About Turkey
Turkey is a beautifully diverse nation where Asia meets Europe. Its capital city Istanbul, what feels like the epicenter of two continents, snuggles up to the Bosphorus and will leave your eyes and senses endlessly entertained. As you roam the streets, take in the smell of spices, lure of Turkish delight and street carts cooking up kebabs. Listen to the sound of fishing boat horns, and look up to see the surreal sight of the Aya Sofya against a pink and blue sky. While you could spend weeks exploring the mosques and intricacy of tiles and architecture in Istanbul, Turkey offers so much beyond its capital city. From the dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia to the historical gem of Heirapolis, the melting pot where Romans, Jews, Graeco-Macedonians and Anatolians once lived. Pamukkale is another must see – a crazy cotton castle landscape created by calcite deposits from hot springs that dramatically make their way down a 200m hillside.
When to Go: May and September are ideal, but expect tourists and crowds.
Good to Know:
- Capital: Ankara
- Population: 80.7 million
- Language: Turkish
- Currency: Turkish Lira
