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01
Explore Cappadocia by Hot-Air Balloon
One of the top things to do in Turkey in winter is to enjoy a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. It is a magical experience during which you will get to fly high above the dreamy and snowy landscape of Cappadocia. You will get to admire stunning aerial views of fairy chimneys and several valleys like Red Valley and Pigeon Valley. Additionally, there will be other colourful hot air balloons in the vast blue sky and above the snowy grounds, creating an impressive contrast and an unforgettable experience.
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02
Relax with sleighing on Lake Ç?ld?r
Lake Ç?ld?r is the second largest lake as well as one of the most visited winter destinations in Turkey. Between the months of December and February, the lake gets frozen and snow-covered, offering a magical experience for those looking to sleigh across its icy surface. As you hop on the sleigh rides led by local horses, you will get to glide across the expansive frozen lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This unique winter activity allows you to connect with nature as well as enjoy the cultural charm of Turkey.
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03
Ride the Eastern Express Train
From the list of all the popular things to do in Turkey in winter, make sure to try the Ride the Eastern Express Train. It is the most famous train route of Turkey which runs between Ankara and Kars and is best experienced in the winter. It is a 24-hour train ride that takes you through some of the most beautiful locations of Turkey including high plateaus and rugged mountains, all covered with a layer of snow. Due to the high demand of this train, there is now a second train that follows the same route, the Tourist Eastern Express.
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04
Ski at Uluda?
Uludag, also known as Mount Ulu, is the most famous and busiest ski centre in Turkey. It is a vast resort with around 28 km of slopes, offering a fun experience whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier. If you are a beginner, you will get a briefing session and will ski along with an expert. However, if you are experienced, you can simply rent your ski equipment and head towards the slopes for the ultimate adventure. Additionally, if you wish to extend your day trip and relax in this tranquil ambience, there are around 27 hotels in this resort.
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05
Discover Kars and Ani ruins
Exploring Kars and the Ancient Ani is one of the best things to do in winter in Turkey which you should not miss. Kars is a prime winter destination which attracts tourists with its pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here, you can explore elegant church ruins, historic mosques, a castle and some fine 19th-century architecture. The highlight of Kars is the nearby Ani which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a fascinating ruin which looks even more surreal in the winter.
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06
Enjoy a peaceful Istanbul city break
Istanbul looks nothing less than a paradise in the winter season. The major attractions like the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace look incredible with a sprinkling of snow on top. One of the best reasons to visit Istanbul during winter is that there are fewer crowds so you can enjoy and explore more freely at your own pace. Another advantage is that the prices drop significantly due to less demand so you can get flight tickets, hotels, attraction tickets and food at a much cheaper rate in winter.
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07
Ski at Palandöken
Palandöken Ski Resort on Mount Palandöken is another popular ski centre in Turkey. With an altitude of 2,200 metres, this is the highest-altitude ski resort in Turkey, offering plenty of adventure activities. It is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, known for pristine slopes blanketed in snow. The resort boasts some of the steepest slopes in Turkey, making it a must-try for advanced skiers, while also providing gentler slopes for beginners. In addition to skiing, you can enjoy snowboarding, snowshoeing, or cosy moments with your loved ones by the fire in alpine lodges.
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08
Unwind at Lake Abant
Located in the Bolu province of Turkey, Lake Abant is a beautiful freshwater lake, surrounded by thick pine tree forest. It is situated in the middle of a national park and serves as a serene getaway destination. Here, you can sit and relax, soaking in the mesmerising beauty and tranquil ambience. Or, you can explore the walking trails nearby and explore the woods. To make it more enjoyable, you can also rent a bike to explore the forest or choose horseback riding, both of which are popular things to do in Turkey in winter.
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09
Ruin hop along Turkey's coast
Planning a trip to Turkey in winter offers you a chance to explore the country’s most popular archaeological sites with fewer crowds. Contrary to the peak months, you can spend as much time as you like, wandering around and listening to interesting historical facts. Some of the well-known attractions that you should definitely visit in the winter include Pamukkale, Aspendos and Ephesus. However, it is important to note that some smaller resort towns completely shut down during winter, whereas larger towns like Antalya, Fethiye and Cappadocia offer year-round accommodations.
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Ski at Sar?kam?s
Sar?kam?s is one of the lesser-known ski resorts in Turkey, however, claimed to be the best by advanced skiers. If you are someone who wishes to try winter sports but in more peaceful surroundings then this is the place for you. It is a smaller yet beautiful ski resort, consisting of four major slopes, five hotels and three connecting lifts. Here, you can also try snowboarding as well as rent the required equipment from the facilities shop.
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