Traveling to Turkey

Traveling to Turkey

Turkey in Brief :

Population: 75.6 million people 

Language: Turkish 

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) 

Calling code: +90

Sites to visit:

Ancient Turkey:

If you are in search of ancient Roman ruins, Ephesus is the perfect place to start. With Pompeii, it is the best preserved ancient city in the Mediterranean. If even a single column of the temple of Artemis (the seventh wonder was destroyed in 401 BC), you can see many other beautiful ruins, like the Library of Celsus and the amphitheater Odeon. Visit Amasya for its most recent historical beauty, mythical town of fascinating Ottoman houses and the number of impressive mosques.

To reach Ephesus, take the train to Selçuk and from there take a minibus to the main bus station. Amasya is 15 minutes walk from the main railway station.

Amazing geological formations:

Buried in the heart of this vast country is the splendid treasure of Turkey: Cappadocia. This region is known for its mix of bizarre and complex geological formations (deep canyons, hoodoos), the rock of Uchisar, the highest peak, as well as the ancient ruins of Mount Golgoli. Goreme town that has one of the last vestiges of the Cappadocian habitat, is a good starting point to explore these fascinating places. The hot springs of Pamukkale terraces in the province of Denizli, are also a must see. Bathe in these waters at 35 ° C rich in minerals, while marveling at this unique work of nature.

To reach Göreme in Cappadocia, take the train to Kayseri and from there take a bus. To get to Pamukkale, Denizli take the train to and from there take a bus.

Istanbul: magnificent monumental city :

Visit Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, and you'll be blown away at every corner with monuments to tingle your senses. The Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, Ottoman style, is one of Istanbul's most iconic structures. The interior of the mosque is decorated with six minarets of more than 20,000 delicate blue tiles. Another visit not to miss the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, one of the oldest and largest of its kind, where you can test your mastery of haggling. It houses more than 4,000 shops offering jewelry, pottery, spices and carpets: you're sure to find all the most unusual and wonderful memories you can imagine.

The Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar are respectively 20 minutes and 15 minutes walk from the train station Sirkeci Garı Istanbul.

Sport for everyone:

Thrills and fun guaranteed in Kaş, a pretty little fishing town where you can go mountain biking and paragliding. To experience the most breathtaking, the sea lovers will be tempted by a diving session in the sapphire blue waters. In snowy weather, go to one of the best ski resorts of Turkey. Uludaǧ, 1.5 hour away from Istanbul, enjoys high popularity among both indigenous and tourists. This resort offers slopes for beginners as well as giant slaloms and superb facilities and a vibrant nightlife. In summer, this national park offers great opportunities for hiking and camping.

To join Kaş, take the train to Denizli and then take a bus. From Istanbul, it takes about 1.5 hours to get to Uludaǧ bus.

The sublime Turkish Riviera:

Alanya, located on the Turkish coast, is a resort that has it all: a Mediterranean climate, historical attractions, natural vistas and a vibrant nightlife. During the day visit the magnificent Alanya Castle dating from 1226, then towards the sea on immaculéeplage of Ulaş. At night, Alanya is one of the busiest places in the country. The bars and the trendiest nightclubs are located in the area around the port. Watch out! You are likely to have a hard time leaving this Mediterranean gem that has everything.

Take the train to Karaman, then take a bus to Alanya

source: interrail.eu