Turkey

Turkey is the crossroads of civilizations, where ancient culture goes hand in hand with modern adventures. In Cappadocia, you can admire not only the unique landscape of rock formations but also centuries-old underground cities. Beyond its rich culture and history, Turkey offers surprising adventures. With mountains reaching over 5,000 meters, there is more than enough excitement to be had!

Beaches, skiing & bazaars: A land of contrasts

Introduction & Practical Information

Turkey is a fascinating country where Europe and Asia meet, rich in both history and culture. It’s known for its vibrant cities, stunning beaches, and impressive architecture. The city of Istanbul captures the imagination of many travelers, while in the heart of the country lies Cappadocia — a unique landscape of rock formations, caves, and frescoes. Beyond its cultural and natural wonders, Turkey also boasts excellent winter sports opportunities in ski resorts like Erciyes, Erzurum, and Sarıkamış. Add in colorful bazaars and the mouthwatering Turkish cuisine, and every trip becomes unforgettable. Whether you want to hike among ancient ruins, relax along the Mediterranean coast, or ski down snowy slopes, Turkey has something for everyone.

“From bustling bazaars to silent ruins and centuries-old monasteries, you can feel the history everywhere in Turkey. What fascinates me again and again are the huge contrasts in the landscape—from desert-like plains to green mountains, and from vast coastlines to volcanic plateaus. In winter, there are countless opportunities for winter sports. The slopes of Erciyes and Erzurum are becoming increasingly popular. But Turkey is also a great destination for snowkiting, ski touring, or cat skiing.”

Aysegül Ünlü

Manager Ryce Travel Turkey

Start your adventure with our local knowledge!

Discover Turkey

History

A bridge between civilizations

Turkey has an incredibly long and rich history. For thousands of years, its lands have been a crossroads of cultures and trade routes. It was once home to great civilizations such as the Hittites, Greeks, and Romans. Later, Constantinople — today’s Istanbul — became the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
With the rise of the Ottomans in the 15th century, the country grew into a world power spanning three continents. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the modern Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. His reforms laid the foundation for today’s Turkey — a nation balancing between tradition and modernity, East and West.

Population

With over 85 million inhabitants, Turkey is lively and diverse. While the majority of the population is Turkish, there are also large Kurdish communities, as well as Armenians, Greeks, Arabs, and other minorities. Islam is the dominant religion, but society is modern and varied. What’s universal, however, is the hospitality: visitors are often welcomed with a glass of çay (tea) or a sweet treat. Family life plays a central role, and in the bustling bazaars and lively tea gardens, you’ll experience the vibrancy of everyday life.

Climate and Geography

Turkey is vast and varied. Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, you’ll find long sandy beaches and olive groves where you can bask in the sun. Inland, the terrain turns into rugged plateaus. The east is particularly mountainous, with peaks above 5,000 meters, glaciers, and snowy slopes — perfect for skiing or snowboarding. In the north, the Black Sea coast stretches past lush tea plantations and dense forests. The climate varies widely: Mediterranean along the coasts, while inland summers are hot and dry, and winters cold and snowy. This diversity means each region offers a completely different experience depending on the season — one of the things that makes Turkey so special!

Tourism

From resorts to extreme adventure

Turkey enchants visitors with its diversity. In Istanbul, you can wander through narrow alleys past Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches, guided by the scent of freshly baked simit. Along the coasts, you’ll find seaside resorts and fishing villages where life moves at a slower pace. Adventurers head to Cappadocia to float above the valleys in a hot-air balloon at sunrise, or to ski in resorts like Erciyes and Sarıkamış. And then there’s the cuisine: steaming plates of kebab, meze to share, sweet baklava, and endless glasses of tea. Traveling in Turkey is not just a visit to one country — it’s a journey through different worlds, both old and new, adventurous and surprising!