The eastern Mediterranean is one of the most culturally intriguing areas of the world. Two thousand years ago, western Turkey was home to the Ionian Greeks, and some of the most impressive ruins of classical cities, such as Pergamum and Ephesus, are to be found there. Istanbul, formerly Greek Constantinople, embodies this historical complexity. The Turkish capital, Ankara, is a place of relatively little interest aside from the remarkable Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, with its extraordinary collection of Hittite artifacts.
Turkey is mainly dry, with cold winters and hot summers. The weather is more moderate around Istanbul, with the most temperate areas being the western and southern coasts of Anatolia (see Izmir).
Eight hours ahead of New York (EST).
Most recommended hotels quote rates in euros (€). Fluctuating rate valued at €1.00 = US$1.14 as of February 2019.
Ankara, Tel. (90-312) 455-5555. Consulates: Istanbul, Tel. (90) 212-335 90 00; and Adana, Tel. (90) (322) 455-4100.
To phone hotels and restaurants in Turkey, dial 011 (international access) + 90 (Turkey code) + city code and local numbers.
Passport (valid for six months beyond end of stay) and visa. Visit travel.state.gov, and for travelers’ health information, cdc.gov.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
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