Let’s Talk Turkey
The crossroads of Europe and Asia has never been more inviting for travelers.
Ilove to cook up spirited itineraries for my nomadic travels and Turkey provides delectable key ingredients: ancient history, intriguing culture, and fabulous food. Together, they create the perfect recipe for an engaging Middle Eastern adventure. Over the course of centuries, the capital of Istanbul (once Constantinople) has earned its regional and historical influence. While this city of cities could never be considered a new cruise port, fresh initiatives have contributed to a reemergence of Istanbul as a sought-after destination.
Arriving by cruise ship is always a bonus, but extra days visiting a trio of land-based destinations provide a deeper experience of this fascinating country, perfect for pre- or post-cruise alternatives. My long-held dreams for a visit were conveniently granted by a Turkish Airlines on a non-stop flight from Miami; waking up on arrival in Istanbul was a virtual and literal eye opener, thanks to a restful night’s sleep on the airline’s business-class, flat-bed seat.
With things to see, food to eat, and culture to experience, I hit the ground running and turned to Tura Tourism, one of the largest inbound tour operators serving individuals as well as a majority of cruise guests from visiting ships. What impressed me the most was the guest-centric attitude of the personnel. From the driver to the smiling personality of the private guide, every moment provides the feeling of warm hospitality and expert knowledge. As a general rule, securing this type of elevated service is only available by private arrangement; however, Tura Tourism’s association with many cruise lines provides visitors with top-quality tour alternatives in a secure environment.
The Intrigue of Istanbul
The single most iconic presence in Istanbul is undoubtedly the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque. Constructed in the early 1600s, the interior walls are adorned with 20,000 hand painted Isnik tiles while the exterior is capped off by five main domes, eight secondary domes and six minarets. Bathed in blue lights at night, the mosque creates an absolutely stunning skyline spectacle.
The nearby Hagia Sophia with its Byzantine architecture supporting its massive dome also demands attention. Originally constructed in 537 C.E. as an Eastern Orthodox church, later transformed to a Roman Catholic basilica, and then an Ottoman mosque, it was the world’s largest cathedral for close to one thousand years. Today, it is officially a museum visited by over 3 million people per year.
My addiction to anything cruise-related is satisfied by a 3-hour private cruise up the Bosphorus Strait. This essential waterway is lined with Ottoman-style homes that serve as lifestyle retreats for the city’s affluent sector.
No visit to Istanbul would be complete without experiencing the entertaining drama of the vendors of the famed Grand Bazaar, where bargaining is not only accepted but expected. A heated session in one of the nearby hammams, or Turkish bath houses, is another journey into authenticity — as is a venture through the Topkapı Palace complex, the 15th- century headquarters of the Ottoman Empire.
World- class dining is available throughout the city, but for me the local engagement of eating meze selections is the way to go. These mini-meals consist of an assortment of hot and cold dishes brought out on a tray for diners to choose from. If seafood is your cup of tea, nothing beats the bounty of the Bosphorus, with restaurants across the city serving up freshly caught fish.
Kusadasi and Ephesus
Well-preserved ruins of biblical proportions can be reached in a brief pilgrimage to Ephesus, a short drive from the coastal resort city of Kusadasi. Regardless of religious persuasion, this is an intriguing site, offering insights into the ancient conversion of the Roman Empire and the beginnings of Christianity. All eyes gravitate to the iconic ruins of the Library of Celsus as you creep along the marble and cobblestone streets, which terminate near the Ephesus Theatre, an ancient amphitheater capable of holding over 25,000 spectators. Outside the main complex is the revered House of the Virgin Mary and the fascinating, mosaic-floored Terrace Houses.
Cappadocia, Up and Away
Central Turkey’s appeal to the traveler is dominated by Cappadocia, a region with a fantastic, sci-fi tinged moonscape that, beyond its eerie beauty, serves as a riveting history lesson into the persecution of Christians, first by the Romans and later Muslim raiders. The labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers that lie beneath the surreal fairy chimneys served as a subterranean refuge thousands of years ago. Ingeniously carved cavern chapels with painted frescoes add an intriguing chapter to the history of early Christianity.
The landscape goes back even further in time, a natural attraction of finger-like stone pinnacles that provided homes to Hittite settlers as long ago as 1800 B.C.E. The journey descending into these ancient clandestine communities is as fascinating as it gets, but taking a hot-air balloon tour over the cliffs and valleys elevates the experience to new heights. As the sun rises, dozens of colorful globes ascend over the conical spires, cliffside communities, and desolate valleys that dominate the landscape as far as the eye can see.
Turkiye Balloons has employed four of the best pilots from the area to provide visitors with an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Packages are all-inclusive with transfers to and from your hotel, buffet breakfast, 60 or 90 minutes of breathtaking flight, and a champagne celebration at the conclusion of the experience. The birds-eye perspective of the innumerable fairy chimneys and tuff formations of Göreme is bound to live long in your visual memory. English-speaking pilots provide essential and entertaining narration as your vessel glides through the colorful morning sky. turkiyeballoons.com
THE LABYRINTHINE NETWORK OF TUNNELS AND CHAMBERS THAT LIE BENEATH THE SURREAL FAIRY CHIMNEYS SERVED AS A SUBTERRANEAN REFUGE THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO.
Stay Longer, Stay Better
Cruise lines are ratcheting up their port calls to Turkey and the 2020 opening of Istanbul’s new Galataport facilities in the heart of Istanbul promises added benefits for cruise visitors. There is no shortage of deluxe accommodations in the city and a visit to these premier properties really shows off the advantage of an extended stay before or after a cruise. The Çırağan Palace Kempinski is a destination within a destination, with all the trappings of a five-star property. (See our review on page 52.)
kempinski.com/en/istanbul/ciragan-palace
For a lofty, 270-degree view of the city, there’s nothing more stunning than the terrace rooftop restaurant atop the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus hotel. Centrally located in the lively Besiktas area, it is only a 5-minute walk to the Bosphorus waterfront and Dolmabahçe Palace. Immerse yourself into the city’s cultural landscape with an inspiring view from the balconied suites. For complete body rejuvenation, treat yourself to some personalized “me” time in the luxuriant Spa Soul. Specific concierge services are available for individuals or groups.
The historic Shangri-La Bosphorus is positioned directly on the serene shore of the waterway and is slathered in Ottoman glamour. Rooms with chandelier elegance feature gentle and warm furnishings. Most include a bonus: balcony views of the city’s landscape punctuated by the ubiquitous minarets of mosques. The property’s famed Shang Palace restaurant transforms the finest Turkish ingredients into plates of passion with fabulous views of the Bosphorus complementing the creative menu.
shangri-la.com/istanbul/shangrila
Extending your stay in this fascinating country beyond • a cruise visit will prove to be a decision well rewarded.
EXTENDING YOUR STAY IN THIS FASCINATING COUNTRY BEYOND A CRUISE VISIT WILL PROVE TO BE A DECISION WELL REWARDED.