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Started By
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Egypt/Turkey booked
Posted on 7/24/21 at 11:42 pm
Posted on 7/24/21 at 11:42 pm
Have a trip booked for The end of August to visit Istanbul,Fethiye, and Cairo. Any and all tips are appreciated!
2
Posted on 7/24/21 at 11:53 pm to BootheelSoldier
I did the historic part of Istanbul in 2009. Of course little has changed but Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the basilica cistern, hippodrome, Grand Bizaar and Topkapi Palace are all within 5 minutes of each other and walkable. The spice Bizaar just a little further. ETA: the cistern is being renovated as it was in danger of collapse. Probably won't be open in August.
If you have time, also go to Karakoy and inland from there. Some hookah bars around that area.
I was a poor student back in 2009, but I almost went back last month because I thought I'd have a long stopover on way to Croatia. Didn't work out, but if you like nice hotels try Hagia Sophia Mansions (has its own cistern pool google it, Hilton property) or Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet which is coming off a renovation.
The other nice hotels, Hyatt, another Four seasons are further up the Bosphurus. A little river cruise is also fun.
Lastly, the new Istanbul airport is 1) big as frick and 2) an hour from the city. Ataturk Airport was way more convenient. It sounds like you won't be doing a short connection there but if you are and it's 2 hours or more you should be fine.
If you have time, also go to Karakoy and inland from there. Some hookah bars around that area.
I was a poor student back in 2009, but I almost went back last month because I thought I'd have a long stopover on way to Croatia. Didn't work out, but if you like nice hotels try Hagia Sophia Mansions (has its own cistern pool google it, Hilton property) or Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet which is coming off a renovation.
The other nice hotels, Hyatt, another Four seasons are further up the Bosphurus. A little river cruise is also fun.
Lastly, the new Istanbul airport is 1) big as frick and 2) an hour from the city. Ataturk Airport was way more convenient. It sounds like you won't be doing a short connection there but if you are and it's 2 hours or more you should be fine.
This post was edited on 7/25/21 at 12:00 am
Posted on 7/24/21 at 11:59 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
Already have the Hagia Sofia Mansions hotel booked due to location and just being great from what I can tell.
Posted on 7/25/21 at 12:03 am to BootheelSoldier
quote:
Already have the Hagia Sofia Mansions hotel booked due to location and just being great from what I can tell
Sweet. Ya I had it booked but then was able to get better connection to Croatia so I had to forgo. Looked great.
It's on a street not accessible by car so you may want to discuss either using hotel transfer (more expensive) or having them give you instructions in Turkish. My experience using cabs back then was English was very rarely used.
Now with much smarter phones to point on a map etc it may be easier, but heads up, if not using an Uber-like service.
This post was edited on 7/25/21 at 12:04 am
Posted on 7/25/21 at 12:05 am to Teddy Ruxpin
Furthermore, still waiting on your Croatia review bc I’m super excited to hear about it. Currently have hotels booked in all 3 cities and looking for restaurant recs etc. Staying at Hagia Sophia mansions in IST, Yacht Classic(Daniel Craig stayed there for the shooting of Skyfall), and. Fairmont in Cairo(mainly for safety reasons)
Posted on 7/25/21 at 12:07 am to Teddy Ruxpin
They have a golf cart transfer now. Text them when you’re flight lands and allegedly will be waiting for you when your Uber drops you off. We will see.
Posted on 7/25/21 at 12:07 am to BootheelSoldier
Sounds awesome. Forgot to mention, Turkish bathhouses. I think they were closed for COVID but do one if you can. I think the one I did was 500 years old.
Man now I'm feeling the pressure! I got robbed this weekend with a sick dog. Being a family man is hard
Man now I'm feeling the pressure! I got robbed this weekend with a sick dog. Being a family man is hard
Posted on 7/25/21 at 12:08 am to BootheelSoldier
quote:
They have a golf cart transfer now. Text them when you’re flight lands and allegedly will be waiting for you when your Uber drops you off. We will see.
Ya that's what I read too but I'm not sure if the Uber drivers know what street to drop at. Mild inconvenience most likely especially if you don't overpack.
Posted on 7/25/21 at 12:11 am to Teddy Ruxpin
Ha. Main reason I’m doing Cairo. No crowds, no kids yet. Very excited to do it. Wife(no pics) figured this would be our best opportunity to see the sights with minimal crowds!!
Posted on 7/25/21 at 12:13 am to Teddy Ruxpin
Do my best to pack as a carry on passenger so minimal luggage!!
Posted on 7/25/21 at 12:15 am to BootheelSoldier
Ya we did some adventurous stuff (India) before kids. Smart!
Globetrotter I think has done Egypt recently so I won't derail your thread and hopefully he comes round soon.
Globetrotter I think has done Egypt recently so I won't derail your thread and hopefully he comes round soon.
Posted on 7/25/21 at 12:18 am to Teddy Ruxpin
I hope to get some input from fellow travelers. We will obviously hit the main spots but like to do some stuff on the side as far as restaurants, etc. Hope to provide a trip report assuming I learn to post pics ha
Posted on 7/25/21 at 4:54 pm to BootheelSoldier
Istanbul is awesome have fun. Also don’t let any cab drivers get you with the bill swap scam.
Topkapi palace is unreal I can’t imagine what it was like to be the king back then.
Be prepared the city is massive and congested. Outside of the tourist areas very few speak English. I had someone I could call and translate for me. I’m sure apps and stuff have improved since I went in like 2012.
Also definitely don’t try and drive a car. Turkish drivers are on a whole different level when it comes to being aggressive. I seen people get out of their cars and screaming in each other’s faces many of times.
Topkapi palace is unreal I can’t imagine what it was like to be the king back then.
Be prepared the city is massive and congested. Outside of the tourist areas very few speak English. I had someone I could call and translate for me. I’m sure apps and stuff have improved since I went in like 2012.
Also definitely don’t try and drive a car. Turkish drivers are on a whole different level when it comes to being aggressive. I seen people get out of their cars and screaming in each other’s faces many of times.
This post was edited on 7/25/21 at 5:04 pm
Posted on 7/25/21 at 6:58 pm to BootheelSoldier
I spent a day in Istanbul last month -- I love that place, especially since the exchange rate is so awesome. The old city is all these little twisting streets, and I definitely needed Google Maps to avoid getting lost.
I took a boat tour up the Bosphorus, and it stopped by the Beylerbeyi Palace (a mid-18th century "summer palace", so I toured it, and it was amazing.
I ate so much Turkish Delight, and I recommend you try some kunefe for dessert at a restaurant (it's a hot, sweet cheese dish).
I took a boat tour up the Bosphorus, and it stopped by the Beylerbeyi Palace (a mid-18th century "summer palace", so I toured it, and it was amazing.
I ate so much Turkish Delight, and I recommend you try some kunefe for dessert at a restaurant (it's a hot, sweet cheese dish).
Posted on 7/26/21 at 10:09 am to diat150
quote:
Also don’t let any cab drivers get you with the bill swap scam.
Whoa, flashback. This happened to me and I caught it, but he argued back and I never pick a fight in a foreign country.
quote:
I had someone I could call and translate for me. I’m sure apps and stuff have improved since I went in like 2012.
We were staying at the Marriott by Ataturk. Guy that was with us worked the bar at one in Massachusetts while in school so we got a cheap rate. Brand new but the cabbies didn't know about it, so we had front desk write instructions on a business card in Turkish.
Slightly unsettling was the cab was checked by hotel security before entering the parking lot, mirrors to check underside for bombs. At the front door, our bags went through airport security scanner.
Welcome to Turkey!
This post was edited on 7/26/21 at 10:12 am
Posted on 7/26/21 at 10:06 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
quote:
Teddy Ruxpin
Are the short shorts going to be referenced in the review?
Posted on 7/26/21 at 10:28 pm to theOG
quote:
Are the short shorts going to be referenced in the review?
If you're lucky.
I think I looked pretty good in them if I say so myself. Imgur is being a bitch tonight though.
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