Guides in Istanbul and Cappadocia

Posted by COO (ATL) on 10/31/20 06:05 PM

I'm traveling to Istanbul (my third trip in 5 years) in November and will have a few days to see the sights. Have already seen the popular mosques, the bazaar and Tiojapi palace, and on one trip spent a day with a guide seeing the works of Mimar Sinan. What would folks recommend seeing this time, and are there guides that are recommended for repeat visitors?

During the trip, I'll be in Cappadocia for the first time. Interested in hiking - trekking; no need for a hot air ballon or to spend much time in the heavily trafficked tourist areas. Are there guides that are recommended for a traveler in this area like me? I'm also still on the hunt for a nice hotel. The Museum Hotel (highest rated from what I can tell) has no vacancy on the nights I'll be in town. Are there good alternatives?

Posted by Mr É (economy, confused) 🍷

Magyarország / Rep of Texas

10/31/20 10:48 PM

17898 posts

Since I am going right after you, I'll watch this too.

Posted by Adr1an

Europe

11/17/20 02:28 PM

3 posts

For İstanbul: given You have already visited what tourists usually see, why not use this time to see also more than just tourist attractions by taking a full day walk crossing this huge city - You can start in the morning in Kadıköy, then enjoy the beautiful view that Üsküdar offers, cross by boat into Eminönü, then continue walking all the way through Fatih, Gaziosmanpaşa and Sultangazi until You get to the mosque Sultançiftliği Merkez Cami; then, when You finally are in the center of Sultangazi near the mosque, if it won't be too late and public transport will still be running, would be educational that You try to go back to Kadıköy by bus (taking the bus from Sultangazi to Kadıköy, or viceversa, will also give You a pale idea of what it means to live in İstanbul) - at the end of the day after this long walk You will have a more complete idea of what İstanbul is ;)

Posted by COO OP

ATL

11/20/20 03:02 PM

3 posts

Thanks Adrian! I'll write down your advice for my next trip, as I returned from Turkey 10 days ago. In case anyone's interested:

Turkey is a great place to visit at this point in time. Even though they opened up to foreign travelers some time ago, I understand that few people (particularly Americans and Northern Europeans) have visited since last Spring. Was amazed by the lack of any crowds and people - local and tourists alike - anywhere I went (Istanbul and Cappadocia). Was always impressed by the graciousness of the Turkish people, but this time, was amazed with the warmth, caring and attentiveness of the hotel/restaurant staff and my two awesome tour guides. Stayed at Shangri-La in Istanbul four nights - Four Seasons environment at half the cost; stayed at Kale Konak in Uçhisar-Cappadocia area. Highly recommend the mountain village of Uçhisar, over any of the other more touristy villages. The views are terrific, and there are good restaurants - recommend Millocal.

Guide in Cappadocia was Emrullah A. - found on Tours by Local. We went on two all day treks. Guide in Istanbul was Çem B. also found on Tours by Local. Both were engaging, knowledgeable, fun, flexible and quick studies. We mapped out each day's activities each morning and they hit the mark each day.