Sixt Car Rental Services in Turkey

Driving Tips

Turkey's major roads have been substantially upgraded and highways are generally in good condition around major cities and in the coastal tourist regions in the south and west. The E80 and E89 connect Istanbul with Ankara and the E881 runs from Istanbul to the coast at Izmir. Across Turkey many highways and bridges require tolls to be paid. These are determined by the length of the toll road and the type of the vehicle. Tolls are collected in cash at toll booths before entering the road or bridge, so it's a good idea to have change on hand.

Here are some more general driving guidelines:

• All vehicle occupants must wear seatbelts.
• Children under 12 cannot ride in the front seats.
• Speed limits are generally 30 mph in urban areas, 55 mph on two-lane roads and 75 mph on highways.

Places of Interest

Top 4 Architectural Sights

• Istanbul
• Ephesus City
• Ankara State Art and Culture Museum
• Bodrum Castle

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul dates from 1609, when it was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I. Its six minarets and cascade of domes decorate the city's skyline and the blue-tiled interior and stained glass windows create a special atmosphere. The Hagia Sophia was built in the 5th century by the Emperor Justinian. It has been both mosque and church and was the world's largest cathedral for 1,000 years. The Topkapi Palace was home to the rulers of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 to 1856. Today it contains a fascinating museum dedicated to Turkey's imperial past. Outside the palace, a series of courtyards, gardens and fountains create a stunning location for a stroll. The Bosphorus Bridge, meanwhile, is a spectacular suspension bridge connecting Asia with Europe. Ephesus City, on the western coast to the south of Izmir, is the site of impressive Greek ruins dating from the 6th century BC. It was the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Ankara State Art and Culture Museum was built in 1927 by architect Arif Hikmet Koyunoğlu and the impressive building houses a fine collection of Turkish art. Bodrum Castle in southwest Turkey was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century and today houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Top 4 Natural Sights

• Cappadocia
• Pamukkale
• Bosphorus
• Mount Ararat

Cappadocia looks like something from another world. Honeycombed hills and rock towers have been carved to provide homes over centuries, especially in Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. Balloon rides provide a fabulous way to view the landscape. Pamukkale is another geological wonder, featuring calcite terraces containing pools of mineral-rich waters. It has been the site of a spa since Roman times and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a great museum and important ruins. The Bosphorus is a hugely important waterway, dividing Europe and Asia. It connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and forms a spectacular, narrow channel. Mount Ararat is Turkey's highest mountain, reaching to more than 16,000 ft. It has long been thought to be the resting place for Noah's Ark and this snow-capped dormant volcano makes a stunning landscape.