Travelogue: Voyage through Magnificent Historic Turkey
By John Tauro
Bellevision Media Network
Mangaluru, 15 June 2023: Agroup of 20 people from Karnataka, Goa and Maharastra started our trip on May 27, 2023. All the tourists reported at the Chatrapathi Shivaji International Airport. , Mumbai as per the scheduled flight departure time and proceed to Istanbul, a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Upon arrival Veena World Tour Manager would guide all guests for airport formalities and proceed to the city.
Day - 2: Today we visited Trojan Horse statue which is a huge hollow wooden horse constructed by the Greeks to gain entrance into Troy during the Trojan War. Later, we proceeded to Ayvalik - a seaside town on the north western Aegean coast of Turkey.
Day - 3: Today morning we proceeded to Izmir- a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast which was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans and rebuilt by Alexander the Great. Upon arrival we took a photo stop at Izmir Clock Tower - a historic clock tower in Konak Square. We then visited Sirince village-famous for its local grapes and the production of fruit wines. Upon arrival walked through this beautiful village and discovered the local life in a real Turkish village. In the evening we proceeded to Kusadasi- a beach resort town.
Day - 4: Today we visited yet another UNESCO World Heritage site and the cradle of early Christianity- Ephesus. Upon arrival we visited Great Theatre- the most magnificent structure in Ephesus ancient city. It was constructed in Hellenistic period during the third century BC and It took 60 years to complete. Temple of Hadrian- dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian, who came to visit the city from Athens in 128 A.D. Library of Celsus- built in 117 A.D, considered an architectural marvel, and is one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire. Further we visited Textile Outlet- Textile industry is one of the most important sectors in the economy of Turkey in terms of GDP, exports, and employment. We then proceeded to Pamukkale-known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. Here we visited beautiful snow white ’Cotton Castle’- one of the most visited places in Turkey. The word ‘Pamukkale’ means ’cotton castle’ in Turkish. It contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. It is located in Turkey’s Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley. Later, we visited the ancient city of Hierapolis- a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name Hierapolis also means the sacred city. Here we visited its masterpiece theatre.
Day - 5: Today we proceeded to Antalya-a Turkish resort city with a yacht-filled Old Harbor and beaches flanked by large hotels. Upon arrival we walked through Old Town (Kaleici) a maze-like neighbourhood perfect to live and breathe the simple antiquated ambience. Further we visited Perge Excavations a magnificent ancient city invaded by Alexander the Great. Here we visited the theater, stadium and the Roman theatre. In the evening we visited Konyaalt Beach.
Day - 6: Today we proceeded to Cappadocia best known for its moon-like landscape underground cities, Cave Churches and houses in the rocks. Upon arrival we enjoyed whirling dervish show-the part of the Turkish history, tradition, culture and beliefs.
Day - 7: Today we explored Cappadocia city. We visited the famous valleys of Cappadocia like Devrent Valley-also known as Imagination Valley. It was never inhabited by humans There are no rock-hewn churches or ancient castles, nor are there any troglodyte caves or pigeon homes instead. What draws visitors to Devrent valley is the incredible pink hued rock formations and geological anomalies that have been formed by centuries of erosion. Pasabag valley also known as Monk Valley Pasabag contains some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps formations that are unique even for Cappadocial locals refer to them as the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Goreme open air museum the UNESCO World Heritage site which hosts the most important Byzantine cave churches in the world where the monks and nuns pursued monastic life. Kaymakli underground city one of the most famous and the widest underground city of the Cappadocia Kaymakli’s history dates back to Hittites and Phrygians period in the 7th and 8th century B.C. Kaymakli underground city has acted as a safe haven for those fleeing from religious persecution, and it was mainly used by Christians during the Byzantine era for protection from invading Arabs. They estimate that up to 3,500 people once lived here. In the evening, we visited Ceramic Workshop which has been famous for the art work, souvenirs and household utensils all made from the red clay of the Avanos River.
Day - 8: Today we proceeded to Eskisehir - The name Eskisehir literally means ’Old City’ in Turkish. Upon arrival we walked through Odunpazari. The word Odunpazari in Turkish means "wood market" as it is the first residential area of the city. We then visited Sazova Par, a green heaven in the heart of the city. In the evening we enjoy boat ride on the Porsuk river.
Day - 9: Today we proceeded to Istanbul a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Upon arrival, we enjoyed Turkish dinner with show.
Day - 10: Today we visited Topkapi Palace - the largest and oldest palace in the world and the heart, brain and center of the Ottoman Empire, Hippodrome square is also known as Atmeydani (Horse Square). Sultan Ahmet Tsami, popularly known as Blue Mosque a historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles surrounding the walls of the interior design. Hagia Sofia Museum - once the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum. We then experienced the most scenic cruise through the Bosphorous strait - a natural strait and an internationally significant waterway. It forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia. Later, we visited the Grand Bazaar - the largest and oldest covered market in the world. Here, we can shop for famous flavoured Turkish tea, Turkish ceramics, carpets, textiles.
Day - 11: It’s time now to say goodbye! Let’s stay in touch with each other through email, phone, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and meet again on yet another memorable tour.