By Amanda Mesa | Published on June 8, 2023
Planning to visit Turkey? Great choice. Spectacular year-round, the country offers something for every kind of explorer — from ancient ruins to beautiful, sun-kissed beaches to forested mountains perfect for hiking. With such a diverse landscape and so many incredible things to do, it's helpful to know a few fun facts about Turkey the country as you begin coordinating your vacation.
Follow this guide to help you plan your getaway, including when to visit Turkey, how to get around the country and what to expect during your stay. Keep reading to learn more.
Here's a fun fact about Turkey: It has a state-owned rail system that connects many major cities, including some with high-speed routes. Depending on where you're planning to travel, choosing the train could be a convenient option. There are major railway stations in cities like Ankara, Istanbul and Kars, with express trains running between all three. You can buy tickets for any route at the station nearest to you.
Turkey also has an extensive bus network, but routes typically take much longer than opting to travel by train or car, so tourists tend not to rely on this mode of transportation.
However, there isn't yet train service to some of the best places to visit in Turkey along the coast, including Bodrum and Antalya, so driving or a cruise may be the best option if you're trying to reach towns along the Mediterranean or Aegean.
Because of its diverse population, a range of religions are observed in Turkey. Islam is the most widely practiced religion followed by Christianity and Judaism. All three religions are practiced throughout the country, though Turkey's largest Christian population is located in Istanbul, while Judaism is largely concentrated in Istanbul and Izmir. The country is accustomed to tourists, but keep in mind that when entering mosques, women must cover their heads, shoulders and knees. Scarves are typically provided at each mosque. Men should remove hats and have their knees covered.
Royal Caribbean offers sailings with stops in this fascinating and beautiful country, relieving you of the burden of getting around and figuring out logistics from your vacation-planning process.