Tour to Turkey – Oct 2022
SEP 29th to OCT 7th 2022
As many as 45 merry Kanara Catholic Association (KCA) Bengaluru fellow travellers ranging in ages from 9 to 80 plus, landed in historic, spectacular, Istanbul, the bustling metropolis of Turkiye, a city which straddles two continents Europe and Asia. From September 28 to October 8.
After a king’s breakfast, the group headed off to the stunning coastal city of Kusadasi, known for its turquoise sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea. As the members strolled along the bustling waterfront, lined with numerous cafes, they tried to capture the beauty of the setting sun, the pomegranate juice vendors dotting every corner, the enticing gelato and much more.
At the luxurious beachfront hotel, the youngsters and young at heart were either in the pool, out strolling on the sandy beach, or getting a full Turkish Hamam bath with sauna and oil massage.
Close to Kusadasi are the glorious ancient city ruins of Ephesus. At the House of The Virgin Mary on Mt Koressos is a ‘wishing wall’ where pilgrims write and tie their personal intentions on paper or fabric. The group did the same, whispering a prayer and writing intentions for their loved ones.
From the coast, they wound their way to Pamukkale (Cotton Palace), an unreal landscape. Calcite laden waters high up in the hills have created a series of white terraced basins with blue waters. Close by is the ancient site of Hierapolis. At the Pam Thermal hotel, they soaked in the warm thermal springs, applied the healing mud paste and generally felt 10 years younger.
The journey took them to the other-worldly region of Cappodoccia, in central Turkey, an amazing landscape dotted with cave like dwellings and rock-hewn sanctuaries dating back to the 4th Century. Many of the adventurous members opted for the early morning hot air balloon ride.
Back in Istanbul, a trip to the sweet smelling Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar had them emptying the last of their lira from their purses.
On the Bosphorous dinner cruise, the KCA members set the floor on fire with their best moves. With the twinkling lights of the city on either side, they raised a glass of wine to the spirit of this beautiful country.
