we had two days here ,at a bit more of a relaxed pace we had plenty of time to explore the town and surrounding area,sample the food ,try the local wine and swim in the pool at the hotel. went to an underground city,walked 5kms to the next town and back. Highlight -early morning hot air balloon ride. Worst part-the 11 hour bus journey (20 mins minivan ride, 30 mins waiting,20 mins ferry ride,15 mins walk with pack,) to arrive back to our start point in Istanb...

Next stop Konya ,the only reason we are stopping here is to see the whirling dervishes, our guide explained the history ,what it was about and the religion behind the whirling. Very glad that he did.Not polite to take photos but many people did,also people got up and walked out part way through. Anyway we went,we saw,we moved on.The accommodation way terrible ,had the worst night so far,we were all glad to get up early and be on our way.Next stop Cappadocia, but ...

A train ride today ,makes a change from the bus rides.Day 6 and we are on our way from Selcuk to Pamukkale. We visit the natural thermal pools with its white ridges and shelves.very beautiful scene as we make our way barefoot up to the top.people of all shapes and sizes are soaking in the water. At the top the ancient city of Hierapolis is there for us to explore its ancient temples,religious structures,arena and museums. Fabulous day again ,a cup of Turkish cof...

you guessed it,early start,bus ride,minibus ...a lunch stop at the seven sleepers for gozleme, a quick walk around the caves and in our way to Ephesus. We spent 3 hours there with our guide,I really loved it.apparently Antony and Cleopatra walked these marble streets in their day.plenty to keep my interest but some in the group had had enough .it was a hot day and not much shade.well worth the visit.This was one of the reasons I choose to visit Turkey.

another early morning start for those who wanted to go to Troy.our guide was very passionate about the ruins,stories,legends,myths of Troy. back on a bus and we are dropped of at a petrol station to meet another bus with the rest of our group,3 hours later we arrive in Ayvalik. A taxi ride to an inlet and we enjoyed very nice fish meal,with mezze, salads .we stayed in a greco-ottoman house,sort of hostel arrangement in a person's house.To be honest not a place I...