Unlike Iceland, I thought I could get away with skipping the country of Turkey entirely.
Now, I can’t get the thought of going out of my head. I NEED to go to Turkey, SOON!
What changed my mind, and so drastically?
I started reading travel blogs. That’s what. It’s so true that people (like me!) are inspired by others who write and share photos from their travels. Since now I find myself dreaming about the Grand Bazaar, spice markets, and sleeping a fairy chimney on an everyday basis.
So, if things were MY way…
We would arrive in:
Istanbul
WHAT:
See the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Get lost in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, and take a boat trip on the Bosphorus, a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. We would take this free tour, because FREE is always better, right? Eat at Kat5 and stuff our faces with as much heavenly Turkish food as possible.
HOW LONG: 3 nights
Somehow get to:
Cappadocia
WHAT:
Sleep in a fairy chimney, take a magical hot air balloon ride over the crazy landscape, throw on our hiking boots and explore Gerome by foot. We would explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum and the underground city of Kaymakli.
HOW LONG: 3 nights
This one might not happen but I can try:
Pamukkale
WHAT:
Literally meaning “cotton castles”, it would be a shame not to explore these thermal turquoise pools and calcium deposits. And we might as well explore the amphitheater next door since we’re basically already there.
HOW LONG:
1 night? Or possibly take a day trip here from Istanbul, and stay a bit longer in the city? Any suggestions?
And finally make our way to:
Bodrum
WHAT:
beaches and pure relaxation. Probably check out Rabbit Island and Bitez Beach, possibly with a bike ride or two.
HOW LONG:
3 nights
WHERE:
I would stay at Doria Hotel Bodrum
A month of....Blog says
Turkey is fabulous! One of my favorite countries. Try to go to Marmaris also – I visited a long time ago but it was lovely. The rest of your trip sounds lovely – I have to go back there!A month of Blog…
Jessica says
I cannot wait to go! I'll have to check out Marmaris! Thanks for the suggestion!
adventuringathome says
Turkey is totally on my list, and it looks like you've planned my trip for me! 🙂 Hot-air ballooning over Cappadocia would be so amazing. -Katie at AdventuringAtHome
Jessica says
Doesn't it!?! Ever since I saw it I've been wanting to go hot-air ballooning so badly!
Shannon says
I posted about Turkey yesterday. I went to Side in Antalya and it was beautiful. I would love to go back and see some of the places you highlighted, especially Cappadocia! I barely scraped the surface.
Jessica says
Gorgeous post! I cannot wait to get there! Hopefully sometime soon!
Afshan says
These pics r tempting and magnificentThanks for giving the insightTurkey is in my hit list tooFellow A to Zer
Jessica says
Don't they just make you want to go to Turkey!?! Thanks for stopping by!
Belinda Nicoll says
On our list too; I'll add Turkish Delight – check out Google images for this delicious honey and rosewater confections.
myriteofpassage says
It's on our list too. You can add Turkish Delight; check out the Google Images for this delicious confection.
Jessica says
About to check out google images!!!! 🙂
denizlihotel says
Pamukkale is amazing. I have been there three times and it still amazes me. There’s nothing like this in other countries, so Pamukkale is quite unique. There is also an ancient city called Hierapolis at the top of Pamukkale, which is also stunning. And 15 minutes from Pamukkale there’s a natural thermal hot spring in Karahayit, which is also nice to see. So If you guys have the opportunity, you should really visit Denizli (town) in Turkey. You will be stunned by the natural beauty of this city.A beautiful video of Pamukkale http://youtu.be/kR6guX5yzHQ
donna westland says
Turkey is fun as said by my friend. LOL … I love travelling and i will certainly try to visit this one. And when travelling i always ask for help in Elite Charters
Roving Jay - Expat i says
You're missing out if you don't go to Turkey. I loved my trip to Istanbul and Ephesus, and ended up buying a house on the Bodrum Peninsula, and now I blog about that area, as my little passion project!I wrote an ebook that's available on Amazon "Bodrum Peninsula Travel Guide: Turkey's Aegean Gem" … and if you decide to go to Turkey, let me know and I'll gift you a copy of my book for your ereader…~Jay