Turkey is not called the Cradle of Civilization for nothing. If you have not seen the country that has the oldest town in the world, Catalhoyuk, and gave birth to the modern civilization, then what have you seen? Country, whose motto is “Peace at Home, Peace in the World” is everything there is to see and much more. Turkey is perhaps the only place in the world, located on two continents – Asia and Europe, and with the Black Sea on the north and the Mediterranean on the south.
Gifted with a history that dates back many centuries before Christ and the successor state of the legendary Ottoman Empire, Turkey has many places that must be on any travelers’ itinerary. Istanbul is one of the most important and vibrant tourist spots, not just in Turkey but in the entire world. It is hard not to speak in superlatives when describing Istanbul, as no other place is perhaps so coveted by people outside its walls. Istanbul is also the fourth holiest site for followers of Islam, and is the destination of many pilgrimages.
Anatolia is a high plateau on the east, which is broken up by the valleys of some 15 rivers, including the Tigris and the Euphrates. The ancient mosques, palaces, museums and bazaars reflect its diverse history. There are numerous sites, which one can visit in Turkey, all of which is sure to transport one back into history. One can travel to the reputed landing place of Noah's Ark or Garden of Eden. One can also see the place where Mark Antony and Cleopatra once met and got married, the home of Virgin Mary, and much more. The Blue Mosque or the Sultan Ahmet Mosque is a must see for those visiting Turkey. Built between 1609 and 1616, this is one of the most famous monuments of Turkish and Islamic art, and the only one that was originally built with six minarets.
Istanbul is an international art and cultural center. The International Arts and Cultural Festival held every year in June and July, attracts famous artists from all over the world. Nightclubs provide excellent entertainment, ranging from a selection of Turkish songs to belly-dancing.
Turkey has varied climatic conditions, ranging from temperate rainy climate of the Black Sea Region, to the continental condition in the Central Anatolia and subtropical Mediterranean on the south. The temperature also varies as one goes from west to east, with hot summers and mild winters in the Marmara and the Aegean region to the Eastern Anatolia with extremes of temperature, where the winters are long with heavy snow fall.
One can see Turkey in a variety of ways. For instance, one of the best ways to see this beautiful place is from the deck of a boat, where one can sit back and watch the beautiful scenery and stop to explore a beautiful village or a historic site.
Walkabout Travels is a Turkish tour operator offering a wholesome travel experience to tourists. The tour operator understands that one commits a lot of time and money while planning a vacation. Walkabout strives make every vacation a memorable one, by offering quality accommodation, transportation, sightseeing and much more at competitive rates. It caters to the needs of all types of travelers from backpackers to those interested in luxury tours. It offers various packages such as shore excursions, shopping tours, walking tours, night tours and more. The Turkey Comfort Tour for instance is designed to allow one to explore the wonders of Turkey, in sheer luxury! The Istanbul Walking Tour allows one to walk from the heart of the city, Sultanahmet square to Takim square, with a professional guide. Walkabout designs tailor-made packages, based on individual needs and preferences. Their travel consultants are experienced and have travelled to some of the most remote and amazing destinations in Turkey.
Now, if you love to travel and have never visited Turkey before, you have fewer excuses!