- Turkey offers a captivating blend of Eastern and Western cultures, stunning historical sites like Hagia Sophia and Ephesus, diverse landscapes from Mediterranean beaches to lunar-like Cappadocia, and delicious cuisine. It's a land of ancient empires, vibrant bazaars, and warm hospitality.
Exercise caution. While homosexuality is not illegal, LGBTQ+ rights are limited, and societal attitudes can be conservative. There is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or civil partnerships.
Turkey has a diverse climate, largely influenced by its vast geography and proximity to several seas. This classification broadly divides it into Mediterranean coastal, inland continental, and Eastern high-altitude subclimates.
Climate Zone: Mediterranean
A rich and diverse spread typically featuring cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, jams, honey, eggs, and freshly baked bread like simit or pide. This
Seasoned meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) stacked on a vertical spit and roasted, then thinly sliced. It is commonly served inside bread (ekmek), a wrap
A circular bread, coated with sesame seeds, that is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Often called a Turkish bagel, it is a ubiquitous st
A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts) and sweetened with syrup or honey. This ic
A selection of small appetizer dishes, similar to tapas, served cold or hot. They include various dips, spreads, vegetable dishes, and salads, designe
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
Long-distance sleeper trains, particularly popular routes like the DoÄŸu Ekspresi (Eastern Express), often sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays.
Popular sites, especially palaces, mosques (if required), and cisterns in Istanbul, experience long queues. Pre-booking skip-the-line tickets saves significant time.
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