Turkey proudly sits astride two continents: a position that has
given rise to a culture that reflects both East and
West. It is a country where European aspirations sit comfortably
alongside Asian traditions and the volatile atmosphere of the
Middle East morphs seamlessly into the relaxed outlook of the
Mediterranean world. Such a rich history has left an indelible mark
and Turkey abounds with historic sites and archaeological wonders
set in a varied and beautiful landscape.
The Mediterranean coastline is punctuated with well-preserved
Greco-Roman cities such as Pergamon and Ephesus, while the austere
and rugged Anatolian plateau has cave churches hidden away in the
improbable fairytale landscape of Cappadocia. Istanbul, still very
much the pulse of the nation, has even more to offer, with Roman
aqueducts, Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques and palaces.
Flying time: Istanbul - 3 hours 45 minutes
Dalaman - 4 hours Antalya - 4 hours 25 minutes
Time difference: GMT +2 Hours
Getting there: Direct services operate to
Istanbul with British Airways and Turkish Airlines. Services to
Dalaman, Bodrum & Antalya operate with various charter
airlines.
Currency: Turkish Lira
Vaccinations: Precautions for tetanus,
diphtheria and hepatitis A are recommended, with some regions under
risk of rabies and typhoid - please contact your doctor for
up-to-date information.
Visas: British passport holders do not require
a visa. All other nationals please check visa requirements with the
embassy.
Best time to visit: Spring (April to May) and
autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit, since
the climate will be perfect for sightseeing in Istanbul and on the
Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and it will be cool in central
Anatolia, but not unpleasantly so. Anticipate crowds along all
coastal areas from mid-June until early September. You will need to
plan ahead when travelling during the four- or five-day Kurban
Bayrami, as banks shut and ATMs may run out of cash.