A week in Turkey: Turkish Airlines and Marriott Redemption.

[Ankur dhanda]

I recently returned back from Turkey with my wife and baby after 8 days of Turkish delight. We visited Istanbul, Cappadocia and Bodrum.

We had initially planned for Singapore and i had transferred points to Krisflyer for 2 Business Class return flights (172K Krisflyer points).

But wife’s sudden change of plan had me transferring my remaining points to TK for 2 economy tickets only.

Hopefully within next 3 years before Krisflyer points expire we would take that trip.

Me and my wife had USA visa so we got Turkey e-visa instantly. But for the baby we had to get a physical stamp visa, bummer costing 17k.

Now we were getting on Turkish Airlines 20K TK miles/pax/one way, promo (15K) wasn’t available on our dates.

Infants are charged 10% miles so total 84K TK miles plus ~26K INR taxes for the 3 of us.

We booked DEL-IST and return from BJV-DEL.

Revenue rate was going north of 70K per pax return from Istanbul. Even higher from Bodrum.

So a total ~150k INR revenue rate with 84K TK miles and 26K tax. Got value of 1.47 INR/mile.

Used Magnus Airport M&G Delhi international airport. There was some issue with website not taking the booking. So mailed them the details/ tickets and called them to confirm the booking 72hrs before flight.

Received WhatsApp from the person accompanying a day before and met at gate 8 for staff entry, business class check in counter and passport control/security all going smooth and fast. Then dropped us Encalm lounge. Used my DCB primary and add on card of my wife for entry without issues.

For our stay in Istanbul, we booked Ritz Carlton Istanbul 2 nights for 78K MB points, where the revenue rate was going around ~ 500euro (44K INR per night).
Giving a value of 1.12 INR per point.

On request they added complimentary breakfast for us, further increased our saving. Property and staff both were amazing.

Istanbulkart was taken for local transportation on tram/metro/bus. Cab drivers in Istanbul are the worst so avoid them unless you want to pay extra with a huge margin.

We visited the Taksim Square, Istiklal street, Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Arasta Bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market, Balat, Sunset Bosphorous Cruise, Dolmabahce Palace.

Domestic Istanbul to Kayseri and Kayseri to Bodrum we booked revenue tickets as we got them cheaper than redeeming miles for it. One way 1650 Lira/pax compared to 8.8K TK miles. Promo (3.8K) wasn’t available.

Those who are flexible and can find promo for both DEL-IST and in domestic Turkish flights, it would be a steal.

In Cappadocia we stayed in a Cave hotel- Niche Cave Hotel for 2 nights costing with breakfast ~ 20k INR. It was a newly opened hotel so didn’t have any issues with our cave room, also near to city centre in Goreme.

Rented a car with Avis from Kayseri Airport. On going promotion Registered using Visa Infinte card for their President Club giving 25% off. So for 2 days rental was 94$ plus fuel cost of ~2000INR.

Booked a hot air balloon ride for my wife and I stayed back at the hotel with our baby. 6yrs or older can fly. prices were high on our dates, 250Euro with Royal Balloons for 4 persons in one side. That surely was once in a lifetime experience. Started 5am with hotel pickup, small breakfast, then to the balloon ride and return to hotel by 8am. I saw my wife flying over our hotel from terrace with my baby. Next early morning we went for balloon watching.

Visited Goreme Open Air Museum, Sunset Point, Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle, Pasabag valley, Red Valley, Zelve Open Air Museum, Avanos.

In Bodrum we booked Caresse - luxury collection resort and spa 3 nights for 188K MB points where the revenue rate was ~770 euro (68K INR per night). Giving a value of 1.08INR per point.

Again on request breakfast was added complimentary for us further saving us 30euro/ pax/ day.

These last three days were to just relax in the resort which was amazing.

Visited the Bodrum castle and harbour one day along with stroll in the adjacent streets and market.

Caresse was an amazing experience with great food, Infinity pool, private beach and a harbour.

We had pre booked all our private airport transfers. Either Mercedes Benz Vito or Volkswagen Transporter. ~ 30-40Euro per transfer. All the airports are almost an hour drive depending on time and traffic.

Double check while withdrawing money from ATM as Turkish banks may charge upto 5-10% extra.

Our first trip with our baby was a great experience overall and will always be cherished.

 

[SM24]

Handy.

Very well captured.

Thanks.

 

[anirban.choudhury]

Great info
And lovely photos.
This would come handy as I m planning for a Turkish delight mostly in March next year.
Promo fare is indeed a steal.

 

[anirban.choudhury]

@Ankur dhanda
I will be travelling with my 4 year old daughter just wanted to check if she will be allowed for the green tour in Cappadocia?

 

[Ankur dhanda]

Handy.

Very well captured.

Thanks.

Thank you for your words

 

[Ankur dhanda]

Great info
And lovely photos.
This would come handy as I m planning for a Turkish delight mostly in March next year.
Promo fare is indeed a steal.

Thank you 😇
Yeah do try to book early and catch the promo fares for both international and domestic flight.

 

[Ankur dhanda]

@Ankur dhanda
I will be travelling with my 4 year old daughter just wanted to check if she will be allowed for the green tour in Cappadocia?

There is no age limit for green tour.
Would be happy to help if need to know anything in future as well. I hope you have great one.

 

[chasni]

Great info for anyone looking to travel.

Turkiye is an amazing place. I have been there a couple of times and every time I want to come back for more.

 

[Ankur dhanda]

Great info for anyone looking to travel.

Turkiye is an amazing place. I have been there a couple of times and every time I want to come back for more.

Thank you 🙏🏼
Yeah there’s so much more to do and see. Probably will plan Blue lagoon, Pamukkale, Ephesus for our next trip.

 

[D₹V]

W o w 😳.

 

[Ankur dhanda]

W o w 😳.

Balloon ride was the highlight if I had to pick one wow moment 😬

 

[Transpointer]

I turn the Ritz into a lean house, this the sixth time gettin' kicked out.

 

[miles_guy]

How do you request for a free breakfast? Any tips? Just ask at the checkin or beforehand?

 

[Ankur dhanda]

How do you request for a free breakfast? Any tips? Just ask at the checkin or beforehand?

I usually try to call/mail them beforehand. Sometimes they refuse and then at checkin make the request again. Usually they agree. A little smooth convincing talk does it.

 

[anirban.choudhury]

I usually try to call/mail them beforehand. Sometimes they refuse and then at checkin make the request again. Usually they agree. A little smooth convincing talk does it.

Generally hotels do agree on complementary breakfast upon request.
The only time I remember , getting declined politely on mail is for W Seminyak, eventually I cancelled that booking and booked myself on Raffles.