Turkey’s territory covers 814,578 square kilometers, 97% of which is on the Asian continent, and 3% on the European continent. Turkey is located between 26° and 45° E longitude and 42° and 36° N latitude. It no longer includes the Balkan and Arabic lands it possessed in the days of the Ottoman Empire, but takes in eastern Thrace (the European part of Turkey) and Anatolia (Asia Minor). Surrounded by four seas, it has 8,372 kilometers of coastline and 2,753 kilometers of land borders that it shares with Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria.

Time zone: GM +2

Airports
Istanbul, Ankara, Bodrum, Antalya, Izmir, Dalaman

Climate
The high season extends from April to November in southern Turkey with temperatures ranging from 30° to 40° C in July and August. April, May and October are the most comfortable months and there are fewer tourists, making these ideal months to visit. Winter is sunny with considerably lower temperatures.

Clothing
In the summer, bring a hat and sunglasses as protection against the sun. Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic or archeological sites. Summer clothing is usually appropriate, but bring along something warmer for cool evenings, particularly at higher altitudes. A headscarf is recommended for women who wish to enter mosques.

Train connections
Trains connect the major cities.

Slow trains: Istanbul-Ankara: 8 hours. Istanbul-Izmir: 11 hours. Ankara-Izmir: 14 1/2 hours.

Entry documents
All travelers must have a valid passport as well as a visa. Check with a Turkish Consulate for specific requirements when planning your trip.

National Holidays

• National Sovereignty and Children's Day (April 23)
• Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day (May 19)
• Victory Day (August 30)
• Republic Day (October 29)
• Muslim Holidays
• Seker Bayrami ( the Festival of Fast-Breaking) - three day festival
• Kurban Bayrami (the Festival of Sacrifice) - four day festival