Turkey is a land where East meets West, blending ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Bridging Europe and Asia, Turkey offers a diverse travel experience which ranges from bustling cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, to serene coasts such as Antalya, Alanya  and unique geological formations which are present in Cappadocia and other parts of the country. Here in iLink Tours’ travel guide to Turkey, you can learn more about Turkey and what makes it such a tempting and spectacular destination to visit.

A Simple Guide on How to Plan a Trip to Turkey

Planning a trip anywhere takes a lot of time, knowledge, research and a lot of headaches. When planning to travel to Turkey, one of the first things to keep in mind is deciding when you need to go. Months such as September and onward is the best time to visit Turkey. When you’ve done that try to make an itinerary of what you will do each day and where you’re going to visit. 

After that you need to make sure to get a visa and book transportation and flights, when you’ve received your visa. Book accommodation depending on your budget and be on your way on the day of your flight to Turkey. Luckily, iLink Tours takes all this burden off of our travelers by offering affordable and comprehensive travel deals, making sure that you don’t need to do any hard work in planning your trip.

What You Need to Know About Turkey Visa Requirements

A visa is a must have document that you need to have for traveling to Turkey. Although for tourism purposes, travel to Turkey is available without a visa for certain countries such as Europe,. For those traveling from the USA, a visa or e-visa is mandatory for a trip to Turkey. One of the pros of getting an E-Visa is you don’t have to do any kind of hard work and can apply online and get in your email which can fulfill your Turkey entry requirements.

A Quick Know-How To Getting Around Turkey

One of the best ways to travel in Turkey is by flights, provided you have the budget for it. Look towards booking domestic flights in Turkey,  as it can save you time, compared to getting a bus or train. If you don’t want to book flights, trains or buses can be a long and safe way to get from one place to another there, but it can be worth the wait as the journey can sometimes include picturesque places in between places.

Turkey’s Historical and Cultural Heritage

Heritage and Turkey go hand in hand. Turkey’s rich history spans Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman empires and other prehistoric empires of the past. It’s one of the oldest places on earth, where you’re guaranteed to encounter some old artifacts, buildings from the past everywhere you go.

Some of its heritage spots include Istanbul, the country’s cultural heart, which is home to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, which showcase centuries of art, architecture, and religion. You can check out our Istanbul travel guide for more details. Cappadocia, one of the most exciting places in Turkey, a place where history lovers will savor every moment. 

You can also count Ephesus among its heritage spots, where visitors can walk through the ruins of one of the ancient world’s greatest cities. Here you can explore the Library of Celsus, Roman theaters, temples and other special destinations. Pamukkale is another one, with its white travertine terraces, providing a unique natural and historical experience. And who can forget Pergamon and Troy where you can reveal layers of antiquity.

iLink Tours’ Turkish Food Guide and Culinary Experiences

The famous Turkish cuisine is a perfect reflection of its cultural diversity, combining some of its heritage foods from its nomadic roots and some others from its neighbors etc. Some of  its famous foods include kebabs of various kinds, corbas or soups, roasts, and baklava are among some of the best Turkish dishes to try. For those who love street food, they can enjoy traditional and delicious snacks such as simit, lahmacun, and Turkish tea in local cafes. 

Top Tourist Attractions in Turkey

Turkey has a lot of places where you can indulge yourself in various adventurous and outdoor activities and visit many ancient destinations such as cities, buildings, etc. Here are some of the top attractions that you must visit while planning a trip here: 

• Istanbul: See many ancient historical places such as the 4th Century Theodosian Walls, the famous Hagia Sophia, Ottoman era Blue Mosque and take in the surroundings of the fascinating city of the past known as Istanbul. Take in the majestic blue waters of the Bosphorus Strait via cruises and rides. 
• Cappadocia: Cappadocia is one of the prettiest and historical places in Turkey. It hosts many unique outdoors destinations and natural formations such as the Pasabag Fairy Chimneys, Uchisar Castle, Love Valley, Monk Valley and others. The region of Cappadocia is also home to some of the world’s oldest underground cities such as the Derinkuyu and Kaymakli underground cities which were established by missionaries seeking to hide from persecutors. 
• Antalya and Alanya: Antalya and Alanya are two of the best destinations for beach goers and vacation goers in Turkey. Due to them being located right on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, they are home to some of the most picturesque beaches and are blessed with ancient history. Water sports and sailing are some of the best things to do here in terms of outdoor activities. You can engage in snorkeling, scuba diving, or yacht tours along the Mediterranean coast.

What Are Some Turkey Travel Safety Tips?

Turkey, like any other country, has its ups and downs in tourist experiences. However, as long as you keep in mind some tips and items, you should be perfectly fine. Here are some safety and general travel tips that you should know:

• Always try to respect local customs of any country or in this case, Turkey, particularly when visiting mosques or rural areas. You should do some research before visiting about local norms and cultures.
• Don’t travel particularly late at night in big or small cities and always try to avoid traveling in the dark.
• Always carry your travel information and passport with you at all times of travel.
• Try to haggle with shopkeepers at every turn to ensure that you don’t get ripped off or suffer any financial loss.
• Try to look for the best Turkey travel insurance providers for your travels here, as providers with good coverage can save you from any unnecessary loss.
• For those looking to get some privacy at beaches or any and other outdoor places in big cities such as Antalya and Alanya and Istanbul, try to book and go there during weekdays or early as possible in the day. This can help in avoiding crowds, ensuring that you get the full experience of a destination.
• If you’re looking to book operators for air balloon rides, try to book as early as possible for hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia. Because of high demand, hot air balloon rides are usually reserved by other tourists. 

Best Time to Visit Turkey for Sightseeing

One of the must-do things before visiting Turkey is researching what is the best time to visit. Summer months such as June, July, August are typically some of the busiest times of the year here, as tourists typically arrive at this time for beaches and other Turkey adventure travel destinations. However, for those looking to avoid crowds, the best time to visit here is September or November, as crowds start to get low here and you can get the best experience of a place without being overwhelmed by a crowd.

Choose iLink Tours for Fulfilling Your Turkey Travel Dreams

Turkey is a country that requires complete travel preparation for travel to Turkey to enjoy all its gems. From exploring famous landmarks to enjoying hidden gems around the old cities, choosing to travel to this country with your homework is bound to leave you with an unforgettable travel experience. 

iLink Tours offers complete turkey travel trips for travelers to enjoy all that the country has to offer, allowing them to truly revel in the experience without having to worry about logistics, accommodations, visa, etc, So choose us your trusted travel companion and begin a journey of a lifetime.