Turkey travel: Istanbul, Cappadocia and a family's vacation woes

A family from Spain finally saved enough to visit Turkey after years of postponement. Their trip began with the expected wonder of Istanbul’s bustling streets, the Bosphorus, and historic sites, but quickly turned into a disappointing experience that the narrator describes as a nightmare.

A separate travel guide outlines Turkey’s main attractions, highlighting Istanbul’s three distinct areas – the historic Golden Horn, modern Beyoğlu, and the Asian side – and detailing key sights such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace Harem, and the Grand Bazaar. The guide also recommends a visit to the geological landscape of Cappadocia, noting its volcanic formations and famous hot‑air‑balloon scenery.