Traveling Around Turkiye

Turkiye is one of the most beautiful holiday destinations, whether you are looking for a warm climate with beautiful oceans and beaches, or want a more active trip with adventures and exploring. There are a ton of things to do in Turkiye, from visiting numerous cultural and historical attractions, to wandering around beautiful landscapes and mountainous areas.

If you are more of an adventure type, you can go canoeing, rafting, paragliding, hiking, cycling. In Cappadocia you can go mountain biking and take part in a hot air balloon excursion. An extensive network of hiking trails extends off the coast of Turkiye and goes all the way inland. Today, we are going to take a closer look at Turkiye, and everything it has to offer to tourists.

Things to Do in Turkiye

Turkiye is a country with a very rich history. Many different civilization has called it home, which is why you will find many different architectural styles, ruins and historical buildings. Besides its rich history, Turkiye also is a very popular tourist destination. Let’s check some of the most popular things to do in Turkiye;

Hagia Sophia

This gigantic building has been standing in Istanbul since the sixth century. It was an Orthodox basilica for almost a thousand years, after which it was converted in a mosque by the Turks. Today, it is a museum and of the absolute highlights of Istanbul.

Pamukkale

The name Pamukkale means ‘Castle of Cotton” in Turkish, which is a perfectly chosen name when you see the place. On a hill in the interior of Turkiye, calcareous water has flown from springs that have created impressive limestone baths. On top of the hill, you will find the ancient spa town of Hirapolis, where you can also swim in the spring.

Cappadocia

The earth pyramids in Cappadocia are an enchanting image. These earth pyramids are made of soft rocks which hardened in the harsh climate of Cappadocia (hot summers, cold winters). Soon, these same rocks were used for building entire cities, both above ground as well as underground. Within these pyramids you will find thousand-year-old houses, kitchens, wineries, churches and more.

What you really need to do when you are in Cappadocia is to take one of the world famous hot air balloon rides. Dozens of hot air balloons, all of which have different colors and patterns, fly through the sky at the same time. It creates almost like a fairytale image, and is an experience like no other.

Nemrut Dağı

The Nemrut Dağı is a 2159 meter high mountain with a burial mound where a shrine and mausoleum have been erected that date back to before our era. Located in Eastern Anatolia in the ancient land of Commagene, the Nemrut Dağı is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a property of exceptional and universal cultural value. The Nemrut Dağı is the highest mountain in the northern Two Rivers region (Mesopotamia). The burial mound on top of the mountain is 50 meters high and is probably where King Antiochus I (69-34 BC) is buried.

Huge stone sculptures stand in front of the burial mound, more than 10 meters high. They are the leftover hulls of gods and animals that have lost their heads due to earthquakes and extreme weather conditions. These heads, which are more than man's height, lie at the foot of the burial mound.

Foods to Try in Turkiye

Turkiye's gastronomy can best be described as a fusion of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Central Asian and Balkan cuisines. Thanks to a varied climate, fertile soils and access to the sea, the country can source most of its ingredients locally. From many variations of delicious kebabs to sweet desserts that melt in your mouth; Turkiye has some delicious dishes to write home about. Here is a selection of typical Turkish dishes that you can try on your next visit:

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  Iskender Kebap: An incredibly popular kebab dish that consists of crispy wafer-thin slices of lamb kebab, draped over a sliced or chopped single Turkish bun (pide) and topped with tomato sauce, yoghurt and melted butter.
• Köfte: Meatballs made from minced beef or lamb and can be eaten as a main course, in a stew, with rice, inside of a warm pita bread, over salads or simply with yoghurt. There are hundreds of different types of Köfte all over Turkiye, all of which are worth a try!
  
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  Baklava: Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, Baklava is one of Turkiye’s most famous and beloved desserts. Layered dough filled with nuts, covered with sweet syrup and topped with crushed pistachios. A must for anyone with a sweet tooth!
• Dolma: The word dolma is of Turkish origin and means “stuffed thing”. Although there are many varieties of dolma, it is usually made of vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of meat and rice. It is a traditional dish that is also popular in neighboring countries.
  

Turkiye Travel Tips

• Turkish is the official language, but English is also generally spoken and understood in the main tourist areas.
• Drinking tap water is not recommended. Most tap water in the larger cities are chlorinated. Drinking bottled water is recommended.
• Buying food from street vendors should be done with caution. Hygiene and freshness are not taken very seriously by such establishments.
• The currency of Turkiye is the Lira. You will easily find exchange offices in many cities in Turkiye.