Turkey straddles the boundary between Europe and Asia and draws on a rich heritage of cultural riches; ruins left from ancient empires, forts and castles forged by sultans and crusaders, mosques and medieval bazaars.
It is bordered to the north by the Black Sea, to the west by the Sea of Marmara and Aegean and to the south by the Mediterranean. Due to its position and the fact that Turkey is at the meeting point of three different climatic zones, it is home to a tremendous variety of landscapes and plants making it a paradise for travellers and naturalists alike.
The country’s longest river is the Kizilirmak, which flows into the Black Sea. The Euphrates and Tigris both originating in Turkey, flow through many other countries before arriving in the Persian Gulf.
For many travellers however the appeal of Turkey is the wonderful weather, stunning beaches and fabulous cuisine.
Turkey has something for everyone whether you are a solo traveller, a couple planning a romantic getaway, an adventurer and thrill seeker, or a family looking for an excellent value for money resort that will keep everyone happy.
Here are just a few things to see and do:
- Visit Istanbul and see the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya and Topkapi Palace
- See Ephesus, the best-preserved Roman city in the eastern Mediterranean and from where St Paul wrote the ‘Letters to the Ephesians’. Walk in the footsteps of St. John and visit the ‘House of the Virgin Mary’ 9km north of Ephesus where she was said to have lived.
- Wander among the ‘fairy chimneys’ and rocky outcrops of Cappadocia or float over them in a hot-air balloon
- Visit the Grand Bazaars and haggle for carpets, leather goods and ceramics. Take in the wonderful aromas of fresh spices and herbs, not to mention their bright colours.
- Enjoy a flotilla experience exploring beautiful coves with crystal clear waters. You can sail independently if you have a license or hire your own captain and sit back and enjoy the ride.
- Experience the exhilarating pummelling which is the traditional Turkish Bath!
- Soak up the sun on the beautiful coastline where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet at Marmaris. You could even swim with dolphins in what is often referred to as the ‘Turquoise Coast’.
- Test your skills at Kite Surfing. This must be one of the most exhilarating of water sports and with only a few hours of tuition you will be ‘flying’!
- Explode our taste buds with a ‘foodie visit’ to Gazientap, the food capital city of the world and member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.This famous city in the East of Turkey is well worth the short flight from Istanbul or Bodrum.
Turkey has so much to see and experience and I have been fortunate to visit the country many times over the last 20 years. Of course, this short article can only begin to touch the surface of what Turkey has to offer. So, if you would like to know more about a holiday in Turkey give me a call on 01428 748440 or contact on www.traveltony.co.uk
As a Personal Travel Consultant, I am able to organise fantastic holidays all over the world that are completely ABTA and ATOL protected. Also being part of the Hays Travel Group, I have the backing and resource of the largest independent travel group in the UK – meaning great service and prices!