Colour and character
Where Continents and Cultures Collide
Welcome to Turkey, a country that isn't just a destination, but a journey across the very bridge of history. This is where Europe and Asia meet, where ancient empires rose and fell, and where the stories of the world have been written in stone, spice, and silk. It’s a land of dazzling contrasts, from the magnificent, continent-straddling metropolis of Istanbul to the sun-drenched Turquoise Coast and the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia.
I’ve haggled for carpets in the Grand Bazaar, sailed on a traditional gulet into a hidden cove of perfect blue, and watched a hundred hot air balloons rise with the sun over a landscape that belongs on another planet. Turkey is a feast for every one of your senses. It’s the sound of the call to prayer echoing over rooftops, the taste of sticky-sweet baklava, and the warmth of a hospitality that is second to none. Prepare to be enchanted.
Why Turkey?
A Land Steeped in Epic History
Turkey’s historical resume is simply staggering. This land has been the heart of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. You can walk in the footsteps of Roman senators in the stunningly preserved city of Ephesus, gaze in wonder at the architectural marvel of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, and delve into underground cities carved by ancient civilisations. History here is not tucked away in museums; it is the very ground beneath your feet.
The Most Beautiful Coastline in Europe?
They call it the Turquoise Coast for a reason. The Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines of Turkey are a breathtaking spectacle of pine-clad mountains tumbling into seas of the most intense blue imaginable. It’s a paradise of secluded coves, long sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages, best explored by boat, where you can drop anchor and dive straight into the crystal-clear water.
A Kitchen That Will Captivate You
Forget everything you thought you knew about Turkish food. Yes, the kebabs are incredible, but Turkish cuisine is a vast and delicious world just waiting to be explored. It’s about sharing dozens of flavourful mezes (appetisers), eating fresh fish grilled to perfection in a harbour-side restaurant, and indulging in pastries and sweets that are rich with pistachios, honey, and spice. It’s one of the world's truly great cuisines.
Dreaming of your next holiday? Let Top Travels, a trusted Travel Agency in London, guide you.
Four Unmissable Turkish Adventures
Experience the Magic of Two Continents in Istanbul
Istanbul is, without a doubt, one of the greatest cities on Earth. In a single day you can marvel at the shimmering blue tiles of the Blue Mosque, be awed by the monumental Hagia Sophia, get lost in the chaotic, mesmerising labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar, and then cross the Bosphorus by ferry from Europe to Asia for dinner. It's a city of endless energy and beauty.
Where to do it: Base yourself in the Sultanahmet district to be within walking distance of the main historic sites, but be sure to explore the trendy neighbourhoods of Karaköy and Kadıköy for a taste of modern Istanbul life.
Float Over a Fairy-Tale Kingdom in Cappadocia
This is one of the world's truly iconic travel experiences. Waking before dawn to rise into the sky in a hot air balloon as the sun illuminates Cappadocia's surreal landscape of "fairy chimneys" is a moment of pure, unadulterated magic. Seeing hundreds of other balloons floating alongside you in the silent morning air is a sight that will be etched into your memory forever.
Where to do it: The town of Göreme is the main hub for balloon flights and for exploring the region's cave dwellings and rock-cut churches. Book your flight well in advance, especially in peak season.
Sail Away on the Turquoise Coast
The ultimate way to experience Turkey’s stunning coastline is on a traditional wooden yacht called a gulet. Spend your days cruising from one idyllic bay to another, swimming and snorkelling in pristine waters, and your evenings enjoying delicious meals cooked by the crew under a canopy of stars. It is the most relaxing and beautiful holiday imaginable.
Where to do it: The "Blue Cruise" routes from Fethiye, Marmaris, or Bodrum offer multi-day trips that showcase the very best of the coast.
Walk the Marble Streets of Ephesus
Step back in time 2,000 years and wander through one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world. The scale of Ephesus is astounding. You can take a seat in the vast Great Theatre where St. Paul once preached and stand in awe before the magnificent facade of the Library of Celsus. It’s the closest you’ll ever come to experiencing life in the Roman Empire.
Where to do it: Ephesus is located near the town of Selçuk, an easy day trip from the coastal resort of Kuşadası or the city of Izmir.
Turkey Offers
Luxury Holidays
Last Minute Holidays
Essentials
Visa Requirements
Visa Needed? Great News, Not Anymore! In a welcome change, UK citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes no longer need a visa. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, visa-free. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Average travel time
It’s a comfortable mid-haul flight. Direct flights from the UK to Istanbul take about 4 hours, while flights to the popular coastal airports like Dalaman (for Fethiye/Marmaris) and Antalya take between 4 and 4.5 hours.
Languages
The official language is Turkish. In the major tourist resorts, hotels, and big cities like Istanbul, English is widely spoken and you will have no problem communicating. In more rural areas, it's less common, so learning a few Turkish phrases like Merhaba (hello) and Teşekkür ederim (thank you) will be very much appreciated.
Currency
The currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While you might see prices in Euros in some tourist shops, you will always get a better deal paying in the local currency. Cards are widely used, but it's essential to have cash for markets and smaller businesses. Tipping is customary; leaving around 10% of the bill at restaurants is a good rule of thumb.
Weather and Climate
Turkey is a huge country with different climates. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts enjoy a classic holiday climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. Istanbul has hot summers but can be cold and even snowy in winter. Cappadocia has scorching summers and very cold, snowy winters, so pack accordingly!
Four Places to Begin Your Turkish Tale
Istanbul: The City on Two Continents
Not the capital, but the undisputed cultural and historic heart of the nation. With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, Istanbul is a whirlwind of energy, history, and fantastic food. It’s a city that needs to be explored, from its imperial mosques and palaces to its hipster cafes and rooftop bars.
The Turquoise Coast: Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
This region is the poster child for the Turkish Med. Fethiye is a lively harbour town with a fantastic market, serving as the perfect base for exploring. A short bus ride away lies Ölüdeniz, home to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, a beach so beautiful it hardly seems real, and a global hotspot for paragliding.
Cappadocia: The Land of Beautiful Horses
This unique region in central Anatolia is like nowhere else on Earth. Its lunar-like landscape is dotted with bizarre rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and underground cities. Stay in a boutique "cave hotel," hike through the stunning valleys, and, of course, take that once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride.
The Bodrum Peninsula: Stylish and Chic
For a touch of Turkish glamour, head to the Bodrum Peninsula. The main town of Bodrum is a sophisticated mix of ancient and modern, with a magnificent crusader castle overlooking a marina filled with superyachts. The surrounding peninsula is dotted with whitewashed villages, trendy beach clubs, and boutique hotels.
Top Tips for Travelling Like a Pro
Experience a Traditional Turkish Bath
A hammam, or Turkish bath, is a must-do cultural experience. It's a top-to-toe cleansing ritual involving a hot steam room, a vigorous scrub with a coarse mitt (you’ll be amazed at what comes off!), and a dreamy massage with olive oil soap bubbles. You’ll leave feeling cleaner than you’ve ever felt in your life.
Learn to Love Turkish Tea
Tea, or çay, is the lifeblood of Turkey and a cornerstone of its culture. Served in small, tulip-shaped glasses, it’s a symbol of hospitality. You'll be offered it everywhere, from carpet shops to bus stations. Always accept; it's a wonderful way to connect with local people.
Look Beyond the Kebab
Turkish food is so much more than the doner kebab. Be adventurous! Head to a lokanta (a simple restaurant serving workers and locals) and point at what looks good. Try pide, a delicious boat-shaped Turkish pizza, or gözleme, a savoury filled pancake cooked on a griddle.
Master the Dolmuş
The dolmuş is the local hero of public transport. These shared minibuses operate on fixed routes within and between towns and resorts. They are incredibly cheap and frequent – you just flag one down, tell the driver where you're going, and pass your money to the front. It’s a brilliant, authentic way to get around.
Ready when you are
Turkey: A Feast for the Body and Soul
Turkey is a country that offers a truly astonishing diversity of experiences. It’s a place where you can explore the grand monuments of fallen empires in the morning, swim in a sea of impossible blue in the afternoon, and feast on some of the most delicious food you’ve ever tasted in the evening. It is a land of incredible natural beauty, profound history, and genuine, heartfelt hospitality.
It is a journey that will fill your camera with stunning images, your stomach with wonderful food, and your heart with warm memories. Whether you come for history, adventure, or pure relaxation, Turkey delivers on all fronts and offers incredible value, making it a destination you will want to return to again and again. Your adventure awaits.
