TURKEY
An introduction to my Mediterranean cruise with Celebrity Cruises and a taster of the highlights on board and the destinations we visited.
Aya Sofya, Hagia Sophia or, in English, the Church of the Divine Wisdom, is a mighty structure defining the heart and soul of Istanbul, melding the characteristics of a city that crosses time, continent and culture. If you only have time to visit one sight in Istanbul this is it.
A visit to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque one of the ‘must-see’ stops on a trip to Istanbul – including photography of the mosque, tips on when to go, dress code and opening times.
Turkish sweets and confectionery from Turkish Delight to Baklava - Turkey didn’t disappoint when it came to sweet treats and confectionery, some of it too sweet even for me, and that's a first… The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul had stalls piled high with endless varieties of Turkish sweets and sugary scrumptiousness.
How to spend a few days in Bodrum, Turkey. Explore the town's history, take to the water on a gulet, enjoy some fabulous food and shop in the local market.
Resting on a plateau above Pamukkale’s Cotton Castle are the remnants of the ancient town of Hierapolis. With views over the dazzling white travertine terraces and 17 thermal springs, this town has to be home of the original spa break. If you visit Pamukkale I recommend you take a wander through Hierapolis – your trip won’t be complete without it.
Pamukkale means 'Cotton Castle' in Turkish and perfectly describes the white terraces, known as travertines, which tread their way down the Turkish hillside. Each pool is created from startling white limestone deposits filled with water from 17 of the natural hot water springs in the area.
A hike through Love Valley in Goreme, a visit to the evil eye tree and a sting in the tail. Read about our misadventures here...
There’s something about eating outdoors under blue sky on a balmy day that makes the food seem twice as tasty but it was the surprise location of this breakfast that made it so special.
Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is still high up on my list ...
A jittery visit to Derinkuyu an underground city in Cappadocia, Turkey. The city is many floors deep with it's own underground stream and some very narrow passages...
Goreme, town of troglodytes, cave hotels and fairy chimneys was the first stop on our mini tour of Turkey. Located in Cappadocia, Central Anatolia, it sits slap bang in the middle of the country and is home to rock-cut churches adorned with ancient Christian frescoes, underground cities and unique volcanic rock formations and it's where I spent my first night in a fairy chimney...
A mini-tour of Turkey. Caves stays and ballooning in Cappadocia, Hierapolis and the travertines at Pamukkale, Bodrum and Turkey's vibrant capital of Istanbul.
The eerily fascinating Basilica Cistern in Istanbul has kept the city supplied with water since the sixth century. Read about my visit to the 'sunken palace'.
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Wherever I go, I always like to have a guidebook, local phrasebook, and old-school weatherproof map in my backpack.
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