ONE WEEK IN TURKEY
A year ago, Turkey was hardly on my mind and I had not really considered visiting. I had no particular reasons for that – I simply didn’t know much about it and I had not bothered researching about its attractions.
Except for a picture I discovered on Pinterest and I became obsessed with: Pamukkale natural pools. I HAD to go there one day!
Then a tour operator, Ada Vegas Travel, contacted me to see if we could collaborate together and after months of talking, I got very curious and decided to accept their offer to finally visit Turkey!
This might sound convenient, but for those who know my work ethic, I am usually very reluctant when it comes to accepting trips from companies (and I turned down more offers than you can imagine). If I say yes, there must be a good reason behind it.
In the end, I’m SO glad that I’ve chosen to work with them! Murat and Yuskel were amazing, knowledgeable and most importantly I could see the love they have for their country.
So I went – and fell in love with it. Of all the amazing trips I took last June, Turkey has been the absolute highlight! I felt like a princess coming out of a fairy tale π
TRAVEL TIP: DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP “UNLOCK TURKEY”!
I loved it and I’m sure you will too!
If you are heading to Turkey, take 5 minutes and download this App, it’s super useful, free and will give you tons of info to find your way around the country!
What I loved the most about it was the currency conversion, obviously the free Wifi and the ATM locations, but there is so much more to it. It’s basically a pocket guide to Turkey!
Within the application, you can access information that you may need during your Turkey trip and local recommendations that you can’t find anywhere else.The app lists the touristic sites and places worth seeing based on your location, provides directions for getting there and helps you determine a personalized route and lists.
Moreover, when you download the app, you immediately get 300 minutes of free Wi-Fi. And you get 100 minutes more every time you withdraw cash from Garanti ATMs. Brilliant!!
Additionally, when you need cash, you can find the nearest Garanti ATM based on your location. Furthermore, you can take advantage of exclusive campaigns and opportunities, get information about local events and find useful tools such as currency converter.
Scroll To see How Unlock Turkey Looks Like!
Me, finally fulfilling my dream/obsession in Pamukkale!
Eventually, in the course of the last 8 months, I have visited Turkey twice. I have recently returned from my second visit to Istanbul and, needless to say, I found the city as splendid as I remembered it. During my first time in Istanbul, I stayed in Sultanhamet and revisiting it, the area was as vibrant and as full of life and colors as always, reminding me of all the reasons why I had fallen in love with it in June.
However, Istanbul is just one of the places I explored during my first trip to Turkey. There are many things and places I loved in Turkey, and each of them is special to me for a different reason. But some are simply unforgettable and deserved to be mentioned.
So here they are, the fairy tale places everyone need to visit when in Turkey!
TOP 8 THINGS I LOVED ABOUT TURKEY
These suggestions are based on my personal experience during my week in Turkey, but they are truly unmissable for everyone!
1| DISCOVERING KUSADASI
– And the Ephesus Ruins-
I started my tour of Turkey in Kusadasi, a lovely resort town on the Aegean coast where I arrived after flying into Izmir.
I enjoyed walking around Kusadasi, which actually proved to be very pretty. I particularly liked strolling along the waterfront, as well as getting lost in the maze of little alleys at the back, browsing through small shops selling all sorts of souvenirs, sipping a cold drink to escape the heat, and exchanging a few words with the locals.
Kusadasi is an excellent starting point for further exploration of the surrounding area. It actually is a popular cruise port, as the range of activities on offer and the day tours available is incredible.
AMAZING SUNSETS IN KUSADASI
-One of the many reasons I loved it!-
EPHESUS RUINS
-Get into the time machine!-
The most popular attraction near Kusadasi is the archeological site of Ephesus. It’s easy to understand the big hype about it.
This site is simply spectacular, and I felt like I was walking through history when I roamed around. Built on the 10th century BC, Ephesus flourished under the Roman Empire, who got control of it in 129 BC.
The main feature of Ephesus is the Temple of Artemis. Although nowadays only the fundaments, the columns and fragments of the sculptures remain, when I saw it, I had no trouble understanding why this is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its magnificence and importance were such that it was a famous site already in the Renaissance period.
One thing I really enjoyed in Ephesus is that there are cats all over the site. It’s no secret that I love cats, and thus seeing them there, completely at ease in the ruins and among the tourists, made me like it even more.
THE VIRGIN MARY HOUSE
-A religious sanctuary –
Not far from Ephesus, on Mt. Koressos there is the Catholic and Muslim shrine of the House of the Virgin Mary. This was discovered in the 19th century, and although the Catholic Church never confirmed or denied its authenticity, it is still a place of pilgrimage for many.
Catholics believe this is the place where the Virgin Mary was taken by St. John and where she lived until her Assumption.
I am not really a religious kind of person, but as most Italians I was raised Catholic and thus I found it very interesting and in a way touching to learn a little piece of religious history.
The place is very quiet and even if you are not religious, just like me, I still reccommend a visit for its peaceful vibe, check out the wall full of white piece of paper with lovely messages and dedicated places where people light a candle and pray surrounded by nature.
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT KUSADASI TOURS?
Check out Ada Vegas Travel Tours official website. And see the daily tours for the Kusadasi area.I really recommend them, love the way they organize the tour and most importantly…they are super friendly and knowledgeable!
2| PAMUKKALE
-A dreamy place you CAN’T miss!-
About 3 hours drive from Kusadasi, Pamukkale is a spectacular site. No, wait… it’s more than spectacular, it definitely has the so called “WOW FACTOR”.
After years drooling over the pictures online I was finally there and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw the pools. Yes, they are THAT beautiful. No disappointment here!
Its name in Turkish means “cotton castle” and as soon as I got my first glimpse of it I understood why.
Everything is white, a series of natural pools created by the erosion of the travertine rocks with clear, warm, and turquoise waters where you can sit, relax and cover yourself with mud (Don’t forget your towel and a bathing suit).
TIPS FOR A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE IN PAMUKKALE
-And extra Info about this paradise!-
Pamukkale is so unique that, together with Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman and Byzantine city that was built on top of it, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
USEFUL TIPS:
Although I am not a morning person, I am glad I went to Pamukkale really early: it surely is worth a very early wake up call. I left my hotel at 4:00 am, when it was still dark outside.
I got to enjoy a beautiful sunrise on the way, and arrived there when the site was still completely empty, and saying that the atmosphere was surreal is an understatement!
I had the site all to myself for a few hours, and enjoyed walking around, dipping my feet in the warm waters, and just staring at such beauty.
ACCOMMODATION: FIND DEALS FOR THE BEST HOTELS IN TURKEY
I would gladly go again just to put on my bikini and enjoy those marvelous pools!As you can see from the pictures here, no mud bath for me…
I was so mesmerized by the whole site that I had to take pictures (and videos), so with my backpack and all, I had to be super careful. My advice is, if you have a GoPro, just take that with you or get a waterproof camera and a towel. Nothing more.
I left again at about 11:00, right after the tour groups from Kusadasi had begun to arrive. Having an entire site to myself was really special, and I do recommend making the extra effort to travel in the early hours for that.
ADDITIONAL INFO
Do you want to visit Pamukkale from Kusadasi (just like I did?), check out this page to book it directly online. Do I need to tell you that it’s totally worth it? No, I don’t think it’s necessary! Definitely one of the best places I’ve ever seen during my trips π
3 | CAPADOCCIA
-Let the fairy tale begin!-
I wasn’t sure what to expect about Cappadocia. I saw so many pictures of it that, almost as with my Pamukkale experience, I was a bit worried that the reality could be a bit disappointing.
HOW WRONG I WAS!
After visiting, the only word I have to describe it is…pure magic! All the time I have spent there, I felt like being in a fairy tale.
From Goreme Open Air Museum (never a name felt more appropriate) to the monks valley, from Esentepe village to Avanos, it is easy to see why a lot of people consider this one of the places they have to visit at least once in their lifetime (and I’m now obviously one of them!).
Goreme Open Air Museum is another of Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a monastic complex where churches are carved in the rock and the frescoes retain their beautiful colors.
There even are refectories with tables and chairs that are also carved in the rock. I surely had never imagined anything like this could possibly exist!
I remember sitting on the rocks and just admiring that view…. mesmerizing to say the least! It’s so damn difficult to express with the right adjectives the wonders I’ve seen in Turkey.
Cappadocia is famous for its houses and hotels carved in the rock. In fact, my hotel room was like that. The famous “Cave Hotels”
I found it so amusing, so unique and weird that the minute I walked in my room I could not stop jumping up and down from the happiness of being there.
Imagine a room with a fireplace, walls made of stones with candles inside, typical Turkish carpets and so many sofas that I had to try them all, just like a kid would do.
If you go to Cappadocia it’s mandatory for you to stay in a “cave Hotel”, and possibly act like a kid. All part of the fairy tale package!
I also enjoyed chilling out of my room on the sofa, taking in the view, and walking around the village just to get a nice feel of it. Little did I know then that the best was yet to come!
Sneaking inside one of the fairy houses at Groeme open air museum
The surprises and wow’s in Cappadocia really never end (that’s why I didn’t want to leave!)
BELOW ARE A FEW MARVELOUS THINGS I SAW:
Not to be missed!
HOT AIR BALLOON AT SUNRISE!!
Indeed, the most spectacular thing I did while in Turkey (and perhaps in my life!) was going on a hot air balloon ride.
GROEME OPEN AIR MUSEUM
The Göreme Open-Air Museum is an essential stop on any Cappadocian itinerary and deserves a two-hour visit (at least!)
INFO ABOUT CAPPADOCIA TOURS
Interested in a tour in the beautiful Cappadocia?! (you’d better be!) π check this tour out! It’s a 3 day trip from Antalya but there are also other options available. Enjoy the fairy tale!!!
4| DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF ISTANBUL!
-A city like no other!-
I usually don’t like big cities and whenever I travel I try to get out of them as soon as possible. Istanbul is definitely THE exception!
I enjoyed it so much that I actually went back for a second visit. In fact, I think one is hardly ever done exploring Istanbul, as there are just too many things to see.
What impressed me the most about Istanbul is that it is an incredible mixture of cultures, all living together in harmony.
After all, it is the only city in the world spread across two continents. Walking in the streets, I could spot men and women wearing the latest fashion items, and others strolling about in more traditional clothes, veiled.
Such peaceful heterogeneity impressed me.
In a time when many countries are building walls to stop migrants and refugees from entering, and when some members of the EU are suspending the Schengen agreement, Istanbul is the physical proof that different cultures can happily coexist; it is a symbol of a bridge that shortens the physical and emotional gap between peoples.
Aside from the emotional aspects, Istanbul is simply a gorgeous city where I truly enjoyed getting lost.
Later I explored its landmarks, such as Hagia Sophia, a former Christian basilica, later on a mosque and nowadays a museum; and the stunning Blue Mosque.
I spent hours in the maze of the covered bazaar, using my haggling skills to buy some of the beautiful ceramics, and sitting in one of the many cafés to enjoy a strong Turkish coffee accompanied by baklava, a filo pastry sweet packed with honey, butter and various kinds of nuts.
I smelled the fragrances of the Egyptian Spice Market, shop after shop of fantastic tea infusions, herbs, dried fruits.
At sunset time, I climbed up the Galata Tower, from where I admired an impressive view of the city. And then I joined the thousands of people who strolled along Istikal Caddesi for a night walk, till I got to Taksim square, nowadays a meeting center and the site of many protests against the government.
One of the most fun things I did in Istanbul was taking a cruise on the Bosphorus. Lots of travelers overlook this as they consider it too touristy, but I have to say I really enjoyed it! (Quite windy so grab a wind breaker with you!).
The cruise lasts about one hour, during which one can enjoy the views of all the bridges, the coffee shops and restaurants along the Bosphorus, and of quite a few of Istanbul landmarks. My recommendation is to actually do the cruise in the late afternoon, so as to enjoy the beautiful sunset light.
I also definitely enjoyed the nightlife in Istanbul! I would say it is thriving. Restaurants are packed; bars, coffee shops, and clubs invite customers to walk in, relax and have a chat.
Music is blasting till the early morning hours. People are busy and know how to have a good time in Istanbul! I certainly did π
THE FLAG AT THE GRAN BAZAAR
Take your time, at least a whole afternoon to visit the Gran Bazaar, even I, not a huge fan of shopping was swept away by all the colorful merchandise!
TYPICAL TURKISH LAMPS
I discovered that I have an obsession for colorful lamps, I think I took something like 500 pictures of them, all different colors and shapes! I wanted to buy a few but I didn’t have enough space in my suitcase. Next time!
ADDITIONAL INFO - ISTANBUL TOURS
If your time in Istanbul is limited, I recommend booking a tour like this one (but there are also other options available!), so that you don’t have to organize everything by yourself, possibly missing out on the top spots of this amazing city!
5 | THE TURKISH PEOPLE!
How can one not love Turkish people? Both times I have visited Turkey I found them to be incredibly kind, friendly and generous.
They were as curious about me as I was about them, always ready for a chat and always available to share information, point me to the right direction, and have a fierce yet friendly haggling session in a shop.
Not to mention that one of my dearest friend, is actually a Turkish girl, Behye! I met her years ago in London and she’s super sweet and can’t wait to see her again!
6 | THE TURKISH FOOD!
I have one word for Turkish food: mouthwatering! There is no such thing as starving there, as the food is delicious.
Turkish food is mostly a continuation of Ottoman cuisine, and many of the dishes found here are similar to those that can be found in other countries that were under Ottoman rule, such as Egypt, Greece, the Balkans and even Israel.
Turkish breakfast is very rich, and completely different from the one I may have in Italy. It includes hard boiled eggs, olives, tomatoes and cucumber salad, a mild cheese, sucuk (which is a kind of sausage) and bread.
It was enough to fill me up until dinner time, except I wouldn’t skip lunch because the food was just too delicious and tempting.
Fresh seafood and fish is easily available, especially on the coast. It is usually cooked in very simple ways – for example, grilled – and as such retains all of its flavor and nutritional value. I love fish, so when I visited Kusadasi I feasted on it!
When in Turkey, one simply can’t miss kebabs. I had to “oblige,” so I tried both the doner and the shish (I think the shish is simpler and tastier – just my humble opinion).
7 | CATS EVERYWHERE!
At the cost of sounding like a crazy cat lady, one of the things I love the most about Turkey is that there are lots of cats.
Pretty much wherever I walked, I could see a cat resting in the sun, peacefully. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul has a colony of cats that live on the site – one of them is actually a celebrity.
Many shops have pillows on their windows, where cats sleep and admire the view and pose for photos. Ephesus was packed with kitties too.
One of the funniest memories I have of Istanbul is giving water to a kitty. I noticed he had been trying to drink from a bottle, and as he didn’t manage I poured some for him.
When he was done drinking, he jumped on my lap to be petted. I suppose it was his way of thanking me and saying we could be friends. So sweet!!
8 | UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE!
Turkey has gone through some significant changes in the last few decades. At a time when many countries in the European Union have been experiencing a credit crunch, Turkey’s economic growth has been impressive.
This growth is visible everywhere. But there’s more than that.
I found Turkey to be culturally very vibrant. This is a country where people participate in the daily political life expressing their views.
A country where they protest for their rights, where they welcome positive change and progress and where they are not afraid of confrontation.
After having visited twice, I can wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Turkey. There is something in it for just any kind of traveler: archeological sites, culture and history galore; beautiful cities; incredible landscapes and nature to inspire some great adventures; beautiful beaches; and delicious food.
In fact, I would actually like to visit again (and I probably will very soon!)
Yep, Turkey really has it all and I left a piece of my heart in that beautiful country! I was so happy to see Yuksel from Ada Vegas Travel again in London at the WTM, we took some time to remember our fun times together with the promise that we will see each other once again!
On the left -and on my left- is Yuksel! Such a fun, lovely guy, and our guide for most of the week! (Plus a few other shots from my incredible time in Turkey…memory lane mode on! )
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HAVE YOU BEEN TO TURKEY? DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL PLACE I DIDN’T COVER IN HERE OR WANT TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE? LEAVE A COMMENT!
Comments
Definitely one of the best posts I’ve come across being an avid traveler myself. I’m inspired enough to pack my bags immediately but my family is equally keen so want to ask you some quick questions:
1. Is December (anytime from 15-25th) a good time keeping i mind the weather and what could be enjoyed in these places, esp Capadoccia and Pamukkale? Will we be bale to soak in the pools of Pamukkale?
2. If we follow the same itinerary as yours, how many days would we need? As a background, we are a family of 4 and my daughters are aged 6 & 9.
3. Normally we engage in roadtrips and quite enjoy them. Would you know if it would make sense to drive from Istanbul –> Kusadasi –> Pamukkale –> Istanbul ? If not, what mode of transport is advisable?
Many thanks for your response in anticipation. I can’t wait to put this thing together.
Hi Gurpeet,
Thanks for your comment! As for your questions, below my reply (please take it as guidance at your discretion of course!)
1. Is December (anytime from 15-25th) a good time keeping i mind the weather and what could be enjoyed in these places, esp Capadoccia and Pamukkale? Will we be bale to soak in the pools of Pamukkale?
TOUGH ONE, IF YOU CAN STAND THE COLD BETTER THAN ME, THEN CAPADOCCIA UNDER THE SNOW CAN BE AN INCREDIBLE REWARDING EXPERIENCE AS WELL AS PAMUKKALE (ALTHOUGH IN PAMUKKALE I DOUBT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO STAY IN THE WATER)
2. If we follow the same itinerary as yours, how many days would we need? As a background, we are a family of 4 and my daughters are aged 6 & 9.
IT TOOK ME ONE WEEK FOR THIS ITINERARY BUT TO BE SAFE I’D SAY AT LEAST 10 DAYS TO CATCH YOUR BREATH, GIVEN THAT YOU ALSO HAVE CHILDREN.
3. Normally we engage in roadtrips and quite enjoy them. Would you know if it would make sense to drive from Istanbul β> Kusadasi β> Pamukkale β> Istanbul ? If not, what mode of transport is advisable?
I LOVE ROAD TRIPS AND IF YOU HAVE THE TIME, WHY NOT, BUT YOU’LL HAVE TO CAREFULLY PLAN YOUR STOPS IN BETWEEN THE PLACES. I TOOK THE PLANE FROM KUSADASI TO ISTANBUL FOR EXAMPLE, BUT IF YOU HAVE 10 DAYS AS ADVISED ON MY PREVIOUS REPLY, YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO MAKE IT. REGARDING THE OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORT, I CAN’T SAY ANYTHING SPECIFIC BECAUSE WE ONLY USED CAR AND PLANES TO MOVE AROUND.
I hope it helps and that you’ll have a great time in Turkey!
Cheers
Clelia
One of the best articles till now, I read on Turkey it really gives deep insights about the country. It really helps people like me, who have never been to Turkey, but, planning to visit.
Thank you, glad you found this Turkey guide useful!
Cheers
Clelia
I just recently became hooked with the idea of visiting Turkey, Cappadocia especially but after reading this article I want to delve into all over! I thank you for sharing your experiences! I aspire to visit sometime in May.
Great to hear that! Have a fabulous trip to Turkey!
Thank you so much for this post. I was contemplating where to do our trip in March, but after reading your post about turkey, there is absolutely no doubt left where it will be. I am planning my trip now. Since I am travelling with kids, I would like to avoid unnecessary travel. You said you landed in Izmir. So was your return also from Izmir? or any other airport? I loved the way you did. Do you mind sharing the order of places you visited each day? Thanks again in advance. Great post!
Hi Rose
Sorry for the massive delay but I was traveling non stop for the last couple of months! I’m so happy that you made up your mind about Turkey by reading this article. I had an amazing time and visited Turkey more than once. As far as your question goes, I landed in Izmir to do all the Ephesus Area then wh went to Pammukale by car (super early in the morning from Izmir, like at 3am so we could be there before the mass touristic buses arrived) and we went back the same day and then we flew to Kayseri (less than 2 hours flight) and drove to Capadoccia where we stayed for a few days and then we took the plane to Istanbul (but you can choose what it’s more convenient for you).
So the order was: (from Italy)= Flight to Izmir (visited the Ephesus area), day trip to Pamukkale from Izmir (around 3 hours by car, that’s why we had to wake up so early), then flight to Kayseri and drove 1 hr to reach Capadoccia and from there Flight to Istanbul where we stayed a few days and back home π
Hope it helps and that you’ll have a great time in Turkey, it’s truly amazing!
Cheers
Clelia
Enjoyed your blog , I have just been to Istanbul but next year sept I want to go to all the places you have mentioned. Thanks for all the tips.
Thanks Sara! Glad I could inspired you a bit π Turkey has so much to offer, don’t miss the places I mentioned as they are seriosuly Jaw dropping!
Well written travel article. Simple, to the point and helpful. Thank you!!!!
Thank you! Glad you found it useful!
Excellent blog post about travelling to Turkey. Anybody should read this article and check the pictures before planning a trip to Turkey. The photos seems very exciting and inspiring! Thank you for the good read.
Thanks Serhat! Glad you enjoyed it!
We would like to see you in Marmaris next time. Come and join excursions in Marmaris with us.
Hi! I was wondering, how many days were you in Turkey on this trip? Was it a standard 10 days/ 2 week trip? Looking for my autumn trip and have been considering Turkey for ages…really want to go!
Hi Sierra, I visited Turkey 3 times, twice I only stayed in Istanbul and one time I had a fantastic one week holiday with a tour operator (the one I recommend in my article) and had a great time! Obviously, if you can stay more just do it so you can take it slowly but even in one week what I did was not super rushed and I have such great memories of everything I did π
I hope you will have a similar experience, Turkey is a must-see country for sure!
Hey Clelia!
I’m really excited I was planning to go to Eastern Europe but plans changed and now I’m really thinking on going only to Turkey instead.
How did you feel being a woman wandering in the streets and mosques and all that?
I’m traveling solo. I’ve traveled solo to SEA and I felt really safe and people were really nice to me. I want to feel the same way in Turkey. What is your experience around this?
Hey Getse thanks for your comment! Turkey is a super lovely place, been there twice and it always surprises me! If you are traveling solo I would just say to use your normal common sense (avoid dark alleys at night etc). Also, South East Asia is more “liberal” when it comes to dressing code while in Turkey I tried to respect their religious beliefs so I used to cover up more, no legs showing, no tops, a simple long dress or jeans, and t-shirt are OK.
When entering the mosque make sure you respect the rules, my first time was a reminder of that as they called me back to put a veil over my head (they usually have some outside for you to use but maybe bring a sarong with you so you can cover head and shoulders and obviously no legs showing).
Other than that I have found the Turkish people super lovely, I have a few Turkish friends and they are indeed friendly people, just respect their culture and you should be ok!:)
Hi Clelia,
Thanks for all the tips very helpful.
I was wondering you said you left your hotel early to go to Pamukkale so you can beat the crowds.
Did you have a driver take you there or a specific tour group?
Also are you just able to just dip in whenever?
Thanks,
Joan
Hi Joan! Yes, we had a driver (from the company I mentioned in the article). It was a special request made by me as I wanted to enjoy the site with the least amount of people possible and yes, once inside, after you remove your shoes at the stairs, you can relax in whatever place you want!
I just recently became obsessed with the idea of visiting Turkey, Cappadocia in particular but after reading this article I want to explore all over! I appreciate you sharing your experiences! I hope to visit sometime in May.
Hey Penny
Turkey is truly amazing! All the places I’ve mentioned are worth a visit!
I visited in Turkey in 2014 and to this day still find myself daydreaming about it. Not sure when my next trip will be but I mysteriously fell in love with this country so I will once again walk among the dazzling colours, sights, smells, people and Ephesus. Love, Love, Love.
Loving your blog.
Thanks Leslie, I share your same feelings about Turkey! Fell in love with the country and I’m so happy when I have the possibility to go back!
Very Nice Article..
Thanks James!
Great post! And so bright pics from Pamukkale!
I’ve been twice to Istanbul and a bit outside of it! It was amazing to discover it with the friends living there!
The biggest impression was the sunset on those small roofs of Cihangir houses ..)
Oh Pamukkale is awesome, right?! I also been twice to Istanbul and it’s a lovely city. You gotta love Turkey! π
Hey Clelia,
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful article and amazing pictures. Though Turkey is full of attractions, but i like the most is Pamukkale.
I tend to agree with you Amber! Pamukkale is definitely a place out of this world!! π
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We took an trip to Turkey during the last Christmas break. While we were a little worried about the possibility of an attack – we weren’t going to let that affect our plans. I absolutely agree with Pamukkale and Cappadocia as being one of the highlights of the trip – and I would say one of the highlights across all of my previous trips. For Pamukkale we took a day trip from Istanbul – Turkish Airlines has a flight early in the morning which gets there around 10:00 AM and a they offer a return flight to Istanbul in the evening. While in Pamukkale we had one of the best meals at the White House Cafe and Restaurant, its family owned and the tables are basically in their house – this was some of the best service and delicious food I have ever had. Since it was snowing, it was awesome to visit Pamukkale and dip our legs in the rushing warm water, such a cool experience. I would highly recommend going to Cappadocia in the winter – though the wind and snow increases the likelihood of the hot air balloon trip being canceled – seeing the sun rise over the snow covered ground while up in the air was breathtaking. I think Turkey often times gets overlooked – but there are so many amazing experiences like the ones you highlighted!
I couldn’t agree more with your comment Zain, all of it! First, we shouldn’t allow the fear to have the best of us! I will continue my travels and don’t obsess over this. Second, thanks a lot for the tips in Pamukkale, must have been such an awesome experience to eat like a local π
One time I’ll have to go back in winter, I saw a few shots in Capadoccia in Winter and wow, as you said, it is stunning!
Finally, I totally agree with your last sentence: Turkey is often overlooked and I was the first one actually, and look at me, I went back twice in 6 months π
Beautiful place. Excellent content. It will help me a lot!
Thanks for your nice comment Anne! I hope you’ll have a great time whenever you decide to visit Turkey!
Awesome! I’ve been debating between Jordan and Turkey….any preference?
Beil, I’ve never been to Jordan (shame on me), whenever I will have the chance… I’ll tell you what I think! Nut I already know from experience that you can’t usually compare two places, each one of them has something unique to offer!
Hello Clelia,
Thank you for your post ! You made some great points. But for the next time you visit Turkey, I would be happy to show you around mediterranean coast, it is delightful !
Traveling Lady… Don’t tell me twice as I’m seriously coming back!!! π
What a comprehensive post … my favorite part was the section about the cats … crazy about them too!
Oh me too! I love cats so I was in Paradise π
Iβm not a fan of cats and I canβt be around them and Iβm planning to visit turkey in Christmas !
Are there a lot of them in a weird way ?? Sorry for cats lovers π
Aahahahh Well, no problem! I’m a cat lover and I took no offense! There are a few, yes but it’s not like they jump on you or anything π Usually they minf their own business and are very sweet (trying to bring you to the cat lover side) π Just kidding! I wouldn0t worry too much about them really!
We visited Turkey (Istanbul and Ephesus) as part of a 5 day cruise. Ephesus was wonderful, being a cat person as well, I absolutely loved it there. I lost our tour guide a couple of times because I was busy taking photos of the cats haha.
Anyway, we decided to come back and do a full tour of Turkey in the near future. Your itinerary is great, we’ll pretty much use it the way it is and just add some side trips π
Thank you so much for sharing this! Love your blog
Thanks Susanne!
I actually designed my itinerary together with the tour operator and i couldn’t be happier with my choice! Try to go there when it’s sunny, especially in Pamukkale as the colors are out of this world when the sun hits the white rocks and the turquoise waters! Enjoy π
Cheers
Clelia
Going but not yet gone, this incredible medieval ruined city, perched above the Tigris, will disappear beneath the waters of a controversial dam.
Hey Nicky, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Thanks to luck (and Google) I stumbled across this article. Definitely a good read and esp for me as I am in the process of assembling a trip for myself to Istanbul. I think can def related to what you said in the first para “Except for a picture I discovered on Pinterest and I became obsessed with: Pamukkale natural pools. I HAD to go there one day!”.
I’m going through same for Istanbul – want to roam through its bazaar and take 1000s of photos. I will share my blog post with you once I am back.
Have fun in Istanbul, it’s a wonderful city and if you’re looking for Bazaars… you’ll go wild taking pictures π
I have been talking to a few Turkish people online who tell me tourist numbers have dropped drastically in places like Istanbul over the past year. Did you experience this? Turkey has been on our radar for years now and can’t wait to visit soon.
Hi Anand,
I can’t tell you for sure whether the number of tourists has dropped significantly (even if I was also talking to some Turkish people recently and they told me that the situation haven’t changed that much). What I saw in Istanbul in February (just one week after the bombings) was an absolutely normal city. I didn’t experience any fear around me, neither I felt scared.
In my opinion, when people stop going to places because of terrorist attacks, they are simply letting them (the terrorists) win. I flew to the US the 11th of September exactly one year after the NY attacks on an almost empty plane, and I went to almost all the cities that experienced bombing soon after the episodes.
Turkey is a gorgeous country, I seriously can’t recommend it enough. You need to be careful as you would in any other place really.
Hope it helps!
Clelia