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Antalya, Bodrum, Cappadocia, Istanbul, IzmirTurkey Overview
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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... |
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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. |
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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. |
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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... |
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
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Sumahan on the Water - Istanbul, Turkey Experience: Arts+Culture, Romance Hotel Type: Luxury Hotel • 20 Rooms & Suites Special Offers: Hotel Reservations Affiliation: World's Best Hotels & Resorts |
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Ada Hotel - Bodrum, Turkey Experience: Beach, Honeymoon Hotel Type: Luxury Resort • 8 Rooms & 6 Suites Special Offers: Hotel Reservations Affiliation: Relais & Chateaux |
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Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski - Istanbul, Turkey Experience: Arts+Culture, Spa Hotel Type: 5 Star Luxury Hotel • 315 Rooms & Suites Special Offers: Hotel Reservations Affiliation: The Leading Hotels of the World |
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Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul - Istanbul, Turkey Experience: Arts+Culture, Family, World Heritage Sites Hotel Type: 5 Star Luxury Hotel • 54 Rooms & 11 Suites Special Offers: Hotel Reservations Affiliation: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts |
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Kempinski Hotel The Dome - Belek, Antalya, Turkey Experience: Beach, Family, Golf, Spa Hotel Type: 5 Star Luxury Resort • 157 Rooms & 18 Private Villas Special Offers: Hotel Reservations Affiliation: Kempinski Hotels & Resorts |
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Les Ottomans - Istanbul, Turkey Experience: Arts+Culture, Romantic Hotel, Spa, World Heritage Sites, Yacht Hotel Type: Luxury Hotel • 12 Rooms & Suites Special Offers: Hotel Reservations Affiliation: Small Luxury Hotels of the World |
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The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul - Istanbul, Turkey Experience: Arts+Culture, Family, Spa Hotel Type: 5 Star Luxury Hotel • 244 Rooms & Suites Special Offers: Hotel Reservations Affiliation: Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Resorts |
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Sofa Hotel & Residence - Istanbul, Turkey Experience: Arts+Culture Hotel Type: Boutique Hotel • 82 Rooms & Suites Special Offers: Hotel Reservations Affiliation: Luxury Lifestyle Hotels |
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Yunak Evleri - Urgup, Cappadocia, Turkey 4 Stars • 17 Rooms & Suites Recommended for: Adventure, Culture, Romance |