We organize a taxi with the hotel concierge to take us to the airport. There is some traffic but not too bad this morning. We have lots of time before our flight. Our conversation is light and cheery as we make our way along the freeway. The conversation is halted though as we enter the airport property. We are stopped by a man in military gear toting a machine gun. He asks the driver some questions, walks around the car and looks in the backseat and trunk. Every vehicle is being inspected. We sit with eyes forward and wait for the man to wave us through. I know I exhaled when we reached the departures terminal.
Once out on the sidewalk with our luggage, the cab driver tells us he wants cash for his fare. We had not been given this information when we booked the ride, and I only had a credit card. All my Turkish lira spent on scarves, and Turkish Delight. The driver huffed and puffed, and after some disgusted looks, connected the debit machine. Being polite but assertive is the way to handle many of the relationships we encountered on this trip. Once inside the terminal and relieved of our luggage, we head to security. We go through a pre-security check, a security check and then a third check at the gate. Lots of checks!
The flight from Istanbul to London Heathrow is delayed for an unknown reason, requiring us to rush for the gate in London, but we make it in time. Aboard and sitting in our comfortable front row seats in premium economy, I can’t get comfortable. I am fidgety. Once again, I can’t sleep. The guy next to me has long legs. He changes from his day socks to the Air Canada comfort socks and stretches his legs up on the wall in front of me. I shift to the left, shift to the right, walk the aisles, and scratch. When I get off the plane, I have bites on my arms and legs. They are certainly bedbugs bite though I’m not sure if the bites are from the plane or from the hotel. Shannon only has mosquito bites from the outdoor dining experience in the Soganli Valley but mine are in groups of 3 or 4 with blisters. My luggage will not be coming into the house. Ewww!
Arriving safely back on Canadian soil, our luggage arrives slowly and soon we are hugging and thanking each other for another fabulous experience. Travelling with Cousin Shannon is always a blast and I thank her for letting me join her on this adventure.
Wrap Up
Türkiye is a surprise for me. It has beautiful landscapes and the people we meet are lovely. I find the devotion to their religion to be amazing, but also there seems to be a change coming. You see this in Istanbul with the various states of clothing (undress) in the younger population. The Call to Prayer is haunting and beautiful which adds to the mystery of this nation.
The landscape of the country’s interior is phenomenal, and you can only imagine what it was like for people living in homes carved out of stone. Tunnels and homes made of volcanic rock where civilizations lived their lives centuries ago. You can also touch the remains of places conquered by other countries, and architecture influenced by the Greeks and Romans, etc.
I’d like to return to Istanbul one day and spend more time exploring this diverse city with the old and the new. It is exciting, mysterious, and overwhelming all at the same time.
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a pleasant surprise. I didn’t realize there are different levels of comfort. This trip was an ‘original’ and so the quality of the hotels was lacking for me. I would try small group travel again with Intrepid and would be willing to pay for a little upgrade. Perhaps it is my aging bones, but I do enjoy more pampering these days. I have earned it.
intrepid women’s only expeditions
There is a women’s only trip similar to this one that travels in the opposite direction and has many of the same highlights, although I didn’t see the train trip. Here is the link. I like that Intrepid is offering women’s only expeditions, however I wouldn’t hesitate taking a mixed group tour in the future.
single supplement
The single supplement is still charged (estimate 800 $CDN) but you might get your own room anyways depending on the size of the group and when you book.
suggestions*
- It would be helpful for the guide to have more information on the historical nature of the places visited. Knowing the significance of the places adds to the experience. Now, this could be my fault because I didn’t do the research. I’ll accept that.
- If you don’t mind a basic hotel, you will be fine with the ‘original’ level with Intrepid. You will have a bed, a bathroom with shower but little to no space. It really is just a place to lay your head for the night.
- I think this is a newer tour and for what is advertised as a food adventure, is more of a high level view to the food and historical sites in Türkiye. I would have enjoyed hearing more of the food traditions and ingredients. Maybe a gözleme class in the future. This is not in-depth food tour, more like – Türkiye Lite.
- I enjoyed trying the different foods which were delicious. Lots of yogurt, mint, sumac, pomegranate and honey to entice your taste buds. If you love lamb, you will feel at home. There is a lot of bread and gözleme so if you are watching your carbohydrates, be aware. The Turkish wines are delicious. Of course, no pork with Türkiye being a Muslim country.
- As a single, senior woman, I never felt uncomfortable. Bring a head scarf long enough to cover your head and shoulders/arms and you will be fine. Dress modestly to avoid attention.
- Getting around Turkey is easy as they have two major airports around Istanbul and 2 regional airports in Cappadocia.
- Accessibility – Be prepared for hills, cobblestones and stairs without handrails. Istanbul is called the City on Seven Hills for a reason. Proper footwear is essential for those not accustomed to this terrain.
- Red/Rose Valley Walk – is a hike and would suggest hiking shoes and poles if you need the stability.
- Your money goes further in Türkiye and cash is king. Try the Wise card for your money-handling needs. I never once had to use my credit card.
- I used Airalo for my data needs. For under $40 I had lots of data that I could use on my socials Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram. I was also able to video call back home. This was less expensive than the Roam-Like-Home offering my internet provider offers. All the hotels had Wi-Fi, but I also had a Nord VPN to protect my phone from any hacking.
*Note: all suggestions have been shared in my travel survey with Intrepid Travel.
My Trip Highlights
We did a lot on this trip in 11 days and these are my top highlights:
- Hammam experience
- Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
- Cooking class with Nuray
- Overnight train to Konya
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons
Trip Overview – Map
Where To Next?
It takes about a week for the jet lag to subside and then the post-vacation blues hit. It is natural to feel stress or a little down after the incredible highs of travelling. How do you remedy this? Book another trip! It’s nice having something to look forward to.
Intrepid Travel – Turkey Real Food Adventure
Coming soon – Hong Kong and Bangkok in the fall of 2024.
