Turkey City Breaks

A guide to Turkey

Turkey is an exciting and exotic destination for a short trip, and perfect for those in search of a bit of adventure and a good dose of sunshine on their few days away. The country boasts opportunities for immersing yourself in the country’s vibrant culture, sampling some of the traditional food and drink and relaxing in the wonderful Mediterranean climate. Thanks to an abundance of regular and affordable flights to Istanbul and other cities in the south, short hops to Turkey ever more accessible and fast becoming a viable option for a budget break from the UK.

Istanbul, a truly exotic melting pot

Istanbul is truly a Eurasian melting pot where East meets West, in a spectacular blend of architecture and cultural attractions. The city’s friendly and vibrant atmosphere will make you feel at home almost immediately, despite its status as one of the world’s megacities. Cultural and historical highlights include the imposing Hagia Sophia, an ancient religious building now housing a fascinating museum, the Dolmabache Palace, a superb example of Ottoman Baroque architecture, and the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, one of the largest of its kind in the world. Other memorable moments will be found wondering through the city’s Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, or in one of the many traditional Turkish baths; perfect for relaxing in style whilst in Turkey.

Soak up the Mediterranean sunshine

Turkey is home to a number of other exciting destinations outside of Istanbul, offering you the chance to enjoy a relaxing few days in the sun. Antalya, situated on the southern Mediterranean coast, is an idyllic choice, thanks to an attractive historic city centre and access to many nearby stretches of sandy coast. The city’s backdrop of mountains makes for dramatic views from all sides. Izmir, Turkey’s second largest port city after Istanbul, is a more unusual choice for a city break in Turkey, where you will get the chance to blend into the city crowds and meet the locals. A packed annual schedule of festivals, fares and events throughout the year mean that there is always something happening in the city whenever you choose to visit in Turkey.