Turkey passionately
Whether for a seaside holiday or for cultural visits, Turkey is a country to be discovered for the variety and immense beauty of its landscapes as well as for the richness of its thousand-year-old historical heritage.
Between the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea, this country has a Mediterranean-type coastline, dotted with numerous seaside resorts, such as Kusadasi, the festive one, with its magnificent beaches, coves and protected national park; Bodrum, with its white houses and medieval fortress, an ideal place for water sports and scuba diving; Antalya, in the heart of the Turkish Riviera, magnificent with its steep cliffs and old historic quarters with Ottoman houses. It is on these coasts that the main Greco-Roman remains are found, such as the famous city of Ephesus, a perfectly preserved Greek city, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pergamon or the ancient city of Aphrodisias located a little further away. in the lands.
Cappadocia, in the heart of Anatolia, has a dry and desert environment with landscapes of unforgettable beauty. Its fairy chimneys, geological formations sculpted by the wind for millennia, its cities and its cave villages like Nevsehir or its underground cities like Kaymaki, will fascinate you. Pamukkale, further east, is a spa town unique in the world with its terraced basins, turquoise water, in immaculate white.
Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, built on seven hills, has all the charm of the Orient. Between the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Saint-Sophia, the Grand Bazaar or the magnificent views of the Bosphorus, you cannot fail to be dazzled by this city that is both modern and traditional.
Between Europe and Asia, between East and West, Turkey, a mixture of Greco-Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman cultures that preceded it, is a country that will surprise you.
Travel to Turkey is easy, the country is used to tourism which is a heavy weight of the GDP. It only takes a few tips to get the most out of it. Turkey is a modern country, strongly oriented towards the future and progress. Although governed by an Islamizing party the weight of religion is not really noticeable, especially in the big cities.
For example, Ramadan does not change much in habits. The restaurants are open for lunch. One idea during this period: to go to the hippodrome square in Sultanhamet for the breaking of the fast.
Family atmosphere, market, shows, all free. You will still need money during your trip, however. Turkish Lira can be found everywhere, and ATMs can be found in the smallest village of Cappadocia.
We pay easily by credit card. Before you pay, negotiate. At least for tourist purchases. A 50% drop is a good basis. However, some shops in the Grand Bazaar or the Egyptian Bazaar, often the most luxurious, have fixed prices. As for tips, we are in the East, it is a common practice. Although paid by us, local guides expect a gratuity. Count 120 NIS per week per person (or 20 NIS per day). The driver will be entitled to half. At the restaurant we leave between 5 and 10% of the bill. For the hotel porter, plan the equivalent of one euro. Nothing much different from home. You can also tip the taxi drivers, friendly and virtuoso, too happy that you have come out unscathed from a race that deserves its name.
Turkish cuisine is… Lebanese. And vice versa: centuries of living together have left their mark. It is therefore delicious. However, for the first few days, we should avoid watermelons, salads, tomatoes and raw vegetables. Washing your hands (think of the bottle of antibacterial gel) is essential before eating. A good thing would be to put Imodium in your pocket, you never know?
In great shape, stocked with Turkish lira all you have to do is explore the country’s prolific craftsmanship. It was in Cappadocia that it was at its peak. Double-knotted carpets, pottery, objects in onyx, textiles, leather, copper, nothing that can be worked or transformed is foreign to the Turks who have golden hands. The Istanbul and Izmir bazaars contain the most beautiful pieces.
Buying a rug is not difficult. Just give a deposit. You will pay the rest on delivery. Be careful, however, about customs and VAT charges. In the evening, devote it to a sunset in Cappadocia, a twilight from the Pera Palace, returned to its former grandeur, to cross the Bosphorus to eat yogurt in Kanlica or even smoke shisha under the art museum. modern. Cok Güzel: It’s superb!
A very nice trip awaits you in Turkey, the slogan of the Turkish Ministry of Tourism is not usurped: Be our guest!
Turkey passionately with us.
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