Category: Turkey

Autumn is another wonderful time to enjoy Turkey but it’s also a very popular time to visit the country, especially for those planning an independent vacation. So, expect crowds and high prices. On the plus side, the weather is still warm and you can sunbathe and swim on the coast. And if you plan to enjoy some sightseeing, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the weather

Weather

The weather is still warm and sunny in early October but by the end of the month the autumn rains might ruin your plans. In Central Anatolia it’s already possible to snow. On the coastal regions, it’s still possible to enjoy sunbathing and swimming.

Some sample temperatures

Ankara avg high 18C / avg low 3C
Antalya avg high 26C / avg low 12C
Bursa avg high 21C / avg low 10C
Denizli avg high 22C /avg low 10C
Istanbul avg high 19C / avg low 12C
Izmir avg high 23C / avg low 12C

>>read more about Weather in Turkey

Flights and accommodation

October is another high season for Independent travelers heading to Turkey. Although the days are shorter , the hotels in Istanbul and Cappadocia fill up quickly with those coming here for sightseeing. So, book your flight and the accommodation in advance.

Things to do

Kurban Bayramı, a major Turkish religious holiday, takes place in October and practically shuts down the country for about a week.

Republic Day falls on October 29 and is the most patriotic day in Turkey. It commemorates the proclamation of the Turkish Republic by Atatürk in 1923. Enjoy the parades but take note that some of the streets will be closed on this day and October 28 is a half-day holiday as well.

If you plan to spend more days in Istanbul, make sure to enjoy some of the things to do in Istanbul such as shopping in the Bazaars, visiting the mosques and churches, and enjoying the Turkish food and sweets.

If you plan to explore the ancient city of Ephesus or the hot springs of Pamukkale , then Izmir is a good base for such trips. Kusadasi is a good option, too, but it’s further away. Still, it’s closer to the beaches so if you plan to soak up the sun, you can still do that in October.

Or you can explore the region of Cappadocia , famous for the cave dwellings and great wines. Kayseri is a good base in the area but make sure to book the accommodation in advance.

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May is already par of the high tourist season so expect high prices and crowds. You can head to the beaches and enjoy the sun or you can indulge in some sightseeing. And yes, the sights are also crowded.

Weather

Although still part of spring, May brings almost perfect weather in Turkey. The days are long and sunny and there’s almost no rainfall.

By mid-May the beach tourist season is in full swing on the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Coasts, so expect lovely weather and sunbathing temperatures.

Some sample temperatures

Ankara avg high 20C / avg low 6C
Antalya avg high 25C / avg low 14C
Bursa avg high 22C / avg low 11C
Denizli avg high 25C /avg low 12C
Istanbul avg high 20C / avg low 12C
Izmir avg high 25C / avg low 13C

>>read more about Weather in Turkey

Flights and accommodation

May is probably the most popular month for traveling to Turkey is you are an Independent traveler. So be prepared for crowds and high prices. Make sure to book both your flight and accommodation in advance.

Anticipate crowds if you are heading to the beach resorts, as well. By mid-May the tourist season is in full swing.

What to do

Hıdrellez Festival takes place in early May in Istanbul and celebrates the first day of the “early summer”. It takes place in the Ahırkapı Park where you can enjoy traditional foods and drinks, as well as live performances.

And if you are in Istanbul, don’t miss the sound and lights show that takes place at the Blue Mosque.

Atatürk Remembrance and Youth & Sports Day falls on May 19 and is a national holiday. It commemorates Atatürk’s birthday (1881) and the arrival in Samsun to begin the War of Independence.

Istanbul Conquest Day falls on May 29 and recalls the conquest of the city by the Ottomans from the Byzantines in 1453.

And while you are in Istanbul, make sure to enjoy some of the things to do in Istanbul such as shopping in the Bazaars, visiting the mosques and churches, taking a ferry across the Bosporus and enjoying the Turkish food and sweets.

You can choose Izmir for a longer stay and take the time to visit the near-by ancient city of Ephesus , the hot springs of Pamukkale and plenty other Roman ruins in the area.

Or you can explore the region of Cappadocia , with its famous cave dwellings and great wines. Kayseri is a good base in the area.

Head to the beaches located on the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Coasts. By now , the weather is lovely to allow for sunbathing and swimming. But do expect crowds.

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Spring is definitely one of the best times to visit Turkey. The climate is perfect for sightseeing in Istanbul and on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Aside from the mountains, where it’s still cold, you can enjoy a lovely vacation in any part of Turkey in April.

Weather

Spring in Turkey means the weather is quite unpredictable. You may experience lovely warm days with sunshine, but you might also experience rain fall. Or a combination of the two. But regardless of the weather, the scenery is magnificent, with wild flowers and cherry blossoms in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Central Anatolian regions.

It’s almost possible to swim in the waters of the Aegean and the Mediterranean and by the end of the month you’ll be able to enjoy sun bathing and swimming, for sure. If you head to the mountains, it’s still cold there, while the southeast is quite pleasant now.

Some sample temperatures

Ankara avg high 15C / avg low 3C
Antalya avg high 21C / avg low 10C
Bursa avg high 18C / avg low 7C
Denizli avg high 20C /avg low 8C
Istanbul avg high 15C / avg low 8C
Izmir avg high 20C / avg low 10C

>>read more about Weather in Turkey

Flights and accommodation

With the exception of Istanbul, Turkey doesn’t have a winter tourist season per se. But most accommodation on the shores is closed until late April.

If you plan to head to the resorts on the Aegean or Mediterranean shores, now it’s a lovely time to do so because the flights are cheap and the accommodation is affordable too.

Should you plan to visit Istanbul, the accommodation prices are higher due to the Tulip Festival. Book the hostel bed or hotel room in advance.

What to do

Head to Istanbul for the Tulip Festival. Three million tulips and a variety of colors provide plenty of ideas for taking photos and enjoying nature at its best. But, be aware that the hostels and hotels are fully booked and the prices are at their highest.

And while you are in Istanbul, make sure to enjoy some sightseeing. Some of the things to do in Istanbul include: shopping in the Bazaars, visiting the mosques , taking a ferry across the Bosporus and enjoying the Turkish food.

National Sovereignty Day is on April 23 and is an important holiday in Turkey. It also marks Children’s Day and an international children’s festival takes place in Ankara.

ANZAC Day is on April 25 and remembers the 500,000 men who died or were wounded here during World War I. Services take place in Gallipoli.

April is a good choice for a vacation on the shores of the Aegean or Mediterranean. By the end of the month it’s possible to swim. And thankfully, the resorts aren’t crowded yet.

You can set your base in Izmir, which is served by an airport handling both domestic and international flights, and visit the ancient city of Ephesus , the hot springs of Pamukkale and plenty other Roman ruins in the area.

Or you can set your base in Kayseri, also served by an airport, and explore the region of Cappadocia , with its famous cave dwellings and great wines.

Photo credit : Antalya beach in April , Istanbul Tulip Festival

Sultanahmet is the Old City of Istanbul . It is the oldest part of the city and where you’ll find most of the historical sights. Sultanahmet is a peninsula and is what used to be known as Constantinopole. This is where you’ll find Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) , as well as a variety of museums, hamams and parks.

Accommodation is found generally around Sultanahment. Cankurtaran is the neighborhood, just south of Sultanahmet Street, where you can find plenty of hostels and hotels . But you can also find decent priced hotels right in Sultanahmet.

History Hotel

The 2-star hotel is located right by the City Hall and relatively close to Saraçhane Park. It is located about 2.8 km from Sultanahmet. All rooms have free wi-fi, flat screen TV , minibar and safe. Buffet breakfast is included in the room price. It is located close to a metro station, the bus terminal and a tram station.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €60 per night in a standard double or twin room.

The Newport Hotel

This is another 2 star hotel located relatively close to the Grand Bazaar (and about ½ mile from Sultanahmet). All rooms have free wi-fi, minibar and AC. The restaurant serves Turkish specialties and there’s a bar in the lobby as well. The nearest bus station is about 5 min walk away. The buffet breakfast is included in the room price.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €65 per night in a double room.

Santa Sophia Hotel

This 2-star hotel is located right in historical center of Istanbul. The Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Topkapi Palace are within walking distance. All rooms have free wi-fi , TV and private bathrooms. Buffet breakfast is included in the room price. The rooftop terrace has superb views of the sea. The restaurant serves both international and Turkish dishes. There are bus and tram stops close to the hotel.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €49 per night in a double room.

Faros Hotel Sirkeci

This hotel is located very close to Topkapı Palace , just behind Gülhane Park. All room have free wi-fi , private bathroom and tea/coffee making facilities. The restaurant specializes in Italian fare but also serves Turkish food. The buffet breakfast is included in the room price. The train and tram stations are located near-by.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €119 per night in a double room.

Golden Crown Hotel

The 3-star hotel is located in the heart of historic Istanbul , a short walk from Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The tram station is also near-by. Buffet breakfast is included in the room price. Free wi-fi is available in the hotel.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €50 per night in a standard double or twin room.

Erboy Hotel

The 3-star hotel offer a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. Topkapı Palace is located close by and the hotel offers an airport shuttle. Buffet breakfast is included in the room price. All rooms have AC, TV, private bathrooms and free wi-fi. The restaurant serves traditional Turkish food and drinks.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €52 per night (discounted) in a double room.

Grand Liza Hotel

The 3-star hotel is located close to the Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque is within 15 min walk. It features a restaurant with panoramic views of the Bosporus. All rooms have AC, TV and free wi-fi. Some rooms have a view of the Marmara Sea. Buffet breakfast is included in the room price.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €40 per night in a double room.

Grand Asiyan Hotel

The 3-star hotel is located about 15 min from Sultanahmet. It features an indoor pool and an onsite hamam. All rooms have TV, AC, private bathrooms and free wi-fi. Breakfast in included in the room price. The metro and tram stations are located near-by.

In early March 2012, expect to pay €100 per night in a standard double or twin room.

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Istanbul served as capital for four empires and now is one of the biggest European cities, filled with history and a lot of places to visit. It is the only city in the world located on two continents.

Of course it’s impossible to see and do everything on your vacation in Istanbul…and even if you plan to stay for longer, you’ll still have a difficult time exploring everything the city has to offer. So, we’ve put together a list of things to do and places to visit while in Istanbul.

Learn history at Haghia Sofia

First a Byzantine church, then an Ottoman mosque and now a museum…that’s , in short, the history of Haghia Sofia, probably the best well known landmark in Istanbul. While the outside is shabby, the interior is breathtaking, particularly the mosaics.

Explore the Topkapı Palace

It was the seat of the Ottoman power for about 400 years and now is a place you should explore while in Istanbul. Allow ½ day for this visit (at least). It is located behind Haghia Sophia.

Visit the Church of St Saviour (or the Kariye Mosque)

Usually left outside the tourist track , this church is only second to Haghia Sofia. The church was built in the 11th century and the mosaics and frescoes were remodeled in the 14th century. It contains works which are the most important surviving examples of Byzantine art in the world.

Visit the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet

Known as the Blue Mosque, the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet is one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul. Located opposite Haghia Sofia , it is an actual working mosque, so you’ll hear the call to prayer five times a day. Visitors can only enter during non-worship hours.

Haggle at the Grand Bazaar

Come prepared with a notepad , a calculator and plenty of time …for looking around and haggling. Sure, you can find pretty much anything you want, but you might want to look for jackets handbags and purses…or jewelry.

Ferry across the Bosporus

Board the ferry from the terminal adjacent to the Galata Bridge and cruise the Bosporus. You’ll pass beneath Bosporus Bridge and see lovely sights along the way, such as the Ortaköy Mosque and the Rumeli Hisari fortress.

Explore the city walls…on foot

Spanning for 6.5 km, the old city walls are the largest Byzantine structure that survives in modern Istanbul. Sure, it has been restored in some places, but the structure is still magnificent and worth your time.

Have a coffee or a meal under Galata Bridge

Well, it’s not technically “under” the bridge but the lower deck houses plenty of restaurants , bars and tea-houses. So you can enjoy a meal with a lovely view of both sides of the city.

Enjoy the sweets

Don’t worry, with all the walking you’ll do, the calories won’t ruin your weight. But make sure not to avoid the Egyptian Bazaar as this is where you’ll find some of the best lokum (Turkish delight) and other sweets in Istanbul, such as the baklava. And since you are in the Egyptian Bazaar, you might want to shop for some spices, as well.

Try the traditional Ottoman cuisine

If you don’t care much for the sweets, you can also enjoy the traditional Ottoman cuisine, which is not about the kebabs, by the way. Expect fruits and meat combos, or dishes with a Mediterranean feel.

>>read more about A culinary Incursion in Turkey

Relax at the Hamams

The Turkish baths, also known as Hamams, are a place to…relax. Try the entire “menu”…don’t worry, you don’t need to stay naked in front of the opposite sex (check the hours ; the hamamas are open on different hours for men and women). You’ll feel refresh and ready to tackle the world.

Try the narghile

You might know it as the hookah, but it’s the same thing. No, we are not telling you to start smoking, but trying the narghile is a fun way to experience the traditions in Istanbul. After all, locals have been using it since the 17th century.

Take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands

Located off Istanbul’s Asian Shore, they are the place where the non-Muslim elite built their summer palaces. Visit the churches or just soak up the atmosphere. Or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. If the budget doesn’t allow for splurges, you can rent a bike and tour the islands.

Photo credits: Haghia Sofia , Topkapı Palace , Kariye Mosque , Blue Mosque , Grand Bazaar , Ferry , City Walls , Galata Bridge café , Lokum , Food , Garden of a Turkish bath , Hookah , Princes’ Islands

Cappadocia, located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, is best known for its moon-like landscape, underground cities, houses carved in the rock and churches in the caves. There are seven cities in Cappadocia; Nevsehir is the capital of the region.

Quick summary

Flying is the quickest and cheapest way to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Fly from Istanbul Sabiha (SAW) to Kayseri as the rates are really low. You can also choose to travel by train to Kayseri. Once in Kayseri, take a bus to Goreme or other cities in the area.

Flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia

There are two airports which you can use to fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia:

• Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) in Kayseri
• Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)

From Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) there are non-stop flights to Kayseri operated by Turkish Airlines. The flight time is 1h 25 min and the one way ticket is €231 per person. From Istanbul Sabiha (SAW) you can fly on the low-cost carrier Pegasus to Kayseri and the one way ticket is only €28 per person (same flight time).

Flights from Istanbul Ataturk (IST) to Nevsehir start on €231 per person, one way, and a run by Turkish Airlines. The flight time is 1h 15 min. Unfortunately there are no flights from Istanbul Sabiha (SAW) to Nevsehir.

>>read more about Cheap Flights to Istanbul

Buses from Istanbul to Cappadocia

Most bus companies offer connections from Istanbul to both Nevsehir and Göreme. The travel time is 12 hours. The one way adult ticket is TL 50 (about US$33).

>>read more about Bus travel in Turkey

Trains from Istanbul to Cappadocia

Taking the sleeper train from Istanbul to Ankara, Konya or Kayseri and then a short bus ride to Goreme is a very good option. You can sleep during the night and then have breakfast in the morning, before continuing by bus. Alternatively, you can rent a car from Ankara, Konya or Kayseri. Kayseri is the closest to Goreme (just 70 km).

The ticket from Istanbul to Kayseri is TL 50 (about US$33) per person, one way, sleeper. It’s slightly more expensive to travel to Konya (TL 78 , about US$52 per person, one way, sleeper).

>>read more about Train travel in Turkey

Driving from Istanbul to Cappadocia

This is a long drive – 741 km / 9 h 40 min – and it only makes sense if you share the cost of car rental and fuel. Don’t forget to account for the road toll as well. Should you choose to drive to Cappadocia from Istanbul, do plan some stops along the way or switch drivers.

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Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey, located on the Central Aegean coast. It is the second busiest port in the country and a major transportation hub. Getting between Istanbul and Izmir is not hard at all but choosing the means of transport depends on your time and budget.

Quick summary

The cheapest and quickest way to travel between Istanbul and Izmir is by plane. Low cost carriers connect the two travel hubs making flights very affordable (from €21 per person, one way). It’s just as cheap to travel by train and ferry, but the travel time is 8 hours.

Flights from Istanbul to Izmir

It is possible to book a direct flight from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) into Izmir. Onu Air offers from flights from €27 per person, one way, while if you choose to fly on Atlas Jet the price is €30 per person, one way. The travel time is an hour.

You can also fly from the second airport in Istanbul – Sabiha (SAW) – to Izmir on Pegasus. The prices start at €21 per person, one way. The travel time is also an hour.

>>read more about Flights to Istanbul

Trains and ferries from Istanbul to Izmir

Izmir is served by two railway stations. Alsancak station is used for the commuter and local routes. There aren’t direct trains from Istanbul to Izmir. You have to change and take a ferry at Bandirma. It takes 2 hours to get from Istanbul to Bandirma by fast ferry; the train to Izmir from Bandirma takes 6 hours. A combined ticket is YTL 32 (about US$22) one way.

Another option is to travel via Eskisehir only by train. The total travel time is 8 hours (except the time you’ll wait for the connecting train in Eskisehir).

>>read more about Train travel in Turkey

Buses from Istanbul to Izmir

Buses between Istanbul and Izmir take 9-10 hours. Regular stops for toilets are made. Travelers are provided with hot drinks, water and snacks, included in the ticket price.

>>read more about Bus travel in Turkey

Driving from Istanbul to Izmir

If you want to explore Turkey at your own pace, consider renting a car and driving between the two cities. The driving distance is 564 km and the travel time is almost 8 h and 30 min.

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Buses in Turkey are a cheap way to get around. And they are usually faster than trains. But do you really want to be stuck in a bus for 12 hours, without being able to move at all? The alternative is the inexpensive, civilized, air conditioned, but , sometimes, slower train. You can also choose a sleeper for over night travel and there are restaurant cars for your meals. Plus, you have quite a bit of space to move around.

How to get to Turkey by train

There are direct connections from Romania and Bulgaria on the Balkan Express. You can also get to Turkey by train from Greece on the Filia-Dostluk Express and from Iran on the Trans-Asya Ekspresi. There are also daily connections to Budapest (Hungary) via Bucharest (Romania).

Domestic train travel in Turkey

The best trains in Turkey are now modern and are excellent choices for long distance travel. However, it is true that the rail network is limited, so you’ll have to use the bus where you cannot take the train and for the short distances.

There is a high speed service between Istanbul and Ankara, which drastically reduces the travel time (by 2013 it’s expected to take this journey in just 3 hours, beating both the plane and the bus). Istanbul is also connected to Izmir, Bursa, Bodrum, Eastern Turkey and cities in Cappadocia; while Ankara is also connected to Izmir, Adana, Konya and Eastern Turkey. There are no train services to Antalya, Marmaris, and Alanya, so to get to these cities you need to combine train and bus travel.

How to get tickets online

The TCDD website https://www.tcdd.gov.tr/ offers the possibility to book the tickets online , but you’ll need to create a user/password before you actually book the ticket. Remember to print out the reservation.

Alternatively, you can get the tickets directly from the train station. If you travel during the high season, chances are that the sleepers are already full; but otherwise you should be able to book a seat several days before departure.

InterRail and Rail Europe

Rail Europe doesn’t offer point-to-point tickets for Turkey, but you can get a Balkans Pass which also offers the possibility to travel in Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Romania.

On the other hand, InterRail has the Turkey Pass which allows for travel on all trains operated by TCDD.

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There are plenty of low-cost airlines flying into Turkey and just as many connecting the Turkish cities, so it’s fast and quite affordable to travel to/from Turkey as well as within the country by plane.

However, if you are on a tight budget, bus travel makes an excellent alternative. There are plenty of buses and dolmus offers connections even to the off the places which are located off the beaten bath.

The bus network in Turkey is excellent, with long haul buses equipped with air conditioning. However, don’t expect to find too many luxury buses, as most are economy-type but the services are good. The motorways are well maintained, but the further you get from them, the worse the roads tend to be.

Getting to/from Turkey by Bus – From Another Country

The cheapest way to get to/from Turkey and another country is by bus. It’s cheaper and faster than trains.

Romania, Bulgaria and Greece

There are direct buses to Turkey from Bucharest and Constanta every day. Romania also offers the possibility to travel further west , offering the link to Central and Western Europe. There are also direct connections from Sofia (Bulgaria) and Athens (Greece) via Thessaloniki. Smaller bus carriers offer links to other cities in the Balkans, as well.

Iran

There are direct buses from Teheran to both Ankara and Istanbul. The travel time is about 48 h.

Syria

There are buses from Aleppo to Antakya and the travel time is only 3 h. If you need to get to Istanbul, there are direct flights from Damascus.

Getting around Turkey by Bus – from one city to another

Buses are excellent choices to get around Turkey. There is an extensive network covering the Turkish cities. The service is generally good and you need to reserve the seat. Buses are often crowded.

As a rule of thumb, the further east you travel, the less frequent the bus service will be. But even if you travel very far from Istanbul or Izmir, you’ll still be able to find a connection.

Generally, if you can choose from more operators, a bus capable of carry more passengers will offer more leg room. There are also the dolmus, which are minibuses, and they are definitely not as comfortable as the buses. However, the dolmus typically cover small distances (such as from the periphery of a major city to the centre or within a city).

Don’t be surprised to see that you are dropped off somewhere on the ring road. Sometimes, the bus companies also offer a bus to take you to the city center, but in other cases you’ll have to use the public transport to get where you need to.

Getting around Turkey by Bus – within a city

In Ankara, there is an extensive bus network service (350 different lines). In Antalya, the buses also connect all parts of the city. The fares are low and there is even AC in the buses. The city of Izmir also has an extensive bus network. In Bodrum, the dolmus is the best way to get around the city.

In the capital of Istanbul, there are both public and private buses. They run from 6 a.m. until midnight, with limited service after 10 p.m. There are also 24 hours lines which connect the city to the airports. Some areas of the city aren’t covered by buses, so you’ll use the tram or metro if you need to get to Sultanahmet and Taksim areas.

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