Turkey Travel Guide (Middle East/Asia)

Turkey is a transcontinental country located in the Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Black Sea. Turkey is a popular tourist destination for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will cover everything you need to know to plan your unforgettable trip to Turkey, including places to visit, cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, getting there and much more.

Introduction to Turkey

Turkey boasts a unique blend of cultures, with influence from ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The country also has a diverse landscape, including stunning beaches, rugged mountains, impressive canyons, and bustling cities. With its rich history and natural beauty, Turkey has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Turkey

If you are planning a trip to Turkey, be sure to check out these top places to visit:

Istanbul
Cappadocia
Ephesus
Pamukkale
Antalya
Marmaris
Bodrum
Ankara
Trabzon
Göreme National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Turkey has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many museums and historical places to explore. Here are some of the top cultural attractions to see:

Hagia Sophia: This ancient church-turned-mosque-turned-museum is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
Topkapi Palace: Another famous Istanbul landmark, Topkapi Palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries.
Troy Ancient City: Troy is known as the site of the Trojan War and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Ani Archaeological Site: Once a prosperous medieval city, Ani is now an abandoned but well-preserved ruin.
Chora Museum: This former Byzantine church features stunning mosaics and frescoes.
Sumela Monastery: Located in Trabzon, this ancient Greek Orthodox monastery was carved into a cliff face.

Natural Attractions of Turkey: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Turkey has a diverse landscape that offers many opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Here are some of the top natural attractions to see:

Mount Ararat: Located in eastern Turkey, Mount Ararat is the highest peak in Turkey and is considered a holy site by many religions.
Butterfly Valley: Situated near Fethiye, Butterfly Valley is home to over 80 species of butterflies.
Pamukkale Hot Springs: This natural wonder features terraced pools of warm, mineral-rich water.
The Lycian Way: This long-distance hiking trail stretches over 500 km along Turkey’s stunning coastline.
The Black Sea Coast: This rugged coastline offers breathtaking views of the sea and mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Turkey

Turkey is becoming increasingly popular for hiking and biking, thanks to its diverse landscape and well-marked trails. Here are some of the top routes:

The Lycian Way: As mentioned before, this 500 km route offers stunning coastal views.
St. Paul Trail: This 500 km trail takes hikers through ancient sites and traditional villages.
The Carian Trail: This 800 km trail follows the coastline from Mugla to Antalya.
The Kaçkar Mountains: This range in northeastern Turkey offers challenging hikes with spectacular views.

Best Things to Do in Turkey: Activities and Tours

If you are looking for more ideas on what to do in Turkey, here are some popular activities and tours:

Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia: This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the surreal landscape of Cappadocia from above.
Bosphorus Cruise: Take a boat tour of Istanbul’s iconic waterway and see the city from a different perspective.
Turkish Bath: Experience the traditional Turkish bath, which involves alternating hot and cold rooms, massages, and a scrubbing down.
Blue Cruise: Sail the Aegean or Mediterranean Sea on a traditional wooden gulet.
Turkish Night: Enjoy traditional Turkish food and entertainment, including belly dancing and live music.

Week-Long Itinerary for Turkey

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Turkey:

Day 1-2: Istanbul

Visit Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
Take a Bosphorus cruise
Explore the Grand Bazaar

Day 3-4: Cappadocia

Take a hot air balloon ride
Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum
Explore underground cities

Day 5-6: Antalya

Visit the ancient city of Perge
Take a dip in the Pamukkale hot springs
Hike the Lycian Way

Day 7: Ankara

Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Explore the old town
Visit Ataturk’s Mausoleum

Food and Drink Scene of Turkey

Turkish cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

İskender kebab: Layers of succulent lamb, pita bread, tomato sauce, and melted butter.
Turkish breakfast: A spread of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, bread, and eggs.
Lahmacun: A thin, crispy pizza-like dish topped with minced lamb or beef.
Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and syrup.

Local Beverages

Turkish tea: Black tea served in small glasses
Ayran: A refreshing drink made from yogurt, water, and salt.
Raki: A strong alcoholic drink often drunk with a meze platter.

Where to Stay in Turkey: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Turkey has a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and style. Here are some popular options:

Luxury hotels: The Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton both have locations in Istanbul.
Boutique hotels: There are many small, unique hotels throughout Turkey, such as the Museum Hotel in Cappadocia.
Hostels: Hostelworld has budget-friendly options in most major cities.
Guesthouses: A great way to experience traditional Turkish hospitality is to stay in a guesthouse or homestay.

What to Buy in Turkey: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Turkey is known for its beautiful handicrafts and textiles. Here are some popular souvenirs:

Turkish Carpets: Handmade carpets come in many styles and designs.
Ceramic plates: You can find beautiful, hand-painted ceramics in almost every Turkish market.
Turkish Delight: A sweet, chewy confection made with nuts and fruit flavors.
Evil Eye: A traditional talisman to ward off bad luck.

Local Culture and Customs of Turkey

Turkey has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its warm hospitality. Some customs to keep in mind:

Dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
Remove shoes before entering someone’s home or a mosque.
When greeting someone, shake hands and say “Merhaba” or “Hello.”
It is customary to take off your shoes before entering a Turkish bath.

Best Time to Visit Turkey

The best time to visit Turkey depends on your travel preferences. The peak tourist season is from June to August, but the weather can be very hot. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) can be chilly, but Istanbul is beautiful during the holiday season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Turkey

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Turkey:

Do:

Try local Turkish cuisine
Learn a few basic Turkish phrases
Be respectful when visiting mosques or religious sites

Don’t:

Don’t drink tap water
Don’t photograph military personnel or government buildings
Don’t wear shoes inside a mosque

Safety and Health

Like any travel destination, safety and health should be a top priority. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Turkey:

Safety in Turkey

Avoid political demonstrations and rallies
Be aware of your surroundings when in crowded areas
Check travel advisories before your trip

Health in Turkey

Drink bottled water
Watch out for street food that may not be prepared hygienically
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance

Getting to Turkey: Transportation Options and Logistics

Turkey is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Turkey

Istanbul Ataturk Airport
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport

Bus Stations Near Turkey

Istanbul Esenler Bus Station
Ankara ASTI Bus Station
Izmir Otogar Bus Station

Other Options

Ferry: You can take a ferry from Greece, Italy or Croatia to Istanbul, Ayvalik or Cesme.
Train: Popular routes are Istanbul-Ankara and Istanbul-Izmir.

How to Get Around in Turkey

Turkey has a reliable and affordable public transportation system, with buses and trains connecting most major cities. There is also an extensive network of dolmuşes, which are shared taxis that run on set routes. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available in most cities.

Where to Go Next from Turkey: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Turkey is ideally located for exploring neighboring countries, including Greece and Bulgaria. Some popular excursions from Turkey include:

Greece: Take a ferry from Istanbul or Izmir to visit the Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
Bulgaria: Visit the historic city of Plovdiv, just a few hours’ drive from Istanbul.

Conclusion

Turkey is a vibrant and inviting country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you plan your upcoming trip to Turkey. Remember to be respectful of local customs, stay safe and healthy, and most importantly, enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer!