Car & Van Hire - Erzurum

Erzurum, in Northern Anatolia, offers visitors a superb blend of history and natural beauty. Like many Turkish cities, it is rich in history, and its old buildings tell the stories of civilisations and empires that have risen and fallen, each leaving its own mark on the land. One of the most impressive sights is the Çifte Minareli Medrese, commonly known as the Twin Minaret Madrasa due to its two fluted minarets. This was originally built in the thirteenth century as a theological school. Later, it was used as an armoury, but today it houses a fascinating museum. It's particularly impressive at night when the minarets are lit up so that they seem to glow from within.

Another building worth visiting in town is the Yakutiye Madrasa. This was built in 1310. Its minaret is broader and squatter than the two on the Twin Minaret Madrasa, but its façades are incredibly impressive. The detail in the decoration will take some time to admire, with a blend of geometric patterns and images of animals and plants. Part of the building is still a working mosque today, so ensure you have dressed appropriately if you want to go inside.

You can also see old Christian sites around the area, as Anatolia was long regarded as a melting pot of different cultures and religions. The Oshki Oskvank Monastery dates back to the 10th century and was dedicated to St John the Baptist. This was once a site of major importance to the Eastern Christian world and is very well-preserved. Intricate sculptures and carvings decorate the interior, where you'll see beautiful images of the archangels.

With car hire in Erzurum, it's easy to get out of the city to admire the beauty of the surrounding natural landscapes. A true highlight is Tortum Waterfall. You'll often see rainbows forming in the spray of its powerful cascades. In the summer months, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake at the foot of the waterfall. At other times of the year, it's far too cold – but the views will never be anything less than spectacular!

Winter is the perfect time to visit Anatolia if you're a keen skier. Take advantage of car or van hire in Erzurum and drive to Palandoken, Turkey's most popular destination for snow sports. Here you will find all that you need for a great skiing or snowboarding holiday. Winter sports enthusiasts of all levels can enjoy themselves on the slopes here. There are tricky slopes, best left to the experts, as well as gentle areas tailor-made for newcomers. If you dare, you can even try ski jumping.

It's best to avoid rush hour in Erzurum, which tends to peak at about 08:00 and again at around 17:30. At other times of day, traffic is well-controlled, and there are many alternative routes to avoid bottlenecks. You will find plenty of parking around the city. It's usually easier to choose an "Oto Park", the large Turkish multi-storey car parks that are a feature of every city. A parking attendant will offer to take your keys and park your vehicle for you. As the cars here are jammed very tightly together, this is often a wise choice!

If you do opt for on-street parking, don't waste your time looking for a meter. Instead, a parking attendant will approach you for payment and give you a ticket in return. You will need to carry cash, as there are no options available to pay with card.

This part of Turkey sees heavy snow throughout the winter. The snowiest months are usually January and February, but you can expect the white stuff to start falling as early as November. Snow chains and winter tyres are not compulsory, but they are strongly advised, particularly if you're planning to head off the beaten track. If you are going into the mountains, pay very close attention to local weather reports and news. Roads are often closed due to poor weather conditions, so you will need to take alternative routes.

You'll find a huge difference in maintenance between Turkey's highways and back roads. The highways are in a constant state of development, so they are modern, well-maintained and easy to drive along. Country roads, on the other hand, are often narrow, winding and marred by potholes. Signage and lighting may be poor, and it's common to get stuck behind agricultural vehicles. Animals may also stray onto the country roads. If this happens, either wait for them to pass or try to drive carefully around them. Do not honk your horn at groups of goats, as they may respond aggressively.

If you prefer to stick to the highways, ensure your vehicle is fitted with an HGS device. This is used to pay for tolls – and there are lots of tolls on Turkish roads! There are no alternative payment systems, so if you do not have an HGS, you will be fined.