From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Turkey is an incredibly diverse country with so much to offer: ancient ruins and magnificent architecture, dazzling natural beauty, world-class cuisine, one of the world's greatest cities and a unique culture combining European, Asian and Middle Eastern influences. It's also safe, affordable and remarkably family friendly.
Head to Istanbul, truly one of the world's greatest cities, for breathtaking mosques, bustling bazaars and intriguing history. Admire the magnificent architecture of the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya, head to a hammam for a relaxing soak and scrub, savour Turkish cuisine and culture in a local meyhane, and bargain for exquisite carpets, textiles and leatherwork in the famous Grand Bazaar.
Visit Gallipoli's moving war memorials and monuments, marvel at the ancient Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus and head to Konya to watch the Whirling Dervishes perform their hypnotic prayer-dance.
Sail along Turkey's spectacular coast, bathe in Pamukkale's turquoise terraced hot springs and take a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia's surreal Fairy Chimneys. Lace up your boots and hike stunning mountains and coastal trails, tackle a summit of Turkey's highest peak, Mt Ararat, or simply unwind on endless perfect beaches.
No matter your interests or fitness level, Turkey is an outstanding travel destination that should be high on your wish list!
8Days
Introductory to Moderate
Moderate
Our range of Turkey itineraries offer great value for money, featuring comfortable accommodation and fully supported camping. Additionally, we aim to incorporate as many inclusions as possible in the tour cost such as most meals, entry fees, excursions and private transportation.
From discovering the wonders of Istanbul and walking amongst the unique fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to taking in the Gallipoli memorials and exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Troy, our itineraries have been carefully designed to reveal all of the highlights Turkey has to offer.
Our professional and passionate local guides will take you off the beaten track to reveal a genuine insight into their homeland. Their friendly, helpful nature and willingness to share their extensive knowledge of the incredible culture, scenery and history ensure your experience is memorable.
In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star, twin share properties that are centrally located, comfortable and reliable.
Due to the shape of a ship's hull the size of cabins vary from boat to boat. Boat based trips include below deck berths however you can upgrade to above deck for an additional cost. Berths contain simple but functional equipment and are furnished with beds and a small wardrobe or an open shelf. There is enough space for sleeping and storing your travel bag. The crew includes an onboard cook.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Explore breathtaking mosques and bustling bazaars in Istanbul, one of the world’s greatest cities
Dose up on sun and sand on Turkey’s endless dazzling beaches
Marvel at some of the world’s best Greek and Roman ruins
Bargain for carpets, textiles and leatherwork in Turkey’s bustling bazaars
Sail along Turkey’s spectacular Turquoise Coast
Take a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia’s surreal Fairy Chimneys
Bathe in Pamukkale’s turquoise terraced hot springs
Lace up your boots and hike stunning mountains and coastal trails
Watch the Whirling Dervishes perform their hypnotic prayer-dance
Experience local food, booze and culture in a Turkish meyhane
Make like a local and head to a hammam for a relaxing soak
Eat your way around the country, sampling as many meze dishes as possible
Turkey experiences a varied climate owing to the influence of mountains throughout the interior and oceans to the north, west and south.
Many areas have climate conditions typical of the Mediterranean—dry, hot summers and wet, mild winters—however winters are harsher and contrasts between summer and winter more pronounced in the interior due to higher elevations.
The higher peaks of the interior receive snowfall each winter (several weeks for the warmer western mountains and several months for the colder eastern mountains), and the country’s highest peak, Mount Ararat, is crowned in permanent ice and snow.
In Istanbul, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of 2.9°C (37°F) to a maximum of 8.7°C (48°F) in January; to a minimum of 18.7°C (66°F) to a maximum of 28.5°C (83°F) in August.
In Ankara, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of -3.5°C (25.7°F) to a maximum of 4.1°C (39°F) in January; to a minimum of 15.4°C (60°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F) in August.
In Van, average daily temperatures vary from a minimum of -7.9°C (18°F) to a maximum of 1.6°C (35°F) in January; to a minimum of 14.4°C (58°F) to a maximum of 28.3°C (83°F) in August.
Turkey is +3 hours ahead of UTC/GMT
The majority of the population speaks Turkish—Turkey’s official language—as their primary language
Kurdish, a west Iranian language, is spoken by the Kurds, Turkey’s largest minority group
Arabic and many different European and Central Asian languages are spoken by small minorities
English is widely spoken in Istanbul and tourist areas, but is less common in rural areas
Turkish Lire
The most widely accepted currencies are USD and Euro.
ATM machines are widely available throughout Turkey and exchange rates are usually better.
Most large purchases can be paid for on credit card.
+90
Electricity in Turkey is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).
The following passport holders do not currently require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
Canada
United States
United Kingdom
New Zealand
Australia
Most European countries
Visa policies may change without notice. We strongly recommend checking the official eVisa portal before you travel to confirm current requirements: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
If your nationality isn’t listed above, or you're unsure of your visa status, please consult your nearest Turkish embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.
Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.
We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.
We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.