TURKEY

Turkey is a country of great contrasts. Similar in many respects to other Mediterranean countries, its unique history and position, connecting Europe with Asia and the Middle East, makes it unique.

Turkey is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains, and lakes that offers the vacationer a complete change from the stress and routing of everyday life, from Apr to Oct most places in Turkey have an ideal climate that is perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying the tranquility of mountains and lakes.

It's also a great country to visit. The Turks are mostly overwhelmingly friendly to foreign visitors, the cuisine is excellent, the cities are dotted with majestic old buildings, and the countryside is often worth a good old-fashioned gasp. There is an enormous variety of things to see and do ranging from water sports to mountain trekking, archaeology to night clubbing and river rafting to raki drinking. Whether you leave Turkey with magnificent carpets, amulets to ward off evil, belly-dancing tips, an appreciation of its history, or just a tan, you are likely to want to go back for more.

VISA The visa is to be obtained prior to arrival in the country

GETTING THERE:

Turkish Airways (TK) fly directly into Istanbul from Bom and Del.

Airlines like Emirates, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways etc fly into Istanbul ex India.

Internationatl Airports in Istanbul are Ataturk International Airport, Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) located 50kms east of Istnabul at Taksim sq for low cost carriers.

Other International Airports in Turkey are at Ankara, Izmir

Turkish airlines link all major cities, including the busy Istanbul-Ankara corridor. B

Buses go everywhere in Turkey frequently, cheaply and usually comfortably.

Trains have a hard time competing with long-distance buses for speed and comfort, but the sleeping-car trains linking Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara are good value. Driving in cities should be altogether avoided - traffic is terrible and parking impossible.

Private dolmuses (shared taxis) are a good option for short trips. Car ferries can save you days of driving and offer the opportunity to take a mini-cruise along the Turkish coasts.

Ferries operate from Istanbul to Izmir, from Istanbul to Trabzon (June to September only) and there's a hydrofoil from Istanbul to Bursa.

Private ferries run between Turkey’s Aegean coast and Greek islands.

CLIMATE:

Although Turkey is situated in Mediterranean area  where climatic conditions are quite temperate, diverse nature of the landscape, and the existence in particular of the mountains that run parallel to the coasts, result in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other.
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit. The climate is perfect on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts then, as well as in Istanbul. In high summer, the coastal resorts are hot: your body may like to do as the locals do and take a siesta during the heat of the day. From late October to early April, the beach scene more or less shuts down. There is little rain between May and October except along the Black Sea coast. Eastern Turkey should really be visited from late June to September, as snow may close roads and mountain passes in the colder months.

Istanbul has a European climate with cold, wet winters and warm summers. The best time to visit would be during the summer months May-Oct.

While the coastal areas enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolian plateau experiences extremes of hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have cool, rainy winters and hot, moderately dry summers.
The Black Sea coast receives the greatest amount of rainfall and is the only region of Turkey that receives rainfall throughout the year

CURRENCY:

The currency for Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY)

Exchange slips: The 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)

Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Eurocard and Diners Club are accepted at most major international establishments such as hotels and upmarket restaurants. Be careful how and where you use your credit card in bazaars and markets. Eurocheques and traveller's cheques can be cashed immediately. You will need proof of identity. Currency and Traveller's Cheques can also be exchanged at post offices, exchange offices and some banks.

Credit or debit cards can be used to withdraw cash from ATM machines, which can be found in all tourism centres.

Banks are generally open from 08h30-12h00/12h30 and from 13h30-17h00 Mon-Fri, depending on the bank. Banks close on Saturday and Sunday.

INTERNATIONAL DIALING CODE: + 90

GETTING AROUND:

Air: There are several low cost airlines available within the country.

Train: Turkish Republic State railway operates passenger trains all over the country. Ankara to Istanbul rail line is one of the busiest in the country and takes about 8 -10 hrs.

Bus: Both long & short distance services are available within the country and internationally.

Ferries:  Catamarans connect Istanbul to the other side of Marmara Sea. There are connections between Istanbul & Izmir

TIME:

Turkey is 3 and a half hours behind India. 

Distances between Turkish cities:

Istanbul - Ephesus

641 km. 8 hrs by car

?st-izmir 1 hr flight + 80 km drive to ?zmir-Ephesus

Istanbul -  Kusadasi

628 km. 8 hrs by car

?st-izmir 1 hr flight + 63 km drive to ?zmir-Ku?odas?    

ELECTRICITY:

The electrical current is 220 Volts, AC 50 Hz

ISTANBUL:

No visit to Turkey is complete without a few days in Istanbul. Unique among cities in that it stretches over two continents Istanbul straddles the River Bosphorus with one bank in Europe and the other in Asia.

At various times in its history Istanbul (once Byzantium and then Constantinople) was capital to three successive empires and has the fortresses, palaces, and cathedrals to prove it. While it may no longer be the country's administrative centre, it's certainly both the cultural and business capital and boasts a nightlife that puts most European cities to shame.

A hard day's sightseeing can be rounded off dining, dancing, and drinking into the morning. If it all gets too much you can always take a relaxing boat trip up the Bosphorus or escape to the nearby Princes islands. Visit in June and you will find the city in the middle of its cultural festival, the envy of the world.

For many centuries the capital of the civilized world, Istanbul remains the heartbeat of Turkey. It is a well-worn but still glorious metropolis with about 12 million residents, an impressive setting straddling Europe and Asia, and an unchallenged place in the country's history, folklore, commerce, and culture. Although it is packed, pungent, and polluted, the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black and Marmara Seas, and the Golden Horn, a freshwater estuary, help to maintain a sense of openness and space. Istanbul's dateline spans 3000 years.

Istanbul deserves to be among the first choices for anyone considering a short city break. Few European cities have anywhere near as much to offer. With three and a half thousand years of history there's no shortage of attractions and, as the only city on earth that straddles two continents, a visit to Istanbul is truly a unique experience.
For those who want to range further, you can't get much further away (ideologically and culturally) than the Asian part of the city, just across the mile wide Bosphorus. Take the trip across and you can immediately feel the contrast.
Meanwhile, back in Europe, explore the more remote quarters of the city off the tourist track and it's impossible to go far without stumbling across an ancient church or mosque, Roman columns or sections of walls from long lost ancient palaces. Days spent wandering the narrow passages of the Grand Bazaar and wondering at breathtaking Byzantine cathedrals and sumptuous Ottoman palaces can be rounded off in any one of hundreds of excellent restaurants, cafés, and bars in the city's old European quarter of Beyoglu.
History notwithstanding, Istanbul is a fast changing, modern metropolis. The past ten years has seen a revolution as Turkey's predominantly young population has made its presence felt, spawning a vibrant and ever expanding nightlife. Istanbul's unique position also adds a piquancy and variety to the vibrant culture with entertainment showing the influence of two continents.

Sultanahmet, in the old city, is the best place to look for a bottom-end or middle-range hotel. Taksim Square has many modern middle to upper-end places.

GETTING AROUND IN ISTANBUL:

Istanbul's public transport system is particularly confusing, consisting of a metro, two tram lines, two train lines, two types of buses and innumerable private mini-buses, not to mention several types of ferries connecting the city's two shores.

Istanbul's Atatürk international airport is situated around 10km from the city centre.

The only scheduled transport direct from the airport are the private Havas buses, which run every hour from 05h00-23h00, stopping at Aksaray, the nearest stop to the tourist centres of Sultanahmet and Taksim square

Taxis: from the airport to the centre cost around TRY20-25 but watch the meter and make sure that no hidden "extras" are added on. For night journeys the tariff is higher at TRY50. Depending on the traffic, length of journey can range from 25 minutes to one hour.

With such a confusing transport system most visitors opt to use taxis when walking is not an option. Taxis are omnipresent, yellow, clearly marked and should use a meter. Beware that with the chronic traffic problems, at peak times you might end up stuck in a jam and actually be quicker (and richer) by walking. Also make sure you keep an eye on the meter at all times - a few words of explanation follow.
After midnight taxis are 50% more expensive than they are through the day. "Gündüz" is the daytime rate while "Gece", is the higher rate charged between 00h00-06h00. Make sure you're paying the correct rate, as a favoured trick of unscrupulous drivers is to switch to the night rate surreptitiously. The meter should display on it somewhere which rate is currently being applied.

Tramway: Istanbul boasts one fast tramway line which runs from the Eminönü ferry terminal through Sultanahmet Sq, to Aksaray, where you can change to the metro, and out to the suburbs along the Maramara coast. Tickets cost just TRY1, any distance. A separate "historic" tramway runs the length of the pedestrianised Istiklal St, in Beyoglu - tickets TRY1.

Metro: Istanbul's metro runs directly to the airport. You can buy a direct ticket to Aksaray for TRY1.30. Before that you'll need to catch the metro to Zeytinburnu and change on to the tram that takes you to Sultanahmet (Zeytinburnu-Kabatas tram). Also from Aksaray you can buy another ticket for the fast tramway that will take you directly to Sultanahmet Sq. The journey takes upto 45 minutes.

One line runs from Aksaray via the main inter-city bus station at Esenler to the western suburbs and the airport. A separate line runs between Beyoglu's Taksim Sq and the northern suburbs, and is in the process of being extended. All tickets TRY1, on sale at the stations.

Buses: The bus system is comprehensive but, for the outsider, nigh on impossible to fathom on short acquaintance. Main hubs for buses are adjacent to the ferry terminal at Eminönü, and at Beyoglu's Taksim Sq.
For visitors the most useful service is the number 14 which runs a circular route connecting Sultanahmet Sq with the fish restaurant district of Kumkapi and Taksim Sq in Beyoglu.
If you are catching a bus be prepared for a bit of a squeeze, public transport seems very popular in Istanbul. Full buses might not stop at every scheduled halt either, so be prepared to shout out as you approach where you want to get off.
For public buses you must purchase tickets in advance from a ticket booth or newspaper kiosk. On privately operated buses you buy the ticket on board.

Trains: Istanbul has two urban train lines with services every 20 minutes or so running through the suburbs on the European and Asian shores respectively. Tickets for both cost TRY1 regardless of distance.
The European line, which commences at Eminönü, is particularly pleasant, running under the ramparts of Topkapi Palace and along the Byzantine Sea walls to Yediküle.

Ferries: Ferries operated by TDI, the state ferry operator, leave from several terminals of which the most useful for visitors is Eminönü. From here ferries depart every 20-30 mins to Kadiköy and Üsküdar on the Asian shore, and nearly a dozen times a day to the Princes Islands.
Special Bosphorus tour ferries run twice a day in summer, and once a day at weekends in winter. Seabuses - fast, modern hydrofoils - operate between several points around the city. The routes between Kabatas and the Islands are likely to be most useful for tourists.

Main Areas:

New City Area - Taksim Square , Dolmabahce Palace

Old City Area – Blue Mosque , Hagia Sofia , Grand bazaar , Topkapi Palace

Attractions:

Blue Mosque: Mosque of 6 minarets.

Hagia Sofia : the Church of the Divine Wisdom , now converted into a Museum

?stanbul Archaeological Museum.

Topkapi Palace : Typical Ottoman architecture houses some most precious jewels and has relics of the Prophet.

Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum

Dolmabahce Palace: on the Bosphorus shore in Istanbul is the magnificence and decadence of the 19th-century Ottoman Empire.

Grand Bazar with 4000 shops .

Bosphorus Cruise.

Blue Mosque:

The Blue Mosque is a triumph of harmony, proportion and elegance: its exterior elicits the sort of eye-boggling, weak-kneed admiration which Aya Sofya's interior induces.

Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Camii is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.
Its name is derived from the blue tiles decorating its interior. Completed in 1616by Mehmet Aga, Imperial Architect and one of the students of the great architect Sinan.
Its grace and beautiful proportions were intended to reflect the splendour of Islam.
It was the supreme Imperial Mosque of the Ottoman Empire. The famous blue and green
Iznik tiles on the walls are bathed in glorious light that is filtered through 260 windows.
In summer evenings there are light and sound shows in the grounds.  

Its sheer size and location in Sultanahmet Square make it one of the most visited of the city's attractions. From the exterior the mosque's main feature is the unique series of six minarets while the interior is decorated with twenty thousand blue patterned tiles - from where the mosque takes its English name. The whole thing was built between 1609 and 1616 for the Sultan Ahmet, with his tomb lying near to this enduring memorial.
Open from sunrise to late evening

Aya Sofya(Haghia Sophia Museum in Greek):

The Church of the Divine Wisdom, the greatest church in Christianity. The interior's immense dome is still impressive, though the church was sacked by the Latins and many of its treasures taken to the west. When Constantinople (Istanbul) was conquered  by the Ottoman Sultan, Mehmet II in 1453,it was converted into a mosque. Since 1936, by Ataturk's order it has been a museum

The Byzantine cathedral of Aya Sofya is arguably the most awe-inspiring sight in Istanbul. Built in AD537 when the Byzantine Empire was approaching the height of its power, Aya Sofya was designed as a celebration of an entire culture and its achievements.

The whole interior was originally bedecked with fabulous mosaics and frescoes - some of which still survive today. However, the most impressive feature is the immense dome, in its time the largest ever constructed, a record it held for 1000 years. The building was converted into a museum in the early 20th century and visitors can still see the dizzying Byzantine columns. Ongoing restoration work is uncovering more and more of the ornate mosaics and masonry that went into the original construction.

Located at the Eastern side of Sultanahmet Square. Open: daily 09h00-19h30. 

Topkapi Palace:

The Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans from the 15th century to the early 1800s, is a must see.

Built in the late 15th century, Topkapi Palace was for over 350 years home to the Ottoman Sultans and the centre of an Empire, which at its height stretched from the Indian Ocean to the gates of Vienna.
Arranged around three courtyards the palace rooms now house displays ranging from the fifth largest diamond in the world through the furniture and finery of the Sultan's private rooms to the former utensils of the palace kitchens. Of particular interest is the Harem, which comprises a frankly staggering 400 rooms and was home to the Sultan's many wives.
Although visitors are now welcome to tour this most sacred of inner sanctums, when they were in use only eunuchs were allowed to enter the apartments unblindfolded. Allow at least half a day to do the place justice, and go early if you want a place on a tour of the Harem.
Open: Wed-Mon 09h30-19h30

Archaeological Museum

Not the best presented collection in the world but Istanbul's archaeological museum does contain some stupendous exhibits, with the entire collection comprising the Oriental Antiquities Museum and the Tiled Pavilion as well as the archaeological museum itself.
The range of exhibits includes artifacts from the great Empires that held sway in the region over the centuries, most notably the Romans and Persians. Among the items on display is a fabulous collection of jewellery found at Troy and a huge collection of Sarcophagi - including one reputed to have held the bones of Alexander the Great.
Located at the Gülhane Park, adjacent to entrance of Topkapi Palace. Open: Tue-Sun 09h00-16h30

Yerebatan Sarayi - The Underground Palace:

An eerie subterranean "sunken palace" of 336 marble columns, which could hold 80,000 cubic feet of water in case of drought or siege.

This 6th-century Byzantine underground water cistern is rather special, having been constructed using hundreds of Greek and Roman columns to support the 20m high brick vaulted ceiling.
Measuring 140m by 70m, there's no hint in the busy road junction above that it even exists. Once inside you are free to wander the raised walkways through the forest of columns. Subtle lighting and piped classical music complete the atmospherics and give the ancient feat of engineering a suitably mystical ambience.
Clearly signposted on the north side of Sultanahmet Square. Open: daily 09h00-18h00.

Grand Bazaar:

You don't have to want to buy a carpet to visit the Grand Bazaar (or Kapali Çarsi). This vibrant and eclectic mixture of stalls and shops sells just about everything and anything.
One of the world's oldest shopping malls, it was begun in the late 15th century, extended in the 16th, and by the late 18th century had reached labyrinthine proportions. By this time, it housed four and a half thousand shops and over two thousand workshops - pretty much, what you will see today. It is not just aimed at tourists; you will find plenty of Turks there shopping for various items, including clothing, leather goods, and gold.
Located at Cemberlitas tram stop. Open: 08h00-20h00.

Bosphorus Cruise:

Bosphorus is the name of the strait, which lies between Europe and Asia. The strait Bosphorus connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and its length approximately 30 km, long.

For anyone visiting Istanbul, a cruise up the Bosphorus is an absolute must. As the stretch of water that divides Europe from Asia, it has inspired awe in visitors since time immemorial. Fringed by palaces, fortresses and huge wooden mansions, it is - for much of its length - captivatingly beautiful. You will also have the chance to admire the huge Bosphorus suspension bridge - among the world’s longest and a marvellous feat of engineering.
In summer, two cruises a day leave from the Eminönü ferry terminal and two boats return in the afternoon from the last stop at Anadolu Kavagi. Ferries up the Bosphorus depart from Eminönü, from the "Boazici" terminal. Out of season services drop off to one day, a week only (either Sat or Sun).
Times of services vary, but the first departure of the day is not usually before 10h00, and the second not usually before 13h00. Return services are generally 15h00 and 17h00. Service times are clearly posted at terminals. Private charters can also be made.

Galata Tower:

Built in 1348 and originally known as the Tower of Christ, the Galata Tower once formed part of the fortifications of the Genoese trading city of Galata, founded in the dying centuries of Byzantine rule.
With the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, Galata became the westernmost end of the "Silk Road" from China, while Galata Tower itself served as a fire-spotting post. These days the tower affords unparalleled views over the city from its galleries, thankfully reached via a thoroughly modern lift rather than 14th-century stairs.
Open: daily 09h30-17h00

The Land Walls & Yediküle Fortress:

Stretching in a long arc from Yediküle on the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn, Constantinople's land walls saved the city from conquest on more than 20 occasions before finally succumbing to the Ottoman forces in 1453.
Built in the early 5th century, they are still one of the most impressive sights in the city. If you don't feel up to walking the full 7km, Yediküle Fortress, at the Marmara end of the walls offers good views along half the length of the ancient fortifications.
Yediküle train station, bus 80, 80T from Eminönü.
Open: daily 24 hours

The Kariye Mosque (Church of St Saviour in Chora)

Unless you are walking the city walls, which pass close by, you are probably best off visiting the Kariye by taxi (Ask for "Kariyer Jarmee").
However you get here though, it is definitely worth the journey as this beautiful 12th-century church contains the best examples of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes anywhere in the city. The majority of them depict the life and works of Christ, with the most spectacular showing him crushing the gates of Hell underfoot at the resurrection. The church was used as a mosque in the 15th century, which meant covering all the mosaics. They were uncovered again when the building was converted into a museum.
Kariya Bostana Sok. Open: daily 09h00-19h30 (except Wed).

Dolmabahçe Palace:

Its construction began in 1846 in the province of Be?ikta? was completed in 1856. The palace which was commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid was built on an area of 250.000 m², and the palace itself and main outhouses were built on sea-filled surface. The sultan's sumptuous new European-style palace on the Bosphorus. Dolmabahçe Palace on the European shore of the Bosphorus in Istanbul is a fitting symbol of the magnificence and decadence of the 19th-century Ottoman Empire.

The palace is comprised of a main unit, Heir Section, Furniture and Guards' Room, Operational Mansions, Glass Mansion, and other small pavilions. Dolmabahçe Palace, which has 8 spacious saloons and 200 rooms, has two main and seven side gates and five gates on the sea front.
While the gardens are arranged in four sections, the main building comprises of three sections, namely the State Office (Mabeyn-i Hümayun), Auction Hall and Private Office. The main front of the palace overlooking the sea, Private Office is a two-storey building. Süfera (envoy) Saloon on the upper floor of the palace is one of its most impressive sections. Auction Hall rises between the State and Private Offices as a monumental structure. It is built on a square-like surface, covered with a dome from the inside and a roof from the outside. It is adorned with rich decorations.

The Private Office is made up of Sultan's Office and harem. Harem is a plain section with grand common-use places and closed private rooms.

Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square):

Sultanahmet Square, or the Hippodrome, was commissioned by Roman Emperor Septimius Severius at the end of 2nd century. Hippodrome was later hugely extended by Great Constantin.

In the long, east side of this U-shaped hippodrome, there used to be an emperor lodge in the balcony where there were 4 bronze horses. In the center, there used to be a shallow wall which divides the sand covered hippodrome field into two, around which cars raced, and over this wall there used to be monuments brought from many parts of the empire and statues of horses.

Suleiman's Mosque:

The Suleiman's Mosque (Suleymaniye in Turkish and Arabic) is the second largest but finest and most magnificent of the imperial mosque complexes in the city.

Golden Horn:

The Golden Horn has a long, horn-like shape separates the European part of Istanbul. Since it is one of the most natural ports of the world, those who are interested in Byzantine and Ottoman navies and commercial maritime have gathered around here for centuries. This spot, which is called “Golden Horn” since the water gets the color of gold by sunset, is surrounded by nice parks and tracks for strolling. Towards the center of the Golden Horn, in Fener and Balat districts, you pass by streets with wooden houses from Byzantine and Ottoman period, churches and synagogues.

The skirts of the hill are covered with cemeteries, which are partly shadowed by dark cypress trees. Pierre Loti Tea Garden, which is located on the hill overlooking this side, is a magnificent place to enjoy the view.

HOTELS IN ISTANBUL:

Istanbul is rapidly becoming an international city in every way, shape and form - and the quality and range of accommodation on offer to the tourist largely reflects this.
Establishments range from the hostels of the backpackers to international standard modern complexes. Somewhere in the middle, you will find the pansiyons and smaller family run hotels that are more idiomatic and characteristic of the city's eclectic cultural mix. The streets around Sultanahmet Square in the old town (the southern quarter of the European city) are the best hunting ground and the most convenient for the main attractions.
For more upmarket accommodation or something truly original head towards the historic quarter of Pera.  Here you will find the über trendy Lush Hip hotel, which provides stylish individually furnished rooms with a high level of comfort.  As you would expect the hotel, restaurant and bar are equally desirable with a great menu and cocktail list.
Also within the historic quarter is the Barcelo Saray a modern hotel providing contemporary styled rooms and great on-site facilities including a spa, restaurant, and bar. The location is also perfect for exploring the city on foot with many of the main attractions such as the Grand Bazaar close by.
For something a bit less frenetic head out of the city proper to the seafront. Cooler in summer and with views across the waters and to the Princes Islands, parts of the area are being slowly developed as tourist sub-centres and big-name hotels are taking advantage of the space to erect complexes out here. Closer to the airport, hotels here enjoy good transport links both to the city and beyond.

ANKARA: THE CAPITAL CITY:

Turkey's capital is a sprawling urban mass in the midst of the Central Anatolian semi-desert. It's very different from the Ottoman town of Angora which preceded it on this site, a quiet place where long-haired goats were raised and their fleece knitted into fluffy jumpers. Since 1920 when Atatürk set up his provisional government here, Ankara's main business has been government but several significant attractions make it worth a short visit

Most visitors head straight for Hisar, the Byzantine citadel atop the hill east of the old city, and the nearby Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Just south is Atatürk's Mausoleum, a monumental building, spare, but beautiful, that echoes the architecture of several great Anatolian empires

The Presidential Mansion is preserved as Atatürk used it, with decor and furnishings of the 1930s including billiard table and cigar-and-brandy nook. There is a lot of ancient history around too. Roman Ankara was a city of some importance, and Roman ruins are dotted in amongst the mosques and monuments of Muslim Anatolia. Most of the cheaper hotels and restaurants are in old Ankara, a km or so north-east of the train station.

Ankara's Byzantine castle complex is worth a visit too. To the north of Ankara, the town of Safranbolu was once home to the saffron trade but these days most visitors come to see the old town where the beautiful timber-framed houses that were once found everywhere in Turkey have been wonderfully preserved.

TRABZON:

A busy fishing port Trabzon is home of the Black sea anchovy trade and you will find local restaurants offering local specialties such as "anchovy bread".

Founded in the 8th century BC by settlers from Greece, the Black Sea port is a mix of romantic ancient and modern architecture. The town itself boasts a few excellent ancient sites such as the well-preserved 13th-century cathedral of Aya Sofya but the surroundings hide the real treasures of the area. 50km to the south, in the Vadisi National Park, are the remains of the Greek Orthodox Sumela Monastery, set breathtakingly high into a sheer cliff-face.

BURSA:

An important Greek and Roman city before becoming the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa's "Green" Mosque and nearby "Green" Tomb of Sultan Çelebi Mehmet I are two of the most important Islamic sites in the country.

The city also boasts an excellent Archaeological Museum. As well as this wealth of history Bursa is the centre of Turkey's silk industry - with a huge bazaar where the silk cocoons are auctioned in June and July. Turkey's Emerald City, Bursa is the fourth largest conurbation in the country, but retains the charm of an ancient city. It was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, before the seat of power moved to Constantinople (today's Istanbul) and still has a regal air.
Replete with attractions left over from the days of Empire, in the city can be seen mausoleums of early Ottoman emperors and several fabulous mosques that rival Istanbul is in grandeur. A visit to the bathhouses of the Ottoman days is worthwhile; they are built on the natural springs that rise in the city, and on the site of more ancient Roman and Byzantine constructions.
Bursa also benefits from being somewhat off the tourist trail, and the discerning visitor will find the town a charming respite from Istanbul's busy streets and crowded attractions. W

Tourists mainly come here for the excellent skiing on Mount Udulag, whose bulk overshadows the city. South of Bursa is Uludag, Turkey's premier ski resort, nestling in the shadow of the 2,500m high Mount Uludag.

Travel by ferry to Yalova, then by road to Bursa- Bazaar and Kaza Hani, the silk cocoon caravanserai, then travel by cable car to visit Mt Uludag…looking out to Bursa.

THE TURKISH RIVIERA:

Often called the Turkish Riviera, the Aegean coast between Bodrum and Kas is home to most of Turkey's tourist resorts.

Bodrum has its Crusader castle and some Roman ruins. It also boasts the most extensive nightlife on the coast including the world's largest floating disco, which sets sail when the on-shore clubs close at 04h00.

To the south Fethiye, Dalyan, Patara, and Kas all offer a good mix of ancient sites, sandy beaches and busy nightlife.

ANTALYA:

Lies in Turkey's central Mediterranean coast, Antalya is a good base to explore the quieter beach towns and more spectacular ancient cities of the region. Antalya also offers an escape into a world where you can  ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon, explore underwater caves, go rafting through lofty canyons, or simply hide out under a straw parasol on a private beach.

Antalya with its fashionable old quarter, ancient mosques, and Roman walls, together with its proximity to good beaches on Turkey's Mediterranean coast has long been popular with tourists.

It is also a great base for visiting the region's many well-preserved ancient cities such as Telmessos, Perge, and Aspendos.

Also popular is nearby Olympus, a Roman city with a great beach and home to the Chimera, an eternal flame emerging naturally from a rocky crag that was used as an oracle by the ancients.

Side, 75km east of Antalya, is the increasingly popular beach town once chosen by Mark Antony and Cleopatra for a romantic tryst.

Ancient city of Aspendus

Aspendus is located in the ancient region of Pamphylia. The name Aspendus is of Anatolian origin. The Greek colonies arrived here around 13th Century BC and took over an existing settlement. Alexander the Great claimed the city from the Persians and during the Roman period as it was an important port city.

The city was founded on a hilltop and spread down to the plains. Aspendus has one of the
best  preserved and largest Roman theaters in Turkey. It was built in the 2nd Century AD. The city's aqueducts are also well preserved and worth a visit.

THE DARDANELLES - TROY AND GALLIPOLI CANAKKALE & TROY:

Separating Europe and Asia, the Dardanelle Straits are a natural wonder and are redolent with ancient and modern history. To the north of the Straits, the Gallipoli Peninsula was the site of a failed invasion by Allied troops during the First World War. Now a national park the sheer beauty of the location lends poignancy to the thousands of well-tended graves, many of Australian and New Zealand servicemen who died here far from their homes.

On the south side lies the modern city of Canakkale, home to Turkey's seafood industry and some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.

15km south of Çanakkale lies Troy famous for the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy

To the south stand the remains of ancient Troy, the city of Homer's fables and of Helen, the mythical beauty that "launched a thousand ships" and started a war (although the two are not related).

KUSADASI:

Kusadasi, which means "bird island", is set in a superb gulf in the Aegean region of Turkey and is known for its turquoise sparkling water of the Sea, broad sandy beaches, bright sun and large marina with a capacity for 600 boats.

The reason why people flock here is the nearby ruins, some of the best preserved in the whole of Turkey.

IZMIR & EPHESUS:

Izmir is the base for Ephesus and is a resort town. Has some excellent beaches and water activities available.

Of Turkey's hundreds of ancient cities and classical ruins, Ephesus is the grandest and best-preserved ancient Greco Roman city. Here you will see the House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St John, the ancient Celcius Library, and the Temple of Artemis. Do not miss the Roman Baths and the Marble Street.

Nearby Selçuk boasts a huge Byzantine fortress and basilica, but the piece de resistance are the shattered ruins of Ephesus. Once the second largest city in the Roman Empire even earlier parts of Ephesus date back to 1000-1500BC. The Roman remains are the best preserved however, and you can still see the colonnades and façades that fronted the buildings lining the intact paved thoroughfares of this once thriving city.

Legend has it that the Virgin Mary herself visited the city in around 40AD, whereas the Temple of Artemis here was among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is truly, awe-inspiring. It is also the site of one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. St. Paul lived and preached for about 2 years in Ephesus. Today it is estimated that between 15-20% of the city has been excavated. Some of the highlights are the Odeon, Celcius Library, Great Theater, Commercial Agora, Terrace Houses, Blue Marble Street, Scholistica baths, and Brothel.

PAMMUKKALE:

Pamukkale - archaeological site and is Unesco World Heritage.

The natural hot spring of Pamukkale - near the southern city of Denizli, has fascinated people for thousands of years.

Calcium carbonate deposited by the waters over millennia has created a beautiful fairytale castle of soft white stone. The believed therapeutic powers of the water were enough to encourage the founding of the adjacent ancient city of Hieropolis whose ruins are particularly well preserved.

Also known as ‘Cotton Castle’ is a spa town. The unique formations of travertine shelves, pools and stalactites, hugging the ridge above town like a white scar, were created by the area's warm mineral water, which cools as it cascades over the cliff edge and deposits its calcium.

One can take a dip in one of the thermal pools here.

The spring water at Pamukkale has therapeutic qualities and since antiquity has been said to
cure rheumatism, kidney and heart diseases.

KONYA:

Just one of Turkey's many important religious centres, Konya is home to the mystical Islamic sect the Whirling Dervishes, whose members achieve oneness with god by spinning themselves into a trance in special ceremonies held every December.

There is a museum to the sect's founder Mevlana, and the city also boasts a number of fine mosques built by the Selçuks - the first Muslim invaders of Turkey. The city is also a good jumping off point for an exploration of the entire Cappadocia region, with its unusual cave dwellings and bizarre rock formations, one of the most interesting areas in the whole of Turkey

CAPPADOCIA:

Cappadocia is a high plateau in Central Turkey at an altitude of 3270 ft / 1000 m. It lies in a triangle formed by the three main towns of Kayseri, Nevsehir and Nigde. Lies in the fairy tale region of Central Anatolia is a geological wonderland. The unimaginable lunar landscape of Cappadocia was formed 60 million years ago with the movement of the earths crust and volcanic eruptions. Erosion over the years has given rise to fantastic forms like cone shaped peaks, pyramids and capped columns referred to as ‘fairy chimneys’

Inside these cone peaks, lie rock cut caves, churches and underground cities with ancient Byzantine fresco paintings.

In later periods, rain and wind eroded the land and created unusual valleys, canyons, and cones.
For many centuries Hittites, Assyrian Colonies, Greeks, and Romans lived in the region.
Cappadocia is also a very important region in early Christian History. There are over 600 hundred rock-cut churches built by monks and hermits between the 4th and 11th centuries. In some of these, church walls have been decorated with wonderful frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible.

The town of Guzelyurt is one of the best areas for seeing this traditional type of housing. In the city's old town and the adjacent Monastery Valley, you can see still-inhabited rock houses as well as many churches. You can also visit the traditional stone Hans, a one-time important feature of the transport infrastructure. Mini-settlements, they were located approximately a day's ride apart from each other along major caravan routes. Look out for one of the best preserved around the regional centre of Anksaray.
One of the best ways to see this surreal landscape is by a Hot Air Balloon. Though a bit expensive, you will not regret it as you float over the strange pink-hued peaks, the otherworldly shapes spiraling up towards you. Balloons depart daily at sunrise for 45-minute or one-and-a-half-hour flights. Make sure you leave yourself enough time for a drink here: the soft volcanic soil in the area is ideal for growing grapes and the region produces some of Turkey's best wines.

PRINCESS ISLANDS:

Nine small islands on the Sea of Marmara, 12km southeast of Istanbul.

Also known as, the Prince Islands or Scarlet Islands can be classified into three groups. Islands open to tourism, having residence, private-property islands, and islands which have no residence. K?nal?ada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Büyükada and Sedef Adas? are islands which are open to tourism and have residence. Ka??k Island and Pide Island are private properties. Therefore, it is not possible to visit them. Yass?ada, Sivriada and Bal?kç? Islands have no residence on them.

The Islands have been the one of the most well known and utilized recreational spots with their beaches, green fabric, walkway, valleys of pine forests, their hills and coasts. Well-arranged gardens of the island mansions, flowers of acacia, Judas tree blossoms, oleander, tulip, daisy, honeysuckle, and clove colour the surroundings throughout the year.

Since the days of the Byzantine Empire, the Princes Islands have long been seen as a nearby escape from the bustle of Istanbul. Each island has a main settlement with a good selection of cafés and restaurants around the harbour. Otherwise, they are so quiet it is difficult to believe the city is only a couple of miles distant. You can easily spend a day exploring these peaceful idylls.
There are no motor vehicles so if you do not fancy walking you will have to rent a bike from the numerous rental shops or hire one of the horse drawn faetons. Largest of the three main islands is Büyükada, which boasts a Greek monastery on top of its central hill. The radical political exile Trotsky is just one of several famous figures that lived here and you can visit the house the Russian revolutionary inhabited through the 1930s. Smaller islands Heybeliada and Burgazada are also worth visiting.
Hourly ferries leave from Eminönü from the "Adalar" Terminal and take around two hours to reach the first island. Three hydrofoils a day leave from Kabatas and take around half an hour. Ferries between the islands take around ten minutes each.

HIERAPOLIS:

Heirapolis means sacred-city and its history goes back 6th C BC. At its peak, the population reached about 100,000. The ruins at Heirapolis cover an extensive area. The theater, Temple
of Apollo, Colonnaded Street, Byzantine Gate, Plutonium and Necropolis (Cemetery) are some of the highlights of the city. The Necropolis has approximately 1000 tombs and is the
largest in Asia Minor.
ANCIENT CITY OF PERGAMUM:

The history of the city starts in the 8th C BC when Aeolian Greek colonies settled in the
area. The city was found on a hill overlooking the Caicos plain. It became one of the cultural
and intellectual centers of the day. With the invention of Pergamena (parchment), its library grew to rival in size, the great library of Alexandria.  Pergamum was one of the Seven Churches of the Revelations. The famous Roman physician, Galen was born and studied in Pergamum. The ruins are separated into three parts, the Acropolis, Red Courtyard, and Asclepion, which was the cure center of Pergamum.

COMMAGENE KINGDOM AT MT. NEMRUT:

One of the most spectacular sites in Turkey especially at sunset. Mt Nemrut (approx. 2552m)
is an extension of the Taurus mountain range in southeastern Turkey. After the division of Alexander's Empire into three, the Seleucids established the relatively small and wealthy Commagene Kingdom in the region. In 62 BC, kingdom became a strategic crossroad on the important trade routes between Syria, Mesopotamia and Rome.

VAN:

The city of Van sits on the Eastern Shore of an immense turquoise soda lake, surrounded by high mountains and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Turkey.

The region is steeped in history and was once the centre of a forgotten culture. The Urartians' short-lived Empire stretched from Eastern Turkey into Iran and the Empire's wealth and greatness is demonstrated in the many remains of palaces, castles, and religious buildings located around the lake.

Of the numerous ruined churches in the area, the most beautiful is Akdamar, which sits on a tiny island in the lake and is covered with intricate relief carvings. Lake Van itself, with its high soda content, is great for swimming - as long as you do not swallow the water.

MT ARARAT:

A highlight of the trip to eastern turkey, the twin peak of Mt Ararat are supposed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark. Permit and guide are mandatory  and apply 45days in advance. Best months for climbing are July- Sept.

EVENTS:

The dates for Muslim religious festivals are celebrated according to a lunar calendar; the dates are locked in every few years by Muslim authorities. Only two religious holidays are public holidays: Seker Bayrami, a 3-day festival at the end of Ramazan (30 days in December-January), and Kurban Bayrami (March-April) which commemorates Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac on Mt Moriah. In commemoration of God permitting Abraham to sacrifice a ram instead of his son, every Turkish household who can afford a sheep buys one, takes it home and slits its throat right after the early morning prayers on the actual day of Bayram. Family and friends immediately cook up a feast. You must plan for Kurban Bayrami: most banks close for a full week, transportation will be packed and hotel rooms will be scarce and expensive.

Secular festivities include Camel-Wrestling in mid-January, in the village of Selçuk, south of Izmir; National Sovereignty Day, April 23, a big holiday to celebrate the first meeting of the republican parliament in 1920. Celebrations abound in summer: there's a sloppy oiled wrestling festival in early June at Sarayiçi, near Edirne; the country Kafkasör Festival near Artvin in north-eastern Turkey in the 3rd week of June; the International Istanbul Festival of the Arts (late June to mid-July); Bursa's Folklore and Music Festival in mid-July and Diyarbakir's Watermelon Festival in mid or late September. The whole country stops, just for a moment, at 9.05 am November 10, the time of Atatürk's death in 1938.

SHOPPING:

Hand-made carpets and kilims are a traditional Turkish handicraft and are on sale everywhere. There is no secret to buying one, just decide how much you're prepared to pay, shop around to see what's available and bargain furiously. Prices will vary according to size, age, condition and quality. Remember that it's illegal to take antique carpets out of the country. Quality, to a large extent is a question of taste. The best pieces combine a balanced design with tastefully muted colours. Ultimately you'll have to live with it so choose well.

Jewellery is a speciality with the best pieces traditionally made by Armenian craftsmen. Intricate wristbands and bracelets made from woven silver thread, and necklaces of jet, turquoise and amber are common. Turkish gold jewellery tends to be a bit fiddly for Western tastes, although there is no shortage of workshops where you can have your own designs made up. Either way, items are sold by weight.

Traditional tinned copper kitchenware has recently become popular for its decorative potential. Used pieces are sold by weight and can be picked up for a few dollars or less, and can be taken to a nearby tinsmith for re-tinning. More expensive, shiny, polished specimens are often lacquered and so unsuitable for cooking

Many Western high street chains source their products in Turkey and you may see some familiar names

Turkish olive oil, olives and cheese are all excellent, and very reasonably priced. In the olive growing west of the country look out for the producer's co-op stores, and roadside stalls where prices are generally at their lowest.

Note: Turkish duty-free shops must be among the most expensive in Europe. If you are planning to buy wine, raki, cigarettes or even Turkish delight, be warned that airport prices are substantially higher than the corner shop.

Shopping in the city is divided into a few main areas, all of which are worth exploring to gain the full flavour of Istanbul's varied shopping experience.
The 400-year-old Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) is the best place to get an idea of the varied carpets, leather goods, smaller antiques and all manner of "ethnic" souvenirs on offer, from pointed toe slippers to lacquered boxes. When buying carpets you are expected to bargain hard, while for less expensive items it's best to shop around and get an idea of prices before making a purchase. If you do offer a price for most goods at the Grand Bazaar make sure it’s 30% of the actual price. This will put you into a good position to negotiate a realistic price.
When haggling it is always useful to confirm the currency in which you will be trading in, Istanbul has tourist from all over the world, on most occasions you will be asked by the trader. You may find paying less for an item in Turkish Lira than in Euros or Dollars. The covered bazaar in Istanbul is open from Mon-Sat 07h00-19h00, closed Sun.
The 1km long pedestrianised main street of Istiklal Caddesi Beyoglu is home to innumerable clothing shops ranging from expensive luxury stores like Vakko at 123-5 to the market stalls in the Terkoz Cikmaz alley, which sell seconds of Western branded goods for a few dollars or less.
Nisantasi is a middle-class district to the north of the centre and the place to head for serious clothes shopping. Most big Turkish and Western brands can be found here - some like DKNY and Armani even have their own stores. Further up the metro line in Levent, is the city's most up-market shopping mall, "Akmerkez" where big Turkish clothing brands like Beymen have their flagship stores. Get there by the Taksim-Levent metro line, alighting at Osmanbey.
Going the otherway of the metro line the shopping district of Lalleli offers a good range of casual clothes. For a more humble shopping experience a trip to Aksaray will throw up some very cheap souvenirs to bring back. Goods are usually paraded on the pavements and there are very few tourists to be seen, therefore prices tend to be more realistic. The street traders only operate in the late evening.
Eminönü, the area downhill from Sultanahmet on the Golden Horn, is the place for food shopping. The Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) has a huge range of Turkish delight and other sweets, many of which are touted as aphrodisiacs. In the surrounding streets you'll find plenty of stores selling local cheeses, olives and sucuk - a kind of Turkish sausage.

Shops and bazaars are usually open Mon-Sat from 09h30-13h00 and from 14h00-19h00. In resort areas, shops may stay open until 24h00. Shops usually close all day on Sunday.

Value-added tax is nearly always included in quoted prices. When returning from Turkey, non-European tourists can apply for a tax refund depending on the type of goods bought. Please note that not all shops participate in taxback schemes, so you are advised to ask before you purchase.
There are four lists of goods and five different VAT rates:
List 1 (dried grape, dried fig, cotton, wheat, barley, etc), VAT rate: 1%
List 2 (Basic food products), VAT rate: 8%
List 3 (Luxury consumption products), VAT rate: 23%
List 4 (luxury cars), VAT rate: 40%
Any other goods and services not in List 1,2,3 or 4, VAT rate: 15%

Most countries offering a tax refund specify a minimum amount that must be spent in a particular shop to claim a refund. In Turkey, the minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is TRY65. To reclaim tax you need to request a VAT refund request form when you make a purchase, which states the amount of refund due. Customs officials must stamp these documents as you leave the country and the refund will be processed and sent to you.

Alternatively, you can purchase goods from shops participating in the Tax-free Shopping programme (look out for the Tax-free Shopping logo displayed in the window). Simply show your passport when you make a purchase and you will be given a Tax-free Shopping Cheque to the refund you are owed. As you leave the country, customs officials will stamp your cheques. You can claim your refund from the Tax-free Shopping desk or have the refund sent to you.

FOOD:

Istanbul is an immense city with a frankly staggering range of restaurants serving traditional Turkish cuisine.

Turkish eateries fall into several broad categories: The Lokanta is usually a homely restaurant specializing in meat and vegetable dishes cooked in rich tomato sauces, many derived from dishes cooked in the Ottoman palace. The Meyhane mixes restaurant with bar and is a traditional stop off for an evening's drinking often accompanied by starters (meze), with a huge plate of sizzling kebabs to follow. Similar to the Meyhane is the fish restaurant where plates of meze and glasses of raki are followed by grilled catch of the day.
There is no shortage of good places to choose from, and most are close to the main tourist centre of Sultanahmet. Here you will find just about everything from standard international fare through traditional Turkish food to authentic Indian cuisine. The nearby fishing "village" of Kumkapi is a good place to head for local seafood.
A taxi ride over the Golden Horn, the one-time European quarter of Beyoglu boasts innumerable restaurants offering every possible take on Turkish cooking and a good range of international cuisine. Here you will find fare that is more “modern” on offer in the myriad café-bars, several listed below under "bars".

The restaurants along Sultanahmet's Divan Yolu are the most obvious places to eat, but you will be doing your money belt a favour if you head out of the tourist zone for a meal. There are many little places in the Grand Bazaar where you can sit and fill up slowly on a procession of small dishes. Istiklal Caddesi is also full of small grill joints - the nicest are probably up the side streets to the south.