8 days around Turkey

DAVE de Jesus called Lopue’s Travel inviting us for a familiarization tour of Turkey courtesy of Turkish Airlines. Their new Airbus 777 nonstop, 12-hour direct flight from Manila to Istanbul left on time and arrived 15 minutes earlier than expected. A 3-minute wait for an online application of a Turkish electronic visa afforded all those with active Japanese or American visa. Telescope International Travel’s managing director Ali Ulucay showcased their eight days land tour of:

1. ISTANBUL. We visited the Blue Mosque, famous for its Blue Tiles and six minarets. It is the largest mosque in Istanbul built in the 17th century to compete with St. Sophia, a cathedral converted to a mosque and now a museum.

The Hippodrome Square, where chariot races and political gatherings were held, has the Egyptian Obelisk, a Serpentine Column and the fountain of St. Sophia. The Topkapi Palace Museum has been the seat of the Ottoman empire after it transferred from Bursa to Istanbul.

Moses’ stick, the fourth largest diamond and the gold-covered writing arm and skull of St. John, the evangelist are found here. Took the Bosphorus Cruise, a hour and a half ferry ride on the waters that separate the Asian and European side of Istanbul, the city where the two continents meet.

Here started the Silk Road, where trade between Asia and Europe passes. The Grand Bazaar, a 30,000-square-meter-covered shopping center selling everything from gold, leather, spices and all what the two continents would need, is the start of the Silk Road where overnight camps can be found every 70 kilometers which is the distance of a day’s walk.

Not to be missed is the Spice Market, where dried fruits, nuts and tea all over the world can be found. A 24/7 shopping at Taksim Square is also a treat to all visitors. We attended a Sunday mass at St. Anthony de Padua Church where Pope Francis said mass in his visits to Istanbul.

2. TROY. Both the ancient mythology city in Homer’s epic poem and the city of Canakkale where the wooden horse used in Hollywood’s movie “Troy” was given as a gift, draws crowds of tourists daily. Troy, a city on the coast during Homer’s time, is now 10 kilometers away from the shore due to an earthquake that pushed the city away from the coastline.

3. KUSADASI. In Kusadasi, the house where the Virgin Mary lived with St. John for a while before they left for Patmos, has three springs where waters of healing have been drunk time immemorial. Also found is the tomb of St John the Apostle transferred from Patmos and buried in one of the churches he built.

r4. HIERAPOLIS, a volcanic thermal spring city built by Mark Anthony for Cleopatra in 190 B.C. is a natural wonder under the world heritage protection of UNESCO. Its white limestone shine in the sun as it cascades down the hill and thousands both locals and tourists dipped in its sulfur waters. Nearby is Goreme, where the famous troglodyte cave-cities that housed the early Christians and the seven churches with frescos can be found. A stay in the cave-hotel is a most rewarding experience.

5. CAPPADOCIA, with its fairy chimneys shaped limestone pillars is a must to see in this place. But how can one appreciate the natural wonder? By riding a Hot Air Balloon. About 100 balloons fly every day at six in the morning to a maximum of 800 meters above the ground for a one hour and a half tour of the different mountains in the region.