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Turkish People, Culture, History, and Places inTurkey

Mustafapasa: The Greek Sinasos

Like many other small villages of Turkey, Mustafapasa in the central Cappadocia region of Turkey is steeped in Greek Orthodox history, specifically the Ottoman years before the Turkish War of Independence in the early 20th century, when Turks and Greeks lived side by side in harmony.

Stories of the ethnic groups residing together throughout Turkey are told extensively by author Giles Milton, who featured Turk, Greek, Armenian and Jewish communities of Izmir, or as it was then known Smyrna, in his novel history book “Paradise Lost” .

The ghost village of Kayakoy on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey was also the setting for Louis de Bernières novel, Birds Without Wings in which romance crosses the ethnic divide between a Greek girl and Turkish boy.

Walking around Mustafapasa, that was previously called Sinasos (meaning city of the sun), apart from a few locals gathered in tea shops and in the town square, everyone else I looked at was a tourist, either part of my group or from one of the large tour buses that do fleeting visits through the region. Yet it was not hard to spot the Greek influence, namely in the houses and in the Church of Saint Nicholas.

Saint Nicholas Church of Mustafapasa

I was on a group tour and we were allocated free time to explore, so I headed straight for the small church, opposite the town square. The iron door entrance flanked by three archways sat below three symmetrical windows covered with iron bars.

Directly above the door was an inscription, and since it was not in Turkish, I assuming it was Greek of which I don’t understand so my curiosity had to take a back seat as I walked through the doors into a large hall with a vaulted ceiling, typically of many churches throughout history . Its small size required no more than 10 minutes to explore and admire so I headed onto the streets to see what I could find.

Greek Houses of Mustafapasa

Passing by a shop owner, who was insistent that his souvenirs warranted my undivided attention, the architecture of the houses, sitting on deserted streets turned out to be even more intriguing than the church.

No disrespect to Turkish architecture but they were more uniformed, pleasing on the eye and instantly reminiscent of a Mediterranean lifestyle. Apparently some date from the 19th and 20th centuries , although I suspect they have been extensively renovated to keep up their original appearance. Oh, what I would have given for the chance to look inside them.

Apparently Mustafapasa has a renovated hotel that was once made popular because it was the setting for a Turkish soap opera . Maybe one day, I will return and stay 3 or 4 nights because there is still so much more to see and I can get to know the elderly locals and their stories. I’ve have an overwhelming hunch that their lives, would make a marvellous plotline for a book.

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CAPPADOCIA HIKING TOUR

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Red and Rose Valley

The tour begins with a hike along the Red and Rose Valley, the most breathtakingly and mysteriously beautiful valleys in the region. Red Valley is famous for the red-rose color of the rocks, it is one of the most stunning of the many valleys in the Cappadocia region. Throughout the Red Valley there are many unique rock formations as well as man-made dovecotes and rock-cut churches decorated with original frescoes. After approximately 4km hike we end up to the Cavusin Village.

Cavusin Village

Çavuşin village had a mixed population with many Christian Orthodox families until the 1920s. The old village, which was abandoned several decades ago due to rock falls, was all carved into the hillside.

Lunch will be served in a traditional restaurant.

Underground City

The journey continues with a descent towards the center of the earth, with a trip to the underground city. There are more than 200 underground cities in Cappadocia. These troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hittite times and expanded by early Christians and others over the centuries, as various invader armies targeted Central Anatolia in search of captives and plunder.

The Three Beauties Fairy Chimneys (Üç Güzeller)

The three beauties fairy chimneys  are iconic symbol of Cappadocia and without a doubt it is one of the most photographed place in Cappadocia. It is a very common image that can see on a lot of magazines, hotel introductions, postcards about Cappadocia.

Carpet Workshop

Carpet weaving is one of the most ancient crafts in Turkey, and for centuries, women have played a pivotal role in their creation. Historically, the Turks were among the earliest carpet weavers. The earliest known carpet utilizing the double knotted Gordes style dates between the 4th and 1st centuries BC. It is believed that the Seljuks introduced carpet weaving techniques into Anatolia in the 12th century. Marco Polo notes in his travel diaries that Konya, the Seljuk capital, was the center of carpet production in the 13th century.

Whats Included?

• Transportation with an A/C luxury minivan
• Professional guiding
• Admission fees to the museums and sights

Whats Excluded?

• Personal expenses
• Drinks at meals
• Gratutites to guides and drivers

• Mustafapasa (Sinasos) Village ADD TO MY ROUTE

Mustafapaşa Town, which is among the untouched destinations of Cappadocia and not within 6 kilometers of Ürgüp and 25 kilometers from Nevşehir, is a Greek Village, formerly known as "Sinasos". This charming village, which is one of the must-see places in Cappadocia, is becoming popular with its history of rupture and its architectural features.

It is possible to come across impressive churches and chapels in Mustafapaşa Town. St. Vasilios, St. Stephen's Churches and St. Basil's Chapel, which hosted the Christian people until 1924 when the population change took place, created a dazzling effect. As a result of the fact that many civilizations have made this place home throughout history, it is possible to come across original examples of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture at the destination.

Mustafapaşa Village is one of the regions rich in places to visit. It is recommended to allocate time for destinations such as St. Nicholas Monastery, Mehmet Şakirpaşa Madrasa, Constantine Helena Church, Cappadocia Art and History Museum in the town, which is a must-see tour in Cappadocia. It can be said that stone mansions, which have become icons from the past to the present, also create a fascinating atmosphere for visitors.

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• St. Nicholas Monastery
• Cappadocia Art and History Museum
• Mustafapaşa Grand Mosque
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Sinasos Travel - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Mustafapaşa (Sinasos)

Last Updated on July 6, 2022

Like many towns in  Cappadocia , central Turkey,  Mustafapaşa  (MOOS-tah-fah-pah-shah), 5 km (3 miles) south of  Ürgüp  ( map ), had a largely Greek population in  Ottoman  times.

Today it is a thriving town with a  university , an excellent  Ottoman-Cappadocian style hotel  patronized by  royalty , and lots to see and do nearby.

Called  Sinasos  (SEE-nah-sohss) by its Ottoman Greek residents, it is still called that today by many local people.

The  Cappadocian  tourist towns of  Ürgüp  and  G ö reme  are better known, but  Mustafapaşa  is just as interesting, less well known, and therefore a better choice for those seeking authenticity.

If you want to get away from the crowds and spend your  Cappadocian  time in a real-life Turkish town,  Mustafapaşa  is a good choice. The place to stay is the  Gül Konakları   ("Rose Mansions"), whose former guests include the  Ecumenical Patriarch  and the  Queen of Spain .  More...

Mustafapaşa  is a little closer to the  Soğanlı Valleys  than are  Ürgüp  and  G ö reme , and not much farther from  Göreme Valley  and  Zelve Valley , so you're in a more central position here.

—by  Tom Brosnahan

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Mustafapasa Village in Cappadocia: Once the City of Sun Sinasos

Cappadocia is not only an amazingly beautiful area but also a historically important region for the world. The history of the region dates back thousands of years and the signs of the past are everywhere in Cappadocia . Carved churches, underground cities, stone houses, ancient vineyards, and more are there witnessing the long history and present of the region. One of the important places in the region is Mustafapasa village . In this article, we are going to look at this beautiful village in detail.

But before we dig in, let’s talk about the best way to save time & money during your Cappadocian dream: Cappadocia Travel Pass® . This Pass gives you access to more than 35 amazing attractions, experiences, tours, museum entrances, and services . Whatever you need to have for an unforgettable journey, we have in Cappadocia Travel Pass®. A discounted hot air balloon ride ? Done! A free Red Tour for seeing this amazingly beautiful region? Yes, we have! Want to visit underground cities? Yes, Kaymakli , Ozkonak , and Derinkuyu are waiting for you to use your free entrances . Many more from discounted transfer services from both Nevsehir and Kayseri to a free tea treat in Tik Tik Women Co-Op Eatery . We are here for you every step of the way! Let’s go back to Mustafasa village.

Once the City of the Sun: From Sinasos to Mustafapasa

The Mustafapasa village, also known as Sinasos: City of the Sun, is an ancient Greek village that fascinates visitors with its rich history and culture, as well as its magnificent historical mosques, madrasas, churches, monasteries, stone homes, and natural splendor. Today, it has about 1300 residents and was recognized as a village by the United Nations World Tourist Organization while yet retaining much of its original natural beauty. One of the most natural villages in the Cappadocia region is Mustafapasa with it is well-preserved structures.

Around 10 kilometers from Goreme and 5 from Urgup , Mustafapasa Village is well-known for its enormous homes with intricately carved doors and window frames. Most of these lavish residences were constructed between 150 and 200 years ago by families who prospered in Istanbul thanks to their commerce in fish.

One of the most well-preserved towns in the area is Mustafapaşa, which sits in the center of Cappadocia . It is still a quaint community of old houses that blends very well with its surroundings. While looking at Mustafapaşa on a map, it may appear to be a "little Anatolian town," but as you explore it further, the extraordinary location and rich history become apparent. This beautiful town has been blessed by nature with dazzling beauty, and its historical and cultural treasures further enhance its uniqueness.

History of Mustafapasa in Cappadocia

There are about 200 registered buildings in the settlement, which was once known as Sinasos and dates back to the ninth century, that are from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and early Republican eras. An overview of Mustafapasa's history reveals that wealthy Orthodox Greeks who sold wine and medicines lived there before the population exchange in 1924 and that there were about 700 stone houses in the neighborhood.

The village is referred to as Sinasos in the documents, records, and edicts dated 1476, 1879, 1924, and 1927, but Asuna is in medieval sources. Due to the remnants of the population exchange, Mustafapaşa is regarded as a historically significant region of Anatolia. The village was primarily populated by Greeks in the 19th century, up until the time of the exchange, who constructed numerous splendid homes and churches.

Mustafapaşa provides insight into how people of different religions lived in peace and harmony for hundreds of years, resulting in the development of a common culture and magnificent towns. It contains churches, houses, and mosques that are still open for visitors today.

What to Do in Mustafapasa Village

With its stone structures situated along the edges of the five nearby hills, it boasts a distinctive picture. Mustafapaşa, an outdoor museum , has been home to numerous civilizations, leaving behind significant specimens of civil architecture such as churches, mosques, and stone homes with carved and adorned facades, showing the terrain and climate-shaped landscape of the area.

In Mustafapaşa, where the cultures of the Balkans and Anatolia are linked, diversity improves daily life and contributes to the growth of unusual arts and crafts including stonemasonry, pottery, tile making, and doll making.

Mustafapaşa has always been a popular tourist destination because of its exceptional cultural and historical legacy and strategic placement at a crossroads, but tourism has only recently begun to grow organically and gradually. A boost in revenue and job creation for all facets of the community, particularly for women and young people, have been brought about by the region's growing popularity.

Tourism supports balanced growth and rural development through inclusive, sustainable, and innovative actions strengthening community and enterprises while conserving shared cultural heritage, diversity, and the true Cappadocian lifestyle in Mustafapaşa. Today Mustafapasa is listed in UNTWO’s Best Tourism Villages list .

Here is a list for you to do during your visit to Mustafapasa:

See beautiful old Greek houses and carved doors

Visit Saint Nicholas Church of Mustafapasa

Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner in Old Greek House Restaurant

Take photos of the amazing entrance of the Church of Sts Helena and Constantine

See the frescoed rock-cut structure of the Church of St Basil, Church of St Stephen, Sinasos Church, and Church of the Holy Apostles

Buy authentically dressed handmade dolls as souvenirs

Stay in a boutique hotel in Mustafapasa to walk around freely

The Best Things to Do in Cappadocia

There is so much to see and do in Cappadocia, and if you completed your Mustafapasa visit, let’s go back to things to do in the region. There are many attractions in the region but finding the right things for you can be challenging. That’s why we carefully handpicked the best things to do in Cappadocia so you can easily have a wonderful holiday. You will save both time and money with Cappadocia Travel Pass® . How much you will save? Check here for yourself! If you have any questions in mind, we have a great WhatsApp line and also we would love to welcome you to our Instagram account . Have a great time in Cappadocia!

What are the Greek villages in Cappadocia?

The region of Cappadocia was full of Greek population but today Mustafapasa formerly known as Sinasos is one of the living examples of these Greek villages. The area is well-preserved and waiting to impress its visitors.

Where is Mustafapasa Sinasos Cappadocia?

Turkey's Nevşehir province includes the small town of Mustafapaşa, historically known as Sinasos. It is located in the Ürgüp district. It is 5 kilometers from Ürgüp and 27 kilometers from Nevşehir town to the west of Gomeda Valley.

What was the name of Mustafapasa in past?

Mustafapasa Village was known as Sinasos which means the city of the Sun.

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MUSTAFAPASA (SINASOS) VILLAGE

Located on 5 km south of Urgup; Mustafapasa (Sinasos) is one of the most charming villages of Cappadocia Turkey ; famous for its Greek architecture. Greeks and Karamanlides (Turkish speaking Christians) constituted the majority of the population, and Muslim Turks represented the rest.

Although situated far from the seas, Sinasiotes, who temporarily migrated to Istanbul, was known to be the traders of seafood and especially caviar. The small town had many elaborate houses by the wealth. In 1924 however by the population exchange after the Lozan Peace Treaty in 1920 between Greece and Turkey; Greeks and Karamanlides left the town for Nea-Sinasos; a city in the northern part of the island of Euboea in Greece . They were replaced by Bulgarian Muslims and Turks from Kastoria, a town in the north of Greece.

Wooden doors and stonework on the facades of the old houses are worth seeing. The village now hosts a University with an additional building of Seljuks that used it as a theological school back in 13th century.

Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) Old Greek Village

Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) is a historic Greek village located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. The village was once home to a large population of Greek Orthodox Christians, but after the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s, many of them were forced to leave the village. Today, the village is a popular tourist destination for its unique architecture, historic churches, and local handicrafts.

Once you arrive in Mustafapaşa (Sinasos), you can explore the village’s historic houses and churches, many of which date back to the 19th century. The village’s narrow streets and alleyways are lined with traditional stone houses and other historic buildings, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll.

Some of the must-see attractions in Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) include the Church of Constantine and Helena, which features beautifully preserved frescoes and icons, and the Church of St. Nicholas, which is carved into the rock and features a domed ceiling with intricate carvings.

In addition to its historic buildings, Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) is also known for its local handicrafts, including pottery and carpets. You can visit local workshops to see how these crafts are made and even purchase some souvenirs to take home with you.

Overall, Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) Old Greek Village is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of Cappadocia.

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15-day 5-star tour of Cappadocia

Konya – cappadocia – göreme – monks valley – underground cities – historic silk road, unique landscapes & oriental flair in the midst of an enchanting fairytale world, your itinerary.

Our cultural tour to Cappadocia is to an area of outstanding natural beauty, representing the perfect symbiosis of humankind and nature. Over the centuries, volcanic eruptions, wind and water have combined to create a fairytale landscape dominated by bizarre tuff formations that is utterly unique and a World Heritage site. The fabled region of Cappadocia awaits with not only a breath-taking landscape, but also fascinating insights into Christian history.

Day 1: Convenient flight arrival and transfer to the hotel

Day 2: Konya & Monastery of the Whirling Dervishes

Our tour crosses the majestic Taurus Mountains via the 1825m Alacabel Pass to Konya. The town formerly known as Ikonium became one of the greatest Christian communities of its time under the Apostle Paul and Saint Barnabas. To this day, its Christian and Islamic origins make the former Seljuq capital an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. We will visit the Monastery of the Whirling Dervishes whose dance is an Intangible UNESCO World Heritage. We will spend the next three nights at our star hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 3: Göreme (World Heritage) & Cavusin

Over millennia, volcanic eruptions, wind and weather have created a strange landscape peppered with tuff rock formations. 2,000 years ago, the region‘s inhabitants began digging their homes, churches and underground cities into the soft stone. The open-air museum in Göreme (admission included) is a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site, with its numerous cloisters, cave churches and wall frescoes, is the highlight of any trip to Cappadocia. To end the day, we are invited to enjoy tasty Turkish tea in the idyllic village of Çavuşin.

Day 4: Monks Valley (World Heritage), Sinasos & Valley of Love

Surrounded by vineyards and apricot trees, we descend into Monks Valley (admission included) and into a fairytale world. Together with Göreme, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unique rock formations and the constantly changing colours promise moments that will remain with you forever. We will carry on to the hidden village of Sinasos with its ancient Greek manor houses. In a traditional carpet factory, we will experience the fascinating, centuries-old craft of carpet-making. The variety, designs and riot of colours seen in these hand-knotted carpets will amaze you. We will end the day with a photo opportunity in the Valley of Doves and a romantic walk through the Valley of Love.

Day 5: Underground cities, historic Silk Road & mediaeval caravanserais

More than 100 underground cities sunk into the mountains around Cappadocia make it surely the most mysterious capital in the region. In one of these labyrinthine cities, we will explore the secrets of underground living (admission incl.). We then drive past impressive landscapes and isolated villages. All along the historic Silk Road are numerous mediaeval caravanserais. In one of these stopping places, we will learn about the social aspects of this non-commercial facility (admission included). We continue on to our hotel with star comfort in Antalya.

Day 6: Antalya, hist. Old Town & Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall

Today, we set off for Antalya, the capital of the Mediterranean region. After an extensive tour of the city, we will visit Antalya‘s Old Town. The labyrinthine streets, surrounded by fragrant bougainvillea, as well as the beautifully preserved Turkish manor houses in the Old Town, offer an incomparable impression of everyday Mediterranean life. Türkiyes great tradition of craftsmanship then takes us to a jewellery and leather factory. As well as learning about how things are made by hand, you will also have the opportunity to acquire a personal souvenir of your holiday. We will then marvel at the impressive Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall, which tumbles down into the open sea.

Day 7: Antalya – the cultural pearl on the Mediterranean Sea

Our 5-star cultural tour draws to a close today. We enjoy the comforts of our hotel, chill out at the pool, or ease your muscles with a visit to a traditional Turkish steam bath. You also have the opportunity to explore other natural and cultural treasures in the area at your leisure. A boat trip on the Manavgat River, for example, is worthwhile.

Day 8 – 15: FREE extended holiday in an exclusive 5-star luxury hotel

We spend the next 8 days relaxing on the Turkish Riviera in our 5-star luxury hotel! The comfortable rooms are luxurious and modern. We relax in the hotel‘s fantastic wellness area with sauna, take a break at the hotel‘s outdoor pool or indoor pool, or stroll along the beach. On the 15th day, we will be transferred to the airport for the return flight.

Package includes:

• Return flights with a reputable airline³ to and from Antalya, incl. hotel transfers
• 7-day 5-star cultural tour of Cappadocia – 7 nights in a double room in selected 4- and 5-star hotels (national category) – 7× tasty breakfast – Round trip in our modern and air-conditioned travel coach – Spectacular range of excursions + admissions (as per itinerary), incl. the highlights: • Cappadocia (World Heritage) • Göreme (World Heritage) • Monks Valley (World Heritage) • Underground cities • Historic Silk Road • Konya • Sinasos • Valley of Love • Antalya
• OUR GIFT: FREE 8 days of relaxation in a 5-star luxury hotel – 7 nights in a double room in an exclusive 5-star luxury hotel in the Turkish Riviera (national category) – Attractive outdoor pool, heated indoor pool, private beach and wonderful spa area, including sauna
• Qualified, English-speaking cultural tour guide

On request, you can book our additional tours and services at special reduced prices:

Gourmet package:

The package includes sumptuous buffet every evening with international specialities during the 7-day cultural tour: only £ 154 per person.

Single room surcharge: £ 250 per person (subject to availability)

Our 4- and 5-star hotels for the cultural tour !

Our gift as an extended holiday: FREE 8 days of relaxation in our exclusive 5-star luxury hotel!

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Including a spectacular range of excursions!

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General note:.

Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking before your trip. Please check the website of the Foreign Office ( www.gov.uk/ ) before your departure.

System of government:

Republic/Parliamentary Republic, head of state since 27.08.2014 President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Following an official letter submitted to the United Nations by the Republic of Türkiye, the country’s name has been officially changed to Türkiye by the UN since June 2022.

Islam with a small Christian and Jewish community.

The official language is Turkish. English is often spoken in cities and tourist resorts, as well as German and French.

Subtropical climate along the Aegean Coast and the Mediterranean Sea throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 30°C in the summer to 12–15°C in the winter.

Electricity:

The supply voltage is 220 V, 50 HZ. An adapter is necessary.

Local time:

The time zone in Türkiye is GMT +3 hours with no daylight saving time. The time difference with Turkey is plus 3 hours in winter and plus 2 hours in summer.

Making telephone calls:

The country code for Türkiye is 0090 with the zero cancelled before the area code. If you are calling the UK from Türkiye, please dial 0044 and the area code without the zero.

Country and people:

Barely any country has a history as rich as Türkiye. Today, Türkiye is a modern democracy where tourism is playing an increasingly important role. A visit to Türkiye has to include a visit to the Turkish bazaars, where you can enjoy their oriental flair. The traditional carpet, jewellery and leather goods stores are long-standing, and in some cases centuries-old elements of the culture of this region. So our trip will also include a jewellery manufacturer, a leather goods store and a modern rug gallery. Here you will learn some fascinating facts about the art of carpet weaving and experience how a hand-woven rug has been made for generations. As part of an interesting demonstration, you‘ll find out more about the preparation of silk threads, the natural dyes used for the wool and the delicate and extremely time-consuming knotting process. You will then have 1 – 2 hours in the various stores and factories to look at the works of art and products for yourself. Bartering is a typical Turkish custom. If you are not interested in buying anything, the traders will also accept a clear no. No bartering takes place in department stores and supermarkets, or at markets where local farmers sell their vegetables. In Türkiye it is customary to give tips. Similarly, to the USA, this forms part of the income for the people working in the service sector. Moreover, it symbolizes recognition for the service provided. One can tip chambermaids £1 to £2 per night. In a restaurant or taxi, tipping around 10% of the billed sum is customary. Tips are not given in shops. On group trips, the suggested sum for a tour guide, could be £2 per person per day. While for bus drivers the appropriate sum is around £1 to £2 per day per person. Of course, everyone may decide for themselves whether and how much tip they wish to give.

Entry requirements for British citizens:

British citizens do not need a visa to enter Türkiye for stays of up to 90 days in any 180 day period. The Turkish government advises that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Türkiye and that there is a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps. Nationals of other countries are advised to inquire at the Turkish Embassy about the entry requirements applicable to them. Customers are reminded that it is their sole responsibility to make sure that passport and visa entry requirements for the country or countries that they are visiting are satisfied and we cannot be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied. Regulations in respect of passport and visa requirements for Türkiye are the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye (“MFA”) whose website is at www.mfa.gov.tr .

Tour guides:

Your expert tour guides will be able to provide you with detailed information about the country, people, history, culture, etc., and offer advice and assistance for organising your trip. They can also help with room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with initial information. Here you will find out all you need to know and useful information about the trip. We have put together a varied programme including numerous highlights, enabling you to experience the culture and diversity of landscape that the country has to offer, and learn all about Türkiye and its people.

Additional packages:

Currency/banks/credit cards:.

Since 1 January 2009, the currency is once again called the Turkish lira (TRY). Exchange rate (as of February 2024): 1 GBP = 39,43 TRY; 1 TRY = 0.03 GBP. Money can be exchanged at banks during opening hours. Another option to change currency is offered at larger hotels. Bank opening hours: Mon – Fri from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., 1.30 to 5.30 p.m. Cash can be withdrawn from cash machines using established international credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express; the usage of debit cards is only possible with some machines. Credit cards are usually also accepted in the larger hotels, various shops and international car rental offices. ATTENTION: Caution is advised when paying with a bank or credit card, as criminals may be trying to copy the traveller’s bank card and obtain the relevant PIN code without being noticed to then be able to withdraw cash from cash machines with fake cards. Travellers are therefore advised to keep an eye on their bank card when paying with it and to enter their PIN number with discretion. Care should be taken when using the bank and credit cards with the PIN code in exchange offices too.

Customs regulations:

The following regulations apply for tourists: import of foreign currency is unlimited. As for exporting currency, a total amount of 5,000 US dollars or the equivalent in TRY is permitted. Travellers may import and export personal jewellery to a total value of 15,000 US dollars. Any value higher than this must be declared when entering the country. Documentation is required for purchases made in Türkiye. Otherwise, the following goods per person may by carried upon entry into Türkiye (does not apply to transit travellers): personal belongings as items for personal use, incl. medical articles (devices) and medicine as well as giftware to a value of 230 GBP (children under 15 years of age up to 110 GBP). Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain

Safety information specific to Türkiye:

British citizens wishing to stay in or travel to Türkiye are generally recommended to keep an eye on the security situation, these travel and safety instructions and on reports in the media. Groups of people gathering, including on public squares and in front of tourist attractions, as well as hanging around near government and military buildings should be avoided. Following the failed violent attempted coup, there have been isolated incidents of aggressive attacks by followers of certain political parties on people with supposedly different views. We strongly recommend remaining vigilant for such escalations, distancing yourself from the situation as quickly as possible and finding a secure location.

Special criminal provisions:

The purchase, possession and export of “cultural and natural properties” is severely punished (prison sentence of up to 10 years), as these properties are regarded as state-owned assets. In case of violation, several months of custody and high bail fees (currently approx. 7,000 GBP) are common procedure for tourists, too, even if they hold antiques or old objects of supposed small value. In individual cases, prison sentences are imposed. You are therefore urgently warned not to acquire or take along antiques, old coins, fossils, etc. from retailers. It is strongly advised against making political statements in public against the Turkish state or expressing sympathy with terrorist organisations.

Medical information:

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website ( https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries ). Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Caution is advised when eating uncooked food, unpasteurised milk (e.g. fresh milk, ice cream) and fruit that can not be peeled. Please avoid drinking tap water and ice cubes in drinks! Rule of thumb: do not eat anything that cannot be cooked or peeled! In Türkiye, pharmacies are found at every turn. They are recognised by their green cross and the “Eczane” inscription. The standard is high, the personnel fully trained. Especially in those regions in which tourism flourishes, English-speaking staff are the norm. Most of the medicines that require prescription in the United Kingdom, are also available in Türkiye by prescription only. The handling is somewhat more “relaxed”, though. Hospitals and a number of medical practices are found in every larger city and in the touristic regions; usually only community hospitals are based in smaller towns and villages. Make sure you have private travel health insurance. Such policies usually also offer benefits not covered by state health insurance companies, e.g. the costs of repatriation. Please note that the excursions are accessible by foot only and that the buses used for the roundtrip are not customised to transport wheelchairs or similar devices. Customers must ensure that they are in good physical and mental health in line with the trip in question. Customers must enquire about the physical mobility and psychological autonomy required for this trip.

All information is subject to change/Last updated: February 2024

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Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

My wife and I have traveled independently to many European countries and, after reading many of the comments in this forum, feel like we may be able to do so in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, although we feel somewhat less comfortable than the other countries where we have traveled in Europe.

My biggest question is how much we will miss by visiting the main sites without a tour guide. In the other European countries we have visited on our own we have been comfortable and satisfied with the level of knowledge we have gained by studying and visiting on our own, although we believe a tour guide or tour company in any country would normally be able to provide greater insight than visiting a site on our own, but about in Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unless you speak at least some Russian and read the alphabet it would be difficult without a guide. Very few signs in English especially in Moscow. Also not too many people speak English there.

I visited St Petersburg last Autumn for a protracted period , and did not find it anymore daunting than any other European city . As Ilja says , learning the Cyrillic alphabet is a big plus . I also found that it was fairly easy to grasp . It will , among other things , enable you to read signs with relative ease . I would answer the main part or your question ( about tour guides ) thus - I am not enamored of tour guides or tours. While I only use a tour under duress ( A sites rules prohibiting an independent visit - ie Glasgow School of Art , Municipal House in Prague , etc ) . Doing your own preparation and homework is the best way , in my opinion . My wife and I ventured through St Petersburg with nary a concern ,and made two day trips outside of the central district ( one was twenty five miles away , and no English speakers in sight ) Figuring out the logistical details , did not present any difficulties . While I never use tours , I am an inveterate eavesdropper , have done so many times , and find , that on balance , the information that they impart is fairly elementary . If you want greater detail , they are unlikely to supply it . I also prefer to go at my own pace , not being rushed and being able to dwell on things that most other visitors barely give a passing glance . If you are interested , let me know . I would be happy to provide you with information that will enable you to travel independently

Thank you, Steven. I am encouraged by your comments and feel the same way you do about tour groups. We are very much willing to prepare in advance and learn the basics of the Cyrillic alphabet to help us have a better experience.

I would be very interested in learning more about your experience in Russia and receiving any additional information you can provide on independent travel there, starting perhaps with obtaining the visa.

I am not opposed to hiring a private or small group guide for a specific site or for a day trip outside St Petersburg and Moscow, but, like you said, I much prefer the freedom of staying at places as long or short as I want and seeing the sites that interest me most. For example, neither my wife nor I are big into shopping, yet most tour itineraries leave afternoon time for just that. Not interested!

Please provide whatever you may feel would be helpful for us.

Russ , I see you are quite near San Francisco - you can start by looking at the VISA procedure , it's fairly straightforward . Since there is a consulate in San Francisco - look here http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/visa-sub1.html

And here - http://ils-usa.com/main.php

Having always traveled independently, we thought we could do a better job than any tour. How misguided (pun intended) we were. Now that we have had the experience of having someone native to the area walk us around and explain things through a personal perspective we realize how much we missed. For St. Petersburg I highly recommend http://www.peterswalk.com/tours.html . This is not a traditional guided tour, but an opportunity to receive some orientation to the area as well as insight into the "Russian soul". I think if you did this upon arrival the rest of your time would be much more meaningful. We really liked the http://www.pushka-inn.com . The location is superb (just around the corner from the Hermitage square), the rooms lovely, the included breakfast at the restaurant next door ample and overall an excellent value. We used this company to get our visa: https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/site/san_francisco_customer_service Note that it costs about the same for a 3-year visa as a one-year, and you never know if you might want to return within that more extended window of time. It is not cheap, so factor that into your planning.

If you like traveling without a guide in other countries and find this satisfying, the same will be true in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Of course it's not either/or - you can certainly take a guided walk or boat tour, for instance.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning Cyrillic if you're going on your own. The book I used was Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script, which was great. It breaks down the alphabet into letters that are the same as English, letters that look the same but are pronounced differently, etc. It's out of print, but you can get used copies on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Beginners-Russian-Script/dp/0071419861/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459701143&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+russian+script

Russia is indeed a bit more "foreign" than say, Italy. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I found enough English to be able to get by. Many restaurants had English menus and/or English speaking staff, for instance. This was most emphatically not true in Vladimir and Suzdal (two cities in the Golden Ring outside Moscow). I went with my sister, a Russian speaker, and if she hadn't been there, I would have been in big trouble. So, if you want to see places outside these two big cities, use a guided tour (even if just for that part). Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg are huge cities. Coming from New York, I wasn't intimidated, but those not used to a megacity may not be so cavalier (even I found them overwhelming at times, especially Moscow).

I found both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to be helpful, and both to have various errors. Look at both, buy whichever one has a more recent edition, and then be prepared to have to discard some of the advice therein. Also, these places change more quickly than places in Western Europe. Be very careful of outdated advice. For instance, I was there in 2001 and 2010, so I won't give you any specifics on getting a visa - that changes constantly.

Just as a teaser, two things I saw and loved that I doubt would be included in any escorted tour are the Gorky House in Moscow (an Art Nouveau wonder) and the Sheremyetov Palace in St. Petersburg (it's now a museum of musical instruments, and the decor is amazing, particularly in the Etruscan Room).

Thanks for all the good advice. Any additional thoughts are welcomed.

One of history's seminal works pertaining to Russian history and culture and a MUST for anyone contemplating a visit or simply interested , is this fine work from 1980 - http://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-The-Beauty-Russia/dp/096441841X

This is about you and not about Petersburg. Do you like guided tours? We don't and didn't find that a guide added to our experience in China where we did hire private guides mostly for the logistics; it was easy to have someone drive us places. But once at a site, we didn't need the guide. I felt the same way about our 9 nights in Petersburg. We did hire a guide for the trip to the Catherine Palace again for the ease of logistics for us Olds. Here is our visit: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/an-easy-trip-to-the-catherine-palace/ There are also snapshots of the Church on Spilled Blood in this photo journal. Having someone pick us up at the apartment and get us in without line ups and shepherd us through the palace steering clear of the tour groups was lovely. But we didn't need commentary because we can read and prepare.

You certainly don't need a guide for the Hermitage (we spent 4 days there), the Russian Museum, the Kazan Cathedral or Church on Spilled Blood or the Faberge Museum. We enjoyed a number of self guided walking tours including a couple from Rick Steves guidebooks. We took the canal cruise suggested by RS that had an English commentator. I would not take one without that as you will be totally clueless. The commentator was not all that good but at least we had some idea what we were seeing. So for people like us who like to do our own thing and can read a guidebook and don't particularly like to be led about, a tour is not needed. If you enjoy tour groups, then go for it. Petersburg is easy to negotiate. It helps if you can read the cyrillic alphabet and it is also useful to have the google translate ap on your phone. We found ourselves translating packages in grocery stores with it and the occasional museum sign or menu. I have one food I need to avoid and so it was handy to have the translator to talk with waiters (I could either show them the sentence, or play it for them or play it to myself and then repeat it to the waiter -- that all worked well)

Dear Russ, I cannot help you with Moscow, but about four years ago, my husband and I went to St Petersburg on our own. But, we did use a private guide for 4 half days. We both feel that our guide absolutely made our trip (we stayed 6 or 7 nights). We used a company owned by Tatyana Chiurikova, www.tour-stpetersburg.com I cannot say enough good things about her and our experience. I emailed her and we worked out a schedule/ sights that was tailored to our interests. She also offered some recommendations, which we took. The guide will meet you at your hotel. And frequently, at certain places, with the guide, we were able to skip the long entrance lines. We had an half day driving tour of the city (car, driver, & guide). You are taken to & go in places such as Peter & Paul Fortress, some of the cathedrals, etc. We had a half day with the guide at the Hermitage which ensured that we would see the major sights there. And, of course, you can stay after your guide leaves or return another day. Also, we had the guide for Peterhof (a must & go by boat) and Catherine's Palace. I hope that you will go to the website. As I said, our guide made our trip. I am positive that we would have missed quite a bit on our own everyday. And I'm sure we would have wasted a lot of time trying to get to various place.This was the best of both worlds, a guide where needed and plenty of time on our own. Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will love St Petersburg! Ashley

I am curious about the lines as we encountered no lines on our trip -- but it was in September. We got tickets for the Hermitage at machines and skipped those lines and our guide for the Catherine Palace which was our only guided experience (as noted before, chosen for the logistics of getting there) had arranged tickets and we didn't have a line, but then we also didn't see lines. We did not find lines at any other site.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names. With a good map and a good guide - we had the Rough Guides - that part of the logistics is solved. The language is a major problem, but the usual tricks of pointing, looking helpless, and making a joke of it all do wonders. I would hate to be led by a guide, but for others it is a comfortable thought.

We also did both cities on our own. I found the DK Eyewitness guide for Moscow has the best map. I used the one from our library (kept the book at home). Took the smaller RS book for St. Petersburg ( his book on northern cities). His map and restaurant ideas were all good. We also downloaded the Google maps in our Android Samsung tablets/phones for both cities and then could get directions to any place we typed in. The blue ball guided us everywhere. I'm sure we missed somethings by not having a guide, but we just enjoy walking around and getting a sense of a place. If you like art, The Hermitage is great. We went 3 times and still missed alot. In St. Peterburg we stayed at the 3 Mosta which we loved (quite and not far from the Church of Spilled Blood.) We also loved the Georgian food in both cities. There's a great Georgian restaurant near the 3 Mosta hotel. We're now in Belarus- very scenic. Enjoy your trip!!

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