The answer to how much a Turkey tour costs depends on numerous factors. As travel agents, people often ask about the price of a trip to Turkey, but we can only give exact costs when we know what you want to do and where you want to go. The other factor affecting travel in Turkey now is the exchange rate. The rate between the Turkish lira and other currencies is constantly … [Read more...]
Places to Visit in Turkey That Everyone Will Enjoy
This list of places to visit in Turkey will inspire many more repeat visits to this beautiful country. As travellers have attested, stepping on Turkish soil is like tiptoeing through living museums, exciting tourist attractions, incredible views, and natural places of stunning beauty like Pamukkale. Turkey never disappoints with significant ruins, interesting museums, natural … [Read more...]
Is Turkey Open for Tourism? Travel Information and Places to Go
Yes, the country of Turkey is open for tourism, to the relief of millions of people who enjoy holidaying there all year round. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 health crisis knocked Turkey's travel industry on its head, decreasing tourist numbers by nearly 70%. When 2022 came around, Turkey sprung into action to revive its international travel industry, bringing in nationalities … [Read more...]
The Best Holiday Resorts in Turkey for Summer Fun
A mass collection of holiday resorts in Turkey have made it a top tourist hotspot. Additionally, holidaymakers often prefer familiarity and return year after year to the same resort where they have made long life friends with local Turks. Much of the holiday industry centres around Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, boasting of excellent beaches and nightlife scenes, … [Read more...]
Excellent Reasons to Visit Izmir in Aegean Turkey
Out of many reasons to visit Izmir, a strong one is an intense insight into Turkey’s third-largest city, that is completely different from its counterparts like bustling Istanbul. Historical attractions, vibrant nightlife and many shopping venues provide an interesting setting but Aegean Izmir sitting on the coastline is also known for its westernised, cosmopolitan atmosphere … [Read more...]
Ephesus Ancient City Ruins and Why You Should Visit
On Turkey’s Aegean Coast, near the popular coastal resort of Kusadasi, sits the Ephesus ancient city ruins, a marvellous testament to extensive work of historians and archaeologists over many centuries. It portrays magnificence, leaves people speechless and shows evidence of forwarding thinking, intelligence, and the Roman Empire’s confidence. Indeed, Ephesus should be on … [Read more...]
The Impressive Goreme Open Air Museum of Cappadocia
Goreme Open Air Museum, the top attraction of Cappadocia in Turkey’s central Anatolian region is a massive collection of historical monasteries and cave churches displaying fine specimens of ancient Byzantine frescoes. Within the region, over 600 churches made from soft rock dot the Cappadocia landscape, and there may well be much more undiscovered, but Goreme museum brings … [Read more...]
Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia and Why You Must Do It
Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia is a must-do activity when visiting Turkey. A unique lunar landscape found no-where else in the world is dotted with cave houses and hotels among large rock formations. To explore the region on foot including green valleys, local towns and outdoor attractions would take months so holidaymakers and anyone with time constraints should see it from … [Read more...]
Gulet Cruising in Turkey: The Best Sailing Holiday You’ll Ever Have
Historical ruins, beautiful beaches, sleepy fishing villages and world class marinas make gulet cruising in Turkey an experience no other country in the world can replicate. Cruising the Turkish Riviera is not a new phenomenon, but it never appealed to mainstream holiday markets until the last decade when the Internet shifted people’s perception of travel. Pre 2000, … [Read more...]
Turkish Delight : Flavoursome Tastes and Treats
Turkish Delight, a sweet aromatic jelly mass of flavoured sugar, is as much a byword of the country as is French wine, Dutch Tulips and Swiss chocolate. The unlocked flavours when you bite into a delight are as exotic as a trip through the back alleys of Istanbul. Known the world over, and called Lokum in Turkey, to truly know the original, authentic version, you need to taste … [Read more...]
The Best Museums in Istanbul : Galleries, & Art Exhibitions to Visit
Visiting the best museums in Istanbul is a journey into a city of dreams, the capital of empires and a modern voyager. The many exhibitions, galleries and cultural art centres look back at a rich metropolis history and showcase the achievements of empires, civilisations and people both past and present. As an iconic city, history, arts and culture stalks every corner and no … [Read more...]
Top Ten Holiday Destinations in Turkey
Our top ten holiday destinations in Turkey draws upon several factors including official government statistics of most popular places, testimonials from our customers and favourite spots of team members here at Turkey Travel Centre. If you have never been to the country beforehand, rest assured you are choosing an immensely beautiful destination with much to offer everyone … [Read more...]
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey
Funded by the United Nations, UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey portray it’s educational, cultural and scientific history. Anyone who knows the country well understands its diverse history encompassing many civilisations, and for travellers, seeing the sites is the perfect introduction. UNESCO that also lists historical attractions in other countries says their reasons for … [Read more...]
Popular Cities to Visit in Turkey During Winter and Summer
Out of all the cities to visit in Turkey, some are more popular than others and for good reasons. They offer everything including an intense shopping scene, vibrant nightlife, priced hotels and many attractions or places of interest. Their diversity drives foreign and domestic tourism as every type of traveller from young to old, solo to groups flock to enjoy many highlights. … [Read more...]
Top Ten Beaches in Turkey : Sandy Holiday Resorts
For many, summer is a soul felt signal to get out and about. Out of the many places to experience glorious warm days and cool evenings, the top ten beaches in Turkey entice everyone who enjoys seaside life. Whether you choose the Mediterranean or Aegean coasts or seek a secluded bay, unwritten about in mainstream travel books, the sandy stretches of Turkey’s coastline promise … [Read more...]
The Best Souvenirs to Buy in Turkey
Our customers often ask us about the best souvenirs to buy in Turkey, and we always have plenty of suggestions. Whether you want a memento for memories or gifts for friends back home, holidaymakers will be delighted to know there is a wide choice on offer from the cheap and cheerful to exquisite handicrafts. However, before we list our favourite souvenirs, we have two tips for … [Read more...]
Top Things to Do in Cappadocia
All tourists, regardless of age or nationality, enjoy the many things to do in Cappadocia because the region is full of intrigue, mystery and historical richness. Sitting in central Anatolian Turkey, unique landmarks and a quirky, sometimes amusing history instantly captures people’s attention. Cappadocia played a pivotal part in early Christianity, and this is widely seen in … [Read more...]
2018 Year of Troy in Turkey Set to Draw in the Crowds
2018 Year of Troy in Turkey is a mass scale event to honour a legendary city of history in grand style and fanfare. The ruins in the North Aegean, western region of Turkey is already one of the country’s top visited tourist attractions, and a popular daytrip from Istanbul, along with a visit to nearby Gallipoli. The celebrations will boost its famous status to even more … [Read more...]
5 Things to Do in Istiklal Street
Every day, 3 million people visit the 1.4-kilometre Istiklal street, that is the heart of new Istanbul and the shopping and nightlife hub of the city. Some work in establishments on and surrounding it, while others visit as tourists eager to experience the many things to do in Istiklal Street including theatres, libraries, art galleries, boutiques, music and bookshops. Then … [Read more...]
Famous Things to Buy in Turkey
Even the most frugal of travellers cannot resist shopping when they visit Turkey. Whether you want to merely browse for a cultural experience, or spend money on the most famous things to buy in Turkey, the lure is too much. We have a few suggestions on the most popular items, but before we list them, let’s talk about haggling on expensive items, which is a Turkish … [Read more...]
6 Amazing Places to Visit in Aegean Turkey
Aegean Turkey might not be as famous as its Mediterranean counterpart, but it has many interesting attractions and beautiful places worth visiting. Also known as the western coast, road tripping it gives way to gorgeous scenic landscapes, small quaint villages and some delightful beaches for sunbathing and swimming. Although many people start a road trip in the North region, … [Read more...]
7 Things to Do in Selcuk
Obviously, first on our list of things to do in Selcuk is to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Over many years, archaeologists and historians have painstakingly restored many landmarks of the massive metropolis such as the Celsus library, Roman terrace houses and grand amphitheatre. You can read more about Ephesus here. However, the Aegean town of Selcuk in Western Turkey … [Read more...]
How to Spend 5 days in Istanbul
5 days in Istanbul is ample time to see the best tourist attractions that make the metropolis, one of the top city break destinations in the world. Despite its enormous size and bustling population, Istanbul has welcoming vibes that leave visitors with lasting memories of their time there. Anyone visiting for 5 days should prepare for an intensely diverse city that wows and … [Read more...]
Sultanahmet Attractions to Visit in a One Day Tour
Yearly, many travellers and tourists, both novice and experienced arrive in Istanbul to see the Sultanahmet attractions and iconic landmarks. The city’s reputation as a major hub of business, trade, finance, education, and tourism, is already firmly guaranteed. However, the Sultanahmet area is more engrained in the timeline of the globe thanks to its great past as the capital … [Read more...]
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Turkey?
Naturally, when we plan a trip somewhere the costs soon mount up. Including flights, airport transfers, hotels, attraction tickets as well as food and drink, we start to look at cost cutting. One area where many travellers try to save money is on travel insurance. After all, what is the use of buying something when the chances that you will need it are relatively small? It is … [Read more...]
8 of the Best Istanbul Day Tours
In a large and bustling city like Istanbul, there is so much to see and do. From the modern and historic sites to the experiences that will make your holiday one to remember. There are must see sites like the Blue mosque and Hagia Sophia but there are also well kept secrets known only by the guides and locals. With all this in mind, we have listed our best Istanbul day tours … [Read more...]
The Best Historical Places in Istanbul, Turkey
The bustling metropolis of Istanbul in Turkey is a vibrant city with everything going for it. Not only is it a hub of business, finance, real estate and cultural trends but also home to many historic landmarks. From the days of Byzantine rule to the era of the Ottomans, most of the historical places in Istanbul are open to the public for viewing. Including palaces, mosques, … [Read more...]
Top Ten Tourist Attractions in Istanbul
The powerful Byzantine and Ottoman empires ruled their lands from Istanbul for hundreds of years. They called the city Constantinople, and it became a metropolis for royal rulers and influential religious leaders to leave their mark.These days, the city has embraced the modern world while maintaining its traditional heritage. It is one of the top destinations in the world for a … [Read more...]
15 Surprising Facts About Istanbul
As much for its tourist haunts and delightful way of life, did you know that Istanbul has some quirky facts to its own history? From tulips to the population to Agatha Christie, there are quite a few facts that will surprise anyone who is not knowledgeable about the large city. Here are 15 surprising facts about Istanbul 1. Istanbul is the only city in the world that … [Read more...]
Derinkuyu Underground City in Cappadocia
Possibly one of man’s greatest architectural achievements is Derinkuyu underground city in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Conspiracy theorists say aliens built it. They didn't but regardless, a mass network of rooms, tunnels, and different levels that are away from sight, at either ground level or a bird’s eye perspective are worth seeing with your own eyes. Sitting 18 miles … [Read more...]
6 Exciting Things to Do in Bodrum
Bodrum on the “Pearl Blue” Aegean coast of Turkey is one of the country’s top holiday destinations, both for foreigners and Turks. As well as hosting budget travellers looking for a good deal, the rich and famous have made it their playground. This is partly due to its esteemed reputation in the yachting scene of Turkey and as a hub of the Turkish Riviera. Resorts like … [Read more...]
Exploring the Underground Cities of Cappadocia in Central Turkey
Cappadocia is a fascinating journey through times gone by – but ultimately the major attraction to this Central Anatolia moonscape are the underground cities. Beneath the land of the living, are masses of sprawling tunnels and small cave rooms that are strangely quiet but their history is as the saving grace for civilizations that hid in fear of their lives. About 35 … [Read more...]
Exploring the Resort of Kas in Mediterranean Turkey
Kas is one of the smaller holiday resorts of the Mediterranean coastline but many testify it is the most appealing. While touring the southwest coast, I had scheduled to stay two nights in the town. After the first day, I extended my stay by another three nights and only left because of prearranged commitments. If I could have stayed longer, I would have done This is not … [Read more...]
The Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey
The Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey are also known as the churches of Asia and as mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, all are in the Aegean region of Turkey. Some, just a shadow of their former glory, are reduced to rubble that is evidence of half-hearted excavation attempts while others now take pride of place on the religious tourism scene of Turkey. As … [Read more...]
When is The Best Time To Visit Turkey?
Many people ask when is the best time to visit Turkey and our answer depends on two factors. The first is your preference for activities. For example are you a beach lover or do you like touring historical sites and trekking instead? The second factor is where you plan to visit. After all, Turkey is the 37th largest country in the world and because of its size, weather … [Read more...]
Old Cavusin: Cappadocia’s Quaintest Corner
About 5 kilometres north from the major tourism hub of Goreme, sits the old and new towns of Cavusin. They don’t receive as much admiration or even mentions in guidebooks when it comes to talking about Cappadocia’s major touristic sites, yet behind the boundaries sits a quaint town with a bonded community and a marvellous historical tale to tell. The History of … [Read more...]
Which is the Best Area to Stay in Cappadocia?
As a major tourism hub, Cappadocia boasts of an extensive range of hotels and neighbourhoods to choose from when deciding where to stay. The final decision however should depend on your personal preferences and traveling style, since each area has its own characteristics and advantages. Looking at each district, your budget will also largely play a part in choosing your … [Read more...]
Popular Turkish Food Dishes
Turkish cuisine is fast making a name for itself on the worldwide culinary platform. The combination of flavours and ingredients are blended together to form dishes historically influenced by a number of cultures including the Greeks, Ottomans, middle eastern and Balkans. Traditional dishes will vary from region to region so on this list, we bring you the most popular Turkish … [Read more...]
Topkapi Palace Harem and the Mad Ottoman Sultans
Walking up to the gatehouse of the Topkapi palace is unimpressive, yet behind the stone walls originally built more than 500 years ago, is a staggering collections of courtyards, rooms, and imperial places that portray the varied and certainly colourful life of the Ottoman sultans and their entourage. Having invaded Constantinople in 1453, Topkapi Palace was the first home for … [Read more...]
3 Extremely Good Reasons to Visit Istanbul
To call Istanbul, bland or boring would be an incorrect statement. The large, bustling metropolis is anything but that. Formerly known in history as Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman empire and Byzantium, the capital of the Eastern Roman empire, the city is now one of the top destinations in the world for business, trade, economy and of course, tourism. Reasons to … [Read more...]
Ramadan in Turkey
Ramadan (also called Ramazan) will begin in Turkey on June the 6th 2016 and last until July the 4th during which dedicated followers of Islam will fast from morning to night. This religious time happens all across the world and many people often ask me, if it will affect their travel plans and if they should make alternative arrangements. It is worth pointing out that not … [Read more...]
The Turkish Drink of Raki – Everything You Need to Know
If you want to try some Turkish customs and traditions, an easy induction is to drink a glass of Raki, the unofficial national alcoholic drink of Turkey. It tastes like the Greek equivalent of Ouzo and is widely consumed in Turkey despite high price increases over the last few years. There is certain etiquette to drinking it though. Just like the French respect their wines and … [Read more...]
Ottoman Grandeur at the Dolmabahce Palace of Istanbul
The Ottoman dynasty firmly secured a place in history as a powerful and ambitious empire. At one point they ruled nearly half the world and their reign successfully lasted more than 400 years. The pinnacle time of their seat in power was in 1453 and the event was the capture of Constantinople which they made their capital. Mehmet the 2nd, the sultan who captured the Byzantine … [Read more...]
9 Interesting Facts about the Blue Mosque of Istanbul
There is an extremely good reason why Istanbul is one of the most visited city-break destinations in the world. The old landmarks of former Byzantine and Constantinople stand in the Sultan Ahmet area and draw in thousands of visitors every month, who are eager to see the iconic buildings that once belonged to two of the greatest empires in history. One such building is the … [Read more...]
Top Things to Do in Fethiye, Turkey
Fethiye is an intriguing blend of traditions, culture, and modern influences. As one of the centres of the Turkish Riviera and gulet cruising trade, it attracts thousands of foreign visitors every year. Situated on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, it has developed into a cosmopolitan destination and the endless list of things to do in Fethiye guarantees no visitor will ever … [Read more...]
Pamukkale : The Cotton Castle of Turkey
Pamukkale in Aegean Turkey is also called the “Cotton Castle”, because of the white, cottony appearance of the mineral bath spas that abound the province, which is rich in calcium. Known as a “spa town” since the Roman era, tourists travel to Pamukkale to relax in warm, soothing and therapeutic waters in the myriad spas. About Pamukkale, in Turkey Pamukkale is a small … [Read more...]
Fun Things to Do in Istanbul
Istanbul is currently the hottest discovery in the travel industry and because of this, a treasure chest of fun things to do has sprung up. Historical mosques and buildings make for gorgeous vacation photos, but the city was thrust into the tourism limelight due to an influx of world-class restaurants, stylish bars, art galleries and a hip fashion scene. There is a loud, … [Read more...]
Gaziantep Pistachios: What Makes Them So Great?
Many places in Turkey are credited for a specific culinary delight. The region of Kars in the east excels at cheese production while the humble town of Soke on the Aegean coast is well known for its roadside restaurants serving Cop-Sis kebabs. However, perhaps the province of Gaziantep in Southeast Turkey garners the most fame. It has a worldwide reputation for delicious … [Read more...]
Delicious Turkish Baklava
When planning a visit to Turkey, it is likely you will read articles suggesting you taste baklava. Widely popular from the east to the west, I have yet to meet a Turk whose eyes do not light up when it is mentioned. Personally, I don’t like baklava. Its sweetness cuts through to the sensitivity of my teeth but I am a strong believer that everyone should try it at least … [Read more...]
Travel to the Best Historical Ruins of Turkey
When talking about Turkey’s history, it is impossible to give a brief outline or snapshot of ruling empires, prominent civilisations and key events. The historical timeline is diverse, and laps over into other cultures. It is intricate and needs carefully explaining devoid of assumptions or generalisations. Turks, in general, are extremely proud of their history and anyone … [Read more...]