Company Outing 2025: A Magical Winter Journey Through Türkiye 🇹🇷

9 Days 7 Nights of Culture, Nature, and Team Bonding

This year, our annual company outing took us far beyond borders – to the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Türkiye. Spanning 9 unforgettable days and 7 cozy nights, this trip wasn’t just a getaway — it was a journey of discovery, laughter, and team spirit.

🏰 Day 1–2: From Istanbul to the Legendary Troy

Our journey began bright and early at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where excitement buzzed among colleagues waiting to board Turkish Airlines. After a smooth 10.5-hour flight, we touched down in Istanbul and continued by road to Canakkale, a coastal city steeped in myth and legend.

The following day, we visited the famous Trojan Horse, an iconic symbol of one of the world’s most well-known ancient stories — the Trojan War. Seeing the giant wooden horse up close transported us to the pages of Homer’s Iliad. We reflected on the clever tactics and the timeless tale of deception that brought Troy to its knees. It was more than sightseeing; it was storytelling come to life.

💦 Day 3: The Cotton Castle – Pamukkale

From Canakkale, we headed to Pamukkale, a natural wonder that left us in awe. The white, terraced pools created by mineral-rich thermal waters look like a frozen waterfall from afar — hence its nickname, the "Cotton Castle."

Walking barefoot across the calcium-laden travertines, we soaked in warm pools while gazing out at the hills beyond.

🎈 Day 4–5: Fairytale Dreams in Cappadocia

Next, we arrived in Cappadocia — the crown jewel of our trip. It's hard to put into words how surreal this place is: cone-shaped rock formations, underground cities, and cave houses dot the landscape like a fantasy movie set.

On our first morning, many of us woke before dawn for the hot air balloon ride — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As we rose into the sky, dozens of other balloons joined us, floating silently above the dreamy valleys bathed in golden sunrise light. The 360-degree view of volcanic rock formations and snow-dusted hills was unforgettable.

🌿 Day 6: Cultural Heritage at Safranbolu

As we journeyed northward, we arrived at the UNESCO-listed town of Safranbolu, a step back in time to the Ottoman era. With its narrow cobbled streets, red-roofed wooden houses, and spice-scented air, the town had a charm all its own.

We took leisurely walks through the old bazaar, visited traditional Turkish coffee houses, and sampled local saffron delicacies for which the town is named. It was a day of slow travel and cultural immersion — a peaceful contrast to the bustling cities.

🕌 Day 7–8: The Vibrant Spirit of Istanbul

Back in Istanbul, we spent our final days diving into the rich heritage and modern heartbeat of the city. We marveled at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, two architectural masterpieces that blend Islamic and Christian history. Our guide walked us through centuries of sultans, empires, and artistic brilliance.

We also visited Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans and now a museum of priceless treasures. In the evenings, we explored Taksim Square, shopped for souvenirs at the Spice Bazaar, and enjoyed local Turkish cuisine, from döner kebabs to sweet baklava. Some of us even tried Turkish delight (lokum) paired with hot apple tea.

A visit to Galataport, a modern shopping and leisure area by the Bosphorus, gave us a taste of contemporary Istanbul life. We could feel the city's vibrant soul — young, dynamic, and full of contrast.

🧳 Day 9: Heading Home with Full Hearts

On the final day, we packed our bags, said our goodbyes to Türkiye, and headed to the airport with more than just luggage — we carried shared memories, stronger connections, and renewed energy for the road ahead.

Here’s to more journeys together — at work, in the world, and beyond. 🌍