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CLIMATE (3 regions):Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts: Typical Mediterranean climate with hot summer and mild winters. Black Sea Coast: temperate with warm summers, mild winters and relatively high rainfall. East and Central Anatolia : continental climate; hot summers and cold winters. |
SHOPPING:Bazaars and markets are a Must: jewellery, carpets, textiles, embroderies, copper, onyx and tiles. The choice is fascinating and wherever you go you will find local handicrafts which are of interest. ELECTRICITY :
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OPENING HOURS:Government Offices: 08.30 - 12.30 & 13.30-17.30 (Mon-Fri) Banks: 08.30-12.00 &13.30-17.30 Shops: Generally the hours of opening are 09.30-13.00 & 14.00-19.00 closed on Sundays. In tourist areas however, you will find that shops are open between 08.00 and 24.00 in many places! Offices / Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
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MAJOR CITIES:HABITS & CUSTOMS:Hospitality is an important element of the way of life. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. When visiting a mosque visitors should remove their shoes. Women should cover their heads and arms and not wear short skirts. |
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE:Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200g tobacco. Alcohol: 5 bottles (1ltr) / 7 bottles (70cl) Perfume:5 bottles (120 ml) - toilet water or cologne. No more than 3 of the same brand Coffee: 1.5 kg, 1,5 kg instant, 500g tea, 1kg chocolate FOOD & DRINK:Turkish coffee houses are found even in the smallest villages.
In the main cities there are restaurants serving international
food but there are many other establishments serving local food
at moderate prices: roast lamb on spit, salads, fresh vegetables
stuffed with savoury rice. Turkish beer, excellent red and white
wines and the national drink Raki. |
CURRENCY REGULATIONS:The national monetary unit is the Turkish Lira (TL). The coinage is in 5,000; 10,000; 25,000; 50,000; and 100,000 lira pieces. Bank notes are: 100,000; 250,000; 500,000; 1,000,000; 5,000,000; and 10,000,000 lira. IMPORT: No limit on importing Turkish and foreign currency into Turkey. EXPORT: No more than US $ 5000 in Turkish or foreign currency may be exported from Turkey. When changing currency Exchange slips are given and these should be kept as they are needed if converting lira back into currency upon departure or when taking out valuable souvenirs to prove that foreign currency has been legally exchanged. |
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INTERNAL TRAVEL:
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REGIONS AND SIGHTS
AEGEAN COAST:
One of the loveliest landscapes in Anatolia: extensive beaches,
rocky bays and wooded shores. Charming and picturesque ports.
The area is also endowed with great natural beauty and numerous
centres of attraction.
PLACES OF INTEREST
- IZMIR: -3rd largest city and 2nd port, along the shores of a very large bay. Mildness of climate tempered in summer by sea breezes. City famous for the International fair. Ideal centre to visit the most famous archeological sites and tourist spots in Turkey.
- ÇESME: -small port, 15th century fortress, thermal baths, nearby vast sandy beach always refreshed by summer breeze.
- TRUVA: -(TROY) Çanakkale convenient port for visiting Troy. Very important ruins in the nearby ancient city of ASSOS (village of Behramkale).
- GULF OF EDREMIT: fringed by beautiful beaches and seaside resorts. AYVALIK a charming port.
- BERGAMA: (PERGAMON) - the site of the ancient city of Pergamon is one of the finest in Turkey. A great centre of culture and commerce which became the capital of the Roman province of Asia.
- EFES: (EPHESUS) - one of the most important cities of Antiquity and a highlight of a visit to Turkey. It has links with pagan Gods and the Virgin Mary who spent her last days near Ephesus. Important Greek and Roman monuments (Grand Theatre, the little town of Selçuk with the 6th century Basilica of St. John).
- KUSADASI: -or island or Birds a little port overlooking the most beautiful bay in the Aegean.
- PRIENE and MILLET:(MILETOS) - important Ionian ports
- DIDIM: (DIDYMA) - impressive temple of Apollo
- APHRODISIAS : - dedicated to Aphrodite with remarkable stadium and monuments. Marvellous sculptures housed in a museum.
- PAMUKKALE: - spectacular white petrified cascade formed by waters of hot springs
- BODRUM: - picturesque port with beautiful Gulf of Gökova
- MARMARIS: - confluence of the Med and the Aegean, pleasant port with countless coves. DATÇA fishing village. KÖYCEGIZ near the site of ancient KAUNOS FETHIYE - the ancient Telmessos, on a hillside overlooking bay. Ruins of fortress built by the knights of Rhodes.
ISTANBUL
Built on two continents, ISTANBUL, has been an imperial capital
for more than 1600 years. It stands on the shores of the BOSPHORUS
where the waters of the Black Sea mingle with the SEA OF MARMARA
and on the European side along the banks of the GOLDEN HORN.
Istanbul has an extraordinary variety of museums, places, ancient
churches and mosques which are a Must.
PLACES OF INTEREST
- ST. SOPHIA: - Christendom's greatest church built by Emperor Justinian. Rivalling in magnificence are the MOSQUE of SÜLEYMAN the MAGNIFICENT and the MOSQUE of SULTAN AHMET I or the "BLUE MOSQUE".
- Dominating the city is TOPKAPI PALACE of the OTTOMAN Sultans from 16th century within it stands the church of ST IRENE one of the oldest in Christendom. Exhibitions of jewels and other treasures
- THE HIPPODROME: - where chariot races were held under the byzantines. Mosaics of T SAVIOUR in CHORA
- ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUMS: - with a very rich collection of antiquities
- THE MOSAIC MUSEUM built in situ to preserve fine mosaic pavement 5th-6th century
- THE MUSEUM OF TURKISH and ISLAMIC ARTS, the 17th century YENI MOSQUE
- THE MOLLAZEYREK MUZESI now a museum used to be a church, superb pavement.
- FATIH CAMII, an imperial mosque of the 15th century.
SHOPPING IN ISTANBUL
A delight to wander through the colourful bazaars in search of
antiques, leather goods, jewellery-silver or gold, carpets; hand-woven
kilims and cicims of Anatolia, hand-painted ceramics, etc
THRACE & MARMARA
- Rolling hills and sunflower fields in the European part of Turkey cut off from the Asian side by the Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus.
- EDIRNE: - is dominated by the magnificent Selimiye Mosque. Hannibal lies buried in GEBZE, IZMIT is the town which provided the superb tiles seen in any monuments throughout Turkey. Bursa the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. The whole coast of Marmara is lined with sandy beaches: YALOVA and ERDEK. The south coast is mountainous and forested. Highest peak is Mt Uludag, a ski resort.
THE BLACK SEA
- Verdant shores, forests and the rugged Black Sea Mountains.
Settlements with towns and fishing villages on the narrow coastal
belt. It's here that the AMAZONS lived and the Kingdom of MITHRADATES
VI EUPATOR defied the Romans.
Resorts: SILE, AKÇAKOCA, picturesque AMASRA. - SINOP: - birthplace of the philosopher DIOGENES; SAMSUN important in the history of Modern Turkey, From here Atatürk started the liberation of Turkey
- On hill slopes hazel nut groves, ÜNYE attractive resort with sandy beach.
- ORDU: -from where XENOPHON and his 10 000 mercenaries embarked in 401 BC.
- GIRESUN: -from here LUCULLUS brought back the first cherry tree to Europe.
- TRABZON: -a well fortified city, resisted attacks from the Mongols. Many buildings such as the Church of St.Sophia. Monastery of SUMELA 14th century with many fine frescoes. The uncultivated mountainous slopes are covered with rhododendrons, plant originated in this area
EASTERN TURKEY
This region is an amazingly diverse land which differs profoundly
from the rest of the country. The Taurus Mountains in the South
and the Black Sea Mountains in the North encircle the Anatolian
Plateau and meet to form a mighty and complex range in the East.
Due to altitude and lack of sea influence the climate is of one
of extremes: typically continental: hot dry summers during the
day and cold nights; winters are harsh. Tourism is not as well
developed here as in the west. Beach season is spring and autumn.
There are 3 main itineraries and we have selected the highlights:
- ERZURUM: -is the capital of the region. Ancient town with Byzantine fortress 12th and 13th century magnificent mosque.
- MOUNT AGRI: - the highest peak in Turkey reaching 5165 metres.
- DOGUBAYAZIT: - spectacular ruins of Ishak Pasha Palace and Mosque standing in grandiose scenery of gagged peaks.
- ELAZIG: - several interesting mosques and a fortress located at the ancient city of Harput.
- BITLIS: - 6th century town stands in the heart of an oasis. Citadel and mosques.
- AKDAMAR: - on a small island on Lake Van 10th century church of the Holy cross.
- VAN: - ancient town situated on a lake of the same name.
- NEMRUT DAGI: -at an altitude of 2150 metres at the top of a gigantic funerary sanctuary of king Antiochus 1 of Commagene
- URFA: - traditionally believed Abraham stopped on his way from Ur to Canaan.
- HARRAN: - mentioned in the Bible as Charan where Abraham spent many years.
- DIYARBAKIR: - city walls of black basalt example of Middle Age military architecture
CENTRAL ANATOLIA
Slashed by ravines and dotted by Volcanic peaks it forms the heartland of Turkey. The plateau is one of the cradles of civilisation; at Çatalhöyük is the world's oldest city founded 7000 years B.C. This area has been the homeland of many people such as the Hittites, the Phrygians and the Turks. It also has been invaded throughout the centuries: Alexander the Great and Tamerlane are but two of the most famous.
From the clashes between Eastern and Western cultures emerged many civilisations whose remains can be seen today. Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic, declared ANKARA capital in 1923. The site, in a strategic position in the heartland of Central Anatolia had been a Hittite settlement since 2000 BC. Dominating the modern part of the city is the imposing limestone Mausoleum of Atatürk. The oldest parts of the city are in and around the mediaeval citadel. Inside is the beautifully restored covered bazaar outside 13th-16th century mosques, Roman baths, the Column of Julian and the Temple of Augustus and Roma.
- ESKISEHIR: - 13th-16th century mosques and close by Byzantine and Turkish buildings of Seyitgazi.
- GORDION: - where Alexander the Great cut the Gordion knot and Site of King Midas tumulus, PESSINUS and MIDAS SEHRI are Phrygian sites.
- ÇORUM: -13th century mosque
- BOGAZKALE: - the capital of the Hittittes, ringed by double walls YAZILIKAYA open air rock sanctuary of Hittite Gods.
- ALACAHÖYÜK: - bronze age settlement where magnificent gold and bronze objects were found. Hittite ruins of the Sphinks Gate
- CAPPADOCIA: - is a region of spectacular geomorphology. Erosion of the soft rock has resulted in a landscape of rock cones, canyons and capped pinnacles of many hues.
- KAYSERI: -Byzantine fortress, mosques and medrese, 13th century complex and other interesting buildings.
- KIRSEHIR: - religious centre, 13th century observatory, mosques and mausoleum.
- NEVSEHIR: - ancient NISSE, city of square stone houses.
- GÖREME: - monastic complex of rock chapels covered with frescoes of 10th and 11th century.
- KONYA: - in 12th and 13th century was the greatest culture centre of Anatolia. It is in Konya that the sect of the Whirling Dervishes was founded. Many Seljuk monuments are found in this city.
- AMASYA: - Impressive rock tombs and many historical buildings.
- TOKAT: - ruins of a 28 tower castle, 12th 16th and 17th century mosque and the Gök Medrese ZILE- it's here that Julius Caesar pronounced the famous Veni Vidi Vici. SIVAS - in 1919 the National Congress decided to liberate Turkey from the occupying powers. DIVRIGI - Mosque's chiselled stonework finest in Turkey.
MEDITERRANEAN
Narrow, luxuriant coastal belt covered in wild oleanders,
orange and lemon groves, pine forests, date and banana plantations.
300 days of sunshine, clear turquoise waters, secluded covers,
rocky headlands and broad bays fringed by sandy beaches ideal
for swimming and water sports.
PLACES OF INTEREST
- ANTALYA: - principal resort, ideal place to visit the ancient sites of Lycia and Pamphylia. Well preserved city ramparts Hadrian's gate, mosque Yivli Minare, Cami (mosque), picturesque harbour. Mini cruises to Lycian sites. City fortress of Termessos. Mountain town of Elmal.
- THE LYCIAN PENINSULA: - sandy beaches and sites. Phalesis Roman port, Finike... Chimera the fire-breathing monster is in fact burning natural gas.
- DEMRE: - where St Nicolas was bishop, island of KEKOVA Byzantine church and Lycian necropolis.
- SIDE: - between two sandy beaches. Colonized by the Greeks in 7th century BC. Walls and towers well preserved, theatre, agora, Apollo and Artemis temples.
- MANAVGAT WATERFALLS
- PERGE: - ancient PAMPHYLIA, Grego-Roman theatre, stadium, city gate. Nearby well-preserved ruins of SILYON.
- ASPENDOS: - ancient port with well preserved theatre where the ANTALYA FESTIVAL is held every year, Roman aquaduct.
- ALANYA: - beautiful town wiyh impressive Seljuk fortress well preserved with 150 towers, superb view of the Mediterranean
- DAMLATAS: - caves with multi-hued stalagmites and stalactites.
- ANAMUR: - (ANEMORIUM) - fine Crusader castle
- NARLIKUYU - Roman mosaics depicting the three graces.
- MERSIN: - convenient for exploring nearby sites, Cleopatra Gate and other ruins
- ADANA: - stone bridge built by Justinian and later renovated by Hadrian, mosque and ancient covered bazaar.
Archaelogical and ethnographical museum worthwile visiting.
MISIS: - several Roman remains: beautiful 4th century mosaic
depicting Noah's Ark. Neo Hittite site at KARATEPE. Impressive
Crusader's fortress at TOPRAKKALE Splendid complex 16th century
Ottoman buildings at YAKACIK. ISKENDERUN port built by Alexander
the Great.
ANTAKYA : - (ANTIOCH) Roman centre of artistic, scientific
and commercial activities. Also a christian centre: St.Paul,
St.Peter and St.Barnabas stayed there. Collection of Roman mosaics.
