Vacation in Turkey for Russians
Vacation in Turkey
Turkey is much more than the cliché image of a "bridge between East and West." The country, 90 percent of whose territory is in Asia, has over 2,000 years of European history, practices Islam, but for a millennium was home to the greatest Christian church in the world. Mosques coexist here with cathedrals, and Roman stadiums and amphitheaters with ancient Hittite cities.
Every year, more than 35 million people from around the world visit Turkey. Among them are many who admire the rich history, stunning nature, and hospitality of the Turkish people, as well as those who underestimate it: a country offering affordable all-inclusive beach vacations, abundant buffets, and cheap shopping.
To truly understand Turkey, a place where freedom, feelings, art, style, and beauty have their place, one must see it more than once to comprehend and fall in love with it. It deserves that.
Eastern hospitality makes Turkey the most popular all-inclusive destination in the world. Only in this country will you find 459 clean beaches awarded Blue Flags, be able to swim in four seas, and relax in a real hammam. It offers the best prices for 5-star hotels with the highest level of comfort, a mild climate, and picturesque resorts. Hotels provide guests with beaches with free sunbeds and umbrellas, entertainment for adults and children, spas, and incredibly diverse dining from dawn to dusk.
Russian citizens do not need a visa for trips to Turkey lasting less than 60 days. Upon arrival, a stamp allowing them to stay in the country will be placed in their passport for free. It takes about three hours to fly to Turkey.
However, carefree all-inclusive tours to Turkey are by no means the only option. The cradle of ancient civilizations with a rich history holds traces of over 2,500 ancient settlements. You can explore the ruins of Troy and Ephesus, stroll through Istanbul, relax in the healing thermal waters of Pamukkale, and try authentic kebabs and baklava. Turkey is a paradise for shoppers and extreme sports enthusiasts.
Holidays at Turkish resorts are suitable for couples, families with children, and the elderly.
Beach Tours to Turkey
The stunning Turkish Riviera includes resorts along the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, from Bodrum to Alanya, with clean beaches awarded Blue Flags. The high season lasts from mid-April to the end of October. The air warms up to +35°C during summer days, and the water reaches +25…27°C. The Aegean coast is characterized by large pebbles, and a gentle breeze often blows. Tourists are attracted to diving, surfing, yachting, paragliding, and lively nights in the party town of Marmaris. Other well-known resorts in this region include Kusadasi, Izmir, and Bodrum. Fethiye is called the Turquoise Coast for its unparalleled water clarity and beauty. Here lies the "Blue Lagoon" reserve with the famous Belcekiz Beach. Beach tours to the Mediterranean coast invite you to Kemer, Antalya, Side, Belek, and Alanya, where soft, light sand and large comfortable hotels with All Inclusive and Ultra All Inclusive concepts are common.
Traveling to Turkey with Children
For vacations with children, there is no better option than the seaside resorts of Turkey. The abundance of 5-star hotels on the first coastline with infrastructure for little ones turns family vacations into a happy fairy tale. Children play in mini-clubs, engage in sports and creative activities, frolic in water parks, and enjoy ice cream and sweets. Luxurious hotels feature entire entertainment kingdoms, with cinemas and climbing walls, dinosaur parks, as well as babysitting services and baby food in jars. Family hotels rated 3 and 4 stars are suitable for a limited budget but are likely to be located farther from the beach.
Which resort to choose? Lara, just 15 minutes from the airport; Belek, 30 minutes away, with wide beaches and pine forests; Side, known for its interesting excursions. Alanya is 120 km away, but family tours to this city are often the most affordable. In Kemer, the Tekirova area is favored by mothers with children, where the healing mountain air, beaches with fine pebbles, and sandy shores are found. Wonderful conditions at the Oludeniz resort allow kids to swim in the shallow and very warm Blue Lagoon. The best time to book all-inclusive tours to Turkey is from June to September when the sea is at its warmest.
Excursion Tours
Spring, early summer, and autumn are perfect for sightseeing in the country. From the Aegean region, Istanbul, the heart of Turkey, is the closest destination. Houses from the Ottoman Empire, grand mosques, palaces, and bazaars are located at the crossroads of continents, simultaneously in Europe and Asia. It is also worth seeing the ruins of Ephesus and the Homeric Troy, as well as the man-made wonder of the world – the snow-white mineral terraces of Pamukkale. From the Antalya region, trips are made to the ancient Lycian city of Myra (now called Demre) and the Church of Saint Nicholas, as well as to the ancient city of Phaselis. Excursion tours to the mysterious Cappadocia in central Anatolia are an unforgettable adventure, especially if you get to fly over its alien landscapes in hot air balloons.
Active and Youth Recreation
Where should young party-goers go? To Kemer, Marmaris, Alanya, Antalya, and Bodrum. Tours to the party hotels in these resorts will provide an avalanche of round-the-clock fun day and night at discos and clubs.
Extreme sports in Turkey offer an indescribable rush of emotions in nature. From April to October, adrenaline seekers can enjoy jeep safaris through canyons and mountain plateaus, rafting, climbing, mountain biking, and windsurfing. Diving spots are located around Marmaris, Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye.
One of the most exciting types of extreme sports in Turkey is paragliding. Paragliding centers are located in Antalya, Alanya, and Oludeniz. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the 500-kilometer Lycian Way, which is among the top 10 best hiking trails in the world. Belek boasts a plethora of golf courses. Additionally, every resort has a fun water park.
Safety
The resorts of Turkey are located a thousand kilometers from the border with Syria. The echoes of local conflicts do not reach here. Turkish authorities are interested in the influx of tourists and maintain order at the resorts. As in any other country, it is necessary to follow standard safety rules: keep an eye on personal belongings, do not trust strangers, and avoid seedy places at night, especially for solitary women. Do not swim beyond the buoys and do not bathe at night – there may be strong underwater currents.
To avoid any enterovirus, follow hygiene rules recommended by Rospotrebnadzor. Always wash your hands with soap before meals, rinse vegetables and fruits, and quench your thirst only with bottled water.
If a close person among the sick is found, try to isolate them from other family members and see a doctor immediately.
If you are traveling to Turkey independently, do not forget to arrange medical insurance for the duration of your vacation.
Traditions
Turkey is a Muslim country. Therefore, try not to walk in swimwear anywhere except on the beach.
If you plan to visit a mosque, know that you should dress modestly. Women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees, as well as a headscarf. Everyone must remove their shoes upon entering the mosque.
It is not recommended to photograph Muslim women, especially if their faces are covered by religious clothing.
If your vacation coincides with the Muslim fasting month – Ramadan, it is advisable not to consume food and alcoholic beverages in public places and not to wear revealing clothing (except in hotel and beach areas).
Russian women in Turkey are guaranteed increased attention. If a romantic vacation is not in your plans, calmly and confidently put an end to unwanted advances.
Shopping is always accompanied by bargaining unless the price tag indicates "fix price." The markup on goods for tourists can reach 40-50%, so do not miss the opportunity to negotiate. Any Turk will respect you if you try to lower the price.
Republic of Turkey
