Turkey in 2004 - Glimpse of Itinerary

The trip to Turkey in November 2004 was my first trip abroad in a memory of my late parents, both passed away in 2002, 8 months apart, mother died in February whilst father in October 2002. It took me many years to get back on my feet, being a normal person again. Touring in Turkey was 1 of the way to heal my pain. I went with a guided group tour with Zuri, my best travel buddy. Zuri has opened up my eyes to a bigger world, of which, I am greatly indebted to her. To begin with, I would like to share the following itinerary from the day we landed in Istanbul on 17th till we returned on 24th November 2004:-

Day 1 & 2 - Istanbul: On arrival day, we proceeded to visit Topkapi Palace as the first stop followed with a Belly Show dance that night over diner in Istanbul. On 18th, we continued visiting Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar. We travelled to Canakkale on the same day to reach the city for overnight.

At the Topkapi Palace with Bosphorus sea as a backdrop photo

Day 3 - On 19th November, our group exploring Canakkale city and travelled to the old ruin city of Troai before adjourned to Bergama to visit Acropolis of Pergamon. We overnight in Izmir that night. 

In Canakkale city with 2004 erected wooden horse for 2004 Troy movie

Day 4 - From Izmir, we traveled to Kusadasi city for a quick photo stop and for a fashion show cum leather factory visit before proceeding to Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary in Selcuk. We were there on 20th November 2004.

The library of Celcus, Ephesus

Day 5 - We spent a night in Pamukkale resort city a night before where we had enjoyed a night swimming in a resort thermal pool. It was a wonderful experienced swimming during autumn season. on 21st November laying our foot in a hot natural bath spa in Pamukkale famous travertines.

Travertine (white hard calcium) in Pamukkale

Day 6 - On 22nd November, we arrived in Cappadocia where we were lucky to experience early snow on our way there and by the time we reached the place, it was already flooded with snow at the open air museum in Gerome valley.

Ulchisar & Chimneys in Goreme Valley

Day 7 - We were in Ankara visiting Kamal Ataturk's mausoleum on 23rd November and more shopping (leather jacket and precious gemstone) on the way to Ankara. We were back to Istanbul on the same day to catch a flight back via Qatar Airline to Malaysia.

Day 8 - We had a good time cruising along Bosphorus sea before heading to the airport. The weather was a little bit cloudy on 24th November but much warmer as compared to Ankara and Cappadocia.

Stay tune for my details entry and many thanks for visiting my page. I would like to share my travel map following the above mentioned itinerary.