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Şirince – known as a wine village with all its fruit trees that bear some most delicious fruit trees and bushes. The history of Şirince goes something like this: it was formed when people were fleeing Ephesus. They settled in the mountains and named the village Cirkince...

It’s probably one of the most beautiful things I have heard. I first heard it when I was walking in Istanbul. Suddenly the Call to Prayer, or Adhan, came through speakers from all over and it literally stopped me in my steps. I will always remember that. (Click the photo...

SİYAH ZEYTİN EZMESİ. Or Turkish Olive Paste. 🙂 I remember when I first tried it at breakfast in Istanbul, I was like, OH MY WORD, what is this goodness!?!? It wasn’t until my 4th visit that I finally got my act together and brought a few jars home with me to enjoy on...

One of the beautiful things I love about our OLD VILLAGES itinerary is how we do many “local” things – wine tasting in a small village, wandering a coastal village, shopping in a mountain village. Villages. Turkey is FULL of them.  And one of my favorite...

Antalya is a resort destination in Southern Turkey and one we visit on our OLD VILLAGES Itinerary. As a gateway to its southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters, Antalya also has an “old city” down by the water (it was a major...

I value my guests feedback about our Travel Experiences. It always gives me a chance to reflect on the trip with their suggestions, their feedback and their love for the trip. Tanya was no different – well she was actually – she was also my roommate through our last...

One of the things I notice when I travel is that the best way to REALLY get the feel of a place is to visit their local market. It is here that you will see the locals, see the produce they are selling and see how real life is among the place you are in. It was no different...

I had the pleasure meeting Neco (prounounced Nay-Jo) 2 trips ago bringing some of my guests to Turkey. Neco has been in the carpet making business for over 25 years. He started as a young boy and into his young adulthood continued and today is one of the most well-known in his...

A must-see is definitely the Egyptian Spice Bazaar in the Old City of Istanbul. Yes there is the Grand Bazaar that I also say visit to say you visit, but I personally prefer the Spice Bazaar for actual shopping purposes – it’s where the locals shop and have shopped since it...

One of the most precious things we did when we were in the desert was visit a nomadic village. We took some clothes and school supplies and gave to one family in particular. I watched as this little guy stood, with questions in his eyes and hesitation in his step, probably...