Known as the crossroads of multiple civilizations, Turkey has many stories to tell. If you love time travel, the adventure you are looking for can start in Ankara. It has a mix between the exotic and the traditional, it is much more than a link between East and West, offering in each place a mixture of ancient cultures.

The kindness of the Turkish people fills the walks with charm, which can start in the most populated city, Istanbul. Ancient Constantinople was the capital of the Roman Empire and has a fascinating history since 667 BC, it is also divided with one part in Europe and another in Asia. A city that was recognized in 2010 as the European capital of culture, with access to 2 seas (Marmara and Black Sea), it is undoubtedly one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.

Knowing the famous Bosphorus (Strait of Istanbul) , exploring the towns where the Black Sea ends , knowing the beaches of Bodrum (known as the "paradise of eternal blues") or the famous Pamukkale "Turkish cotton castle", are just some of the most emblematic places that you will be able to know. 

The city of Istanbul has an important historical area (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO). It is known as Sultanahmet and brings together the main historical sites, such as: Topkapi Palace, the central axis of the former Ottoman Empire. It has 700,000 square meters, distributed in a Harem room (residence of the sultan and his 600 women), a treasure room (it stores objects with exotic emeralds and diamonds), as well as stables and a weapons room.  

The imposing Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) built in 1617, is the most important mosque in Istanbul. Visitors have the opportunity to admire the 20,000 tiles on the top, as well as the 7 minarets on the outside.

Also, the Haghia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) church , known to be the greatest legacy of Byzantine art and a historical landmark of Istanbul. The architecture stands out in the highest part of the city, it has an impressive dome 30 meters in diameter. While inside the mosaics stand out in honor of Emperor Constantine.

The Galata Tower is also one of the historical symbols of the city, built more than 650 years ago, it is one of the oldest towers in the world. It is famous for offering one of the most attractive panoramic views of the city.   

The historical area also has the Grand Bazaar , it is the largest covered bazaar in the world. It has characteristic architecture, gardens, street cafes and the famous carpet sale.

Cappadocia is 350 km from Ankara (4 hours by car approx.), The region is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It offers a landscape that is the result of natural erosion over billions of years (ancient volcanic area), you can see rock formations up to 45 meters high (known as fairy chimneys).

In addition to the natural heritage, Cappadocia is world renowned for hot air balloon tours . They allow you to enjoy a 360 ° view of the area at a height of 30 meters, you can fly in a balloon in Cappadocia for at least 1 hour, with the possibility of watching the sunrise (there are 2 morning flights, reservations are possible). Some companies offer transportation service from-to accommodation in the city.

Pamukkale is also considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO , it is west of Ankara (484 km). The famous thermal pools of Pamukkale are known as “Cotton Castle”, the extraordinary natural phenomenon was shaped by the hot springs that gush in the center from the ancient city of Hierapolis. These thermal conditions are due to geological phenomena, which formed thick white layers of limestone and travertine, when falling simulate the effect of frozen water in the form of a cataract. The water temperature (in the places allowed for tourists) is around 36 ° C and they have high mineral content.

Also, another very popular place is Cleopatra's Pool, just a 13-minute drive from Pamukkale. It is in the hot springs area, it has the ruins of an ancient pool built by Cleopatra (according to local history). live your life's best moment in Pamukkale.

The Bosphorus is a strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of ​​Marmara, it also separates the city of Istanbul into a European and an Asian side. In addition, it has 3 modern bridges: the Sultan Selim Bridge (to the north, near the Black Sea), the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and the Bosphorus Bridge. It even has a modern, 1.8 km long underwater railway tunnel . The Bosphorus cruises allow you to contemplate some palaces (such as the Ciragan and Dolmabahçe), the tour has a minimum duration of an hour and a half. However, some routes take longer for tourists to get to know the town of Bogaz Iskelesi.

Bosphorus cruises originate from the docks on both the European side (Kabataş, Besiktas, Karakoy and Eminonu) and the Asian side (Uskudar and Kadikoy). In general, cruises have 3 departure times: 10:35, 12:00 and 13:35, it is advisable to arrive at the pier at least 15 minutes before.

Knowing Turkey is much more than contemplating historical sites, its geography extends to the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, where some of the best beaches in Europe are found. The best beaches in the Mediterranean are between the cities of Antalya and Dalyan, a region that allows you to enjoy the natural landscape, nightlife and villages with traditional architecture. The most famous beaches are described below:

Iztuzu Beach : It is a 19-minute drive from Dalyan city and 28 km from Dalaman Airport. It is 5 km long and is also known as “Playa de las Tortugas” (it is a natural refuge for the Caretta turtles). The beach also serves as a strip that separates the Mediterranean Sea with the Dalyan River delta.

Patara Beach : it is 73 km from Fethiye and is known as one of the best beaches in Turkey (even the longest). It is an archaeological zone and has no buildings, therefore, it preserves its natural state. The closest town is Gelemis (2.4 km).

Cirali Beach : it is a beach that also maintains its virgin status (protected area as a nature reserve), it is also close to the ruins of Olympos (only 20 km by car). It is ideal to relax in its calm waters.

Antalya - Konyaalti Beach : the city of Antalya has modern urbanism, it offers 2 main beaches: Lara and Konyaalti. It also has the famous Aquarium and an always active nightlife.

Turkish gastronomy is the best representation of historical and cultural heritage, tasting Turkish cuisine suggests an exotic and varied experience. Among the specialties of the region, the famous Kebab (roast meat) stands out, it is traditionally cooked on a vertical spit. Lüfer is also a traditional dish of Turkish food, also known as Bosphorus blue fish. However, there is a great variety of dishes, drinks and desserts that offer a delight to lovers of international gastronomy.

The restaurants of Istanbul offer varied and traditional gastronomy, the Nar Lokanta (located in the historical area) is one of the best known for keeping typical ingredients. There are also restaurants like Deraliye , which is distinguished by renewing traditional recipes without altering its essence.

The spring and autumn seasons (between the months of April, May and between September and mid-November) are the best time to visit Turkey. In this season the temperature is pleasant (there is no excess of cold or heat), the influx of people is regular and offers a better opportunity to get discounts on plane and hotel tickets.

It is considered high season between May - September , the tourist sites have a greater influx of visitors and the prices of accommodation and transportation are higher. Also, if you have a tight budget and are looking for the best deals, the low season is more convenient (between the months of November and March). However, it is necessary to be prepared for low temperatures and humidity.

Tour packages are an excellent option to get to know Turkey, they can be customized, they allow you to choose the hotel category and add nights. The cost varies according to the length of stay and the places to visit:

Istanbul, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and Bosphorus tour package: Includes accommodation for 4 days - 3 nights (taxes and fees), visits to the city of Istanbul (with lunch), visits to the Grand Bazaar and a walk on the Bosphorus. It also includes tickets to the historical sites of the tour, as well as the necessary transfers. 

Tour package Istanbul, Troy, Canakkale, Pergamum, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Izmir, Ankara and more. Includes accommodation for 10 days - 9 nights (taxes and fees): 3 nights of accommodation in Istanbul, 1 night of accommodation in each of the mentioned cities (in a 4-star hotel with half board). It also includes tickets to the historical sites of the tour, as well as the necessary transfers.

Security in Turkey is considered a medium risk for tourists (according to international statistical agencies), however, it is one of the preferred destinations for tourists from around the world (according to data from the Turkish government, during 2019 the influx of tourists reaching 43 million visitors).

As anywhere on the planet, common sense is an element to take into account when traveling in large cities like Istanbul. Furthermore, worrying about an unpredictable event or occurrence (which can occur even in the country where we live) is unnecessary when it comes to enjoying the experience.

Argentine citizens (as well as most South American countries) do not need a visa to enter Turkey with stays of up to 90 days. Therefore, the document required to enter is the passport with at least 6 months of validity. For countries that need a visa, the process can be done online on the website offered by the Turkish government.