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Turkey
Turkey. East Meets West in a Land of Wonders!
Ready to Explore the Wonders of Turkey?
Imagine a country cradled by four different seas, a land where continents collide and ancient empires have risen and fallen, leaving behind an astonishing legacy. Welcome to Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), a destination that truly bridges East and West, not just geographically but culturally, historically, and spiritually. This is a place where the echoes of Roman legions, Byzantine emperors, and Ottoman sultans resonate through bustling modern cities and remarkably preserved ancient ruins.
Prepare for a sensory tapestry: the melodic call to prayer drifting from elegant minarets, the vibrant chaos and enticing aromas of spices and sizzling kebabs in sprawling bazaars, the taste of sweet, sticky baklava paired with strong Turkish coffee, the breathtaking sight of turquoise waters lapping against ancient Lycian tombs, and the surreal spectacle of hot air balloons drifting over otherworldly landscapes at dawn. From the intoxicating energy of Istanbul to the magical fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the sun-drenched beauty of the Mediterranean coast, Turkey offers an incredible diversity of experiences wrapped in legendary hospitality. It's a journey through time, landscapes, and cultures that promises to captivate and enchant.
Why you should go on holiday to Turkey
Turkey is a destination that genuinely offers something for everyone, making it a compelling choice for your next getaway. Its most striking feature is perhaps its role as a crossroads of civilisations. Where else can you walk through the incredibly preserved Roman city of Ephesus in the morning, marvel at the architectural genius of Byzantine Hagia Sophia in the afternoon, and explore the opulent Topkapi Palace, seat of Ottoman power, the next day? History isn't confined to museums here; it's etched into the landscape, from Neolithic sites like Göbekli Tepe to classical ruins and magnificent mosques.
The country boasts stunning and incredibly diverse landscapes. Picture the almost lunar terrain of Cappadocia, famous for its unique "fairy chimney" rock formations and cave dwellings – best viewed from a hot air balloon at sunrise for a truly magical experience. Then there's the dazzling Turquoise Coast along the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, offering hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and charming resort towns. Don't forget the unique "Cotton Castle" of Pamukkale's gleaming white travertine terraces. There's adventure and beauty around every corner.
Immerse yourself in vibrant culture and legendary hospitality. Experience the energetic buzz of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, practice the art of haggling, and discover unique crafts. Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath (Hammam) experience. Witness the mesmerising spiritual ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes. Above all, experience the warmth and generosity of the Turkish people, known for their welcoming nature towards guests (misafirperverlik).
And the mouthwatering cuisine! Turkish food is a highlight in itself. Go beyond the famous kebabs (which are delicious!) and discover an incredible array of meze (cold and hot appetizers), fresh seafood, savoury pastries like börek and pide (Turkish pizza), flavourful stews, lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), and the magnificent Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) – a feast of cheeses, olives, honey, eggs, breads, and more. Finish with irresistible sweets like baklava or Turkish delight (lokum), accompanied by traditional Turkish tea served in tulip-shaped glasses or strong Turkish coffee.
For UK travellers, Turkey also offers
fantastic sun, sea, and value. The coastal resorts provide brilliant beach holidays, often at a more affordable price point than many Western European destinations. Exploring the stunning coastline on a traditional wooden boat (gulet cruise) is a popular and relaxing option. With relatively short flight times from the UK and good infrastructure, Turkey is both accessible and incredibly rewarding.
Activities to do in Turkey
Immerse Yourself in Majestic Istanbul
Explore the city that straddles two continents. Stand in awe beneath the vast dome of the Hagia Sophia, admire the stunning İznik tiles of the Blue Mosque, delve into the opulent world of the Sultans at Topkapi Palace, get delightfully lost navigating the thousands of shops in the Grand Bazaar, inhale the exotic scents of the Spice Market, and take a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, gliding between Europe and Asia.
Float Above Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys
Experience pure magic with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's surreal landscape. Drift silently above the unique conical rock formations ("fairy chimneys"), hidden cave churches, and picturesque valleys. It's an unforgettable, bucket-list-worthy moment. Afterwards, explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum or an underground city.
Walk the Ancient Streets of Ephesus
Step back nearly two thousand years in one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. Stroll down the marble-paved Curetes Street, marvel at the intricate facade of the Library of Celsus, imagine gladiatorial contests in the Great Theatre, and explore temples, houses, and public baths of this once-thriving Roman port city.
Relax and Swim on the Turquoise Coast
Discover why this stretch of coastline is world-renowned. Head to Ölüdeniz near Fethiye to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Lagoon, with its calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. Enjoy the stunning beaches, indulge in watersports, or take a "Blue Cruise" boat trip or multi-day gulet voyage to explore secluded bays, islands, and coastal ruins.
Wonder at Pamukkale's "Cotton Castle"
Visit this unique natural phenomenon – a hillside covered in gleaming white travertine terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters flowing down over millennia. Paddle in the warm pools (where permitted), admire the surreal landscape, and explore the extensive ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman spa city of Hierapolis located at the top, including a large theatre and necropolis.
Accommodation Offers
Useful information
Local time
Turkey operates on Turkey Time (TRT), which is UTC+3 throughout the year. Turkey does not currently observe daylight saving time. As of today, Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 10:21 AM BST (UTC+1), Turkey (UTC+3) is 2 hours ahead of the UK.
Currency
The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY), often symbolised as ₺.
Language
The official language is Turkish. While English is commonly spoken and understood in major cities, tourist resorts, airports, and popular attractions, proficiency can vary. Learning a few basic Turkish phrases like Merhaba (Hello), Teşekkür ederim (Thank you - often shortened to Teşekkürler), Lütfen (Please), and Evet/Hayır (Yes/No) will be appreciated.
Location
Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye) is a large transcontinental country. The majority of its territory lies on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. It1 borders Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan exclave), Iran, Iraq, and Syria, and has coastlines on the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Seas.
Visa information
Good news for holidaymakers! British Citizen passport holders can typically visit Turkey for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without needing a visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Turkey and has at least one blank page.
Flight time
Direct flights from major UK airports to popular Turkish destinations generally take between 3.5 hours (e.g., to Istanbul or Izmir) and 4.5 hours (e.g., to Antalya or Dalaman on the south coast).
Come and explore Turkey
From the vibrant energy of Istanbul to the ancient ruins dotting the landscape, the magical skies of Cappadocia, the sun-kissed Turquoise Coast, and the mouthwatering flavours of its cuisine, Turkey offers an incredibly rich and diverse travel experience. It's a country that engages all your senses and leaves you with lasting memories.
Why navigate the vast options alone when Tripsync Travel can craft your perfect Turkish adventure? We specialise in creating bespoke holidays tailored to your interests, whether you dream of exploring historical sites, relaxing on beautiful beaches, cruising the coast on a gulet, or floating above Cappadocia. We handle the flights, accommodation, transfers, and tours, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.
Unlock the magic where East meets West. Contact Tripsync Travel today and let's start planning your incredible Turkish escape!