Turkish ideas from March 11th -22nd 2011
Jun 1st, 2011, 04:16 PM
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Turkish ideas from March 11th -22nd 2011
Hi my mom and I will be in Turkey from March10th-23rd 2011. We fly into Istanbul and out of Kayseri. We would like to get start getting ideas of what to do and where to stay. Cappadocia is a must see for us. There will just be the two of us me a 29 year old woman and her traveling companion her 59 year old mother
Jun 1st, 2011, 10:45 PM
#4
There are quite a few recent travelers who have stayed at hotels they liked in Istanbul and Cappadocia who will hopefully share the names with you. Since you did not specify a budget, you should get recommendations from $100 to $2000 a night.
Since you have decided on the locations, you should have a good idea on what to do already. If you do not know, and the only two criteria you think are significant are your ages and gender, pick former travelers who fit your ideal example of persons to emulate and read their trip reports and direct your questions to them.
Looking at your previous posts, i can see that you will be looking for budget to medium priced accommodation, that you would like to arrange for a guide when you might feel uneasy about the location, arrange for a shuttle transfer or make sure that a taxi will be OK, a more leisurely pace when you are sightseeing, possibly a ferry trip and some places of different types of interest other than architecture, archeology and art.
If this is so, and you specify, you should get some good advice for Cappadocia and also for hotel in Istanbul, and i will try to prepare an itinerary for you for Istanbul which will take into consideration your intersts.
if you are not the people who appear in the Gibralter-North Africa thread, let us know. If you are the same people and also tell us what you enjoyed on that trip, we can advise better.
Since you have decided on the locations, you should have a good idea on what to do already. If you do not know, and the only two criteria you think are significant are your ages and gender, pick former travelers who fit your ideal example of persons to emulate and read their trip reports and direct your questions to them.
Looking at your previous posts, i can see that you will be looking for budget to medium priced accommodation, that you would like to arrange for a guide when you might feel uneasy about the location, arrange for a shuttle transfer or make sure that a taxi will be OK, a more leisurely pace when you are sightseeing, possibly a ferry trip and some places of different types of interest other than architecture, archeology and art.
If this is so, and you specify, you should get some good advice for Cappadocia and also for hotel in Istanbul, and i will try to prepare an itinerary for you for Istanbul which will take into consideration your intersts.
if you are not the people who appear in the Gibralter-North Africa thread, let us know. If you are the same people and also tell us what you enjoyed on that trip, we can advise better.
Jun 2nd, 2011, 05:24 AM
#6
Jun 3rd, 2011, 09:22 PM
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Thanks otherchelebi.
I read your last post about mystery posters. We are not that, just insecure about this forum.
Since we booked the airfare, now we can begin planning.
Here is what I had thought of: 3 days Istanbul, then renting a car for Izmir and Gallipoli and some other close sites. Return the car after seven days then take the overnight bus to Cappadocia, stay there for 3 nights then fly home.
I hope to stay at the Double Tree Old Town in Istanbul and rent a car from Hertz. Both should be free/almost free with my "points" from both. Although, I have been warned by one travel agency that contacted us not to drive and that seams borne out by other responses.
We arrive on March 10 and leave March 24th. So, taking those "freebies" into place, we hope to spend no more than $2500 for the rest of the lodging for 13 nights. (This amount does not include food or museums or tours)
My 28 year old daughter was the original poster. She is mildly autistic and demands more patience than I have, that is for sure. We just don't really know how to start planning. I am just beginning to get a sense of how BIG the country is.
We used a Spanish travel agency 2 years ago to book hotels in Madrid and along the way. We wanted small, intimate, real experiences. We were the only English speakers in the hotels and loved it. I could catterwall in Spanish at least. I know no Turkish.
Question: I am thinking of getting Rosetta Stone to learn Turkish. Do you think that is a good idea?
Thanks for your help. We did not mean to offend.
Rita and Katherine
I read your last post about mystery posters. We are not that, just insecure about this forum.
Since we booked the airfare, now we can begin planning.
Here is what I had thought of: 3 days Istanbul, then renting a car for Izmir and Gallipoli and some other close sites. Return the car after seven days then take the overnight bus to Cappadocia, stay there for 3 nights then fly home.
I hope to stay at the Double Tree Old Town in Istanbul and rent a car from Hertz. Both should be free/almost free with my "points" from both. Although, I have been warned by one travel agency that contacted us not to drive and that seams borne out by other responses.
We arrive on March 10 and leave March 24th. So, taking those "freebies" into place, we hope to spend no more than $2500 for the rest of the lodging for 13 nights. (This amount does not include food or museums or tours)
My 28 year old daughter was the original poster. She is mildly autistic and demands more patience than I have, that is for sure. We just don't really know how to start planning. I am just beginning to get a sense of how BIG the country is.
We used a Spanish travel agency 2 years ago to book hotels in Madrid and along the way. We wanted small, intimate, real experiences. We were the only English speakers in the hotels and loved it. I could catterwall in Spanish at least. I know no Turkish.
Question: I am thinking of getting Rosetta Stone to learn Turkish. Do you think that is a good idea?
Thanks for your help. We did not mean to offend.
Rita and Katherine
Jun 3rd, 2011, 10:36 PM
#8
As oc said, read some of the trip reports here to get a sense of the different areas & the different experiences we all have had. That should help you narrow the questions down. For example, you mentioned an overnite bus . . . you can fly between Izmir & Kayseri (arrival for Cappadocia) for silly dollars, so it makes little sense to bus it. We had a total of 4 flights (6 legs) for under $400 CDN . . .
As for learning Turkish . . . we knew 1 1/2 words in Turkish & had no problems. You will find the Turkish people to be very friendly & helpful & English is a second language for many - especially in the touristic areas.
Remember, the planning is 1/3 of the fun . . . planning, doing, writing a trip report here.
Ian
As for learning Turkish . . . we knew 1 1/2 words in Turkish & had no problems. You will find the Turkish people to be very friendly & helpful & English is a second language for many - especially in the touristic areas.
Remember, the planning is 1/3 of the fun . . . planning, doing, writing a trip report here.
Ian
Jun 4th, 2011, 03:15 AM
#9
Some excellent advice from Ian, re flying versus bus, and Turkish language. However ten simple words in a local language will mean a great deal to the people you deal with.
Most guide books will have a pronunciation guide, which you may not need if you are familiar with linguistics and phonetic reading and writing.
Do not rent a car in istanbul, but renting car outside istanbul is easy and very rewarding. My daughter and american husband are now off driving on the Aegean and love the flexibility of finding terrific road-side restaurants to eat and non-touristic ancient greek and roman ruins.
Because of the season, i recommend that you fly either to Izmir, Dalaman or Antalya and return the car at one of these airports to fly back to istanbul.
Unless ephesus is a must for you, i suggest that you start at Dalaman, drive to Fethiye, negotiate for a good rate at the fabulous Ece Saray hotel on the marina, visit olu deniz, Kayakoy, Nefis pide restaurant at Paspatur and the fish market for a fish dinner. Or stay at Villa Rhapsody at kayakoy where the owners Jean and Atilla have a lovely possibly early teen or younger daughter with some similarities and would I am sure appreciate sharing your experience.
Next you can drive to Kas following the Lycian Way and visiting possibly Tlos and Patara on the way. There are some other major sites but these two are the most fun to visit.
Take a private or group boat tour to Kekova from kas, or drive to Ucagiz from kas and take the cruise on location.
Visit Saint Nicholas (Santa) and Myra after Kas on the way to Antalya, and possibly stop at Phaeselis also.
Stay at Antalya old town, and fly back from antalya. Check for sunexpress, sky or pegasus flights from antalya to Kayseri or Nevsehir at Cappadocia. (there is also an overnight bus)
If you fly to Antalya, you will have some other lovely areas and antique locations to visit like Perge, aspendos, Side and Anamur. In fact, if the weather is good, you will be able to sun bathe at Side on the nice and sandy beach and maybe even swim a little if you do not mind a 17-18 degree Celsius sea.
With this alternative, you can actually continue to Tasucu and Silifke from Side and Anamur and continue driving up to Cappadocia through mersin and Aksaray.
This route will have no tourists and give you a chance to test some new tastes. I heartily recommend this adventure.
You will need a polar or similar in cappadocia, hoody, rainproof jacket, jeans, comfortable and waterproof walking shoes, but also shorts and swim wear if you go to Side or environs.
please do not refrain from asking any other questions you have. The lounge can make people insecure but the Fodors travel forums are very straight forward and have only people who wish to share their experiences and help.
My trip report "fumbling family....." partially on the Lykian way and the recent unfinished one which includes Fethiye may also help you. My essays on the area between cappadocia, Konya, silifke, Anamur, side are in Turkish and appear in my book, "Dreams and Perception"
Most guide books will have a pronunciation guide, which you may not need if you are familiar with linguistics and phonetic reading and writing.
Do not rent a car in istanbul, but renting car outside istanbul is easy and very rewarding. My daughter and american husband are now off driving on the Aegean and love the flexibility of finding terrific road-side restaurants to eat and non-touristic ancient greek and roman ruins.
Because of the season, i recommend that you fly either to Izmir, Dalaman or Antalya and return the car at one of these airports to fly back to istanbul.
Unless ephesus is a must for you, i suggest that you start at Dalaman, drive to Fethiye, negotiate for a good rate at the fabulous Ece Saray hotel on the marina, visit olu deniz, Kayakoy, Nefis pide restaurant at Paspatur and the fish market for a fish dinner. Or stay at Villa Rhapsody at kayakoy where the owners Jean and Atilla have a lovely possibly early teen or younger daughter with some similarities and would I am sure appreciate sharing your experience.
Next you can drive to Kas following the Lycian Way and visiting possibly Tlos and Patara on the way. There are some other major sites but these two are the most fun to visit.
Take a private or group boat tour to Kekova from kas, or drive to Ucagiz from kas and take the cruise on location.
Visit Saint Nicholas (Santa) and Myra after Kas on the way to Antalya, and possibly stop at Phaeselis also.
Stay at Antalya old town, and fly back from antalya. Check for sunexpress, sky or pegasus flights from antalya to Kayseri or Nevsehir at Cappadocia. (there is also an overnight bus)
If you fly to Antalya, you will have some other lovely areas and antique locations to visit like Perge, aspendos, Side and Anamur. In fact, if the weather is good, you will be able to sun bathe at Side on the nice and sandy beach and maybe even swim a little if you do not mind a 17-18 degree Celsius sea.
With this alternative, you can actually continue to Tasucu and Silifke from Side and Anamur and continue driving up to Cappadocia through mersin and Aksaray.
This route will have no tourists and give you a chance to test some new tastes. I heartily recommend this adventure.
You will need a polar or similar in cappadocia, hoody, rainproof jacket, jeans, comfortable and waterproof walking shoes, but also shorts and swim wear if you go to Side or environs.
please do not refrain from asking any other questions you have. The lounge can make people insecure but the Fodors travel forums are very straight forward and have only people who wish to share their experiences and help.
My trip report "fumbling family....." partially on the Lykian way and the recent unfinished one which includes Fethiye may also help you. My essays on the area between cappadocia, Konya, silifke, Anamur, side are in Turkish and appear in my book, "Dreams and Perception"
Jun 4th, 2011, 03:24 AM
#10
Regarding the Doubletree, its location is not one i would recommend. It is not an area you will feel happy after hours.
If you have hilton points, try ParkSa Hilton (moderate price) or istanbul Hilton. Both will mean taxi and/or public transportation to the major historic sights but will be within reasonable distance to the upscale dining and shopping area of nisantasi and not far from the very lively Taksim/Istiklal area.
If you have hilton points, try ParkSa Hilton (moderate price) or istanbul Hilton. Both will mean taxi and/or public transportation to the major historic sights but will be within reasonable distance to the upscale dining and shopping area of nisantasi and not far from the very lively Taksim/Istiklal area.
Jun 7th, 2011, 08:19 AM
#11
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Thank you for your suggestions. Here are so far what we are planning:
Arrive March 10th, just relax in the hotel (wherever we stay)
Arrive in Goreme March 20th and leave from Kayseri on March 24.
Istanbul: We plan on spending Sunday March 11 through Wednesday (leaving on March 15th) in Istanbul. Does 4 days give us enough time?
The other places we must see are Gallipoli and Troy What else are "must sees" as we head east toward Cappadocia? We know we cannot see everything, but hopefully, we can see and do A LOT.
Since we don't need to see Ephesus, we will look at OC's recommendation.
We decided to spend 4 nights (but, actually three whole days)in Cappadocia because each of the guidebooks says 2 days are never enough and it seems like a relaxing place for the end of our trip. Based on recommendations, we are staying at the Hotel Kelebek in Goreme.
Since Hertz does not allow you to use your Hertz points in Turkey, I guess I will be using more public transport than I thought.
I have read it is easy to get planes around the country but for expenses sake (since transportation was not an expense I expected to spend a lot of money on) we make take the bus.
I appreciate the comments on where to stay in Istanbul.
Everything I have read so far says you can pick up a guide for a day anywhere, actually. We did that in Spain and it worked out well. Some of the semi-private tours says 10-15 people. Are they good to do, for a least an orientation?
Last question: I have been getting a pop up here on this site for Zicasso, a "luxury" travel collaborator that gets you set up with local travel agents. Anyone use that?
Thanks again. (now back to work so I can afford this trip!)
Arrive March 10th, just relax in the hotel (wherever we stay)
Arrive in Goreme March 20th and leave from Kayseri on March 24.
Istanbul: We plan on spending Sunday March 11 through Wednesday (leaving on March 15th) in Istanbul. Does 4 days give us enough time?
The other places we must see are Gallipoli and Troy What else are "must sees" as we head east toward Cappadocia? We know we cannot see everything, but hopefully, we can see and do A LOT.
Since we don't need to see Ephesus, we will look at OC's recommendation.
We decided to spend 4 nights (but, actually three whole days)in Cappadocia because each of the guidebooks says 2 days are never enough and it seems like a relaxing place for the end of our trip. Based on recommendations, we are staying at the Hotel Kelebek in Goreme.
Since Hertz does not allow you to use your Hertz points in Turkey, I guess I will be using more public transport than I thought.
I have read it is easy to get planes around the country but for expenses sake (since transportation was not an expense I expected to spend a lot of money on) we make take the bus.
I appreciate the comments on where to stay in Istanbul.
Everything I have read so far says you can pick up a guide for a day anywhere, actually. We did that in Spain and it worked out well. Some of the semi-private tours says 10-15 people. Are they good to do, for a least an orientation?
Last question: I have been getting a pop up here on this site for Zicasso, a "luxury" travel collaborator that gets you set up with local travel agents. Anyone use that?
Thanks again. (now back to work so I can afford this trip!)
