Spectacular Highlights of Turkey and Greece
Spectacular Highlights of Turkey and Greece
Turkey and Greece—two countries filled with ancient history and breathtaking scenery—make the perfect combo for a luxurious vacation with soul. Istanbul is coated in a texture of beautiful details, giving visitors ornate and tasty souvenirs to take home after their visit. The Eminonu quarter of the Faith district is home to the Spice Bazaar, one of the largest bazaars in the city. Try before you buy and do as the locals do in order to get the most value out of your visit. There will be lots to choose from and you might have trouble differentiating between the high- and low-quality shops otherwise. Greece is, of course, filled with architectural marvels including the Erechtheum, an iconic temple in Athens. The Porch of the Maidens is as distinctive today as it was when it was completed in 406 BC. Ladies, bring a scarf to cover your hair if you visit a mosque. Or, better yet, buy one during your travels to remember your vacation by.
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Istanbul
Cappadocia
Kaymakli
Athens
Haraklion
Santorini
We enjoyed a marvelous stay at this location. Very warm welcome, extremely kind and helpful hostess. Also a perfect place for scuba diving. All the family can enjoy the marvels of the under water world. For sure, we'll come back!
Samuel Elms, London.
Blue Mosque
When you visit the Blue Mosque, it’s important to avoid arriving during a prayer period. There are five of them throughout the day and they last 90 minutes each. The mosque closes to tourists at prayer time so you’ll be waiting for a while if you don’t plan things right. Also, women should cover their hair—not their face—using a scarf. And last but not least, all who enter the mosque should remove their shoes. Plastic bags are provided to keep them in while you tour the mosque.
Location
Sultanahmet Cami, 34122 Sultanahmet, Fatih, İstanbul,Turkey
Spice Bazaar
Even for foodies, the Istanbul Spice Market can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to taste before buying. It’s how you can be sure you’re getting something you’ll like. Ask the vendor to vacuum pack your items so they stay fresh. And pay attention to where the locals are shopping. Chances are, those are the best shops in the market.
Location
Rüstem Paşa Mahallesi, 34116 İstanbul, Turkey
Obelisk of Theodosius
The Obelisk was transported from Egypt to Istanbul, Turkey by way of the Nile in 357 BC. Following its re-erection, the base of the column was rebuilt. A small fence guards the Obelisk. Visitors can’t touch it but they are able to stand very close to the 25.6-meter-tall structure to admire the relief carvings.
Location
Binbirdirek Mh., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
The Erechtheum
Erechtheion is an iconic temple in Athens, Greece. It was built between 421 and 406 BC. The most popular of several porches on the property is the Porch of the Maidens. In this particular structure, stone carvings of women standing seductively take the place of the columns holding up the structure.
Location
7.972096°N 23.726456°E
Topkapi Palace
Ancient home to the Ottoman sultans and their “women of the Harem” for over three centuries, the Topkapi Palace is Turkey’s most visited destination. You’ll need at least a half a day to see the palace but if you have the time, give yourself a full day for exploring—and really get your money’s worth.
Location
Bab-ı Hümayün Caddesi, Sultanahmet (behind the Hagia Sophia) (Open 9 a.m-5 p.m. daily)