Turkey Introduction
Turkey spans across two continents and is surrounded by seas on three sides; there is the Aegean Sea on the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Black Sea to the north. Turkey has a rich history and its previous occupants include Hittite tribes, Romans, Persians, Lycians, and Phrygians. Its rich history left Turkey with plentiful historic sites and archaeological wonders throughout the country. These sites include the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, hidden cave churches in Cappadocia, Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and palaces.
Tourism
What to see
- Gallipoli Peninsula
- Topkapı Sarayı / Topkapi Palace Museum
- Selçuk
- Galata Dervish House
- Mausoleum of Mausolus
- Spice Bazaar
- Basilica of St. John
- Rüstem Paşa Mosque
- Lycian tombs
- Hagia Sophia
- Safranbolu
- Basilica Cistern
- Mevlana Tekkesi
- Cappadocia
- Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
- Sumela Monastery
- Grand Bazaar
- Bosporus Boat Tour
- Archeological Museum Complex
- Yıldız Palace and Park
General Info
Istanbul is seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (GMT +2) and the currency used is the New Turkish Lira. Public transport in Turkey is very reliable and clean. It includes a metro, trains, trams, buses, shared vans, and water ferries. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Sightseeing is best experience on foot, and to save your precious little feet from the steep hills, cobbled lanes, and uneven pavements, you are best off wearing sturdy footwear.
Weather
The area of Turkey that borders the Mediterranean Sea has mild Mediterranean weather. Here the summers are dry with cold and wet winters. Moving towards the interior of the country, the weather changes and you experience distinct seasons. Winters are extremely cold with temperatures as low as -40°C and snow falls 3 months of the year. In the west of the country, summers are hot and dry (30°C) with cold winters (1°C). In general, May is the wettest month of the year with July and August being the driest.
Flights to Ankara
Ankara, an ancient city, is the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. In 2008 the city had a population of 4,5 million. Ankara is an important commercial and industrial city and houses all foreign embassies.
Click here for more information on Flights to Ankara
Flights to Istanbul
Click here for more information on Flights to Istanbul
