Archaeologous

Turkey is a A list vacation destination by Archaeologous

Why an Istanbul Vacation? It’s an A List destination says Archaeologous.

Vacationing in Turkey is now an “A LIST “destination.  Whether you are on a Mediterranean cruise that stops in Istanbul for a day tour or you fly in for a week or two. This super chic metropolitan of Istanbul is on the top tier.  It is now “hip” to show off your incredible Turkish treasures from the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, and share stories of your hamam experience of a soap bubble massage in a building 600 years old at the Cemberlitas Hamam .  If you’ve never vacationed in Turkey, you are in for a treat.  If you’ve cruised to Turkey before, then get ready for the transformation she’s gone through. Along besides the ancient part we all love about Istanbul are the most modern shopping centers, nightclubs, and modern museums.

Highlights for most families traveling to Istanbul are the before mentioned Grand Bazaar (men hold onto your wives), the Basilica Cisterns (for that Indiana Jones affect for the kids). Maybe after you’ve walked the walk and taken in as much information as you can hold, a great massage in the will be just the ticket for your whole group, (not if you are pregnant however or have a heart condition).

The food is exquisite and is a holiday destination, for some people, just to experience the blends of Egyptian, Turkish, Greek, Ottoman, Roman, and Syrian techniques. Some people end up at the world famous AlaTurka restaurant which is also a “cooking” school.  Maybe you would like the kind of souvenir that lasts a lifetime. They will give you the recipes. You will be able to get fresh squeezed pomegranate juice, and the best teas, coffees and dessert along every street corner. FYI: street food is safe. Let me know if you’ve had a different experience.

Of course, having a personal guide always seems to help and definitely saves hours of wasted time by being “slightly” lost.  Yes, my wife was right. Maps don’t cut it…. My advice is to get a guide that’s been educated and licensed to know everything about everything Turkish.

Two other (hard to choose between) “must sees” are the amazing Hagia Sophia  and the Blue Mosque (an active place of worship so bring something to cover your head and please don’t take photos of people while they are praying.)

Bosphorus cruise past palaces, day tours by Archaeologous
the Paris of the east, plenty of nightlife-private tours by Archaeologous
Blue Mosque, private guided tours by Archaeologous