Turkey: Take A Vacation Worth The Cost

The first time I chanced upon Turkey was during my India to Finland travel. Istanbul being my gateway to the Turkish territory. With cultural connections dating back to ancient Persia, Greek and Ottoman empires, Turkey is home to iconic mosaics, domes, blue Mosque and the 14th-century circa Topkapı Palace. Things I may not have gotten a chance to cover on my first trip because of the prevailing political tensions, but I positively did not miss the opportunity to explore the prized Turkish cuisine. 

I was left smitten by the Turkish Baklava, Kebabs and Manti, and yes, I did bring back some food items to home for friends and family to taste. The second trip, however, was more insightful and allowed me a chance to explore deeper. If this is your first trip to Turkey, here are a few things you must not miss.

Cruise River Bosphorus

Bestriding two continents, Istanbul is apportioned by the tight waterway of Bosphorus, embracing a contrasting blend of Asian and European culture. When in Istanbul, take a cruise on River Bosphorus to see the best of this city. The cruise departs every morning from Eminonu, travelling north in the direction of the Black Sea. Noontime, eat lunch at Anadolu Kavagi fishing village and thereon, take an uphill walk to the Yoros Castle. The summit of the Yoros Castle has the best views of the Black Sea on display. Enjoy your time relaxing and watching Istanbul drift by as you cruise along the Bosphorus. In the evening, return to the Golden Horn.

Visit The Hagia Sophia

Of all the reasons why you should visit Istanbul, Hagia Sophia is the foremost. Hagia Sophia is an astonishing architecture noted as one of the wonders of the world. Built-in 537 AD, this cathedral was the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople for 900 years. It was the sole most distinguished architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire. In 1453, the Hagia Sophia was transformed, into a mosque by the Ottomans. Unto, July 2020, it ran as a museum and now it is a mosque again. Keep aside two hours to admire the elements of Christianity and Islam.

Essential Istanbul Sightseeing

Istanbul is a great city to visit. If you plan to stay in for a few days, try viewing all its prime attractions like the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Chora Church, Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Blue Mosque was built, in 1616 across Sultanahmet Square, and it is renowned for its elaborate blue tile work. There is no entry fee for visiting Blue Mosque, but one must follow certain rules. On the other hand, the Basilica Cistern is a cold, overcast and strange ancient reservoir hidden amid two eerie Medusa heads of Istanbul. The Chora Church or the Kariye Museum is a Greek Orthodox Church famed for its frescoes and mosaics depicting the life of Jesus Christ.

Galata Tower is a 14th-century spire that once served as a fire tower and a dungeon. These days, it lets you observe the best views of Istanbul from the top of its Tower. Topkapi Palace was the official hub of the Ottoman Empire, used for 400 years until Dolmabahce Palace was built in the mid-eighteenth century. Thus each of its rooms is encased in exquisite art and tile work. Last but not least, the Grand Bazaar is pretty much the highlight of Istanbul as from here, you can purchase spices, clothes, colourful lanterns, evil eye, and so much more. Get an Istanbul Museum Pass to ditch the queue to famous landmarks.

Stay In Turkish Resort City – Antalya

Antalya is the most extensive Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast off Aegean province. In fact, it is Turkey’s biggest international sea resort on the Turkish Riviera. Now a resort city, Antalya was first settled around 200 BC as Attaleia by the king of Pergamon. (Attaleia was an old Greek tribe from Athens) The city thrived under Roman rule and saw the expansion of new buildings, such as Hadrian’s Gate. Ottoman rule in the 13th-century induced corresponding stability for Antalya for the next five hundred years. In this city, you can enjoy a relaxing vacation at a resort and at the same time explore different influences of different rulers. Before becoming a part of the newly independent Turkey, Antalya was occupied, by Italy.

Explore Port City Bodrum

Settled on the southern coast of Bodrum Peninsula is Bodrum, a port city in Muğla Province, of Aegean, Turkey. Bodrum famous for housing the Mausoleum of Mausolus was described, as Halicarnassus of Caria in biblical times. Its 15th-century castle, overlooking the marina, was built by the Knights Hospitaller, and it includes a unique museum of underwater archaeology. This castle hosts manifold cultural fests during the year. Visit this city to dig into Turkey’s antiquities! Some of the top sights in Bodrum worth viewing are Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Tarihi Bodrum Kalesi, Zeki Muren Arts Museum, Karaada and the Camel Beach.

Take a Trip To Historical Cappadocia

Another great ancient city to visit in Turkey is Cappadocia, a historical district in Central Anatolia. The name Cappadocia has been representing inland provinces ever since 300 BC. As maintained by Herodotus, Cappadocians occupied Mount Taurus to the Euxine in 499 BC. Bordered by the Taurus Mountains, Cappadocia continues to a tourist destination as this neighbourhood is home to prominent natural wonders, marked by fairy chimneys and unique cultural heritage.

Try The Turkish Ice Cream

Irrespective of where you travel in Turkey, you can’t leave the country without trying its mastic ice cream. Turkish mastic ice cream, also known as, Dondurma, is typically the combination of cream, mastic plant resin, whipped cream, the ground-up tuber of an orchid and sugar. It is deemed to originate from the city of Maraş and hence called Maraş ice cream. The feature that prominently characterises Turkish ice cream is its resistance to melting. The firm texture of the ice creams allows the serving personnel to humorously fiddle with it before they finally let you have it.

Spread the love

 

 

 

 Tweet