A fantastic trip to turkey

A FANTASTIC TRIP TO TURKEY

Turkey was the most memorable country on my solo RTW trip in 2017.  I spent over two blissful months traveling around the country and already have an upcoming trip planned this year. Turkey is a radiant country full of depth, beauty, and adventure. You can sail on the Mediterranean Sea, explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, hike gorgeous mountains, discover underground cities, ride magical hot air balloons, belly dance the night away, gorge on delicious Turkish food, and best of all, talk with many of the warmest and friendliest people you will ever come across.  Turkish people are known for their generous hospitality and it would be impossible for you to leave without being invited for cay (tea) or without a smile on your face. 

I arrived in Istanbul at the beginning of September and instantly fell in love with the city.  A few friends and family members raised an eyebrow or two when I told them my travel plans to this country, which I wasn't surprised given Turkeys history. However, I had no hesitation knowing mass media usually focuses on a fraction of a one-sided story.  I knew there was more to the country than the news outlets portrayed.  And I was right!  Istanbul was full of charm, vigor, warm and friendly people, delicious food and restaurants, and historically rich architecture and landmarks.  I stayed in the historic Sultanhamet area and woke up to the Marmara Sea every morning and watched glorious sunsets in the evening.  I was within walking distance to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace.  Istanbul has loads of hills, akin to San Francisco, which was a great way to burn off all the kebabs and baklava I was eating.  However, jumping on a tram, train, taxi, or funicular was simple.  Transportation was just about in every corner of the city and cheap.  Maps tend to bore me, so I prefer to get lost or rely on the kindness of strangers for directions. Instead of asking for directions, I found myself talking for hours, getting to know many locals.  Two places I frequented often were the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar.  I loved getting lost in both places for hours, listening to all the sounds and noises of haggling, smelling the scintillating fragrances, and watching the beauty pass by me.  After about a week of strolling through mosques, street cafes, museums, art galleries, historical monuments, and visiting a few hammams (Turkish baths/spas), I left for the magical land of Cappadocia. 

Cappadocia… a land where all your dreams come true!  It’s a historical, cultural, and outdoor lover’s paradise in central Turkey.  I am a big fan of desert nature and outside activities, so Cappadocia ended up being my favorite place in Turkey.  This region has one of the most dramatic and stunning lunar landscapes I have ever laid eyes upon.  Especially in the town where I stayed, Göreme.  Göreme, a unique town, in which the area has "fairy chimneys" or natural cone shaped rock formations and cave houses carved into the valley walls. One of the themes to my RTW trip was to see as many sunrises and sunsets as possible…I shortly found out I was in the perfect place for both! On my first day there I decided to go for a hike and explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, but wound up going for an ATV sunset tour after some persuasive Turkish charm.  Riding through the valley while the sun fell on the glorious Rose valley sent chills up my spine.  I wanted to soak up every molecule of warmth and bathe in its spectacular beauty.  With the night being young and having met some new friends, we decided to find an overlook and watch the twinkling lights with the bright moon paving our way. To top it off, we brought a bottle (or two) of wine from one of the neighboring vineyards.  I had become hypnotized by this small town and pure ecstasy had encapsulated me for the course of seven days cafes, museums, art galleries, historical monuments, and visiting a few hammams (Turkish baths/spas), I left for the magical land of Cappadocia. 

Many people from all over the world travel to Cappadocia to be swept off in a hot air balloon during sunrise.  Of course, I was one of the many who were magically whisked off and marveled at the otherworldly nature surrounding me, while gently floating over the glistening horizon.  While I would have loved to have ridden a balloon every morning, my pocket said otherwise.  But all I had to do was walk outside my hotel room at sunrise and look up or walk five minutes up to the sunset point and was gifted with a magnificent view.  The mystical air was dotted with colorful balloons and the earth below, white shimmering sand.  In the days following, I experienced many breathtaking moments from seeing the settlements of the Byzantine open-air churches, to underground cities comprised of eight impressive levels.  I was reluctant to leave but excited to see another beautiful location.

as possible…I shortly found out I was in the perfect place for both! On my first day there I decided to go for a hike and explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, but wound up going for an ATV sunset tour after some persuasive Turkish charm.  Riding through the valley while the sun fell on the glorious Rose valley sent chills up my spine.  I wanted to soak up every molecule of warmth and bathe in its spectacular beauty.  With the night being young and having met some new friends, we decided to find an overlook and watch the twinkling lights with the bright moon paving our way. To top it off, we brought a bottle (or two) of wine from one of the neighboring vineyards.  I had become hypnotized by this small town and pure ecstasy had encapsulated me for the course of seven days cafes, museums, art galleries, historical monuments, and visiting a few hammams (Turkish baths/spas), I left for the magical land of Cappadocia. 

Thanks a lot Andrea for this article .Andrea'a story long and I see that she enjoyed much in Turkey.I will share it on 2 part so first part finished here I really liked and hope that everybody like it and help future toursits.

Share this

Author : selanikli66111

Hi Dear Visitors.I'm Recep admin of this blog.Actually I'm Mechanical engineer but started to write that blog in 2015 for help foreigns,improve my English and try to show How Turkey is a wonderfull country with places,cities,culture,tradition,meals,life and people.Thanks for to read it and do not forget to drop comments.

Related Posts