Turkey or Italy?

[101dalmatians]

Hi everyone,

We're planning on spending 10 days or so in late May in either Turkey or Italy. The plan would be a few days in a city, (Istanbul for Turkey, and likely Florence for Italy) and then moving on to a coastal location.

Can anyone recommend a coastal town in either country? For Italy I was leaning towards the Puglia region or Sicily. For Turkey, we'd like somewhere that is not full of resorts, Irish pubs etc - but I don't know if this limits us.

Lastly, we've spent a few holidays in Italy, so know the culture etc, but Turkey is more of a mystery to us - any recommendations or words of warning? For reference, it'll be my partner and me and our two year old travelling.

Italy all the way! My favourite country in the whole wide world. Rome and Florence are both beautiful cities. My SIL just came back from Sorento and said it was beautiful. I've always wanted to do Capri. There is just so much to explore!
I went to Turkey once. I know lots of people love it, but absolutely hated it. However, I'm sure I just went to a dodgy place. I just can't abide getting hassled.

Italy is my favourite, but I love Turkey too and have visited many times. It really is apples and oranges though.

Istanbul is amazing, I absolutely love both countries. You have a difficult choice.

Puglia is fabulous but would be a long drive from Florence!

I’d have thought both Istanbul and Florence will be hard going with a 2 year old - you won’t be able to take in the culture.