hi i am traveling to turkey with my wife and my 9 month old son Inshallah this on June 22nd i will arrive and on 1st july i will depart. i have few questions if you people can help me really fast. i will really appreciate
1) i am a muslim so nightclubs and bars are out from my activities to do list. I am going to turkey to see istanbul and two more city (preferably fethiye and either bodrum/meramis/kudsai.) i am planning to stay 3 days in istanbul which will be my last three days. i will arrive in istanbul and directly fly to dalaman airport for fethiye. there i will stay 3 days (23 24 and 25) on 25th i am traveling to bodrum/meramis/kudsai (which ever you people suggest. please note that bars and night clubs are not my choice just roaming on street and enjoying food and tea and other Turkish delight and also i am traveling with a child) i would want some beauty and relaxation and greenery and blue sea. like the video link mentioned.(except for istanbul where i am going just to enjoy istanbul) in one of these city i will stay 3 days(26 27 and 28) on 28th i am flying to istanbul. where i will stay for 29 30 and 1st july.
1)do you think this idea is fine. 2) which cities do you prefer? 3) there are no flights from dalaman airport to bodrum airport and since i have very few days i cannot travel by bus. so which will be better route to reach on of these places. 4) now the most important thing . i want to stay 3 days in one of those big cruises(not a yacht or gullet) but big cruise that have many rooms and activities. i can even go for 4 days if the cruise is really good. just like denzilines(but they are not operated any more) is there any other such cruises which i can enjoy in turkey and on the same meditranian belt or places i have mentioned above 5) please tell me some nice hotels to stay which are in downtown areas and near to major tourist attraction that i can just come out from hotel and take my son in his pram/stroller and visit good places or roam around. (i am so excited sorry) (preferably 3 * or 4*) ranging from $80 - $120.all in istanbul fethiye and (the third city that you prefer for me). and what about commute/tranportation from these cities. I know i am asking for too much from you but you people are here to help me right especially turkish people who would love to as a host.
** edited to remove broken links **
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,
Turkey is on my hit list, too, but, like Kim, I don't have much information to share. I can suggest to you to look through our forum. Click on the Find button at the top of this thread and type in Turkey - you will find pages and pages of conversations about travel in Turkey. Hope that may be of some help to you.
My suggestions would be: 1. Stay longer in Istanbul. It is a fascinating and sprawling city. You need at least 5 days to cover the basics. 2. Istanbul is a fun-loving capital, not just in the clubs but also in the bazaar and in the restaurants. 3. Because Istanbul is an exciting sprawling city, any hotel downtown will enable you to have a nice stroll with your child. But it is also sprawling. Many of the visits will oblige you to take a taxi. You can't expect to walk everywhere. 4. Many years ago I stayed at - and loved - the old Pera Palas in a very lively part of town. Recent reviews are mostly good. Here is the website of the hotel. 5. May I ask why you would choose to visit two more cities. After Istanbul, maybe a beautiful contrast would be to visit the Capadocia. Lots of charming b&b's there, in renovated old houses. 6. Am not a cruise person but am sure others will have info for you. 7. Back to Istanbul. It is one of my fave cities in the world, because of the gracious living and sense of fun of the people, besides the wonderful food. The best belly dance I saw was not in a club but in the restaurant Kiméné, where a lady from Ankara, a government official actually, got up and did the most amazing number. In fact when she entered, the waitstaff was already all abuzz telling us: see that lady in the corner, best belly dancer; let's hope she dances tonight. (With all due respect, I don't quite see Nancy or Hillary doing that...)
We visited Turkey 2 years ago, and loved every minute of it! I would definitely recommend that you stay in the Sultanhamet districe of Istanbul, as you can walk to many points of interest (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophie, Basicilica Cistern, and the Spice and Grand Bazaars.
I also agree with Americana that Cappadocia would be a nice contrast with Istanbul. It is so beautiful and fascinating, with many homes and hotels carved right into the rock faces. It's wonderful.
I would also agree that more days in Istambul is a very good answer. Also staying in the Sultanhamet district is good. We took our own advice in 2007 and really liked it there. Also in Sultanhamet there is a street railroad that is new and fast and will get you across town quickly.
