Twovanstravel

25/06/2026

Safranbolu, a beautiful place full of culture and characters.

We enjoyed a very laid back wander through this little town, soaking up the history, easily welcomed by craftsmen and traders, getting turned around in the alleys and keeping cool.

Moving on a little way we parked up at a sports and picnic site. Welcomed by fellow travellers and even the security guard. Tea was shared, tales told, curiosity about each other lives and countries explored through the magic of Google translate.

24/06/2026

Winter is very different apparently.
Photo from a local guy who invited us to join him for morning tea. He was very proud to show us his tea cup on snowy table!
Not every day, but such a contrast.

It would be a very different trip, especially in a van. Thought anyone considering a winter trip might be interested.

23/06/2026

Fairwell to the Black Sea.
For now.

Amasra was our turning point. After a visit. We wandered around the lanes, tourist shops merged with local services and Roman history.

One thing we have noticed here is the architecture, it is almost all earthquake proof poured concrete. With good reason as you go East. Now we are really noticing the older, more characterful buildings.

We enjoyed our wander, brought some bread and snacks. The ice cream was gone before I could take a picture!

We moved on and found a peaceful parkup by a river. The local farmers came by to check on the free roaming cattle with their guardian dogs.
They were both super keen to chat and had obviously used Google Translate before.

We shared some laughs, and cake with them. Moments like this are why we love being on the road, the simple connections, sharing time with such friendly people.

21/06/2026

🐬 As soon as we spotted the dolphins, Mick rushed straight into the sea!

What happened next was one of those travel moments we’ll never forget. The dolphins surfaced right in front of him, giving us a front-row seat to one of nature’s most magical encounters.

Sharing the water with these amazing creatures in their natural environment was absolutely incredible. No aquariums, no boat trips—just a spontaneous encounter on a beautiful day in the Black Sea.

Things really don’t get much better than this! 💙🐬 Still grinning from ear to ear.

🐬🌊💙

20/06/2026

Today we came across Europe’s largest moth – the Giant Peacock Moth washed up on the shoreline.

One of the most incredible facts about these moths is that the male can detect a female’s scent from several kilometres away using his feathery antennae. Imagine being able to find someone from miles away just by smell!

This beautiful moth has a wingspan that can reach up to 20cm although this one was 15cm, sadly adults only live for a short time and don’t even feed. Their sole mission is to find a mate and continue the next generation.

🦋🇹🇷🚐

20/06/2026

https://youtu.be/gPanjH4a-z0?is=mlJbK0Izir0vlWsL

Join us as we travel down the Aegean Coast, learn some history and make new dog shaped friends.

19/06/2026

🚐🇹🇷 Vanlife Turkey Update 🇹🇷🚐

https://youtu.be/gPanjH4a-z0

If you haven't done so already, please do subscribe to our "You Tube" channel, we really do appreciate it and it's free to do so!

This episode has been packed with history, stunning scenery and a few unexpected twists!

We treated ourselves to a campsite at beautiful Kekova before taking a boat trip around the famous Sunken City. Along the way we were treated to a Turkish wedding celebration passing by on the water – not something you see every day!

From there we headed to Çıralı, explored the incredible ruins of Ancient Olympos and hiked up to the eternal flames of Mount Chimaera, where we toasted marshmallows over natural fires that have been burning from the mountainside for thousands of years.

Syedra was another highlight. The Roman ruins are absolutely stunning and currently free to visit. Luna also made a new friend – a playful Golden Labrador who happily joined us as we explored the ancient city.

Not everything went quite to plan though! We were hoping to stay longer at Syedra, but a friendly visit from the local police informed us that overnight parking isn’t permitted near the ruins. Later, at a beautiful snorkelling beach near Gazipaşa, we discovered part of the beach is reserved for campers only and were politely asked to move on there too.

No complaints from us though – everyone was friendly, respectful and helpful. That’s vanlife! Sometimes the unexpected moments become the best stories.

Have you visited Kekova, Olympos or Syedra? Which would be top of your list?

18/06/2026

18/06/2026

Driving the Black Sea Coast Road.
It certainly isnt easy.

Yesterday we set out for a 90 minute drive to a nice cove parkup. We usually aim for less than 2 hours driving in a day. Sadly after a walk down the track, to a gorgeous cove, we (I) didn't fancy the steep, rough, rocky, narrow descent.

We drove on. Brought some cherries from a charming old guy say by the roadside.

A landslide had closed a section of the coast road, so we detoured up into the mountains. And boy was it up! Steep, narrow, twisty, dubious quality edges especially on the steep bits (no photos, I was gripped) but so so pretty.

Eventually we found another cove. This one with a concrete (steep) road down.

Our own private cove. Tired and happy.

Next morning we woke to dolphins, which set the tone for the day. Dolphin spotting whilst baking, editing (Mick, another YouTube soon) brushing Luna and generally relaxing on the beach.

We went for a swim, without dolphins, chilly but fun.

Just wondering how much food and water we have, till we have to leave!