Visit World famous Ancient City of Ephesus

Of course, a visit to Kusadasi can not be completed without a visit to the ruins of Ephesus, are one of the biggest attractions in Turkey. Once the second largest city of the Roman Empire, it is estimated there is still more than 60% of the city to excavate.

Ephesus Visitor Map

Visitors have a marvelous insight of this former seaport city. Walking down the cobbled agora street, they pass the public toilets and baths, temples and terraced houses of rich Roman citizens. You can watch the video below to listen the story of Terrace Houses from my friend Filiz. She is the best tour guide for Ephesus.

The street leads to the impressive Celsius library that at one time, held more than 12,000 scrolls.

Library of Celsus, Ephesus

To the left of this magnificent monument is the grand amphitheatre. Originally used by performing artists, the discovery of a nearby gladiator’s graveyard reveals that eventually it was an arena of death for enjoyment.

If you would like to make an efficient visit to Ephesus, you must spend at least 3 hours time in the site. 

How to go to Ephesus from Kusadasi?

The best way to visit Ephesus is booking a guided tour if you want to enjoy the rich history and listen amazing stories of the city.

You can also take a cab from Kusadasi to Ephesus which will cost you around 100-120 Turkish liras. You will see local guides standing at the entrance. If you like you can hire one in there.

You can also take a dolmus (means stuffed minibus) departs every each hour from Kusadasi dolmus terminal. They drop you at the main road towards to Selcuk from there you have to walk around half an hour to be able to reach to the entrance.

Dolmus to Ephesus, ready for an adventure?

Where to stay in Kusadasi?

Although Kusadasi is one of the oldest resorts of Turkey, finding a good accommodation is a problem for tourists. If you are a boutique, small and chic hotel lover, the alternatives are very limited. For this reason, some people prefer to stay Selcuk or Sirince as they do not like tourist packed hotels.

During my last visit to Kusadasi, I was happy to see recent investments for the boutique hotels.  I would recommend you to stay in these hotels which are in good located and offer friendly service.

Ilayda Hotel is situated in the center of Kusadasi, walking distance to the harbour and Kusadasi bazaar. Its renovated in 2012 and has rooms with the view of the marina and port. The prices are reasonable.

Ilayda Hotel, Kusadasi

Efe Boutique Hotel is one of the good boutique hotels of Kusadasi, situated in front of Guvercinlik Island. It has a wonderful view of Kusadasi cruise port. Walking distance to shops and there is private beach in front of the hotel.

Efe Boutique Hotel, Kusadasi

Ilayda Avangarte Hotel (Ex Atinc Hotel) is opened in 2013 after an extensive renovation of the building and modernization of the rooms. Its in the walking distance to restaurants, shops, marina and the harbour. 

Double Tree by Hilton Kusadasi Hotel is the first hotel of Hilton chain to Kusadasi and offer comfortable and luxury accommodation for chic hotel lovers. Its situated opposed to the Marina and has traditional stone houses used as suit rooms in the hotel complex.  

Double Tree By Hilton Kusadasi

Charisma Deluxe Hotel is one of the 5 star (officially) hotels of the region mostly preferred by the big tour groups or people looking for private beach, spa facilities and swimming pool. All the rooms have sea view and the rates are reasonable for a five star hotel.

Charisma Deluxe Hotel, Kusadasi

Recommended Activities and Things to do in Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a place which you can visit either in winter (November till March) or summer (April till October). Although winter time is not suitable for swimming or to enjoy beaches, you can make visits to the historical and religious sites. Its surrounded by ancient cities of Ephesus, Pamukkale, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Pergamum and Aphrodisias. Perfect place for history and archaeology lovers.

Visit to the Greek wine making village of Sirince is high in the hills, only reached by a winding mountain road. Originally started by freed slaves from Ephesus, it is now a popular jaunt for Turks as well as foreigners. Taste homemade wine, be intrigued at the local handicrafts for sale, and do not forget to buy some souvenir olive oil soap.

Village Houses in Sirince

Visit to the Greek Island of Samos. Daily ferries are available from Kusadasi port Samos the  in the morning and late afternoon (Contact Azim Tours for the ferries). After 1½ – 2 hours at sea you will arrive at Samos’ main port ‘Vathi’, where you'll be greeted by beautiful pastel colored shops and restaurants built around the bay with picturesque mountains in the background.

Samos Island

Dinner with a Turkish Night Show in Thousand Year-Old Caravanserai

Not only is it a really fun evening where you get to watch traditional Turkish dancing and Belly dancing, it's also held in a fantastically beautiful building that's called the Caravanserai. Once a roadside inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day's journey, it was built by an Ottoman vizier Okuz Mehmet Pasha in 1618 AD.It has been furnished to meet present day needs, whilst preserving all the typical characteristics of a Caravanserai - two floors, two entrances and a spacious courtyard. 

Spend a day at Adaland Waterpark for fun. If you have children travelling with you and they bored of seeing historical stuff, you can make them happy with a day at the waterpark. 

Adaland

Visit Kusadasi Popular Port of Cruise Lines

Kusadasi is situated in the Aegean region of Turkey, and is a magnificent and perfect place for an unforgettable vacation. It is not only popular with holidaymakers but also large cruise line ships carrying thousands of passengers. Most of them come just to visit the nearby ancient ruins of Ephesus, but the area does have many more attractions.

Kusadasi Cruise Port

It is no surprise that as a cruise line destination, shopping is big business in Kusadasi. Everything is for sale from cheap leather goods to authentic carpets, jewelry, clothes, and souvenirs. There is a local bazaar, near to the marina entrance or you can bargain for local deals in the outlet centers, located near Ephesus. You can even enjoy a complimentary fashion show :)

Kusadasi has every type of restaurant you can imagine, from international with English speaking staff to backstreet fast food establishments only frequented by locals. Although there is no big nightclub, the likes of what people will see in Bodrum, Kusadasi still has an active nightlife scene.

Kusadasi Bazaar

Beach clubs dotted around the coastal line are popular with visiting Turks while Ladies Beach has family friendly venues with games and activities to keep adults and children occupied. For those who really want to party, Bar street is the best place to be at.

Jade Beach Club

From Kusadasi, you can also visit Pamukkale, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Pergamum, Aphrodisias or embark on Greek Islands Cruise ships leaving from Kusadasi Port during High season (April till November).

Where to stay in Cappadocia?

First time in Cappadocia? In Rome do as Romans do but in Cappadocia live as Cappadocians live in. You must be ready to travel back in time and experience a caveman's life in one of cave hotels in Cappadocia. It sound interesting, isn't it? 

If you are looking for a trip to Cappadocia you can check this 3 Days Cappadocia Tour offered by Turkey Travel Specialists. 

Cave Houses in Cappadocia

There are four main towns to stay in Cappadocia. These are ;

- Urgup
- Uchisar
- Goreme
- Avanos 

These towns has different characters of region but still offer accommodation from budget to luxury. You do not have to spend lots of money to be able to enjoy a cave stay because there are lots of alternatives from simple pensions to luxury boutique hotels.

These are my hotel choices for Cappadocia from budget to luxury.

Phocas Cave Hotel is located in a beautiful area of Cavusin, it came into existence after the restoration of Old house. Prices are quite reasonable.

Doors of Cappadocia Hotel has 18 rooms in total including some built as traditional stone houses. It has a wonderful view of Goreme Valley and a small swimming pool which helps a lot during hot and dry Summer days of Cappadocia.

Yunak Hotel is 19th century Greek Mansion restorated and converted to a luxury boutique hotel which has 6 cave houses, 39 cave rooms  dated back to 5th and 6th centuries AD and carved into a mountain cliff. Its located in Urgup town.

Dere Suites Hotel is a tastefully designed hotel located in Urgup town. If you are looking for a luxury or comfortable stay Dere Suites is the best alternative. It can be also right choice for honeymoon or anniversary couples as hotel offer some complimentary services for them.

Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa is the most suitable hotel for luxury lovers. It offer ultimate luxury and comfort as well as romantic stay with more than hundred rooms, different restaurants, spa center and beautiful settling. Its located in Uchisar town.

CCR Hotel Cappadocia

Where to eat best food in Cappadocia?

Food and Wine are principals of a holiday. You must taste and enjoy local food either in a chic restaurant or in a street seller. 

Delicious Food from Cappadocia

There are lots of alternatives in Cappadocia if you do not like stuck in your hotel restaurant. Here are my choices for you to make your trip memorable.

Seten Restaurant opened in 2010, and has a mix of culinary treats and visual delights. The word " Seten" means "old rounded stone mill used to process grains" and they still have an original cave room used for centuries to press grapes into wine.

Address: Aydinli Mah. Aydinli Sok. No:40 (Near Kelebek Hotel), Goreme

Reservation: 0 384 271 30 25

The Culture Museum Restaurant is located in the center of Ortahisa town and is a nice place to enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine. There is also an ethnographic museum next to the restaurant building and can be visited with an extra small fee. Here you can try best Manti (Turkish Ravioli).

Address : Cumhuriyet Meydani No. 15, Ortahisar

Reservation: 0 384 343 3344

Tasting Testi Kebab in Cappadocia

The Old Greek House is nestled in the quaint village of Mustafapasa. The Ozturk Family, converted the Old Greek House into a restaurant which offers delicious tastes of both Turkish and Greek Cuisine.

Address: Sinasos Village, Mustafapasa / Reservation: 0 384 353 53 06

Elai Restaurant is on the lower slopes of Uchisar Castle and offers delicious dishes from French and Turkish cuisine. It has an open air roof terrace with extensive views of the Pigeon Valley, Red Valley and Goreme Town.

Address : Tekelli mah.Eski Goreme Cad. Uchisar – Cappadocia

Reservation : 0 384 219 31 81

Recommended Dish : Kuzu Incik

Ziggy's Cafe & Restaurant, Urgup

Ziggy's Shop & Cafe is inside a restored stone house and is a modern version of the ancient caravanseri. Its spacious with three outdoor terraces. The cozy dining room has deep armchairs and a blazing fireplace in the winter.

Address: Yunak Mah., Tevfik Fikret Caddesi No. 24 Urgup

Reservation: 0 384 341 71 07

Things to do in Cappadocia

If you visit Cappadocia,  you can enjoy nature, history, culture and food so you have lots to do in there. Here are some activities you must definitely try during your stay in Cappadocia.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia

Hot Air Balloon Rides over the unique lunar landscape and strange rock formations are popular. The region can be explored on foot, but to experience the breath-taking beauty of this remarkable area, take a hot- air balloon flight in Cappadocia at sunrise.

Quad-Biking in Goreme Valleys may sound crazy, but these four wheelers are one of the best ways to check out the scenery along the 10s to 100s of kilometers of paths criss-crossing this surreal landscape.

Valleys of Cappadocia

Wine Tasting in Cave Cellars is a must if you are a food and wine lover. The region famous with the red wine produced by local grapes and kept in cave cellars. 

Cave Cellar in Argos Hotel

Horse Ride along the banks of Kizilirmak River is another enjoyable activity. If you are looking for the beautiful horses of Cappadocia, you can find them in Akhal Teke Horse Ride center and spend an fun day in there.

Horses in Akhal Teke Horse Ride Center

What to see in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia has a beautiful nature and history so there are lots to see in the region. You must spend at least 3 days to enjoy and see the highlights.

Cappadocia,Turkey

Visit Cave Churches & Goreme Open air museum

There is more to Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape than meets the eye. Take a closer book and you will discover hidden dwellings and subterranean churches, for it was here that early Christians escaping from persecution lived and worshipped. Of an estimated 3,000 cave churches in the area, some are open to the public, the most impressive of which are located in the Goreme Open Air Museum. The Tokali and Karanlik church, are among the best preserved with vivid frescoes.

Cave Church in Goreme Museum

Visit Underground Cities

Archaeologists believe the Hittites were the starters of the underground communities and in the 6th and 7th century, they were expanded by early Christians with the addition of air shafts, kitchens, living quarters, churches, water wells, horse stables and wine cellars. Christians used the elaborate subterranean systems as both a shelter and a safe place to worship. You should not miss a visit to Derinkuyu underground city that is the largest of 36 in the area. It covers 4 square kilometers and sheltered 2,000 households on seven floors reaching a depth of 70 to 85 meters.

Lost in an Underground City

Valleys and Other places to see

•        Ihlara Valley

•        Cavusin Village

•        Soganli Valley

•        Selime Monastery

•        Belisirma Village

•        Pasabag and Zelve Valleys

•        Avanos & Kızılırmak River

Walking in Cappadocia Valleys

Visit Cappadocia The Land of Beautiful Horses

Where are the horses?

It is said that Cappadocians have the best horses of Anatolia which was famous in Persian land. That is why they called their country as " Katpatutka" which means the land of beautiful horses. With horses or without them I can say Cappadocia is a beautiful land and you must visit there once in your life.

Horses of Cappadocia, found them at Akhal Teke Horse Ride Center

Deep in the heart of Anatolia, Cappadocia offers surreal scenery, adventure activities, and an in-depth look into the history of Christianity. The lunar landscape is dotted with rocks nicknamed “Fairy Chimneys.”

Couldnt find a horse?Then ride a chimney!

Created because of wind and water erosion, some of them have been inhabited for many years, with rooms, windows, and staircases laboriously curved inside creating 5-storey structures. Known as cave homes and hotels, they are one of the main attractions of the region.

Beautiful Cave Hotel in Capppadocia, Dere Suites

Cappadocia’s geological quirks, plus the wealth of caves and hideaways, have made it a place of refuge since biblical times, when it was popular with Christians fleeing persecution. Their legacy includes the underground cities at Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı as well as the painted cave churches found in the Goreme and Zelve valleys.

Cappadocia has a steppe climate; there is a great temperature difference between day and night. The average temperature is +23 Degrees-Celsius (73 F) in summer and -2 Degrees-Celsius (28 F) in winter. It is cooler and drier than popular tourist areas of the Mediterranean and the Aegean coasts. 

Who is Ataturk? Why He is so important for Turkey?

It is honor for Turkish people to have a world-famous leader and we deeply respect him. This is the reason he displayed on the Turkish money, on flags and in shops, and offices, you will also see a statue of him in every town.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is the founder of the Republic of Turkey. He was born in 1881 in Salonica (current Greece). After his education in military schools, he joined the Ottoman Army. 

In 1915, when the Dardanelles campaign was launched, Colonel Mustafa Kemal became a national hero by winning successive victories and finally repelling the invaders. 

After the 1^st World War, The Allies (UK, France, Italy, Russia and Greec) occupied Turkey and Ataturk started The War of Independence against them.

In defiance of the Sultan's government, he rallied a liberation army in Anatolia and convened the Congress of Erzurum and Sivas that established the basis for the new national effort under his leadership. On April 23, 1920, the Grand National Assembly was inaugurated. Mustafa Kemal was elected as President.

In 1934, when the surname law was adopted, the national parliament gave him the name"Atatürk" (Father of the Turks).

Following an illness of a few months, he died On November 10, 1938. For this reason, 10th of November of every year is Mustafa Kemal Ataturk day. Flags of him will be in streets, out of the windows and houses. Turkish Schools will also have a minute’s silence.

Facts About Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

·   He formed the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Previously the land within it’s current borders  was part of the Ottoman Empire.

·        He abolished Islamic justice systems and adopted Western law methods.

·        He adopted the Latin alphabet

·        He made it law for women to choose whether or not to wear a headscarf

·        He banned the headscarf from all government and education buildings.

·        The capital was moved from Istanbul to Ankara making it less vulnerable to attack.

Survival Travel Tips for Turkey

Although you can read everything on guide books, there is always something you never learn without experiencing it. Turks say " Who knows a lot; a traveler or a reader?" 

What I say " First read my blog and then travel, you will be an expert"!

Riding a camel in Turkey? I have no idea.. this is something you need to experience yourself

Here I have listed some survival travel tips for you to make your Turkey visit easier.

Where I can change money in Turkey? Cash is exchanged without commission in most exchange offices, banks, or hotels. Cash point machines (ATM) are available in most busy areas. They accept worldwide cards and some cash points display instructions in English. Inform your bank in advance that you are travelling to Turkey as some automatically prevent use to combat fraud. Turkish newspapers and the Internet publish exchange rates daily.

Is water drinkable? Tap water in Turkey is high in minerals and can upset the stomach so use bottled water instead. Some upper-class hotels offer complimentary bottled water while others will charge. Most shops sell bottled water and you can still brush your teeth with tap water but do not swallow.

Is there internet in my hotel? Most hotels, inns, pensions, and hostels have a communal computer and open wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) in at least one public space, such as the lobby or lounge. Wi-Fi access is usually free in smaller hotels and inns but larger hotels may charge. You should check with reception. Turkish airports, some cafes, and restaurants also have free Wi-Fi access.

What about Laundry service? Some hotels offer laundry services and they normally display the price list in rooms. There are not many launderettes in Turkey but dry cleaning shops are scattered throughout most cities.

How to use Toilets (Bath Room/WC)? Western Style flushing toilets are used in hotels, restaurants, museums and public toilets in Western Turkey while traditional “squat” toilets are often found in bus stations and more rural areas, especially Eastern Turkey. Many public toilets in Turkey require payment (normally around 1 Turkish Liras).

How much to tip? Most tour and hotel staff appreciate small tips given with discretion but it is not  mandatory. Taxis do not expect tips but rounding up the fare for convenience is common. In restaurants, the normal amount to tip  is 10% of the bill depending on how happy you are with the service.

I want to buy a sim card. Turkish SIM cards are sold at most mobile phone shops but it is a lengthy process for foreigners. Some shops sell telephone cards to use in public phones and there are many iPhone apps that allow you to speak free. If you use the telephone in your hotel, check with reception re charges.

Adaptors and Voltage Turkey has 220 V power systems and adapters are needed because plug sockets are two prong. 

Average Prices

·        Bottle of Water (1 Litre)                                             1 – 2  Lira

·        Street Food (Doner Kebab, Pizza, Soup                        5 – 10 Lira

·        Simple Lunch                                                           10 – 20 Lira

·        Restaurant Dinner                                                     25 – 50 Lira

·        Packet of cigarettes                                                     6  - 9 Lira

Alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, vodka are highly taxed in Turkey. In some seaside coastal resorts, the price of a beer is 5 lira while in the big cities, can be as much as 10 lira. You should check the menu prices before drinking. 

Travel Tips for Turkey " Working Hours and Official Holidays"

It might be very useful for you to know working hours and official holidays of the country which you will visit. You may plan your trip accordingly and avoid the places which might be closed during holidays.

In Turkey, government offices and banks are generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with a break from 12:00 to 1:30 PM. Companies usually work on Saturdays as well but only from 9am till 3pm.

Unlike other European countries touristic shops, restaurants, and bars usually open until late at night. Lucky you!

Official Holidays 

• April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day

• May 19 Ataturk Commemoration and Youth & Sports Day

• August 30 Victory Day (victory over invading forces in 1922)

• October 29 Republic Day (anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic)

Please note: Dates of the following two religious festivals change according to the Muslim lunar calendar and thus occur 10 days earlier each year. Shops, banks and offices opening hours will be affected.

• Ramadan Bayrami / Sugar Feast: Three-day festival to celebrate the end of the fast of Ramadan.

• Kurban Bayramı / Sacrifies Feast: Four-day festival to slaughter a sheep or cow and distribute the meat among the poor, neighbours and within the family.

Poor me!! I work 24 hours and 7 days...

How to bargain in Turkey?

If you are not used to shop in a Middle Eastern country, you may surprise with the shop keepers are not like the ones in your country. 

Salesman: Hello darling! How are you?
Tourist: Fine. Thank you..
Salesman: May I help you to spend your money?
Tourist: Omg :S

Not shy at all and ready to make you spend your money. They do not hesitate to tell this to you and eventually they do it ! At least, you can save up by learning how to beat them in bargaining. 

Haggling over prices is often a drawn out affair involving a comfortable seat and several glasses of tea. First, ask the price and the shop owner responds. You then, say you do not want to pay that amount but will pay X amount. The shop owner agrees, disagrees, or lowers his price again.

This can go backwards and forwards many times until a price that suits both parties is agreed. Always remain good humored and polite. Remember, it is perfectly acceptable, if you cannot agree on a price, to say, “No, Thanks!” and walk out of the shop. However, if a price is agreed, it is bad manners to change your mind.

Items to bargain on include leather, jewellery, carpets, ceramics, onyx, nargile pipes, individual one-man clothes shop, any purchase that is of a substantial amount or made in bulk.

The most common places to bargain are Grand Bazaar, Shops in Sultanahmet, Spice Market and other public markets where you do not see any price tag on items. On the other hand, shopping malls, shops in elegant districts and non-touristy shops are the ones you can not bargain.

After few days in Istanbul, you will used to shopkeepers. If you learn how to bargain then you can be a nightmare for them.

Good luck!

Shopping Paradise Istanbul

If you are the one like to spend more time in shopping malls rather than hours museums, Istanbul is a real paradise for you. The only thing you need to inform your credit card company that you will spend your whole money in Istanbul.

Shopping in Istanbul is great, with open-air markets, covered Turkish bazaars, and chic boutiques everywhere. From scarves and textiles to ceramics, gold and carpets, thousands of spices, hand-made jewelry and many more available in the shops of Istanbul. 

dear friend Stella spent her whole money at the Grand Bazaar and this is how Greece  forced into bankruptcy

 If you have no idea what to buy here are some examples of souvenirs ;

LEATHER : Turkish traditions have always used animal skins to make clothes so fine leather clothing & accessories are cheap.  Istanbul is the trade center, but all cities have shops selling coats, skirts, dresses, vests, hats, gloves, handbags, wallets, and many other items.

NAZAR BONCUK: The “evil eye” is found throughout Turkey on everything from magnets and key chains to earrings and pendants. Believed to ward off envy and ill wishes, it is often handcrafted from blown glass, and sold in many shapes and sizes.

Grand Bazaar

ONYX: There is an abundance of it in Turkey and skilled artisans all over the country sculpt it into chess sets, spice bowls, decorative bowls, bathroom fixtures, ashtrays, and vases. If you want to take just one souvenir home, make sure it is a piece of Onyx.

CERAMICS: Turkey has been famous since the 16th century for its ceramics. The master potters of Cappadocia still make plates, bowls, cups, tiles, and other items in traditional ways. They are sold all over Turkey for various prices depending on the item and its quality.

Turkish Ceramic

JEWELLERY : Turkish jewellery is of higher quality and cheaper than western gold.  When buying silver or gold, look for the maker's hallmark stamped into an inconspicuous part of the piece. Pewter and nickel silver are sometimes passed as sterling silver, though not by reputable dealers.

SPICES : For many years, Turkey was the number one exporter of Spices coming from Far East, Africa and Middle East. It was the final stop of Spice Road  and market place for Europeans. Of course Spice Market is the best place to buy and smell thousands kind of spices coming from all over the world.

Spices in the spice market

CARPETS & RUGS: Carpets and kilims were originally movable items for nomadic households, but Turks continued to use them, after they settled in houses.  A Turkish carpet is not just a piece of woven cloth. At their best, hand-made carpets are original, one-of-a-kind works of art.

Dont worry they have enough for everybody!