Making the best family trip in Turkey in 12 days
As a traveler from Ecuador, this was my first overseas adventure and Istambul in destination from a long 5-month trip to Asia and Europe.
The truth is I had no expectations at all about Turkey, we started planning our trip many months in advance with my family, and each member had a destination planned, so it was a surprise for all of us when a member of the family was "hosting" a destination. By the way, I think that has been the smartest possible way to arrange such a long trip and make the best out of it. Turkey is an open country for almost every passport, this means you don't need a visa to get in the country, which already makes it traveler-friendly.
Things I wish I knew before getting there:
Religion: The predominant religion in Turkey is Islam, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. However, Turkey is a secular state with freedom of religion, and you will find a diverse mix of religious practices and places of worship, including mosques, churches, and synagogues.
Currency: The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas.Public Transport: Istanbul has an extensive public transport network, including buses, trams, metro lines, and ferries. You can also always use Uber for better fares.Internet Speed: most of the places had great internet and I had no problem working and having meetings in our hotel (a great location for all these attractions.
Food: Get ready to try the most delicious healthy food you will ever try! Turkey offers a diverse and rich culinary experience that is both delicious and healthy. When traveling in Turkey, be open to trying new foods and flavors; you won't be disappointed!
We started in Istambul, the capital of Turkey. It is a beautiful city that is very safe and, overall, very friendly. Everything was so new for me, especially the Muslim culture. We stayed in Istambul for 4 days, which for me was enough to cover all the attractions and places to visit while you are there. Here is a list of places to visit for sure when you get to Istambul:
What to do?
1. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
2. Topkapi Palace (Topkapı Sarayı)
3. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)4. Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı)5. Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı)6. Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)7. Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)8. Take a boat ride through the Bosforus stretch
9. Walk through the colorful Balaat neighborhood.
* Traveler TIP:
When visiting mosques in Istanbul, it's important to dress appropriately out of respect for local customs and religious practices. Here are some guidelines:Bring Your Own Scarf: Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads.
Avoid Shorts and Short Skirts: Both men and women should wear long pants or skirts.
Cover Your Shoulders: Ensure your shoulders are covered at all times.Most mosques have specific dress codes, and visitors who do not adhere to these rules may not be allowed entry. As respectful travelers, it's our responsibility to honor and respect these beliefs and customs.
You can do all of these activities in batches because some of them are close. So you could do these 3 activities in one day + having lunch around the areas.Day 2 (after you arrive in Istambul)
Day 3:
Day 4:
From Istambul to Capadoccia.
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