Turkey, country of 2 continents, 23 June to 4 July 2017

Our official family trip for 2017 was to mesmirizing Turkey, a country of two continents i.e. Asia and Europe. This time it was a 10d 7n tour organized by Parlo Tours for RM4,121 per pax. Tricia and I together with her sister and hubby extended our stay at Istanbul for another 3 nights to explore the great city of Istanbul better.

Turkey is considered to be the gateway between Europe and Asia. It is an Eurasian country located on the Mediterranean stretching across the Anatolian peninsula in Southwest Asia and the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. It is bordered by the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Many civilization had thrived in this land leaving a rich, facinating and historical archaeological country.

Our flight departed from KLIA at about 11pm and arrived at Ataturk International Airport at about 5.30 am Turkey time. We were soon greeted by our local tour guide and bus driver at the Arrival Hall. It was the eve of Ramadan and we started our tour on a 5 hours journey from Istanbul crossing the narrow Dardanelles Strait to Troy/Troia, Canakkale at the asian side of Turkey, Anatolia. For our first tourist site, we visited the site of ancient Troy - Unesco heritage site.

On the ferry crossing the strait

For lunch, our first turkish meal of the tour

The first night stay was at Kolin Hotel, Canakkale.

2nd Day, 25 June 2017: Canakkale to Izmir

Stopped for some photo shoots at a vantage point. 

The handsome coach driver. He and the tour guide were friendly and sociable.

First shopping stop. Natural beauty products and olive oils.

Typical meal that was common for the entire trip. Lots of salads, olives..healthy though.

On our way to Izmir, we visited the famous archaeological site of Asklepion. Asklepion is an ancient healing complex located at the base of the Pergamon Acropolis built in honour of Asklepios, God of Healing.

Our guide sharing his knowledge on the ancient site in English, much to our liking!

Our 2nd night stay was at Movenpick Hotel, Izmir. As it was summer, daylight hours was until 8pm!

At the water front promenade just in front of the hotel

Must try when in Turkey! Delicious, creamy and sinful Mado Ice Cream! Could not have enough of it while in Turkey. No worries, it is a chain store located at all major cities and at every corner in Istanbul.

End of Part 1.