robjersak

Okay those with longer term experiences in Turkey. The wife and I will be 3 months in Budapest (april, may & june 2010) then 2 months (july & aug) somewhere in Turkey. Which of the three options in this topic's title would you prefer? The only place I've really looked at more than 5 min is Alanya on the Med, but it seems rather touristy. If it's more practical we could switch the months and do april and may in Turkey. I'm open to suggestions as we've just started investigating. robj

winterday

Hello!

I'd choose Istanbul. It's the largest city of Turkey and the world, but apart from that it's the cultural center of the country as well. Located on the Bosporus strait, it is also stands on two continents European and Asian. The city is full of history! The most important sightseeing places that you definitely shouldn't miss while on your trip to Istanbul are the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spicy Market, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome..

Good luck!

robjersak

winterday, thanks for your vote. We always try and stay at least a couple of months (depending on visa req.) whereever we go. We're more into the local than the toursit although over a couple months you always do the tourist things too. I'm starting to think April and May in Turkey and June, July, and Aug in Budapest--just for the heat

Michel_Paris

I was in Turkey August of 2007. I'd split my time in Turkey between Istanbul, Cappadocia, and along the Med. I liked Kas the best, but Marmaris might also be good. The three areas give you City, Country and Beach.

robjersak

good thoughts Michel_Paris

otherchelebi

Hi robserjack,

i just wrote a very long response, which somehow disappeared. I will keep this short, and answer your specific questions when you have them:

- Coming to Turkey first will allow you to avoid the tourists, crowds and the heat in Turkey, and allow flexibility in itinerary as well as savings in car rental, lodging and internal flights.

- I advise 3 months in Turkey unless you will use Budapest as base for Czeck Republic, Slovekia, romania, Austria,etc.

- Turkey has more antique sites than almost any country, starting from the Neolithic, to Urartus, assyrians, hittites, Greeks, Romans, byzantines, armenians, Georgians, Seljukis, Ottomans, etc. and these are scattered in a very large area with very varied geographical features.
- There are mountains, deserts, rain forests, lush valleys, --- large variety of vegatables and fruits,
- canyons, waterfalls, hiking, trekking, spelunking, rafting, skiing, windsurfing, etc.

We have done much of the country between March20th and mid June and enjoyed it despite some rain sometimes. We swam and skied within 2-3 weeks of each other.

We have also vacationed at almost all the resorts.

I can help you with a flexible itinerary, so that you will not need any tours, guided or not, unless if you choose July and August, in which case, due to high occupancy rates and congestion on internal flights you may need a pre-booked complete tour.

also check our blog for one of our travels in Turkey:

www.eserahmetcelebilerblackseatrip1.blogspot.com
(also 2, 3, and 4)

robjersak

otherchelebi, thanks for your thoughts. We have decided to do Istanbul in April & May for the reasons you suggested. Yes, we will be using Budapest as a home base for visits in other Schengen countries. I'll also take a look at your links. Have some feelers out on apartments in Turkey already, but we're heading to Playa del Carmen end of Sept through end of January so that's kind of front burner right now.