Vacation Packages to Turkey

General Information about Turkey

Turkey, also called the Republic of Turkey, is a country located on both the European and Asian continents.

Its capital is Ankara, and the country's official currency is the Turkish Lira. Its coasts overlook the Mediterranean and Black Seas, and its territory is bordered by countries such as Iran, Iraq, Greece, Armenia, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Syria.

Geographically, this country is extremely varied. It has large stretches of coastline, large mountains, and even deserts in the Middle East. Its seismic activity is very active, so earthquakes are frequent.

In turn, famous personalities such as Can Yaman, the chef Salt Bae, the Inter Milan player Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and the actress and ambassador Tuba Büyüküstün have Turkish nationality.

Turkey: A Country of Cosmopolitan Tradition

Turkey's cultural richness is vast. The archaeological remains of the Turkish territory give the guidelines of the Greco-Roman, Byzantine, Persian, and Ottoman past that inhabited there.

If we think of the city of Troy, for example, it is located in this country.

Another clear example of the current coexistence of such varied traditions is Istanbul, a city where you can appreciate the imposing Blue Mosque (Islam) and the huge Basilica of Hagia Sophia (Catholicism).

Culture in Turkey

Traditional Turkish Food and Drink

Turkey is a great destination if you are a food lover.

On the one hand, we recommend ayran, which is a traditional alcoholic drink based on yogurt, water, and salt. If this is not to your liking, you can try raki, an aniseed drink with water and ice.

On the other hand, you cannot miss the borek, a dish made with puff pastry dough, stuffed with cheese, spinach, or meat.

Finally, a must on your trip to Turkey is the famous baklava, a cake made with pistachios or walnuts, filo dough, and honey or syrup. Also keep in mind the rahat lucum, a dessert made with carrots, lemon, and nuts.

The Importance of Tea in Turkey

If you are planning to organize a trip to Turkey, you should take into account information about the customs of the country.

Many times, Turkish culture may differ in some points from Western culture. This does not mean that either is right or wrong, but simply that they are different and should be respected. Therefore, here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Turkey.

Tea ceremonies and tea itself are of great importance to Turkish culture. In most tourist cities you will find multiple tea houses that open their doors to all visitors.

Turkish tea is usually served in glass cups and has a very intense flavor. This drink represents hospitality and camaraderie among peers, a symbolic rapprochement. It will be offered in the comfort of a private setting, in stores, or on the street.

If you want to experience an authentic Turkish ceremony, we recommend you visit the tea gardens. You should also keep in mind that it is very common that some tea houses are only aimed at a male audience.

The Turkish Eye or Blue Eye of Turkey

Traditionally this ornament was used as an amulet on newborns, to protect them from all evil. Today, you will see in every corner of Turkey a blue crystal eye, usually associated with energetic protection against envy.

You will also find a variety of colors of this amulet, among them, black, which symbolizes success, and the attraction of power to the wearer's life.

This ornament is ideal as a gift or purchase if you visit a Middle Eastern country.

Cultural Differences with Turkey

First of all, you should be aware that if you visit the home of a local or a religious establishment of Islam, you will need to leave your shoes at the entrance door.

Many times you will be able to purchase special footwear to enter the latter buildings nearby. It is also common for Turks to wear specific shoes inside the home.

Secondly, consider that in Turkey it is frowned upon to eat and drink in public during the month of Ramadan (considered the month of fasting), that is, in the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.

Finally, something very important is to leave aside comments on topics such as politics, as this can get you into trouble or, in extreme cases, land you in prison.

What to See and Do in Turkey

Turkey stands out for its varied landscapes and this makes it one of the top 10 most visited destinations in the world.

Are you looking for natural hot springs that resemble the best dreams of Paradise? Do you want to spend some time in the mountains, skiing, or seeing the shores of the Black Sea? Do you want to see subway cities under Anatolia, walk on the travertines of Pamukkale, take a balloon flight at dawn in Cappadocia, or take a boat ride in Antalya?

Here are some of the proposals for packages to Turkey, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and time.

1. Tour Turkey: In case you wish to travel to Turkey, we recommend you take into account the packages offered by Greca in Turkey.

2. In case you decide to visit Turkey and Greece, you can choose to combine these two destinations in the packages section and visit places such as the city of Athens or Istanbul.

You can also find packages to Greece, Italy, and Turkey in which you can find other destinations such as Rome, Amalfi Coast, and much more.

You can find travel packages for all your tastes, and choose your adventure according to your needs!