Turkey spans across two continents and is surrounded by seas on three sides; there is the Aegean Sea on the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Black Sea to the north. Turkey has a rich history and its previous occupants include Hittite tribes, Romans, Persians, Lycians, and Phrygians. Its rich history left Turkey with plentiful historic sites and archaeological wonders throughout the country. These sites include the Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, hidden cave churches in Cappadocia, Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and palaces.
Tourism
What to see
Gallipoli Peninsula
Topkapı Sarayı
Selçuk
Galata Dervish House
Mausoleum of Mausolus
Spice Bazaar
Castle of St. John
Rüstem Paşa Mosque
Lycian tombs
Hagia Sophia
Safranbolu
Basilica Cistern
Mevlana Tekkesi
Cappadocia
Turkish and Islamic Art Museum
Sumela Monastery
Grand Bazaar
Bosporus Boat Tour
Archeological Museum Complex
Yıldız Palace and Park
General Info
Istanbul is seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time (GMT +2) and the currency used is the New Turkish Lira. Public transport in Turkey is very reliable and clean. It includes a metro, trains, trams, buses, shared vans, and water ferries. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Sightseeing is best experience on foot, and to save your precious little feet from the steep hills, cobbled lanes, and uneven pavements, you are best off wearing sturdy footwear.
Weather
The area of Turkey that borders the Mediterranean Sea has mild Mediterranean weather. Here the summers are dry with cold and wet winters. Moving towards the interior of the country, the weather changes and you experience distinct seasons. Winters are extremely cold with temperatures as low as -40°C and snow falls 3 months of the year. In the west of the country, summers are hot and dry (30°C) with cold winters (1°C). In general, May is the wettest month of the year with July and August being the driest.
