Turkey Travel Guide
Introducing Turkey
Always known as the “bridge between East and West” Turkey combines influences from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Central Asia. It is also famous for its Turkish delights, turquoise waters, delicious kebabs, the birthplace of Santa Claus, and home to the ancient land of Troy – the world’s oldest city.
Turkey is a vast country and full of surprises. The west of Turkey is the most popular for tourists as it enjoys some great beaches but also the city of Istanbul.
In the south of the country, you have the Aegean that has Izmir, Ephesus, and the celebrated seaside resort of Bodrum.
Where the Aegean becomes the Mediterranean there is Marmaris, Fethiye, Dalyan, Patara and then as you go east you have pretty Kalkan and then the sprawling resort of Antalya.
Inland in South Central Anatolia there is the iconic landscape of Cappadocia which is an Instagram’s dream for the hot air ballooning that takes place. Ankara, Turkey’s capital has a western flavour whereas the Euphrates and Tigris basins have a real Middle Eastern flavour
Table of Contents
Map of Turkey
Useful Information
Flight Time
4 hrs from London
Visa
No – FCO Advice
Language
Turkish
Vaccinations
None
Tourist Office
Turkey on Film
Getting Around
Turkey’s train network is a little difficult to fathom when making advanced plans so best to arrange on the hoof so to speak. Prices are reasonable and the network reasonable however the schedules are best left till near the date as they are subject to change.
Buses are popular in Turkey, especially the overnight long-distance trips which are well priced.
A Dolmuş refers to a car or small van that runs along set routes, picking passengers up and dropping them off along the way. Becoming less common in the country and are normally
City buses, usually accept only pre-purchased tickets available from kiosks near the main terminals. Some cities like Istanbul and Antalya have pre-loaded cards you can purchase.
Yellow city taxis are common and will have set prices that it is best to confirm in advance of setting off. Hailing one in the street is possible or ring in advance from your accommodation.
Hiring a car is good value and it allows you to explore however bear in mind the standard of driving is not the best so ensure you have all the insurance covered and take it easy.
Turkey’s domestic ferry network is confined to İstanbul and the Sea of Marmara.
The excellent Turkish Airways have a fantastic domestic flight network and given the distances that you may be looking to cover this is certainly the quickest option although you will be missing the adventure by taking to the skies
Places To Stay in Turkey
Top Things To See & Do
Ankara
As the capital city of Turkey, Ankara boasts some of the most beautiful architecture in the country as well as the Ankara castle, and delightful gardens.
Istanbul
The only city in the world sitting on two continents, Istanbul is famous for its diversity, history, and cuisine. For a truly Turkish experience head to the Grande Bazaar which is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world selling lamps, hand-woven rugs, spices, and leather goods. You can also try a Turkish bath or hammam which is popular among both tourists and locals.
Lycian Rock Tombs
The Lycian Tombs are carved into the walls of a mountain and honour from up high on the mountainside the dead who they believe were carried there by winged creatures.
Ephesus
Dating back to the 10th century BC, the ruins at Ephesus are of historical interest especially to those who chart the history of the rise and fall of the Greek empire. Sites include the Temple of Hadrian, the amphitheater and the Library of Celsus.
Hike Mount Nemrut
If you are looking for adventure and a great place to hike then you can do worse than Mount Memrut for great views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia
One of the best places in the world to experience an early morning sunrise hot air balloon trip this will undoubtedly have you reaching for your camera for that Instagram shot!
Sea Turtles in Dalyan
Take a boat in Dalyan and dive into the crystal clear waters to swim with Green sea turtles that make their home here on the coast every year.
Explore the Ruins of Troy
Discover the history of the battle of Troy by visiting the ruins including a replica of the famous wooden Horse of Troy.
Paraglide over Oludeniz
Believed to be one of the best paragliding locations in the world take to the skies with a paragliding trip where you look down on the beautiful sea and coast below.
Take a Traditional Turkish Gulet
Gulet’s are distinctive wooden boats that cruise around the Mediterranean where you can relax in pretty bays or spot dolphins on the high seas.
Pre-Bookable Excursions in Turkey
Turkey Travel Blogs
Travelling to Kalkan During A Pandemic
