The Mt. Kackar trek officially ended in Ayder and we lazed around the small town, buying fruit, and talking to the locals through Jack's translation while waiting for the mini-bus to begin the journey to Trabzon. Ayder is served by a bus route and there were even a few taxis sitting around...View image. The route would retrace an ancient caravan route and take a side valley to Sumela, an enormous white monastery perched on a high cliff above a rushing stream. Sumela Monastery was founded in 386 AD and was the largest and most important monastery in Asia Minor. Perhaps you'll have a chance to see it. We didn't.

The mini-bus finally showed up, loaded the gear, duffels and us and set off for the all-day ride.

Continue reading "Road Problems, Schedule Changes and A Farewell Lunch in Trabzon, Turkey" »

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Small Ayder appeared huge after the isolation of the teeny-tiny hilltop Yayla hamlets seen for seven straight days. There was even an Ayder Tourist Pub Steak House! Jack and Cemil pondered the possibilities of camping in a sea of mud while I stood there offering up fervent prayers to the heavens that they'd come up with another solution. Thank you trekking gods...a hotel??? if that's what you want to call it. Hostel is a better description, run by a local family that had small but immaculate bedrooms on the second level and after tents, this looked like a five-star hotel to us.

The entire family slept...View image... and ate on the main level and "grandfather" was extremely busy cooking dinner. Chopping garlic, onions, frying up a meat concoction that smelled beyond wonderful and I'm sure was much better then what we ate for dinner.

Continue reading "A Night in Ayder, Eastern Turkey" »

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The seven days passed by quickly and before we knew it, there was just one last day of ups...View image... and downs before ending in Ayder. The rains, rivers and streams had done a job on the trails and we carefully crossed many small wooden and slippery bridges, Cemil always keeping a lookout to make sure no one fell in...View image. He also kept a wary eye to see that the mules made it across safely with their heavy loads. I personally think he was rightfully more concerned about them than us. The area was becoming more inhabited and we came across locals who used the time-honored method of winching themselves and goods across one of the rivers. ex-Marine turned a most attractive shade of green when he first saw that and panicked that we were going to have to cross the river in that fashion. (The guy only looks tough...) Today, was not fun. Mud is slippery, hard on the ankles because feet slide in different directions and time-consuming. I was more than ready for the trek to be over...

Continue reading "Coming Down From The Kackar Mountains of Turkey into Ayder" »

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Relaxing apres trek in camp on top of a high plateau...View image, the weather suddenly turned cold, ominous and rain began coming down in torrents along with very high winds. We rushed to put on warm clothes. The tents looked as if they were going to go airborne and we ran around like maniacs, tightening tent cords, hammering down the stakes, zipping flaps and generally battening down the hatches. Whoops...when one tent lifted off the ground and only fast work kept it from heading towards the Soviet Union, Jack shouted for everyone to get inside their tents to add body weight. ex-Marine and I sat in the middle of our tent surrounded by stinky clothes and duffels while the wind did it's best to whip the tent off the ground.

It wasn't until the wind died down that the group could come out of the tents for dinner in the mist and light rain. The only tent large enough for a group would have been the crew's tent, loaded with supplies. This was not an option and since we didn't have a dining tent, 14 very miserable people sat outside eating and freezing on the plateau. I think these photos say it all....

Continue reading "A Windy Night in the Kackar Mountains of Eastern Turkey" »

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The support crew would always zoom pass us somewhere along the way...View image...rushing ahead to make camp before we arrived...View image. None of the men spoke English but were always ready to lend a hand, give a ready smile and bring out the bagpipes once more. It was beyond description and eerie, sitting on a remote mountain, listening to the mournful bagpipe music that sent chills up and down my spine.

Continue reading "Trail Life Continued Through The Kackar Mountains of Turkey" »

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Breakfast consisted of hot tea or coffee, local bread that got stale fast, feta cheese, butter, honey, jam, olives and some fruit. It was up early, pack up gear and take down our tent. While we ate breakfast, the crew would begin breaking camp and loading up the mules and horses before beginning a most charming and astounding routine. One of the crew took out his BAGPIPE, and piped up a tune while the rest of the crew gathered around and began a Turkish circle dance! The dance steps resembled a Jewish "hora" and it didn't take long for us all to jump in, get the steps down pat and dance with them...View image... before beginning the day's trek. This became the morning routine and have you ever heard of a more unusual beginning?

Continue reading "A Typical Trekking Day in The High Mountains of Turkey" »

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Awake and eager to go, the camp crew served breakfast al fresco - every meal from now on would be eaten in the same fashion. Picnic lunches while breakfast and dinner would be in the open since there was no dining tent. This would not be fun if the weather turned. When you trek, each day is pretty much the same as the previous day with the exception of a few sights. Think "Groundhog Day" and put one foot in front of the other...View image...

The remainder of the Kackar, Turkey trek will primarily be pictorial with a few comments since nobody really cares how many feet in elevation we gained or lost. But, this first day was extremely hot.

Continue reading "Trekking Through The Highlands of Kackar, Turkey" »

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Turkish readers will castigate me for this, but it's always been difficult for me to tell the difference between Greek, Turkish, Syrian, Tunisian, Armenian, and Georgian food, and now I know why. It is because the nomadic Turks migrated from Central Asia and stretched from the Balkans to North Africa. Over the centuries and process of expansion, the Turks encountered different domestic animals, preparations and combinations that were eventually assimilated into their own cuisine albeit with different names. You have probably eaten or heard of all these food. For example:

- Doner Kebap. Slices of marinated lamb are placed on a tall, vertical spit and grilled. The cooked parts of the cone of meat are cut in very thin slices and arranged on a plate with rice or flat bread (pita). A kebap is just cubes of plain or marinated meat. And then this is sis kebap, known to us as Shish Kebab, where the same aforementioned cubes are skewered and grilled over charcoal.This dish may be of Persian origin and called a kebab, kebap, kabob or kibob, but wherever it originated and whatever it is called, I love it!

- Kofte. "Meatballs" to me. Kofte is made with minced meat, mixed with spices, onions and other ingredients, shaped by hand and grilled, fried, boiled or baked. Meatballs...

Continue reading "The Food of Turkey" »

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The road from Erzurum followed the Coruh River Valley past Seljuk and Byzantine Forts and an Armenian Church at Ishan. This area is bordered by the Black Sea to the north, Georgia to the east and Armenia to the southeast. The lower slopes resemble Nepal with its terraces while the higher mountains look like Switzerland or Austria. There are pine forests, more than 100 alpine lakes scattered throughout the range and even wolf and bear in more remote ridges. There is a reason why this is Turkey's most popular trekking area. If you are a white water devotee, the Coruh River has world class rafting in this area and is Turkey's last remaining wild river.

This side of Erzurum still has pockets of Georgian-speaking Muslims while communities or rural Armenian Christians are found near Yaylalar. The trek would begin in Yaylalar (Hevek), end in Ayder and pass through semi-nomadic hamlets throughout. In addition to Jack and Cemil who both spoke fluent Turkish, a trail crew would join us in Barhal. Horsemen (although the poor little mules would actually carry everything) who would cook, make and break camp and do whatever they could to make the trek easier for us.

Continue reading "From Erzurum to Barhal, The Kackar Mountains of Turkey" »

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I dont remember the name of the Ankara hotel. I do remember there was no air conditioning, it was located in a heavily trafficked area with noise the entire evening.

None of that mattered because 19 years has not blocked out the memory of one of the worst nights in my life caused by food poisoning received in a "nice" Ankara Restaurant. And, I can tell you exactly what made me so terribly ill, and, I discovered the next morning, Bill also. A cold green pepper stuffed with meat that must not have been refrigerated properly. We were the only two who ate this appetizer and around midnight, the long, painful vigil began. Vomiting, cramps and diarrhea that went on for hours. My only saving grace during that all too long night, spent in a hot, noisy, sweaty room (and on the bathroom floor) was a mini-bar in the room with Coca Cola in it.

Continue reading "Food Poisoning in Ankara, Turkey" »

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We began today's hike in Ortahisar that served as a sanctuary for the early Christians. This is another town with a castle in the middle of the village but wasn't the objective. Zelve and the underground city of Kaymakli would be the group's last sights in Cappadocia. There are many hiking trails throughout this area. The hiking is not difficult and it didn't take long until we arrived at the deserted city of Zelve, now turned into an open-air museum. The Byzantines and Turks originally lived here and Zelve was an important religious area during the 9th-13th centuries. The locals were moved in 1952 to a new town, Yeni Zelve, because of rock erosion.

The group had free time to explore hidden churches with beautiful frescoes...View image... before a trip to the underground city of Kaymakli... It was quite a shock to see all the campers and mini-buses in the parking lot of Kaymakli...View image...after the the solitude in the quiet valleys.

Continue reading "Ortahisar and Kaymakli Underground City in Cappadocia, Turkey" »

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An early start to the day with a morning hike that began from the village of Goreme, known in ancient times as Avcilar. Goreme is one of the oldest towns in the region and was a farming community. The plan was to hike from Avcilar to the village of Uchisar and then on to the remote village of Babayan that is only 5km/3.1miles from Ortahisar, another small village that we'd visit tomorrow. While surfing the Internet to make sure this old information is up-to-date, I came across Turkish Heritage Travel that not only offers guided day hikes around Cappadocia but also throughout Turkey. Hiking and/or trekking in the Cappadocia area has grown by leaps and bounds and you'll have no trouble finding information once there. Just remember that it gets very hot. Bring enough water.

The Goreme/Avcilar Valley is very beautiful filled with fruit trees and gardens between the tuff, caves and "Fairy Chimneys." The scenery was constantly changing from green to barren...View image...and back to green again as we walked the narrow paths, stopping every now and then for a short rest and to explore the different caves. I can't tell you which other valleys we walked through but hikes also led into Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Zemi Valley. Jack and Cemil never really gave specifics. They'd point...we'd follow...

Continue reading " Hiking Through The Cappadocia Villages of Uchisar and Babayan in Turkey" »

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Mount Erciyes erupted around 2000 years ago in the Cappadocia Region. The resulting ash and lava formed soft rocks that covered about 20,000 km/12,000mi. The softer rock was eventually eroded by wind and water which left a hard cap rock on top of pillars. This is what is referred to as "Fairy Chimneys" but looks exactly like a male erection to most people. As a matter of fact, visitors usually begin laughing hysterically and making sexual innuendos upon first beholding the pillars. The inhabitants of Goreme began to carve houses, churches and monasteries out of the soft rocks and many examples of Byzantine art still remain.

Goreme is a district of the Nevsehir Province in Turkey and one of Cappadocia's most famous attractions. The Goreme Open Air Museum is a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved by Orthodox monks. The van drove us to sightsee both Goreme and Cavusin before returning to Avanos for the night.

Continue reading "Goreme Open Air Museum in Cappadocia, Turkey" »

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Cappadocia was then one of the most primitive and enchanted regions of Turkey. Things have changed but Cappadocia is still an area with unique geologic formations, lunar landscape and churches containing ancient frescoes. Cappadocia stretched from Ankara to Andana in the South at one time, and nobody knows who the original inhabitants of this region were. But they do know that this barren land was a perfect spot for early Christians who would be safe from persecution. This Christian society built underground cities, carved churches out of solid rock and homes hollowed inside stone cones called "Fairy Chimneys." Call them "Fairy Chimneys" if you must but come on now, whether drooping or erect, they look like an important part of male anatomy...View image.

The group took a midday flight to Ankara and drove to Avanos, our base in Cappadocia for the next few days. Avanos is situated on the banks of the Kizilirmak River (Red River) that is not only Turkey's longest river but its red clay makes excellent building blocks, roof tiles and traditional household pottery. It is a rare tourist or group that isn't invited to a pottery demonstration and we were no exception. I think the Hotel Duru...View image...(where we stayed) was involved with Chez Galip - La Caverne du Potier - one of the best known potters in Avanos. The pieces are displayed throughout seven cave rooms and we all bought a little piece whether needed or not.

Continue reading "The Little Town of Avanos, Cappadocia, Turkey" »

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The Mt. Kackar Wilderness Travel group arrived safely along with trip leader, Jack and assistant trip leader, Cemil. There were 12 Americans who hailed from New York, Portland, Georgia and North Carolina, and two Canadians from Vancouver. Dick, Bill, Ruth, John, McKay, Nate, Anne, Jim, Christine, Barbara, Ed, and Deborah. All ages, all occupations, experienced trekkers with the exception of Deborah who was attempting her first trek and bought only the best of everything for this experience.

A welcome dinner in the Sarnic Restaurant, also known as the "Cistern Restaurant." The Turkish Touring and Automobile Association repaired and restored the cistern built more than 1,000 years ago into a tavern cum restaurant. During restoration, they found that the original floor level was more than 21 feet below the present floor. Not only that, but the solid monolithic piers throughout still go another 3m/9 feet below the present level. The ancient interior has been prserved exactly as it was. Excellent food in a pleasant atmosphere. How often does one get a chance to dine in an old Roman cistern?

Continue reading "The Sights of Istanbul, Turkey" »

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We always try to fly and arrive one day before a group tour begins in case anything goes wrong and this trip was no exception. If I told you we flew poor defunct TWA (they had the best frequent flyer plan of any airline), would that give you a clue how long ago this trip was? Not only that, but the group flight from America was on Pan Am! However, all information and sights in these articles are still relevant today. Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport (IST) is located 23 km/14 miles west of Sultanahmet Square and a taxi from the airport should only run about $20.00.

A taxi drove us to the Kariye Hotel, a small boutique hotel in Old Istanbul and located next to the Kariye Museum (formerly the Church of the Monastery of Chora). The Kariye Hotel is in a restored 19th century mansion on a hill above the Golden Horn and a 10-minute taxi ride to the Sultanahmet area. However, there are quite a few walks around the Kariye Hotel. One very interesting and don't-miss-walk is the stone towers, ramparts and ditches. Emperor Theodosius II (408-450) enclosed the seven hills of the new Rome in the fifth century. Can you believe they were built in two months to protect the city from Attila the Hun?

Continue reading "The Mt. Kackar Trek Began in Istanbul, Turkey" »

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Air? You can search, plan and/or book on-line through BookingBuddy's Top Travel Deals newsletter and Kayak. TIP: Try to use miles accumulated on airlines for First, Business Class and Economy on short-hauls. It may only be 20,000 miles for a short-haul ticket and almost every major airline flies to Istanbul, Turkey.

Visas? American tourists traveling to Turkey on U.S. passports need a visa and can purchase a 90-day sticker visa at the port of entry for $20 cash. For all other nationalities, check this link, Turizm.net

Continue reading "Planning a Mt. Kackar Trek in Eastern Turkey" »

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There are only a few tour organizers that run treks to the Mt. Kackar (pronounced Kashkar) area in a remote region of eastern Turkey near the Russian border. A shame because this region is filled with green meadows, wildflowers, ghost villages, lakes, densely wooded forests, Georgian and Armenian ruins. Well-established mule trails lead between highland villages and alpine pastures yaylas, and higher level rocky paths through the rugged Pontic Alps along Turkey's Black Sea coast. The steep slopes and ravines make communication difficult and this isolation has helped to preserve the area.

The Turkish people in the Pontic Alps still wear colorful local dress (women wear brightly colured scarves) and lead a nomadic life. The tribal Laz and Yuruk people move their cows and sheep from the lower valleys to the fertile high pastures where they live for three to four months in summer camps of wooden huts and stone houses with rooms burrowed into the earth. The Laz were seafaring people who speak a language related to the Irish! How strange... And, there are isolated pockets of Armenians and Georgians, both Christian and Muslim, who still speak their own language.

Continue reading "The Remote Mt. Kackar Trek in Eastern Turkey" »

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Termessos is one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey founded by the Solymi people, from Anatolia. Extremely scenic located in a rugged mountain valley at a height of 1,665m/5,462' ...View image. Today was one last but very long day scheduled before the entire Explore group headed home with the exception of us who were going to spend a few days relaxing in Antalya. We hiked up to the many ruins scattered among the pine forests with many concealed and overgrown by vegetation.

The important remains are the 4,200 seat Amphitheatre and Roman stele built by Augustus in the 1st century AD. There is also an Agora, several temples, gymnasium, watch towers, a meeting hall with seating for 600, and more than 1,200 rock tombs.

Continue reading "Termessos, Duden and Kursunlu Waterfalls, Turkey" »

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Over one-third of all visitors to Turkey visit Antalya and photographs don't do it justice. Antalya has some of the cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean, the 630 km/391 mile shoreline of the province is scattered with the ancient cities of Aspendos, Perge and Termossos, all easy to access from Antalya.

Mustafa let the Explore group off several blocks away because the bus couldn't go down the narrow streets. The small inn/pension, Hotel Tuvana, is Ottoman-style and gorgeous. There was just one Ottoman house when we visited but now, five more comfortable houses have been added to Hotel Tuvana. Hotel Tuvana is located right in the middle of Antalya in the historical castle and only 100m/300' downhill to the Marina with a garden, swimming pool and breakfast room.

Continue reading "Irresistible Antalya, Turkey" »

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If you decide to visit the Lycia area of Turkey or, perhaps, just Antalya, put both Perge and Aspendos on the "must see" list. Also, tour Perge first and then move on to Aspendos. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the only major ruin to see in Aspendos is the Roman Theater, the best best preserved in Asia Minor...View image. The theater was built in 155 AD and seated 15,000 but, what is most important, the structure is nearly intact!

Aspendos was founded around 1000 BC by the Greeks after the Trojan War, and became wealthy trading in salt, oil and wool. Although Aspendos wasn't on the coast, it was situated on the banks of the Eurymedon River which allowed ships to reach it.

Continue reading "The Roman Theater of Aspendos, Turkey" »

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The Explore group had a wonderful guide who toured Perge and Aspendos with us. This man really knew how to teach and make history come to life. He began by holding up huge flash-cards during the bus ride describing what we'd see at each site along with pertinent facts...View image. By doing this, we were prepared before even stepping foot inside the ruins...View image.

Perga (Perge) was founded inland around 1000 BC and constructed for defensive purposes to avoid the pirates that terrorized this stretch of the Mediterranean. Perge was colonized by Greeks after the Trojan war, but most of the surviving ruins date from the Roman period. The substantial remains include a theater, stadium, monumental gate and colonnaded street down the main Agora area...View image. It is said that St. Paul began his journey in Perge in 46 AD, and preached his first sermon here.

Continue reading "The Majestic Ruins of Perge, Turkey" »

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Both Phaselis and Mt. Olympos were on the road to Antalya. Phaselis is located in the village of Tekirova and was founded in 690 BC as a colony of Rhodes. The three ports on the sea were the only source of income. Ruled in turn by Alexander, the Ptolemies of Egypt, the Kingdom of Rhodes, pirates named Zenekites, and Romans because of its good ports. The main ruins of Phaselis are found on the two sides of the main avenue that connects the military port with the south port.

There are shop and store ruins on the sides of the street along with ruins of public places. Roman Baths, Agora's and Theatres dating back to 2nd century BC. We spent a short time walking along the stone-paved avenue with its sewage and drainage systems underneath and visiting the Phaselis Theater.

Continue reading "Phaselis and The Chimera of Olympos, Turkey" »

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There is much to be said for approaching an ancient, historic sight on foot. Arykanda is located in the area around Finike (ancient Phoenicus). We set off on a sunny, warm morning following mountain trails along a valley which connects the coast with the Kabalia highlands until we came to Arykanda...View image....where one lone guardian allowed the group to enter...View image. He also followed us throughout the entire visit, watching like a hawk to make sure nothing was disturbed or taken.

Arykanda is a vast site dating back to the 2nd Century BC and built on five large terraces climbing up the mountain. I remember Arykanda as one of the most interesting sites in Lycia, probably because there was no one else there but the Explore group and it had a spectacular view over the valley. The site is continually being excavated and that would be right up my alley.

Continue reading "The Ancient Lycian City of Arykanda (Arycanda), Turkey" »

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We spent one day in Finike to visit Arykanda/Arycanda and another in Demre for the hike into the Taurus Mountains. A good thing was that only one night was spent in Demre at the junkiest hotel/inn/pension of the trip. Our bathroom toilet wherever we stayed and thankfully blocked from my memory bank, began running...and running...and running, overflowed and made a major mess. That happens, but then I discovered little red bites up and down the back of my legs and asked Simon if he knew what they were. Bedbug bites! The one and only time during 50 years of travel I've ever gotten bit by Bedbugs and the only reason Explore based us in this "fleabag" was proximity to the hike.

The upside of Finike (as well as the majority of the Lycian coast) was the incredible Navel Oranges, the symbol of the town. The juciest, most delicious Navel Oranges we've ever tasted that deserve its worldwide reputation. There were orange groves...View image... and greenhouses all around town, along the roads, spilling out of little shops, and we couldn't eat enough of them. No Vitamin C problems around Finike.

Continue reading "A Walk Up The Slopes of Taurus Mountains, Turkey" »

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Myra was one of the six leading cities of the Lycian Union and has an extremely well preserved theater, rock-hewn Lycian tombs and sculptures. It is uncertain how far back Myra dates but the outer defensive wall has been dated to 5th century BC. Most of the ancient city is now covered by Demre, less than 2 kms south and tomato greenhouses. Luscious, flavorful and juicy tomatoes (along with naval oranges) are my most enduring memories of Southern Turkey.

Myra was abandoned by the 11th century due to plagues, Muslim raids, flooding and earthquakes, but the famous rock-tombs of Myra are still in relatively good shape, minus the colors that once adorned them. Exquisite sculptures, funeral scenes and the daily life of the deceased were carved into the rocks....View image. Your first sight of these cliff faces pockmarked with tombs will make an indelible impact. There are two main groups of tombs, one above the theater and another on the east side of the necropolis...View image. Myra also had two types of rock-cut tombs, house tombs and temple tombs

Continue reading " The Rock-cut Tombs of Myra, Turkey" »

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ex-Marine and I were truly shocked how nice the small hotels and pensions were throughout this trip. The Hotel Phellos in Kas was a perfect example. It is still relatively inexpensive to visit Turkey with an average cost (through Adventure Center and their U.K. tour operators) of $1,500 for two weeks. Kas is a small, untouristy fishing village...View image... on the Mediterranean Sea with rocky beaches about 170 kms/106 miles west of Antalya. Most visitors come to Kas for two reasons: scuba diving or to visit the nearby ancient sites. Kas is also good place to begin walking Turkey's Lycian Way, a 30-day walk around the coast and mountains.

Kas would be our base for walking the mountains slopes, Myra and a day visit to Kekova Island with its sunken cities of Simena, Tristomo and Dolichiste. We'd also have plenty of time to wander around and do a little exploring (or not) on our own. There are restaurants...View image, shops, and mosques centered around the town square and a traditional market on Fridays.

Continue reading "Around Kas and Kekova Island, Turkey" »

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Fethiye is located on the ancient city known as Thelmessos. A easy introduction to the Lycia coast was planned by Explore with a gentle walk to Oludeniz (Kaya, the rock) around 7 kms/4 miles from Fethiye. There was really nothing of great importance in Oludeniz except for a gorgeous sand beach on a lagoon. Several hardy U.K.'ers did take the plunge into the still cold Mediterranean.

On the way to Kas the next day, we made brief stop at Pinara that also had a remarkable rock-cut necropolis. Pinara was one of the six principal cities of Lycia and a settlement may have existed as early as the 5th century BC. Pinara became important in the Byzantine era but then declined and was abandoned in the 9th century.

Continue reading "Fethiye, Oludeniz and Pinara, Turkey" »

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The overnight Pamukkale Express Train leaves Istanbul daily at 5:35 p.m. with a scheduled arrival in Denizli the next morning at 8:35 a.m. The group cozied up in the couchette compartments that hold six couchettes with pillow and blanket. It's not private but who cares since everyone sleeps in their clothes. I squished in my ear plugs, took a dramamine and went to sleep (except when the train jolted to one of the six other stops throughout the night).

This train left from Istanbul's Haydarpasa Station on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. Ferries stop at the station's own dock and all trains to and from Asian Turkey use Haydarpasa Station. Sirkeci Station is Istanbul's other train station and famous as the terminus of the Orient Express, immortalized in Agatha Christie's famous Murder On The Orient Express and still one of my favorite mysteries.

Continue reading "The Pamukkale Express Train and Fethiye, Turkey" »

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We always plan to arrive one day before a group tour begins in case anything goes wrong and this trip was no exception. Istanbul's Ataturk International Airport (IST) is located 23 km/14 miles west of Sultanahmet Square. A taxi from the airport cost about $20 to the Hotel Ottoman where the Explore group was staying.

The Hotel Ottoman is a small 3*** hotel in the Kadirga District (Kumkapi), located at the bottom of a steep hill below Sultanahmet. (See map below.) A typical Turkish breakfast is served buffet-style with: tomatoes, eggs, olives, cucumbers, cheese, juice, tomatoes, bread, tea and coffee, etc. Not fancy but the location was wonderful. There were small grocers and eateries in close proximity, and an easy tram ride to the famous attraction of Sultanahmet. Or, you could walk it.

Continue reading "Visiting Istanbul, Turkey" »

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Air?You can search, plan and/or book on-line through BookingBuddy's Top Travel Deals newsletter and Kayak. TIP: Try to use miles accumulated on airlines for First, Business Class and Economy on short-hauls. It may only be 20,000 miles for a short-haul ticket and almost every major airline flies to Istanbul, Turkey.

Visas? American tourists traveling to Turkey on U.S. passports need a visa and can purchase a 90-day sticker visa at the port of entry for $20 cash. For all other nationalities, check this link, Turizm.net

Continue reading "Planning A Turkey Southern Coast Trip" »

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If you've never thought beyond Istanbul or Cappodocia, now is the time to visit Turkey's Southern Coast, Lycia. ex-Marine (husband, Steve) and I spent two weeks in this area on one of Explore's many trips in this region. (Booked through Adventure Center on the sidebar of this page.) Lycia in the summer can involve cruising on a traditional Turkish "gulet." A "gulet" is a comfortable wooden boat equipped with twin-bedded cabins and ranges from bare-bones to extreme luxury. Completely depends on trip and operator. Other suggestions: scuba around Kas, mountain biking in the Lycian hills, spend days in gorgeous Antalya (the major resort), visit the ruins of ancient Perge and Aspendos, Mt. Olympus, and walk hill trails.

Researching a winter vacation that wasn't too expensive, had a variety of sights and things to do, we booked "Winter Turkey" (as it was called then) through Adventure Center.The Lycia winter weather is mild with its own micro-climate and plentiful sun because the Mediterranean coast is buffered by the Taurus Mountains. Mark Anthony once gave a section of Turkey's southern coast to Cleopatra as a wedding gift. If it was good enough for Cleo, it was good enough for us.

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Posted by Sheila at 5:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)