners of the old city, every part had its own charm. In the evening, we went on a Bosphorus city tour, which was one of the most magical experiences. My daughter was especially charmed by the lit city of Istanbul and she loved how colourful the cityscape was.
She shared with me, “Mom I love exploring unique buildings and I want to become an architect to create beautiful buildings of my own.” I was quite overwhelmed when she said this…and the cruise after hearing this became even more memorable for me!
A Mesmerising Time
What truly stole our hearts in Turkey was watching the Sufi dance performance of whirling dervishes at the Hodjapasha. I was not so sure about how it would be as we have only seen it in movies, but it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip. The ambience was magical, with dim lighting and traditional music setting the tone.
As the dervishes began their performance, their graceful spinning and flowing robes created a mesmerizing sight. It wasn’t just a dance; it felt deeply spiritual as if they were connecting to another world. The rhythmic movements and soulful chants left me in awe. I just couldn’t take my eyes off them.
Our next stop was Athens, and it was like stepping into a history book. We started with the Acropolis Museum, which was absolutely fascinating. Seeing the ancient sculptures and architecture made it a very interesting tour. Also, the view of the Acropolis from the museum was stunning, and it made us appreciate the city’s rich past even more.
The day after, we went on a full-day Argolis tour, which took us outside the city. We visited sites like the ancient theatre of Epidaurus and the ruins of Mycenae, both of which were absolutely breathtaking. Walking through these historic places was surreal, and it gave me a deeper connection to Greek culture and its incredible history.
The Dreamy Whites & Blues
Our time in Mykonos felt like a postcard come to life. And, my daughter was way too excited to begin with the beach fun. The island tour we took showed us the charm of its whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and iconic windmills. Though we had to walk a lot to get a better look at the island, it was all worth it. The Little Venice area, with its colourful houses right by the water, was one of my favourite spots.
Finally, Santorini was just as breathtaking but in its own unique way. The highlight of this tour was the cruise at the Caldera during sunset. Sailing through the crystal-clear waters, we were surrounded by dramatic cliffs and stunning views of the volcanic island.
We also hiked up to explore the Caldera, the famous volcano of Santorini, where the rugged terrain and dark lava rocks made it feel like we had stepped onto an entirely different planet. After that, we enjoyed a relaxing dip in the thermal springs. It was all very unique and relaxing!
The entire trip was a blend of literally everything - history, culture, nature, and relaxation. Turkey was all about ancient history, stunning architecture, and rich culture. Mykonos with its charm and energy, and Santorini with its tranquillity were our gateways to rejuvenation. And I heartily thank Thrillophilia for arranging it all for us!
Read more: Thrillophilia Turkey Reviews