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Introducing Turkey

Discover Turkey.
Go for the food and culture, stay for the sun and sand. Turkey offers one of the best archaeological and culinary experiences in the world—not to mention world-class beaches and sailing along its Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

Where should you go?

In the words of Napoleon, "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital." Turkey's most famous city is filled with impressive Ottoman and Byzantine sites, excellent restaurants, and maze-like bazaars—you could easily plan an entire five-day trip around it. Another must-visit is moon-like Cappadocia, where "fairy chimneys" and underground cities decorate two otherworldly valleys. Other top picks include ancient Ephesus, the mineral spas of Pamukkale, and coastal Antalya.

When is the best time to visit?
There's a Turkish destination for every season—and in fact, much of the country is enjoyable year-round. Weather is dependably good in Antalya and Izmir, along with a number of notable small towns: Fethiye, Marmaris, Göcek, and Bodrum, to name a few. If you're heading north to Istanbul, know that it can get quite cold in winter (December-March). 

How many days do you need?
Nine to ten days is a great trip length for most travelers—it's enough time to cover the highlights and spend some time getting off the beaten path. Consider this classic 9-day tour that starts in Istanbul and continues to Cappadocia, Izmir, ancient Ephesus, and the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Or, you might combine Istanbul and Cappadocia with Konya, Antalya, and Fethiye. See more itineraries

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Turkey Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Sail over Cappadocia in a hot-air balloon ride
Map of Explore İstanbul & Cappadocia - 6 Days
Explore İstanbul & Cappadocia - 6 Days

In under a week, you can discover two of Turkey's most popular destinations—the bustling capital of Istanbul and the lunar-like valleys of Cappadocia. Explore the capital's Ottoman and Byzantine sites with guided walking tours, a trip to the Grand Bazaar, and a boat cruise along the Bosporus Strait. Then, fly to Cappadocia to admire its stunning valleys with a hot-air balloon ride over the "fairy chimneys" and visit to the UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum and the underground city of Kaymaklı.

İstanbul's Ortaköy Mosque and Bosphorus Bridge
Map of Highlights of Turkey - 10 Days
Highlights of Turkey - 10 Days

Over 10 packed days, you'll experience the highlights of Turkey, from the Ottoman and Byzantine monuments in Istanbul to the lunar valleys of Cappadocia. It's an itinerary that includes adventurous hot-air balloon rides and explorations of ancient city ruins. Plus, you'll have time to relax in a natural spa between the fun city tours and outdoor excursions.

Famous Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia
Explore Classic Turkey From Istanbul to Pamukkale - 9 Days

This 9-day tour will explore the diverse regions of Turkey, starting with a guided tour and a boat cruise in the vibrant city of Istanbul, discovering the famous Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman sites. Next head to the lunar-like terrain of Cappadocia where you can take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning valleys, visit a historical caravanserai, and explore the underground city of Kaymakli. After discovering Izmir and the ancient city of Ephesus, end your trip at a spa hotel near the famous white travertine terraces of Pamukkale.

Adorned Fishing Boats in Istanbul
Explore the Sites of Istanbul - 5 Days

Channeling the words of Napoleon, "If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital", this tour explores the Ottoman and Byzantine sites of the city, including the Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. View these grandiose structures by boat by cruising along the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara, stopping on the island of Buyukada for a peek into the posh life of the 19th century. Peruse the Spice Market, explore the hip neighborhood of Beyoğlu, and climb the Galata Tower for amazing views of the city.

Hikers on the Lycian Way
Map of Hiking the Lycian Way in Turkey: Kas, Adrasan & Antalya - 9 Days
Hiking the Lycian Way in Turkey: Kas, Adrasan & Antalya - 9 Days

On this 9-day tour, you'll hike the famous Lycian Way, an ancient trade along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. You will be completing the trail from west to east, beginning in Kas, continuing to through Adrasan, and finally ending in Antalya. On the way, you will pass through ancient Lycian cities like Phellos,  Aperlai, Phaselis, and Cirali. You will also tour remote Mediterranean villages by boat, visit sites featured in Greek mythology, and enjoy some of southern Turkey's most beautiful scenery.

Ruins of the ancient city of Perge
Map of Historic Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya - 9 Days
Historic Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya - 9 Days

Embark on a trip through Turkey's history and discover why this country was one of the most important forces of the ancient world. Begin in Istanbul, a melting pot of east and west which straddles the European and Asian continental border, and end in Antalya, home of some of the world's best-preserved ancient sites. Along the way, you'll visit the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia, cruise down the Bosphorus River, and visit the tomb of famed Sufi mystic and poet Rumi.

Make the Most of Your Time in Turkey

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Hagia Sophia Mosque mosque, Istanbul
How Many Days to Spend in Turkey

Turkey is a huge country, so unless you have three weeks or more, it's wise not to spread yourself too thin. How long to spend will depend on whether you're on a quick,...

Facade of the ancient Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey
Map of 1 Week in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With seven days in Turkey, you can experience the best of the country's highlights on a classic tour of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Izmir. Alternatively, take a deep dive into...

Istanbul
Map of 10 Days in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days, you can mix and match adventures to create the perfect vacation in Turkey. A highlights tour will take you from the Ottoman monuments of Istanbul to the fairy tale...

Sail high above Turkey's iconic Cappadocia on a sunrise hot air balloon tour
Map of 2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Turkey gives you carte blanche to explore high and low, from the historic streets of Istanbul to the lunar valleys of Cappadocia to the sun-kissed Turquoise Coast....

Turkey Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Turkey Content

Active travelers can include a stretch of the Lycian Way in their 15-day Turkey itinerary
Map of 15 Days in Turkey - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
15 Days in Turkey - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Given Turkey's small size, you can visit at least five regions in 15 days. Foodies will enjoy sampling Istanbul's street food and cooking with a chef in Cappadocia. Those interested in history and heritage will appreciate a whirling dervish performance and guided tours to archaeological sites such as Ephesus. Travelers eager to unwind can indulge in a Turkish spa treatment and relax on Antalya's beaches, while those who prefer an active itinerary can trek the Lycian Way or dive along the Turquoise Coast.

With just under two weeks, you'll have time to combine must-visit landscapes like Cappadocia with city and coastal highlights
Map of 13 Days in Turkey - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
13 Days in Turkey - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 13 days in Turkey, you can hit the highlights at a slower pace or delve deeper into your interests with a more focused itinerary. Foodies can taste street eats in Istanbul and learn to cook with a stone oven in Cappadocia. History buffs should check off numerous archaeological sites like Troy, Ephesus, and Aspendos. Active travelers can hike amid Love Valley's rock formations and tackle a section of the Lycian Way, while the Turquoise Coast beckons to those looking for a relaxed adventure on land and sea.

With 12 days you can get beyond the standard highlights and see Turkish gems like Antalya, with its distinctive minarets
Map of 12 Days in Turkey - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
12 Days in Turkey - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

The availability of domestic flights makes it possible to visit at least five regions of Turkey in 12 days. Get an introduction to Turkish history with guided tours that include Ephesus and Istanbul's Hagia Sophia. Culinary travelers will enjoy an Eminonu street food tour and wine tasting in Sirince. Those keen on cultural experiences can join a pottery demonstration in Avanos and a cooking class in Cappadocia, while adventurers will appreciate e-biking in Antalya, scuba diving near Kas, and hiking the Lycian Way.

Turkey Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 5 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Turkey
Travel specialist Berat Ornek
active 6 hours ago

Berat Ornek

At Trail Travel, I create journeys that let travelers experience Turkey through story, not just sightseeing, weaving together cultural heritage, gastronomy, and custom-built routes shaped around...

read more...
Travel specialist Zehra Alper
active 7 hours ago

Zehra Alper

I have been more like a traveler until I met Unison Turkey. In my college years, I was a traveler, mostly exploring Turkey. After gaining enough experience, I wanted to make use of my experiences,...

read more...
Travel specialist Murat Ornek
active 2 days ago

Murat Ornek

Growing up with Turkish and Guatemalan roots scattered across the globe, my earliest travels weren't vacations—they were visits to family in different corners of the world. That early exposure to...

read more...
Travel specialist Burcu Kisakurek
active 11 hours ago

Burcu Kisakurek

I have been a willing ambassador for my country for many years. I have started my professional life as a travel agent working in a youth hostel in 2000 and since then I have met many people, booked...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Turkey

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

FAMILY TRIP
Turkey | Aug 3 - Aug 13, 2026

mohammed
mohammed S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2026
Thank you for everything. Overall, everything was very well organized, and we had a wonderful trip. My family really enjoyed the experience, and it was truly one of the nicest and most unforgettable trips we have taken. I just wanted to share a few comments that may be helpful for future trips. Cappadocia:
We felt that three days in Cappadocia was a little too long. The third day was very short and there was not much scheduled before our evening flight. It may have been better to leave...
Read more

Thank you for everything. Overall, everything was very well organized, and we had a wonderful trip. My family really enjoyed the experience, and it was truly one of the nicest and most unforgettable trips we have taken.

I just wanted to share a few comments that may be helpful for future trips.

Cappadocia:
We felt that three days in Cappadocia was a little too long. The third day was very short and there was not much scheduled before our evening flight. It may have been better to leave Cappadocia earlier that day and travel to Bodrum, or leave even a night before

We also would not recommend the Turkey Night show in Cappadocia. Unfortunately, we found the show boring and the food was not very good It seemed as though the food had been prepared much earlier in the day usually we love the turkish food ,
We left early and ended up having dinner at the hotel instead. Perhaps this type of experience could be arranged in another location or replaced with another activity.

The Utopia Cave Hotel was also a disappointing experience for us. The air conditioning was not working properly on the first night. We changed rooms, but unfortunately the air conditioning in the new room was still not working well. The breakfast and dinner options were also quite limited and simple. I would recommend considering other hotel options in Cappadocia in the future.
Based on our experience, I would suggest keeping Cappadocia to a maximum of two nights.
My family actually kept saying that they wished they had stayed longer in Bodrum.

Things We Loved:
The hot-air balloon experience was fantastic, and the horse riding was amazing. The tour guide was also one of the nicest guide we have ever met and made the experience even better.
Istanbul:
I know I selected the Marmara Taksim Hotel, and the location was excellent, but in our opinion it did not feel like a five-star hotel. In comparison, the Barceló Istanbul and Le Méridien Bodrum were perfect and met our expectations very well.
We also really enjoyed all of the tours in Istanbul. The guide was excellent, and everything was very well organized.
Overall, we truly enjoyed our trip and appreciate all the work that went into organizing it. These comments are simply intended as constructive feedback that may help improve the experience for future travelers.
Thank you again for everything!

Activity Reviews
Turkish Night Show in a Cave Restaurant
Turkish Night Show in a Cave Restaurant
Cappadocia
Food
Transport
Horseback Riding at Sunset
Horseback Riding at Sunset
Cappadocia
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
İstanbul

We loved it

Quality of Experience
Food
Transport
Mustafapasa Village Tour
Mustafapasa Village Tour
Cappadocia

We enjoyed the lunch there

Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Two Continents tour with Dolmabahce Palace
Two Continents tour with Dolmabahce Palace
İstanbul

We enjoyed it

Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
South Cappadocia Tour
South Cappadocia Tour
Cappadocia

No much difference from the day before

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
North Cappadocia Tour
North Cappadocia Tour
Cappadocia

Amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Best people we met in this trip
Transport
Old City Tour with Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace
Old City Tour with Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace
İstanbul

We loved it

Istiklal Street Food Tour with Galata Tower
Istiklal Street Food Tour with Galata Tower
İstanbul

Very food , but was early morning, we started it just after the breakfast, so we could not try the food options May Was better if you make it after the blue mosque tour

Local specialist: Buse Nur Erkan
Buse Nur
Buse Nur Erkan
Local specialist in Kuşadası | Replied on Aug 23, 2026

Hello Mohammed,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing and unforgettable trip.
We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!

All the Best
Buse

Turkish Delight
Turkey | Jun 6 - Jun 19, 2026

Thomas
Thomas A.
Vero Beach, FL | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2026
We had wanted to visit Turkey for a long time. Berat put together a wonderful two week trip for us, two people in our mid 70s. The sites were amazing, especially if you are interested in ancient Greek and Roman ruins. We also had some rest time in Kas and Bodrum, both beautiful seaside resort towns. We were a little hesitant about participating in the Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappadoccia, but we are glad we did. It was an amazing experience that everyone should enjoy. All of our guides... Read more

We had wanted to visit Turkey for a long time. Berat put together a wonderful two week trip for us, two people in our mid 70s. The sites were amazing, especially if you are interested in ancient Greek and Roman ruins. We also had some rest time in Kas and Bodrum, both beautiful seaside resort towns. We were a little hesitant about participating in the Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappadoccia, but we are glad we did. It was an amazing experience that everyone should enjoy. All of our guides were smart, engaging, and knowledgeable. We could not have enjoyed the trip more. This was our sixth Kim Kim trip, and we plan to continue to have them plan future trips for us.

Hotel Review
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Fatih Istanbul
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Jul 07, 2026

Dear Thomas,
Thanks so much for this great review!
It was a joy to host you and we are glad to hear you had a nice time in Turkey.
Kind regards,
Berat

Working with Berat was so helpful! She planne...
Turkey | Jun 19 - Jun 29, 2026

Paula Frances
Paula Frances P.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jul 06, 2026

Working with Berat was so helpful! She planned an amazing trip that our family loved!
Our favorite part was the guides! They were knowledgeable and so helpful!

Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Jul 24, 2026

Dear Paula,

Many thanks for your positive review! We are glad to hear you had a great time with us in Türkiye! We thank you for choosing us as your travel companions.

Kind regards,
Berat

Why travelers love kimkim

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