There is no doubt that one visit will not be enough...
Straddling two continents, Europe and Asia, and bordering the volatile Middle East, Turkey has an unrivalled history stretching back thousands of years. Today, the country's archaeological and cultural wonders, and its long Mediterranean coastline, are a Mecca for tourists, attracting millions of European holidaymakers each year.
Among the top draws is Istanbul with its fabulous setting, wealth of historic sights and vibrant cultural life. For the adventurous, the austere beauty of the Anatolian plateau, the surreal eroded landscape of Cappadocia and the atmospheric ruins of the enigmatic Hittites await discovery. Wherever visitors travel in Turkey they are assured a warm welcome.
Local time: GMT/UTC +2 Currency: Turkish lira
Climate: On the coast you will find moderate winter temperatures and hot, humid summers. In the inland you will find extremely cold winters and excessively hot summers. The further east you travel, the more pronounced these climatic extremes become. With snow from December to April and temperatures up to 45°C from July to August, making travel in the east not very comfortable
Language: Turkish but English is widely spoken
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Visiting before mid-June or after August may also help you avoid mosquitoes. The Black Sea coast is best visited between April and September; there will still be rain but not so much of it. Peak season is from July to mid-September, when most Turks take their holidays. The best time to visit eastern Turkey is from late June to September. With the exception of İstanbul, Turkey doesn't really have a winter tourism season. Don't plan to venture east before May or after mid-October unless you're prepared for snow. Try to avoid travelling during Kurban Bayramı, Turkey's most popular public holiday
Things to do: Turkey is ideal for all kinds of water sports, Tennis, Golfing, Riding also lovely for lifestyle activities like Shopping, Eating Out and Night-Life
Things to know: It's easy to change major currencies in exchange offices, and many post offices (PTTs), shops and hotels; however, banks may make heavier weather of it. Cashing even major travellers cheques can be a hassle (although post offices in tourist areas are a good bet) and the exchange rate is usually slightly lower. Places that don't charge a commission usually offer a worse exchange rate instead
Insider tip: Visit one of the traditional markets and don`t miss out the “Antalya Cross Rally” in October
