Turkey - (AL 6) A ten day self directed tour of the highlights of Turkey.

Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus Turkey Video:-

To view the video select:- https://youtu.be/15pOijv4bEg

A sense of Turkey

During our four different visits to Turkey’s cities, Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya we chose the option of staying at 4/5 star hotels/ resorts. All of these were comparable to European grade equivalents. In the case of our recent 10 night stay in Antalya’s Voyage Resort, the property, facilities, food and service far exceeded our expectations.

The currency used is the Turkish Lira. At the time of writing this blog, we got an exchange rate of circa 20 Turkish Lira for €1. Vendors and resort staff are delighted to be tipped in Euro, Sterling or Dollars. You should always carry some cash on you for the small transactions and for vendors who are ill-equipped to handle card transactions.

In direct comparison to other destinations in Europe, you will find Turkey affordable and very good value for money.

Things to know about Turkey

About three quarters of the population (85m) live in towns and cities.

Soccer is Turkey’s most popular sport.

The country has a north-south distance that ranges from about 300 to 400 miles (480 to 640 km), and it stretches about 1,000 miles from west to east.

Turkey’s varied climate—generally a dry semi-continental Mediterranean variant—is heavily influenced by the presence of the sea to the north, south, and west and by the mountains that cover much of the country. Several areas have a winter rainfall maximum typical of Mediterranean locations, and in summer drought is widespread. However, the elevation of the country ensures that winters are often much colder than is common in Mediterranean climates, and there are significant contrasts between winter and summer temperatures.

In Turkey, compulsory military service of 18 months minimum applies to all male citizens 21 - 41 years of age.

Education is compulsory up to the late teens and third level education has seen rapid increase in the 21th century. Turkey has more than 200 universities.

About one-third of Turkey’s land area is utilised for agriculture. Landholdings are generally small. Turkey has vast herds of goats, sheep, cattle and water buffalo. The most important field crops are cereals; these occupy one half of the cultivated area. Other important crops are cotton, sugar beets, tobacco, and potatoes.

Turkey supports a wide range of manufacturing activities. The leading manufacturing activities are: chemicals; food & beverages; tobacco; textiles, clothing and footwear.

Since World War II, economic development has involved large-scale state investment in transportation, road, rail and airports.

Boasting an excellent airport infrastructure, it is possible to both fly into and out of Istanbul, Antalya and Izmir airports. In fact, Istanbul airport is regarded as a mayor hub between the East and West, and comparable to large US hubs.

For the price sensitive, it is possible to make large savings by travelling by road but be advised that distances are long and can be a lot more time consuming.

Our recommendations for a trip to Turkey

A great way to spend a 10 day trip to Turkey, in our opinion, would be something along the following suggestions:

Day 2-4 days: Istanbul (Fly into)

No Turkey trip would be complete without visiting its crown jewel, Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, was once the capital of the powerful Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Today it retains its deep cross-cultural influence, rich history, and captivating ancient architecture. Istanbul is brimming with so many amazing things to do.

Being Turkey’s most populated city, Istanbul was home to different civilisations throughout the history. Every civilisation that once settled in Istanbul left a trace on the city in sublime and magnificent ways and the result is a vibrant city with unique social and cultural richness.

Istanbul is surrounded by the Sea of Marmara to the south and the Black Sea to the north. The strategic and aesthetic Bosphorus, which separates both sides of Istanbul and the two continents of Europe and Asia, is the first gateway from the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea and then to the Mediterranean Sea. Being a port city and situated on a trade route has made Istanbul a historical centre of trade.

Bosphorus Ferry to Kadikoy & Moda

Cross from Europe to Asia in 20 Minutes. Since Istanbul is located where two continents meet, it’s possible to spend your morning in Europe and the afternoon in Asia.

Hamman Experience

A hammam is a steam room, similar to a Turkish bath, where Turks go each week to cleanse themselves. Getting aggressively washed by a complete stranger is possibly out of your comfort zone, however, the full experience of a hammam, mud wrap and massage will definitely make a good conversation topic when you get home.

This luxurious treatment should comprise of a hot marble steam room, massage, body scrub, and relaxing massage followed with Turkish tea.

Day 4 - 5: Izmir (Fly into)

Izmir is like the Los Angeles of Turkey: trendy, liberal, on a coast, full of delicious restaurants, spacious parks, and lots of boutique stores. You likely won’t run into many tourists here, yet it is the third-largest city in the country. And what makes Izmir even more special for travellers is that it is the perfect launching pad to visit the ancient city of Ephesus.

Day Trip from Izmir to Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus (Efes) is a must-visit experience for history buffs. Ephesus (10th century BC) is one of the best ancient sites for Greco-Roman history. Here you can take a trip back in time to visit one of the Roman Empire’s most important cities. Stop by the Library of Celsus to witness the grandeur of Rome.

Downtown Izmir

Izmir is a fun city to walk through, while discovering its nooks and crannies. Stay in the downtown centre so you can walk through the gorgeous parks, catch a weekend street market, stop by the many boutique shops, and enjoy the trendy restaurants. Don’t miss out on Izmir’s:

- Ancient Agora – Ancient ruins located in the middle of the city;

- Kemaralti Market – A maze of local markets and shops;

- Kordon Waterfront - take in the waterfront by bike.

Day 5 - 6: One day minimum in Cappadocia (Fly into)

Turkey’s Cappadocia is a bucket-list-worthy destination. Visit anyone of the many Fairy-Chimney rock structure fields. Every morning, hundreds of colourful hot air balloons fill the skies over an ancient region marked by bizarre rock formations. Horses are still the only allowed mode of transportation in many of the valleys, and many of the hotels are located in caves that have been inhabited for thousands of years. Over 100 hot air balloons fly over Cappadocia every morning, so naturally, there are a ton of different companies to choose from. Be advise that:-

- the balloon flights are weather dependent;

- A balloon flight visit to Cappadocia will require a single overnight stay at a minimum;

- Sunrise flights are the only balloon flights available;

- Wear warm clothes, it can be cold before the sun rises;

- Air sickness is not an issue as the balloon flights are all very slow and very stable.

Day 7 - 10: Antalya (Fly into)

There are three possible holiday types that a visitor can have in Antalya.

the activity holiday, visiting all of the tourist destinations that Antalya has to offer ;
The laid-back, in-active holiday type of Sleep, Food, Sun & Entertainment ;
A holiday that is a mixture of both holiday options (1) and (2), above.

For sun seekers, June to September is the best time to visit Antalya’s beaches.

We chose the Voyage, Belek, Golf and Spa Resort for our stay. Golfers are spoiled with ten different golf courses within a very short transfer to and from your hotel.

For the adrenalin junkies, most hotels provide paragliding and abundant water sports including scuba diving and sailing. There are generally waterparks within the hotel properties. A visitor can also visit the ‘Land of Legends” theme park for a more exhilarating experience.There are safari buggy tours, rafting and zipline adventure tours, Antalya city tours incorporating waterfalls and cable cars. Roman ruin tours and many more Greco-Roman city tours are available.

Antalya is a great location to finish up your trip to Turkey before you fly back home.

This recommended trip can be done equally in the reverse direction.

Our must see recommendation for a trip to Turkey:-

A balloon flight visit to Cappadocia is a must do for all visitors to Turkey.
A hammam massage followed by a Bosphorus boat trip.
A visit the ancient city of Ephesus.

The average cost per person / per week is €800 (Ex flights, depending on type of hotel/ accommodation selected)

All of the tour tickets are available over the web where some savings can be made.

“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”

“Happiness is found in the journey and rarely in the destination, alone.”

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