Holidays in Turkey are an opportunity to explore a magical country full of luxury seaside resorts, white sandy beaches, glittering waters and stunning architecture.
Magnificent world heritage sites are dotted across Turkey and you’re sure to be wowed by the country's cultural riches and natural beauty.
Discover the busy streets of Istanbul where you’ll marvel at the Byzantine churches with their lavish decoration, and at the architectural legacy of the Ottomans.
Treat yourself to the fragrant and spicy local cuisine as the sun sets over one of the world’s greatest skylines, punctuated with countless minarets.
Experience all this and more with a holiday to Turkey with Etihad.
With majestic mountains, sandy beaches, vibrant markets and a great range of luxurious resorts and hotels, Turkey holidays have something for every traveller.
The Ayasofya – or Hagia Sophia – is a stunning 6th-century Byzantine triumph and one of the world’s truly great buildings.
It started life as a cathedral before becoming a mosque during the period of Ottoman rule. It’s now a museum, worth any queue to get inside to gaze at the majesty of its dome and gold mosaics. Don’t miss Topkapi Palace either, built in the 15th century to house the country’s sultans.
Highlights include the harem and the treasury, where you’ll spot legendary diamonds and daggers inlaid with jewels.
A definite highlight for visitors to Istanbul is taking a ferry trip along the city’s legendary river, the Bosphorus.
Stand on deck and join in with the locals – who use the ferry to commute between Europe and Asia – in feeding the seagulls that swirl overhead. The views as you travel are sensational, and possibly the best way to see many of Istanbul’s landmarks.
Look out for the Maiden’s Tower and the quirky wooden mansions that line the river.
Only an hour or so away from Istanbul lies Kilyos, a resort popular with the locals. You can reach it by bus or, even better, take the passenger ferry.
When you arrive, you’ll find soft sand and the waters of the Black Sea. If you swim, make sure it’s in a protected area.
You’ll find the beach is at its quietest during the week. On weekend nights it comes alive with parties, music and dancing.
Turkey’s markets – the bazaars – are chaotic, colourful and fascinating places to explore.
Head to Istanbul’s bazaar city for the Grand Bazaar, a huge warren of streets (over 60 of them) packed with shops, traders and visitors – it’s one of the most visited tourist attractions on the planet.
Drink delicious Turkish tea as you haggle for a bargain – there’s treasure to be found here, as well as pretty trinkets that will make the perfect souvenir from your holiday.
There are some stunning island retreats in Turkey that can be easily explored from Istanbul.
An archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, the Princes’ Islands are little slices of paradise.
Hop on the ferry to Heybeliada and explore verdant greenery and traditional wooden houses that date back to the Ottoman period.
Alternatively, simply soak up the sun beside the crystal-clear waters. Taste the freshest seafood at authentic restaurants and continue your offshore adventure with a day trip to one of the smaller nearby islands.
Lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of Turkey’s biggest city, Istanbul, by staying in the Maltepe District.
Here you’ll be close to Bagdat Street, a lively shopping area with plenty of restaurants too.
Hotel Burgu Arjaan by Rotana is the perfect base for a family holiday in Turkey as all rooms have kitchenettes and there’s both a swimming pool and a kids’ club.
If you're planning a business trip to Turkey then it's worth considering the Centro Westside hotel in Istanbul.
It’s located in the Gunesli area, with numerous exhibition and convention centres close by, as well as shopping malls, plazas and the Basin Express Road.
It boasts multi-purpose rooms for meetings, a well-equipped gym and a large swimming pool ideal for relaxing after a day’s work.
For a luxury Turkey package, look no further than Westside Arjaan by Rotana.
These are deluxe serviced apartments rather than hotel rooms, giving you more space to relax during your stay in Istanbul.
Suites can be one or two-bedroomed, with separate living, dining and kitchenette areas.
Younger ones will love the pool, while you can also indulge in a spa treatment or just chill out in the sauna or steam room.
The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira. Many hotels, bars and restaurants will also accept euros. ATMs are widely available.
Coaches, domestic flights and overnight trains are available for longer journeys across Turkey. You can use buses, taxis and trams/metros when travelling around cities.
More than 30 languages are spoken in Turkey. Turkish is the country’s official language but Kurmanji, Arabic and Zazaki are also commonly used.
Important dates to look out for in the Turkish calendar include Labour and Solidarity Day (1 May), Victory Day (30 August) and Republic Day (29 October).
Traditional Turkish cuisine has a long history that can be traced back to the Ottoman period.
Combining Mediterranean and Central Asian flavours, Turkish food involves a broad mix of styles, popular with diners from across the world.
In the summer months, opt for lightly seasoned fish or a meze sharing plate of haydari, kisir and dolma. Finish with some refreshing Turkish ice cream for dessert.
Those with a sweet tooth will also love love firin sutlac and lokum, commonly known as Turkish delight.
Islam is the country’s main religion and calls to prayer ring out through towns and cities across Turkey.
You should aim to dress modestly if you're visiting one of the country's impressive mosques.
Traditional Turkish customs include removing your shoes before entering someone’s home and the adorning of doorways with nazar amulets to ward off negative energy.
Sharing tea and coffee with friends and guests is another key part of Turkish culture.
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