I try to show the more mundane realities of travel along with all the glorious sights in my shows. For instance, when exploring Turkey, the bus system is excellent: I wouldn’t drive or take the train. The best approach for travelers is to take cheap flights for long hops and intercity buses for shorter trips. Another fun dimension of traveling here is taking a little cruise along the Turkish Riviera.
My early memories of travel in Turkey, back when I was a student, included long bus rides. On board was an attendant who handed out water and sprinkled cologne on all the stinking passengers. The tradition survives — and we filmed it.
Lale and her husband, Tan, spearheaded the research and writing of the Rick Steves’ Istanbul guidebook. They coordinate our booming Turkey tour program and, with the help of our tour department, have trained a number of excellent guides who take good care of our groups. Now Lale is taking two weeks away from her family to help us weave the things we see and experience in our tours into two new TV shows.
The Turkish coast just west of Antalya has peaceful beaches and great swimming. This bay also comes with an amazing ancient ruined city— Phaselis. Photo credit: Dean Cannon.
We hired a gulet (a traditional Turkish boat) for a delightful day at sea —peaceful bays, a big lunch, backgammon with raki, and a refreshing dip — all with the camera rolling. Photo credit: Dean Cannon.
Comments
3 Replies to “Turkey Travel by Bus and by Boat”
I’ll be interested in what you and the Turkish guides think about train travel after the Marmaray tunnel and the Istanbul-Ankara high speed rail line are finished.
Pluses and minuses to both the car or the bus. Just got back from Turkey yesterday (Istanbul -was there 10 years ago,as well as Isnik — Capadokkia, Aegean Coast Ismir and up). Drove in Capadokkia and the Aegean Coast.) Spent 3 weeks in Turkey. Horrendous driving in the cities of the coast but we managed. Met lots of people who helped us get to where we were going. Some health issues made using a car a better option for us. We’ve done the buses before in Turkey. They are definitely more fun but you have to follow a schedule, can’t stop when you see something interesting or when you have to use the facilities, or when you would like to eat. You can arrive tired, hungry, and with your legs crossed. Many older folks can still do it. Alas, we’re no longer able to. Driving in Capadokkia is a breeze.
Any chance there will be a guidebook covering MORE than just Istanbul?
Even on the tour, it is needed…and wanted!
Perhaps one covering the sights covered on your 13 days tour?
With info on how to travel using the buses…
It’s sad that one has to resort to someone else’s books
once outside Istanbul…
I’ll be interested in what you and the Turkish guides think about train travel after the Marmaray tunnel and the Istanbul-Ankara high speed rail line are finished.
Pluses and minuses to both the car or the bus. Just got back from Turkey yesterday (Istanbul -was there 10 years ago,as well as Isnik — Capadokkia, Aegean Coast Ismir and up). Drove in Capadokkia and the Aegean Coast.) Spent 3 weeks in Turkey. Horrendous driving in the cities of the coast but we managed. Met lots of people who helped us get to where we were going. Some health issues made using a car a better option for us. We’ve done the buses before in Turkey. They are definitely more fun but you have to follow a schedule, can’t stop when you see something interesting or when you have to use the facilities, or when you would like to eat. You can arrive tired, hungry, and with your legs crossed. Many older folks can still do it. Alas, we’re no longer able to. Driving in Capadokkia is a breeze.
Any chance there will be a guidebook covering MORE than just Istanbul?
Even on the tour, it is needed…and wanted!
Perhaps one covering the sights covered on your 13 days tour?
With info on how to travel using the buses…
It’s sad that one has to resort to someone else’s books
once outside Istanbul…