Lisa

Lucky you!<BR>Turkey is wonderful. We've done 2 bare bones yacht charters coveing the areas from Rhodes/Bodrum to Finike.<BR><BR>I especially remember Bodrum. It was so hot (July - 106 F) that the stores opened till 2 am. Go to the Halicarnasis (sp) disco -Huge open ampitheatre, dancing all night with every nationality imaginable. Fun.<BR><BR>Great, friendly people. Tasty food. Make sure you bargain - there are no set prices for anything.<BR><BR>Men - get a haircut there. Turkish men are very vain - the haircut experience is a must... and this should include a 'cupping'. go to the hole in the wall barber who speaks no english for the most fun.<BR><BR>You'll love it!

Dee

Author: abc ([email protected])<BR>Date: 12/30/2002, 07:07 pm<BR>Message: Dear Dee ([email protected])<BR><BR>YOU DON'T RECOMMEND PAMUKKALE? WHY<BR><BR>************************************<BR ><BR>Dee abc,<BR>The &quot;white castle&quot; mountain is a beautiful sight but after a that, the remainder of the city if very sparse. We walked around, drove around, and nothing. We conversed with other hotel guests to discover they had the same experiences.<BR><BR>It is not a place I would recommend for spending any significant amount of time. I read this account prior to my excursion but still chose to go and explore. After going, I totally agree it to be a place I could have passed. But that is a decision for each individual to make on their own.<BR><BR>There is really not much to see in the City of Pamukkale.

debby

Dear Jean,<BR><BR>Mid April won't be warm enough.Is it possible to change your travel dates?<BR>May or June is a better time to visit Turkey

Gary

abc ([email protected])<BR>abc has written almost all the places that must be seen in Turkey.We also wanted to have a trip around Turkey but we had just 3 days. That's why we stayed in Istanbul.Even though,it was wonderful and carpets(in Grand Bazaar) and potteries were so cheap that we bought a lot.Our guide,Umit, was really professional and very informative all around Turkey.If you decide to visit Turkey, I can highly recommend you to visit his web-site and contact him.(www.mysticturkey.com) and (www.reservingturkey.com)<BR>

Toni

I just got back from Istanbul, Turkey and had a wonderful time. People, places, and things I highly recommend: Go first to the Turkish and Islamic Arts museum to see beautiful things and educate yourself in the fixed price (reasonable) gift shop, staffed by someone writing his dissertation on 17th-19th century weavings. Then go visit Faysal Bachi at Nur Carpets and Kilims just outside the Grand Bazaar at Vezirhan Caddesi 86 to drink tea, continue your carpet and kilim education, and perhaps buy some beautiful things--no fixed prices--negotiate! (Tell Faysal Toni from DC says hi.) I bought a few gorgeous older pieces there, one of which was damaged. Faysal said he'd fix it for me and drop it by the hotel. I was concerned that I might never see my purchases again, but I shouldn't have worried. They were dropped off the next day at the hotel desk in a carrying bag, and the repair was so good it took me quite a while to figure out where the damaged spots had been.) Definitely go to the Aya Sophia, and it's worth going up to the balcony even though they charge you more for that. If you are a student, definitely bring your ID because there are substantial discounts for every museum. I highly recommend the Lonely Planet phrasebook. Although salespeople are multi-lingual, if you get out of the touristy areas you can't count upon that, and everyone appreciates your efforts, even if they speak perfect English. I personally found the Topkapi palace too large and too crowded to enjoy much. Definitely wander the markets, including the non-touristy parts. I had a wonderful impromptu adventure at a wholesale button store.<BR><BR>Toni

Jean

Thanks to everyone. I've enjoyed checking back and seeing the responses. It is getting closer to the time and we are definitely trying to fine tune our trip. (that means like exactly by what plane or train we will arrive and how long it may take us to drive down the coast to Antalya with many stops along the way.) <BR><BR>I appreciate your comments--except for the advice I cannot follow which is &quot;when to go&quot;--not a lot of choice on that one! <BR>Jean

lynny

I am amazed that nobody seems to have mentioned 'the blue lagoon' - Olu Deniz, it's beautiful and a great place to go if you fancy trying paragliding<BR>

pumpkin

Topping for myself. The trip is close at hand, and I can't get enough information. Please--I want to hear more!<BR><BR>Thanks!

SB_Travlr

We flew to Istanbul in late September 2001, a bit apprehensive about how we would be received after the 9/11 attacks. But we were determined to be on the WindSong when it sailed to Athens a few days later -- we had planned and looked forward to the trip for a long time.<BR><BR>We loved Turkey, and want to go back. We were made welcome and treated with kindness everywhere we went. We spent time in Istanbul at the beautiful Hilton, also in Ephesus and Bodrum. The gulet sailing trip from Bodrum was a highlight, and the castle in Bodrum very interesting to tour (and wonderful spot for photos). In Istanbul I bought 2 beautiful rugs that give me pleasure every time I see them. We also loved the food -- creative, fresh, and delicious. So many great memories -- we'll definitely go back one day, I hope for a longer gulet trip!<BR><BR>Enjoy your vacation.

zwho

I don't know if this place was mentioned because you have more replies then I have time to read. Any way we found this place on our gulet cruise. Its called Kale. A very small village on the Med. I think its only accessable by water. There is a castle fortress ruin on top of this village with beautiful homes and gardens. A few shops and places to eat, and very cheap accomadations in pensions. It really was magical and picture postcard gorgeous! There is a famous sunken city across the bay from there.

granny

We spent six weeks in Turkey four years ago just traveling around by ourselves, using public transportation. Everyone has mentioned most of the highlights, but one of my favorites was a small rustic village named Patera with a wonderful beach. We were there in Sept and could still enjoy the water. We bought rugs in Cappadocia, pottery, and wonderful silk scarves in Bursa. Everytime I wear one, it brings back a memory. Worst experience- a massage in Bursa. I said gentle, but Atila the hun, must have thought I meant harder. I was black and blue for days. Have the pictures to prove it. A hint-try to learn a few Turkish words. I learned about 10 phrases. Whenever I said something in Turkish it brought laughter and a friendly response. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.

progol

Everyone has made excellent suggestions, and I won't repeat all the places we went to. But memories that stand out...<BR>Istanbul<BR>Wandering the Spice Market in Istanbul; while the Grand Bazaar is everything it's said to be, it's geared toward the tourist. Not so the Spice Market; it's a wonderful mixture of both, and many many wonderful things to see and buy. <BR><BR>A leisurely day up the on the ferry up the Bosphorus. The European side is especially attractive with all its palaces and sections of yalis (elegant houses). The last is Anadolu Kavagi on the Asian side and there are ruins of a Byzantine castle above the town. It’s well worth going there, but be prepared for a steep hike to the top! The view of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea is worth it! <BR><BR>The view of Istanbul, on a clear day, from the Galata Tower.<BR><BR>Visiting some of the smaller mosques; the lovely Rustem Pasa comes to mind.<BR><BR>Cappadocia<BR>staying in the Gamirasu Cave Hotel in Ayvali, a tiny town a short distance out of Urgup (main town in the region). Walking around the town and having all the children coming out to greet me with &quot;Hello, hello! and sitting with the women who sat in front of their homes or the men who drank tea in the cafe.<BR>Wandering the Saturday market in Urgup.<BR>Driving around the region and seeing the incredible topography.<BR><BR>Visiting Konya-- a very religious and traditional town, and a wonderful place to buy kilims. <BR><BR>The coast-- stayed first in Kalkan (great little town) and explored many of the ruins around there. Then went to Selcuk, where we visited Ephesus one day and Didyma and Priene another day. <BR>I also did a brief cruise and agree with the poster who mentioned Kale. It is magical and beautiful and well worth a visit if you can get there.<BR><BR>I guess the best memory is the feeling of warmth and welcome I felt. While the political tensions are high throughout the world right now, I think you'll find most people still very welcoming.

Marko

any more ?????<BR>can you guess where my next holiday will be

boatgirlhm

Of all the places we've ever traveled to , I think Istanbul was my favorite. We were there right after the USS Cole was blown up, so also a tense time. However, we had a Turkish guide, and I felt very safe. The Turkish people, though Muslim, are very tolerant of ALL religions, and peoples, and they like Americans.<BR><BR>Pulling into port, on a cruise ship, early in the foggy morning, hearing the prayer call on loudspeakers, is something i'll never forget-- eerie and beautiful at the same time.<BR><BR>My favorite purchase was a beautiful rug, that every day reminds me of this wonderful city. Hopefully, we can return there one day soon. Helaine

tweetexT

I was in Turkey last year in June and visited Istanbul and Antalya. I loved Antalya (not the city proper) but I was in Beldibi (about 30 min from the airport). It was a very peaceful experience to be sitting right on the mediterranean and not in the midst of tourists. I used to take the local bus to go to Kemer and buy fruits and vegetables from the local markets and have a hammam every 2-3 days. People were very very friendly and helpful. There are a lot of hiking trails near kemer and once you get to the top, it is absolutely fascinating to see the ocean from a hill top. There are a lot of roman ruins and Mt. Olympos near Kemer.It was fairly warm but not uncomfortable. Don't forget your sunscreen and always take bottles water. You can buy a 5 litre container of bottled water at a grocery store for $1. Eating at local restaurants was wonderful. The feta cheese and olives were to die for. Most everyone speaks English. I didn't much care for the crowds in Istanbul but it is a big city and has a lot of history. I'd go back to Beldibi in a hearbeat. There are lots of German and Russian tourists in Antalya city. I think the airport in Antalya has 4-5 charter flights from different cities in Germany (non stop). Turkish airlines is very cheap. Don't buy tickets for local flights in the US. I flew from Istanbul to Antalya and bought my tickets at the airport the day I was leaving. There is no difference in the flight prices if you book in advance. Enjoy your trip.

ekremkoc

HI TO ALL!!<BR>I live in ISTANBUL,welcome for questions that will be my plasure.<BR><BR>Turkiye is the country that I think you will enjoy,every body who was here THey all say oooo It was not like what I expected greatest travel experience,I have many friends from America and they all told to me Eko we did not expect that Turkiye will be this nice,So do not worry even if there is Iraq war now that is very far from us I live in IStanbul and can tell you it is safe do not let your self stoped because what is happining arround Use your change and come here,I live in istanbul at the most oldest and the nicest area where all the tourist visits if you ever come here please do not for got to come to say hi to me for all you travelers for anything you need here or you want to ask about here please let me know for your hotels,hostels,restaurant etc,Thank you and looking to see you here and wishing to make new friends,contact to me from<BR>quastions...Thank you<BR>[email protected] or<BR>www.memorycarpets.com<BR><BR>