Dubai & Turkey holiday

[AchmatK]

The SO and I are going to Dubai and Turkey for holiday. Leaving CT 12/06 for Dubai and leaving Dubai for Istanbul on 15/06, returning to CT via Dubai on 23/06.

We know what we will be doing in Dubai but a bit overwhelmed by Turkey as there is just so much history to take in.

So my question is, should we book a tour package (€850 per person including accommodation, entry fees some food and a few other extras) or should I plan our itinerary myself before we depart. Another option would be to just land in Istanbul and wing it . We both 36 and this will be our first trip to Dubai and Turkey.
Sent from my RM-821_im_south_africa_250 using Board Express

 

[goga]

The SO and I are going to Dubai and Turkey for holiday. Leaving CT 12/06 for Dubai and leaving Dubai for Istanbul on 15/06, returning to CT via Dubai on 23/06.

We know what we will be doing in Dubai but a bit overwhelmed by Turkey as there is just so much history to take in.

So my question is, should we book a tour package (€850 per person including accommodation, entry fees some food and a few other extras) or should I plan our itinerary myself before we depart. Another option would be to just land in Istanbul and wing it . We both 36 and this will be our first trip to Dubai and Turkey.
Sent from my RM-821_im_south_africa_250 using Board Express

Is it just to Istanbul, or more of Turkey?
If more, I'd organise an itinerary and tour from here. Include Cappadocia, exclude Kusadasi (turkish beaches are lame compared to SA), pass through Konya for a few hour stop at Rumi's mausoleum, I didn't spend more than a few hours in Ankara so can't say much on it. Pamukkale (the white mountain) is worth a viewing, though have had mixed reviews from ppl. Ephesus is a bit of ancient greece in Turkey which was worth a stop en route.

We did 2 weeks, a week touring in a Merc Vito, and a week in Istanbul.

If just Istanbul, you can prepare most of your sights from here. May be worth doing a single days "organised tour" but should do the rest on your own.
Get a lonely planet and work out the main items (topakapi palace, cruise on the bosphorus, the main mosques and hagia sofia, taksim square) - can really do it on your own quite easily..

 

[hellfire]

Were you ever a pediatric oncologist doing a locum in Dubai?
If so, I'd reconsider the Dubai leg of your trip

 

[M3mPh1z]

I got to Istanbul and then started planning, would suggest at least looking at all your options before you leave so you can prepare something yourself for when you get there.

 

[AchmatK]

Is it just to Istanbul, or more of Turkey?
If more, I'd organise an itinerary and tour from here. Include Cappadocia, exclude Kusadasi (turkish beaches are lame compared to SA), pass through Konya for a few hour stop at Rumi's mausoleum, I didn't spend more than a few hours in Ankara so can't say much on it. Pamukkale (the white mountain) is worth a viewing, though have had mixed reviews from ppl. Ephesus is a bit of ancient greece in Turkey which was worth a stop en route.

We did 2 weeks, a week touring in a Merc Vito, and a week in Istanbul.

If just Istanbul, you can prepare most of your sights from here. May be worth doing a single days "organised tour" but should do the rest on your own.
Get a lonely planet and work out the main items (topakapi palace, cruise on the bosphorus, the main mosques and hagia sofia, taksim square) - can really do it on your own quite easily..

Thanks. Was trhinking of trying to get as much of the western part of Turkey.

Were you ever a pediatric oncologist doing a locum in Dubai?
If so, I'd reconsider the Dubai leg of your trip

Never been to Dubai so don't think I'm wanted there yet.

I got to Istanbul and then started planning, would suggest at least looking at all your options before you leave so you can prepare something yourself for when you get there.

Thinking of doing this. Found some diy tour ideas and will plan something around them.

 

[ponder]

Why would you wanna go to dubai for a holiday? I'd go to Turkey but I would avoid any non-secular state.

 

[AchmatK]

Why would you wanna go to dubai for a holiday? I'd go to Turkey but I would avoid any non-secular state.

Flying on Emirates and decided to have a stop over in Dubai. Will only be there for the 13th, 14th and flying out on the 15th. Turkey is the main destination.

Paid R3 500.00 per person return. Ebucks and Emirates FTW!!!