BACK IN DECEMBER - NOT ICMELER

[acko338]

Yes , couldn't resist a brochure offer that has landed - we're back on 4th on an escorted week's land trip starting out after two days in Istanbul, picking up various sightseeing places on route to Antalya over a week in total.

Istanbul sights - 2 days, then in no order, Troy, Gallipolli, Ephesus, Pammukele (excuse spelling), and visiting mountains in the Antalya region to close.

Good quality htels all round and a great price.

Be good to be able to see things without the heat slowing you down.

Bit of culture, which will be welcome!

[blondie]

Sounds like my kind of trip - you will have to write a review when you get back and let us know how it went

[dksbbs]

Sounds great, have a good time and take lots of photos

Dave

[JT]

Excellent choice and I have done the route myself but after coming out of Istanbul just treat it all as a city trip.

Leave the shorts and flip flops at home and dress as if you were at home

You may even see snow

[acko338]

We've got boots, waterproof coats, and varying clothing layers prepared for different temperatures, but have also packed swimming shorts for the two spa hotels with heated pools included in the trip !!

Camera packed and trip review will go up on our return !!

I've wanted to see the visitor sights of Istanbul since the age of 8, after watching James bond - from Russia with love - loads of Turkish scenes that made me want to see them for myself one day.

Only 53 years in the waiting !!

[blondie]

You will love it - it's such an amazing city with so much to see and do

[acko338]

Too quick, too early - starts, great sights, including one of the largest freshwater waterfalls, falling from river to sea over a hundred foot drop cliff, some sad beggar / refugee sights from Syrian refugees on the Bosphoros bridge, refugees in numbers walking along railway routes north towards Istanbul, wonderful ancient history & culture, some fantastic hotels, brilliant food, stunning weather, mostly shirt sleeves, come back completely whacked out, but must have been eating 4 to 5 thousand calories per day and lost 0.5 kg with the walking and hiking !!

Wife has most of the pics, so will upload what we have between us after Xmas.

Have a wonderful holiday period , everyone, stay safe and plan for Icmeler in 2016.

[JT]

You have now seen the other side of Turkey that some of us know and love

[acko338]

I stood within feet of where the bomb has exploded in Central Istanbul only 5 weeks ago!!!

So sad for all involved and another nail in Turkey's tourist trade.

[JT]

I too have stood there many times but I also stood in fact leant on the bin that exploded in Warrington many many years ago and killed people but did not see any reports of flights being cancelled to the UK nor blocking off Warrington.

I never saw the talk of cancelling flights to France when the atrocities happened over the past few years.

When the twin towers collapsed there were no flights or holidays blocked

Seems more political and financial games are being played out by the puppet masters

[blondie]

I have been saying much the same on various FB groups today, JT. People didn't stop going to London at the height of the IRA bombing campaigns or after 7/7, and people are still going to Paris and Brussels despite the attacks there. Nowhere in the world is 100% safe these days and you cannot live your life in fear of what may be around the corner. That's no way to live...

[chezza100]

I have a friend who works for a travel giant. Its their peak booking period and Dalaman is in the top 5 of destinations booked since Christmas which is really good news.

[stevew]

JT / Blondie,
My wife and friend work in retail and both work in Manchester, The friend was in work during the Arndale explosion and had to evacuate the building as the Bomb went off 250yds away. JT, you personally know that friend, But she and her family are returning in July (Booked) and September. OUR flights are booked for September, (will be in touch about accom soon JT.) and may do a Sneaky week in July depending on finances. If something is going to happen to you, it will, but its no good worrying, just keep your wits about you....... P.S. going to Prague in March.... Dont do EURO zone......Cz Krona
Steve

[JT]

Just nipping into Liverpool now and I believe there was a siege last week with a bomb scare.

Wherever you are keep your wits about you.

Maybe it was the generation I was brought up in with the troubles in Ireland but that is what we were taught but sad that we now have to teach our children and grandchildren the same

[jayjay1950]

We are booked to go to Icmeler for 2 weeks then flying to Cappadocia for 3 days then on to Istanbul for 3 days. We cant wait. Unless we are told we cannot fly to Turkey then we will be there enjoying our holiday as usual. Yes we will be more vigilant than we normally are but in these times you have to be where ever you go, even in your own town. Roll on July