Destinations
Turkey
Turkey is a vast country of incredible landscapes and natural wonders bordered by the Black Sea, the Aegean and the Mediterranean. The country is blessed with wonderful beaches, turquoise waters, year-round sunshine and ruggedly beautiful coastline. Turkey promises an escape from the ordinary whether you want to relax on a golden beach, scuba dive, play golf on a world-class course, haggle in a bustling bazaar or party in a cosmopolitan nightspot.
Turkey offers a unique east-meets-west blend of culture, cuisine and colour straddling two continents. Because of its important strategic location, it has been the epicentre of major trade and migration routes for centuries, where you will discover relics, monuments to lost civilisations and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country has a huge choice of accommodation including resort, family, spa and sports hotels - one of many reasons why this vibrant eastern Mediterranean country is one of Europe’s most loved holiday destinations.
Highlights
Sightseeing.
Ancient City of Ephesus, Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsisi), Kursunlu Waterfalls
Culture and entertainment.
Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling, Aspendos Opera and Ballet event, Mengen Chefs’ cookery evenings, Mevlana Commemoration Ceremony
Activities and sports.
Sunbathing, dining, surfing, scuba diving, boating, hiking, shopping
Major events.
International Film Festival (April), International Children’s Day (April), Marmaris Yacht Festival (May), The Tea Festival (June), International Istanbul Festival (July)
Useful information about Turkey
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Language
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Turkish
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Currency
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TRY - Turkish Lira
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Dialing Code
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+90
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Time Zone
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GMT +2
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Flight time
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Abu Dhabi - Istanbul 5:05
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Istanbul is unique for being a capital city during two distinctively different empires; the Christian Byzantine era and the Islamic Ottoman period, and the legacy of both is still visible today. Although the country’s capital is Ankara, Istanbul remains Turkey’s commercial, historical and cultural centre. It is the only city in the world that rests on two continents; Europe, where you will discover the old city and Asia, which is modern and stylish. The majestic Bosphorus Strait dissects the two halves of the city, which is famous for its wonderful ruins, old palaces, ancient mosques and churches, hamams (old-world bathhouses) and colourful bazaars. Visitors will also find chic bars, lively nightclubs and trendy boutiques that are part of the fabric of this exciting and vibrant city.
Featuring an abundance of natural beauty, historical treasures, azure seas and lush mountains, Antalya attracts millions of visitors every year. This has sparked a rapidly developing art scene with a number of galleries that are well worth visiting while by contrast, the city pulsates at night with what is known as the south coast’s hippest nightspots. In Antalya you are spoilt for choice if you are looking for exciting clubs and popular disco bars.
On the shores of the Dardanelles Strait, Canakkale has been a major stronghold since the time of the mythical Trojan War and is the ideal base for those wishing to visit legendary Troy and its ruins. Canakkale attracts many Australian and New Zealand tourists for ANZAC Day because of the town’s closeness to Gallipoli. It is a friendly and pleasant environment with a host of restaurants serving delightful traditional cuisine near the tranquil marina. Home of the world-famous Greek historian Herodotus, Bodrum is a vibrant modern resort with a stylish marina, colourful bazaars and excellent water sports venues. White box-like houses cascade down from lush hills to the water’s edge. A relaxing atmosphere by day with its many beaches, Bodrum comes alive in the evening with superb restaurants and a hectic nightlife. Bodrum also features a water park with dozens of thrilling rides, making the town a truly family-friendly destination.
South of Istanbul across the Sea of Marmara is where you will find Bursa, the first Ottoman capital city. Today, Bursa is known for its thermal baths, ancient mosques, bazaars and is also one of Turkey’s major ski resorts. Yalova is a port city famous for invigorating thermal baths, quaint villages and enticing beaches. Known in ancient times as Helenapolis because Emperor Constantine’s mother Helena designed the city Yalova’s attractions include the Sudusen Waterfall, Panorama Hill and the Burhaniye picnic area.
Nestled amid some of the Black Sea’s most stunning scenery and featuring amazing architecture, popular museums, first-class restaurants and superb retail options, Trabzon offers much to explore. The city has a number of incredible ruins and historical artefacts including castles and monasteries. Uzungol (Long Lake) is a cool, serene stretch of water surrounded by forests and mountains which makes it perfect for quiet dining, photography, hikes and long walks. Uzungol is preferred by those seeking peace, idyllic settings and inner calm.
Izmir is a major port and commercial centre situated around a narrow gulf and with a dramatic mountain backdrop. Known for the excellent quality of its figs, Izmir (formerly Smyrna) is Turkey’s third largest city and is often referred to as the capital of the Aegean. Yachts, passenger ships and steamers on the harbour are a feature of this city, which is also renowned for water sports and beach activities. The city has a unique character that tempts holidaymakers back for more.