Turkey

Turkey Tour

Turkiye: An Enchanting Land of Culture and Adventure

Discover Turkiye, an otherworldly destination where hot air balloons float across the sky, cityscapes are adorned with minarets, cupolas, and bell towers, and the landscapes range from alpine pastures to thermal hot springs, golden beaches, sunken ruins, and mountain gorges. Travelers will indulge in a multi-sensory culinary journey with spicy kebabs, lightly flavored fish dishes, wood fire coffee, and sticky baklava. Amidst its rich culture and layered history, visitors will find life, love, spirituality, and adventure. Turkiye tourism promises an unforgettable experience for Indian travelers.

Turkiye Tourism: A Quick Overview

Continents: Western Asia and Southeast Europe
Official Language: Turkish
Dial Code: +90
Population: 82,003,882 (as of 2018)
Currency: Turkish Lira
Time Zone: UTC +3 (FET)
Area: 783,356 square km

Highlights of Turkiye

---

Istanbul

Istanbul, where East meets West, is a mesmerizing cityscape filled with minarets, mosques, and museums. This historic city reflects the rich cultures of various empires through its architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle. Don’t miss the Hagia Sophia Museum, often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Other must-visit sites include Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

Pamukkale

Known as the ‘Cotton Castle,’ Pamukkale is a breathtaking calcite city in southwestern Turkiye famous for its mineral-infused thermal waters and gleaming white limestone terraces. Explore the ruins of Hierapolis, a former Roman and Byzantine spa city, including the Roman Theatre, Temple of Apollo, and the Martyrium of St. Philip the Apostle.

Antalya

Antalya, the gateway to Turkiye’s southern Mediterranean region, is a postcard-perfect resort city with turquoise coasts, cliffs, palm-lined boulevards, and cobbled pathways. Enjoy pristine beaches, vibrant local fish cuisine, and the picturesque setting. Try the local specialty, white grouper fish, cooked with olive oil, cumin, tahini, and herbs, served with Piyaz.

Izmir

Izmir, the pearl of the Aegean, blends ancient Roman, Greek, and Persian roots with contemporary culture. Home to Armenians, Jews, and Levantines, Izmir is Turkiye’s third-largest city, offering unique customs and cuisine. Visit the Kemeralti Market, Izmir Museum of History and Art, Church of St. Polycarp, and Hisar Mosque.

Interesting Facts About Turkiye

• Half of Turkiye’s population is under the age of 30.
• 96% of the population drinks at least one cup of tea a day.
• The kebab originated in Turkiye.
• Istanbul is the only city situated on two continents – Asia and Europe.
• St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus, was born in Patara, in southwestern Turkiye.

Location of Turkiye

Turkiye is strategically located at the crossroads of the Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East, and eastern Mediterranean. It is a transcontinental nation, with most of its land on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia and a small portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. Turkiye borders Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the south.

Best Time to Visit Turkiye

Turkiye’s diverse offerings, from historic cities to windswept ports, snowy mountains, glittering markets, and eclectic nightlife, make it a year-round destination. The climate varies, including Mediterranean, Continental, and arid conditions. Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, summer for cruises and beaches, and winter for magical experiences in regions like Cappadocia and Konya.

How to Reach Turkiye

By Air
Atatürk Airport is well connected to major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Choose from airlines like Turkish Airlines, Air India, Air Arabia, and others for non-stop and transit flights.

By Rail
Turkiye is connected to European countries via the Bosphorus Express. Direct sleeper trains operate from Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, with additional rail services from Denmark, Germany, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, France, England, and the Middle East.

By Road
While a road trip from New Delhi to Istanbul is possible, it is not recommended due to the distance of nearly 8,000 km. From Europe, Metro operates buses from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany, and Greece.

By Sea
Turkiye has several ports that serve as docking points for Mediterranean cruise ships. Luxurious ships from Europe can dock in Istanbul, Bodrum, Izmir, or Antalya.

History of Turkiye

Turkiye’s history dates back thousands of years, with the legendary city of Troy located on its coastline. The Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Arabs, and the Seljuk Sultanate have all left their mark. The Ottoman Empire ruled for 700 years until the Republic of Turkiye was founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923. Post World War II, the Truman Doctrine secured Turkiye’s independence.

Best Time to Visit Turkiye

Turkiye, with its captivating beauty, is a late summer destination due to its climate. However, it can be visited year-round, depending on your interests. The country’s size results in diverse weather conditions, making different regions suitable for different activities throughout the year.

 

Travel Seasons

• March-May 10-26°C Pleasant
• June-August 24-48°C Warm to scorching
• September-November 12-29°C Pleasant
• December-February 3-16°C Cool to freezing

Turkiye in Spring (March to May)

Temperature: 10°C to 26°C
Weather: Pleasant with blooming tulips and moderate temperatures.
Significance: Ideal for sightseeing, tulip festivals, and cultural events.
Tips: Book hotels in advance and be prepared for occasional unpredictable weather.

Turkiye in Summer (June to August)

Temperature: 24°C to 48°C
Weather: Hot and dry, perfect for the Mediterranean coastline.
Significance: Festivals like Cappadox, Bozcaada Island Wine Tasting, and Chill-Out Festival.
Tips: Dress for the heat, book in advance, and be mindful of Ramadan.

Turkiye in Autumn (September to November)

Temperature: 12°C to 29°C
Weather: Cooler, ideal for exploring cities and ancient ruins.
Significance: Festivals like Bozcaada Vintage, International Istanbul Biennial, and Akbank Jazz Festival.
Tips: Pack light jackets and plan your visits to avoid unexpected weather changes.

Turkiye in Winter (December to February)

Temperature: 3°C to 16°C
Weather: Cold with snow in many regions.
Significance: Northern Lights, Rumi Festival, and quieter tourist spots.
Tips: Dress warmly, check for festival dates, and book early for New Year’s celebrations.

Turkiye is a country that promises to blow your mind away with its food, culture, history, and hospitality. The locals are friendly, and engaging in conversations with them can enrich your travel experience. Turkiye is a must-visit destination for Indian travelers seeking a blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Book your tour with us and embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkiye!

Share this tour