We are going to Turkey! It has been on our list for a long time. It fits well into our preference for travel in the Fall. I asked for two weeks off and my request was approved. We found some good airlines tickets – US Air to Los Angeles. Then a not so good layover of 4-5 hours. Then a direct 14 hour Turkish Air flight to Istanbul. All for under $1000. Yes!

We have decided to stay 7 nights in Istanbul. It was very difficult to decide between the old town Sultanahmet district and the newer Beyoğlu area. Many of the ancient historical sites and bazaars are in the Sultanahmet district. But it is also the area that is mostly tourist. We finally decided to stay Beyoğlu near the Galata Tower. It should be easy to get to the historical area via either tram or walking.

We wanted to stay in an apartment. Istanbul Holiday Apartments were recommend both in the Lonely Planet and Rick Steves guide books. We remembered how much we enjoyed having a view in Menton so we have decided to stay Deluxe View Glorya apartment/

We only have about 5 days after Istanbul and G really wants to see Ephesus. We plan to fly to Izmir and stay three nights in a small town about 30 minutes called Şirince. We fell in love with the cottages at Nisanyan House. We have reserved the “Hideaway” cottage.

So all that is left is to find a place for two night along the Aegean coast. We are thinking of Kas and to get intra-Turkey flights. We hope to be able to fly into Izmir and out of Antalya. It is a long 6 hour drive from Izmir to Kas so we are still discussing this leg of the trip. Oh yes, and the last night in Istanbul before our flight back to LA.

We are so excited. This is the earliest that we have booked a trip. We did our South Africa trip in March/April for September. But typically we wait until closer. Lots of time to study and get prepared.