Turkish Republic

Ministry of Tourism

Tours in Turkey

Map of Turkey

For an unforgettable holiday that is both different and special, Turkey is a favorite in any tourists travel itinerary. Surrounded by sea on three sides the five thousand mile coastline delivers on the promise of a sun soaked holiday a far cry from the stress and strain of the daily grind. Beautiful throughout the year, the months from April to October however are the best time for a visit to Turkey.

If one can pull oneself away from the endless joys of frolicking in the sun drenched waves a gastronomical spread of delicious Turkish cuisine awaits the most discerning palate. After enjoying the meze-a meal of many tiny offerings of local dishes, followed by the unique red or white Turkish wine the sumptuous meal is usually concluded with the irresistible naturally flavored deserts that follow.

Turkey however is much more than a hospitable naturalist's haven, as it also offers knowledge hungry tourists a taste of a bygone era. Steeped in history, tourism in Turkey has much to offer on the historical front too. Spanning ten thousand years with the traces of thirteen successive civilizations makes it an intriguing mix of both European modernity and Middle eastern mystique.

Holiday makers in Turkey find to their delight a city of contrasts ranging from modern skyscrapers to minarets of ancient mosques.

Luxurious malls alongside bazaars selling locally grown exotic produce has a visitor to Turkey enjoying the best of the western world co-existing effortlessly with the past. A stroll through legendary landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia or the crusader castles in the southern coastal towns of Bodrum and Alanya are a history buffs delight.

The tourist who thinks that Turkey is known for its largely Moslem history is in for a surprise if a journey along the footsteps of Saint Paul is also taken. This early Christian saint born in Tarsus, reveals the travails of spreading the Christian gospel in areas which make up the history of modern Turkey.

Tourists who feel their visit in Turkey is complete once they have had their memorable walk down history, often wish to return as they sense that there is so much left to learn of this land, which had countless battles fought to get a piece of the rich culture it still retains.

The straddling of two continents has meant that Turkey has always offered the world a unique mixture of both Western and Eastern culture. The country has a powerful cultural, economic, and historical presence, in its region of the world. And, currently often serves as a gateway between the western European Union, eastern Central Asia, northern Russia, and southern Middle East.

Source: BigLoveTurkey.com