[lettucesoap]

I'm going to Turkey with a few friends in a few weeks and we'll be staying in Icmeler, Dalaman. We're students so we won't have a lot of money on us, so I was wondering what the best things to do in Turkey are? What should we definitely not miss?

We'd like to make this a cultural holiday, we aren't really clubbing people, and if possible I'd like to know of some places to visit which aren't typically 'touristy'.

Also we'd like to go to Istanbul for a day trip which we're hoping to organise through the hotel, so what would be the best places to visit in that day?

Any additional info on food and general culture and ettiquette would also be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

[ShahMW]

Ok, so Istanbul is definitely definitely a must do.

Visit the area called Sultan Ahmet the main tourist and cultral place.

Visit obviously the blue mosque and topkapi palace and museum for the culture; absolutely stunning.

Then walk up the main road (20mins) or catch a tram then definitely visit the bazars.

I would also recommend taking a boat either across to the asia side and just wondering about, or catch a boat up the bosphorus which is a beautiful experience.

Along the rivers there are eatings boats which are quite flashy.

One thing is; donner (kebabs) can be tasty but it can really really wreck a stomach especially if not used to it, so be careful (I would advise trying once only lol)

Also if you are women try to remember it is a muslim country so if you dress moderately and quite conservative it would stop stares and stuff.

I would advise eating at the little places, not huge chains, the cheaper more run down places. It will give you proper Turkish food and cheaper price for more often a better price.

Visit Galata bridge and tower for a great view.

Finally I would say you have to visit a Turkish hamman for an amazing massage and spa at the end of the day! best in the world!

But everyone is really friendly and im sure it will be great!

[lettucesoap]

(Original post by ShahMW)
Ok, so Istanbul is definitely definitely a must do.

Visit the area called Sultan Ahmet the main tourist and cultral place.

Visit obviously the blue mosque and topkapi palace and museum for the culture; absolutely stunning.

Then walk up the main road (20mins) or catch a tram then definitely visit the bazars.

I would also recommend taking a boat either across to the asia side and just wondering about, or catch a boat up the bosphorus which is a beautiful experience.

Along the rivers there are eatings boats which are quite flashy.

One thing is; donner (kebabs) can be tasty but it can really really wreck a stomach especially if not used to it, so be careful (I would advise trying once only lol)

Also if you are women try to remember it is a muslim country so if you dress moderately and quite conservative it would stop stares and stuff.

I would advise eating at the little places, not huge chains, the cheaper more run down places. It will give you proper Turkish food and cheaper price for more often a better price.

Visit Galata bridge and tower for a great view.

Finally I would say you have to visit a Turkish hamman for an amazing massage and spa at the end of the day! best in the world!

But everyone is really friendly and im sure it will be great!

Thank you for your reply, I'll definitely discuss these places with my friends!
Yeah I'd love to go to Istanbul but I'm not sure how to get there from Dalaman.. Is it possible to do as a day trip? If so, what would be the best/cheapest way?

[ShahMW]

dalaman on day trip to istanbul is impossible unless you take a plane.

Plane takes like an hour or so i think, but driving or on a coach will take like 16 hours just one way! although it is much cheaper.

If you go to the airport in dalaman and book a plane ticket it will probably be cheaper than by booking it here.

But if im honest, it would probably be over £100 i think return at least (not sure tho!)

Unless youre willing to pay for the plane or endure a coach journey (which is much cheaper and can be amazing for culture because it will pass through so much of Turkey) there isnt any other ways except hiring a car which would be amazing in terms of seeing the real turkey and many many beautiful places.

However I would say that a day trip unless by plane cannot be done.

Dalaman is mainly known for the beaches and beautiful scenery around (fethiye beach)

It all depends on how much time you have really, but if youre willing to take the time out/have the money to visit istanbul it should not be missed

[lettucesoap]

(Original post by ShahMW)
dalaman on day trip to istanbul is impossible unless you take a plane.

Plane takes like an hour or so i think, but driving or on a coach will take like 16 hours just one way! although it is much cheaper.

If you go to the airport in dalaman and book a plane ticket it will probably be cheaper than by booking it here.

But if im honest, it would probably be over £100 i think return at least (not sure tho!)

Unless youre willing to pay for the plane or endure a coach journey (which is much cheaper and can be amazing for culture because it will pass through so much of Turkey) there isnt any other ways except hiring a car which would be amazing in terms of seeing the real turkey and many many beautiful places.

However I would say that a day trip unless by plane cannot be done.

Dalaman is mainly known for the beaches and beautiful scenery around (fethiye beach)

It all depends on how much time you have really, but if youre willing to take the time out/have the money to visit istanbul it should not be missed

I see, guess we'll save it for another time then.
Thank you very much for your responses!! Really appreciate it! +rep