Turkey Tour Packages

The classic route links Istanbul, the cave landscapes and hot-air balloons of Cappadocia, the Roman ruins of Ephesus, the white terraces of Pamukkale, and the turquoise coast around Antalya and Fethiye.

A few practical notes make any Turkey trip smoother. The currency is the Turkish lira (TRY), and Turkish, with English spoken in tourist areas. Cheap domestic flights link Istanbul with Cappadocia and the coast, with private transfers and coaches covering the rest. Pack for the season and carry a little local cash for markets, tips and small vendors.

Turkey bridges two continents, with the vast Anatolian plateau at its heart, mountain ranges, and long coastlines along the Aegean and Mediterranean. Istanbul famously sits on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus.

Turkey ranges from a Mediterranean climate on the coasts to a continental one inland, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters in central Anatolia.

The best times to visit Turkey are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), with warm, comfortable weather ideal for both sightseeing and the coast. Summer is hot and busy on the beaches, while Cappadocia is magical — if cold — in winter snow.

Turkey is heir to the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, a predominantly Muslim country with a strong secular tradition and a legendary culture of hospitality. Tea, bazaars, hammams and a deep food culture are woven into daily life.

The classic route links Istanbul, the cave landscapes and hot-air balloons of Cappadocia, the Roman ruins of Ephesus, the white terraces of Pamukkale, and the turquoise coast around Antalya and Fethiye.

Whether you are after culture, scenery, food or simply time to relax, Turkey rewards travellers who give it a little time. Our packages combine the signature sights with quieter corners most visitors miss.

Some of the best things to do in Turkey:

• Cruise the Bosphorus between two continents
• Float over Cappadocia in a dawn hot-air balloon
• Walk the marble streets of ancient Ephesus
• Bathe in the terraces of Pamukkale
• Haggle in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
• Sail the Turquoise Coast on a traditional gulet

The best times to visit Turkey are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), with warm, comfortable weather ideal for both sightseeing and the coast. Summer is hot and busy on the beaches, while Cappadocia is magical — if cold — in winter snow.

Because the seasons shape the experience so much, tell us when you can travel and we will tell you honestly what Turkey will be like on those dates — and shape the route accordingly.

The places most worth your time in Turkey:

• Istanbul — Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and Bosphorus
• Cappadocia — fairy chimneys, cave hotels and dawn balloon flights
• Ephesus — one of the best-preserved ancient cities
• Pamukkale — the surreal white travertine terraces
• The Turquoise Coast — beaches, gulets and ruins around Antalya
• Troy & Gallipoli — legendary history in the north-west

Turkish cuisine is one of the world's great food traditions — from sizzling kebabs and endless meze to the legendary Turkish breakfast and syrup-soaked baklava.

Dishes to seek out: kebabs, meze, pide, baklava, Turkish breakfast, Turkish tea and coffee. On our tours we are happy to steer you toward the best local food and to cater for any dietary needs — just let us know in advance.

Islamic festivals such as Ramadan and the two Eids shape the calendar, alongside cultural events, oil-wrestling tournaments and the whirling dervish ceremonies of Konya.

Many nationalities need an e-Visa, quickly obtained online before travel; others enter visa-free for short stays. Visa rules vary by nationality and change from time to time, so always confirm the current requirement for your own passport before booking. If you travel with us, we will guide you through exactly what you need.

A little courtesy goes a long way in Turkey. Dress modestly and remove shoes to enter mosques (women cover their hair), avoid mosque visits during prayer times, and expect and enjoy the ritual of bargaining in bazaars.

Do dress respectfully at religious and cultural sites, ask before photographing people, carry small change for tips and markets, and stay hydrated. Don't drink tap water unless it is confirmed safe, flash valuables in crowded areas, or rush — the best trips here are unhurried ones.