Situated on either side of the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe from Asia, Turkey has a unique charm that leaves you mesmerised. Turkey’s allure is part historical, part fantastical and a lot to do with its natural beauty.
The Ottoman palaces, the whirling dervishes, hot springs and unique rock formations make Turkey a treasure of both Europe and Asia.
By booking a Turkey vacation or choosing one of the customised Turkey tour packages from India designed by the Flying Squirrel Holidays, you can be assured of a safe and wonderful holiday.
Turkey presents you with a varied mix of destinations. While Istanbul is cool urban and yet filled with historical palaces, mosques and museums, the Anatolia world heritage region in central Turkey is strewn with beautiful churches and towering pillars of soft rock pockmarked with humble cave homes and cut by a network of underground cities.
Cappadocia in central Anatolia is a visually striking region with a moon-like rugged landscape that features caves, clefts, pinnacles, “fairy chimneys” and sensuous soft volcanic rocks. It is also one of Anatolia’s prime grape-growing areas because of its mineral-rich soil, and has several beautiful vineyards and wineries.
And finally our favourite place in Turkey has to be Pamukkale. Where else can you swim in hot mineral waters with Roman columns lying underneath you? Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the site also has ancient graves, a museum, and the remains of a theatre.
When in Turkey enjoy a cuisine that has a rich impact of Mediterranean, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, Eastern European food influences. The skewered kebabs grilled over charcoal and drizzled with yogurt is something that shouldn’t be missed.
So, what are you waiting for?
Plan a visit to Turkey with with the help of the Flying Squirrel Holidays.
Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Istanbul’s popular attractions include the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Basilica Cistern, Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Galata Tower and more. Besides history, Istanbul also has a vibrant night life and great cafes. Don’t miss walking down Taksim Square in Beyoğlu in the European part of Istanbul, enjoying the sights and sounds and if you have the time hop on to the famous trams of Istanbul and take a leisurely ride.
One find beautiful villages along the coast of the Black Sea. One finds here the Sumela monastery, which practically hugs the mountains where it was built on. For tea lovers, a town called Rize is a must-visit. This is Turkey’s tea capital, and is dotted with bountiful tea plantations.
The world-famous Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul - originally founded as a cathedral – is now a mosque and one can visit it to admire many beautiful Christian emblems such as mosaics of the Virgin Mary which adorn its soaring golden dome. Hagia Sophia is a popular tourist destination in Turkey and has been part of both the Byzantine and the Ottoman era. This is a UNESCO world heritage site and houses many Byzantine-era artworks and mosaics. The structure emanates a rather mystical aura and is open to visitors of any faith and charges no entrance fee. Marvel at the domes, mosaics, artworks, the sultan tombs, the library plus so much more.
It would take a minimum of half a day to explore the 15th-century palace. With multiple courtyards that are lined with handcrafted tiles and art, to beautifully decorated rooms, there’s much to explore the aesthetics of the palace with. Get a peek into how the Ottoman empire operated. Some of the main attractions include, the Harem, the First to Third Court, the palace kitchens and the imperial council chamber.
Being one of the earliest seven wonders of the world, it was built by the Greek to offer up their prayers to the Greek God Artemis. Even though its history goes way back, it had to be reconstructed repeatedly due to the constant damage over time. Visitors can still see remnants of the temple, mainly its foundations and the marble pieces. Ephesus is walking distance from here, so make sure you don’t miss out the Temple of Ephesus as well.
Experience a performace by the whirling dervishes in Istanbul
Enjoy a hot air balloon in Cappadoccia.
Go for a Black sea cruise.
Shop at the Grand Bazaar.
Sip on coffee along with some pita
Get a platter of desserts such as the baklava or bring boxes home for the family or yourself.
This is also known as the “Sultan Ahmed Mosque”. It was built in the 1600s and has stunning interiors of rich blue tiles. Covered in nearly two hundred pieces of stained-glass windows, carpets covering each square inch and twenty thousand handmade ceramic design tiles, the mosque is a wonder to witness. It also has the largest number of minarets, six to be precise, than any other mosque in the world. Marvel at the geometric wonder and it is best to approach it from the Hippodrome area and even better to see against the vermillion lit sky of a sunset. There is no entrance fee, one should stick to the dress code and take off shoes while entering.
Explore the 4000 odd shops here selling gold, spices, artifacts, antiques, sweets, carpets and other souveneirs. Different corners of the bazaars sell different things, and they are aptly named after the goods being sold. Enjoy some Turkish coffee here at one of the old traditional cafes. The bazaar remains open on all days except for Sundays.
Here is a 10-day sample itinerary for an epic Turkey trip. We can customise this better, depending on your plans and budget.
Day 1
Welcome to Turkey! Arrive in Istanbul, meet with the driver and transfer to the hotel.Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Hippodrome, the scene of ancient chariot races. Next walk down to the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque built in the 17th century by the architect Mehmet, this is known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Explore the Grand Bazaar where there are 4000 shops selling gold jewellery, carpets, Turkish arts and crafts, such as hand-painted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brasware and trays, water ewers, onyxware and meerschaum pipers. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then visit to Topkapi Palace and return to the hotel.Day 3
After breakfast take a boat trip on the Bosphorus and enjoy a view of the Rumeli Fortress (from the sea), the Golden Horn and the city of Istanbul. Later in the afternoon you take a flight and reach Izmir. On arrival, drive to Kusadasi, have diner and rest.Day 4
After breakfast drive to Ephesus drive to Ephesus. Enjoy a guided tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the site of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus. You will also have the chance to experience some Turkish handicrafts and visit the last home of the Virgin Mary. Dine later in the evening at KusadasiDay 5
After breakfast drive from Kusadasi to Pamukkale. Once known as Hierapolis, this area is famous for its healing thermal baths and beautiful snow-white "petrified waterfalls". After lunch visit the magnificently preserved Necropolis, the main street and gates. Pamukkale terraces are made of travertine, a sedimentary rock deposited by water from the hot springs. In this area, there are 17 hot water springs in which the temperature ranges from 35 °C to 100 °C. Next you reach the Denizli bus station, where you take the bus to Antalya.Day 6
After breakfast enjoy a full-day tour to Perge and Aspendos.Day 7
From Antalya, fly to Kayseri.Day 8
You are in Cappadocia where you enjoy a hot air ballon ride. See the "fairy chimneys" and visit the ceramic and tile center to see how the ceramics made by hand. Visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Icons in Cappadocia.Day 9
Spend another day in Cappadocia at leisure.Day 10
Transfer to Kayseri airport. Fly back home via Istanbul.Please email me a copy of the sample itinerary
Cost of a trip depends on destinations you plan to visit, the duration of the stay, the class of travel and accommodation and the inclusions you seek. We have years of experience in conducting European tours. Let us at Flying Squirrel Holidays get the best deal for you.
How can I go to Turkey from India?
It is recommended to take a flight from any of the major airports of India to Turkey.
Is Turkey safe for Indians?
Turkey is considered to be one of the safest destinations to travel to.
How much money do I need for a week in Istanbul?
Prices are susceptible to changes as per the current economic or inflation changes, or with the current state of the pandemic as well. Booking in advance before peak season is advised if you're on a tight budget and if it involves a larger group of people.
Is Turkey visa-free for Indians?
Indians are asked to hold an electronic visa to enter Turkey, so they are asked to preferably apply a month prior to travelling. Make sure the passport is valid for a period of 6 months before travelling.
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