The bazaar opened in 1461, and there are over 1200 stores, many of which are grouped by type of goods, with particular areas for leather coats, gold jewelry, and other wares. Tours range from 2-hour excursions to full-day (11-hour) trips, depending on the itinerary. Turkey is an incredible destination but it’s best to follow the guidance of your travel specialist. Zicasso travel specialists can give you peace of mind by helping you plan a secure and seamless trip. [newline]By taking common-sense precautions, you can have a safe and memorable visit. The tourism infrastructure in Turkey is well established with popular destinations providing comfort and safe environments for travelers from around the world. As with any popular destination, petty crime can occur within large crowds.
Since it is your first day and you probably will have to leave for Cappadocia on an overnight bus or an early morning flight, you will not be visiting both Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque – but just one of them if the time allows. Alright, now that I have sold Turkey as a travel destination for you, I’d like to share my highly researched itinerary for Turkey that I personally made for myself. Here’s the thing – Turkey is an amazing destination for literally every kind of traveler. Adventure seekers, backpackers, families, fantasy landscape chasers, pilgrims, and party travelers – all will love Turkey for the same as well as different reasons. By finely balancing age-old traditions with modern influences, Turkey promises travelers an unforgettable experience.
It’s hard not to fall in love with the vibrant, hip city of Istanbul and we recommend spending at least 3 nights exploring the city. The eclectic mix of Europe and Asia, East and West and old and new make Istanbul an amazing spot. After leaving Ephesus, we made a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pergamon before spending two nights in Canakkale, a seafront town where the 2004 movie version of the wooden horse of Troy stands. You can read more about our stay at the Sultan Cave Suites and our guide to the Cappadocia hotels with the best view of the balloons. This itinerary can also be done in reverse order – start Athens end Istanbul. After a whirlwind adventure through Turkey, enjoying the taste of the intricate culture, your Turkish trip has come to an end.
If you’re looking to stay near the beach with more affordable rates, Konyaalti Beach is a good bet. Whether you only have a couple of days or you have enough time to whip up a 4 day Antalya itinerary, you’ll find plenty of things to do in this resort town. An incredible value at around $25 USD per night (price can vary based on time of year).
Nearby is the Ottoman-era Blue Mosque, and you’ll love wandering the Grand Bazaar covered market and the 1600s Spice Bazaar. Head to the Basilica Cistern deep underground (amazing experience) and get a bird’s eye view at the Galata Tower and museum overlooking the city. Bargain-hunt your way through a twisted warren of marketplace stalls, pausing to sip tea with a merchant.
Visit the Acropolis structure, which houses the Temple of Trajan, the Sanctuary of Athena, and the Altar of Zeus. When papyrus became scarce, the Pergamenes invented a new writing material made of fine calfskin called pergamena (parchment), a predecessor of vellum. The Library of Pergamon, built by King Eumenes II and containing as many as 200,000 volumes, was second only to the Library of Alexandria, Egypt.
A three-hour drive south will take you to the remote İshak Paşa Palace, passing by fabled Mt Ararat (Ağrı Dağı) en route. Türkiye faces two lovely coastlines, and on the shores of the Aegean, chilling out and getting back to nature is the order of the day. For a laid-back escape, head for the remote Datça and Bozburun peninsulas.
Simply email us your dates of travel, number of adults/children and requirements to receive a suggested itinerary and price within 1 business day. Visit the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, and take a cruise along the Bosphorus. Experience the cultural fusion of Europe and Asia, admire the Hagia Vacanze Turquia Sophia’s stunning architecture, and explore the historic Topkapi Palace. We have lots of resources on travel in Turkey and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Turkey Travel Guide for all the answers to your travel questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.
Cruising on a yacht is the number one activity for visitors to Bodrum and Fethiye for good reason. The steep forest-clad slopes, hidden coves sporting tiny white-sand beaches, and hundreds of scattered islands are the perfect place for exploring by sea. The two main beaches outside of town are sun-sloth heaven in summer and attract holidaymakers from across Europe. While the old town area, snug right in the center of town, with its cobblestone alleyways rimmed by creaky Ottoman-era mansions, is a wonderful place to explore. And if you don’t feel like hiking for the views, this is one of the world’s top destinations to take a hot-air balloon ride.
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