Despite my familiarity with Turkey, I had never heard of Keslik Monastery until I joined a Blue Tour of Cappadocia. The Blue Tour, which wasn’t available on my previous visit, is designed for repeat travelers who have already seen the main sights. Keslik Monastery is genuinely off the beaten path and barely mentioned in my … Read more
My dream is to explore Turkey’s Black Sea region. I have heard of lush, green mountains, charming wooden houses that recall the Swiss Alps and warm, friendly locals who seem to smile every day. Each month I set aside money for my travel fund and I am gathering details to plan a month-long itinerary for … Read more
I enjoy helping people when I can. I regularly get travel questions about Turkey through Facebook and email, and many visitors find my site via Google. Each month I review the search terms that bring people to my site in Google Analytics. This morning I was looking through those search terms and was astonished by … Read more
During my time in Turkey I often observed social situations where respect is given because of status or wealth. That attitude is common in many places, but I find it troubling: people who expect deference because of their position sometimes lack basic moral decency or consideration for others. I prefer the idea that respect should … Read more
If you want to experience the best of Büyükada — from grand wooden mansions and leisurely seaside walks to pine-scented forest trails — this Büyükada travel guide will help you plan a memorable visit. Büyükada, literally “Big Island,” is the largest and most popular of the Princes’ Islands, and with good reason. This compact island … Read more
Turkey remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations, offering a compelling blend of rich culture, dramatic landscapes, and memorable experiences. Its package holidays are popular for a reason: the country combines natural beauty, historic sites, vibrant towns, and modern amenities in one destination. A standout on Turkey’s Aegean coast is the Bodrum peninsula — an … Read more
My visit to the Flower Passage in Istanbul, Turkey, was unplanned but quickly became one of my favorite discoveries. Two friends—familiar with my love of photography and history—suggested it as a lunch spot. Nestled on Istiklal Avenue and known locally as Çiçek Pasajı, the arcade is a lively spot to eat, drink, and enjoy the … Read more
One of my favourite stops on a recent solo trip was Olu Deniz, on Turkey’s southwestern coast. It’s a popular holiday spot for many British visitors. Flights to Dalaman Airport are frequent in summer and the transfer to Olu Deniz takes roughly an hour. I won’t claim Olu Deniz is a perfect introduction to Turkey … Read more
The Church of the Redeemer (Kurtarıcı Kilisesi) is one of the first churches I noticed while walking through Ani, the once-great Armenian city now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The church stands in a fragile state beside the foundations of an old house. Its most striking feature is the damage: a storm in … Read more
When I first arrived in Turkey, I often chose shish kebabs as a familiar, comforting option. Large chunks of meat threaded with peppers and onions and grilled over open flame felt safe for a palate raised on British food. On a later trip through the Aegean town of Soke, a friend urged me to try … Read more