Turkey Travel Forum

Hello everyone,

I will have 3-4 hour lay over in Istanbul. I will arrive at 9:30am and leave at 1pm. Is there anything I could do besides sitting at the airport?

Thank you

Is it possible to see the Whirling Dirvishes in Konya in May? If so where do I get information on performances. Thanks, Diane

I'm looking for the best way to get from Trabzon to somewhere that I can get on the train to Istanbul. Some people recommend going from Trabzon to Kars and getting the train there. But Kars is east of Trabzon, the exact opposite direction from Istanbul. Why would people go to Kars to get the train? It looks like Sivas would be a better connection point! Wouldn't it make more sense to go Trabzon-Sivas-Istanbul, not Trabzon-Kars-Istanbul?

How much should I expect to pay for a taxi from the port to ephesus entrance and back? Is the taxi ride per person or metered or standard fare?

How much do the tour guides at the entrance gates charge?

I understand there is no bus option from the port to ephesus...

thanks,

just wondering if anyone could help me?????

iv been seaerchinf for the name of place that situated about 30 to 40 mins metro ride from the sultanahmet area. this place that i have been looking for have wholesalers or warehouses that can sell you designer clothes etc for a cheaper price than what you can get from the grand bazar. this is if you buy in bulks. does any one know anything of this. thanks

Where else can I see Sema ceremonies in Turkey apart from commercial ones, made for tourist like in Istanbul and Konya. I prefer soemthing more natural (I believe) , or more realistic (?) like in Bursa.
Are there any places at Black See area? Or other places in Western Turkey?

We will be traveling to Trabzon by bus from Georgia and are seeking clean budget accommodations for 3. A small guest house would be great. Any recommendations?

What is the best way to get around and see the sights? Can you get around sufficiently by bus. Any suggestions for local driver/guide?

are there any bars with quiz nights or entertainment?thx

Hi,

I will be in Avylik on November 25 and would like
to visit Lebos Island (Greece), staying there for
a night

Will there be ferry service at that time and what are
be the recommended accomodations on the Island? Also, I'm travelling
with a U.S. Passport - is there any visa requirement?

Thanks very much,

Richard

Hi,

I will be travelling to Istanbul November 21-30 for the first time
(very excited :)!) and want to go on a excursion to Avylik from Istanbul
on November 25-26 by taking the high-speed ferry to Bandirma then renting
a car there and drive to Avylik ..

How often does the ferry goes to Bandirma from Istanbul and is there any issue that I need to be aware of with my itirenary?

Thanks very much for your insights!

Best, Richard
Washington, DC

Dear travelers,

It has been raining since morning and we are reluctant to live the villa to go for dinner to the local restaurants. Do you know if there is a good Turkish take away in Kalkan?

Many thanks,
Olga

Can anyone suggest if 18 months old baby can undergo asthma treatment in Alanya's famous cave. And what is a good place - hotel or apartment- to stay during this treatment. What hotels or apartments are hear the cave. Thank you!

3 of us going to be in Istanbul for this match, we will have to rely on touts to buy a ticket. A, What is the chances of thier being black market tickets available and B, If they are generaly available how much should we expect to pay?. We will be looking to be in the Fenerbahce area of the stadium. Any help greatly appreciated.

Hi I know there is a bus from the international airport to Antalya Otogar, it's very comfortable, fast and much cheaper than a taxi - but does anyone know whether it departs from outside International terminal 1, International Terminal 2, or Domestic terminal? Fast response appreciated as I'm flying in on Thursday. I do know that most employees at the airport don't know of it (or didn't when I was last there)

Thank you

I am planing to go at the beginning of Nov 1 week in Belek - Hotel Belek Beach Resort. Because we will spend 3 full days at the hotel I am thinking to rent one car in order to visit the area around Belek.
Would be nice if you can advise about the following questions:
1. Have anybody been before in this hotel? Comments. We have booked only bed&breakfast. Do you know which are the prices of foods and beverages in this hotel? Because have the possibility of change the status to half/full board.
2. How we can move from the hotel to Belek? (public transport..... prices...)
3. Can you recommend one car rental company and prices?
4. Things to do and special recommendations.. (restaurants, places to visit..)

Tks again for yr help on this.
Best regards,
Guillem.

Hi
Thinking of coming to Istanbul for New Year (30th December - 2nd January). Would this be a good time to visit? Will many of the 'attractions' be open? and where's best area to stay?

Many Thanks

Mike

I am looking for some or any vendors that were selling women's embroidered boots in the Grand Bazaar. My sister saw mine and liked them. I want to get her a pair for Christmas. They are colorful and just below the knee. I would be happy to have a phone number or address. Thanks!

We will be in Istanbul October 31st to November 3rd and would very much like to go to the dinner show either at Sultana's or Orient House on Sunday, November 1st or Monday, November 2nd. I know, touristy, but fun! Do you have any suggestions about which has a better show? Right now I am thinking about going to Sultana's show, but I have heard so much about the Orient House, even though it is more expensive, I am considering switching. I am really confused! Perhaps I am over thinking this.

Do you have any thoughts or suggestions to pass on. We look forward to our stay in Istanbul. We leave in 2 weeks - can't wait.

As always, I thank you. I am so appreciative of advice I get here in the forum.

Laura, AKA Purple Queen

We need to travel from Izmir to Istanbul and the end of a tour next year and are considering the train. Can someone tell me how this trip is? How long? Cost? how was the train? I understand that the last portion is VIA ferry. How is the connection, ferry ride, etc.? Appreciate any input from fellow travelers who have done this train trip. Jim

Hi

If i had to choose between izmor or antalaya - what should it be?

this is the first of many upcoming questions :-)

Hello again.
I am planing to go at the beginning of Nov 1 week in Belek - Hotel Belek Beach Resort. Becaquse we will spend 3 full days at the hotel I am thinking to rent one car in order to visit the area around Belek.
Would be nice if you can advise about the following questions:
1. Have anybody been before in this hotel? Comments. We have booked only bed&breakfast. Do you know which are the prices of foods and beverages in this hotel? Because have the possibility of change the status to half/full board.
2. How we can move from the hotel to Belek? (public transport..... prices...)
3. Can you recommend one car rental company and prices?
4. Things to do and special recommendations.. (restaurants, places to visit..)

Tks again for yr help on this.
Best regards,
Guillem.

Hi, im going to turunc with my boyfriend in 9 days. ive been reading your forum on the shopping. do you know if i can get decent ugg boots out their, if they are fake, i want them to be perfect copies. Also pandora jewellery???
Cheers.
from sharon x

I am looking into renting a car for one leg of our trip. We'd like to pick it up at the airport in Izmir and return it to the airport in Denizli. I'm having a hard time finding many places that will allow this. So far, it looks like Avis has this option, but they are quite expensive. Another place, antalyacarrental.net, is much cheaper, but since it is a local company I don't know anything about them (reliability, quality of cars, etc.). Has anyone heard of this car rental company? Is it good? Any other suggestions? Also, are diesel and gas both readily available at most stations in Turkey or is one easier to find than the other? Thanks!

I will be arriving in Selcuk a day before (afternoon) and will do a ephesus day tour the next day before evening bus to Pamukkale. I have checked around and the only bus that go straight to Pamukkale (not Denizli) is Ege Koop which depart at 4.30pm. Is there enough time for me to see around by 4pm and if not , is there any other bus that goes to pamukkale ( or denzili).

What is the cost of taking a cab from the cruise ship dock to the Blue Mosque?

our Holy LAnd cruise will end in Stanbul, Turkey.
1. Do we need a Visa to walk around and to fly out of Turkey?
2. We have about 5 hours lay over, any suggestion of must see place(s)in Turkey?
Please advise and Thank you very much

Me again...still trying to finalize our itinerary and would like a little help. I have the first and last parts figured out, but would like some help with the middle - days 6-7. We'll be there late November in case that changes anyone's thoughts.

Day 1 - Arrive in Istanbul (wasted day due to jet lag)
Day 2 - Tour Isatanbul
Day 3 - Early morning flight to Cappadocia (probably stay in Goreme)
Day 4 - Goreme
Day 5 - Mid-day fight to Izmir (visit Ephesus in the afternoon; overnight Selcuk)
Day 6 - TBD
Day 7 - TBD
Day 8 - Tour Istanbul
Day 9 - Morning flight home.

I'm thinking one of these options for days 6-7 (we're planning to rent a car)

Option 1:

Day 6 - Drive to Pamukkale and stay there overnight
Day 7 - Drive to Antalya - catch the 8 pm flight to Istanbul

Option 2:

Day 6 - Tour Selcuk and surrounding area (overnight in Selcuk)
Day 7 - Drive to Pamukkale - 8 pm fight to Istanbul

I guess my question is whether it would be better to have a more leisurly stay in Selcuk or if it would be worth the extra drive time (and time spent missing Selcuk) to see Antalya - maybe it's not even worth going there if we only have an afternoon to spend there. If anyone has comments about the rest of the schedule, that'd be great too!

Which public libraries in the Istanbul area have Audio CD collections (in Turkish music, or general World/instrumental music) for opening, and listening inside the library?

Thanks

p.s. I won't have a library card, I hope it's ok.

I'm a little unsure on the route I should follow after leaving Istanbul? My options are:

1) taking a bus to Iznik, then Bursa (as I've heard it's a scenic ride, and not so lengthy - Is it really true it's a scenic ride?

2) ferry to Bandirma, and bus connection to Cannakale, or direct bus connection to Cannakale (from Istanbul) - only reason I could think for doing this is getting to Aegean sea - nearby to turkish islands Gökçeada, and bozcaada, but after looking at pictures of these islands online, and the mountain Kazdagi, I'm not TOO impressed with the landscape scenery, and breathing photography near Cannakale (which is what I'm looking for). Also, I am no so interested in history, or archealogy, so I hope that helps you suggect a route connecting Istanbul to Izmir, taking the most beautiful natural, and architectural attractions along the way.

Thanks for helping me...

Hi, I'm looking for second hand used clothing shops in Istanbul area (also Kadikoy, Sisli, etc..). These shops can also be called thrift stores, usually clothes are about 5-20TL, and sometimes shoes as well for about 20-30TL.

Do you the names/locations for these types of stores? There should be many. Please understand I am NOT looking for vintage looking (or other odd clothing). Just regular shirts, pants, winter hats, etc...for the lowest prices possible for Istanbul.

Thanks for any names or addresses you can provide, I appreciate it.