Lying between Europe and Asia Turkey is one of the world’s most popular destinations. It has astonishing landmarks, beautiful sceneries, ancient legacies and is culturally rich. It is one of the best destinations for tours in Turkey with a variety of activities.
Visa
Maltese nationals are visa-exempt if staying less than 3 months in Turkey, however, travellers who are not Maltese nationals can obtain their visa online. Depending on your nationality, the visa may incur a cost.
Time Zone
GMT Time Zone – 1 hour ahead of Malta with a GMT+03:00.
Best time to go on Tours in Turkey
The best time to go on Tours in Turkey is between April to May and from September throughout October, as the weather is warm and pleasant. This time is especially good when exploring cities and trekking in inland places like Cappadocia.
The summer months from June through to September are very hot, with temperatures reaching the mid-30°Cs on the south coast. The summertime makes it an ideal season to visit the coast.
Vaccines
Some vaccines are required to visit Turkey; however, this depends on what you have already taken. Here is a link for more information of what inoculations are required to visit Turkey.
For further guidance and information for Maltese travellers, you can contact the Floriana Health centre on 21 243 314.
Currency
The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. 1 Euro is equivalent to 7.53 Turkish Lira, this may vary according to the currency conversion.
Food
Turkish food has a great number of delicious plates. Turkish food is famous for skewers, doners and kebabs which we are familiar with in Malta but there is a lot more to it.
One of the most famous dishes includes a delicious soup called Corba. The Kumpir which is baked potato and Kofte ‘meatballs’ are also some of the top dishes you may find.
Turkish delight is delicious Turkish desserts made out of a gel of starch and sugar. Usually covered with coconut flakes, pistachio, rose petals, icing sugar and many more.
Top Tours in Turkey by interest
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Nature
Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Turkey. With its natural and unique fairy-like landscapes which are believed to have formed by supervolcano millions of years ago. This offers a unique experience since you can enjoy nature from a different perspective.
Another beautiful nature spot, is the magnificent Duden Waterfalls in Antalya, with its surrounding gardens. It is also a pretty picnic spot. There are two types of waterfalls, the upper Duden waterfalls and the lower Duden waterfalls. They equally offer the beautiful sights of nature in a city.
Beaches, Swimming & Relaxing
Alongside the most popular tours in Turkey, Blue lagoon in Oludeniz is one of the major attractions for swimming. It is a pretty inlet of green waters due to the reflection of the hanging woodland in the background. Here one can swim and can opt to rent a kayak or paddleboat to explore this beautiful area.
One of the best highlights in Turkey is the well-known boat trip to Butterfly Valley which takes you around Oludeniz bays and the valley.
For some relaxation, visit the hot springs in Pummakale. Meaning ‘’cotton castle’’ in Turkish, here you will be able to experience the natural hot springs hanging over the edge over this little town.
Nature & trekking
Explore Cappadocia’s valleys by trekking down the Rose and Red Valley. This hike has many interesting caves to explore, where some of the caves have nicely carved interiors and churches.
Trekking the Ihlara Valley, is surely an enjoyable trek you can visit, with its natural rock formations and stunning landscapes. The best part of the valley is the first 7 kilometres from Ihlara Village until Belisirma Village where you can see most of the churches and natural beauty.
Ölüdeniz Tabiat Parkı, a nature reserve, where nature meets the coast and ruins lie in the area. It is a good area for trekking near the coastline. This trek leads to the inlet of the famous sea the Blue Lagoon where you can easily have a nice fresh dip after the trek.
Sightseeing
There are many exceptional tours in Turkey, one may find the Istanbul Old town as perfect for sightseeing. This is the oldest part of Istanbul and as there is a vast number of tourist attractions one may visit. You may find the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar.
For those travellers who love museums, the underground city and open-air museum in Cappadocia are definitely worth visiting. With its exciting walking trails and mysterious underground cities, paintings and churches.
Kekova is a small Turkish island, it is not only well known for its turquoise sea but also its ancient and mysterious sunken city. You can take a boat trip here which will take you over the beautiful ancient ruins.
Kas is a small fishing, a touristic town which offers beautiful beaches. The main square is a lovely place to hang around and to have a drink at one of the many terraces.
Shopping
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a great place for shopping. It is one of the largest markets in the world. There are several kiosks next to each which sell everything such as crafts, Turkish delights and spices, ceramics, Turkish teas, Kilim rugs, Silver and gold jewellery, hammam soap and many more.
Adrenaline
For those who love to spoil themselves with some adrenaline and outdoor activities, in Turkey you may find canyoning at Kibris Canyon from Kas, White water rafting from Antalya at river Köprüçay and paragliding in Ölüdeniz. There is an adventure for everyone.
Local Living Experiences
For you to get a taste of the local living experiences, the best way is to go to the local Turkish Village to places such as Kirazli, Camlik and Sirince villages. You can stop to taste local food and learn more about their traditions and culture.
Culture
Turkey is a rich culture with a historical past whose culture was influenced by the Eastern Mediterranean, Central Asian region and Eastern European and Caucasian traditions.
Some of these traditions involve daily greetings and common expressions, the evil eye – The Nazar Boncugu, Food – breakfast with bread were some Turks refuse to sit down and eat without it and Turkish Hammam.
Cuisine
Turkish Cuisine includes different stews of meat, primarily beef and lamb and vegetables, together with sourdough bread eaten with almost all meals.
In the winter, Turks mainly eat bread with soup for breakfast.