Anyone Been To Turkey

**mcchriswood** · 04-15-2009, 12:03 PM

Evening All. Just got my holiday booked up for this year in the Middle of August. Im travelling out to Turkey with my Other Half and My Mum and younger Sister. My grandparents may also be coming. I will be staying exclusively in a hotel with my other half.
We are going to a resort called Olu Deniz?(sp)
I was just wondering if anybody has been too this specific resort or even there thoughts on Turkey as a whole.
Id like too know there was some things out there too do. I have read about turkish shaves so i also hope i am able to get a shave out there in a decent Barber shop.
Also anything i should know or do before i go??
Or any tips??
My interests when i go abroad are that there is nice beaches (preferably white sands and Blue waters)
Water Sports
Places too eat
Thanks in advance
Chris

**Ceezer** · 04-15-2009, 12:15 PM

I've been to Izmir (just up the coast from Oludeniz) and Istanbul. I don't want to speak negatively of the country so I'll just say, I like Greece a whole lot more.

**mcchriswood** · 04-15-2009, 12:16 PM

LOL. Greece is my favourite place i've been to too. Specifically Zante. I hope the holiday works out however
Chris

**greenbackcut** · 04-15-2009, 01:41 PM

I loved Turkey. It was strange to me but that was part of the attraction. Visited Istanbul, Antalya on the south coast, and Ankara. Especially enjoyed Istanbul and Antalya. The food was fabulous and the people could give the rest of the world lessons in courtesy and how to treat guests. I had a great hair cut and wished I had gone for the shave but it was before my DE days. Be aware that if you go to a Turkish bath, you might get the crap beat out of you. That was the most agressive massage I have ever had. It took me days to recover. Might have been taking out their Bush feelings on me.

I had the advantage of being guided by former students so that was certainly a plus. I loved the spiced bazaar in Istanbul but I would not go to the Grand Bazaar again. The food was fabulous...did I already say that? I have not been to Greece but it sounds wonderful. My only other international travels have been Italy, France, and the Bahamas.

**pbroddi** · 04-15-2009, 02:14 PM

If you go to Turkey, you must visit Alanya on the south coast. Fly in to Antalya, and either hire a car (cheap) or get a coach (peanuts) to Alanya. Fantastic people, great courtesy, excellent food and drink, very reasonable and clean hotels, lovely beaches which are not too "touristy" like Marmaris. Excursions available to the local castle and caves, great markets etc. A nice (long) two day trip to Pamukkale hot springs is well worth it also. Try out a "hamam" steam treatment and massage at the many spas available. Unfortunately, I last went to Turkey before I got into shaving, so I've not experienced the shaves, but I've heard nothing but good things.

I love Turkey (you can probably tell!)

**mcchriswood** · 04-15-2009, 02:19 PM

Thanks some intersting stuff. I'd love too hear more about the Pamukkale hot springs mentioned
Chris

**pbroddi** · 04-15-2009, 02:33 PM

Pamukkale is the historic site of a natural volcanic hot spring, which is a tourist attraction. There used to be open air hot springs on the calcified mountains, but these have closed these days. There are natural thermal spas available in many of the hotels in the area. Most tourist travel centres offer reasonably prices excursions to the springs, which usually include all meals and a night in a hotel in Pamukkale. If you're into history and the like, it's worth it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamukkale

**mcchriswood** · 04-15-2009, 02:39 PM

Thanks. I think i'd really enjoy that. I don't know how far away it is from Oludeniz though. Would you advise booking on arrival too turkey or in advance before i leave??
Thanks
Chris

**pbroddi** · 04-15-2009, 02:59 PM

Book while you're there, as with most things, it's cheaper that way. A UK tour operator quoted me 200quid on an internal (45 min) flight from Antalya to Istanbul. I was able to pick one up whilst there for under 60. One of the locals reckons I was robbed paying the 60!

**the beav** · 04-15-2009, 05:36 PM

I spent four weeks in Turkey so I probably know enough about it. How long will you be there? That will make a big difference as to what you can do. I looked up this place in Google Earth and you're not too close to anything in particular. The cheapest and best bang-for-your-buck is buying good information before you go, so if I were you I'd buy a Lonely Planet guidebook for Turkey and start looking at that. Forget the other guidebooks unless you're a high-roller.