Turkish Delight
Turkey is a vast country to visit with many interesting areas to see such as Cappadocia, a photographer’s dream, Ephesus the ancient greek city, Pamukkale with its travertine terraces and ruins of Hierapolis to name a few. Plus you have archaeological sites throughout the country, the wonderful beaches of Bodrum, Antalya, Ismir and Fethiye and the icing on the cake, Istanbul.
Istanbul straggles the Bosphorus which separates Europe and Asia and was once the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. One of the great cities of the world it is full of culture and art, with amazing food and great shopping.
Cappadocia is known for its fairytale rock formations and early human history. You can stay in a cave hotels and take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes.
Turkey's turquoise coast is well worth visiting offering beautiful beaches along with a cultural treasure trove.
This is the dependant on what you are intending to do but in general the tourist high season is from mid April to mid September.
Spring and Fall are pleasant times to travel with mild to warm temperatures and little rain.
Around Istanbul and the sea of Marmara the temperature can drop below zero in winter but is moderate at other times. On the Anatolian Plateau there is more snow and low rainfall with average temperatures of 23 C in summer and -2 C in winter. A mild Mediterranean climate awaits in the Aegean region and the Black Sea are is warm, wet and humid.
Very quick and simple process to get the visa online, cost is $20. Passports should be valid for at least 90 days.
Ordinary passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders with a valid Schengen members or USA, UK, Ireland visa or residence permit may get their single entry e-Visas valid for one month via the website below provided that they meet certain conditions.
- 200 cigarettes plus 10 cigars plus 200 gms of tobacco to include cigarette papers. OR
- 200 grammes of pipe tobacco or 50 gms of snuff or 200 grammes of chewing tobacco.
- 1 x 1 litre bottle of wines or spirits OR
- 2 x 70 cl bottle of wines or spirits.
- 5 bottles of perfume not exceeding 120 ml each.
- Personal gifts to the maximum value of €300 and €145 for those under 15.
- Other beverages: Coffee beans (1kg), Instant Coffee (1kg), Tea (500g), Chocolate (1kg).
You may also purchase additional items: 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars and 500g of pipe tobacco at the duty free arrivals store.
Taxis are metered and plentiful and are found at designated taxi stops. Sometimes there are set prices which are clearly posted.
Buses are cheap to use and you can get a smart ticket for a deposit and load with credit. This ticket can also be used on trams, ferries and the metro.
Minibuses (Dolmus) - run on standard routes posted on the front windscreen.
Metro - most major cities have underground metros and rapid surface trains. Buy the Smart Ticket to use the service.
Car Rental - you can rent a car in Turkey but must have your passport, international driver’s licence and vehicle licence with you at all times.
English is widely spoken
Ask at your hotel for advice on guides and transport, ours gave us the Tram card.
Buy a Museum Card which are available for different areas or will cover the whole country.
