MAGIC TURKEY
I visited Turkey during the summer of 2013, I had just 1 week of holidays and, to be honest, I wanted to visit Greece but my budget was very tight and in August Greece is very very but very expensive :/
I could not decide where to go: not Spain, I visited it plenty of times, not France, too close to Italy, not Croatia cause it takes many hours to get there and the easiest way is by car...
On internet I've seen many Turkish Airline's advertisements, award winning best European air company. Every summer there is a promo whom you can flight from Genoa to Istanbul (round trip) for 149 euros! That sounds great...you have just to book the flight 1 or 2 months before the 9 and the 10 of each month.
So I booked my holiday from the 14th to the 21th of August: 1 week to visit Turkey!
Of course I wanted to see Istanbul but also to chill out by the sea...one of the best places where you can find gold beaches and blue waters is the southern part of the country, the most famous place is the nearby of Anthalya, I've read a lot about it and at the end I decided to stay in Fethiye, a little and lovely village, not far from the majority attractions and very low cost option.
The problem is that Turkey is a wide country and to reach the opposite part of it, it can takes you hours.
The 14th the flight was in time, very comfortable and the crew was kind. All went well, in 2 hours I was in Istanbul! My plan was spend the first 4 days in Fethiye and the last 3 in Istanbul. If I went back I would stayed in Istanbul longer...those days were really full and quite stressfull due to the many things to see and do in so little time! I suggest you to stay here more for sure...Istanbul is amazing!!!!
To save time and money I got to Fethiye by a night bus. The company was METRO TURIZM, the journey took 10 hours more or less, cost 25 euros. It was nice and they provided waters, juice and something to eat, I managed to sleep despite the seats are not so comfortable...I met a good guy of the crew, he didn't speak English well but we understood each other :) he took care of me and gave many advices... So kind!
In Fethiye I booked an hotel close to Calis beach, this is nothing special but if you want to relax, swim and tan is perfect! In Fethiye the there are 2 lines of buses: one to the city center and one to Calis beach. There are no stops, you have just to make a signal to the bus when it is getting closer and it'll stop.The cost is 2 turkish lira, they drive like a fool and it is always crowded but funny!
The name of the hotel is KALIM APART HOTEL: for 3 nights I paid 96 euros, double room, windows on the pool and breakfast included (the food was certainly fresh and delicious).
The staff were friendly and helpful, the hotel was clean, I think It's suitable both for family and for singles or couples, and in a quite area. There was also a swimming pool where you can fresh yourself during the day and the night ;)
As said Fethiye can give you all that you desire, and there are many activities to do. I had little time so I opted for a daily cruise with MY BLUE CRUISE around 12 islands, part of the tour are the Blue Cave, where you can swim up into the cave, St. Nicholas Island with the partly sunken city, Aquarium Bay, Cold Water Spring Bay, Camel beach and Butterfly Valley where if you are feeling energetic you can climb around the waterfall, or if you prefer, stay on the beach and swim in the beautiful turquoise waters. For a ridiculous price of 9 euros they pick you up at the hotel, spend the whole day cruising the beauty of the Turkey's stunning coastline together people of all nationalities and ages, they provide then lunch (very good and light of course for a day sailing). At the end they bring you back to the hotel...what could you desire more for this price? nothing better I think, I spent a very pleasant day for a great value of money!TOTALLY SUGGEST =)
If you want to have a look on their webpage you can discover all their services www.mybluecruise.com
Another excursion that I managed to do is to Oludeniz National Park (blue lagoon), local buses from Fethiye will get you here in less than 30 minutes, the entrance of this protect area cost 4,50 tkl., the environment is clean and well kept, there are specific areas where to eat and free shower. I found this place suitable to kick back in a breath-taking panorama.
It should be awesome to do paragliding over Oludeniz, I bet the view is incredible...the price is quite affordable, 70 euros for a total of 2 hours (go up to the hill, a little briefing and the landing).
I'll list you some activities that I did't do but if you can you should evaluate them:
- Jeep or Quad safari: A great way to see lots of the local sights of interest and countryside all in one day.
- One day in Pammukale: Natural spring waters cascade down the mountainside in this amazing location. The spring waters are said to have beneficial health effects, relieving the symptoms of allergies stress and rheumatism
Nearby you can visit the ancient Roman city of Hieropolis which dates from 200BC...e great connection between relax and history
- Trekking in Saklikent: Explore the ruins of the capital of ancient Lycia with its acropolis,stadium, theatre and rock tombs strolling through the icy waters of Saklikent area
- Dalyan (Turtle Beach): An enjoyable on Dalyan turtle beach...don't miss the opportunity to see lovely loggerheads and have a mud bath
And last but but not least...try the real Turkish Bath!!! my advice is to avoid the agency that sell this activity because it is cheaper and it's worth to try a local and a real traditional hammam. Many people told me that in Istanbul is more expensive and low quality, for this reason I think those in villages little bath are better and more genuine than in big cities. I went to the OLD TURKISH BATH, this is the oldest one in Fethiye: the atmosphere is so magical and peaceful that you wish to rest here for all your holiday...the staff is professional and very humble, everything clean and well appointed. I'm not going to unveil you what's the treatment they'll reserve to you, you must try it because it is a special experience!
have a look here www.oldturkishbath.com
Now I'm going to speak about the night life:in spite of being a little city, it's a quite alive: pubs, discotheques, shops and restaurants are opened till late; colors, spicy smells and happy voices from all over the world surround you warmly...this is Turkey!
I do want to recomend 2 cosy and delicious restaurants where you should go to eat. The first is the MOZAIK BAHCE: IT'S SIMPLY YUMMY!!!!!! they cook traditional turkey food, the location is great and romantic, it 's outdoor, all around you there are a lot of colored Turkish lamps and sofas where you can lay down and taste the fantastic chay! Portions are big, and I in my opinion this is the best turkish food I've ever tested!
The second one is the OZTOKLU RESTAURANT: if you want to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the fruit and vegetable market, come here and let you prepare a good meal by Hazim and his friendly family. You can eat fresh fish and seafood for a good price and share your table with other people, I can guarantee you wont be disappointed and you'll feel as being in someone's house. love it!
All things considered, I really appreaciated my stay in Fethiye, and I have very nice memories about it...but good time flies and now it's time to go to Istanbul! Here below, I leave you some pictures of Fethiye....
ISTANBUL THE BRIDGE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
No better affirmation can describe this fantastic city...It was my first time in a muslim country and I was a little worried about what to wear, how to act,etc. but I can assure you that there is nothing to be nervous about. Turkish are great people, so friendly and open minded that you feel comfortable and curious to discover a beautiful culture like this.
Unfortunately I spent just 3 days in Istanbul, enough to see the main attractions but in hurry =/
The hostel that I reserved, ISTANBUL SYDNEY HOSTEL, was in Sultanahmet zone, just behind the Aya Sophia and the Blue Mosque...you can reach all the best places in just 5 min walking! My room was very clean, wi -fi was almost everywhere and the staff were so helpful and kind to provide to me the transfer to the airport and give me some tips where to eat, what visiting and what to do!Complimentary breakfast is served on their great roof terrace that looks out over the street and the water beyond ...so I can say great value of money!
To reach Sultanahment from Gokcen airport I took the Havataş bus transfer to Kadıköy (45 min) that is the ferry terminal. Just outside the airport on the left there are many white buses of the Havatas company, the ticket costs 2 euros. Once arrived at Kadiköy, I took the ferry (cost 0,60 cent), it's is quite easy to find one because there is on every 30 minutes until 9 pm...Getting to Sirkeci/Sultanahmet is fast and cheap, I spent a total of 4 euros and I had the opportunity to use a very common public transport that make you enjoy a good view of the city. In general all the public transports are reliable and efficient!
Right across the garden and fountain from here there is HAGIA SOPHIYA. Sit on the benches there and you could spend a relaxed time gazing at these two monuments which you cant get enough of.
The church/mosque/museum Hagia Sophiya is breathtaking, even more considering it was built more than 1500 years ago, a truly inspiring building both in terms of architecture and history - Christian and Islamic symbols side by side. I was quite touched by the fact that two different religions can live together in the same place without problems.
The church contained a large collection of holy features, the interior is decorated with mosaic and marble pillars and coverings of great artistic value. Hagia Sophiya became museum in 1935 after being a christian church first and a mosque then. The intricate symbolism here is fascinating, the secular stones will reveal you a true treasure full of history...trust me, you won't be disappointed to spend you time here.
So I booked my holiday from the 14th to the 21th of August: 1 week to visit Turkey!
Of course I wanted to see Istanbul but also to chill out by the sea...one of the best places where you can find gold beaches and blue waters is the southern part of the country, the most famous place is the nearby of Anthalya, I've read a lot about it and at the end I decided to stay in Fethiye, a little and lovely village, not far from the majority attractions and very low cost option.
The problem is that Turkey is a wide country and to reach the opposite part of it, it can takes you hours.
The 14th the flight was in time, very comfortable and the crew was kind. All went well, in 2 hours I was in Istanbul! My plan was spend the first 4 days in Fethiye and the last 3 in Istanbul. If I went back I would stayed in Istanbul longer...those days were really full and quite stressfull due to the many things to see and do in so little time! I suggest you to stay here more for sure...Istanbul is amazing!!!!
To save time and money I got to Fethiye by a night bus. The company was METRO TURIZM, the journey took 10 hours more or less, cost 25 euros. It was nice and they provided waters, juice and something to eat, I managed to sleep despite the seats are not so comfortable...I met a good guy of the crew, he didn't speak English well but we understood each other :) he took care of me and gave many advices... So kind!
In Fethiye I booked an hotel close to Calis beach, this is nothing special but if you want to relax, swim and tan is perfect! In Fethiye the there are 2 lines of buses: one to the city center and one to Calis beach. There are no stops, you have just to make a signal to the bus when it is getting closer and it'll stop.The cost is 2 turkish lira, they drive like a fool and it is always crowded but funny!
The name of the hotel is KALIM APART HOTEL: for 3 nights I paid 96 euros, double room, windows on the pool and breakfast included (the food was certainly fresh and delicious).
The staff were friendly and helpful, the hotel was clean, I think It's suitable both for family and for singles or couples, and in a quite area. There was also a swimming pool where you can fresh yourself during the day and the night ;)
As said Fethiye can give you all that you desire, and there are many activities to do. I had little time so I opted for a daily cruise with MY BLUE CRUISE around 12 islands, part of the tour are the Blue Cave, where you can swim up into the cave, St. Nicholas Island with the partly sunken city, Aquarium Bay, Cold Water Spring Bay, Camel beach and Butterfly Valley where if you are feeling energetic you can climb around the waterfall, or if you prefer, stay on the beach and swim in the beautiful turquoise waters. For a ridiculous price of 9 euros they pick you up at the hotel, spend the whole day cruising the beauty of the Turkey's stunning coastline together people of all nationalities and ages, they provide then lunch (very good and light of course for a day sailing). At the end they bring you back to the hotel...what could you desire more for this price? nothing better I think, I spent a very pleasant day for a great value of money!TOTALLY SUGGEST =)
If you want to have a look on their webpage you can discover all their services www.mybluecruise.com
Another excursion that I managed to do is to Oludeniz National Park (blue lagoon), local buses from Fethiye will get you here in less than 30 minutes, the entrance of this protect area cost 4,50 tkl., the environment is clean and well kept, there are specific areas where to eat and free shower. I found this place suitable to kick back in a breath-taking panorama.
It should be awesome to do paragliding over Oludeniz, I bet the view is incredible...the price is quite affordable, 70 euros for a total of 2 hours (go up to the hill, a little briefing and the landing).
I'll list you some activities that I did't do but if you can you should evaluate them:
- Jeep or Quad safari: A great way to see lots of the local sights of interest and countryside all in one day.
- One day in Pammukale: Natural spring waters cascade down the mountainside in this amazing location. The spring waters are said to have beneficial health effects, relieving the symptoms of allergies stress and rheumatism
Nearby you can visit the ancient Roman city of Hieropolis which dates from 200BC...e great connection between relax and history
- Trekking in Saklikent: Explore the ruins of the capital of ancient Lycia with its acropolis,stadium, theatre and rock tombs strolling through the icy waters of Saklikent area
- Dalyan (Turtle Beach): An enjoyable on Dalyan turtle beach...don't miss the opportunity to see lovely loggerheads and have a mud bath
And last but but not least...try the real Turkish Bath!!! my advice is to avoid the agency that sell this activity because it is cheaper and it's worth to try a local and a real traditional hammam. Many people told me that in Istanbul is more expensive and low quality, for this reason I think those in villages little bath are better and more genuine than in big cities. I went to the OLD TURKISH BATH, this is the oldest one in Fethiye: the atmosphere is so magical and peaceful that you wish to rest here for all your holiday...the staff is professional and very humble, everything clean and well appointed. I'm not going to unveil you what's the treatment they'll reserve to you, you must try it because it is a special experience!
have a look here www.oldturkishbath.com
Now I'm going to speak about the night life:in spite of being a little city, it's a quite alive: pubs, discotheques, shops and restaurants are opened till late; colors, spicy smells and happy voices from all over the world surround you warmly...this is Turkey!
I do want to recomend 2 cosy and delicious restaurants where you should go to eat. The first is the MOZAIK BAHCE: IT'S SIMPLY YUMMY!!!!!! they cook traditional turkey food, the location is great and romantic, it 's outdoor, all around you there are a lot of colored Turkish lamps and sofas where you can lay down and taste the fantastic chay! Portions are big, and I in my opinion this is the best turkish food I've ever tested!
The second one is the OZTOKLU RESTAURANT: if you want to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the fruit and vegetable market, come here and let you prepare a good meal by Hazim and his friendly family. You can eat fresh fish and seafood for a good price and share your table with other people, I can guarantee you wont be disappointed and you'll feel as being in someone's house. love it!
All things considered, I really appreaciated my stay in Fethiye, and I have very nice memories about it...but good time flies and now it's time to go to Istanbul! Here below, I leave you some pictures of Fethiye....
ISTANBUL THE BRIDGE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
No better affirmation can describe this fantastic city...It was my first time in a muslim country and I was a little worried about what to wear, how to act,etc. but I can assure you that there is nothing to be nervous about. Turkish are great people, so friendly and open minded that you feel comfortable and curious to discover a beautiful culture like this.
Unfortunately I spent just 3 days in Istanbul, enough to see the main attractions but in hurry =/
The hostel that I reserved, ISTANBUL SYDNEY HOSTEL, was in Sultanahmet zone, just behind the Aya Sophia and the Blue Mosque...you can reach all the best places in just 5 min walking! My room was very clean, wi -fi was almost everywhere and the staff were so helpful and kind to provide to me the transfer to the airport and give me some tips where to eat, what visiting and what to do!Complimentary breakfast is served on their great roof terrace that looks out over the street and the water beyond ...so I can say great value of money!
To reach Sultanahment from Gokcen airport I took the Havataş bus transfer to Kadıköy (45 min) that is the ferry terminal. Just outside the airport on the left there are many white buses of the Havatas company, the ticket costs 2 euros. Once arrived at Kadiköy, I took the ferry (cost 0,60 cent), it's is quite easy to find one because there is on every 30 minutes until 9 pm...Getting to Sirkeci/Sultanahmet is fast and cheap, I spent a total of 4 euros and I had the opportunity to use a very common public transport that make you enjoy a good view of the city. In general all the public transports are reliable and efficient!
Let's start to tell you something about the BLUE MOSQUE...This was my first mosque that I visited in my life and I was really impressed, a mast visit place for sure if you are in Istanbul: built from 1609 from 1616, the mosque is popularly known with this name for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. An overwhelming monument, its design is the culmination of two centuries of ottoman mosque development, the exterior is as beautiful as the interior. The entrance is free, there is one for visitors and another for devotes, avoid visiting at the prayer times and if you visiting on Friday, it opens to visitors only after 2 pm...You need to take off your shoes and carry them in a plastic bag provided by them before entering the main Mosque. Ladies would need to cover their hair with a scarf. For me that I'm a western woman, it's a little bit strange to cover a part of my body and not to be allowed to enter in certain part of the mosque ( just for men) but this didn't bother me, I respect their culture and I was so stunned by the magnificent architecture that I really enjoyed my first time in a Islamic place of worship.
The Blue Mosque looks excellent by day and by night,for this reason I suggest to you to take some pictures at different part of the day ;)
The Blue Mosque looks excellent by day and by night,for this reason I suggest to you to take some pictures at different part of the day ;)
Right across the garden and fountain from here there is HAGIA SOPHIYA. Sit on the benches there and you could spend a relaxed time gazing at these two monuments which you cant get enough of.
The church/mosque/museum Hagia Sophiya is breathtaking, even more considering it was built more than 1500 years ago, a truly inspiring building both in terms of architecture and history - Christian and Islamic symbols side by side. I was quite touched by the fact that two different religions can live together in the same place without problems.
The church contained a large collection of holy features, the interior is decorated with mosaic and marble pillars and coverings of great artistic value. Hagia Sophiya became museum in 1935 after being a christian church first and a mosque then. The intricate symbolism here is fascinating, the secular stones will reveal you a true treasure full of history...trust me, you won't be disappointed to spend you time here.
Next attraction that without a doubt it is one of the best in Istanbul is TOPKAPI PALACE. This was the main residence of the sultan and his court and it is among the monuments contained within the "Historic Area of Istanbul", which became a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE in 1985.You will be able to see stunning rooms, thousands of colorful tiles and breathtaking decorations. It is worth to do the full visit (Palace+Harem) to really understand the place and the culture but be careful: there is SO MUCH to see here that certainly it takes half a day to visit it! The risk is that after a long queue to buy the ticket, see everything in every single detail could be boring...go there if you want to focus just in this attraction and after have a break and relax...it's very demanding!The palace gives a glimpse into the wonders of the Ottaman Empire, including its riches, the admission price is 7 euros which you can pre-book online to skip the queues (strongly suggest).
Don't miss the look-out point at the end of all the pavillions - watching all the boats in the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn was fantastic and gives an insight into the strategic location of the palace.
What's the next stop? The BASILIC CISTERN of course!!! It is at Sultanahmet Square, near the Hagia Sophia end the Blue Mosque. A visit will take around 30 minutes and costs so little.
It is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. The cistern, located 150 m was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The entrance is slightly unassuming, but once inside it is a great place. It is a unique and different place, made magic by the lights. I found it very interesting, even more after reading Inferno by Dan Brown! Inside there is a group of photographers that for 5 euros will take you some pictures wearing traditional Turkish dresses...that could be a nice memory! The stagnant air probably could make you feel uncomfortable (it was August when I visited it) so simply wander around unhurriedly, soak up the ambiance and appreciate the effort and skill required in the design and construction.
Include it on your itinerary!!!
No visit to Istanbul would be complete without a stop here: the GRAND BAZAAR is unmissable! It is huge and feels like a maze. Stalls upon stalls of lamps, rugs, bags, jewellery, carpets, clothes, bowls, Turkish delights etc. Good place to practice your haggling skills as the stall owners often go 50% to 60% cheaper then the price they first tell you: bargain with them and if you are not happy with the price walk away. Most of the time they will call you back and accept your offer! I enjoyed the sensory overload of shops, colors and displays. If you like the Grand Bazaar, don't miss the Spice market! I never expect such a huge historical bazaar. Very different and special of its kind. Something funny happened to me during my shopping here: it was filming a scene of a famous television series and they pick me out to appear in a bit part! ahahah never ever I would have imagined this...among thousand people in Istanbul's bazaar =D Anyway this place is must check in Istanbul.
No visit to Istanbul would be complete without a stop here: the GRAND BAZAAR is unmissable! It is huge and feels like a maze. Stalls upon stalls of lamps, rugs, bags, jewellery, carpets, clothes, bowls, Turkish delights etc. Good place to practice your haggling skills as the stall owners often go 50% to 60% cheaper then the price they first tell you: bargain with them and if you are not happy with the price walk away. Most of the time they will call you back and accept your offer! I enjoyed the sensory overload of shops, colors and displays. If you like the Grand Bazaar, don't miss the Spice market! I never expect such a huge historical bazaar. Very different and special of its kind. Something funny happened to me during my shopping here: it was filming a scene of a famous television series and they pick me out to appear in a bit part! ahahah never ever I would have imagined this...among thousand people in Istanbul's bazaar =D Anyway this place is must check in Istanbul.
Carry on with my list of attractions one of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoint is the ancient TOWER OF GALATA which offers a great vantage point over much of the city and Golden Horn.
Here you can purchase the ticket at the front desk inside the tower and price is around 5 euros, of course there will be a small queue to get in about 10 minutes of waiting, and once you bought the ticket proceeds to the entrance of the lift, in a few seconds you'll reach to the top of the tower.
You can go out and walk around it, and get a 360° view of the city, the view is amazing, the balcony it's pretty narrow so if it's crowded it is gonna be quiet annoying the height of the tower is about 40 meters, but it is located on a hill that rises even more.
If you want to take panoramic photos this is the best place!
Here you can purchase the ticket at the front desk inside the tower and price is around 5 euros, of course there will be a small queue to get in about 10 minutes of waiting, and once you bought the ticket proceeds to the entrance of the lift, in a few seconds you'll reach to the top of the tower.
You can go out and walk around it, and get a 360° view of the city, the view is amazing, the balcony it's pretty narrow so if it's crowded it is gonna be quiet annoying the height of the tower is about 40 meters, but it is located on a hill that rises even more.
If you want to take panoramic photos this is the best place!
As I've mentioned several times, I had little time to visit this wonderful city and also for this reason I used to eat walking down the street a take away kebab, I don't advise you a specific restaurant where to eat it because all that I tested were good. Just one night, browsing on tripadvisor.com I had dinner at a little but very nice and delicious restaurant: Sukullu Restaurant gives you a good opportunity to try genuine local cuisine, the menu has a variety of choices, including turkish and european cuisine with normal prices. The location was a bit difficult to find but it was worth it.
Furthermore if you want to spend a good night outside I suggest the Taksim area...few day before my arrive, all the news in Italy warning about the protests in this part of the city, but I do assure that nothing dangerous happened, on the contrary was everything pleasant and really quite. It was really crowded, shops are open till late and I've met some lovely Turkish and Syrian guys to hang out with and they showed me the best and the most amusing night life of Istanbul!
This is the end of my first report of one of my trips, I hope that you enjoyed the reading and the tips that I gave you. What I do want to say is that Turkey is a wonderful country, full of history and amazing landscapes, cities and a precious culture. I can't forget the kindness if Turkish people and their hospitality. I would like to return here to stay longer and see what I couldn't in this occasion.
I brought to Italy a very fantastic memories of a magic colorful Turkey
