Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey entices travelers with its kaleidoscope of offers, where ancient history, dynamic culture and pampering relaxation meet against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. Tour operator “Novatours” has collected the most important facts that will be useful to those who are planning or considering a trip to the beautiful Turkey.
Turkey has long been one of the favorite holiday destinations of Latvians. It pampers with summer weather, excellent coastline, rich history and culture, luxurious resorts, exciting outdoor activities, tempting culinary delights and warm hospitality. The Turkish coast has about 300 sunny days a year, so the bathing season lasts from May to November. Seasons exist there only in the calendar, but in reality there are only two – spring and summer. Turkey is the perfect place to enjoy your long-awaited vacation!
Facts worth knowing
Language – Turkish.
Money – new Turkish lira (TRY).
Time zone – Eastern European summer time (same as Latvia).
Prices – a meal for one person in a middle-class restaurant costs about 20 EUR, cappuccino – about 2.75 EUR, 0.33 l bottle of water – 0.46 EUR.
Gratuity – In Turkey, it is customary to leave a tip for good service, but it is not mandatory. Restaurants also accept a tip (about 10% of the bill), but some of them already charge the tip, so check this information on the check. Tips are also left for drivers, room cleaners and porters.
Flight duration – a little more than 3.5 hours from Riga.
Arrival
Citizens of Latvia do not need a visa to enter Turkey for the purpose of tourism if their stay does not exceed 90 days in each 180-day period. If the stay is planned for a longer period of time or the purpose of entry is different, a visa must be issued using the e-Visa system (www.evisa.gov.tr) or by applying to the Turkish embassy in Riga or the nearest Turkish embassy abroad.
Non-citizens of Latvia need a visa to enter Turkey.
A passport is required for entry, which must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry.
Specificity of hotels
Turkey has long been a model and standard that inspires other countries’ accommodations to organize a pampering vacation. Its hotels stand out not only with excellent service, but also with a good price-quality ratio. Turkey boasts a diverse range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxurious resorts on the Mediterranean coast to charming boutique hotels in historic cities. The variety of hotels provides a wide choice for different travelers – specific hotels for families, young people, couples and seniors are available.
The best recreation regions
Antalya – The pearl of the southwest coast of Turkey. Antalya is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant nightlife. In the center of the city is the historic district with narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman architecture and the old Roman port, now a marina with cafes and shops. In addition to its historical charm, Antalya is also the gateway to the breathtaking natural attractions of the Turkish Riviera, including the Duden Waterfalls and Taurus Mountains, providing a rich range of activities for active leisure lovers.
Lara – famous for its luxury resorts, golden beaches and crystal clear waters, has earned a reputation as a top class holiday destination. Often compared to the Las Vegas of Turkey, this Mediterranean paradise impresses with themed hotels that offer a great hospitality experience. For the adventurous, Lara’s beaches are perfect for water sports, while history buffs can explore nearby ancient ruins such as Perge and Aspendos.
Belek – this is not only a sports and elite entertainment center, but also a treasure trove of history and natural wonders. This luxurious Turkish Riviera town is renowned for its wide range of offerings, including equestrian courses, top-class golf clubs, trendy dive sites and a wide range of yacht charters. The surrounding natural wonders, from the majestic Taurus Mountains to the tranquil shores of the Mediterranean Sea, provide a breathtaking backdrop to the city’s luxurious offerings.
Side – a lively mix of luxury hotels, shops, nightclubs, restaurants, stunning ancient ruins and natural beauty. One of the most famous sights is the magnificent Temple of Apollo, set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and offering breathtaking sunset views. The 2nd century theater and Roman bath complexes are also located in the center of the city, which testify to a rich historical past. The narrow, winding streets of Side are lined with interesting shops, attractive cafes and traditional restaurants.
Alanya – known for its wide sandy beaches, Mediterranean waters and deep-rooted history. Currently, the city has a population of around 190,000, but this number increases significantly during the summer months as the city becomes a busy tourist attraction. When visiting Alanya, tourists are advised to visit the famous historical sites, including the Seljuk Fortress located on the coast, the iconic octagonal Red Tower and the ancient shipyard, which are part of the tapestry of Alanya’s rich past.
Kemer – a picturesque resort town in the Turkish province of Antalya, located between the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic peaks of the Taurus Mountains. There are many beautiful coves and beaches around Kemer, ideal for visitors looking for a peaceful getaway. Surrounded by lush forests and national parks, it’s a great place for hiking, mountain biking and exploring the peaceful Mediterranean landscape. Kemer has a lively nightlife with many bars and clubs, but during the day it has a relaxed atmosphere, so everyone will find something for themselves.
What to taste
“Shish kebab”‘, “doner kebab” – lamb dishes.
“Barbunya”, “kilic baligi” – fish dishes.
“Dolma” – raisins and nuts wrapped in grape leaves.
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“Kamiyarik” – eggplants stuffed with minced meat.
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“Gozleme” – feta cheese or vegetables wrapped in dough.
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“Ayran” – yogurt drink.
Useful words and sayings
Good morning – gunaydin
good afternoon – iyi giunler
Good evening – iyi akşamlar
You are very welcome – welcome
Thank you – thanks
How much does it cost – not when?
the summer travel season to Turkey has already started and will last until mid-October. Time to look for the best offer and hit the road!
PUBLICITY PHOTO: https://failiem.lv/u/vy9aeu32hq
About Novatours
“Novatours” is the leading tour operator in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, which ensures the stability of the services purchased today in the future as well. The tour operator organizes holiday and excursion trips with charter flights. “Novatours” guarantees quality, reliable and safe travel solutions even to the most distant destinations.
www.novatours.lv
Novatours
