Just strolling down and looking for a holiday after my schengan visa was rejected. I came across a women group https://jugni.co.in/ that has the departure dates rightly within my holiday period.
Turkey was in my bucket list from a long time and finally I was super excited to see the beautiful country.
I took direct flight from Mumbai to Istabnul, though Indigo doesn’t meet any intl flight standard this suits my time and money so I went with it.
Day 1 The whole group landed by 10am Turkish time. We headed direct to hotel and went to Takshim square for lunch. It was just 100m from our hotel, the street was filled with food, desserts, clothes and what not. The street has a lively vibe, the iconic tram would pass by every now and then.
We found a small open café in between the lanes with Turkish music and off course Doner kebab. We retired to our rooms to get energized for the evening stroll. The streets are full of pottery, music and painting articles, souvenirs, walked till the Galata Tower, sat under the umbrella street to sip on Turkish tea and berry cheesecake.
Post Dinner at the Indian restro we called it a day.
Day 2 The day started with scrumptious breakfast spread, we headed to Topkapi Palace. Beautiful garden spread across the Sea of Marmara, the interior and exterior is decorated with beautiful tile work and gold plating. The view of the strait was beautiful with whole city as backdrop. The garden was full of Tulips and springs blooms. Walk away was Hagia Sophia, we covered over heads and headed inside to see the illuminated beauty. The sea green carpet was complimenting the work on the wall. Blue Mosque was closed for renovation, we only stopped to get some photos clicked. Next we headed to Spice Market but first it was lunch time and place outside the market was full of kebabs corner, we choose one and ordered Lamb kebab and Pida. The best kebab I would ever eat, juicy full of taste. Next we explored the market, the place is full of variety of teas and Turkish delights. And let me tell you the rates are half of what you get in grand bazar.
Started off to airport for our transfer to Cappadocia. Our stay was booked in a cave hotel, it’s an experience in itself to stay at cave made years ago now turned to a luxury hotel.
Day 3 Today we plan to cover Imaginary valley, Underground city, Pigeon valley and Goreme Open museum. The whole city looks like fairy chimneys, beautiful landscape. You can stroll around without blinking the eyes. The place was formed million years ago after the volcanic eruption, it is rich minerals, we visited a precious stone showroom to see the craftmanship.
Sunset from the top of the hotel was mesmerizing with the yellow twinkling lights.
Day 4 Due to the bad weather the hot air was cancelled for the whole week and the only option left was Pamukkale if the weather permits. We saw the Snow capped volcanoes on the way, stopped by in middle of no where to click pictures. We reached Konya was noon, only to realize that there was no food being served due to Ramadan. Konya is the only conservative city in Turkey but our guide found the place for us, we were served one of the best meals of the trip.
We visited Mevlana museum and the house of Rumi, the place is well known for Sufi also called as Dervish. The place was filled with positive energy, the weather was harsh with high winds. We clicked few pictures and rush towards our bus. The hotel was outside the city but in the market. Evening as we decided to take a walk, the first thing we witnessed was a rainbow. The city was peaceful around, we went back for walk post dinner.
Day 5 We have a long drive to Pamukkale today. We drove by the picturesque towns and landscape. The weather was cloudy and about to rain, so the plan to visit the white terrace was postponed to next day. To our surprise as we reached the hotel and what we see is a private Hot spring, rite in the centre of the hotel. Quickly changed and we dipped in to Mud bath, followed by sauna and the jacuzzi in spring water. It was relaxing and all of a sudden the entire fatigue was gone and I was recharged for the upcoming days.
Day 6 The most awaited moment is hear, the Hot air balloon. This was in my bucket list for such a long time. As the balloon inflated and rised, the temp dipped and the scenery was beautiful with everything appearing tiny in size. We flew above the whole area and landed near to our hotel.
Quickly had our breakfast and started off to Kusadasi. As we neared the ancient city of Greek, the Ephesus the weather changed, from sunshine it was windy and black clouds approaching. We walked by the ruins of the old city, the tall pillars and beautiful carvings reminding us of the grand city once it was. Outside the premises there were many shops and food outlets. I ordered Gozleme, the Turkish pancake with the Turkish tea. I loved the presentation of tea, tea is very close to turks, it’s not a drink but an emotion just like us Indians.
By the time we finished the meal, it was heavily raining. Our hotel was 20min drive, we drove along the colorful lined up houses looking hazy in the heavy rains. The hotel was on the bay, the strong currents striking over the platform and making natural fountains. We all rushed to the sight and after seeing the light and thunder play retired to our rooms.
Day 7 Today we drive to one of the prettiest city of Turkey, Canakkale. We drove along the sea coast and reached Troy. The wooden horse was gifted to the city after the movie was shot.
Evening we strolled around the bay area with yachts and cruise parked on the coast. Witnessed a beautiful sunset, the place has a European vibes with cobblestone paths and open places for food and drinks.
Day 8 Today we drive back to Istanbul for the last two days in Turkey. The heavy traffic on the roads , we took 1.5 hrs to reach hotel after touching Istanbul. We checked in and ran to the Grand Bazar, only to get scammed first by cab driver and then the shops. The cab driver first charged us double of standard fare and then dropped us 1km before and we have to find our way in the crowds. The shops in grand bazar are overly priced and the place is only to view and not to shop. While returning we didn’t get the cab due to heavy traffic and have to walk 2km uphill. Tired but we have the Bosporus cruise lined up.
We again walked down to the shores to hop on our private yacht and sail along the shores. The city in the twilight looks amazing with the Asian and the European sides. It was an unmissable experience, sailing along the waves. The weather was getting colder and with high winds it was freezing. We dined in an Indian restaurant and some went out clubbing on Takshim.
Day 9 Today marked the last day in Istanbul and there was lot to shop. Post breakfast we check out and went straight to Takshim. It was 11.30pm and shops were opening up. There are lot of small lanes with vendors selling souvenirs and I found the perfect Dervish statue to take home, also bought fridge magnet, borek, Turkish tea and delights, huge pomegranate for my parrot and baklava. You go little down hill and there were churches, one of them has the same painting as I saw in Goreme Open museum. I had last day of Doner kebab with the Turkish tea and then the ice-cream.
With beautiful memories and new friends, we started for airport. Turkey is indeed a beautiful place with history, beaches, different terrains, each day has a new scenery and every city different vibes. The trip has been amazing and certainly the one I will return back to.
Thanks to Jugni for such a fun filled trip.
