Vital statistics
Area: 785,000km2
Languages: Mainly Turkish, along with minority languages including Kurdish
Population: 85 million
Capital: Ankara
Coastline: over 8000km on the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Aegean Sea and Marmara Sea
Borders: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Nakhchivan (Azerbaijani exclave), Iraq, Syria
Currency: Turkish Lira
Flight time from UK: around 4 hours
Spanning two continents is a rare feat, achieved by only a very few countries and even fewer cities. Turkey pulls off the double. Its lands push west into Europe and east into Asia, with Istanbul straddling the Bosphorus Strait and linking the two halves. As you might imagine, this transcontinental collision makes Turkey a fascinating place.
The swirling mix of cultures and cuisines alone would make this a mind-expanding place for school expeditions. Throw in the landscape – from a long coastline that abuts four seas to extraordinary mountainous terrain – and you have a can’t-miss destination. Oh, and there’s the complex history, unique archaeology and adventure activities to consider too. All told, there’s something enlightening or challenging in Turkey for students of all subjects to sink their teeth into.
Things to do and see
In Turkey, it’s possible to experience the bewildering bustle of city life and the tranquillity of mountain trekking, even within a short trip. Istanbul is home to some world-famous architectural sites, including the vast Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, while Ankara tempts student travellers to try new cuisines and navigate colourful bazaars.
Our expeditions step away from the busy coastal resorts and turn inland, where there’s plenty to explore. Venture with us into the central region of Cappadocia and you’ll be astonished to find lunar landscapes dotted with teetering pillars of rock known as ‘fairy chimneys’. Many of the rock formations conceal dwellings and churches painstakingly carved from the soft stone. Underground, there are troglodyte cities that trace their roots back to Byzantine times and were still inhabited in the early twentieth century.
Those who want to test their stamina can pull on their boots and tackle high-altitude treks in the Taurus and Kaçkar Mountains. These challenging walks pass through high pastures and deep valleys under the shadow of snow-capped mountains. To the extreme east of Turkey, double-coned Mount Ararat rises up from the surrounding plains. In a fitting intermingling of dramatic landscape with age-old legend, the story goes that this was the final resting place of Noah’s Ark.
When a shot of adrenaline is in order, we head to Koprulu Canyon National Park for a spot of white-water rafting or to hit the mountain-biking trails. Appreciating the rugged coastline of this diverse country is best done in off-the-beaten track places – we have some favourite beaches on the Mediterranean shore that we’re happy to share.
Check out our Turkish itineraries or get in touch to discuss your needs – whether you’re planning a geography trip or want varied activities, we can put together a tailored package.