During our Snowbird retirement, we embarked on a captivating 14-day journey through Turkey, tracing a loop from Istanbul to Cappadocia after reaching the 90-day limit in the European Schengen zone.
This adventure offered fascinating glimpses into the opulent lives of the Ottoman Sultans, from their lavish palace harem rooms to the contrast between sprawling modern cities and the ancient underground settlements that once provided refuge for ordinary citizens. We marveled at the grandiose mosques where the Islamic faithful gather for prayer five times a day, each one a testament to Turkey’s deep spiritual heritage.
Beyond its stunning landscapes and architectural wonders, Turkey holds a pivotal place in global history. It is home to the world’s oldest known novel, written on cuneiform clay tablets around 5,000 BC, and played a crucial role in the transition to the Bronze Age around 1300 BC. Even in more recent times, Turkey was the site of a significant World War I battle at its border with Greece, involving forces from Australia, New Zealand, and other nations when Turkey sided with Germany.
Our time there was nothing short of extraordinary—an immersive experience in a land where ancient legacies and modern vibrancy coexist in breathtaking harmony.
Most of our trip was on an organized trip in a comfortable modern bus coach. We highly recommend this approach which provides an easy way to experience all these things including a knowledgeable English speaking guide, hotels, breakfasts, skip-the-line entry.
Summary of major stops
Istanbul (Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum, Bosphorus cruise), Ankara, Anıtkabir Mausoleum, Saratlı, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukale, Izmir, Ephesus, Troy, Canakkale, Gallipoli. Separate articles about each stop will be forth coming.
Early morning Hot air balloon trip over Fairy chimney town of Cappadocia.
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Massive Islamic Blue Mosque, with six (6) minaret towers, Istanbul. Many blue tiles were used on the interior.
Haram chamber for the Sultan to meet with dignitaries, in Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul. Turkish bath’s were more like a wet massage, not involving a bath tub!
White Calcium Mineral Hot Springs terraces, Pamukale, Turkey. Looks like snow but it is very hard calcium.
Flintstone’s like underground city with eight (8) floors. Some others in the area go as deep as 20 levels, all centered around a center water well, Saratlı.
Ancient Library roman ruins, sadly all the books were destroyed. Ephesus – Efes, from 10th century BC and grew to 250K people.
Virgin Mary Church, built at the place her wooden home is thought to have been, Ephesus – Efes, Turkey
Roman Amphitheatre, Pamukale, Turkey. Ancient ruins in background of Hierapolis city.
Frozen Guard (real), at Anıtkabir Mausoleum of Turkey’s beloved founder, “Atatürk”, Ankara, Turkey
Basilica underground water Cistern, Istanbul
Three story cave home, Cappadocia. Some of these are still used by people today!
Whirling Dervish, near Tomb of Mevlana Rumi – the Dervish founder, Konya, Turkey. The Dervish “philosophy” is a bit like Masonic secrecy and symbology in North America. When they whirl they are in a sort of trance, giving thanks to the creator. We saw a live dance ritual, which had music. The music can sound “out of tune” to our North American ear, because their music has twice as many notes as ours does. (24 tones per bar, vs our 12).
This Trojan Horse, was left here after a Hollywood movie. The ancient city of Troy ruins are nearby. It was rebuilt over seven (7) times after being destroyed by enemy attackers, as it was located in a key defense location for the waterway to the Black Sea from the Mediterranean sea.
This is an example of the old “hotels” that were spaced regularly along the “silk road” transportation route, which used camels. Men would all share this huge space inside locked walls. Women had separate rooms. Valuable antique carpets are on display. Sultanhanı Caravanserai, Konya, Pamukale, Turkey.
WW1 battle Memorial site, Gallipoli, Turkey. Annual remembrance’s are held here by Australian and Turkish.
Museums and Artisans
Recreation of Bronze Age, Anatolian Civilations Museum, Ankara, Turkey. Museum houses many valuable old artifacts including original cave man drawings of deer.
Pottery Artisan, Venessa Seramik, Cappadocia area, Turkey. This is a classic local wine pouring vessel.
Leather Fashion Show – shop, Donna Milan, Pamukale,Turkey. Most jackets are double sided, designed to be worn either way. Made of extremely light and strong young sheep belly leather.
Ornate sarcophagi, Istanbul Archaeology Museum, Turkey
Water powered clock, to ring bell at prayer time five times per day. Islamic Science History Museum, Istanbul, Turkey. Many other fascinating inventions by the Islamic people are here.
Galata Tower, Istanbul, Turkey
Conclusion
Temperature when we traveled in the later part of April ranged from 2C in the morning of the balloon ride, to 32C when at the Pamukale mineral water resort. Some English is spoken in high tourist areas but not most of the country. Most places take credit cards which helps minimize need for the Turkish Lyra (TRY) currency. They commonly accept Euro as well. We felt safe in all the areas we travelled through.
We were extremely pleased with everything about our trip with “Cost Saver Tours” which is affiliated with Trafalgar Tours. Our Tour guide “Al Gur” has a background as an archeologist, which added a whole additional layer of depth to our understanding. The reasonably priced tour included modern bus coach, on board English guide, hotels, breakfast and some meals, plus skip-the-line entry to some attractions. The use of wireless earpieces made it easy to hear the guide, no matter where you stood.
Other related articles
- Turkey Adventure begins – yesRetired with route map
- WikiVoyage has lots of good information about Turkey, getting in, sights, etc.
- WISE Credit Card for Travelers
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