Istanbul is the crown jewel of Turkish tourism, yes, but the country has much more to offer; since 1970, it’s almost quadrupled its population, and with that have come numerous new adventure opportunities. Antalya has numerous bars and lounges, and Derinkuyu is a remarkable underground city where you can learn how people escaped persecution at the hands of the Romans. Kas’ harbor has gorgeous views of the Mediterranean.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Not required for stays under 90 days.
US Citizens traveling on cruise ships can enter visa-free for a maximum of 72 hours with permission from authorities at the port of entry.
Get entry and exit stamps. You must have a Turkish entry stamp to fly domestically. Get an exit stamp in your passport when leaving the country or you may face difficulties re-entering Turkey in the future and a fine.
Turkey has been known to close it’s borders on occasion to US Citizens during difficult diplomatic times.
► US Department of State Türkiye Turkey Information
► Official Turkey e-Visa Application
The unit of Turkish money is the Turkish Lira (Türk Lirası, TL or TRY). A unique symbol was introduced by the Turkish Central Bank to denote the Turkish Lira.
In Turkey, you can use a major credit card to pay for most purchases: hotel rooms, rental cars, airline tickets, fancy dinners, and the more substantial souvenirs. I’ve even seen soft drink machines that accept credit cards. If you make a reservation and pay in advance online with a credit card for some travel services such as airline flights, ferry voyages, car rentals, etc., you may be required to provide the exact same credit card at boarding time!
LGBTQ Travel in Turkey:
► Turkey Travel Planner
Someone’s cultural awareness is their understanding of the differences between themselves and people from other countries or other backgrounds, especially differences in attitudes and values. Travel is a way to expose yourself to other cultures. As a guest, it is generally best to respect the culture of your host, regardless of your agreement or disagreement with their ways or beliefs.
As with most Muslim regions, both Men and Women should not expose their shoulders, elbows or knees when out in public. Both men and women should not wear shorts, sleeveless shirts or anything that exposes too much flesh. Women should wear skirts reaching below the knee level, and shirts with sleeves preferably elbow length or longer.
center of the Old City
Size: 67 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary Classic
Year Opened: 1992
Most Recent Renovation/Update: 2022
After an extensive remodel, this is the best hotel in Istanbul for a first time visitor.
Arches, tiles, and towers catch your eye upon arrival at this century-old landmark, a former prison turned enclave in Istanbul’s Old City. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is an intimate retreat of 65 rooms and suites offering a variety of views over the landscaped courtyard. The UNESCO World Heritage sites Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque are just a couple of minutes’ stroll from the hotel. Of the 65 guest rooms and suites at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, the signature suites provide extra indulgence. This neoclassical hotel is known worldwide for its attentive service and fine dining.
I AM A FOUR SEASONS PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in
• Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom, served in a hotel restaurant or through In-Room Dining
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Guaranteed late check-out at 4pm
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
Hisarönü Mah, just south of Bodrum
Size: 196 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary
Year Opened: 2021
Seasonal Operations: Property is closed during the winter season
Located high on a hillside where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet, D Maris Bay is a peaceful enclave of beauty, serenity, and luxury with 196 spacious rooms and suites, a Presidential Suite, and an exclusive Villa. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the protected environment with spectacular views, crystal clear waters, and five stunning natural private beaches. The resort has something for everyone, from water sports, yachting, and tennis to personalized treatments at the Mytha Spa.
I AM A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
You get additional Amenities when I manage your reservation.
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100usd (or more) F&B or Spa Credit
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
and more
► VIRTUOSO: Türkiye Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
► THE VIRTUOSO LIFE: Mickey Ashmore’s Guide to Turkey
The shoe impresario stops by to discuss his travel style and give us the intel on his favorite restaurants in Istanbul.
Inside a massive abandoned town of Disney-esque castles
What was supposed to be a luxurious urban development for wealthy foreigners has become an eerie half-finished ghost town in Turkey
► WIKIVOYAGE: Türkiye Turkey Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Türkiye.
Thousands of years ago, an ancient civilization started building a massive network of caves in a region of Turkey called Cappadocia. These underground cities were sprawling, ingenious spaces that accommodated entire societies: livestock, families, industry, and houses of worship. Through the millennia, communities continued to live in these caves en masse, right up until 1952, when the government cited structural dangers and set about evacuating the residents.
For fifty years, the caves remained largely abandoned. Then, in 2002, Cappadocia unveiled its first luxury hotel. It was stylish. It was elegant. It was in a cave.
continues at TABLET MAGAZINE:
► The Incredible Cave Hotels Of Cappadocia
► SimOptions – Orange Holiday Europe
Orange Holiday Europe eSim is one of the best options for European travellers with coverage in 30 EU countries.
Bodrum General Information Page
Istanbul General Information Page
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page updated: August 2025
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Türkiye Tourism Board
Please Note: All Hotel / Resort / Cruise / Services Amenities are subject to availability and may have changed since the date of this being originally published.
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