Did a 15 day tour of Turkey with the help of Insight Vacations. Was really glad I chose Insight Vacations as they were able to provide top class service with an insightful tour guide. He was able to go in-depth and share about his vast knowledge of a country that is so rich in history.
Day 1
Was welcomed at Ataturk International Airport and transferred to Conrad Istanbul. At night, we were welcomed by the tour director and briefed on the our program for the next two weeks.
Left picture: shoe shining services at the hotel
Right picture: Security bag check at hotel entrance
First meal in Istanbul upon arrival
Left pic: Kebabs
Right pic: Turkish tea
Around the Ortakoy area in Istanbul
Top left: Instructions for tourists before entering a mosque
Day 2
Off we go! Our first adventure was onboard a cruise which sailed through the Bosphorus Strait. After which, we left for the 14th century Ottoman capital of Bursa.
The sights around the Bosphorus Strait
Around beautiful Bursa
Top pic: Opulent mosque in Bursa
Bottom pic: Haggle your way through for great bargains in the bazaar and colour silk markets.
Day 3
Sweet treats found while visiting the charming Cumlikizik Village.
A village filled with traditional wooden houses and narrow cobblestone streets.
Day 4 & 5
Visit to the Hittie Museum which show cases the interesting history of Asia Minor from earlier times.
In Ankara, at Anit Kabir, the mausoluem of Ataturk.
Turkey's revered great leader, founder and the first President of the Republic of Turkey.
Mushroom shaped 'fairy-chimneys' of Pasabag Valley.
Day 6
At Turkey's most religious city, Konya,
where the mystic sec of Whirling Dervish dances in circles.
Day 7 - 8
Aspendos, one of the best preserved Roman Theatre in the world.
Roman city of Perge
The extensive ruins include the great Theatre, the Stadium and the gate-towers where ancient chariot ruts can still be found.
One can explore Antalya through a boat trip.
Day 9
Extraordinary white terraces at Pamukkale
Day 10
Heat, Pray, Love!
Under the sunny Turkist sun in the Temple of Aphrodite at Aphrodisias.
Day 11
Exploring of the world's finest archeological sites, Ephesus.
Top picture: The library of Celsus.
Day 12
Homer's Troy allows one to see the ruins of 9 cities built on top of each other and the enormous reconstruction of the famous wooden horse.
Day 13 - 15
Back to Istanbul to visit the blue mosque.
Saw this boy along the streets and we were wondering where he was going to.
Turns out he was wearing a special outfit worn before the operation of circumcision.
Interesting!
On my last day,
a unique find at the Grand Bazaar before leaving Turkey.