Turkey is a country of mystery and mystique, but one that is rapidly modernizing to appeal to today’s travelers. The country is divided between Europe and the Middle East and is a melting pot of sacred sites for many religions, mainly Christian, Islam and Judaism. It is a country rich with history, home to all the artifacts any historian could wish for from the Byzantine era.
Travelers stepping off flights to Turkey will have no shortage of things to do. Behind the ancient ruins and endless relics there is also a little decadence in Turkey. Thanks to its perfectly situated location on the Mediterranean, nature lovers and sports enthusiasts can trek the Turkish landscape while others soak in mineral mud baths at top-rated resorts along the coast. Turkey is a hidden gem among travelers – it’s inexpensive enough for any traveler and boasts more to do and see than many of its neighboring countries. Find a cheap flight to Turkey and enjoy the Turkish hospitality while you savor all the history and modern pleasures you can handle in one country.
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The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have very hot and dry summers, and wet, mild winters when the coastal towns more or less shut down between October and April. Winter in Istanbul and Cappadocia can be very cold with a dusting of snow. The peak tourist season is during high summer, roughly between July and September. From June the mosquitoes can be a problem. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, as the climate is still hot, but not unbearable. Eastern Turkey should be visited during summer as roads and mountain passes may close due to winter ice and snow.
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Peak Season:
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Turkey. Istanbul is best seen between April and June and in September and October. The Marmara (Bodrum), Aegean (Ephesus) and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Central Anatolia (Cappadocia) has hot, dry summers and cold winters, while Eastern Anatolia (Nemrut) has mild summers and long snowy cold winters.
Off Season:
The winters in Turkey are harsh and the country doesn't really have a winter tourist season. While cheap flights to Turkey and discount accommodations are likely during this time, the weather will play a significant part in your travel plans.
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Turkish Airlines links all the major cities, and low-cost airlines Onur Air and Atlasjet are also options. Cyprus Turkish Airlines offer domestic Turkey flights from Istanbul to Ercan, Ankara, Adana, Antalya, Dalaman and Izmir.
Renting a car in Turkey is expensive, but buses offer a good, regular and cheap service. Dolmuses (shared taxis) are a good option for short trips. They are very cheap and are a great way to get to know fellow travelers. The destination is written on the front of the vehicle, and fares are posted usually above the driver's head. Traveling this way can be be tricky if you've got a lot of luggage however and they tend to stop running in the early evening.
Trains too can be good value although they are not as fast or comfortable as the buses. Car ferries are popular and can save lots of driving time. Tourist destinations are well-served. The Fez Bus is a long-distance hop-on, hop-off service which travels to the major tourist spots of western Turkey.
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- Do the museum circuit in Sultanahmet: Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and the Turkish Islamic Art Museum - the full, stunning spread of Ottoman and Byzantine history, art and religion, and all within walking distance.
- Bosphorus trip - take the ferry along the Bosphorus towards the Black Sea, for a seafood lunch in the restaurants of Rumeli Kavagi or Anadolu Kavagi - enjoy the parade of candy-colored Ottoman villas along the banks on the way there and stop at Ortokoy on the way back to see Turkish families enjoying ice-cream.
- Hamam - The Turks no longer attend, but the few Turkish baths still open for business give a skin-stinging insight into an ancient tradition ... get scrubbed down and then relax and gossip over a tea.
- If you visit one of the villages on the Bodrum peninsula, you may still see local women wearing the traditional pantaloons (salvar) and white headscarves.
- When visiting Ephesus, a wonderful, preserved classical city, try to get your sightseeing done in the early morning before the sun gets too hot, and bring some water with you. Drinks on the site can be expensive.
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Ankara (ESB) (Esenboga) is 22 miles northeast of the city.
Istanbul (IST) (Atatürk, formerly Yesilkoy) is 15 miles west of the city (journey time - 30 to 50 minutes).
Izmir (IZM) (Adnan Menderes). The airport is located 11 miles from Izmir.
Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is 25 miles from Istanbul, on the Asian side.
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All travelers to Turkey are required to hold documents for onward or return travel, and sufficient funds for the period of their stay. Entry may be refused to those of unkempt appearance.
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U.S. citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required, which is valid for up to three months, and can be obtained from the point of entry.
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