Turkey Holidays

Turkey links Europe and the Middle East, a genuine amalgamation of West and East. Suspended between the modern and the ancient, it burst with life. City boutiques and exotic bazaars clamour for attention while the weekly tolling of church bells interrupts the daily call of the muezzin. Roman ruins, early Christian histories, and the presence of the Ottoman Empire all enjoy significance in the country.

The different regions of Turkey offer an assortment of landscapes and activities. There's something for everybody, with enough cultural delights, urban treats, and beach comforts to satisfy the pickiest of travellers.

With one part in Europe and the other in Asia, the city of Istanbul is a fascinating metropolis of frenzied marketplaces, imperial residences, and climbing minarets. This is all set against a lively contemporary art and musical entertainment ambience.

Out of the city, Cappadocia in Central Turkey offers an astounding landscape of eroded volcanic rock cones and fairy chimneys, remarkable subterranean cities and rock-hewn houses that merge harmoniously with the ochre-coloured landscape.

Further south, the Turquoise Coast is a haven for boat cruises. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, sunbathe on golden sands, or explore the incredible ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus along the shores of the Aegean Sea.

Most visitors concentrate on Western Turkey, its picturesque seaside resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, scenic and recreational attractions, well-preserved archaeological sites, and fascinating museums that bring its rich history to life. Wherever you venture into Turkey, there will surely be a warm welcome and traditional hospitality, making this a deeply satisfying corner of the world.

Turkey is a varied destination with plenty to see and do for adventurous travellers. The largest city of Istanbul features some unique and world-class sights, such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, not to mention the shopping paradise of the Grand Bazaar, the world's largest and oldest covered market.

Further afield, travellers can find the ancient attractions of Ephesus, Troy, and Augustus' Temple. Turkey is a year-round destination, although it's at its hottest during the peak summer months of July and August. Getting around the country is a simple matter of hopping on a short-haul flight or scheduled bus service, while, in Istanbul, travellers can negotiate the services of a taxi driver.

The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey have scorching and dry summers. Winters between October and April are mild and wet, and Turkey's coastal towns more or less shut down. Winter in Istanbul and Cappadocia can be freezing, sometimes with light snow cover.

The peak tourist season is during high summer, roughly between July and September, and this is the ideal time for a beach holiday in Turkey. The spring and autumn months are also an excellent time to visit, with warm days, cool evenings, and no mosquitos. Eastern Turkey should be visited during summer as roads and mountain passes may close due to winter ice and snow.