Above: The massive-yet-elegant Hagia Sophia. Originally a Christian Basilica built by Roman Emperor Julian, it was converted to a mosque in the 1400's after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople.
BACK2BACK: LETS GO! ONWARD TO ISTANBUL, TüRKIYE! |
Steps: 12,910
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WHATS IN A NAME?
Is it Turkey or Türkiye? Turkish people have called their country Türkiye since 1923 when the Ottomon Empire fell and the Turkish Republic was formed. In 2021, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pushed for the name by launching a global rebranding campaign. He asked the rest of the world to embrace his country's original name, not the anglicized version: Turkey. "Türkiye is the best representation and expression of the Turkish people's culture, civilization and values," he said at the time. *NPR Story by Juliana Kim |
BACK2BACK PART TWO: THE BEST OF TüRKIYE IN 13 DAYS
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Our Best of Türkiye Top Five (highlight reel at left)
Pre-Tour Prep Ideas
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Let us Sleep. Acra Hotel, Istanbul (3 nights)
Let us Savor.
FUN FACT! A Minute for Minarets The number of minarets on a mosque tells something about it's origin and status. We learn: 1 Minaret = The mosque was built by a wealthy patron 2 Minarets = The mosque was built by royalty (There are no 3 minaret mosques!) 4 Minarets = The mosque was built by a Sultan out of his own treasury 6 Minarets = The mosque was built by the state |
While enjoying dinner with Kim at the Blue House Restoran,
the 8:30 call to evening prayer issues in succession between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. |
TOUR DAY 1: WELCOME TO TüRKIYE |
Steps 15,937
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SAY "MERHABA" TO TAYLAN!
Taylan has been leading tours in Turkey for over 20 years. He grew up in Bodrum on Turkey's southwestern coast. When he's not leading Rick Steves Tours, he can be found spending time with his son at Camel Wrestling matches (it's for real!). Listen to Taylan talk to Rick about Turkish politics on Rick Steves' Radio Program 404 TRY THIS! Take a sensory snapshot! Here is a travel practice that we've used for many years. In any given moment stop and take a sensory snapshot! What do you SEE? Close your eyes. What do you HEAR? What do you SMELL? What do you TASTE? What do you FEEL? Giving yourself the gift of slowing down to pay attention - even if only for a minute - will enrich each amazing experience. Try it! |
TOUR DAY 2: EXPLORING ISTANBUL |
Steps: 20,593
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TOUR DAY 3: BOSPHORUS CRUISING AND ANKARA |
Steps: 5,252 (Türkiye is big, and this was a "bus" day)
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Let us Sleep. Occidental Hotel Ankara Barbaros, Ankara (1 night)
Let us Go See.
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SAY "MERHABA" TERRY AND DAVOUD!
From the Pacific Northwest, Terry and Davoud are enthusiastic travel explorers and photographers - you'll always find them with several kinds of cameras and, their images are beautiful. They have been on six Rick Steves Tours: Best of Europe in 21 Days, Best of Spain in 14 Days, Best of Sicily in 11 Days, Athens and the Heart of Greece in 14 Days, Best of Turkey in 13 Days, and Best of Munich, Salzburg & Vienna in 8 Days. What we love about Rick Steves Tours: I loved all of the Turkey Tour especially the mosques, Kapadokya (including the hot air balloon ride) and Antayla. For me, though, all of the historical places are the most important, I live for the historical facts and ancient architecture! My favorite part of RS tours is having guides that are always well educated, share the history and cultural information, and be there to acclimate you to new cities. Favorite Rick Steves Tour: My Favorite is still Greece! Best Travel Tip: My advice would be typical of Rick Steves...arrive at least a day early, pack very light, wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. In Turkey, especially, watch where you're walking and go carefully, there are hidden steps (in buildings) and rough terrain. We always arrive at least two days in advanced, and being retired, we stay an extra week or so after. Next Big Travel Adventure: In May we'll be taking the Best of England in 14 Days tour. |