Turkey

Last edited: Friday 2 December 2011 (9 weeks 5 days ago)

Turkey Map

CULTURE, HISTORY, AND ADVENTURE...
Welcome to Turkey, a country where you'll see some of the world's best-preserved Greco-Roman remains. You can explore the beautiful Western Aegean, Southern Mediterranean and Black Sea coastlines and experience the dramatic natural wonders of the interior.
 
Istanbul, the gateway between Europe and Asia, has a history stretching back 3000 years. Palaces, mosques and bazaars from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires co-exist happily with happening nightclubs, fashionable shopping areas and excellent restaurants. One of the world's great cities, 24 hours a day!
 
Getting away from city life, you can see the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia from a hot-air balloon, go whitewater rafting down the Dalaman River, trek to a nomad village, sail the Turquoise Coast on a traditional Turkish gulet or even ski down some of Europe's longest runs.
 
Turkey's natural and historical attractions are complemented by warm and welcoming people and a fresh, diverse and delicious cuisine.
Interview with Clem Kealy (2010 Gallipoli for ANZAC Day Tour participant) - "Australian Veteran Comes to seek Turkish Brothers in Arms" by Jane Akatay Tuna, Hürriyet Daily News, 25 Apr 2010
 
GENERAL INFORMATION...
 
RECOMMENDED READING LIST:
  • The NEW TURKEY by Chris Morris
  • For more titles and information click here (PDF)
ARTICLES ON TURKEY:

Turkey Tourism Brochures

Last edited: Monday 20 September 2010 (1 year 20 weeks ago)
The following are links to brochures produced by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism. They can be found on the 'Go Turkey' site: http://www.goturkey.com/
 
(please be patient, these may take some time to open completely!)

USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT TURKEY...
Turkey is a secular, democratic, state, a member of NATO, the OECD and an applicant for membership of the European Union. Freedom of religion is guaranteed constitutionally although 99% of the population are Muslim. Turkey is one of a few countries that straddles two continents.
  • Anatolia, the larger part of the country is located in Western Asia, while Thrace, the much smaller part, forms the extreme south eastern tip of Europe
  • Languages - Turkish. English is widely spoken in main cities and tourist areas.
  • Time Difference - Turkey has one uniform time zone 2 hours ahead of the UK and 1 hour ahead of continental Europe. Daylight saving time of one hour in summer.
  • Passport and Entry Requirements - Australian passport holders require visas. A 3 month multiple entry visa costs USD20 and is easily obtained on arrival at air, sea and land entry points.
  • Tourist Office - The Turkish Tourist Office in Sydney closed in 2003.
Australian Embassy, Ankara...
MNG Building
Ugur Mumcu Caddesi No. 88, 7th Floor
Gaziosmanpasa, Ankara.
  • Telephone: (90 - 312) 459 9521
  • Fax: (90 - 312) 446 4827
  • E-mail: anka.passports@dfat.gov.au
Office hours: Monday to Friday between 0800 and 1645.
 
Australian Consulate-General, Istanbul...
Asker Ocagi Caddesi No:15
Elmadag, Sisli , Istanbul.
  • Telephone: (90 - 212) 243 1333
  • Fax: (90 - 212) 243 1332
Office hours: Monday to Friday between 0830 and 1700.
 
Consular Emergency Centre: (612) 62613305. Australian Consulate, Canakkale...
Kolin Hotel
Kepez 17100
Canakkale
  • Telephone (90 286) 218 1721
  • Facsimile (90 286) 218 1724
Health Regulations - No vaccinations required unless arriving from infected areas.
 
Duty Free...
  • Tobacco : 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes or 200g of tobacco.
  • Alcohol : 5 bottles (100cl) or 7 bottles (70cl). Five 120 ml bottles of perfume.
Banking Hours - Banks open from 0830 - 1200 & 1330 - 1700 Monday to Friday.
 
Money...
  • Currency - New Turkish Lira (YTL). 1 YTL = 1 Australian dollar approximately.
  • US dollars or Euros are also useful when travelling or when bargaining for major purchases.
  • ATMs are widespread and major credit cards are accepted.
Climate...
Coastal Turkey has hot summers with little rain and mild winters.
 
Phone Service...
Phone cards or tokens are used for calls from public phones. Wide mobile phone range is available.
 
Medical Services...
All types and standards of services are available.
 
Tipping...
Tips are accepted and appreciated but not expected. If in doubt, do as in Australia.
 
Voltage and Plug Shape...
220 volt. Two pronged cylindrical plug (standard European).
 
Dress Requirements...
There is no dress code in Turkey. A head scarf and modest dress is recommended for women when visiting mosques.
 
Transport...
Most major airlines, including Turkish Airlines, have direct flights to Turkey. There are rail and road connections to Asia and Europe and hydrofoil or ferry services to several Greek islands.
 
Internal Transport...
Excellent bus network and some rail and coastal ferries. Dolmus (shared taxi service usually a minibus), taxis and buses for local travel.
 
Driving...
Right hand side of the road. Excellent signage in English script and well-maintained road network. Local (ie Australian state) driving licence is sufficient.
 
Accomodation...
All types from palaces to pensions are available including many with historical or special character. Most hotels include breakfast in the rate.
 
Entertainment...
Night clubs, discos, cafes and restaurants. Traditional belly dancing.
 
Major Attractions...
Turkey is often referred to as "the world's largest open air museum" and even seasoned travellers will find new, exciting vacation experiences. Opportunities for water sports, trekking, climbing, shopping, nightclubbing, relaxing on a beach or spending time exploring natural wonders, ancient cities and cultures are everywhere. Istanbul, Antalya and the south coast, Cappadocia and Gallipoli are just some of the attractions.
 
Food and Drink...
Turkish cuisine is rich and diverse and one of the world's best and healthiest. Food is prepared using the freshest ingredients. Famous and popular dishes include: kebabs, vegetable dishes, pide, baklava, Turkish coffee, raki, and Turkish delight.
Tap water is drinkable but bottled water is available everywhere and preferable.
Alcohol is widely available.
 
Shopping...
Turkey's exchange rate makes any luxury affordable and any shopaholic ecstatic. Traditional crafts include carpets, kilims, leather and suede, copper and bronzeware, gold and silver jewellery, meerschaum pipes, embroidery, ceramics and onyx. Istanbul boasts great shopping with its historic Covered Bazaar and Spice Market plus modern malls and boutiques carrying the latest fashions and goods. There are modern shops and traditional bazaars throughout Turkey.
 
Public Holidays 2011:
  • Jan 01 - New Year's Day
  • Apr 23 - National Sovereignty & Children's Day
  • May 1 - May Day (Istanbul only)
  • May 19 - Commemoration of Ataturk and Youth and Sports Day
  • May 29 - Conquest of Istanbul
  • Jul 1 - Navy Day
  • Aug 30 - Victory Day
  • Oct 28/29 - (28th is a half day) Republic Day
  • Nov 6 - Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice)
AttachmentSize
Australian Veteran Comes To Seek Turkish Brothers In Arms95.91 KB
Cruising Info Turkey & Greece259.64 KB
The New Turkey Chapters 1&2 Chris Morris Granta Books 2006413.97 KB
Turkey Goes to School - National Geographic Magazine - Jan 19291.52 MB
The New Turkey - A Note On Pronunciation - Chris Morris53.36 KB
Turkey Readings319.96 KB
Underground city of DERINKUYU (Powerpoint Slideshow)1.41 MB
Istanbul Travel Blackboard144.53 KB
Bodrumto Remember Fisherman of Halicarnassus85.98 KB
The Merchant of Istanbul108.24 KB
Cappadocia Over The Moon114.18 KB
Turkish Airlines is a Star186.12 KB
Turkish Airlines will be the worlds best airline104.17 KB
The Unspoilt Charms East of Istanbul242.42 KB
24 Hours in Beyoglu125.34 KB
On an All Time High99.29 KB
Ottoman Army Enjoyed Fresh Food On Front Line180.85 KB
A Chance Encounter97.09 KB
Chiselled Good Looks100.81 KB

For further tour information or to book a tour, please contact Timeless Tours.

  • We reserve the right to change all prices and programs without notice
  • All prices are per person unless otherwise stated
  • All prices on this website are in Australian Dollars unless otherwise stated