Turkey

Antalya, Bodrum, Cappadocia, Istanbul, Izmir

Turkey Overview

ISTANBUL is the one place to which the phrase "East meets West" really applies. It's here in Turkey's largest city that the continents of Europe and Asia come together, separated only by the Bosporus, which flows 29 km/18 miiles from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Istanbul's Asian side is filled with Western-style sprawling suburbs, while its European side contains the Old Istanbul -- with mosques, palaces, and bazaars. Top Istanbul attractions include: Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, The Bosphorus, Princes' Islands, Egyptian Bazaar, Dolmabahce Palace, Sultanahmet District and more...

CAPPADOCIA (NEAR KAYSERI) - The natural land formations and huge expanses of silence are just a part of the mystery of this region. As an incubator for Christian philosophy, the monasteries, cave dwellings, and feats of underground engineering are a testament to human ingenuity. Cliff walls of the valleys are riddled with innocuous-looking cavities that on closer inspection turn out to be centuries-old dwellings or chapels decorated with colorful frescoes and biblical images. Cappadocian soil is extremely fertile, and a general tour of the region will reveal numerous vineyards in and around the valleys. Famous for its local wines, Cappadocia is a major producer; you may want to veer off at a sign for Sarap Evi (wine house) for a leisurely tasting. Top Cappadocia attractions include: Goreme Open-Air Museum; Kaymakli in Nevsehir; Hot Air Ballooning; Goreme National Park; Derinkuyu in Nevsehir; Zelve Open Air Museum in Urgup; Harem Bar in Goreme; Cifte Kumbet in Kayseri; Kayseri Ethnographic Museum.

BODRUM (SOUTH OF IZMIR ON THE AEGEAN SEA) - Bodrum is 840 km/521 miles from Istanbul. The South Aegean's prettiest resort, Bodrum has a yacht harbor and a port for ferries to the Greek island of Kos. Palm-lined streets ring the bays, and white sugar-cube houses and villas crowd the hillside. Boating, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are prime activities. At night Bodrum's famous discos throb, boom and blare, keeping much of the town awake until dawn, so if you're looking for peace and quiet, this isn't the place to go. The ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are nearby.

ANTALYA (ON THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA) - "The Turkish Riviera" is 725 km/450 miles from Istanbul. In Antalya, the pine-clad Taurus Mountains sweep down to the sparkling clear sea resulting in an irregular coastline of rocky headlands and secluded coves. The region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise for all water sports activities. If you come to Antalya in March or April, you can ski in the mornings and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean! Awaiting your discovery are important historical sites set in a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations. Top Antalya attractions include: Antalya Archaeological Museum, Aspendos Ruins and Theater, Chimaera Geological formation, Kaleici (The old city of Antalya), Phaselis ancient ruins, Yivli Minaret Mosque, Hadrian's Gate, Discos and Nightclubs...

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TURKEY TRAVEL FACTS

CLIMATE - Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit.

CURRENCY - Turkish lira (TL)

DEPARTURE TAX - US$12 (subject to change). Airport departure tax is usually payable only in local currency, directly at the airport.

DIALING CODES - Country Code = 90

ELECTRICITY - 230V, 50Hz

ENTRY - Citizens of New Zealand, Japan, South Africa and most of the countries of Western Europe, need only a valid passport for stays of up to 3 months. Australian, UK and US citizens, as well as those from Austria, Canada, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain - do need visas, obtainable in advance at a Turkish consulate, or upon entry to Turkey.

GOVERNMENT - Republic / Prime Minister

HEALTH RISKS - While no vaccinations are legally required, polio, tetanus, diptheria, typhoid, hepatitis A & B, rabies and TB are all present in Turkey: vaccinations should be considered. Travellers to Turkey's steamy regions (Marmara and the Black Sea Coast) should also stock up on their favourite anti-malarial gear.

LANGUAGE - Turkish

POPULATION - 65.7 million - Turks (85%), Kurds (12%), other Islamic peoples, Armenians, Jews

RELIGION - Muslim

TIME ZONE - GMT/UTC +2 hours

	Ajia Hotel - Istanbul, Turkey World's Best Hotels & Resorts An exclusive boutique hotel with just 10 Rooms & 6 Suites, A'jia is a traditional Ottoman mansion that bejewels the Asian shores of the Bosphorus. With a well appointed contemporary interior design, and its centuries old architecture the venue oozes trend and excitement.
	Sumahan on the Water - Istanbul, Turkey World's Best Hotels & Resorts Sumahan on the Water in Istanbul, Turkey is an intimate boutique hotel offering 20 Rooms & Suites. At the Sumahan, the most intoxicating thing is the view of palaces, skyscrapers, Hagia Sophia and the sparkling strait.
	Ada Hotel - Bodrum, Turkey 8 Rooms & 6 Suites Ada Hotel is a Boutique Resort and a member of Relais & Chateaux with 8 Rooms & 6 Suites. Located in a historical village on the Bodrum peninsula, the Ada Hotel offers refined comfort in the unique setting of an Ottoman palace.
	Adam and Eve - Belek, Antalya, Turkey Infinite reflections in stories-high intricate mirror mosaics dazzle the eye. The view stretches across one of the world's largest pools to merge with the sea and disappear into the horizon. A rich visual temptation, a scene that the original parents of humanity could never have imagined.
	Anatolian Houses - Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkey Luxury Boutique Hotel - 11 Suites & 2 Deluxe Suites Anatolian Houses is a luxurious new boutique hotel located in the fairytale-like surroundings of Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is built within the cave formations that are part of Cappadocia's historical structure.
	Ciragan Palace Kempinski - Istanbul, Turkey Ciragan Palace Kempinski is a 5 Star Luxury Hotel and a member of Leading Hotels of the World has 315 Rooms & Suites. Ciragan Palace Kempinski -- some of whose public rooms and finest suites occupy the former Sultan's palace -- reflects a harmonious blend of the old and the new amid elegant surroundings.
	Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul, Turkey 54 Rooms & 11 Suites Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul is a 5 Star Luxury Hotel with 54 Rooms & 11 Suites. One of the world's extraordinary hotels, created from a century-old neoclassic Turkish prison – steps from the fabled Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
	Izmir Hilton - Izmir, Turkey Enjoy views over Izmir Bay from the Hilton Izmir hotel, close to the Old Town. Relax in the Jacuzzi and sauna or work out in the indoor heated pool or fitness center. Do business in one of 18 meeting rooms or the Executive Lounge.
	Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay - Bodrum, Mugla, Turkey Located on the Barbaros Bay cliff, the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay and Six Senses Spa offers a relaxing respite from the pressures and pace of travel, business and city life. The magnificent view which blends perfectly with the elegant architecture creates an idyllic retreat.
	Kempinski Hotel The Dome - Belek, Antalya, Turkey 157 Rooms and 18 Private Villas Kempinski Hotel The Dome is a 5 Star Luxury Resort with 157 Rooms & 18 Private Villas, wet in an area of natural beauty also known as the Turkish Riviera, Kempinski Hotel The Dome is located directly on the beach.

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