Turkey Tips

tobeeornot · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 2

Hi,

I'm planning a holiday in Turkey in June for two weeks in June and was hoping for tips and suggestions from some of you hardened travellers in gumtree land. I was thinking of spending 3 days in Istanbul and the rest of my time exploring some of the provincial regions. I quite like being active during a holiday rather than lazing on a beach, so bear that in mind if you reply. I was also wondering whether any of you think that 'bird flu' is a concern whilst being in Turkey?

Cheers! Laughing

Guest · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 3:18 pm Post subject:

hi!
turkey is great, having been lots of times.the far east should be avoided as this is where bird flu is most prevalent.
places like oludeniz on the southern med coast are best for activity and relax holidays[recommend para-gliding and a gulet trip around the coast[
have fun over there!
regads,
dave mackenzie

slave2her · Guest

You should definately try get down to Pamukale - it's a town that has two attractions: the calcium terraces and the ruins of Hieropolis. Mineral rich waters have been trickling over the terraces and leaving behind their calcium deposits for years. The white cliffs almost resembles icicles. It is quite amazing to see this in such an arid region. Very beautiful!

Guest · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:43 am Post subject:

Hi there, I went to Turkey for a couple of weeks last year, liked it so much that i am heading back in August. Istanbul is an amazing city, so beautiful. And from what i saw, the rest of the country is just as amazing. Anyway, i dont think the bird flu is a real threat. Id be more worried about the traffic. Just take it easy and have a fantastic time!

turkey specialist · Guest

bird flu is no problem first outbreak was months ago in eastern turkey along the border.
due to raw meat being eaten and having the chickens in the house.
if you are looking for touring turkey we specialise in tours of turkey and city breaks in istanbul and have the main office in istanbul but our uk office is burton on trent
0870 0860 222
colin

Guest · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:14 pm Post subject:

hi turkey is brill place travel by coach in turkey is safe reasonably cheap and safe try pammukale or varan from the bus station where are u staying in istanbul try a ferry boat from europe side over to uskadar very olde world in izmir torbali is good friendly cheap and is easy to travel on from to marmaris kusadasi look if u need more help e mail me or call me on 09852244964

Guest · Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 4:09 am Post subject:

Hi dear:
Im turkish guy with britsh citizenship from london, I go to Turkiye 5 time s a year. U knw bird flu is even in scodland now but all over the world only risk is dead bird, otherwase even if u eat flu bird after 70c cook (this mean any cook) nothing happens. this exem for all over of world. Anyway after istanbul U can go to Canakkale (anzac place or real truva at there). Other one nice one is Kapadokya. Biggest cafe of world.and natural pyramids.. pamukkale is nice. near to pamukkale Efes antic city. one of the best 7 or word. Near to there goldensan(altinkum) with Didyma that is other one of the 7 of world. historical Snake hair peoples..Also u can visit Grave of Cristmas father. if u have any question u can write to me. If u don't enjoy, I will pay your ticket promise. johnhill753@hotmail.com

bex · Guest

Turkey's awesome, you'll love it. I was surprised at how safe I felt there, and how everything was so easy to organise, everyone's so friendly and helpful. One hint: use clean free toilets whenever you can - I once had to spend god knows how much for the most disgusting one i've ever seen!!

Megs · Guest

Hi,
Where do I start...
I lived in Turkey for over six months last year and have returned another 6 times since. I am addicted to the place, I've never met such friendly people (they take customer service to the extreme!), the natural beauty & amazing ruins are very impressive, but we all have different experiences...
I would definitely recommend the following; Istanbul for at least 4 days taking a day trip on the bospherous, exploring Karakoy, Princes Island, Blue Mosque, Domabache Palace, Grand Bazar, etc...
As an Australian, I really got a lot out my visit to Galliopoli, tragic to see but meant a lot personally.
Selcuk is a great town to meet Turkish people, learn some language and culture before you set off down the coast and a fair few young expats live there too. You can also see Efesus ruins there, the Library is definitely worth seeing.
I've been to Pummakale but wasn't impressed at all and I've heard stories from people who have either felt the same or loved it.
Fetiye is just a tourist town and so many British living there. However nearby; Saklikent Gorge is great to explore, so is the Ghost Town, Karakoy.
Apart from that, the best thing about Fetiye is leaving it by Gulet for a 4 day cruise, which I know sounds too touristy, but I've been on at least 6 cruises now and I am still amazed by all the new things I see each time, like sunken villages, caves, Lycian Tombs, plus there is the chance to go for hikes, parasail, ski, swim in the middle of the ocean, fish, eat great food, sleep under the stars, stop at some great places for drinks or sight seeing like Butterfly Valley, Oluneniz, Kekova, etc. I'm from Queensland Coast and I've never seen water that colour, plus fantastic photo opportunities, if you're into that. The Gulets have so much character too.
Kas is my favourite place in Turkey and the Mavi bar has become my mecca, watch the sign language between the bar staff, geez, I could write a book about it!! The DJ is incredible, so to is Murat, Erkan & Bilo. The people (and animals) make everyone feel at home in this delightful village type town.
Olympos is unbelieveable and gets to the point where you have to literally force yourself to leave, so if you're into good food and relaxing allow youself heaps of time here. Chimera flames are worth the 10YTL, bus ride & half hour uphill walk at night (take a torch & wear good shoes), wandering through the many ruins lining the beach can take a couple of days too. The Orange Bar is worth going to just for the view when you get inside, Kadirs is a top night out too, Saban's pension has the best food though.
Goreme is great, very mystical. A full day trip is recommended as it takes ages to get around to all the sites such as Underground City & the lookout for Fairy Chimmneys. Hiking through these areas is good and you're bound to meet some interesting people. A balloon ride (expensive) but so worth it for the view.
Unfortunately that's all I've seen so far, but I've big plans to head to Eastern Turkey next year on the back of a motor bike with a Turkish friend.
Re. the bird flu, I was there in March, February & November and I've never given it a second thought as it's all over Europe and close to home (in Asia).
As for safety, as you know you have to be careful where ever you are, but I honestly feel safer in Turkey than in London.
Have a fantastic trip!!