Turkey
Your Turkish Delight Awaits
Welcome to an Unforgettable Adventure!
Where East Meets West and Ancient Wonders Meet Azure Seas
Get ready to be enchanted! Turkey (now officially known as Türkiye) is a country that truly has it all. It’s a mesmerising blend of cultures, a place where you can wander through the bustling, spice-scented bazaars of a city that straddles two continents in the morning, and be relaxing on a sun-drenched Mediterranean beach by the afternoon. This is a land of incredible history, legendary hospitality, and some of the most beautiful coastlines you will ever see.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the warmth of the Turkish people, the delicious aromas of sizzling kebabs, and a vibrant energy that’s simply infectious. Here at Global Travel Solutions, we absolutely love Turkey for its amazing diversity and fantastic value. Whether you’re a history buff, a sun-worshipper, or a foodie, your perfect holiday is waiting.
Important Information
Flight Time
A holiday in the sun is just a short flight away! Flying from the UK to the popular coastal resorts or to the magnificent city of Istanbul typically takes around 4 hours.
Transportation
Turkey is a big country, but it’s incredibly easy to explore. For connecting the epic scale of Istanbul with the beautiful coast, internal flights are frequent and surprisingly cheap.
Currency
The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY or ₺). While you’ll find that Euros are widely accepted in many tourist areas, you will often get a better deal paying in Lira.
Languages
The official language is Turkish. In all the holiday resorts, hotels, and main attractions, you will find that English is widely spoken, making it very easy to get by.
Warm Weather & Bright Skies?
Turkey is famous for its glorious sunshine!
May, June, September & October: This is the sweet spot. You can expect endless blue skies, beautifully warm seas, and perfect temperatures for both sunbathing and sightseeing.
July & August: This is peak summer. It’s hot, hot, hot and the resorts are buzzing with a fantastic energy. This is the time for serious sun-worshippers!
April & Late October: A lovely time for exploring historical sites without the crowds, though the sea can be a little brisk for some.
Top Places to Visit
Istanbul: The City of Two Continents
Prepare to be amazed by Istanbul, a dazzling whirlwind of history and culture. This is the only city in the world that sits in both Europe and Asia! Lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar, marvel at the shimmering tiles of the Blue Mosque, stand in awe under the colossal dome of the Hagia Sophia, and uncover the secrets of the sultans at Topkapi Palace. It’s a city that will ignite all your senses.
Ölüdeniz: The Famous Blue Lagoon
Home to one of the most photographed beaches in the world, Ölüdeniz is pure paradise. The Blue Lagoon is a breathtaking swatch of calm, turquoise water sheltered from the main beach, and it's a sight you'll never forget. For the ultimate thrill, take a tandem paragliding flight from the top of the towering Mount Babadağ for a bird's-eye view of this incredible natural wonder. It’s simply spectacular!
Marmaris: The Buzzing Turquoise Coast
If you’re looking for sun, sea, and a fantastic atmosphere, Marmaris is the place to be. This vibrant resort is set on a stunning bay, with a long sandy beach and a beautiful promenade that’s perfect for an evening stroll. By day, enjoy thrilling watersports or take a boat trip to a hidden cove; by night, enjoy a delicious meal at the glamorous marina or dive into the lively nightlife on the famous 'Bar Street'.
Antalya: The All-Inclusive Riviera
Antalya is the gateway to Turkey’s glamorous Mediterranean coast, famous for its incredible strip of luxurious, five-star, all-inclusive hotels at Lara Beach. It’s the perfect destination for a truly hassle-free holiday where everything is taken care of. For a touch of culture, explore Antalya’s charming old town (Kaleiçi) with its cobbled streets and Roman harbour.
Things to Do in Turkey
Take a Traditional Turkish Bath (Hammam)
For a truly authentic and rejuvenating experience, visit a hammam. It’s a traditional steam bath that involves a session in a hot room, an invigorating scrub, and a wonderful massage with olive oil soap bubbles. You will leave feeling cleaner and more relaxed than ever before!
Enjoy a Proper Turkish Breakfast
Forget a quick slice of toast – a Turkish breakfast ('kahvaltı') is a delicious feast to be savoured. A typical spread includes a variety of cheeses, olives, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, honey, jams, eggs, cured meats, and fresh bread, all washed down with endless glasses of Turkish tea.
Sail the Seas on a Gület Cruise
No trip to the Turkish coast is complete without a day on the water. Hop aboard a traditional wooden boat, known as a gület, and sail across the sparkling turquoise sea. Your captain will drop anchor in several beautiful, secluded bays where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water before enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch cooked on board.
Get Lost in the Grand Bazaar
A visit to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is an experience in itself. It's one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, a chaotic and colourful maze of over 4,000 shops. It's the perfect place to practise your friendly haggling skills and pick up beautiful souvenirs like mosaic lanterns, hand-painted ceramics, and of course, boxes of sweet Turkish delight.
Your Turkish Adventure is Calling
Ready to discover a world of delight?
Turkey offers the perfect holiday combination: a chance to delve into world-changing history and a place to relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. When you add in the mouth-watering food, the famously warm hospitality, and the incredible value for money, you have a destination that’s simply irresistible.
Let us at Global Travel Solutions take care of all the planning. We’ll help you craft the perfect Turkish trip, blending culture and coast to create a holiday full of memories you’ll treasure forever.
