Turkey presents a wealthy tapestry of historic historical past, vibrant tradition, and beautiful 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 you could plan an unforgettable journey.
Why Go to Turkey?
Turkey, having been a necessary 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 historic historical past, a vibrant native tradition, lovely landscapes, and a possibility 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 huge underground cities that after 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 beloved the seamless integration of the traditional and the fashionable, the gorgeous hikes, the kindness of the locals, and the adventures of climbing by way of cave dwellings that existed hundreds of years in the past.
If this appears like one thing you’d 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 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 global vacation spot, then you’ll most 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 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:
Ensure that to go to the official web site as many third-party web sites faux 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 can help you 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 beautiful rooftop terraces of the cave inns, 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 historic interconnected cave dwellings, you’ll 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 look at the dawn, and different nice actions within the area, take a look at our Cappadocia Journey Information.
Staying at a cave resort
Cappadocia is likely one of the distinctive locations on this planet the place you get to remain in an historic cave resort. These cave houses 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 this time, 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 resort. In case you are 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 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 unbelievable expertise of exploring an historic underground metropolis that after housed 20,000 individuals and spanned greater than 18 flooring! The 2 most well-known underground cities are known as Derinkuyu and Kaymakli and are conveniently positioned simply 30-40 minutes exterior of Goreme.
Crawling by way of 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 appreciate that this outstanding construction was doubtless created over 3,500 years in the past.
Paragliding in Oludeniz
Oludeniz, positioned on the Southern coast of Turkey, is known 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 this planet!
From the summit of Mount Babadag, you’ll launch off the slope and soar by way of 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 way of 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 standard 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 comparable to Marmaris or Göcek, providing the possibility 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 are taking.
To be taught extra about crusing the blue cruise, in addition to a few 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 observe 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 another massages we have now acquired throughout our travels world wide and we might extremely advocate attempting it out! This may be achieved 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 few of the most architecturally distinctive and noteworthy mosques on this planet.
Particularly, proper on the heart of Sultanahmet, you can see the Hagia Sophia with its huge dome and mosaic design, and the Blue Mosque, identified for its grand scale and 6 minarets.
These are a few of the largest mosques you can see anyplace 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 gorgeous Instagram images showcasing its turquoise blue and white thermal water terraces. Guests right here can soak in these heat, mineral-rich waters whereas admiring the beautiful 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 could be achieved 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 few of the most spectacular Roman ruins in Turkey.
Right here you can see 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
In case you are a historical past buff or eager about historic archeology, then Göbeklitepe is ideal for you. Usually thought of 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 supply a really essential perception into the timeline of our historical past because the construction predates identified civilizations. If you want 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 see that it’s much less prevalent in rural areas and smaller cities, the place understanding a number of fundamental 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 will occur at a resort and even whereas visiting a store. It’s well mannered to simply accept these choices and might can help you join with a few of 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 under the knees. Ensure that to abide by these guidelines when visiting the mosques as in any other case you can be denied entry.
When participating in dialog with locals, it’s preferable to keep away from controversial subjects comparable to politics or faith. Turkey has an advanced historic previous and its political state of affairs could be divisive.
Lastly, haggling over costs is a typical observe in Turkey. That is particularly the case when procuring on the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Count on to haggle all the way down to no less than 30-50% of the preliminary supplied worth.
Helpful phrases
Turkish is a troublesome language, however it could actually go an extended technique to be aware of these essential phrases. By greeting somebody of their language, you reveal respect and appreciation for his or her tradition.
- Hey – 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 way of 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 individuals.
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 worth the motive force determined to vary after the transport’s departure. We additionally requested the locals what they thought concerning the taxi drivers in Istanbul they usually expressed related considerations.
Is Uber out there in Turkey?
Uber is out there 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 an alternative, you should use their very environment friendly public transportation system.
When coming from IST or SAW airport to Istanbul, we advocate pre-booking your personal transport, which ought to price round 40 euros.
Do you tip in Turkey?
Tipping is customary in Turkey. It is best to count on between 10-15% tipping at institutions like eating places.
When to go to Turkey?
The perfect time to go to Turkey relies on what sort of actions you can be doing there. In case you are visiting Cappadocia and intend to do the recent 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 often canceled as a result of rain or excessive winds, it is suggested 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 preferrred. Beneath 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 gorgeous 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 recent air balloons, visiting the underground cities, mountaineering the Crimson 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 advocate 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 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 offered us with so many unforgettable recollections.
Driving the recent air balloons, staying at cave inns, 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 at liberty 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 set up their subsequent journey.