Q&A: I want to visit the architectural wonders of Turkey and Greece. Who do I go to for this? Any private guides?
July 9, 2010 | In: Architectural History
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Question by kingdaire: I want to visit the architectural wonders of Turkey and Greece. Who do I go to for this? Any private guides?
Same old American tourist questions: Is it safe? Will I be disliked because I’m American? I very much want to visit the Blue Mosque and the caves at Cappadocia and some of the Christian historical sites. I want to learn a lot more about Kemal Ataturk and the history of Turkey. This is NOT a vacation resort trip. I’m very curious about this area known as the cradle of all human civilization. My interest in Greece is primarily architectural. I want to visit the Parthenon on the Acropolis, the Minoan palace of Knossos and so on. A private guide would be nice and lower my stress level a little so I can relax and enjoy my explorations. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I would be very grateful.
Best answer:
Answer by Sarah Fields
oh my goodness, take me with you.
I am going to study abroad in Greece.
Give your answer to this question below!
4 Responses to Q&A: I want to visit the architectural wonders of Turkey and Greece. Who do I go to for this? Any private guides?
Frank B
July 9th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Hi Kingdaire,
Greece is one of the safest countries within European Union. So I guess there shouldn’t be any worries on that. The majority of Greeks speak English and the society is quite an open one. As with the rest of Europe, the anti-Americanism is directed against the state and its policies and not really against its people. Greece is thought to be the cradle of Western civilization but not really the human one (!). I would definitely bring a Lonely planet guide with me.
For more:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/greece/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece
The only thing that I would worry would be the Dollar:Euro rate these days. At this rate, Greece may seem a bit expensive for the average American and definitely it is far more expensive than Turkey.
To the best of my knowledge, the majority of my remarks on Greece apply also all across the Western part of Turkey. Great sites, amazing history and wonderful people. While there, it will be handy to get an idea of the recent history between the two countries (Greece and Turkey). I will refrain from reporting anything on the Eastern part of Turkey (i.e. from Ankara eastwards) as I could hardly relate to, could not figure out how much of what I was exposed to was Turkish or Kurdish and my personal experience was rather “shocking” and not really a pleasant one (in many different ways). People , however, were still wonderful. But Turkish people would rather know more on this.
Enjoy!
BosphorusTurkey
July 9th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Well, if your main interest is architecture, I advise you to make a theme-trip in Turkey. For example, you may choose Mimar Sinan as your theme, read a little about him and try to visit his works.
Visiting Byzantium era works will bring your experience only upto a certain point in time. You should continue and see the mosques by the Bosphorus, Sultanahmet Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosques in Istanbul and Edirne, etc.
I don’t know much about architecture, but I’ve read repeatedly that Mimar Sinan was an architectural genius.
Turkey is a safe place for tourists, as long as you are beware of pickpockets.
Ipek K
July 9th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Since Frank and Bosphorus covered some of the sociological facts, I would like to help you with the technological detail: a good agency and one of the best tour guides, especially for Cappadocia and Ephesus. Please check out the link below. The lady that owns the agency is a friend of mine and she has been a professional tourist guide for quite a long time.
Most of her clients are Americans so if you drop a note to her, she will explain in detail about your requirements .
http://www.argonautturkey.com/
I hope you have a wonderful time in the two most amazing countries that cradled the worlds important civilizations.
Archer
July 9th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Pls check the link below
that guy is a long distance driver and probably can help you plan your trip.
There’s a form below his page for you to fill & send if you want to get in touch.
hope this info is helpful