Turkey

 

Türkiye is the meeting point of Europe and Asia, both geographically and culturally. Istanbul, the country’s largest city, is the only major metropolis in the world to sit in 2 continents at once. This coming together of civilizations has resulted is a unique and remarkable character. Everything about the country is a blend of east and west, from the buildings and people to the food and even the landscape.

Türkiye has been at the crossroads of history and civilisation for centuries. There are some truly iconic sights to see, as well as many hidden treasures. The famous mosques and bazaars of Istanbul are well-visited, as are the fantastic beach resorts of Bodrum and Antalya along the Mediterranean coast, but the snow-capped mountains of the country’s interior and seemingly endless ancient ruins are relatively unknown to most. If you’re looking for a country that combines sun, sea, and sand with an exotic culture all of its own, Türkiye is hard to beat. 

Istanbul

Istanbul, in northwestern Türkiye, is the only city in the world that spans 2 continents and is a constantly evolving cosmopolitan crossroad. From magnificent mosques to mouthwatering meze, from ancient architecture to contemporary clubs, you’ll be mesmerized by the dazzling array of cultural experiences on offer.

No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. The city is also home to the Egyptian Bazaar, packed with colourful, aromatic spices, not to mention the gargantuan Istanbul Cevahir—one of Europe’s largest shopping malls.

Antalya

Antalya is one of those places that seems to have everything. A family-friendly spot on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coastline, it showcases thousands of years of history in the form of an amazing Old Town, nearby historical ruins and a striking landscape. Be sure to check out Düden Waterfall and Tahtali Mountain for their great hiking routes and stunning scenery.

If old buildings and the countryside aren’t your thing, perhaps the golden sands of Lara Beach and the lively nightlife nearby are more to your liking? You can also hit the shopping malls and markets for anything from designer goods to souvenirs and street snacks. With a lovely climate and a friendly feel, Antalya is worth strong consideration when planning your next beach break.

Kaş

A holiday in Kas treats you to a charming seaside town on the Turkish Mediterranean coast. The town is on the path of the Lycian Way – a long route traversing the coast of ancient Lycia with rock-cut tombs, amphitheatres and even sunken relics under calm waves. There are plenty of well-preserved ancient sites and ruins alongside modern pleasures. 

While Kas attracts history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, there are also excellent beaches for those in search of sun and sand. You can find a few nightlife spots with a friendly local vibe along cobblestoned streets. Markets and shops offering local crafts, ceramics and jewellery are worth browsing, and there’s a chockfull of dining spots where go on a journey of flavours through authentic local fare.

Belek

Belek is a beach town gracing Türkiye's Mediterranean coastline, offering a cool mix of history and modern leisure. Seaside fun and chilled times under the sun are to be had right on Belek’s luxury resort and golf club-lined beach – which some say is among the finest on the Turkish coast, granting it a Blue Flag status.

Belek is a great base for ‘going back in time’ thanks to historical sites and ancient city ruins such as Perge and Aspendos, right up the hills north of town, as well as the town of Side to the southeast. Beyond the well-developed town and its beach resorts with their nightlife hubs and shopping scenes, pristine nature awaits the adventurer-at-heart further inland, which has pine-forested canyons and waterfalls.

Alanya

Alanya stretches out along the crystalline waters of Türkiye’s southern coast. Pay a visit to the beautiful Alanya Castle, a 13th-century structure in Seljuk architectural style situated high up on a rocky crag overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. 

With a warm Mediterranean climate that boasts 300 days of sunshine year-round, Alanya is a hotspot for beach lovers. Soak up some rays on the golden sands of Damlatas Beach, where you can also enjoy a spot of snorkelling, or cool down in the nearby Damlatas Caves.

Bodrum

Bodrum, located on the southern coast of the vast and rugged Turkish peninsula of the same name, offers a true Mediterranean escape with its numerous bays and beautiful beaches. You’ll be spoilt for choice during your holiday in this seaside city – be it around the shores, on lovely small islands that are a boat out, or inland – thanks to the mix of rugged seascapes, ancient sites and charming old towns.

While the town of Bodrum is peppered with iconic and historical landmarks of castles and mausoleums, you’re also treated to modern pleasures. Enjoy a diverse shopping scene ranging from fresh markets and bustling bazaars to modern malls. After the sun sinks behind the skyline of the quaint harbour, you can experience lively nightlife experiences on the aptly named Bar Street.

Kemer

Kemer is the go-to seaside resort in Antalya if you’re looking for small but wonderfully scenic beaches, which are set against magnificent nature and with slight touches of ancient Lycia. Wherever you go, whether it’s in the town square, the marina, or even on the gorgeous coasts, you have the lush and forested Tahtali mountain range as a backdrop.

Kemer is among a few towns in the region that serves as a base for taking in the beauty of the mountains and the Mediterranean, with bits of history and even Greek myths thrown in – you can visit the supposed birthplace of the fire-breathing Chimera. Modern pleasures in town range from unpretentious taverns offering mouthwatering Turkish cuisine, as well as themed bazaars and friendly bars.

 

Turkey Tour Packages

Experience an exotic blend of cultures in Turkey where panoramic landscapes and historical grandeur leave an everlasting impression.

 

Explore the best of Turkey with Veena World! Turkey tours take you to a destination that is an amalgamation of the exquisite west Asian culture and western influence. Turkey tours offer an experience that is rich in art and culture and pays homage to the fact that Turkey has been at the heart of evolving times and civilizations. It has been a destination where the cultures of the continents have collided for several hundred years and Turkey continues to exhibit the best of all of them. Turkey vacation packages are quite popular among travellers for the unique experience they have to offer. 

On Turkey tours, you get to witness a landscape that is as diverse and intriguing as is its culture and people. On Turkey tours, you could visit towering mountains and misty valleys or you could go get a taste of the Mediterranean life at the shimmering beaches that more than define leisure. The rich history of Turkey is another aspect of delight that one can experience on their Turkey tours. Turkey vacation packages are popular for the monuments and shrines from ancient times that stand testament to the wonderful history of Turkey. In ancient times, Turkey was known as the Byzantine Empire that spanned across Eastern Europe and was ruled by several kings. The influence of this multitude of empires can be seen in the city of Istanbul, legends of which find mention in the Greek and Roman works of art and history, and which you can explore with the right cost-effectively priced Turkey vacation packages online. Other cities that are an example of the rich Turkish experience are the legendary cities of Troy & Ephesus, which you can opt to add to your Turkey vacation packages from India. To explore the real depths of Turkey one requires the perfect Turkey tour packages. You can choose from a number of attractive options from Veena World for Turkey trip packages. You can check out the cost-effective prices for Turkey vacation packages from India online and book the one that suits you best.

Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a historic country of the world. It resides on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia and Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe. The Turkey Country is enveloped by sea on three sides – the Aegean Sea to the west, the Black Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The beauty of Turkey is lined up with warm colours, sun-kissed beaches, pine-covered forests, and historic Roman wonders. These exquisite exceptions played a big role in bagging the country 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the largest remnants of the Roman Empire to exotic white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, Turkey has it all. 

 

Turkey Tourism flaunts a flurry of tourist attractions. Head to the iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey for a spiritual experience. Or, visit Pergamon and the Temple of Artemis to explore the remnants of ancient time. If you’re a history enthusiast, head to Hagia Sophia museum for understanding the blend of different religions at one place. When it comes to trying different activities, Turkey has a plethora of options. Gift your adventurous soul an exotic hiking trip to the Valley of Love. Or, explore the pristine Mediterranean Sea at the many beautiful beaches of Turkey. Here, you can participate in kayaking, snorkelling, canoeing, etc. Or, if you wish to explore the Turkish tradition then head to an interactive show and participate in the traditional Turkish dance.

 

Turkey with all its beauty, attractions, and activities, also has pleasant weather. The coastal areas of Turkey have a temperate Mediterranean climate, consisting of  warm, wet summers, heavy downpour in rainy seasons, and cool, wet winters. While the area away from the Mediterranean Sea has a temperate oceanic climate. In the eastern portion of Turkey, winters witness -30 degrees Celsius while summers witness 30 degrees Celsius.

 

Why is Turkey famous to visit ?

A great amount of diversity can be explored in this portion of the world, from the chic textiles and rustic ceramics to aromatic tea and coffee. The naturally designed rugs and carpets are one of the best things about Turkey country. Also, the unique geographical location of Turkey is one significant point to consider for its popularity. It resides in two continents – the east of Europe and the west of Asia.

Which are the must attractions to visit in Turkey?

 

1. Hagia Sophia Museum

One of the most popular gems of Turkey Tourism, Hagia Sophia Museum is an epitome of beauty and boasts of grand Byzantine architecture. Residing in Istanbul, the museum was once a Greek Orthodox Christian cathedral, and after approximately 900 years, it was considered as an Ottoman imperial mosque. Built by Emperor Justinian, the museum is a reminder of the 6th century Turkey. 

 

2. Goreme Open-Air Museum

One of the UNESCO protected sites of Turkey, Goreme Open-Air Museum is an amalgamation of rock-cut churches, chapels and monk-cells. Dating back to the 10h century, the complex is the most famous tourist attraction of Cappadocia.

Here, you will come across Elmali Kilise – Apple Church, Aziz Barabara Sapeli – Chapel of St. Barbara, Yilanli Kilise – Snake Church with wall paintings of St. George, and Karanlik Kilise – Dark Church storing frescoed walls.

 

 

3. Kaymakli Underground City

Among the famous Turkey tourism sites, Kaymakli Underground city is the grand historical example of ancient wonders. The underground city was first chiselled out of the ground in the Bronze Age Hittite era when Christians started living underground to protect themselves from Arab and Persian invaders.

This Cappadocian beauty is famed for the 6th and 7th century’s Byzantine history. Here, the city extends to a total of eight levels out of which four can be explored by visitors. The pathways inside Kaymakli are narrow and consists of a confusing network of tunnels.

 

 

4. Travertines

Travertines might be mistaken for snow-capped pathways but these white calcite cliffs of Pamukkale were formed by calcium deposits. These travertines look like a bizarre yet stunning natural fortress of snow. Here, for a perfect sightseeing tour, you should head for a walk barefoot from the base of calcite mountain to the top of cliff ridge. The upper levels of travertines have pools of water where you can sit and soak in the beauty of Pamukkale.

 

5. Hierapolis Theater

Yet another gem from Turkey Tourism, Hierapolis Theater is nuzzled amidst the ruins of Hierapolis. This remarkable edifice was constructed during the reign of the Roman Emperors, Hadrian and Septimius Severus. The mighty theatre has two tiers of seating and consists of 26 rows.

The original details of Hierapolis Theater are well preserved like the imperial VIP guests vox, decorative panels along the stage, and aesthetic composition of rows.

 

6. Sumela Monastery

Sumela Monastery or Monastery of the Virgin Mary is one of the most beautiful attractions of Turkey Tourism. Situated in the south of Trabzon, Sumela Monastery dates back to the Byzantine era. Inside the chapel, you will come across vibrant frescoes and warren of rooms boasting of the religious life of previous centuries.

Apart from the beauty of Sumela Monastery, the geographical location is its another unique feature. The monastery’s entrance heads to a scenic route where you will come across the rocky terrains around the premises. 

 

7. Kabak Beach

Situated in Fethiye, Kabak Beach comprises astonishing blue waters and white sands. To reach this beach, visitors have to take a 30-minute walk from Kabak village down a steep path. Also, several hikers and backpackers follow the Lycian path via Faralya to reach Kabak beach.

The pristine setup of Kabak is surrounded by lush green pine forest and the Turkish Mediterranean Sea. Also, here are several watersports for visitors to experience the laid-back vibes.  

 

8. Pergamon Acropolis Area

Visit the ancient site of Pergamon near the town of Bergama. An Acropolis area, it was the most striking feature of the Hellenistic city. Here, you will come across a 15000-seat theatre, Temple of Athena, Pergamon’s famous library, the Temple of Trajan, and the Altar of Zeus.

Plan a full-day tour from Izmir to cover the highlights of this classic historical city. Here, you’ll get to explore the Acropolis and Asclepion areas, and the Bergama Archaeological Museum.

 

9.Topkapi Palace- 

Topkapi Palace is a colourful and beautiful reflection of the magnificence of Turkey's former Ottoman Empire. The first courtyard is the outermost, and the fourth is the innermost, of the four large courtyards that made up the Topkapi Palace. Each courtyard has a unique collection of buildings and specialties that draw visitors from all over the world. And as the Ottoman Empire came to an end, the government transformed Topkapi Palace into a museum honouring the glorious past.

10.Basilica Cistern-

The Basilica Cistern is a well-known historical attraction that attracts millions of visitors each year. The big cistern is made up of 336 columns that are 9 metres long and 4.8 metres apart. The two Medusa heads are the most notable feature of the Basilica Cistern. The two heads are reminiscent of magnificent Roman architecture and the roof of the cross vault rises high on marble columns laid out in a gridiron pattern. It’s an architectural marvel which is definitely worth visiting. 

Which are the famous things to do in Turkey?

 

1. Hot Air Ballooning over Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s scenic beauty is clustered with rock formations, underground cities, and cave churches. Hop on a hot air balloon ride to get a bird’s eye view of this exquisite place. In this enthralling activity of Turkey tourism, the hot air balloon will take you to a certain height from where you can admire Cappadocia’s beauty. The ride usually lasts from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending upon the visitors.  

 

 

2. Dipping in Thermal Hot Springs in Pamukkale

Pamukkale is famous for its terrace pools full of milky mineral waters. The white mineral deposits can fool you for snow-capped mountains, but as you reach the upper levels, tepid water will break your illusion. Here, you can dip into these terrace pools and spend some time splashing and soaking the unique springs.

3. Hike through the Love Valley

Plan for a quick day trip to the Love Valley. Located near Goreme, this valley comprises hills, narrow pathways, and rock formations accompanied with beautiful flowers. Love Valley is perfect for planning a quick trip as you can cherish the hillside of Cappadocia in your leisure time. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes while exploring the gigantic rock formations.

 

4. Paragliding over Oludeniz

One of the most significant places in Turkey Tourism, Oludeniz gained its fame from the movie Skyfall. Quench your thirst for a crazy adrenaline rush by taking part in paragliding at Oludeniz. While soaring high into the mighty sky, you can observe the perfect blend of hills and beaches.

This beach town showcases the lush green forest surrounded by the mighty Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, many tourists take a camera with them to shoot this wild experience.  

 

 

5. Spend a night in a Teepee in Paradise

Perched high on a cliff, live your childhood dream of sleeping in a teepee at Faraya. Shiva Camp is a place where you can spend overnight, bracing the beauty of the lush green forests. The camp also provides a hearty breakfast and a cosy dinner for two people.

One of the best parts about this overnight trip is that it boasts beautiful panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Also, many tourists hike down from the camp to spend their morning at the rocky Kabak Beach. The unique blend of pebbles and white sand attracts a lot of tourists to the beach. 

 

6. Kayak over the ruins of Kekova

Yet another enthralling adventure of Turkey Tourism, Kayaking is the most amazing activity amidst the ruins of Kekova. This region runs along the south coast forming the Lycian Trail. The sunken city of Kekova, represents the remains of a once town, which was flooded after an earthquake.

While kayaking amidst the clear water, your trip will end at the little town of Kalekoy. After stopping at this spot, you can also indulge in savouring the authentic taste of Turkish dishes. Moreover, you can also head to snorkelling with turtles near the bay.  

 

 

7. Take a walking tour of Istanbul

Istanbul flaunts a flurry of exotic attractions from Turkey tourism. Spread into two continents, Istanbul is the most beautiful city of Turkey. To explore the local wonders of this city closely, a walking tour is a must. On this walking trip, you will come across significant landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

Also, some of the other tours include a visit to the famous Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market as well. Moreover, while visiting the mosques, make sure you are dressed appropriately.

8.Take a Ferry Ride Down the Bosporus- 

This cruise makes stops throughout the Bosphorus, giving passengers the chance to explore Istanbul's palaces, mosques, and bridges, with amazing photo stops. With a day-long boat ticket, you may quietly explore several neighbourhoods, and at every stop, you have the option to get off and join the next boat within one or two hours.

9.Ride the ATV Bike-

Joining an ATV trip is the quickest and most convenient method to go around the valleys of Cappadocia. While riding your ATV cycle, you can get a thrilling experience of the desert and the scenery likewise. You can take stops along the journey to admire the landscape and snap lovely pictures. Riding an ATV Bike through the valleys is one of the best things to do, ideally at sunrise and sunset.

10.Try the Local Cuisine-

The cuisine of Turkey is incredibly colourful, delicious and has a wide variety of influences and flavours, much like the country's cultural mosaic. Turkey's cuisine has developed throughout the years, influenced by the country's rich past as a host country for the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Mini Ravioli, Turk’s Meatballs, Turkish Style Pizza, Turkish Egg Delicacy, Lamb Delicacy, Turkish Patty, Strips Of Lamb and Spinach Or Meat Puffs are some famous Turkish local foods.

From spice-laden bazaars and ancient temples to chic boutiques and bar-backed beaches, holidays to Turkey showcase the best of East and West.

First-class beaches

Turkey’s beach scene is top-notch, and it has the awards to prove it. More than 500 of them have been given Blue Flag status, with the best of the bunch sitting on the west and south-west coast. The Aegean Coast in the west’s home to familiar favourites like Bodrum and up-and coming Izmir, while a shuffle south takes you to the Turkish Riviera, where the likes of Marmaris and Fethiye draw in the crowds.

East meets west

Turkey’s one of the few countries in the world which straddles two continents. Most of the country sits in Asia, while a far smaller portion’s nestled in south-east Europe. The divide’s most notable in the country’s biggest city, Istanbul, which is literally split in two by the Bosphorus River, with the western side in Europe and the eastern side in Asia.

Ancient wonders

Turkey’s ancient cities are a big hit with history buffs, and there are plenty of them to see. The seaside spot of Side packs in an ancient amphitheatre, Roman baths and a 30-kilometre aqueduct that dates back to the 2nd century AD, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus has ruins going back to the 10th century BC.

Action-packed adventures

If fly and flop’s not your style, there are activities galore along the coast. Loads of the beaches come with a watersports line-up that’s geared up for adrenaline junkies, with everything from windsurfing to kiteboarding making an appearance. There are plenty of popular spots for scuba diving, too, or if you prefer your activities on the drier side, hang gliding and paragliding adventures are easy to find.