Hello"
I (male) am travelling with my adult daughter to Turkey in mid-Setember for two weeks.

We know that in this short time we have to make choices. As it stands we plan on 4 nights in Istanbul on arrival then a week elsewhere and then a final 3 nights in Istanbul. It is the "elsewhere" that has us perplexed. We will be using public transportation. We welcome suggestions. Right now we're considering Cappadocia or the Aegean areas.

We enjoy walking, photography, history, local food and festivals - and shopping (my daughter)

We are aware that Ramadan will be in effect.

Finally, any opinions re: the following will be appreciated:
1. must sees in Istanbul
2 must avoids (or overated) things in Istanbul
3. budget restaurants
4. reasonably-priced gifts and souvenirs that are easily carried
Thank you for all replys.
Dennis.

Dennis, I'm linking this question in the Rest of Europe Forum where it will get wider exposure. I don't have any specific ideas. Cappadocia came to mind along with some Aegean area such as Ephesus which is sounds like you are already considering.

Thank you Marta.

Additionally, do posters have thoughts on Turkish SIM cards - and providers?
Dennis

I would rate the Topkapi Museum as something which you should make time for -- pay the extra to get into the harem.

I would also take a boat tour of the Bosphorus and spend a lovely evening in Basiktas wandering through the street bazaar and eating at one of the many fish restaurants on the water. Many of them are very reasonable and have great grilled fish and salad entrees.


The Blue Mosque is beautiful and worth seeing, as is of course the Haja Sofia. The Bazaar is worth a turn, but of course be aware of tourist traps. Be aware that appropriate dress, a head cover for women, and removal of your shoes is necessary for entry into the mosque.

Blue Lapis can be a good deal in Istanbul, just make sure you bargin. I have bought some lovely pieces at the Basiktas bazaar. Also, handpainted ceramic tiles make wonderful gifts to bring home.

We were in Istanbul and Selcuk last month for 12 days. I think four days initially in Istanbul, is a good idea. That is what we did after taking a red eye flight from JFK (it was a 10 hour plus flight). I would also definitely agree with Diana's suggestions. One outstanding restaurant on the Asian side of Istanbul worth crossing by ferry to get to, is a place called Ciya. The chef/owner has been invited to prestigious culinary events here in the US and written up here in the US as well. Our meal was excellent and very reasonably priced. If you are in the city on a Sunday, there is a "sema" with whirling dervishes that is mesmerizing, in a theatre in Istanbul not too far from the Galata tower.
I can also recommend traveling to the Aegean coast, we liked the area around Selcuk (the town where Ephesus is located), there are several activities in the area, to make it worth traveling to, from Istanbul. Here are some very helpful links to websites that are worth checking out:
http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/index.html
http://www.seat61.com/Turkey2.htm
http://www.gototurkey.co.uk/

Your question is a hard one as next to Italy, Turkey has been our favorite travel in Europe and sort of Asia.

Turkey is totally fascinating and so identifying places is difficult. I think I would recommend Cappadocia for a totally unique experience--one that you won't forget and should be one of the wonders of the world. It is surreal.

I also would suggest rethinking 7 days in Istanbul-which would be fine if you had more time. I would say go to Selcuk as a base for Ephesus and other things in that area.

You may not have that type of flexibility but if you do, give it some thought.

Hi Dennis - I think everyone has given you great ideas - I would add that a friend and I enjoyed the Archaelogical Museum in Istanbul. It is huge and only parts are open at any one time. Walk as much as you can as everything is enchanting (at least I thought so). I brought back Turkish Delight for gifts - They sell in boxes, tins, or you can have seal wrapped - The honey pistahio is much richer than the traditional, but try diff ones to find out what you like. For trinket type gift, the blue evil eyes and prayer beads are easy to pack. There are also woven book-marks ( found at the Archaeological Museum Store, for one place) that many liked. Enjoy your trip!

My son (an archaeologist) is leaving for Israel, Jordan and Turkey this Friday. When he returns this summer, I'll see what information I can get out of him. He's traveling on a small budget, of course. He'll also be focusing on archaeological sites, but I'll still ask him for some feedback.

Cameron

A reasonably priced souvenir is the lemon cologne that you can buy all over the place in Turkey. You can buy it in big containers, and then decant it into atomisers when you get home to give as gifts. You can get suitable atomisers from shops such as Muji.

A one litre container is not that difficult to carry, and will produce gifts for a fair few people. Obviously it is a gift that will be more for women than for men.

For men, how about Turkish delight, a loofah, a sponge, or packages of herbs.

Thank you for all the great suggestions. My daughter read that Bursa is Turkey's silk centre. We recognize that it is a large manufacturing city. Her question is: can silk products be obtained at substantially cheaper prices in Bursa than elsewhere?

Have almost determined that I will centre myself in Selcuk and tour the area around there. My daughter may opt to visit Fethiye and walk a little of the Lycian Way. Cappadocia will be on a future itinerary.

Any specific help regarding these areas will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Dennis

Dennis, be aware of the carpet salesmen who will be everywhere, follow you down the street, urge you to come in, etc. On the other hand, don't totally avoid the opportunity to observe a carpet shop where the weavings are done. And..buying a carpet is a great "souvenir" once home. We didn't get one in Turkey but did in Tibet. It was small and folded up into an amazingly small square that we could carry with us. Of course, you could buy a big one and have it shipped. I love seeing it and remembering both Tibet and visiting the carpet manufacturing shop.

We also bought a beautiful piece of porcelain pottery with incredible detail and a page from a centuries old book with brilliant, Arabian night type pictures and calligraphy. We had it museum framed to preserve it.

If you are considering a rental in Selcuk, then I would highly recommend any of the houses available with this small agency: Aegean Rentals . Four of us rented the house Tas Evi, it was gorgeous; a little bigger than what you would need for just two people but depending on your budget, a possible option. The owner of the agency is very knowledgeable about the area, she is a British expat with family in Selcuk and speaks fluent Turkish. I can't say enough about the personal attention she gave us while renting for the week, this past April.

I invite you to take a peek at our Turkey blog from last year. You may find some things of interest.

http://papillontravels.net/turkeyindex.htm

I think that you will love the place.

One thing to mention is that length of skirt or pants is important when trying to enter a mosque as well as bare shoulders...

Thank you everyone for your helpful responses.
We've now settled on an itinerary.
Istanbul - 4nights
fly to Antalya ($76CDN with flight cancellation insurance for 2 on Pegasus) rent car
drive to Circali (2 nights)
Somewhere around Fethiye (2 nights)
Pamukkale (1 night)
Selcuk (2 nights)
return car Izmir airport fly to Istanbul (100CDN for 2 on Pegasus)
Istanbul 3 nights (at Ead festival)

Further specific recommendations/cautions regarding this itinerary are welcomed.
Dennis