Turkey small group tours

Turkey Travel Guide: Unforgettable Holidays and Adventures

Traveling to Turkey is like going on an oriental fairy tale, where Asian culture meets European traditions. There's probably only one country where all-inclusive hotel service coexists with ancient cities, ruins, pretty nature, and classic beach fun.

The state, which is washed by four seas and warmed by the sun, attracts tourists from all over the world with its well-groomed beaches. There's nothing like a journey in Turkey in the winter. Many ski resorts are of European quality. Plus, it's visa-free and you can fly direct from most European countries.

Turkey was once considered the best summer vacation spot on a budget. Thankfully, these stereotypes are slowly disappearing. History buffs will love the museums and ancient cities. Adventurers can dive shipwrecks or climb mountains to uncover the secrets of shipwrecks.

What to Do in Turkey

It's hard to find a traveler who hasn't heard of Turkey. In most cases, vacations in the country are limited to local beaches and hotels. There's a lot to do here for a varied holiday on the small group tours. State guests should definitely:

• Get a massage at the local hamam. The historical architectural monument of the XVI century can't be walked through half-naked anywhere else. There's no better way to touch history than to lay in warm water.
• Fly over Cappadocia. Taking a balloon ride at sunrise will make your holiday in Turkey memorable. Choosing the right day is key.
• Take in the beauty of Pamukkale's springs. It's one of the country's most popular attractions. Travertine terraces filled with transparent water create an amazing effect.
• Visit Gaziantep, the pistachio capital. In addition to baklava made from pistachios, you can go on a fascinating walk through the city, which has a zoo, forts, mosques, botanical gardens, and a museum of Roman mosaics.

Best Places to Visit in Turkey

Istanbul is better for sightseeing vacations. This is a city of contrasts, where the fairy tales of Scheherazade, filled with Eastern secrets, hover over ancient temples and rich palaces, next to the high-rise metropolis. The Blue Mosque and the famous Hagia Sophia deserve separate attention.

Bodrum is an amazing resort for active recreation. There are tons of bars, restaurants and nightclubs here after dark. History fans won't be bored. In addition to Halicarnassus' mausoleum, there's a lot of cultural stuff.

You can't ignore Anatolia, where the best resorts offer «all inclusive» services so you can escape your daily worries. Family holidays with kids are perfect here. Many hotels have special services for kids. Keep the restless kids entertained at aquariums, water parks, dolphinariums, and attractions near you.

Tips

Here are some tips for diversifying your vacation in the land of eastern fairy tales:

• It's quite possible to drink tap water in Turkey, especially in big hotels. When you're far from tourist centers, it's better to stick to bottled water.
• Do not be acutely aware of the Turks' attention to children. Little travelers are loved by the locals. It's part of their national character.
• Make sure you haggle before you buy anything in a store or bazaar. In order to make a discount, local sellers deliberately inflate the price.
• There is a rule against loud speech in mosques. Religion is respected in this country, so don't argue with them.

In Turkish stores, cigarettes are extremely expensive, and the tobacco quality is terrible. For those who smoke tobacco, it is best to bring cigarettes with them. More than one block can't be transported through customs.

FAQ About Traveling in Turkey