Turkey... the country that is...

Anyone ever been to Turkey? As a graduation present my family and I will be traveling there in May (for about 10 days or so)... and I was wondering if anyone had any MUST SEE places... or really any travel advice, etc...

Thanks for letting me know! I am so excited for this trip... and to graduate from college too!!!

Very excited for you.
I have always wanted to go to Istanbul, it is on my bucket list.

That sounds awesome!  But I don't have any advice...

Wow! Gia, thats so exciting for you! I would just be at the book store buying books on Turkey and researching on-line to plan where to go and the "must sees" while there. Very awesome!

The entire old city of Istambul (previously known as Byzanthyum and Constantinople before that). The entire place is a history museum yet unlike its European counterparts, they have maintained a less turistic ambiance which makes it feel like time hasnt corroded the place.

Dont know how you call it in english, but the "haya sofia" is quite impressive. Currently a Mosque/museum it stands as a breathtaking monument and testament.

I envy your trip. Have a great time :)

If you've a date in Constantinople, they'll be waiting in Istanbul.

Original Post by amethystgirl:

If you've a date in Constantinople, they'll be waiting in Istanbul.

 LOL!  Love that song.

I don't know how far you can get in 10 days or where you're based but I highly recommend taking a hot-air balloon trip across the stunning Goreme Valley.... in the Cappadocia Region 

And, if you're in Istanbul, the underground palace or Basilica Cistern is absolutely worth a visit.

Original Post by bombacho:

The entire old city of Istambul (previously known as Byzanthyum and Constantinople before that). The entire place is a history museum yet unlike its European counterparts, they have maintained a less turistic ambiance which makes it feel like time hasnt corroded the place.

Dont know how you call it in english, but the "haya sofia" is quite impressive. Currently a Mosque/museum it stands as a breathtaking monument and testament.

I envy your trip. Have a great time :)

 Yes, Bombacho!  It's the Hagia Sophia, and it's one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world.  It was once a church but is now in use as a mosque (correct me if I'm wrong).  I've never seen it in person, and I'm so jealous, Gia!

I'd go in search of the graves of the Armenians killed during the genocide.

My ex husband and I were stationed at Incirlik AFB so I know a few cool places. Cappadocia is such an awesome place to go. Kiscalasie (SP) is really cool too. There is a castle out in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Adana was the closest city to our base and it has a beautiful Mosque there. I think it is one of the biggest in the country. Of course that is on the eastern side of Turkey and you probably will be on the western closer to Istanbul. I never was able to visit Istanbul but I hear it is fabulous! If you shop there, don't forget to barter. They love that sort of thing. You can get beautiful rugs and awesome china tea sets for such an amazing deal. We got a 7 piece rug set with three huge rugs for 700.00. One of those rugs here would be worth that. Teshekular means "thank you very much" I am not sure if that is how you spell it though. They are very nice people too!!!! Oh, and you must eat chicken tava with cheese bread and jelly. It is the best!

Thanks everyone!!! May couldn't come SOON ENOUGH!!! So many things to look forward to!! What does everyone else have to look forward to?