urkey is a fascinating mix of Europe and Asia. It is a country that offers art, history, a beautiful coastline and fascinating landscapes, the highlight of which is Cappadocia.
Turkey has 7 regions and each has its own appeal. Istanbul is the country’s largest city and is strategically located where the two continents of Asia and Europe meet – hence an extremely captivating city that demands a minimum of three nights to explore – the more the better! It is a city of Mosques, domes, palaces and of course the Bosphorus. It is a city that tantalises the taste buds from mezes, to kebabs, meat dishes of various sorts, great fresh fish and fried vegetables, nuts to the great desserts of authentic Turkish Delight to baklava! Not a place to be on a diet!
The Grand covered Bazaar provides everything from clothes, leather jackets, carpets, spices and of course Turkish Delight. The Blue Mosque and Santa Sofia dominate the landscape while the Topkapi Palace provides a great collection of Turkish historical treasures.
Once you leave Istanbul, it is hard to choose what to visit and this is dictated by your interests. The sites are endless. Some ancient historical sites are Ephesus, Aspendos, Pergamum and the more recent Gallipoli. Christian sites also dot Turkey – the Church of St Nicholas at Myra . This is the land where St Paul preached and St Peter visited.
The coastline of Turkey provides a picturesque drive – the coastal road from Gallipoli through Assos, Kusadasi, Bodrum and Antalya is worth doing though you can take in the coastline on a gullet.
Cappadocia provides a contrast to the coast. It is an area of rock cones and colourful capped pinnacles often referred to as “fairy chimneys”. The colours of this landscape is amazing with the landscape changing from yellows to pinks and combinations.
Ankarra is the capital of Turkey and it is here that you will see the Anatolian Civilisations Museum and the Mausoleum of Ataturk.
Turkey has many regions . The most important distinctions are between the coast and inland. The further inland the more extreme is the weather. Generally the best time to travel to Turkey is Spring ( April To May) and Autumn ( September to October) but if your focus is the beach then June to August will provide you with great swimming weather though it will be hot! The summer crowds flock to the coast from mid-June to early September. The time of year you choose will determine your activities and the crowds.
Istanbul is an all year round destination.
The attractions are endless and depend on your interests. Archaelogical sites are numerous. The most famous being Ephesus, Pergamum, the Apollo Temple and Aspendos . The Lycian tombs along the coast should not be missed as well.
From a scenic point of view the coastline is stunning with crystal clear aqua waters of the Aegena and Mediterranean Coast. There are many large tourist towns such as Bodrum and Kusadasi but also quainter old fishing villages such as Assos. In contrast is Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys where you can stay in a cave hotel if you choose. The hot air balloon adventure over Cappadocia is one not to be missed – it is a gentle, once in a life time trip. There are also amazing underground cities to be seen here. You need to allow 3 to 4 days in Cappadocia. For those who like an active visit you can do walks through the valleys.
Antalya is a coastal town that combines a great seaside town with interesting arts and crafts and the markets. The seafood on these coastal towns is so fresh and tempting!
Istanbul of course provides a variety of historical sites from Ottoman to Christian. You can see the domes and mosques side by side, visit the palaces and take the local ferry on the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. Don’t forget to visit the Spice Bazaar and to stock up on authentic Turkish Delight.
Turkey is a foodies delight and caters for all tastes.
