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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.

See more Turkey tours & itineraries

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....

Read more about planning your time in Turkey

Turkey Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
See more Turkey travel advice

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.

See all Turkey content

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
View article
Map 1 Week in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
See all Turkey maps

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Turkey
Travel specialist Berat Ornek
active 3 hours ago

Berat Ornek

Having worked in the museum sector for quite some time, I have honed my skills in creating valuable experiences for visitors who want to explore a new collection of artifacts, a cultural site or a...

read more...
Travel specialist Zehra Alper
active 11 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 hours ago

Murat Ornek

Thanks to my Turkish and Guatemalan family spread around the world, when I was younger traveling was all about visiting relatives in different countries. Since my early 20s I have been doing trips...

read more...
Travel specialist Burcu Kisakurek
active 10 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...
See all Turkey travel agents

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Trip Reviews for Turkey

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

We fell in love with Istanbul!
Turkey | Jun 10 - Jun 15, 2026

Cathy
Cathy M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 21, 2026
Volcan
The trip was absolutely amazing. The sites we saw were perfect and what made the two days in Istanbul was our guide, Volcan. We have had many guides over the years but we have never had anyone come close to how superior he was. He was so knowledgeable, personable and explained the history of Turkey so well and we came to love the city. Our excursions were to the
two famous mosques, the Cistern, private boat ride on the the Bosporus, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. We also... Read more

Volcan
The trip was absolutely amazing. The sites we saw were perfect and what made the two days in Istanbul was our guide, Volcan. We have had many guides over the years but we have never had anyone come close to how superior he was. He was so knowledgeable, personable and explained the history of Turkey so well and we came to love the city. Our excursions were to the
two famous mosques, the Cistern, private boat ride on the the Bosporus, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. We also flew to Cappadocia and saw the underground city which was incredible.

The planning that KimKim did in advance to make our trip so memorable could not have been better. A first class company that I would certainly use again and recommend. It was flawless.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Taskonaklar Cappadocia
Nevsehir

The room was in a cave but probably not my favorite hotel. And the restaurant was overpriced.!

Authenticity & Character
It was in a cave.
Location
It was fine.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was large and very clean.
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Fatih Istanbul

It was beautiful, in a beautiful setting with cobblestone streets. A lovely area to have food or drinks and a restaurant across the street.

Authenticity & Character
Small boutique-like and historical.
Authenticity & Character
Small boutique-like and historical.
Authenticity & Character
Small boutique like and historical.
Location
It was walking distance to everuthing.
Location
It was walking distance to everuthing.
Location
It was walking distance to everuthing.
Staff
I wish I had his name but the one who took care of our grandson to get him in a room near us.
Staff
I wish I had his name but the one who took care of our grandson to get him in a room near us.
Staff
I wish I had his name but the one who took care of our grandson to get him in a room near us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed and bathroom.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed and bathroom.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed!
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Read all Turkey reviews

Istanbul and Cappadocia Vacation
Turkey | Jun 4 - Jun 13, 2026

Misam
Misam T.
Atlanta, GA, USA | Reviewed on Jun 19, 2026
Our experience booking through KimKim was exceptional from start to finish. The initial planning process was highly collaborative, and our coordinator, Zehra, was incredibly experienced, providing fantastic tips and suggestions. She went above and beyond by staying in constant communication throughout our trip, even checking in at odd hours to ensure everything was seamless. Zehra knew exactly how to structure our days to avoid the heavy crowds, and she ensured our family's allergen... Read more

Our experience booking through KimKim was exceptional from start to finish. The initial planning process was highly collaborative, and our coordinator, Zehra, was incredibly experienced, providing fantastic tips and suggestions. She went above and beyond by staying in constant communication throughout our trip, even checking in at odd hours to ensure everything was seamless. Zehra knew exactly how to structure our days to avoid the heavy crowds, and she ensured our family's allergen requirements were completely taken care of at every step.

The on-the-ground execution was flawless. We were met in person by a representative right at the airport when we landed, which made our arrival stress-free. Our daily guides—Eda in Istanbul and Kezban in Cappadocia—were absolutely fantastic. They knew wonderful tricks to keep our young children engaged throughout the tours, and they generously offered to let us contact them with questions even when they were off the clock. We highly recommend this team for anyone planning a family adventure!

Local specialist: Zehra Alper
Read all Turkey reviews

Great planning, great guide, great service.
Turkey | Jun 7 - Jun 11, 2026

Elizabeth
Elizabeth W.
the Cayman Islands | Reviewed on Jun 15, 2026
When we were planning we changed our minds a lot about what we wanted to do and more importantly what we thought we could cope with due to medical conditions. Berat was very patient with us and helped us to plan the best itinerary. Our local guide Volkan was brilliant and we enjoyed our time with him. He was very knowledgeable and also kind and happy to go at our pace. He also made some excellent recommendations for places to eat which meant we had some very tasty food and a stunning view... Read more

When we were planning we changed our minds a lot about what we wanted to do and more importantly what we thought we could cope with due to medical conditions. Berat was very patient with us and helped us to plan the best itinerary. Our local guide Volkan was brilliant and we enjoyed our time with him. He was very knowledgeable and also kind and happy to go at our pace. He also made some excellent recommendations for places to eat which meant we had some very tasty food and a stunning view from the restaurant on our last night. Overall, really happy with the experience and glad we decided to book with Kimkim.

Hotel Review
Armada Hotel
Istanbul

Good location, friendly staff, good service, rooms were comfortable, cute, and cleaned well every day. It was a really nice hotel and had the most amazing breakfast with fresh eggs, frittata, sausage, salad, pastries, bagel, cereals, toast, honey, molasses, bulgar wheat, various cheeses; it really was one of the nicest breakfasts from a hotel we've ever had, plus there's the view of the blue mosque or the sea the other side. The food on the terrace we had at dinner on the first night was also really good - best dolmades we've had (and we dont really like dolmades!) Highly recommend. The only reason it didn't get five stars is there are a few small repairs that need doing here and there so it's not a five star hotel in that sense, but we had a fab time and would definitely go back.

Authenticity & Character
Location
bottom of a hill if that's an issue just bear that in mind but in walking distance of the sultanhamet square so great location.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
bed was pretty comfortable but rubber sheets underneath made it a bit sweaty
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Jun 17, 2026

Dear Elizabeth,
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

Read all Turkey reviews
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Why travelers love kimkim

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