Turkey - Crossroads of Europe & Asia
This is another itinerary that checks all the boxes of a complete vacation. Turkey packs in all the essential ingredeints of a wholesome vacation – easy access from pretty much anywhere in the world, history and culture, charming old towns, magnificent beaches, extraordinary food & gastronomy, and a lovely friendly people that make you feel welcome from the very beginning. Add to this some unique experinces like the travertines of Pamukkale or hot air balloons in Cappadoccia. All of this at a very reasonable price!! This one is not to be missed.
Trip Highlights
- Start your journey in Istanbul – a city seeped in history with its countless minarets and mosques including the Hagia Sophia & the Blue Mosque, Topkapi & Dolmabache palaces and numerous traditional bazaars
- Take an unforgettable balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and spend a night in the cave hotels of Ürgüp or Uçhisar – troglodyte dwellings carved into the hills of Central Turkey
- Dip in the therapeutic spring waters of the unique travertine terraces in Pamukkale
- Step back in history as you walk through 10th century city of Ephesus , with its famed Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- Watch Whirling Dervishes perform a Sama ceremony & enjoy a relaxing massage in traditional Turkish hamam
- Feast on traditional Analtolian gözleme or sumptuous Adana kebab, and enjoy a mouth-watering künefe for dessert
Which Visa Do I Need
Indian citizens require a visa to visit Turkey. Those with a valid multiple entry Schengen Visa, US Visa or UK visa can apply for an e-VisaÂ
Length of Stay
We recommend at least 8 days to cover Istanbul, Cappadoccia and the Ephesus region. If you have more days you may extend your trip to the South, or Eastern parts of Turkey
Best time to visit
May & October are the best months to visit, with plenty of sunshine, dry weather and lesser crowds. June-Aug can get hot. Winter months are OK to visit Istanbul, although Cappadoccia can get cold.
islamic culture & architecture, troglodyte dwellings, hot air balloon ride, surreal landscapes, limestone travertines, roman ruins
Did you know
- It has one of the world’s oldest and biggest malls. Istanbul‘s Grand Bazaar, or Kapalı Çarşı, dates to 1455 and was established shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Over the centuries it has grown into a warren of 61 streets lined by more than 3,000 shops and currently occupies a nearly incomprehensible 333,000 square feet.
- You might find chicken in your dessert. The signature Ottoman treat is tavuk göğsü, or chicken breast pudding. It’s a strange blend of boiled chicken, milk, and sugar, dusted with cinnamon.
- Santa Claus is from Turkey.Saint Nicholas was born far from the North Pole, in Patara. And he’s not the only saint with connections to Turkey — the Virgin Mary’s resting place could be near Ephesus, while Saint Paul was from Tarsus in the south. Many balso elieve that Mount Ararat is where Noah’s ark landed.
- Oil wrestling is the national sport. The spectacle of two bulky men stripped to the waist, doused with olive oil, and grappling under the hot Thracian sun is a 654-year-old sporting tradition and sight to behold.
- Travelers can cross continents underground in Turkey.
