Turkey presents a wealthy tapestry of historical 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’s essential 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 provides a wealthy historical historical past, a vibrant native tradition, lovely landscapes, and a chance to step again in time.
Throughout our journey to Turkey, we have been mesmerized by the recent air balloons hovering over the fairy-tale-like landscapes of Cappadocia, visiting monumental underground cities that after housed over 20,000 folks, crusing on a Turkish Gullet within the Southern turquoise coast of Fethiye, and navigating the bustling metropolis of Istanbul.
We liked the seamless integration of the traditional and the fashionable, the attractive hikes, the kindness of the locals, and the adventures of climbing via cave dwellings that existed hundreds of years in the past.
If this feels like one thing you’ll take pleasure in, learn on on this full information to touring Turkey.
Which airport to reach in Turkey
To reach in Turkey, you’ll most probably land at Istanbul Airport (IST) or the newer Sabiha Gökçen Worldwide Airport (SAW).
- Istanbul Airport is situated about 45-60 minutes north of Istanbul and is Turkey’s largest and busiest airport. If you’re coming from a global vacation spot, then you’ll most probably be touchdown at IST.
- Sabiha Gokcen Airport is situated on the Asian facet of Istanbul, about 45-60 minutes South East of Istanbul. It’s a newer airport that provides 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 after we returned from the Southern Turkish coast.
Visa requirement
To test in the event you want a visa when touring to Turkey, please test on the official Visa web site:
Make certain 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’ll be able to obtain the E-Visa inside about 1-2 enterprise days and can assist you to keep within the nation for as much as 90 days.
High 10 Distinctive Experiences in Turkey
Sizzling Air Balloon Cappadocia
Driving on the recent air balloons of Cappadocia, and even merely watching them from the gorgeous rooftop terraces of the cave inns, is likely one of the most unusual experiences you may have in Turkey. Set amongst the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia characterised by its distinctive spire volcanic rock formations, honeycombed with historical interconnected cave dwellings, you’re going to get to witness the historical past of a long-lost civilization.
If you want to be taught extra concerning the sizzling air balloon expertise, the place are the most effective rooftop terraces to observe the dawn, and different nice actions within the area, try our Cappadocia Journey Information.
Staying at a cave lodge
Cappadocia is likely one of the distinctive locations on the earth the place you get to remain in an historical cave lodge. These cave properties date again centuries and have been initially utilized by early Christian communities and monks who sought refuge from persecution. Extremely elaborate networks of underground cities have been carved out of the rock, creating church buildings, monasteries, granaries, wineries, and houses.
Right this moment, these historical caves have been rigorously restored to protect their historic structure whereas providing trendy comforts, permitting you to expertise the distinctive alternative of staying in a cave lodge. If you’re planning on visiting Cappadocia, make certain 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 most effective cave inns 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 unimaginable expertise of exploring an historical underground metropolis that after housed 20,000 folks and spanned greater than 18 flooring! The 2 most well-known underground cities are known as Derinkuyu and Kaymakli and are conveniently situated simply 30-40 minutes outdoors of Goreme.
Crawling via 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 stunning to understand that this exceptional construction was possible created over 3,500 years in the past.
Paragliding in Oludeniz
Oludeniz, situated on the Southern coast of Turkey, is legendary for its turquoise waters within the blue lagoon, and delightful pebble seashores, however most of all is ranked as one of many high paragliding locations on the earth!
From the summit of Mount Babadag, you’ll launch off the slope and soar via the sky, taking in breathtaking views of the turquoise coast set towards a dramatic mountain backdrop. Oludeniz can be conveniently situated close to Fethiye the place you may embark on a Turkish Gullet crusing expertise.
Blue cruise in Fethiye
Crusing via the turquoise waters on the Southern Turkish coast was some of the memorable experiences of our journey to Turkey. From Fethiye, you may 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 may also take you from Fethiye to different locations corresponding to Marmaris or Göcek, providing the possibility to discover a number of historical ruins alongside the coast. The Turkish Blue Cruise expertise can final from 2 days to 7 days relying on the route you are taking.
To be taught extra about crusing the blue cruise, in addition to among the finest issues to do on the Southern Turkish coast round Kas, try our finest issues to do in Kas Information.
Turkish Hammam in Istanbul
The observe of Turkish Hammam tub dates again centuries and is rooted in Roman bathing traditions. The Turkish tub 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 completely different than some other massages we have now obtained throughout our travels world wide and we’d extremely suggest making an attempt it out! This may be performed in Cappadocia however for the extra conventional and elaborate expertise, we suggest doing it in Istanbul.
Uncover the traditional mosques of Istanbul
Town of Istanbul has a seamless mix of Asian, European, and Center Jap influences, creating among the most architecturally distinctive and memorable mosques on the earth.
Particularly, proper on the middle of Sultanahmet, you can find the Hagia Sophia with its large dome and mosaic design, and the Blue Mosque, recognized for its grand scale and 6 minarets.
These are among the largest mosques you can find wherever on the earth and are a must-visit when going to Istanbul.
Soaking within the mineral waters of Pammukale
Pammukale, sometimes called the “cotton fortress”, has gained fame from all the attractive Instagram pictures 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 may as well take a sizzling air balloon right here however we really feel just like the one in Cappadocia is extra spectacular.
Situated within the South Western a part of Turkey, Pammukale could be performed 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 historical metropolis situated within the southwestern a part of Turkey that options among the most spectacular Roman ruins in Turkey.
Right here you can find the Huge Nice Theatre that after 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 could be mixed with Izmir or the coastal city of Kusadasi.
Göbekli Tepe
If you’re a historical past buff or enthusiastic about historical archeology, then Göbeklitepe is ideal for you. Typically thought-about because the world’s oldest temple advanced, Göbeklitepe options a number of T-shaped pillars organized in circles, adorned with intricate carvings that appear to completely mirror particular star constellations.
The superior stonework and the accuracy of star mapping provide a really essential perception into the timeline of our historical past because the construction predates recognized civilizations. If you want to go to Göbeklitepe, it’s situated far within the southeastern a part of Turkey.
Customs and language
The official language of Turkey is Turkish. Whereas English is often spoken in main vacationer areas like Istanbul and Cappadocia, you can find that it’s much less prevalent in rural areas and smaller cities, the place figuring out a couple of primary Turkish phrases could be very useful.
You’ll discover that Turkish persons are fairly hospitable and it’s common to be supplied tea or espresso. This may occur at a lodge and even whereas visiting a store. It’s well mannered to just accept these choices and might assist you to join with among the locals.
Since Turkey is a spiritual nation, it is very important costume modestly. That is particularly necessary in non secular websites the place it’s common to cowl your hair, shoulder and arms, and beneath the knees. Make certain to abide by these guidelines when visiting the mosques as in any other case you may be denied entry.
When participating in dialog with locals, it’s preferable to keep away from controversial matters corresponding to politics or faith. Turkey has a sophisticated historic previous and its political scenario could be divisive.
Lastly, haggling over costs is a standard observe in Turkey. That is particularly the case when purchasing on the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Anticipate to haggle right down to no less than 30-50% of the preliminary supplied value.
Helpful phrases
Turkish is a tough language, however it might go a protracted technique to be aware of these essential phrases. By greeting somebody of their language, you exhibit 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 via Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Turkish coast, we felt like Turkey was a really protected nation to go to. That is particularly the case within the touristic areas. We walked at 11 pm in Istanbul and at all times felt safe, and the streets have been at all times busy with folks.
The one side that we heard about security considerations was concerning the taxis. We met three fellow vacationers who have 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 concerning the taxi drivers in Istanbul and so they expressed comparable considerations.
Is Uber out there in Turkey?
Uber is on the market 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’d not suggest taking the native taxis in Istanbul. As a substitute, you should utilize their very environment friendly public transportation system.
When coming from IST or SAW airport to Istanbul, we suggest pre-booking your personal transport, which ought to price round 40 euros.
Do you tip in Turkey?
Tipping is customary in Turkey. It’s best to count on between 10-15% tipping at institutions like eating places.
When to go to Turkey?
The very best time to go to Turkey will depend on what sort of actions you may be doing there. If you’re visiting Cappadocia and intend to do the recent air balloons, it’s higher to go throughout the spring and summer time seasons when the climate is heat and nice.
Since sizzling air balloons are incessantly canceled as a result 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 very best. Under we have now offered an instance itinerary that mixes the colourful metropolis lifetime of Istanbul, the traditional wonders of Cappadocia, and a few stress-free time alongside the attractive Turkish coast.
- Day 1: Land at IST airport and if potential, switch on to a flight to Cappadocia (Nevsehir or Kayseri airports)
- Day 2-6: Spend 4-5 days exploring Cappadocia, driving the recent air balloons, visiting the underground cities, mountaineering the Crimson Rose Valley, seeing Uchisar fortress, and exploring different smaller cities.
- Day 6: Fly to Antalya after which take a bus to one of many Southern Coastal cities. We suggest staying at Kas since it’s a very cute, lesser-known, and uncrowded city and serves as a wonderful base to discover the sights round
- Day 7-9: Spend 2 days to discover Kas, and the encompassing 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
If in case you have one week solely, then we might counsel spending 4 days in Cappadocia and three days in Istanbul.
If in case you have greater than two weeks, we might add Pammukale and Ephesus to the itinerary.
Abstract: Turkey Journey Information
Our journey to Turkey offered us with so many unforgettable reminiscences.
Driving the recent air balloons, staying at cave inns, crusing the Turkish Coast, and discovering the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, there’s actually one thing for everyone. We hope that you simply 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.
