Turkey Travel Guide

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Turkey, a country that is full of contrasts: fertile plains and mountainous areas, live bath houses and deserted beaches, fast-growing cities and sleepy villages.

Full of multicultural history. He remembers the siege and defeat that left traces everywhere. With an array of historical sites and archaeological excavations, each deserves its place in the UNESCO World Heritage list: Turkey Pergamon in Aegean and Ephesus as the classical city, a fairy tale in Anatolia like Cappadocia, until the Roman aqueduct of stone church. Byzantine churches go back to Ottoman mosques and palaces.

Turkish people loves beach either they are young, old, and travelers, is a popular holiday destination for foodies and history buffs. And it is home to 80 million people, proud of their countries full of culture, tradition and religion; The tradition of hospitality, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the "Father of the Turks" and founder of modern Turkey. It is a dynamic country that welcomes cultural, economic and political changes and loves to discuss these problems. Not to forget the fusion of the past and the future.

ARRIVAL

By plane:

Flights from Europe to Turkey:

Turkey's national airline, Frankfurt, Friedrichshafen, Dusseldorf, Graz, Salzburg and Zurich from Ataturk International Airport (IST) Istanbul and Antalya flying Turkish Airlines (TK). Flights depart from Frankfurt, Berlin, Hannover, Cologne and Stuttgart to Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Several other airlines offer routes to Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya and Dalaman, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International and Air Berlin.

Flights from the US to Turkey: 

Turkish Airlines and American Airlines from Chicago and New York by direct flights are offered to Turkey.

By train: Balkan Express departs from Munich daily and stops in Vienna and Sofia, arriving in Istanbul in about 40 hours. This is definitely one of the most important things to do in Turkey. There are also train connections from Cologne and Zurich. Motorail trains depart between various German cities and Villach, Austria. From there, there is a connection between Edirne and Turkey.

By car: The fastest route from Germany passes through the former Yugoslavia (roughly 1,800km). It is also possible to take a longer route through Austria, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, which reaches 2,100 km. By taking a ferry from Italy to Venice or Brindisi, the journey can be further shortened.

By bus: Eurolines offers bus connections from Germany and Austria to Istanbul.

VISA

Entry requirements for British citizens:

They must obtain a visa to enter Turkey of a British citizen. Official Turkey as online before visiting the e-Visa website in exchange for $ 20 you can get an e-Visa. You can pay using a credit or debit card. You can apply up to 3 months before your travel date. On arrival given a visa to visit Turkey, it is valid for stays of up to a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.

If you have a İngiliz British Citizen aport passport and come to the seaports for a maximum of 72 hours for tourist visits to the port city or nearby cities, a visa is not required.

Entry requirements for US-American citizens:

US must obtain a visa to travel to Turkey of American residents. If you are traveling for up to 90 days for tourism or business within 180 days, obtain a Turkish visa from the Turkish missions abroad or from the e-Visa application system prior to arrival.

US citizens traveling on cruise ships may enter for a maximum of 72 hours with the permission of visa-free entry and entry security authorities.

If you are in any country other than those listed above, please refer to the visa information provided by your country's authorities. Especially if you are in Pakistan Yugo.pk is the best travel assistance and well trained staff.

LANGUAGE

Turkish, since 1923, 5 million in a second language is spoken by 80 million people, Turkey's official language. The standard form is based on the Istanbul dialect.

In addition, there are minority languages such as Kurdish (in the East and on the border with Iran and Northern Iraq), Arabic (on the Syrian border), Armenians, Assyria, Laz and Zaza.

Hello – Merhaba

Good morning – Günaydın

Please – Lütfen

Thank you – Teşekküler

Thank you very much – Teşekkür ederim

Yes – Evet

No – Hayır

Please add some garlic sauce – Sarimsakli sostan biraz daha lütfen

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

When should you travel to Turkey? Climate varies from region to region in Turkey. The best time to travel, especially on southern beaches, is between June and September. Those who want to avoid holiday hustle and bustle heat may prefer to travel in spring and autumn. As suggested by between May and September and October to June, the list is endless work to be done in Turkey.

The regions on the Aegean, Mediterranean and Marmara shores have a typical local warm climate and mild winter season, while the northern Black Sea coast is very cool with low rainfall. Anatolian highlands have very hot and dry summers and cold and snowy winters. The best time to visit Istanbul is from May to October.

CURRENCY

Currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira. The euro is also often accepted. Withdrawal is not a problem in most cases.

In Turkey, there are many offices, especially in large cities and tourist areas in currency exchanges can be made. The place got a better exchange rate.

EC cards with the Maestro symbol can be used in shops and ATMs, despite high charges.

Paying by credit card is a minor issue, but due to fees it is worth withdrawing from an ATM and paying in cash. Haggling is the norm.

ACCOMMODATION

All major cities have very good hotel options, from simple budget accommodation to luxury hotels. These plus motels and campsites are even more common in popular destinations on the south and west coasts. Accommodation in more remote areas is often very simple and does not always meet Western standards.

SAFETY

Since the summer of 2015, the number of attacks has increased in Turkey. Despite stringent security measures, there is a risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. A large number of deaths and injuries have occurred in Ankara and Istanbul, as well as in the southeast and east, including security forces, bus passengers, demonstrators and tourists.

Then there is political unrest. On the evening of July 15, 2016, an attempt was made in Istanbul and Ankara where many were killed and injured. There were encounters between the rebels and government police and army units. On July 20, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a state of emergency.

Please pay attention to current travel and safety advice and refer to the advice of federal offices.

Among the big crowds such as public transport, markets, shopping streets and shopping malls, more attention is now being paid. Great events and demonstrations should be avoided. It is also recommended that you have a passport or ID card in case of a check. The latest safety recommendations are available at the foreign office.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus:

Modern or punctual, they have good bus networks. Tickets can be bought at a kiosk and thrown into a box when boarding the bus.

Long-distance buses are a good option for getting around cheaply Turkey. Various private companies offer connections between almost all cities, mostly from bus stops (bus stations) or market places in smaller cities. Tickets are usually available directly from the bus stations.

Metro and Tram:

In large cities, there is an extensive network of metro and tram lines, usually in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.

Train:

Train connections go between major cities - for example, the high-speed route between Istanbul and Ankara - several times a day. There are also main lines from north to south and east to west.

Taxi:

Taxis, minibuses and shared taxis are very popular in Turkey. Yellow taxis in Istanbul and Ankara have a meter. Price should be negotiated in advance.

Dolmuş:

Taxis are the taxis that travel between the selected districts and districts and are distinguished by a yellow and black checkered band. They can easily be greeted from the street. Price depends on distance and is determined by local authorities. Do not accept additional fees for journeys in the dark or in the rain.

Rental Car:

Turkey is not the way to use the car at all. Most areas have a well-structured road network. Motorways are easy to use. It is not necessary to stand at a stand thanks to the electronic toll system. 

The High Speed Toll is available at post offices (PTT) and service stations on the motorway.

RELIGION

About 99% of the Turkish population, Hanafi, a school of Sunni Islam, is mostly Muslim. Jews and Christians are minorities.

HEALTH

Turkey, even though only accessible in the city, has a good health system. Rural medical care often does not meet Western standards.

It is recommended that you obtain a personal first aid kit and a travel insurance policy.

Please refer to the WHO website for detailed health information for the specified destination.

FOOD & DRINKS

Turkish food is not only very varied, but also easy to digest for central Europeans and very rarely spicy. The origin of many Turkish dishes, from lambs to yoghurts and various breads, is the nomadic period of the first Turkish people. These traditions were later mixed with Indian, Iranian and Arabic cuisine. Dietary rules from Islam - haram (prohibited) and halal (allowed) are followed today.

Soup and Starters

Each assorted cold vegetable soup is very popular in the summer in Turkey. Also meticulously prepared appetizers (starters): dorma or wrap, stuffed vine or cabbage leaves; baked mushrooms, mushrooms stuffed with cheese. Staples are vegetables with olive oil, feta cheese, squid and humus. Turkish drink Raki is an anisone burned from grapes or raisins with anise seeds for flavor.

Meat Dishes

Kebab is probably the best known Turkish dish that should not be confused with the German Doner Kebab. It covers all meat dishes from lamb and mutton to veal, mostly grilled or served on a skewer. 

It's hard for Muslims to come to the forbidden pork. Marinated lamb like meatballs and shish kebab consisting of good spicy minced meat balls served with rice, potatoes or bulgur are recommended.

Fish Dishes

Fish and seafood dishes prevail on the shore, from bass to shields and tuna. Then, the most famous snacks in Turkey Balik Bread, Istanbul specific mackerel sandwich.

Bread

The Turks love the freshly baked white bread. Pita is a soft pancake that usually accompanies the garnishes.

Dessert

Turkey is a paradise for the sweet tooth. Baklava is a baked dessert dipped in syrup and filled with hazelnuts. Sütlac, a rice pudding, is also recommended, followed by Turkish mocha Turkish coffee, which can be sugar-free (simple), a small amount of sugary (medium) or very (sugary) drunk.

Drinks

In addition to raki, buttermilk yogurt drink is also popular. Apple tea is served in glasses and there is strong black Turkish coffee everywhere.

Water

Tap water is chlorinated in cities, but it is still advisable not to drink. Try to get mineral water in the bottles.

Ramadan

As in other Muslim countries, avoid fasting, eating, drinking and smoking, especially during Ramadan before sunset. pleasant it is seen in Turkey, but also to win favor with the local population.

AT A GLANCE

Istanbul & Marmara

The metropolis in the Bosphorus is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, not only because of its idyllic location on the golden horn. The special air, the first walk to visitors, along the lively Istiklal Avenue with lively trams, the Galata Bridge with fishermen or the Galata Bridge where fishing is located, or the endless rush of the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar - or, at least, the muezzin sound, the Blue Mosque and When he called to pray somewhere between Hagia Sophia.

Turkish Riviera

The southern coast of Turkey, Antalya and Alanya center as well as covers the southeastern province of Mugla and Antalya Kemer and Kaş western cities. The region is popular among tourists with a combination of favorable climate, warm sea and more than 1000 kilometers of coastline. The region, which has traces of Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman periods, has many natural and archaeological attractions such as the tomb ruins in Halikamassos.

Turkish Aegean

Among the pine forests and olive groves, the rugged Aegean shores, the bright blue sea and the sports and leisure facilities are ideal for beach residents. In addition to the impressive holiday destinations of Bodrum, Cesme, Izmir and Marmaris, there are also idyllic, idyllic bays. Ancient Asia Minor also offers a wide range of history and culture, from rock tombs in Caunos to Ephesus ruins and legendary Troy. most popular day trip for those who visit this part of Turkey, deposited by UNESCO since the 1980s, and made thousands of years in terms of care consisting of calcium-rich thermal springs are white terraces of Pamukkale.

Cappadocia

This lava rock caves of view, Turkey is situated in the heart of Central Anatolia. Volcanic eruptions and waterfalls have created formations over millions of years when people have built dwellings and churches since the 4th century.

Göreme National Park along with its underground towns is also protected by UNESCO. A popular pastime for visitors is a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

Turkish Black Sea

Traditionally relatively untouched by foreigners, this region has avoided the influence of mass tourists. Turkey around the port city of Ordu, Giresun, Samsun, Ünye undiscovered pearl of the city, who are waiting for the trek. In addition to beautiful nature, such as the Kackar Mountains at a height of 4000 meters, the area offers architectural and cultural attractions such as the Sumela Mountain Monastery. You can be sure of a warm welcome from the crazy people in Trabzon.

TRAVEL COSTS

As a destination, Turkey is almost unbeatable at affordable prices for packages in western and southern coasts. Still, there are still large price differences for accommodation depending on the high or low season.

Turkey cheaper than dining in Germany. The food in a cheap restaurant is about 4 €, a local beer (Efes) 2 €. A 20-kilometer journey to the dolmuş costs only 2-3 €.

INTERNET

Turkey is cheap and easily accessible on the internet, but the connection is not always reliable. There is an increasing number of reports by the government on erasing, blocking, or censoring certain areas as a law enforcement tool.

Wi-Fi is available free of charge at most hotels and the airport. There are also internet cafes that are popular in major cities.

Buy a SIM card in Turkey, it can be quite useful for longer stays. Turkcell, Avea and Vodafone Turkey, offers a variety of packages with SIM cards and several gigabytes of free minutes.

LITERATURE

Comprehensive guide Lonely Planet Turkey, such as Istanbul and coastal tricks and tricks that can help, including guidelines for specific regions.

Before traveling to Turkey who want to feel, like Black Book Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk's works, homeland Istanbul: Memories and the City can read the love letters.

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