We are still in Istanbul for a few more days, but just finished this RS tour. My third RS tour, DH’s second. We were a bit turned off of tours after my DH tested positive for covid back in 2022 and we were unable to do our RS tour. Stranded in Paris with no hotel reservations right before Easter! Anywhoo, we loved this tour! Mert Tanner was our guide and he was exceptional. Istanbul is a fascinating, vibrant, joyful city! Glad we have 11 nights here. And the food! So yummy! And Turkish red wine? Not bad. We continue on after this to the Cappadocia area and then we go to Antalya.
Posted by
near San Francisco
6371 posts
I'm not surprised to hear that you loved Mert. Yes, he's truly exceptional.
Enjoy the rest of your time in fabulous Istanbul!
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2955 posts
Glad you had fun! I loved the food there too - did you try the Simit - ring-shaped sesame seed bread? So good!!
Posted by
OP
Palm Springs area, CA. USA (winters)🌴☀️ Nomadic (Spring thru Fall)
3927 posts
Yes Valerie, I have had the Sinit bread every morning as it is part of the hotel breakfast. It is good, I mean to try from the street vendors to see if it is even better.
Posted by
Los Angeles by way of Providence and Rome
698 posts
So glad to hear you are enjoying Turkey! Mert was my guide too and he is the best! I still follow him on social media. I think everyone should visit Istanbul. PS when you get home, Trader Joe's sells decent frozen simit.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2955 posts
I have been buying that simit at Trader Joe's and it is so good!!!!
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3975 posts
Glad you had fun time! Did you do the food tour on the Asia side of the city? I really loved the stuffed mussels. And the simit was delish too (yes the Trader Joes version is quite good, but note it's considered "seasonal" item so buy it up before it's gone!) Enjoy the rest of your trip, Cappadocia is pretty amazing.
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
11886 posts
Tammy, I'm so glad you're enjoying Istanbul! I've never been on a tour there, but I love that city and Turkey in general. You will go ape over Cappadocia! It's wonderful. One of my favorite foods was Pide, which is basically Turkish pizza, but the way they fix it is so tasty And if you spot a dessert named Kunafe (also spelled Knafeh), try it. It's delicious.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
10126 posts
Tammy, I am so glad that this was a positive experience for you. If you have a chance, see the Mehter band at the Military Museum if you haven’t done so already. Definitely worth the effort.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Posted by
istanbul
1 posts
So glad to hear that and honestly, you made a great choice choosing Turkey for your trip.
Istanbul alone can keep you busy for days, so having 11 nights there is perfect. And it sounds like you’re really experiencing the city the right way food, local wine, just enjoying the vibe.
Also, Cappadocia and Antalya after Istanbul is a very well-balanced plan. Cappadocia will feel completely different — more calm, unique landscapes and Antalya is great to relax a bit after all the exploring.
Sorry to hear about your Paris experience back then, but it’s nice to see this trip turned things around for you. Turkey is one of those places that surprises people in a good way.
Enjoy the rest of your trip it only gets better from here
Posted by
OP
Palm Springs area, CA. USA (winters)🌴☀️ Nomadic (Spring thru Fall)
3927 posts
Mardee, Kunefe was delicious! We have arrived in Cappadocia. The weather is chilly and blustery, but we have 5 nights here so hoping it improves.
Posted by
SF Bay Area
1330 posts
Sounds wonderful, Tammy. I hope you will continue to post as you change locations.
Posted by
4 posts
Turkey is so wonderful in every way, but Mert - Mert is the best. We love Mert in my family.