Weather – something that you cannot predict. Unfortunately, this time I travelled, the weather surprised me, it was not warm, to be honest was very cold(8C), windy and wet!!!
For years I wanted to visit Turkey. Finally, I decided to go and feel the Turkish spirit. I have started and finished my road trip to Antalya.
Antalya is a very tourist town; I can easily call it a city as more than 2 mln people live there. The harbour looks pretty and offers many restaurants and cafes.
You can walk up and down the stairs admiring the views. In the city centre, you can buy tons of “original” clothes. I stayed in a very small hotel called: Mevre which is in the city centre. If you plan to go on holiday, pick the resort. It would be a better option to take a taxi, come to the city centre and then go back to a luxurious resort with a beautiful garden.
The next day I went to Pamukkale/Hierapolis which is a must. It is true that calcium formations are unique and make an impression.
It is worth taking a bath In Cleopatra’s pool and walking around.
On my travel map was Meryemana which is supposed to be a house of the Holy Mary after Christ's death.
Efez- a beautiful place with some still-standing columns and buildings.
That night I stayed in the Elitium Hotel in the middle of nowhere. The hotel offers very spacious rooms and a pool with thermal water. There is also a Spa.
Pergamon – a cable car will take you up the hill to see what remains and the landscape.
Troya- a famous horse was under renovation. Place – nothing much to see, a couple of stones left.
Finally, I arrived in Istanbul. It is a huge city, more than 20 mln people live there. I visited the Dolmabahce Palace, beautiful inside but it is very crowded.
I took a boat tour over Bosfor to see Istanbul from the water. I totally recommend it.
Then I visited Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. Both places are beautiful inside and outside. Be aware that you need to take off your shoes before you enter.
Ankara – I visited Ataturk Museum. An amazing modern city with a very well-designed Ataturk Mausoleum.
Cappadocia – The most beautiful place in Turkey. I spent there 2 full days. The landscapes are breathtaking. I recommend walking, trekking, and horse riding. I did a jeep safari over the sunrise which was amazing however very, very, very cold so bring warm clothes with you.
In the evening I went for a Turkish dance night – the dancers are very professional. I totally recommend it.
The next morning, I was supposed to have a balloon flight. For more than an hour, we were waiting for a green light. Finally, we got it and we could fly in the balloon. What an adventure. OMG = it is a must if weather permits. The views are magnificent, the entire tour is magical. Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful regions in Turkey.
Konya – a very modern town with beautiful Mevlana Tekkesi.
In Turkey, people are very friendly. Yes, you see more men than women on the streets. Also, mainly men work in hotels. The food is amazing, very tasty.
The country is huge, if you plan to visit the above places, you might choose the slower version of seeing them, giving yourself more time otherwise it will be a very exhausting week with little sleep. Distances in km are huge.
Turkey – huge country, long distances to travel around, delicious food, friendly people
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