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Turkey as a whole and Istanbul in particular is lively, cheerful, full of friendly faces and cold beer, with lots to see and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.

The main downside is the busloads of package tourists disgorging in front of every worthwhile sight. In larger areas such as Istanbul and Cappadocia this doesn't matter so much, there is space to breathe, but places like Ephesus and Pamukkale are hard to appreciate with shuffling herds endlessly circling key hotspots.

Dalyan mud baths.

If you go as an individual, try getting to main sights very early or late (which are the best time to take pictures anyway), or consider giving these worn attractions a miss and spending more time in the best Turkish places - Istanbul, Cappadocia, Bodrum, Kas, or further afield if you have a lot of time - there are plenty more ancient sites and interesting places that are not yet on the package itinerary. Nor in our photo gallery, sadly.

Mount Nemrut.

Turkey Weather:
Best: May - October. For beaches June - September.
Temperatures in east Turkey near Syria have a desert climate with extreme heat in the summer and extreme cold in the winter.
The Black Sea coast, on the other hand, is generally mild and wet.
Worst: December-March when it's cold and wet in the west and freezing in the east.

Beware Ramadan 9 July-7 August 2013, especially in rural and traditional regions but not really much of a problem in tourist regions. However, be sensitive! It's a delicate time. Ramadan is the Muslim fasting month; dates depend on the moon so may differ by one day depending on location. Istanbul Weather | Cappadocia Weather

Olu Deniz beach. Click to see Turkey beach photos.

Things to do in Turkey