We arrived into Istanbul for a couple of nights. Having been here before I was still taken aback by the vibrancy of a city that is always on the go! An atmosphere that is like no other and of course the most fabulous authentic Turkish Delight you will ever taste! (And we did taste a few)
After checking in to the hotel and lunch we took a short ferry ride from Europe to Asia across the Dardanelles to the shores of Gallipoli.
Words cannot describe this very moving emotional experience; being here and seeing the cemeteries of the fallen, the memorials, the landing beach, trenches, the lone pine and Anzac Cove was just surreal. It will be something I will never forget.
A memorable and emotional day.
We had a tour of Ephesus one of the best-preserved Greco Roman cities in the world. Hard to imagine that back then this city had running water, public toilets, in-house heating, a renowned medical institute, a brothel and Roman baths.
After breakfast, jumping on a local bus we headed to the traditional farming village of Selcuk stopping along the way at Troy and a women's weaving carpet co-op.
Selcuk (pronounced Selchook) an ancient town full of historical sites like the Isa Bey Mosque, the imposing Grand Fortress and the ruins of the Basilica of St John.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale. Today we spent time visiting this amazing wonder of nature and of history.
Deriving from springs in a cliff almost 200 m high overlooking the plain, calcite-laden waters have created at Pamukkale (Cotton Palace) an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins. At the end of the 2nd century B.C. the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of Pergamon, established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The ruins of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can be seen at the site including the many sarcophagus.
Absolutely amazing
Ucagiz - Antalya- After a local bus ride to Ucagiz we boarded a boat for a spectacular voyage along the Turquoise Coast, viewing some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world. Cruising to the sunken cities around Kekova Island, with ancient remains just below the water’s surface. This site offered amazing views of the surrounding bays and islands.
Next stop, Antalya, our base for two nights will be spent enjoying free time to explore. With charming cobblestone streets, a historic Old City, a vibrant marina and the Taurus Mountains framing the city .....what more could you want.
A fast train to Eskisehir we dropped our bags at the hotel and hit the street to start exploring this fascinating city.
First stop - a gondola ride along the Porsuk River, the Venice of Turkey, then Odunpazarı Village where we dug into a ci börek (savory pastry) tasting at a locally run restaurant before wandering the quaint and colourful houses nearby.
Back to the hotel for a rest before heading out to tea for Gozleme made by the local ladies
Easily accessible from Goreme itself, was Love Valley, we understood how its name came about. Just look at the huge interesting rock structures... Haha.
A big day with an early start at 3.45am finishing off with dinner and early night to bed!
We travelled onto Konya, a traditional Turkish city where mainstream tourism is yet to arrive and the city is closely linked with the Whirling Dervish sect of Islam developed in the 13th century by Rumi (or Mevlana).
A visit to the Mevlana Mosque museum showcases the burial place of Rumi - the world famous spiritual poet and founder of the whirling dervishes.
The interior was fascinating - housing the most exquisite and beautiful craft workmanship including tombs decorated with solid silver covers.
Finishing off the day with a city tour and dinner, trying the local Bamya (Ocra) soup and for dessert the Höşmerim, a Turkish dessert popular in the Aegean, Marmara, Trakya and Central Anatolia regions of Turkey. Both were delicious
Onto the UNESCO World Heritage – Hattusa Ancient Site. We had time to explore the Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya (Inscribed rock) before we make our way to Ankara for the evening.
Walking to the Ankara Castle where people still live within the walls, then to the Archeological Museum 1997 winner of the best museum in the world.
Stop for lunch before a visit to the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic.
Hooray, this place has been on my radar for so long! Cappadocia….
First night we attended a Whirling Dervish Ceremony performance. Part of Turkish culture this was an amazing experience and interesting to learn about the religious ritual it takes to become a Dervish dancer.
Goreme, Cappadocia, a city made from the soft volcanic rock. With an early morning rise was well worth it....My bucketlist Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon ride was everything I imagined! Wow, Wow, Wow!
We then spent the day exploring the amazing Open Air Museum, Fairy castles, Imagination, Pigeon and Love Valleys along with the Kaymakli Underground City which is one of the must-visit attractions in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Our last leg of the tour… Antalya, a big busy city full of surprises!
Spent the day meandering through the maze of streets in the old part of the city getting lost a few times then finding our way back to the beginning (without knowing where we were going gee we were good)
Loved Turkey and all that this amazing country has to offer!
May 2023
If you would like to know more about Lisa's travel experience in Turkey get in touch by calling 0408532197 or email