We had heard many wonderful things about Turkey – its beautiful beaches, amazing sights and friendly people – however, only after experiencing a holiday there, did we realize why people keep returning – year after year.

We had made a choice between several cheap international flights and finally decided on one going to Bodrum airport, from where we carried on straight away with a coach to Kusadasi, our final destination.

Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a resort town on Turkey’s Aegean coast, popular with day trippers as well as holiday makers.

The streets are bustling with people, and even walking from the beach to your hotel can be an assault to your senses, as the smells and sounds are so different and exotic.

For those who love bargaining, this place is heaven – you can find some amazing handicrafts and jewelry, as well as dirt cheap rip-offs – but one thing is for sure, it’s impossible to leave this place without having bought something..!

We spent most of our days sunbathing at the different beaches, and our favorite was Ladies’ Beach, a very popular beach with an interesting history.

Between the days of sunbathing at the different beaches along the coast and stuffing ourselves with Turkish food in the taverns, we took some day trips to explore the surrounding area…

Ephesus

Not to far from Kusadasi is Ephesus - it is the best preserved ancient city in the Mediterranean region built on a small hill and one of Turkey’s top sights.

It is hard to describe the feeling while walking along that archaeological site, looking at the remnants of the famous library, the grand theatre and the “Church of Virgin Mary”.

The famous footprint which points in the direction of the brothel is also a classic not to be missed.

Pamukkale

Going to Turkey without visiting Pamukkale would be a big mistake - you can see pictures of the place, but nothing can be compared to live experience of this unique natural wonder.

It is known for its perfectly white travertines , the ancient city Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s own spa – to have a swim in her own bathroom you have to pay extra, but you can enjoy some beautiful small ponds with clean and slightly blue water for free.

A Quick Tip…

If you decide to visit Kusadasi, or any other city in Turkey, be prepared for a slightly strange traffic jam, where the rules are set by the vehicle with the noisiest honk.

Dolmuses or mini buses are the easiest way to get around the city – you just need to wave and they will stop wherever you are.

After spending 11 days in Turkey, we were more than satisfied with our choice but also very aware that this country has so much more to offer and that is the reason enough for us to go back again.

Jeremy Haze is a blogger and a travel enthusiast, as well as marketing consultant for CruiseAbout – for more information on the benefits this company has to offer you can visit: www.cruiseabout.com.au

(photo credits: 1 - 2 )

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Istanbul was a place full of crazy experiences, and just like in Asia, you can walk outside the door and five minutes later be somewhere completely different than first planned.

Istanbul was a city with surprises around every corner, from shoe shiners with their beautifully designed shining copper tool box to people selling water melon from wooden wheelbarrows.

Getting lost in bazaars and spice markets, sipping tea from dusk til dawn and walking aimlessly through cobble stoned side streets was something I would gladly have done for weeks on end …

To read more about our time in Istanbul, make sure you check out:

• Istanbul, Turkey – Where West Meets East

We hope you enjoyed our Istanbul video, and stay tuned for at least 1 new video every week – Next stop Romania!

(Our Istanbul Episode was Sponsored by InterRail & Big Apple Hostel)

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Istanbul is more than just geographically located in both Europe and Asia, their whole culture is a mixture of both.

The city felt very different from Europe, and I could see why the nearby Balkan countries had become so influenced by the Turkish culture; there was something so captivating about everything.

The rug shops, the glimmering mosaic lamps, the Turkish tea being served everywhere and the chanting from the mosques several times a day made you feel like you were in a whole different part of the world.

Istanbul is a tourism hot spot. Bus loads of tour groups visit everyday, you see hands sticking up with umbrellas and flags to guide their groups from their hotels everywhere, and the harbor is frequented by cruises every morning and evening.

Perhaps we noticed it so much because it was such a contrast from the previous countries we had been to.

But the great thing about Istanbul was that the city had adapted so well to tourism.

They know exactly how to butter up the tourists, but at the same time they are not pretending to be something they’re not, and they don’t change their habits, culture and goods to please you.

What you see in the shops is what you see in their homes. The handicrafts, rugs, and water pipes is what they prefer themselves, the Turkish pop music or traditional live bands you hear and see is what they listen to themselves, not a show for tourists (although they do know that it’s appreciated).

Istanbul was a place full of experiences, and just like in Asia, you could walk outside the door and five minutes later be somewhere completely different than first planned.

Istanbul was a city full of surprises around every corner, from shoe shiners with their beautifully designed shining copper tool box to people selling melons from wooden wheelbarrows.

Getting lost in bazaars and spice markets, sipping tea from dusk til dawn and walking aimlessly through cobble stoned side streets was something I would gladly have done for weeks …

While they had preserved their traditions, they were in many ways very modern.

For example it has the cleanest and most modern trams I’ve seen, which run next to boys dragging wooden carts of fruit and nuts down the streets.

That’s the best way I can describe how East meets West in this city – modern mixes with old-fashioned, like pet food mixes with Egyptian spices in the spice market.

It’s all mixed up in a big melting pot of culture and we LOVED it!

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Turkey has many associations, all different depending on who you ask. Some think of crazy partying and beach life, others think of ancient theaters and exotic belly dancers.

I have visited Turkey several times, and it offers so much for many types of people, from newly-weds looking for romantic honeymoons – to the crazy adventurer, and the lazy beach lover.

Whatever you’re looking for, you can probably find here; history, nature and culture are all mixed together.

When you search for turkey holidays online you find some of the most amazing pictures - from amazing crystal clear water, long stretching beaches, romantic restaurants and beautiful nature.

The typical tourist hubs Alanya and Antalya makes it possible to be in Turkey wihtout really realising it, but if you’re looking for more than fake label clothes and cheap “fish bowl” drinks, you don’t have to travel very far to experience the real Turkey.

History

If you want to see some of the most impressive remnants of Turkey, I really recommend a visit to Ephesus.

Ephesus is the best preserved ancient city in the Mediterranian, and you can really get a feel for the way they used to live.

Established in 6000 BC, the city was built around a temple, and in the 1st century BC it was the second largest city in the world.

Ephesus has a really interesting history, and it’s fascinating walking around the ancient remnants of the library, temples, theater, latrine and even brothel!

Adventure

If you’re looking for some adventure holidays, there is a place about half an hour from Ephesus where you can try sky diving for a reasonable price.

However, one of the most fun adventure things to do in Turkey is, in my opinion, white water rafting.

There are plenty of places to do this, and you can choose yourself where you want to go depending on how dangerous you want the ride.

The rafting here varies on a scale from 3 to 5.

Culture

A night at a restaurant with Turkish belly dancing show will definitely be a memorable one.

Turkish belly dancing is influenced by Arabs and Egyptians, although the Turkish style is much more playful.

In Turkey they’re known for their energetic, athletic style – and for having very revealing costumes…

But really, these women can move in ways few people can, to a difficult but rythmic beat using finger cymbals, and if you’re a girl who loves all things of glamour and glitter, you’ll love their outfits!

Another way to experience the Turkish culture and traditions is to try a traditional Turkish bath / Hamam – it’s similar to a sauna, but more related to the ancient Roman bathing practices.

They even have these cushions exfoliating your skin with foam, splashing hot and cold water over your body – what fun!

(photo credit: TimoAndDog – jefield – kev_hickey_uk – KAZ2.0)

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