Turkey should definitely be on your bucket list, if not for the jewel of Istanbul then the crystal clear waters of the Aegean sea or the phallic shaped rocks of Cappadocia. Yes, Turkey is a Muslim country but one of the most progressive around, last I heard the president was trying to ban women from wearing head scarves on college campuses. Turkey is trying to get on the Euro but currently uses the Lira which (as of Sept 2011) keeps depreciating against the dollar.
I highly recommend 2 + weeks here in April/May or Sept/Oct (Summer is like an oven and Istanbul a sauna). Istanbul and Cappadocia are musts and anywhere along the southern coast is highly recommended like Antalya.
- Istanbul. Without a doubt the hottest city right now and for good reason. You have the the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, and Grand Bazaar just to name a few plus there is a hip art,club, and music scene. For more, see top 10 things to do in Istanbul.
- Cappadocia. #2 most visited center in Turkey die to some very odd rock formations and cave cities. Take a hot air balloon ride over this out of this world landscape.Check out my top 10 things to do in Cappadocia.
- Ayvalik. Charming little town on Aegean Sea a comfortable 9 hr bus ride from Istanbul. This is truly off the beaten track for most foreign visitors. Many Turks vacation here.
- Fethiye. Demarcation point for Blue Cruises; 3 day cruises from Fethiye to Olympus. 20 KM lies Turkey’s most famous beach, Oludeniz (dead sea).
- Black Sea Coast. Trabzon, Samsun and other small fishing villages line the coast that sports lush green valleys and Seattle-esque weather year round.
- Ankara. Turkey’s capital and financial center. Ataturk National museum is here. Ataturk (father of the Turks) founded the new sectarian gov’t in Turkey in 1923 and is a bit of a God here. Typical large city but fun areas lie in the central gov’t district.
- Antalya. Largest city on the Southern coast that besides boasting several Starbucks, also has an immaculate old town great for summer exploring. Check out my top ten things to do in Antalya.
- Izmir/Selcuk/Efes. The ruins of Efes in the town of Selcuk are awe inspiring. See the facade of the still intact library and communal toilets.
- Cannakale/Galipoli.- Site of several famous WWI battles. Charming town where the Aegean Sea and Sea of Marmara meet. From these battles, modern Turkey was born.
- Turkish Riveria. Turkey’s hot and fabulous coast. From Kalkan to Kas (pr:Kash) to cities in between. If the crystal blue water or the perpetually sunny skies don’t hook you, the rooms for less than $40 a night will.
Be sure to visit this amazing country with its amazing culture and people, as mentioned Istanbul or Antalya with deals on throughout the year you’ll be able to enjoy cheap holidays to Turkey with the whole family, as a couples or on your own.
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- Kas- in Turkish Riveria
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- New Mosque- Istanbul
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- Uchishar City- Cappadocia
Thanks for this post. Tourist will come to know what do in Turkey. Many traveler scared to come here due to Islamic country. I want to ask you that “How to be safe in this place?”
Really nice, good information….!
Turkey is generally a very safe country and found no areas where I felt threatened even while traveling alone. American media scares too many people about harmless places simply because of the Islamic culture.