Visit the Balkans Now Before it Turns Into A Tourist Trap At the beginning of the year, Vogue, Condé Nast, Travelzoo, and a wealth of others declared Eastern Europe the destination of 2017. If you are a follower of trends, then now is the time to visit the Balkans, because this is the most …
Yes, the fairytale-like German Christmas Markets are magical, but also cold. Let’s take a look at some of the most desirable, sought after and sunniest European winter destinations. Those accustomed to stunning sunsets and balmy eves during their European getaways might balk at the thought of traveling to the Old World during the long, cold winter. But …
Things to Do in Beyoğlu Istanbul, Turkey For the first timer, or even the consummate return visitor, Istanbul’s endless sprawl and depth can be an overwhelming experience to take in (this “Like a Local Guide to Istanbul” can help though). The history alone of this one-time Roman, Byzantinian, Latin and Ottoman capital is a colossal …
Need five reasons to drink Turkish wine on your next visit to Turkey? The country’s wines are quickly growing in prominence worldwide, and it’s no wonder why. First, the world’s very first wines were likely made in the region. Second, Turkey ranks sixth in the world in total grape production. Third, the only countries that …
Some of the finest, most exquisite pottery in the world comes from the Cappadocia region of Turkey, where artisans have been crafting pots for millennia. Many potters and artists have studios open to visitors, and one of the best is Chez Galip near the village of Avanos. Galip Korukcu, considered one of the top craftsmen …
Turkish carpets are highly valued worldwide for good reason; the skill it takes to create them has been perfected over thousands of years. On a recent trip to Turkey my husband John and I caught a glimpse of the incredible craftsmanship involved. With a small group we visited a carpet-making factory famed for their top-quality …
From the outside, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey looks like an impenetrable fortress. Thick, red-stained stucco walls stair step up in collections of annexes to a massive grey dome. Deep set windows dotting the surface are blackened by the shadows inside. Four flat pillars protruding over the narthex and apse resemble stoic guards keeping vigilant …
The hotels in Istanbul, Turkey come in a wide variety of styles and prices, and it isn’t difficult, when choosing where to stay, to book a hotel in the historic districts of Sultanahmet and Sirkeci. In choosing these ‘where to stay’ options, we gave priority to centrally located hotels with free WiFi. Our ‘where to stay’ …
So just what was it that brought me to Southeast Turkey? Well, I was standing in a small art gallery in Istanbul. Part of the gallery was dedicated to photography by contemporary Turkish artists. And, what caught my attention was a series of photographs depicting a town on the banks of the River Tigris. Some of the …
I can’t get enough of the experience of driving along, rounding a bend and suddenly being greeted by the sight of soaring columns, scattered, carved marble blocks and ancient statues. These artifacts, albeit damaged, are witnesses to a glorious past and have survived thousands of years while seeming to mock the signs of modern times at their feet. That’s …