Destination Overview
Turkey
Turkey – just the name itself conjures up visions of oriental splendour, mystery, and intrigue. Turkey is one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations. The rectangular shaped country is surrounded on three sides by three different seas. Its shores are laced with beaches, bays, coves, ports, islands, and peninsulas. Turkey is also blessed with majestic mountains and valleys, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and grottoes perfect for winter and summer tourism and sports of all kinds.
Capital
Ankara
Time
GMT + 3
Language
Turkish
Religion
Islam
International Airports
Istanbul, Antalya, Alanya, Izmir, Kayseri
Weather
Because of Turkey's geographical conditions, one can not speak about a general overall climate. In Istanbul and around the sea of Marmara the climate is moderate. Winter is from December til March and during this period the average temperature is 4 degrees Celsius. Summer is from June til September with on average 27 degrees Celsius. In Western Turkey there is a mild Mediterranean climate with average maximum temperature of 9°C in winter and 29°C in summer. On the southern coast you will experience the same climate.
Top Highlights
- Walk from one continent to the other while crossing the bridge in Istanbul.
- Travel back in time and discover Istanbul with an American vintage car.
- Stroll through the city of Bodrum which was dubbed as ‘Turkey’s St. Tropez.
- Riding a hot air balloon during sunrise over the epic landscape of Cappadocia.
- Encounter a rarely found beauty at lake Tortum with its 47 meter high waterfalls.
- See stunning untouched bays, swim in the cleanest water and finish the day with a dinner in Bordum.
About Portugal
Portugal occupies the edge of the Iberian Peninsula; its frontiers are the Atlantic Ocean and Spain. A small country with just over 10 million inhabitants, some of its main economic activities is tourism. The islands, Madeira and Porto Santo and the Azores, are part of the Portuguese territory but with an autonomous parliament and government. Tourism is also one of their main activities, along with agriculture and fishing. Independent since 1143, Portugal is one of the oldest independent countries in Europe, it was a monarchy until 1910 when it became a republic.
Food and Wine
The Portuguese love their food and even more so, their wine! From north to south the variety is huge, the north prefers their strong meats and stews accompanied by full bodied red wines from some of the 250 native grape varieties, or a salted cod baked in the oven paired with a reserve white. The coast offers such an array of fresh fish and shellfish, grilled on charcoal accompanied by a cool Vinho Verde. The south is the land of garlic, olive oil, and acorn fed black pigs. The Algarve goes Mediterranean with its oranges, figs, almonds that taste so good in the local traditional sweets.
Nature
Portugal is surprisingly varied in nature, considering how small the country is. From the craters of the old volcanoes in the Azores, turned into beautiful colourful lagoons, to the ravishing tropical vegetation and breath- taking cliffs of Madeira island, the vineyards of the Douro Valley, or the endless plaines of Alentejo just after the highest mountain in the country with its pure springs of water, until we get to the caves of the Algarve, in between the long white sand beaches and sand islands where the birds build their nests when fleeing from the cold weather of norther Europe.
Portugal Journeys
Turkeys Top Destinations
Istanbul
The one and only crossroads of Eastern and Western culture, it unites hidden history as the capital of three Empires, world-famous Turkish cuisine, Ottoman style Shopping (Grand Bazaar & Spice Market), and a world-renowned nightlife.
Bodrum
Considered as the “St. Tropez of Turkey” the city has gained the reputation as the centre of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries.
Kuşadasi
With the ruined city of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO world heritage site. Kusadasi is known for its lively downtown, rich history, fun night life, broad sandy beaches, and top class restaurants. The nearby humble village of Şirince is famed for local fruit wines.
Cappadocia
The land of beautiful horses, unique accommodation opportunities in cave hotels, well-known local wines, famed as carpet-weaving and known for hot-air balloon experiences over the fairy chimneys.
Bursa
The first capital of the Ottoman Empire. It is well known for thermal baths in and around the city but also homeland to the very famous Turkish folklore shadow puppet show. The nearby Uldudag is the largest and most celebrated winter-sports and skiing centre in Turkey.
Erzurum
Where one can find world-class ski resorts, shopping-centre-lined streets, but also Lake Tortum just around the corner. Discover the “Oltu” stone, a specific semi-precious local black stone carved in the area from which various forms of jewellery and rosary beads are made of.
Antalya
A world-renowned rock-climbing spot with impressive waterfalls, a fascinating theme park consisting of adventure park and aqua park, rafting and jeep safari opportunities, and the mysteries of the sunken city.
Çanakkale
The area around the Dardanelles is full of history, both ancient and modern. It has always been a crossing point of invading armies for centuries, the legendary story of the Trojan wars took place here but also the Battle of Çanakkale during the 1st World War.
Denizli
The natural healing hidden in Anatolia. The region varies from the World-famous Pamukkale travertines to thermal springs, and is protected by the UNESCO.
