Need Turkey info
 

Hi,<BR>Hoping to go in April. How's the weather? Are tour packages or on your own best. Cheap flights from Boston? Which airline? Much talk about guides and cars etc.. how much/day? Is the language a problem for driving? How much of Turkey can we see comfortably in 8days?<BR>Thanks for the help!<BR>Cathie

We went to Turkey in 1999--in early June. It was still a bit chilly in Istanbul & Cappadocia (60s) but hot on the Aegean coast (80s). I would expect it to be chilly in April. We had 13 full days and spent 5 days in Istanbul, 4 days in Cappadocia/Ankara, and 4 days on the Aegean coast. In 8 days you can "do" Istanbul & another region. Each region has a different focus. If you enjoy nature & canyons, hiking--Cappadocia was wonderous. If you like Greek/Roman/Byzantine ruins--the Aegean coast is amazing. We flew between regions & hired a private guide and car within each region through a company called Megatrails (we stayed in 3 star hotels to make up for the additional cost of the private guide--we also had free flights). The company's service was impeccable, although I heard they have different owners now so things may have changed. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken. Food is extremely inexpensive & amazing--your better off being on your own for meals. I originally wanted to rent a car & drive, but I'm glad we didn't. Although the roads are in good shape, they're only 2 lanes--very slow moving & very tiring. Also, signs aren't great and the countryside all looks the same so getting lost is probable. English or German is spoken in most tourist spots--children love to practice with you, but not much in the countryside. Hope this helps!

We have just stayed at the Gamirasu Cave Hotel and our experience was beyond our wildest dreams and expectations. Great facility, wonderful people, good food, and just a lovely setting particularly with the snow. We will go back there in April. Find them at : www.gamirasu.com and email: [email protected]. You may have a look at www.meteor.gov.tr for weather in Turkey (click on English). <BR>As you have limited time, I absolutely recommend Istanbul and Cappadocia.

They are best roasted at about 350 degrees until done (about 3-4 hours) just do not put the stuffing in the bird's cavity as it may not cook completely. Carve neatly and serve with cranberries and a nice Reisling.

Darn Julia, you beat me to it....

I like to fix them Cajun style with just a little touch of essence...BAM! oh that makes them so tasty.

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I second alyssa. eight days probably is enough to see istanbul and one other region. cappadocia gets my vote. It's a fascinating place: underground cities, cave dwellings and churches, weird rock formations, good hiking.<BR><BR>If you do go there, i recommend getting a car. Many hotels will pick you up at the airport in Kayseri and drive you to cappadocia. once there, you can rent a car.<BR><BR>the sites are fairly spread out in the region, and it is much more convenient to see them with your own wheels. The roads are well maintained and safe. didn't find getting around to be a problem at all.