Turkey Travel
Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye) is on the Mediterranean, with 97% of it's territory in West Asia and the Middle East, and with a small section in Southeastern Europe separated by the Turkish Straits (Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and Dardanelles). With the Black Sea to the north and the Aegean Sea in the west and Mediterranean Sea to the southwest, Turkey is surrounded by Bulgaria and Greece to the west, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to the northeast, Syria, Iraq and Iran to the southeast.
Understand
There is evidence that the bed of the Black Sea was once an inhabited plain, before it was flooded in prehistoric times by rising sea levels. Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı), at 5,165 m is the country's highest point and legendary landing place of Noah's Ark, lies in the mountains on the far eastern edge of the country.
Turkey was founded in 1923 from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire. Soon thereafter the country instituted secular laws to replace traditional religious fiats. In 1945 Turkey joined the UN, and in 1952 it became a member of NATO.
Turkey offers a wealth of destination varieties to travellers: from dome-and-minaret filled skyline of Istanbul to Roman ruins along the western and southern coasts, from heavily indented coastline against a mountainous backdrop of Lycia and wide and sunny beaches of Pamphylia to cold and snowy mountains of the East, from crazy "foam parties" of Bodrum to Middle Eastern-flavoured cities of Southeastern Anatolia, from verdant misty mountains of Eastern Black Sea to wide steppe landscapes of Central Anatolia, there is something for everyone's taste-whether they be travelling on an extreme budget by hitchhiking or by a multi-million yacht.
Geography
Turkey occupies a landmass slightly larger than Texas, at just over 750,000 square kilometres, and is more than three times the size of the United Kingdom. In terms of the variety of terrain and particularly the diversity of its plant life, however, Turkey exhibits the characteristics of a small continent. There are, for example, some 10,000 plant species in the country (compared with some 13,000 in all of Europe) - one in three of which is endemic to Turkey. Indeed, there are more species in Istanbul Province (2,000) than in the whole of the United Kingdom. While many people know of Turkey's rich archaeological heritage, it possesses an equally valuable array of ecosystems - peat bogs, heathlands, steppes, and coastal plains. Turkey possesses much forest (about a quarter of the land) but, as importantly, some half of the country is semi-natural landscape that has not been entirely remodelled by man.
Culture
While it may sound like a tourism brochure cliché, Turkey really is a curious mix of the west and the east-you may swear you were in a Balkan country or in Greece when in northwestern and western parts of the country (except that Byzantine-influenced churches are substituted with Byzantine-influenced mosques), which are indeed partly inhabited by people from Balkan countries, who immigrated during the turmoil before, during, and after WW1, while southeastern reaches of the country exhibit little if any cultural differences from Turkey's southern and eastern neighbours. Influences from the Caucasus add to the mix in the northeast part of the country. It can be simply put that Turkey is the most oriental of western nations, or, depending on the point of view, the most occidental of eastern nations.
Perhaps one thing common to all of the country is Islam, the faith of the bulk of the population. However, interpretation of it varies vastly across the country: many people in northwestern and western coasts are fairly liberal about the religion (being nominal Muslims sometimes to the point of being irreligious), while folk of the central steppes are far more conservative (don 't expect to find a Saudi Arabia or an Afghanistan even there, though). The rest of the country falls somewhere in between, with the coastal regions being relatively liberal while inland regions are relatively conservative as a general rule. The largest religious minority in the country are the Alevites, who constitute up to 20% of the population and who subscribe to a form of Islam closer to that of the Shiite version of Islam and practice Shamanistic rituals of ancient Turks. Other religious minorities-the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, Jews, Syriac Oriental Orthodox, and Roman Catholics, the latter of whom mainly settled in Turkey within the last 500 years from Western European countries-once numerous across the country, are now mostly confined to the large cities of Istanbul and Izmir, or parts of Southeastern Anatolia in the case of the Syriac Oriental Orthodox. Despite its large Muslim majority population, Turkey officially remains a secular country, with no declared state religion.
Holidays
The savvy traveller should remember that when travelling into, in or around Turkey there are several holidays to keep in mind as they can cause delays in travel, traffic congestion, booked up accommodations and crowded venues. Banks, offices and businesses are closed during official holidays and traffic intensifies during all of the following holidays so do your research before you visit. Do not be put off by these holidays, it is not that difficult and often quite interesting to travel during Turkish holidays, simply plan ahead as much as possible.
Official holidays
1 Jan: New Year's Day (Yılbaşı)
23 Apr: National Sovereignty and Children's Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı) - anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Grand National Assembly
1 May: Labour and Solidarity Day (Emek ve Dayanışma Günü, also unofficially known as İşçi Bayramı, ie Worker's Day) was long banned as a holiday for almost 40 years and only restarted as a national holiday in 2009 because in years past it usually degenerated into violence. The wary traveller would be advised to not get caught in the middle of a May Day parade or gathering.
19 May: Atatürk Commemoration and Youth & Sports Holiday (Atatürk'ü Anma Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı) - the arrival of Atatürk in Samsun, and the beginning of the War of Independence
30 Aug: Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı) - Celebration of the end of the war for Turkish Independence over invasion forces. A big Armed Forces day and display of military might by huge military parades.
29 Oct: Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı or Ekim Yirmidokuz) is anniversary of the declaration of Turkish Republic. If it falls on a Thursday for example, Friday and the weekend should be considered in your travel plans. October 29 is the official end of the tourist season in many resorts in Mediterranean Turkey and usually there is a huge celebration at the town squares.
10 Nov, 09:05 - Traffic usually stops and sirens blare for two minutes starting at 09:05, the time when Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, died in Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul in 1938. That moment in time is officially observed throughout the country but businesses and official places are not closed for the day. However, do not be surprised if you are on the street, you hear a loud boom and all of a sudden people and traffic stop on the sidewalks and streets for a moment of silence in observance of this event.
Religious holidays [edit]
Ramadan dates
28 Jun-27 Jul 2014 (1435 AH)
18 Jun-16 Jul 2015 (1436 AH)
6 Jun-5 July 2016 (1437 AH)
Exact dates depend on local astronomical observations and vary from one country to another.
Ramadan ends with the Eid ul-Fitr festival extendign over several days.
Ramadan (Ramazan in Turkish) is a month long time of fasting, prayer and celebration during which pious Muslims neither drink nor eat anything, even water, from sun up to sun down. Businesses, banks and official places are not closed during this time. In some parts of Turkey, such as most of inland and eastern locations as locals are more conservative than people in the rest of the country, it is considered to be bad taste to eat snacks or drink sodas in front of locals in public places or transport -to be completely on the safe side, watch how local folk act-but restaurants are usually open and it is no problem to eat in them as usual, though some restaurant owners use it as an opportunity for a much-needed vacation (or renovation ) and shut their business completely for 30 days. However, you will unlikely see any closed establishment in big cities, central parts of the cities, and touristy towns of western and southern Turkey. At sunset, call for prayer and a cannon boom, fasting observers immediately sit down for iftar, their first meal of the day. Banks, businesses and official places are NOT closed during this time.
During Ramadan, many city councils set up tent-like structures in the major squares of the cities that are especially aimed and served for the needy, for those in poverty or who are elderly or handicapped, and are also served for passers by, with warm meals during the sunset (iftar), free of charge (much like soup kitchens, instead serving full meals). Iftar is a form of charity that is very rewarding especially when feeding someone who is needy. It was first practised by the Prophet Muhammad during the advent of Islam, for that purpose. Travellers are welcome to join, but do not take advantage of it during the entire fasting period, just because it is free of charge.
Immediately following Ramazan is the Eid-ul Fitr, or the three-day national holiday of Ramazan Bayramı, also called Şeker Bayramı (ie "Sugar" or more precisely "Candy Festival") during which banks, offices and businesses are closed and travel will be heavy. However, many restaurants, cafes and bars will be open.
Kurban Bayrami (pronounced koor-BAHN bahy-rah-muh) in Turkish, (Eid el-Adha in Arabic) or sacrifice holiday is the most important Islamic religious festival of the year. It lasts for several days and is a public holiday in Turkey. Almost everything will be closed during that time (many restaurants, cafes, bars and some small shops will be open however). Kurban Bayrami is also the time of the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca, so both domestic and international travel is intense in Turkey at this time. If you are in smaller towns or villages you may even observe an animal, usually a goat but sometimes a cow, being slaughtered in a public place. In recent years the Turkish government has cracked down on these unofficial slaughterings so it is not as common as it once was.
The dates of these religious festivals change according to the Muslim lunar calendar and thus occur 10-11 days (the exact difference between Gregorian and Lunar calendars is 10 days and 21 hrs) earlier each year:
. Şeker / Ramazan Bayramı
. Kurban Bayramı Turkey's Republic Day, a major patriotic holiday, with travel effects through 30 Oct.
During both religious holidays, many cities (but not all) provide free public transport (these do not include privately owned minibuses, dolmuşes, taxis, or inter-city buses). This depends on the place and time. For example, Istanbul's public transport authority provided free transport in Eid-ul Fitr 2008, but not in Eid-ul Adha 2008 when passengers had to pay a discounted rate. For some years, it was all free in both holidays, while in some others there was no discount at all. To be sure, check whether other passengers use a ticket / token or not.
Climate
The climate in Turkey has a vast diversity depending on the diverse topography and latitude.
Aegean and Mediterranean coastal areas enjoy the typical Mediterranean climate. There is hardly a drop of rain during the sunny and hot summer (May to October). Winters are mild and rainy in these regions, and it very rarely snows at coastal areas, with the exception of mountainous areas higher than 2000 metres of these regions, which are very snowy and are frequently not passable. The water temperature in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas is warm during the long summer season (May to October) which constitutes the swimming season and fluctuates between 23 ° and 28 ° C from north to south.
The region around the Sea of Marmara, including Istanbul, has a transitional climate between an oceanic climate and a semi-Mediterranean climate, but it does rain, albeit not a lot, during the very warm summer (as showers which tend to last for 15 -30 minutes). Its winters are colder than those of the western and southern coasts. Snow is common at coastal areas, although it does not stay on the ground for long and is limited to only a few days every winter. The water temperature in the Sea of Marmara is also colder than the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, with the water temperature reaching only between 20 ° and 24 ° C during the summer (June, July and August) and the swimming season is restricted to those summer months.
The Black Sea region has an oceanic climate (thanks to the protective shield effect of Caucasus mountains) with the greatest amount of precipitation and is the only region of Turkey that receives high precipitation throughout the year. The eastern part of that coast averages 2,500 millimetres annually which is the highest precipitation in the country. Summers are warm and humid while the winters are cool and damp. Snow is common at coastal areas, although it does not stay on the ground for long and is limited to only a few days every winter, though mountains are very snowy as it is expected to be and are frequently not passable, there are glaciers around the year in the highest zones. The water temperature in the whole Turkish Black Sea coast is always cool and fluctuates between 10 ° and 20 ° C throughout the year, and is even less suitable for swimming during the summer than in the Sea of Marmara.
Most of the coastal areas have a high level of relative humidity during most of the year which makes hot weather feel hotter and cold weather feel colder than it actually is.
Interior areas like Ankara, generally have hot summers (though the nights are cool enough to make someone who is wearing only a thin t-shirt uncomfortable outdoors) and cold and snowy winters. The more easterly the location is, the colder the winters are and the heavier the snow is. The northeastern part (around Erzurum and Kars) is the only inland area which has cool and rainy summers.
The southeastern region near the Syrian border has a desert-like climate, temperature is frequently above 40 ° C during summers with no rain. Snowfall is occasional in winter.
Regions
Turkey regions map.png
Aegean Turkey
Greek and Roman ruins between azure sea on one side and silvery olive groves on the other
Black Sea TurkeyHeavily forested mountains offering great outdoor sports such as trekking and rafting
Central Anatolia
Tree-poor central steppes with the national capital, Hittite and Phrygian ruins, and moon-like Cappadocia
Eastern Anatolia
High and mountainous eastern part with harsh winters
Marmara Region
The most urbanized region with Byzantine and Ottoman monuments in some of the country's greatest cities
Mediterranean Turkey
Mountains clad with pine woods ascending right from the heavily-indented coastline of the crystal clear sea
Southeastern Anatolia
Semi-desert Middle-Eastern most part of the country mostly populated by Kurds
Cities
Amasya - an inland central Black Sea city along with Yeşilırmak (Iris) river and amazing well-preserved Ottoman whitewashed architecture along with riverside, extraordinary King Rock Tombs from Pontic Greeks, just feel like in an open-air museum
Ankara - the capital of Turkey and its second largest city
Antalya - the fastest growing city, hub to an array of beach resorts
Bodrum - a trendy coastal town in the Southern Aegean which turns into a crowded city in season when it serves as a playground for Turkish and international holidaymakers alike, featuring a citadel, Roman ruins, trendy clubs and a number of villages surrounding the peninsula each with a different character from classy to rustic
Bursa - the first capital of the Ottoman Empire
Edirne - the second capital of the Ottoman Empire
Eskisehir - The Venice of Turkey, described as one of the most beautiful cities in Anatolia.
Istanbul (Constantinople) - Turkey's largest city, the former capital of both the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, and the only major city in the world to straddle two continents
Izmir - Turkey's third largest city
Konya - a quite large city that is the heartland of mystic Sufi order, the site of Rumi's tomb, and with some elegant Seljuq architecture, all surrounded by vast steppes
Trabzon - the wonderful Sümela Monastery is just outside the city and it is a great gateway to exploring the Turkish Northeast
Urfa - magical city with beautiful architecture and extremely friendly locals at the gates of Eastern World; where Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, and Persian cultures mingle
Other destinations
Flying over the turquoise waters in Ölüdeniz
. Ani - impressive ruins of medieval Armenian capital in the far east of the country
. Amasya - impressive rock tombs from ancient pontus greeks and amazing Ottoman wooden houses along with riverside
. Cappadocia - an area in central highlands best known for its unique moon-like landscape (the "fairy chimneys"), underground cities, cave churches and houses carved in the rocks
. Ephesus - well-preserved ruins of the Roman city on the west coast
. Gallipoli - site of 1915 Anzac landing and many WWI memorials
. Mount Nemrut - a UNESCO World Heritage site with head statues dedicated to ancient Gods on its summit
. Ölüdeniz - imcomparable postcard beauty of "Blue Lagoon", perhaps the most famous beach of Turkey which you will see on any tourism brochure
. Pamukkale - "the Cotton Castle", white world of travertines surrounding cascading shallow pools filled with thermal waters
. Sümela - stunning monastery on the cliffs of a mountain, a must-see on any trip to the northeast coast
. Uludağ - a national park featuring school textbook belts of different types of forests varying with altitude, and the major wintersports resort of the country
Get in
Citizens of the following countries can get a multiple-entry, sticker-type visa at any point of entry into Turkey for a fee
PLEASE NOTE that as of 10 April 2014, nationals of the countries below will not be able to obtain sticker-type visas at the port of entry any more. Those nationals should apply online for the Turkish e-Visa. All prices are in US Dollars only, and only Visa and Mastercard credit / debit cards are accepted as payment methods. If arriving at Ataturk airport in Istanbul, it is possible to purchase a visa from an automatic machine before clearing the immigration for the fixed rate of 20 USD (payment by card).
Valid for three months:
Antigua and Barbuda (US $ 20 / € 15)
Australia (US $ 60 / € 45)
Austria (US $ 20 / € 15 / £ 10)
Bahamas (US $ 20 / € 15)
Barbados (US $ 20 / € 15)
Belgium (US $ 20 / € 15 / £ 10)
Canada (US $ 60 / € 45)
Dominica (US $ 20 / € 15)
Dominican Republic (US $ 20 / € 15)
Grenada (US $ 20 / € 15)
Haiti (US $ 20 / € 15)
Hong Kong (BNO Passport) (US $ 20 / € 15)
Republic of Ireland (US $ 20 / € 15 / £ 10)
Jamaica (US $ 20 / € 15)
Kuwait (US $ 20 / € 15) (until October 31, 2013)
Maldives (US $ 20 / € 15)
Malta (Free)
Mexico (US $ 20 / € 15, with valid Schengen, UK, Canada, US, or Japan visa)
Netherlands (US $ 20 / € 15 / £ 10)
Norway (US $ 20 / € 15 / £ 10)
Oman (US $ 20 / € 15)
Poland (US $ 20 / € 15 / £ 10)
Portugal (US $ 20 / € 15 / £ 10)
Qatar (US $ 20 / € 15) (until October 31, 2013)
Saudi Arabia (US $ 20 / € 15) (until October 31, 2013)
Spain (US $ 20 / € 15)
Saint Kitts and Nevis (US $ 20 / € 15)
Saint Lucia (US $ 20 / € 15)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (US $ 20 / € 15)
United Arab Emirates (US $ 20 / € 15) (until October 31, 2013)
Ukraine (US $ 30 / € 20) (until August 01, 2012)
United Kingdom (US $ 20 / € 15 / £ 10)
United States of America (US $ 20 / € 15)
Valid for two months:
Belarus (US $ 20 / € 15)
Valid for one month:
Armenia (US $ 15 / € 10)
Bahrain (US $ 15 / € 10)
Bangladesh (US $ 20 / € 15, with valid Schengen, UK, or US visa)
Republic of Cyprus (US $ 20 / € 15 / £ 10)
India (US $ 20 / € 15, with valid Schengen, UK, or US visa)
Indonesia (US $ 25)
Mauritius (US $ 15 / € 10)
Moldova (US $ 30 / € 20)
Pakistan (US $ 20 / € 15, with valid Schengen, UK, or US visa)
South Africa (US $ 15 / € 10)
(NOTE: Payments in Pounds Sterling must be in Bank of England £ 10 notes ONLY. No Scottish or Northern Irish notes and no other values of notes (£ 5/20/50)
The citizens of the countries / territories listed below can enter Turkey visa-free for 90 days unless otherwise stated
Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Azerbaijan (30 days), Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina (60 days), Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica (30 days), Croatia, Czech Republic, Northern Cyprus (Turkish republic of), Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Hong Kong (SAR Passport), Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan (30 days), Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan (30 days), Latvia (30 days), Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau (30 days), Macedonia (60 days), Malaysia, Moldova (30 days), Monaco, Mongolia (30 days), Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Romania, Russia (60 days), San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan (30 days), Thailand (30 days) , Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan (30 days), Uruguay, Uzbekistan (30 days), Vatican City and Venezuela.
German citizens may enter with a passport, national ID card (Personalausweis) or an expired passport / ID unless arriving at the non-Council of Europe land border crossings (ie from Iran, Iraq and Syria).
More information can be found at theTurkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Capital Ankara
Government parliamentary republic
Currency Turkish lira (TRY)
Area 783,562km²
water: 13,930km²
land: 769,632km²
Population 73,193,000 (2006 estimate)
Language Turkish (official); Kurdish, Zaza, Arabic, Azeri, Laz
Religion Islam (Sunni majority, Alevi minority); also small numbers of Eastern Rite Christians, Jews, agnostics, and atheists
Electricity 220V, 50Hz (European plug)
Country code +90
Internet TLD .tr
Time Zone UTC +2
Emergencies dial 155 for police
110 for fire
112 for medical
What to buy?
Apart from classical tourist souvenirs like postcards and trinkets, here are a few of what you can bring back home from Turkey.
. Leather clothing - Turkey is the biggest leather producer in the world, so the leather clothing is cheaper than elsewhere. Many shops in Laleli, Beyazıt, Mahmutpaşa districts of Istanbul (all around the tram line which goes through Sultanahmet Square) are specialized on leather.
. Carpets and kilims - Many regions in Turkey produce handmade kilims and carpets. Though the symbols and figures differentiate depending on the region in which the carpet is produced, they are generally symbollic expressions based on ancient Anatolian religions and / or nomadic Turkic life which takes shape around shamanic beliefs more than 1000 years ago. You can find shops specialized on handmade carpets and kilims in any major city, tourist spot and Sultanahmet Area.
You seriously can not go anywhere in Turkey without someone trying to sell you a carpet. People will approach you on the street, engage in a little friendly conversation about where you're from, how do you like Turkey, and "would you like to come with me to my uncle's shop? It's just around the corner, and has the best authentic kilims. "It can be irritating if you let it get to you, but remember that a large part of these people's economy comes from tourist's wallets so you can not blame them for trying.
. Silk - Dresses and scarves. Although can be found in many parts of the country, silk fans should head for Bursa and before that, pick up basics of bargaining.
. Earthenware - Handmade Cappadocian pottery (amphoras, old-style plates, flowerpots etc) are made of local salty clay. Salt content of clay, thanks to salt spray produced by the Salt Lake -which is the second largest lake in Turkey- in the heartland of Central Anatolia, is what makes local earthenware top quality. In some Cappadocian towns, it is possible to see how these artifacts are produced, or even to experience producing one, at the dedicated workshops. Tiles with classical Ottoman motives that are produced in Kütahya are also famous.
. Turkish delight and Turkish coffee - If you like these during your Turkey trip, do not forget to take a few packages back home. Available everywhere.
. Honey - The pine honey (çam balı) of Marmaris is famous and has a much stronger taste and consistency than regular flower honeys. Although not easily attained, if you can find, do not miss the honey of Macahel valley, made out of flowers of a temperate semi-rainforest, which is almost completely out of human impact, in the far northeastern Black Sea Region.
. Chestnut dessert - Made out of syrup and chestnuts grown on the foothills of Mt. Uludağ, chestnut dessert (kestane şekeri) is a famous and tasty product of Bursa. There are many variations, such as chocolate coated ones. Chestnut dessert can be found in elsewhere, too, but relatively more expensive and in smaller packages.
. Meerschaum souvenirs - Despite its name meaning "sea foam" which it resembles, meerschaum (lületaşı) is extracted only in one place in the world: landlocked Eskişehir province in the extreme northwest part of Central Anatolia Region. This rock, similar to gypsum at sight, is carved into smoking pipes and cigarette holders. It has a soft and creamy texture and makes for a great decorative item. Available at some shops in Eskişehir.
. Castile (olive oil) soap - Natural, a silky touch on your skin, and a warm Mediterranean atmosphere in your bathroom. Absolutely cheaper than those to be found in Northern and Western Europe. Street markets in the Aegean Region and southern Marmara Region is full of olive oil soap, almost all of which are handmade. Even some old folk in the Aegean Region is producing their castile soaps in the traditional way: during or just after the olive harvest, neighbours gather in yards around large boilers heated by wood fire, then lye derived from the wood ash is added to hot water . and olive oil mix. Remember - supermarkets out of the Aegean Region are generally offering no more than industrial tallow based soaps full of chemicals. In cities out of the Aegean Region, natural olive oil soap can be found in shops specialized in olive and olive oil. Some of these shops are even offering ecological soaps: made of organic olive oil and sometimes with additions of organic essential oils.
. Other soaps unique to Turkey are: laurel soaps (defne sabunu) which is produced mainly in Antioch, soaps of Isparta enriched with rose oil which is produced abundantly in the area around Isparta, and bıttım sabunu, a soap made out of the oil of seeds of a local variety of pistachio tree native to the mountains of Southeastern Region. In Edirne, soaps shaped as various fruits are produced. Not used for their lather, rather they make a good assortment when different "fruits" are placed in a basket on a table, they fill the air with their sweet scent as well.
. Olive-based products apart from soap - Other olive-based products to give a try are olive oil shampoos, olive oil based eau de colognes and zeyşe, abbreviation from the first syllables of zeytin şekeri, a dessert similar to chestnut desserts, but made from olives.
WARNING! To export or to take out the antiques which are more than 100 years old from Turkey is subject to heavy restrictions or in many cases outright forbidden. If it is the case that someone offers you to sell antiques, either he / she is a liar, just trying to sell cheap imitations or he / she is committing a crime, which you are about to be a part of, if you accept to be the purchaser.
Travel in Françe
France is geographically one of the most diverse countries in Europe. Its cities contain some of the greatest treasures in Europe, its countryside is prosperous and well tended and it boasts dozens of major tourist attractions, like Paris, the French Riviera, the Atlantic beaches, the winter sport resorts of the French Alps, the castles of the Loire Valley, Brittany and Normandy. France is renowned for its gastronomy (particularly wines and cheeses), history, culture and fashion.
Understand
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye." - Antoine de Saint Exupéry, from The Little Prince
France has been the world's most popular tourist destination for over twenty years (83.0 million in 2012).
Metropolitan France is in Western Europe sharing frontiers with Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany to the northeast, Switzerland to the east, Italy to the south-east. Spain and the small country of Andorra are to the south-west, across the Pyrenees mountain range. The Mediterranean Sea laps the south of France, with the Principality of Monaco forming a small enclave. To the west, France has a long Atlantic Ocean coastline, while to the north lies the English Channel, across which lies the last of France's neighbours, England (part of the United Kingdom).
In the Caribbean, France borders the Netherlands via the French territory of Saint-Martin which borders the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten. Five oversea regions also form part of France: Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, French Guiana in South America, and Reunion and Mayotte, both off the coast of Madagascar. Numerous French oversea territories also exist around the Earth with varying status.
Climate
A lot of variety, but temperate winters and mild summers on most of the territory, and especially in Paris. Mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean and in the southwest (the latter has lots of rain in winter). Mild winters (with lots of rain) and cool summers in the northwest (Brittany). Cool to cold winters and hot summer along the German border (Alsace). Along the Rhône Valley, there is an occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as the mistral.
Cold winters with lots of the snow in the Mountainous regions: Alps, Pyrenees, Auvergne.
Terrain
Mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south west, Vosges, Jura and Alps in east, Massif Central in the mid south.
When to travel
If possible, try to avoid French school holidays and Easter, because hotels are very likely to be overbooked and traffic on the roads is simply awful.
Holidays: search internet for [French school holidays], as they vary from region to region. Mostly, the winter holidays are 10 Feb-10 Mar. The spring holidays are often 10 Apr-10 May.
Winter gets very cold, sometimes freezing. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing to keep you warm while visiting.
Hotels are very likely to be overbooked and road traffic will be awful during the 1 May, 8 May, 11 Nov, Easter Weekend, Ascension weekend too.
Overseas departments
Guadeloupe
Martinique
Mayotte
French Guiana (Guyane Française)
Réunion.
Overseas territories
French Polynesia (Polynésie Française) - post-card tropical islands in Oceania
New Caledonia (Nouvelle Caledonie) - long-shaped island in Oceania
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (Saint Pierre et Miquelon) - small islands off the Canadian coast
Wallis and Futuna -
The following overseas territories are remote possessions kept as natural reservations:
French Southern and Antarctic territories (Terres Antarctiques et Australes Françaises, or TAAF), consisting of Terre Adélie in Antarctica and some islands in the Indian Ocean
Scattered Islands of the Indian Ocean (Iles Eparses): Europa Island, Bassas da India, Juan de Nova Island, Glorioso Islands (Glorieuses)
Clipperton Island
A very limited form of tourism is available in the TAAF islands.
cities
France has numerous cities of interest to travellers, below is a list of nine of the most notable:
Paris - the "City of Light", romance and the Eiffel Tower
Bordeaux - city of wine, traditional stone mansions and smart terraces
Bourges - gardens, canals and a cathedral listed as a UNESCO heritage site
Lille - a dynamic northern city known for its handsome centre and active cultural life
Lyon - France's second city with a history from Roman times to the Resistance
Marseille - Third largest French city with a harbour as big as its place as the heart of Provence
Nantes - the "Greenest City" and, according to some, the best place to live in Europe
Strasbourg - famous for its historical centre, and home to many European institutions
Toulouse - the "Pink City", for its distinctive brick architecture, main city of Occitania
Other destinations
. Camargue - one of Europe's largest river deltas and wetlands
. Corsica - the birthplace of Napoleon, a unique island with a distinct culture and language
. Disneyland Paris - the most visited attraction in Europe
. French Alps - home to the highest mountain in Western Europe, the Mont Blanc
. French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) - Mediterranean coastline of France with plenty of upper class seaside resorts, yachts and golf courses
. Loire Valley - the world-famous Loire Valley, best known for its wines and chateaux
. Luberon - the stereotypical Provence of picturesque villages, joie de vivre and wine
. Mont Saint Michel - second most-visited sight in France, a monastery and town built on a tiny outcrop of rock in the sand, which is cut off from the mainland at high tide
. Verdon Gorge - beautiful river canyon in a turquoise-green, great for kayaking, hiking, rock-climbing or just driving around the limestone cliffs
Regions
France is divided into 22 administrative regions, which themselves can be grouped into seven cultural regions:
Regions of France
Île-de-France
The region surrounding the French capital, Paris.
Northern France (Nord-Pas de Calais, Picardy, Normandy)
A region where the world wars have left many scars.
Northeastern France (Alsace, Lorraine, Champagne-Ardenne, Franche-Comté)
A region where wider European culture (and especially Germanic culture) has merged with the French, giving rise to interesting results.
Great West (Brittany, Pays de la Loire)
An agriculture-based oceanic region with a culture greatly influenced by the ancient Celtic peoples.
Central France (Centre-Val de Loire, Poitou-Charentes, Burgundy, Limousin, Auvergne)
A largely agricultural and vinicultural region, featuring river valleys, chateaux and historic towns.
Southwestern France (Aquitaine, Midi-Pyrenees)
A region of sea and wine, with nice beaches over the Atlantic Ocean and young high mountains close to Spain.
Southeastern France (Rhône-Alpes, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Corsica)
The primary tourist region of the country outside of Paris, with a warm climate and azure sea, contrasting with the mountainous French Alps.
Each administrative region is divided into a number of departments. Each department is allocated a 2 digit number. This number forms the first 2 digits of the 5 digit French postcode.
Capital ParisGovernment republic
Currency Euro (€)
CFP Franc (XPF) (Pacific overseas territories)
Area 643,801km²
water: 3,374km²
land: 640,427km²
Population 63,929,000 in metropolitan France
66,616,416 in all France (2014 estimates)
Language French
recognized locally: Alsatian, Catalan, Corsican, Breton, Gallo, Occitan, some languages of New Caledonia
Religion 45% Christian, 3% Muslim, 1% Jewish, 1% Buddhist, 6% other religion, 44% none or not stated
Electricity 220-230V, 50Hz. Outlets: CEE7 / 5 (protruding male earth pin), accepting CEE 7/5 (Grounded), CEE 7/7 (Grounded) or CEE 7/16 (non-grounded) plugs
Country code 33
Internet TLD .fr
Time Zone UTC +1
Sensitive topics
As a general rule, debates, discussions, and friendly arguments are something that the French enjoy, but there are certain topics that should be treated more delicately or indirectly than others:
Politics: French people have a wide variety of opinions about many subjects. Unless you really follow French news closely, you should probably steer clear of discussing internal French politics, especially sensitive issues such as immigration - you may come across as judgmental and uninformed. Reading French newspapers to get a feel for the wide spectrum of political opinions in France - from the revolutionary left to the nationalistic right - may help. That said, do not be discouraged from engaging in political discussions with French people, just be aware of the position that being a foreigner puts you in. Also, it is considered to be quite rude to ask a person point-blank about which candidate he / she voted for in the last election (or will vote for in the next); instead, talk about the issues and take it from there.
Religion: The French seldom advertise their religious feelings, however, and expect you to avoid doing so as well. Doing so might make people feel uneasy. It is also generally considered impolite to inquire about religious or other personal issues. While France has barred religious symbols from public places including Sikh turban, Islamic hijab and Jewish kippah on grounds of secularism, this controversial topic is best avoided in polite conversations. People practicing those faiths need to be aware of the unfriendly attitudes that some in France hold to expression of religion in public places.
Money: You should also avoid presenting yourself through what you own (house, car, etc.). It is also considered to be quite crass to discuss your salary, or to ask someone else directly about theirs. Instead express your enthusiasm about how great are the responsibilities, or how lucky you were to get there, etc.
City / Rural Differences: While it is true that roughly 1 / 6th of the country's population lives in the Paris region, do not make the mistake of reducing France to Paris or assuming that all French people act like Parisians. Life in Paris can be closer to life in London or New York City than in the rest of France; just as New Yorkers or Londoners might act and feel differently than people from, say, Oklahoma or Herefordshire, so might Parisian customs and opinions differ from those found "en province."
Emergencies
Hospitals will have an emergency room signposted Urgences.
The following numbers are toll-free:
15 Medical emergencies
17 Law enforcement emergencies (for e.g. reporting a crime)
18 Firefighters
112 European standard emergency numbers.
Operators at these numbers can transfer requests to other services if needed (e.g. some medical emergencies may be answered by firefighter groups).
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited by law in all enclosed spaces accessible to the public (this includes train and subway cars, train and subway station enclosures, workplaces, restaurants and cafés) unless in areas specifically designated for smoking, and there are few of these. There was an exception for restaurants and cafés, but since the 1st January 2008, the smoking ban law is also enforced there. You may face a fine of €68 if you are found smoking in these places.
Smoking is banned in métro and trains, as well as enclosed stations. Subway and train conductors do enforce the law and will fine you for smoking in non-designated places; if you encounter problems with a smoker in train, you may go find the conductor.
As hotels are not considered as public places, some offer smoking vs non-smoking rooms.
Only people over the age 18 may purchase tobacco products. Shopkeepers may request a photo ID.
Tourism in Morocco
There Morocco many World Heritage sites: the archaeological site of Walili, Palace of Ait Ben Haddou, Mazagan (new), the ancient city of Essaouira, the old city of Fez, the ancient city of Marrakech, the ancient city of Tetouan, the historic city of Meknes, the cultural space of the Jemaa El Fna Square,the city Tangier and the city of Tan.Tan.
Tourism antique cities:
The official focus of tourism activity in Morocco, through decades, the cultural heritage offered by rich antique cities Bmatherha historical and traditional industries and popular culture these Fez, the first Islamic city in the country of Morocco, is a museum open pulsing history. Includes the prestigious University of villagers and a series of traditional markets, hotels Altarichah.ohzh red Marrakech Koutoubia surrounding a silo, and raises interesting visitors Badi Palace and break the lighthouse and Agdal Gardens, in addition to the traditional world of diverse industry. But her heart remains beating represented in the yard, "Djemaa el Fna" classified by the body, "UNESCO" universal human heritage of oral literature and the arts, which is an open space for popular Gap inherent in various forms and colors. It is no coincidence that the selection of Marrakech to host the National Festival of Folk Art and the Meknes, Rabat and Salé, WHDH Tangier city of magnificent nicknamed the Bride of the north, bordering the Mediterranean Ocean, Mediterranean Sea Alatlenti and accepted Taroudant, pieces of ancient history is open and libraries and museums and castles for tourists hungry for knowledge ..
Mountain tourism
Since the beginning of the tourist activity takes the form of contemporary, pioneers discovered distinct spaces for the practice of mountain tourism. The small city of Azilal (east of Marrakech) present activity. In winter the Atlas Mountains form the pole attractions thanks to snow that circulated Hamadtha. Morocco and is available on the important areas to ski on snow various Osnavh, both in the "Okimdn" on the outskirts of Marrakech, or in "Michleven" Azrou Ifrane cities and suburbs, and regions are available on the sports and tourist facilities
In the summer, the role of amateur sports climbing, which is particularly active in the outskirts of Marrakech, or convoys crossing the High Atlas Azilal from the northern foothills of the valves or composed or Tinerhir southern foothills comes. As many enthusiasts visited the deep caves and especially those located in the outskirts of the cities of Agadir in the south and Taza in the northeast. Also flock to these mountains amateur nature reserves, where the countryside and mountains of the Atlas Mountains are available on the most important protected areas in the country, especially the reserves Souss and Toubkal.
Sport tourism
Moroccan authorities have made special efforts to make physical activity in the tourism service. And relied in particular on the game of golf as a sport senior businessmen and set up tourist villages on a series of golf courses across the country
But sports tourism in Morocco did not generate this administrative decision, before it was mountains provide adequate space to fly glider, and natural lakes, located in various regions of the country, was and is still of interest to amateur flatwater games. At the same time constitute the country, in different areas, plenty of space to practice my sport hunting and fishing
Religious tourism
. Tijani angularity Fez
. Yom Hillula
Beach tourism
Morocco has 3,500 kilometers of beaches, a third of the Mediterranean Sea, and the rest of the Atlantic Ocean. It is what makes him a favorite of amateur tourism destinations, Moroccans and foreigners . and beaches were always a favorite destination with tourists during the summer in particular.
Mediterranean sea is proposed to the visitors the West and South, quiet beaches of pure water and golden sands, from Saadia to Tangier, passing through the front, Al Hoceima, Ristinka small palace, in the Atlantic Ocean presents a variety of complexions beaches, from Tangier to Lagouira, passing and the asila and Moulay Bousselham and Mahdia and Temara and Skhirat and Casablanca and neonatal and Essaouira, Agadir, Safi, Sidi Ifni and eyes, as well as Tangier, which is the capital of this type of tourism.
Statistics
The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism announced on Wednesday, July 5, the number of tourists in Morocco in the last five months of the current year increased by 16 per cent compared with last year. He has visited about 2.09 million tourists in the country that period, including 696 thousand Moroccan immigrant abroad. The ministry said that the highest recorded in Tangier by 31 per cent. In Marrakech, the figure was 27 per cent and 14 per cent in Agadir and 11 per cent in Casablanca and 9 per cent in Meknes and 8 per cent in Rabat and 6 per cent in Essaouira.
Tourism in Morocco recorded a decline in revenues amounted to 43% in early 2002 due to the effects of the events of September 11 in the United States amounted to tourism revenues in the first month of this year, $ 102 million compared to the same period in 2001, with revenues of about $ 179 million.
And works in the Moroccan tourism industry about 620 000 people and was the industry has seen a significant development in the years who scoop September 11 In 2000, tourism revenues increased 28% and reached 8.26 billion dirhams ($ 38.2 billion), but that Morocco aims to receive ten million annually by 2010, tourists from around 2.4 million tourists last year. And trying to Morocco to minimize the negative effects left by the events of September to continue in more projects, work has started since October 2002 for the development of sites for the construction of 36 hotels with about 7 thousand rooms in Marrakech, an investment costing 44.6 billion dirhams as well as some of the projects for many investors.
Morocco may be less harmful than the bad situation of tourism in the world due to the moderation that sets it apart.
Moroccan Tourist Office has set out to identify the most prominent features of the emergency plan to cope with the current crisis, Morocco is able to attract between 5 and 6 million tourists without taking into account the border tourism, which would change to some extent tourism and attract a variety of which an estimated two million tourists increase can Moroccan tourism who are abroad and publicity campaigns studied with priority given to all classes
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