Turkey: Things To Do

Goreme National Park Rise with the lark and take to the skies in a hot-air balloon for a bird’s eye view of Cappadocia’s dramatic valleys and unlikely rock formations. Kapadokya Balloons, Uchisar Yolu; 011-90-384-271-2442; www.kapadokyaballoons.com
family | national park | tour | smart splurge | outdoors | view

Gulet cruise Take advantage of Bodrum’s coastal location to cruise the Mediterranean. Cobra Queen runs trips in gulets (traditional Turkish wooden yachts). From navigating to cooking, the ship’s crew provides for your every need. Cobra Queen, Umurca Mahallesı; Artemis Caddesi 25; 011-90-252-316-3189; www.cobrayachting.com
cruise | tour | smart splurge | history

Koprulu Kanyon Ride the whitewater rapids (Class 1 and 2) on the Koprulu River, which races down from the mountains just east of Antalya. The long-distance St. Paul’s Trail skirts the nearby ruins of Roman Selge. Medraft, Portakal Cicegi Bulvari; Huseyin Kuzu Apt 14/3; 011-90-242-312-5770; www.medraft.com
family | national park | outdoors | history | whitewater rafting

Safranbolu Play at being an Ottoman in this preserved, historic town of picturesque wooden houses, many of them now hotels. Shop for hand-made fabrics and watch saddle-makers and copper-beaters in the colorful bazaar. Safranbolu, Havuzlu Azmaslar Konagi; 011-90-370-725-2883; www.safranbolukonak.com
culture | smart splurge | history

Sumela Monastery Scramble up the hillside to this dramatic, deserted monastery inside a national park full of conifers. Then dine on fresh trout in a nearby village and bed down for the night in Trabzon. Eyce Tours, Ishani Sokak 11; 011-90-462-326-7174; www.eycetours.com (Turkish only)
architecture | culture | history

Uludag Sweep down the slopes at Turkey’s finest, family-friendly ski resort, located in a national park on the outskirts of historic Bursa. Amenities include: funicular to slopes, equipment for hire, and choice of hotels on site. Enjoy pleasant mountain walks in the summer. 143 miles east of Istanbul; www.uludaghotels.com
family | outdoors | ski

Whirling Dervishes With their flowing white robes, soaring brown felt hats, and black cloaks, professional whirling dervishes are increasingly visible at “Turkish Night” entertainments. For a taste of the real thing, head for Istanbul’s Galata Mevlevihanesi on Sunday afternoons. Galata Mevlevihanesi, Galipdede Caddesi 15; Tunel; 011-90-212-245-4141
family | culture | performing arts