Exploring ancient ruins and captivating cultural landmarks, delving into feasts of delicious yet unfamiliar cuisine or lying on the beach, enjoying the sun and a dip into crystal blue waters, we all have our preferences when it comes to travelling but who really wants to compromise on their ideal version of ‘fun’?
Turkey is the answer and for the lucky passport holders of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the USA, Canada, Bahrain, and Oman, they will be able to travel to the land rich in history, landscapes, and vibrant heritage without a visa for 90 days in 2024.
Are you ready? Here are five things to do when you visit to Turkey…
1. CULTURAL IMMERSION
Famed for being a land where east meets west, nowhere encapsulates Turkey’s diverse fusion of cultures and history more than its mega-metropolis of Istanbul. Probably the ultimate destination for any xenophile, ‘The City of World’s Desire’ offers everything you want from a holiday and you can enjoy their fill of landmarks thanks to the city’s museum pass. With prices beginning from 3500.00 ₺ (Dhs430), the ticket grants you access to up to 12 museums over the course of five to 15 days, depending on your choice and includes the Topkapi Palace and Harem where you can learn and see how the most powerful Ottomans ruled, lived, and indulged throughout four centuries but be warned, details of the tours can be quite flowerful. Next, you need to visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Museum, both located within five minutes’ walk of each other in the Sultanahmet area. Entry is free to these majestic buildings of worship but avoid Fridays and call to prayer timings as tourists will not be permitted to enter. For a slice of city life, simply stroll down Istanbul’s back alleys to watch its coffee and boardgame culture in full throes.
2. FEAST LIKE A SULTAN
When it’s time for food, head to two-starred Michelin venue Turk Faith Tutak for some exceptional local cuisine. The menu is all about sustainability with no food or ingredients going to waste. Think grilled lamb with fermented vegetables, confit mackerel with kaffir lime or hearty börek with slices of poached artichoke, salty cheese, and caviar. And if you are a sweet lover, you’ll be invited into the kitchen to see dessert being made. But if you’re feeling adventurous, hop onto a food tour of Istanbul where you can get a taste of the legendary food scene on the go. Check out Yummy Istanbul food tours that will have you tucking into street foods on both sides of the city, from the stalls of the Grand Bazaar to a hole-in-the-wall Kadiköy. Each tour has at least eight stops so make sure to arrive on an empty stomach and don’t forget to book as the max size of a tour group is 10.
3. SUN, SAND & SEA
Let’s escape Istanbul and head for some Vitamin D on the Turkish Riviera and Bodrum. Think of long stretches of golden sand melding with perfect waters and a climate that hovers between 25-30 degrees Celsius, the south-west of Turkey offers some of the best beach holidays in Europe at some of the most affordable prices. Grab your sunglasses and swimsuit and go for a dip at Camel Beach. The entrance fee includes a sunbed and for those who want some excitement, jump onto a jet ski or hold on as long as you can on a banana boat ride. But if you want to escape the throngs of tourists, roll out your towel at Aspat Beach where even during the summer it doesn’t get over-crowded, thanks to being scattered with small, light pebbles. Expect clear waters with stunning scenery, with mountains surrounding you on three sides.
4. SKY HIGH
If you’ve got some time on your hands, make your way to southwest, as it’s time to leave terra firma and take to the skies with a hot air balloon in Cappadocia. A firm favourite with Instagram devotees, the sky is filled with 300 hot air balloons every morning from where you can gaze down upon the ‘Cotton Castles’ of the volcanic erosions of the landscape, as well as 600 churches that have been carved into the rock and can be explored once you return back to earth. Most balloon rides will include a small breakfast and a glass of champagne when you have successfully landed, but you can enjoy an intimate flight with friends and family for an additional price. Plan your visit around August 25 to 27 and experience the Cappadocia Music Festival that sees choirs and orchestras perform in the aforementioned caves.
5. REFRESH & REJUVENATE
Bringing our tour of Turkey to an end is the thermal pools of Pamukkale. Based in the south of the country, the area showcases white travertine pools formed by calcite-laden waters from hot springs. Go for a barefoot stroll or fully immerse yourself to feel the rejuvenating effects of the waters that have been bathed in since Greco-Roman times. When you have dried off, make a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis which can be visited with a Pamukkale combined ticket. Both locations are best visited at sunrise when it is not too overcrowded, so treat yourself to a night’s stay in nearby Akköy or Denizli.
