Fab! Luxe In Collaboration with Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
Located at the eastern end of Mediterranean Sea, and the only country in the world straddling two continents – Asia and Europe – Turkey is a unique destination for international tourists. The country that has always been a hub for cultural interaction and home to varying climates inspires visitors today with its history, nature and gastronomy that reflect the diversity of civilizations for centuries.
Located at the crossroads of cultures, Turkey has a unique understanding of art and fashion, which are the synthesis of tradition and modernity, and its extremely dynamic shopping and entertainment life also attract visitors from all over the world.
CROSSING BETWEEN CONTINENTS
One of the most frequently asked questions about Turkey is – What continent is Turkey in? In İstanbul, people will proudly answer “Both!”. In no other place in Turkey is the distinction as clear as it is in İstanbul, where the city spans on both continents. The Bosphorus divides the city of İstanbul into European and Asian sections.
STREET FOODS
As defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “a type of bread often coated with molasses and covered in sesame seeds, originating in Turkey”, simit is far beyond a simple pastry that can be eaten in any meal across the country. With tea, it is probably the most modest breakfast among Turks. Stuffed mussels, or “Midye Dolma” in Turkish, is one of the most favorite street and beach foods in the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Turks have a habit of getting as many as they can and even bet among each other to see who can eat the most.
SUNSET/SUNRISE ON MOUNT NEMRUT
One of the most important rituals when visiting Mount Nemrut is to enjoy the sunrise or sunset from the summit. King Antiochus erected giant statues of gods on the eastern and western terraces to show the respect of the ancestors for the western and eastern civilizations and inscribed their names both in Persian and Greek.
WHIRLING DERVISHES
Whirling dervishes take their name from scholar, poet and great Sufi mystic Mevlânâ Celâleddîn-i Rumi (1207-1273). Sufis seek a close relationship with God and perform a dance called “Sema” for Mevlânâ, sing hymns and say prayers for Mevlânâ.
BIENNIALS
Three major biennials are held in İstanbul and Mardin. The objective of Mardin Biennial is to bring momentum to the city through arts. Every year artists, intellectuals, students and people coming from different cultures bring Mardin into the spotlight with a series of bedazzling exhibitions. The İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) has been organising the İstanbul Biennial since 1987 and İstanbul Design Biennial since 2012. Those biennials aim to connect artists from diverse cultures to the audience.
PAMUKKALE TRAVERTINES
Pamukkale enchants its visitors at first sight. Under the spell of travertine, Pergamon Kingdom established the city of Hierapolis city nearly 2,000 years ago. In that era Hierapolis served as a thermal health center and visitors from various parts of Anatolia flocked to the city to receive a treatment in search of health or beauty. Today, those who seek beauty or health can still immerse themselves in the thermal pools.
HARVEST TIME (ROSE HARVEST, LAVENDER HARVEST, GRAPE HARVEST AND MANY MORE)
Harvests take place in Turkey throughout the year and each are celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is possible to plan for an alternative holiday with locals by joining the harvest events all around the country and gathering roses, grapes, lavender, pistachios, tea, and many more.
ÖLÜDENİZ PARAGLIDING IN FETHİYE
The white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Ölüdeniz make for one of the most magnificent natural spots to see, swim and paraglide! Babadağ Mountain located near Ölüdeniz Beach and Hisarönu offers a unique experience to paragliders with its imposing 6500 ft (1960 m) height. Breathtaking panoramas and stable weather conditions make paragliding from Babadağ Ölüdeniz Mountain the best in Europe.
MASTERPIECES OF MİMAR SİNAN
The royal Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan left dozens of masterpieces in many cities such as İstanbul, Edirne, Erzurum and Diyarbakır. The Selimiye Mosque in Edirne is one of the most famous examples of Turkish-Ottoman art. The Suleymaniye Mosque in İstanbul transformed the city’s silhouette, becoming one of İstanbul’s most renowned symbols.
TURKISH BATHS
A traditional Turkish bath or hamam is a perfect way to unwind and experience total relaxation. In one of Turkey’s many historic hamams, you will be scrubbed, washed and massaged in a perfectly authentic atmosphere.
HOT AIR BALLOONING (CAPPADOCIA, PAMUKKALE)
One of the leading destinations for hot air balloon tourism in the world, Cappadocia offers mesmerizing rides over an open-air museum, and you can start the day with a breathtaking view of its fairy chimneys. As an alternative to Cappadocia’s sepia hues, Pamukkale’s unique white travertines have become a rising star for balloon tourism in recent years.
THE GREEN PASTURES OF THE BLACK SEA
Turkey’s Black Sea Coast is a nature lover’s paradise with its alpine pastures, beautiful mountains, pristine lakes and rivers. The evergreen mountain pastures or “Yayla”s are perfect destinations to spend some time amidst nature. From the Ayder Valley in the Kaçkar Mountains to Pokut in Rize, these pastures have cool weather even in summer.
GULET CRUISING
Turkey is ideal for a gulet cruising too. These boats are constructed with Turkish Riviera in mind, and they are designed primarily for fun and luxury before everything else. Therefore, they provide a perfect option for summer vacations. Surrounded by waters on three sides, Turkey has become a center for enjoyable and active living with gulet cruise options.
LYCIAN WAY
The Lycian Way, one of the most picturesque trekking routes in the world, invites aficionados of history and adventure to explore nature in all its magnificence as it reawakens in the spring. So, rejuvenate yourself and relish the ancient history! Sightseeing is an art, and the best and most efficient way to do it is by walking. The Lycian Way, with its landscapes, nature, and ancient past, is one of the best places on Earth to put it into practice. This unique route, which covers nearly 330 miles (535 km) offers adventure, stunning scenery, and the opportunity to explore ancient heritage.
İZTUZU AND CARETTA CARETTAS
Situated 10 kilometers from Dalyan, İztuzu is a blue paradise where you can swim the clear waters and sunbathe on golden sands. İztuzu is also one of the Mediterranean nesting sites of the loggerhead turtle, or caretta caretta. Every year, these endangered turtles appear between May and October to lay their eggs on the protected shore.
