Looking for family attractions and things to do in Istanbul? Visit Istanbul SEA LIFE Aquarium, located in Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall and home to an exciting collection of sea creatures.
Turkey
Turkey
Types of trips: Culture and Art, History and Architecture, Religion, Outdoor and Active, Water sports, Winter Sports, Relaxation
Best known for: The city of Istanbul, Troy, Shish Kebab, Doner Meat, Baklava, Being the bridge between Europe and Asia.
Why Go?: At the bottom right corner of Europe, Turkey bridges the European and Asian continents. It's culture and architecture reflect this, the vibrant country has incredible buildings and sights unlike those anywhere else in Europe. It's not too far to go and it would be an fascinating destination for school groups.
Fact File
Population: 76,700,000
Capital: Ankara
Language(s): Turkish
Ties to the UK?: Popular holiday destination
Landscape: Most of the east (Asian) part of the country is mountainous, Lakes, Rivers, Islands, Beaches
Climate/Seasons: The climate varies depending on region but generally the summers are hot and in most places quite dry and the winters are cold and wet
When to Go: Most destinations are preferable in the spring although in such a large an diverse country you'll easily be able to find something to do all year round. The Seaside resorts get very busy in the Summer and Istanbul and Cappadocia peak in the Autumn
Reasons to Visit: As cultural hotspot, Turkey offers something really different and interesting, Istanbul being a European location with a lot of Asian culture and influences
How to Get There: Being at the far end of Europe your best option will be to fly. Flights to most destinations are frequent and reasonably priced, although prices do vary significantly depending on time of year.
Places to Go: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Fethiye, Nemrut, Abant
Famous People: Theodesius II, St. Nicholas, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Fairy Cimneys in Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Sakikent Gorge
History: Ottoman Empire, Republic of Turkey
Architecture: Sultanahment Mosque (pictured above), Selimiye Mosque, Ottoman style houses
Culture: Mix between a modern Western state and traditional religious country
Sport: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics
Events: Republic Day, Classical Music Festivals, Lifestyle Events
Watch Out For: You'll need a visa to enter enter the country, Make sure you're aware of any customs as to avoid causing any undue offence
Medical Issues: No mandatory vaccinations required
Watch this video about visiting Istanbul in Turkey!
For travel details visit the FCO website page for this country (see below):
Featured Provider
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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