Turkey
With history at every turn, it is tempting to portray Turkey as a quaint, time-locked country that adheres to tradition, but this is far from the truth.
The modern republic's first leader, Kemal Atatürk, saw that Turkey was reinvented as a modern secular state following the demise of the Ottoman Empire. What you see today is a healthy combination of ancient tradition and contemporary outlook. Modern European ways are tempered by Islam and time-honoured traditions of hospitality.
Rich in Hittite archaeological sites, Greek and Roman ruins, Christian and Moslem history, Turkey's diversity will appeal to all lovers of culture. And the landscapes are utterly unique, too. The Mediterranean coastline is punctuated with well-preserved Greco-Roman cities such as Pergamom and Ephesus, the austere and rugged Anatolian plateau has cave churches hidden away in the improbable fairy chimneys and underground cities of Cappadocia, and the petrified waterfalls of Pamukkale are simply breathtaking.
In addtion Wild Frontiers' walks through the Taurus Mountains, along St Mark's Trail, and jounrey along the eastern borderlands, offer adventure and culture in equal messure, while in Istanbul, still very much the pulse of the nation, you will find both a modern vibrant city and an ancient town with Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques and palaces.
How to book a trip
What to do in Turkey
Explore Old Antalya
Antalya
Antalya has a beautiful old walled city, overlooking the turquoise waters of the eastern Mediterranean. Dating back to pre-Roman times it is made up of a narrow maze of streets, peppered with ancient churches and mosques, and has a picturesque harbour where once Phoenicians galleons moored. Today there are any number of quaint bars and restaurants, offering great views and a perfect place to enjoy an early evening drink.
Shop in the Grand Bazaar
Istanbul
La la la...Istanbul not Constantinople...yes you undoubtedly know the song but you may not know that Istanbul today spans both Europe & Asia both geographically and culturally and is a great place to hunt for bargains. Its Grand Bazaar is just one of the city's many architectural gems dating back to Ottoman times. From spices to jewellery and leather to carpets it is a shopper's paradise and warrants a return visit time and time again. Just be sure to have your very best haggler's hat on (although I'm sure someone will offer to sell you one if you don't!)
Walk St Paul's Trail
Antalya
If you remember your Sunday school classes you might recall how St Paul, a converted Roman officer, eluded capture by setting out from Damascus to enlighten the pagan tribes of Asia Minor. According to legend, having landed in Antalya, he headed north, into the Taurus Mountains and on towards Constantinople. Today, a wonderful walking trail has been 'way-marked' from the coast deep into the interior following his supposed route, taking you through stunning mountain landscapes, past ancient Roman ruins, and into remote local villages. With interesting accommodation along the way, we think this is one of the best walks Europe can offer.
Wander the ruins of Ani
Kars
At the very eastern edge of Turkey's Anatolian plateau opposite the border with Armenia lie the stunning ruins of the Armenian city of Ani. About 1000 years ago, this strategic city had a population of over 100,000 and rivalled Baghdad & Constantinople for beauty & power. Sacked by Genghis Khan in the 13th century and seriously damaged by an earthquake in 14th century, the city has languished for generations, not least when it lay within the 900m exclusion zone around the Soviet Union. Today it is a wonderfully tranquil place that still amazes all who wander in and amongst the remains. One of our favourite places in Turkey, this is a real gem not to be missed.
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Where to stay in Turkey
Antea Hotel
Istanbul
The four star Antea Hotel occupies an outstanding location in the oldest quarter of Istanbul, just minutes walk away...
Arcadia Hotel
Istanbul
Situated in Sultanahmet, at the heart of Istanbul, the hotel Arcadia is just minutes walk from main local attractions...
Hotel Yasmak Sultan
Istanbul
The Yasmak Sultan hotel is situated just a short walk from the Blue Mosque, the spice bazaar and many other enchanting...
Spina Hotel
Istanbul
The Spina is a converted 19th century house featuring a striking wooden exterior with ornate Ottoman and Byzantine...
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Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Turkey Travel Guide
Ankara
The city of Ankara lies in the centre of Anatolia on the eastern edge of the great, high Anatolian Plateau. The city, an important trading, cultural and arts centre in Roman times, and a post on the caravan routes to the east in Ottoman times, had declined in importance by the 19th century. It became an important centre once again when Kemal Ataturk chose it as the base from which to direct the War of Liberation. By consequence of its role in the war and its strategic position, it was declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic on October 13th, 1923. Ankara, whose ancient name is Angora gives the famous wool its name and Angora goats still roam in the neighbouring steppes and hills.
Urgup (Cappadocia)
Cappadocia is a land where nature and man have competed with each other to create the most unusual and the most beautiful natural formations. The morphology of the region was formed by repeated volcanic eruptions around 40-50 million years ago, covering the area with layers of a light rock called tufa and creating a natural 'lunar like' landscape. Over time the elements have eroded this surface rock to create unusual valleys and vast rock sculptures or 'fairy chimneys', which have been incorporated into the building of towns, villages and vast rock mounds. The moon-like terrain of Cappadocia with its endless artwork is a photographer's delight.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a fascinating city, full of colour, mystery and culture. Known as Constantinople when it was the capital of the Eastern Roman and Byzantine Empires, Istanbul was later renamed and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The city spreads out over two continents, Europe and Asia, and is called the Gateway to Asia. It lies on the straights of the Bosphorus, which links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and the Mediterranean.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale was called Hierapolis in ancient times and is located in beautiful surroundings rolling along the edge of the mountains. People are amazed by this natural phenomenon which is known as the petrified waterfalls. Lustrous white calcium formations form what is literally translated as the 'cotton castle'. The calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge have created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The Romans who were always partial to the pleasure and the benefits of bathing, established the spa city of Pammukale . You should not miss the Theatre and the Temple of Apollo, the Museum, Southern Baths, Byzantine Basilica and Church.
Amasya
Amasya, near the Black Sea is one of Turkey's most beautiful cities, located in the narrow cleft of two rocky hills along the banks of the Yeþilýrmak River. It has a history dating back 3000 years and many civilizations have left priceless relics of their cultures. The city also has many architecturally precious buildings, such as the Ottoman houses along the river's edge.
The highlights of Amasya are the Rock Cut Tombs of the Pontic Kings, standing high above the river, the traditional Turkish mansions that have been perfectly restored and the many old fine mosques for example the 13th century Seljuk Burmali Mosque, and the 15th century Yýldýrým Beyazit Mosque complex.
Trabzon (Black Sea)
Turkey's lush, humid and ubiquitously green Black Sea Coast surprises those who imagine the country to be nothing but barren steppes. From Turkey's European frontier with Bulgaria to the Georgian border, along the coastline, mile after mile of beautiful uncrowded beaches offer sun, swimming and relaxation. Throughout the region, fishing villages and mountain hamlets alike preserve their indigenous and traditional wooden architectural styles.The humid climate and fertile soil encourage the cultivation of a variety of produce, including tea, tobacco, corn and hazelnuts. Once called Trapezus, and later Trebizond, the modern town of Trabzon is the major city of the region. It was founded in the 7th century B.C. by Miletian colonists and was the centre of the Comnene Empire established after the fall of Byzantine Istanbul.
Van
Situated in a green, fertile oasis fringed by rocky mountains, Van was the ancient Urartian capital of Tuspa (1000 B.C.). Sitting on the south-eastern shores of Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey and the largest saline lake in the world, mountain silhouettes, coves, beaches, islands, waterfalls and centers belonging to various historical ages are located around the lake. Although its waters are highly alkaline the fish caught in the lake is delicious.
Cappadocia
The name Cappadocia derived from the Old Persian "Katpatuka ". It is an enchanting open-air museum and an unparalleled example of the common cultural heritage of humanity. Centred on the triangle of Nevsehir, Urgup and Avanos, Cappadocia is in the middle of a once active volcanic region. At the time when Anatolia was completing its geographical evolution, these volcanic eruptions were so strong that the lava in some places was up to 100 metres thick. Over many millions of years, volcanoes, wind, rain and ice sculpted what we now know as Cappadocia. As the land eroded, the basalt stones remained and formed conical structures sometimes reaching as high as 45 metres. The local people called these unique rock formations "Fairy Chimneys", a name that has endured throughout the ages. If nature was the first artist to arrange the decor, it was Anatolian man who over the centuries carved the rocks and built houses, churches and over 120 underground cities. The largest of these, Ozkonak, once had a population of 60 thousand. The canyon formed by the Melendiz stream, which has pierced its way through the rocks, is called the Ihlara Valley. In this 14-km long valley there are 105 churches and 4535 houses.
Antalya
Antalya is a walled old city surrounded by modern sprawl. We'll spend the night in the old city, in a reconstructed Ottoman mansion and we'll eat at a traditional restaurant, which serves the typical cuisine of the Black Sea (fish, olive oil and unusual vegetables). In the morning, if you get up early, you can explore the old harbour and narrow maze of streets lined with tumbling wooden and stone houses. Don't get lost!
Egirdir
Egirdir, in Byzantine times called Acrotiri, is built on the only piece of level land facing two islands in the vivid green Lake Egirdir (40 km long!). An ancient castle defended the shore road but the two islands have now been linked to the land with a causeway. The town has some medieval Seljuk buildings including a mosque and madrassa (school) with huge decorated doorways. A harbour with fishing craft, a litter of modern pensions and abandoned Greek mansions complete the picture. On the shore, Turkish commandos have their training camp and, slim and handsome with their camouflage fatigues and blue berets, they fill the cafes and billiard hall. In winter the lake freezes, the wind screams down from Siberia but in summer all is calm and sunny. The ring of mountains reflected in the lake tempts you to climb to upper lands.
Kasimlar
Kasimlar is a village, dragged into modernity by being chosen to host a major secondary school. The teashop, tiny village shops and council offices cluster round a square with a fountain where the old men mumble about bygone days. The young people have mainly fled to the cities. But from the village are magnificent views down the gorge of the Koprulu River which has excavated a huge and unstable V through the soft shale. Light and shade plays on the sheer, blue-grey slopes, distant farmhouse roofs add colour and the river is a trickle of silver at the bottom.
Kasnak Forest
Kasnak is a unique forest, preserved because it shelters a magnificent 600-year-old specimen of the endemic Volcanic Oak. Around this grandfather tree cluster all his seedlings and also, in June, wild peonies in a deep magenta with golden stamens. Wild irises, magnificent cedars, orchids and fritillaries complete the picture. Far below is a dammed lake and, below that, the larger lake of Kovada. It's a long and winding walk down.
Adada
Adada is one place where we're pretty sure St Paul walked. We retrace his footsteps up the beautifully engineered Roman road which curls around the hillside for 2km to the centre of the site. The site is a surprise because, although there is a Christian church, far more in evidence are three neat Imperial Roman temples, almost intact, lined up near the main street. Obviously Christianity and paganism co-existed here. The unusual forum and the theatre have recently been excavated.
How to book a trip
Turkey Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit Turkey. This can be acquired at the port of entry on arrival and are valid for 1 month. A useful tip is to carry a £10 with you as change is not always happily given!
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
If you prefer to obtain your visa prior to departing from the UK you can use a visa company such as:
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road Battersea
London
SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE), and is arranged by Travel & General Insurance Service Limited. Both companies are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Wild Frontiers Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Travel & General Insurance Company plc, details of which can be found at the FSA's website www.fsa.gov.uk.
To contact them please visit their website at www.travel-general.com or call 0845 408
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Turkey, although you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend:
• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• You inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or medication.
To be on the safe side you can also check on www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
