Just Back From: Turkey

June 12, 2025

WhirlAway Travel’s Anna Dunleavy Shares Top 10 Reasons to Go Now 

A land where empires rose and fell, Turkey is capturing the attention of the world’s most discerning travelers. What to expect? Quiet luxury, epicurean surprises, and indelible landscapes that stretch from the Aegean coast to Cappadocia's sculpted valleys. Michelin stars are landing in Istanbul, new yacht marinas sparkle along the Turquoise Coast, and restored Ottoman mansions offer world-class hospitality with a sense of place. Offering authenticity without sacrificing elegance, Turkey delivers both. Now is the moment to go—after just returning from her recent trip, WhirlAway Travel Luxury Advisor Anna Dunleavy lists 10 reasons to say YES to this enchanting country. 

1. Enjoy a VIP Meet & Greet Arrival
Begin your Turkish journey with an effortless welcome. Enjoy an easy arrival at Istanbul Airport, where a personal greeter whisks you through immigration and customs, bypassing busy airport arrivals. This exclusive service ensures your first moments in Turkey are seamless, setting the tone for a unique adventure.


2. Sleep in a Sultan’s Palace
There’s luxury, and then there’s the kind reserved for royalty. At Çırağan Palace Kempinski, you’ll sleep where sultans once dreamed—surrounded by marble colonnades, glittering chandeliers, and the sound of the Bosphorus just outside your balcony. Every suite blends Ottoman grandeur with five-star comfort, and the property's storied past is palpable in every corridor.

3. Discover Istanbul’s Historic Icons
With private, expertly guided tours of Istanbul’s crown jewels—Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace—bypass the crowds and step straight into the pages of history. Gain exclusive insight into the empires that shaped East and West, while being immersed in architectural majesty. It's a rare opportunity to fully experience the storied culture, tailored to the traveler who values authenticity.

4. Take a Private Sunset Bosphorus Cruise
Glide between Europe and Asia aboard a private yacht as the sun dips behind Istanbul’s skyline, casting a golden glow on minarets and palaces. With chilled rosé in hand, this isn’t just a boat ride—it’s a front-row seat to one of the world’s most mesmerizing views. Every detail is attended to, creating a brilliant and unforgettable evening.


5. Walk the Streets of Ancient Ephesus
Ephesus offers a rare portal into antiquity, as its marble streets follow the footsteps of philosophers, saints, and emperors. A private guide illuminates this UNESCO World Heritage site, from the grand Library of Celsus to the spiritual serenity of the House of the Virgin Mary. The site’s astonishing preservation makes it feel like time travel, and the experience is elevated with full of storytelling.

6. Take a Hot Air Balloon Over Fairy Chimneys
Nothing prepares you for the enchantment of Cappadocia at dawn—except maybe a birds’-eye view from a Queen Plus balloon. As you ascend with the sunrise, the region’s whimsical "fairy chimneys" and rolling valleys stretch out below in hues of rose and lavender. The incredible flight is best shared over a champagne toast. Pure magic!

7. Stay in a Luxury Cave Hotel
At Argos in Cappadocia, ancient cave dwellings have been transformed into suites with artisanal furnishings, private plunge pools, and sweeping terraces over the enchanting terrain—the perfect blend of rustic heritage and modern indulgence. Each room tells a story, offering guests an intimate connection to place. 


8. Explore Cappadocia’s Wonders
Cappadocia is not just a destination—it’s a postcard sprung to life. Wander the open-air chapels of Göreme, where frescoes tell stories of early Christianity. Next up: descend into the Ozkonak Underground City, a marvel of ancient engineering carved deep into volcanic rock. These sacred spaces jump to life through private access and expert details.

9. A Culinary Surprise
Turkey’s culinary scene is a highlight for any gourmand. Think meze spreads that rival haute cuisine, local olive oils, and heirloom produce. Dine in tucked-away taverns and rooftop restaurants, sip world-class wines from Cappadocia’s volcanic terroir, and discover regional flavors. In Turkey, you’ll discover the flavors of a country rich in tradition, technique, and sophistication.


10. Turkey is Safe and Sophisticated

Turkey is a remarkably safe destination for the sophisticated traveler, with a robust tourism infrastructure and a deep-rooted culture of hospitality. Luxury travelers benefit from private transfers, expert guides, and high-end accommodations with exceptional security standards. In key destinations like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Aegean coast, tourism is flourishing, and local providers prioritize guest comfort and well-being. With thoughtful planning and trusted partners, Turkey offers not only unforgettable experiences—but peace of mind throughout your journey.

Multi-Gen Magic

March 20, 2026
Multi-generational travel is booming—and it’s easy to see why. Families are seeking curated journeys where every generation—from grandparents to grandchildren—can experience the world together, yet on their own terms. At WhirlAway Travel, that means private excursions, seamless logistics, and experiences that let everyone focus on what matters: connection. Denise Booth, WhirlAway’s multi-gen travel expert, leverages her insider access and relationships with global partners to create itineraries perfectly suited for every age and interest. “Travel does not have to be all or nothing,” she says. “We craft experiences that can be enjoyed by each person, from modified activities or alternatives for those who cannot participate.” Here are three recent journeys planned by Denise and the WhirlAway team.

Just Back From … Japan with WhirlAway’s Stacey Blum

March 11, 2026
Why Japan & Why Now The neon-lit energy of Tokyo, the zen temples of Kyoto, and the restorative calm of mountain onsen towns define this unique journey across time. “It’s a place that feels both ancient and futuristic at once,” Stacey says. Japan also rewards travelers who slow down. For Stacey, early mornings—what the Japanese call the “blue hour”—were especially poignant. Known as the time just before sunrise or after sunset when the sky turns a deep indigo, the serene, otherworldly atmosphere is the perfect window for photography in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, capturing the magical light over temple roofs, as locals cycle along rivers, and as shops open their doors. To fully appreciate Japan’s diversity, Stacey recommends giving yourself at least 10 days in the destination (plus two days of travel) and visiting three distinct regions. Stacey’s Takeaway: “Japan is not a place you try to see it all in one trip. It’s somewhere you’ll want to return to again and again.”

Sail Beyond the Expected

February 17, 2026
No summer travel plans yet? Consider this your fast track to an experience that ticks all the boxes for value, ease, culture, scenery, and laid-back luxury. What: A seven-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Silver Nova with Silversea and Signature Travel Network. Where: Roundtrip from Athens, visiting seven ports throughout Greece and Turkey. When: August 16-23, 2026. Why: It’s a remarkable blend of epic history, island charm, and elegant cruising. You’ll visit spots that feel straight out of a postcard, from the delightful seaside town of Gythion and the Olympic roots of Katakolon to Santorini’s bucket-list sunsets and the lively markets of Bodrum. Onboard, the suites are beautifully spacious, the butler service is effortlessly attentive, and the all-inclusive approach is indulgent yet smart, inviting you to savor the experience without a second thought. Yes, please!

Just Back From … Northern Italy with WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel

February 12, 2026
Recently back from an immersive journey through Verona, Venice, and Trieste, WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel discovered a trio of destinations that feel worlds apart yet effortlessly connected. From Shakespearean streets and quaint canals to culture shaped by shifting borders, this is Italy beyond the expected.

Just Ask Jamie …

January 21, 2026
Why stay home for the holidays when you can discover chocolate, castles, and Christmas decorations across Europe? That’s just what WhirlAway’s Jamie Jones had in mind when she took her family on a holiday river trip through Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Brussels, and Antwerp. Here’s what happened along the way.

2026 is the Time!

January 14, 2026
If “someday” is starting to sound suspiciously like “never,” this is your sign. From polar ice to private yachts, safaris to southern skies, these six monumental journeys are proof that the best trips happen when they’re meticulously planned with insider expertise.

Just Back From … Italy’s Puglia Region

December 15, 2025
Nestled in the heel of Italy, these spots have long been Italian favorites and are now drawing travelers from around the world. But visit in the fall or winter, and it still feels like you have them all to yourself. Sara says it was nearly impossible to choose favorites—and she could easily share dozens more—but here are the places and experiences she loved most.

’Tis the Season for Travel!

December 15, 2025
In 2025, WhirlAway planned dozens of amazing vacations for the holiday season, and we’re sharing a few of our favorites. Consider this your cheat sheet to the dreamiest destinations, including a sun-kissed sojourn to Costa Rica, a multi-gen escape to South Africa, an Antarctica cruise, and the best of Turks and Caicos, and London. Happy holidays, and even happier travels!

Just Back From … the Cycladic Islands

November 18, 2025
What makes the Cycladic Islands feel so singular? For Luxury Travel Advisor Denise Booth, it’s the blend of warm hospitality, luminous landscapes, and quietly luxurious living. Fresh off her journey through Naxos, Paros, and the Athenian Riviera, she shares three experiences that showcase Greece beyond the guidebooks—intimate, delicious, and endlessly photogenic.
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