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Turkey

Turkey Overview

From the vibrant city of Istanbul with its legendary Hagia Sophia mosque to the outstanding archaeological site of Ephesus, and not forgetting its awe-inspiring landscapes – Turkey is a country everyone should have on their bucket list. Here, you’ll encounter delicious cuisine, with local ingredients perfectly enhanced by spices that hint at the country’s history; you’ll discover stories at iconic sites, where Roman monuments have stood the test of time; and you will be enchanted by diverse scenery. For the garden lovers among us, the endemic flora is a delight. In Turkey, you’ll come across Manisa tulips, which gave their name to a period of the Ottoman Empire, and can also visit Kazdagi National Park, which is home to 68 rare plants special to this destination in particular.

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Country Information - Turkey

  • Visa: For British citizens, travel to Turkey for up to 90 days is permitted without a visa in any 180-day period. The Turkish government advises all visitors should ensure their passports are valid for at least six months from the day they enter the country. For American citizens who wish to visit Turkey for less than 90 days, an e-visa for Turkey must be obtained, which can be done online.

  • Currency: In Turkey, the currency used is the Turkish Lira. ATMs are widely found, and this currency is easy to obtain from any exchange bureau.

  • Packing advice: The country’s geographical position makes it tricky to define its climate in general, but winters can get down to single figures and summers can be hot, typically peaking at around 30 degrees Celsius. Due to this, it’s advisable to pack layered clothing, especially in order to shade your skin from the sun where necessary. Also, dress modestly while visiting mosques or religious centres.

  • Cultural differences: It’s important to note that it’s illegal not to carry photographic ID in Turkey, so do bear this in mind while preparing your bag for each day of the tour. Where photography is concerned, it is always wise to ask permission before photographing people and never take pictures of military installations.

  • Language: The official language is Turkish, but it’s common to find that many people will have a good standard of English – especially in the country’s more prominent cities.

  • Tipping: It is generally expected to tip in Turkey, but the amount can differ depending on the situation and service provided. A good rule of thumb is to tip around 10% of the total.

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