Turkey gives 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 part you have to plan an unforgettable journey.
Why Go to Turkey?
Turkey, having been a vital a part of the Silk Highway, 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, stunning landscapes, and a chance to step again in time.
Throughout our journey to Turkey, we have been mesmerized by the new air balloons hovering over the fairy-tale-like landscapes of Cappadocia, visiting huge 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 liked the seamless integration of the traditional and the trendy, the attractive hikes, the kindness of the locals, and the adventures of climbing by cave dwellings that existed 1000’s of years in the past.
If this seems 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 almost 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. If you’re coming from a world vacation spot, then you’ll almost definitely be touchdown at IST.
- Sabiha Gokcen Airport is positioned on the Asian aspect of Istanbul, about 45-60 minutes South East of Istanbul. It’s a newer airport that provides each home and worldwide flights.
After 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 examine if you happen to want a visa when touring to Turkey, please examine on the official Visa web site:
Ensure that 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 price. You possibly can obtain the E-Visa inside about 1-2 enterprise days and can help 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 motels, is likely one of the most original experiences you’ll be able to 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’ll 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 very best rooftop terraces to look at the dawn, and different nice actions within the area, take a look at our Cappadocia Journey Information.
Staying at a cave lodge
Cappadocia is likely one of the distinctive locations on this planet 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.
At the moment, these historical 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. If you’re planning on visiting Cappadocia, be sure 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 very best cave motels 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 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 outdoors of Goreme.
Crawling by the maze of tunnels was mind-boggling, as we marveled on the intricate design of every room and the traditional know-how used to safeguard the caves. It was much more stunning to comprehend that this outstanding construction was probably 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 delightful pebble seashores, however most of all is ranked as one of many prime paragliding locations on this planet!
From the summit of Mount Babadag, you’ll launch off the slope and soar by the sky, taking in breathtaking views of the turquoise coast set towards a dramatic mountain backdrop. Oludeniz can be conveniently positioned close to Fethiye the place you’ll be able to embark on a Turkish Gullet crusing expertise.
Blue cruise in Fethiye
Crusing by the turquoise waters on the Southern Turkish coast was one of the vital memorable experiences of our journey to Turkey. From Fethiye, you’ll be able to 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 take you from Fethiye to different locations comparable 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’re taking.
To study extra about crusing the blue cruise, in addition to among 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 apply 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 completely different than some other massages we now have acquired throughout our travels around the globe and we’d extremely suggest attempting it out! This may be accomplished in Cappadocia however for the extra conventional and elaborate expertise, we suggest doing it in Istanbul.
Uncover the traditional mosques of Istanbul
The town of Istanbul has a seamless mix of Asian, European, and Center Japanese influences, creating among the most architecturally distinctive and memorable mosques on this planet.
Particularly, proper on the heart of Sultanahmet, you can find the Hagia Sophia with its huge dome and mosaic design, and the Blue Mosque, identified for its grand scale and 6 minarets.
These are among the largest mosques you can find wherever on this planet and are a must-visit when going to Istanbul.
Soaking within the mineral waters of Pammukale
Pammukale, sometimes called the “cotton fort”, has gained fame from all the attractive 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 can too 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 accomplished 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 positioned within the southwestern a part of Turkey that options among the most spectacular Roman ruins in Turkey.
Right here you can find 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
If you’re a historical past buff or concerned with historical archeology, then Göbeklitepe is ideal for you. Usually thought-about 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 provide a really essential perception into the timeline of our historical past because the construction predates identified 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 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 understanding just a few fundamental Turkish phrases will be very useful.
You’ll discover that Turkish persons are fairly hospitable and it’s common to be provided tea or espresso. This could occur at a lodge and even whereas visiting a store. It’s well mannered to simply accept these choices and may help you join with among the locals.
Since Turkey is a spiritual nation, it is very important costume modestly. That is particularly essential in non secular websites the place it’s common to cowl your hair, shoulder and arms, and beneath the knees. Ensure that 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 comparable to politics or faith. Turkey has an advanced historic previous and its political scenario will be divisive.
Lastly, haggling over costs is a standard apply in Turkey. That is particularly the case when purchasing on the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Anticipate to haggle right down to not less than 30-50% of the preliminary provided worth.
Helpful phrases
Turkish is a troublesome language, however it will possibly go a protracted technique to be accustomed to these fundamental phrases. By greeting somebody of their language, you display 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 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 have been all the time busy with individuals.
The one side that we heard about security issues was relating to 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 worth the motive force determined to alter 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 accessible in Turkey?
Uber is offered in Istanbul. Nonetheless, 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 use their very environment friendly public transportation system.
When coming from IST or SAW airport to Istanbul, we suggest pre-booking your non-public transport, which ought to price 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 very best time to go to Turkey is dependent upon what sort of actions you may be doing there. If you’re visiting Cappadocia and intend to do the new air balloons, it’s higher to go in the course of the spring and summer season seasons when the climate is heat and nice.
Since sizzling air balloons are regularly canceled attributable to rain or excessive winds, it is strongly recommended to journey there from April to early June, or September to late October, when crowds are fewer and the climate is steady.
Instance Itinerary
To correctly expertise Turkey, we really feel a 2-week itinerary could be very best. Under we now have supplied an instance itinerary that mixes the colourful metropolis lifetime of Istanbul, the traditional wonders of Cappadocia, and a few enjoyable time alongside the attractive Turkish coast.
- Day 1: Land at IST airport and if doable, switch on to a flight to Cappadocia (Nevsehir or Kayseri airports)
- Day 2-6: Spend 4-5 days exploring Cappadocia, driving the new air balloons, visiting the underground cities, mountaineering the Pink Rose Valley, seeing Uchisar fort, 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 superb 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’d counsel spending 4 days in Cappadocia and three days in Istanbul.
If in case 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 recollections.
Using the new air balloons, staying at cave motels, crusing the Turkish Coast, and discovering the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, there’s really 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 pictures to assist others manage their subsequent journey.