Turkey

Turkey, a country more than twice the size of California, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages boasts Istanbul, the prime treasure of the nation. It’s a country of fascinating contrasts, where antiquity is juxtaposed with the contemporary, the familiar with the exotic; where sun-swept beaches beckon less than an hour away from snow-capped mountains, and everywhere visitors are treated to the extraordinary warmth of the Turkish people.

Choose your beach, as Turkey is surrounded by water on three sides. The Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara on the west coast, the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in the south and the Black Sea in the north. Despite having land in Europe and Asia, Turkey is considered by most to be a European nation. There is 24,000 sq km in Europe and 756,000 sq km in Asia; Thrace is the name of the European part and Anatolia is known the Asian part. The Asian continent is connected to Europe in Istanbul, with two impressive bridges across the Bosphorus, connecting European and Asian parts of Istanbul.

Seaside resorts like Antalya, Bodrum or Kusadasi are exceptionally popular with tourists from Europe. As Turkey is surrounded by water, many people would believe the country revolves around the sea – this assumption is far from the truth. "Anadolu", the Anatolian high central plateau is where Turkish culture is rooted. The soul of the country is found in the green pastures of the hinterland, where shepards still move their herds with the seasons.

Ankara, the capital of Turkey is centrally located in Anatolia. The city offers interesting sights and attractions including The Museum of Anatolian Culture and the Mausoleum of Ataturk.

Unusual & Authentic: Istanbul has a renowned international culture and is a mecca for shopping. Here you’ll find the most beautiful mosques and palaces of the country. You’ll also find spectacular Byzantine churches and Roman temples. Without fear of exaggeration one can say that Istanbul's claim to the title of Eternal city is as justified as Rome's

Cappadocia is another great sight: it is both a natural wonder and the result of human inventiveness. Soft volcanic rock formed a landscape of bizarre beauty, but it was man who made their homes, churches, shops and courtrooms in them. All of these are decorated in a highly original style.

In the east of Anatolia you find the eccentric rock statues at Nemrut Dagi, similar to what you may see on Easter Island. In the east you’ll find the ancient city Van, located on Lake Van, along with the city of Dogubayazit. Once west of eastern Anatolia you will find Turkey's "sports city", Erzincan.

On the southern coast you’ll find roughly 600 remains of old Greek and Roman buildings, mostly well preserved. About one hour west of Kemer there is the magnificent Roman town Phasalis: this is a museum town where you can see the remains of a complete Roman city, including a military harbour, an aqueduct, a theatre and other buildings. Here you’ll be able to walk on the old Roman roads between those buildings.

With Turkey’s rich culture and extraordinary value, travelers will be delighted.

Important Information about Turkish Currency Conversion

Exchange Slips for the conversion of foreign currency into Turkish lira should be kept, since you may be required to show these when reconverting your Turkish lira back into foreign currency, and when taking souvenirs out of the country (to prove that they have been purchased with legally exchanged foreign currency).

Getting to Turkey

Istanbul is the primary point of entry for most international flights from North America and Europe. Airlines serving Istanbul International Airport (IST) include: Lufthansa German Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Delta Airlines, JAT Airways, Tunis Air, Aeroflot, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Croatia Airlines, Alitalia, KLM, Air France, Malev. Here you may make connections to other airports within the country.

Esenboga International Airport (ESB) in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, has international flights from Europe as well as domestic service to other parts of the nation.