|
“Getting Stuffed
In Turkey”
It’s more than culture & beaches
April 2010
Activity Level: Moderate, fit and flexible
 Join
Suzy to witness
the unique creation of nature on this in-depth vacation of Turkish
delights. This is the exotic land of whirling dervishes,
silken
carpets, bustling bazaars, cuisine of the sultans and ancient Turkish
baths. Turkey is the only country that straddles two continents where
East meets West in a blend of old and new.
Everyone loves
visiting Turkey, not just for its rich heritage, but for the warm
hospitality that envelops visitors. The landscape is as magnificent as
colorful Turkish carpet patterned with mountains, deserts and 6000 miles
of coastline. In April, it is sprinkled with orchards of apricots,
pomegranates and cherries. This is the year to visit! Soon the lira
will change to the Euro. The
dollar now goes far
for affordable luxury. Also Istanbul is the chosen “EU Capital of
Culture 2010” with a plethora of cultural events. (www.istanbul2010.org.)
Our focus is on the
surreal rock formations of Cappadocia where we will stay in a "cave hotel"
– just like a set from the Flintstones. Our troglodyte tour covers the
fairy chimneys and cave-churches of this World Heritage Site. Here are
50 sq miles of other worldly volcanic turf that has eroded into gorges,
caves and spires. Hot air balloons provide the best views of this
unique open air wonder. Another highlight is the Turkish Riviera.
Enjoy the turquoise beaches of Antalya where Cleopatra came to swim.
Visit Pamukkale with its amazing white mineral terraces that look like
waterfalls. Swim thermal springs and wander the ruins of Hieropolis and
Perge. Tour the spiritual center of Turkey in Biblical Konya. Spend 2
nights in vibrant Istanbul exploring all its ancient treasures. This
trip has it all.
Many of you have had
an appetizer of Turkish ports on our cruises. Now is the time to
discover the full juicy Turkey. Explore ancient spas and temples of the
gods. Priceless memories await.
Getting Stuffed in Turkey - Trip
Journal by Suzy Davis
 Days
prior to departure, I as engulfed in fear this trip wouldn’t go.
The volcanic ash cloud parked over Europe was heading straight
for Istanbul. April 22, I was never so happy to board an
airplane along with 44 wonderful adventurers of our group in
tow. Turkish Airlines revamped it’s entire fleet now vying to
rank #3 of all European carriers. Economy class provided the new
sliding seats to maximize legroom, amenities kits, seatback
blockbuster on-demand movies and the freshest airline meals I’ve
ever had.
Istanbul, located in both Asia and Europe is the only city that
straddles two continents with a thrilling cultural mosaic
blending the old with the new. Our guide Gigi was assigned to
fly with us 24/7 throughout the entire tour of this magnificent
country. From day one, she was so outstanding I doubled her
anticipated tip. On a city tour, we covered all major sites with
the frenetic energy of whirling dervishes. It included the Blue
Mosque, Haggia Sophia, Hippodrome and Topaki Palace, home to
sultans, harems and eunuchs I stood in awe there at the 87 carat
Spoonmaker’s Diamond that was found discarded in trash and
traded for 3 spoons. Later we got lost in the labyrinth of the
4300 shops of the Grand Bazaar. The chronic pleas from vendors
can assault one’s senses if you don’t know how to bounce it off.
I pretended to be a deaf mute strolling zen-like with a smile,
My greatest treasure was a butter leather “Prada” or should I
say “Prado” bag for $30.
At night, many experienced their first authentic Turkish Bath at
a 300 year old hamman which can be totally confusing if you
don’t know the procedure and no one speaks English. First you
get naked in a steam room and are pounded like a piece of meat
on a warm marble slab. Then they loofa off several epidermal
layers followed by tons of soapy suds and an oil massage. It
ends with torrents of water. I felt I was being water-boarded
and wanted to “spill my secrets” but left squeaky clean as I
ever felt in my life. The younger group participants partied
late into the night Istanbul never sleeps.
 We
flew to Cappadocia which was like a Salvador Dali painting from
the lunar landscapes formed by volcanic rock and weathered over
a millennia. The tuff layers eroded to form bizarre rock
formations of dramatic gorges and breathtaking fairy chimneys.
It is all surrounded by meringue-like hills that look like Mars.
The entire region is a geologists dream and most worthy of a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient civilizations here created
huge underground cities. Today they still carve out troglodyte
styled houses, restaurants and hotels. Most establishments begin
with the name “Flintstones”. We checked into a 4 star cave
hotel. Terry and I were upgraded to a suite, dark and cavernous
with flatscreen TV and jacuzzi tub. It was completely surreal I
hung some clothes on the wall and the soft porous rock crumbled.
I could have carved a new room off my cave-suite.
The next day we explored the Goreme Valley. In the 2nd century,
early Christians fled Jerusalem from Roman persecution. Tens of
thousands lived underground in elaborate cities with
subterranean houses and churches. 360 in total. We toured
Kaymaki which spirals downward for 8 stories! This place
harbored 4000 beleaguered Christians. It was fascinating to
crouch through a maze of monasteries, stables, wineries,
kitchens and chapels.
 The
highlight however for me on this trip was our visit to Fatma’s
“house.” Gigi phoned her to ask if she could bring “a few
Americans” to visit her cave home. As our bus pulled up the dirt
road, Fatma came running to greet us with open arms. She
inherited this cave from past generations and lived here 43
years. We crawled into her living room which was layered with 4
fine Turkish carpets she spent decades weaving. There was solar
electricity and plumbing. She served us all honey cake and tea.
Outside were 2 pet cows and organic garden. This is the life I
aspire to. I should have out this on YouTube. Turkish
hospitality is world famous. In this rural central region, it is
overwhelming where one is offered apple tea just for entering a
grocery store. Turks call visitors “tanri misafiri” or God’s
gift.
Cappadocia has won global Balloon Championships. Most of our
group launched at dawn for a hot air balloon ride over
spectacular topography. In brilliant sunshine, they floated
silently over sleepy villages and canyons pocketed with endless
caves. Later in Avanos, we bought exquisite pottery with
designs dating back to the Hittites. We also visited a carpet
factory to view the weavers working and silk worm cocooning. I
was surprised when 12 members purchased elegant carpets to ship
home. On my travel budget, I couldn’t afford a mouse pad carpet.
That evening we attended an authentic and mystical performance
of the Whirling Dervishes. Six dervishes danced themselves into
a trance for us. They are of the Sufi sect, the most tolerant
arm of Islam dating back to the 13th century. Back in my cave
room, I practiced the meditative dance and collapsed in
dizziness after 3 minutes. There are few places on earth where I
want to linger, Cappadocia is one. I hope this awesome hidden
gem doesn’t become exploited by global tourism. I hope to visit
Fatma again!
We headed out on a long drive to Pamukkale. Enroute we stopped
in Konya, the spiritual center of Turkey, to visit the Dervish
Museum. This is the land of pomegranates, apricots, cherries,
honey, walnuts and roses. There are also fields of unique purple
poppies cultivated to produce not heroin, but morphine for
medical export.
We checked into Lycus River Thermal Hotel where we marinated our
bodies in the indoor and outdoor thermal pools. Pamukkale with
hundreds of hot springs was an ancient spa where even Cleopatra
came for treatments. We climbed the snow-like white travertine
terraces of mineral pools. The “Cotton Castle” is a geological
wonder. We also toured the amazing ruins of the holy and healing
city of Hierapolis.
Our last days were spent on Antalya on Turkey’s “Turquoise
Coast.” The Sheraton Resort sat cliffside with beautiful views
of the blue water and a backdrop of the dramatic Toros
Mountains. The sand and sea crescent bay reminded me of Rio. We
did a private boat cruise on the Mediterranean Sea to view Duden
Falls. It wasn’t Niagara, but the balmy ride was glorious. I
shopped the bazaar of Old Town while the group toured Perge
founded by the Romans 3000 years ago. Apostle Paul preached here
in 48AD. They continued to the impressive ruins Aspendos. This
ancient port city has an intact theater that held 15,000 people.
As for cuisine on this trip, everyday was a feast with most
meals included. I gained a few lbs. on olives, flatbreads,
kabobs and Turkish Delight.
There are usually hiccups with international travel, but this
trip was flawless and the group blended so well. I hope Turkey
never joins the EU or changes it’s currency to the Euro. It’s
one of the few places left in the world where one can get an
affordable luxury vacation. This Adventures For Singles trip was
$1175 land with abundance you’d never find in Europe. As a tour
operator, I get tons of materials. Many destinations hyped as
exciting turn out to be dull as paint by number. Turkey was
truly stimulating with unlimited memories. I tend not to repeat
to many destinations, but I vow to present this trip again.
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Terry & Suzy in Hammam |
Suzy, Guide Gigi, Driver and Terry |
With Camel |
Gillian, Jill, Vijay & Marlene at
play Duden Falls |
Our itnerary |
|
April 22 |
Fly with our group air on Turkish Airlines from
JFK non-stop to Istanbul.
|
|
April 23 |
Istanbul Welcome to the vibrant capital formerly known as
Constantinople. We are met and transferred to
Titanic City Hotel with pool, spa, a Turkish bath, 2
restaurants and more. Free time to relax or explore your
surroundings. Istanbul embraces 2 continents; one arm reaches
Asia and the other Europe. Through the city’s heart runs the
Bosphorus River to the Black Sea and Golden Horn. Here were the
former capitals of the Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine empires. It
oozes with history. I’ve been here a dozen times but still
discover new things.
To recover from jet lag, the best cure is a
traditional Turkish bath or “hammam”
for a full body cleansing (a steam sweat and loofa scrub done
the same way since the Ottomans) and massage. There is one in
our hotel or you may choose to visit the 300 year old complex of
Cagaloglu Hamani which is listed in the book, “1000 Places
to See Before You Die”. Dinner at hotel.
Titanic City Hotel
|
|
April 24 |
Istanbul After breakfast, enjoy a full day guided tour of
all the famous sights. First stop is the
Hippodrome, site of political activities and chariot races
of Constantinople. Then visit the legendary Blue Mosque, the
most famous religious site with 6 minarets and magnificent Iznik
titles. From here walk to Hagia Sophia, the first and largest
church built in 325AD by Constantine the Great with exquisite
moziacs.
In the afternoon we visit the imperial
Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans and their
harems for 400 years from the 15th century. See the
worlds richest porcelain collection from the Ming Dynasty,
emeralds the size of baseballs and the huge Spoonmaker Diamond
in the treasury. Last stop is the grand Bazaar, a 15th
century labyrinth of over 4300 tiny shops. Each quarter has
it’s trade such as Goldsmith St., Carpet St., Leather St., etc.
If time permits, visit the nearby Spice bazaar where the aromas
of countless exotic spices fill the air.
Istanbul’s nightline never sleeps. Pool clubs with swanky
swimming pools are the new thing or popular cafes that line the
Boshorus. Dinner at hotel.
Titanic City Hotel
|
|
April 25 |
Early morning transfer to airport for the region
of
Cappadocia, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into our cave
hotel
Goreme Kaya for 2 nights! There is so much to do here with
hot air balloons, horse riding, bikes and spas.
Here is a moonscape of bizarre geological
formations that were created by volcanoes and wind. It looks
like a Salvador Dali painting come to life. Christians needed
to protect themselves from invaders of Asia Minor. They dug out
subterranean cities to hide in as well as elaborate churches and
monasteries in the caves. You’ll get incredible photos of this
World Heritage Site. Dinner at hotel.
Goreme Kaya Cave Hotel
|
|
April 26 |
Before
touring today, you can opt for an early morning hot air balloon
flight over Cappadocia for amazing photos. A full day tour into
the underground cities of living rock. These cities built by
early Christians spirals down 7 stories which held tens of
thousands of people. In the Goreme Valley, see churches with 10th
century frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. Visit the
“fairytale chimneys” and multi-level monastery of Zelve Valley.
Later tour the scenic villages of Uchisar, Avanos and Urgup.
The entire area is a virtual open-air museum. Dinner at hotel.
Goreme Kaya Cave Hotel
|
|
April 27 |
Today depart early for
Pamukkale. We drive through the lush countryside following
the ancient Silk Road of the
 13th
century caravans. We stop to visit Konya on a plateau at an
altitude of 3380 feet. This is the spiritual center of Turkey
where the Dervish sect began and one of the oldest cities in the
world – 7000bc. Visit the Museum and Mausoleum of Melvana, founder
of this Sufi sect of Islam. See an authentic Whirling Dervish
performance. Dervishes believe the state of our existence is
always revolving.
We end our day in Pamukkale at
Hotel Lycus River. Swim in the thermal mineral springs of
Pamukkale, which means “Cotton Castle.” See enormous basins of
water deep in the earth, each terraced in glistening white
rock. Calcium deposits from hot water run over the dazzling
cliffs like waterfalls frozen in time. Dinner at hotel.
Hotel Lycus River
|
|
April 28 |
This morning we tour the archeological site of
Hierapolis,
a city that was built for its rich waters. See the Temple of
Apollo, a breathtaking theater, Roman baths and the biggest
Necropolis (graveyard) of the ancient world.
From here we coach to
Antalya, a cosmopolitan resort on the Turkish Riviera, where
we spend 2 nights. Check into Antalya Hotel with its private
beach and great location. Late afternoon enjoy a walking tour
of Antalya’s fabulous Old Town and some of Turkey’s best
shopping.
Antalya sits on a beautiful Mediterranean cresent
bay surrounded by the Toros Mountains. It was once called
Antioch where Marc Anthony and Cleopatra came to relax. Nearby
are rustic fishing villages and Tarsus, birth place of St.
Paul. Dinner at hotel.
Antalya Hotel
|
|
April 29 |
We provide you with a free day to enjoy the many
leisure activities. Swim the turquoise beaches, shop posh
boutiques, enjoy Turkish coffee and desserts at seaside cafes,
visit the Antalya and Mosaic Museums, the Cave of Luke or relax
at the hotel.
boat cruise along the coast to the
famous
Duden Waterfalls and
tour to ancient Perge where Paul preached
his first sermon and
Roman city of Aspendos with the best preserved Roman
theaters in the world. It has 15,000 seats and still hosts
events today.
Dinner at hotel.
|
|
April 30 |
After breakfast, transfer to airport for your
flight home via Istanbul to JFK |
|
