Turkey affords a wealthy tapestry of historic historical past, vibrant tradition, and gorgeous landscapes, making it a must-visit vacation spot. From sizzling air ballooning over Cappadocia to exploring Istanbul’s iconic mosques, this information covers every little thing it is advisable plan an unforgettable journey.
Why Go to Turkey?
Turkey, having been an important a part of the Silk Street, showcases an intricate mix of cultural influences from Europe, the Center East, and Asia. It’s a vacation spot that gives a wealthy historic historical past, a vibrant native tradition, lovely landscapes, and a chance to step again in time.
Throughout our journey to Turkey, we had been mesmerized by the new air balloons hovering over the fairy-tale-like landscapes of Cappadocia, visiting monumental underground cities that when housed over 20,000 individuals, crusing on a Turkish Gullet within the Southern turquoise coast of Fethiye, and navigating the bustling metropolis of Istanbul.
We cherished the seamless integration of the traditional and the trendy, the gorgeous hikes, the kindness of the locals, and the adventures of climbing by means of cave dwellings that existed hundreds of years in the past.
If this appears like one thing you’d get pleasure from, learn on on this full information to touring Turkey.
Which airport to reach in Turkey
To reach in Turkey, you’ll most definitely land at Istanbul Airport (IST) or the newer Sabiha Gökçen Worldwide Airport (SAW).
- Istanbul Airport is positioned about 45-60 minutes north of Istanbul and is Turkey’s largest and busiest airport. In case you are coming from a world vacation spot, then you’ll most definitely be touchdown at IST.
- Sabiha Gokcen Airport is positioned on the Asian facet of Istanbul, about 45-60 minutes South East of Istanbul. It’s a newer airport that gives each home and worldwide flights.
Once we flew to Turkey, we arrived at IST, after which flew from IST to Kayseri airport (Cappadocia), however flew again to SAW once we returned from the Southern Turkish coast.
Visa requirement
To test should you want a visa when touring to Turkey, please test on the official Visa web site:
Be sure to go to the official web site as many third-party web sites fake to be the official authorities web site however will cost you a further processing payment. You possibly can obtain the E-Visa inside about 1-2 enterprise days and can let you keep within the nation for as much as 90 days.
High 10 Distinctive Experiences in Turkey
Scorching Air Balloon Cappadocia
Using on the new air balloons of Cappadocia, and even merely watching them from the gorgeous rooftop terraces of the cave accommodations, is among the most original experiences you possibly can have in Turkey. Set amongst the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia characterised by its distinctive spire volcanic rock formations, honeycombed with historic interconnected cave dwellings, you’re going to get to witness the historical past of a long-lost civilization.
If you need to study extra in regards to the sizzling air balloon expertise, the place are the perfect rooftop terraces to observe the dawn, and different nice actions within the area, take a look at our Cappadocia Journey Information.
Staying at a cave lodge
Cappadocia is among the distinctive locations on the earth the place you get to remain in an historic cave lodge. These cave properties date again centuries and had been initially utilized by early Christian communities and monks who sought refuge from persecution. Extremely elaborate networks of underground cities had been carved out of the rock, creating church buildings, monasteries, granaries, wineries, and houses.
At present, these historic caves have been rigorously restored to protect their historic structure whereas providing fashionable comforts, permitting you to expertise the distinctive alternative of staying in a cave lodge. In case you are planning on visiting Cappadocia, be sure that to take a look at our information on The place to remain in Cappadocia, which particulars the benefits between every city in Cappadocia and the perfect cave accommodations to remain at.
Visiting the underground cities of Cappadocia
Having traveled to over 35 nations, Cappadocia was the primary and solely place the place we had the unbelievable expertise of exploring an historic underground metropolis that when housed 20,000 individuals and spanned greater than 18 flooring! The 2 most well-known underground cities are referred to as Derinkuyu and Kaymakli and are conveniently positioned simply 30-40 minutes exterior of Goreme.
Crawling by means of the maze of tunnels was mind-boggling, as we marveled on the intricate design of every room and the traditional expertise used to safeguard the caves. It was much more surprising to appreciate that this outstanding construction was seemingly created over 3,500 years in the past.
Paragliding in Oludeniz
Oludeniz, positioned on the Southern coast of Turkey, is legendary for its turquoise waters within the blue lagoon, and exquisite pebble seashores, however most of all is ranked as one of many prime paragliding locations on the earth!
From the summit of Mount Babadag, you’ll launch off the slope and soar by means of the sky, taking in breathtaking views of the turquoise coast set in opposition to a dramatic mountain backdrop. Oludeniz can also be conveniently positioned close to Fethiye the place you possibly can embark on a Turkish Gullet crusing expertise.
Blue cruise in Fethiye
Crusing by means of the turquoise waters on the Southern Turkish coast was one of the memorable experiences of our journey to Turkey. From Fethiye, you possibly can embark on a 4-day 3-night crusing cruise on a conventional gullet, the place you spend the times swimming within the pristine waters, having fun with the freshest seafood, and exploring the small native islands.
Along with the 12 Islands cruise, the Blue Cruise also can take you from Fethiye to different locations resembling Marmaris or Göcek, providing the prospect to discover a number of historic ruins alongside the coast. The Turkish Blue Cruise expertise can final from 2 days to 7 days relying on the route you’re taking.
To study extra about crusing the blue cruise, in addition to a number of the greatest issues to do on the Southern Turkish coast round Kas, take a look at our greatest issues to do in Kas Information.
Turkish Hammam in Istanbul
The follow of Turkish Hammam bathtub dates again centuries and is rooted in Roman bathing traditions. The Turkish bathtub is a rejuvenating spa-like expertise the place you’ll lie on a heat ornate stone whereas your physique is washed, scrubbed, exfoliated, sudsed with foam, and massaged.
This expertise was totally different than every other massages we’ve got acquired throughout our travels all over the world and we’d extremely advocate attempting it out! This may be completed in Cappadocia however for the extra conventional and elaborate expertise, we advocate doing it in Istanbul.
Uncover the traditional mosques of Istanbul
The town of Istanbul has a seamless mix of Asian, European, and Center Jap influences, creating a number of the most architecturally distinctive and memorable mosques on the earth.
Specifically, proper on the heart of Sultanahmet, you will see that the Hagia Sophia with its large dome and mosaic design, and the Blue Mosque, recognized for its grand scale and 6 minarets.
These are a number of the largest mosques you will see that anyplace on the earth and are a must-visit when going to Istanbul.
Soaking within the mineral waters of Pammukale
Pammukale, also known as the “cotton citadel”, has gained fame from all the gorgeous Instagram photographs showcasing its turquoise blue and white thermal water terraces. Guests right here can soak in these heat, mineral-rich waters whereas admiring the gorgeous panoramic views. Moreover, you too can take a sizzling air balloon right here however we really feel just like the one in Cappadocia is extra spectacular.
Positioned within the South Western a part of Turkey, Pammukale will be completed as an extension of visiting the traditional ruins of Ephesus or out of your blue cruise in Fethiye.
Seeing the traditional ruins of Ephesus
Ephesus is a well-preserved historic metropolis positioned within the southwestern a part of Turkey that options a number of the most spectacular Roman ruins in Turkey.
Right here you will see that the Large Nice Theatre that when seated 25,000 spectators, the Grand Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis, which is taken into account one of many seven wonders of the traditional world. A go to to Ephesus will be mixed with Izmir or the coastal city of Kusadasi.
Göbekli Tepe
In case you are a historical past buff or concerned about historic archeology, then Göbeklitepe is ideal for you. Typically thought of because the world’s oldest temple complicated, Göbeklitepe options a number of T-shaped pillars organized in circles, adorned with intricate carvings that appear to completely replicate particular star constellations.
The superior stonework and the accuracy of star mapping supply a really essential perception into the timeline of our historical past because the construction predates recognized civilizations. If you need to go to Göbeklitepe, it’s positioned far within the southeastern a part of Turkey.
Customs and language
The official language of Turkey is Turkish. Whereas English is usually spoken in main vacationer areas like Istanbul and Cappadocia, you will see that that it’s much less prevalent in rural areas and smaller cities, the place realizing a number of fundamental Turkish phrases will be very useful.
You’ll discover that Turkish persons are fairly hospitable and it is not uncommon to be provided tea or espresso. This will occur at a lodge and even whereas visiting a store. It’s well mannered to just accept these choices and might let you join with a number of the locals.
Since Turkey is a non secular nation, it is very important costume modestly. That is particularly essential in non secular websites the place it is not uncommon to cowl your hair, shoulder and arms, and beneath the knees. Be sure to abide by these guidelines when visiting the mosques as in any other case you may be denied entry.
When partaking in dialog with locals, it’s preferable to keep away from controversial subjects resembling politics or faith. Turkey has a sophisticated historic previous and its political scenario will be divisive.
Lastly, haggling over costs is a standard follow in Turkey. That is particularly the case when buying on the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Anticipate to haggle right down to no less than 30-50% of the preliminary provided value.
Helpful phrases
Turkish is a troublesome language, however it might go a protracted strategy to be acquainted with these predominant phrases. By greeting somebody of their language, you reveal respect and appreciation for his or her tradition.
- Whats up – Merhaba (mehr-HAH-bah)
- Thanks – Teşekkür ederim (teh-shehk-KOOR ed-eh-REEM)
- Sure – Evet (EH-vet)
- No – Hayır (HAH-yuhr)
- Please – Lütfen (LOOT-fen)
Security in Turkey
Having traveled by means of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Turkish coast, we felt like Turkey was a really secure nation to go to. That is particularly the case within the touristic areas. We walked at 11 pm in Istanbul and all the time felt safe, and the streets had been all the time busy with individuals.
The one facet that we heard about security issues was concerning the taxis. We met three fellow vacationers who had been yelled at and threatened by taxi drivers if they didn’t pay a brand new inflated value the driving force determined to vary after the transport’s departure. We additionally requested the locals what they thought in regards to the taxi drivers in Istanbul they usually expressed comparable issues.
Is Uber out there in Turkey?
Uber is accessible in Istanbul. Nevertheless, it is very important know that it’s merely a taxi driver utilizing the Uber app. As you’ve seen from the earlier part, I might not advocate taking the native taxis in Istanbul. As a substitute, you should use their very environment friendly public transportation system.
When coming from IST or SAW airport to Istanbul, we advocate pre-booking your non-public transport, which ought to value round 40 euros.
Do you tip in Turkey?
Tipping is customary in Turkey. You must count on between 10-15% tipping at institutions like eating places.
When to go to Turkey?
The perfect time to go to Turkey is determined by what sort of actions you may be doing there. In case you are visiting Cappadocia and intend to do the new air balloons, it’s higher to go through the spring and summer time seasons when the climate is heat and nice.
Since sizzling air balloons are ceaselessly canceled because of rain or excessive winds, it’s endorsed to journey there from April to early June, or September to late October, when crowds are fewer and the climate is secure.
Instance Itinerary
To correctly expertise Turkey, we really feel a 2-week itinerary could be perfect. Beneath we’ve got supplied an instance itinerary that mixes the colourful metropolis lifetime of Istanbul, the traditional wonders of Cappadocia, and a few stress-free time alongside the gorgeous Turkish coast.
- Day 1: Land at IST airport and if attainable, switch on to a flight to Cappadocia (Nevsehir or Kayseri airports)
- Day 2-6: Spend 4-5 days exploring Cappadocia, using the new air balloons, visiting the underground cities, climbing the Pink Rose Valley, seeing Uchisar citadel, and exploring different smaller cities.
- Day 6: Fly to Antalya after which take a bus to one of many Southern Coastal cities. We advocate staying at Kas since it’s a very cute, lesser-known, and uncrowded city and serves as a superb base to discover the sights round
- Day 7-9: Spend 2 days to discover Kas, and the encircling Patara ruins, Myra ruins, and seashores.
- Day 9-12: Spend 3 days doing the 12 Islands Blue cruise departing from Fethiye
- Day 12: Fly from Dalaman airport again to Istanbul
- Day 12-14: spend 2-3 days exploring Istanbul
When you have one week solely, then we’d recommend spending 4 days in Cappadocia and three days in Istanbul.
When you have greater than two weeks, we’d add Pammukale and Ephesus to the itinerary.
Abstract: Turkey Journey Information
Our journey to Turkey supplied us with so many unforgettable reminiscences.
Using the new air balloons, staying at cave accommodations, crusing the Turkish Coast, and discovering the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, there’s really one thing for everyone. We hope that you just discovered this Turkey Journey Information useful and be happy to discover the linked posts which go into additional element about every vacation spot and exercise.
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Ryan & Nan are two curious journey storytellers and journey photographers who began Wayless Vacationers to share their ardour for journey with the world. Having explored over 35 nations throughout the globe, they search to share their ardour for journey planning and images to assist others arrange their subsequent journey.