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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 · 7 days · 9 days · 10 days · 14 days

Turkey Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Balloon Flight in Cappadocia
Explore Istanbul and Cappadocia - 6 Days

Discover two of Turkey's most popular destinations, the bustling capital of Istanbul and the lunar-like valleys of Cappadocia. Explore the Ottoman and Byzantine sites of Istanbul with guided walking tours, a trip to the grand market, 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 famous fairy chimneys, plus a visit to the UNESCO Göreme Open Air Museum and the caves of Kaymakli Underground City.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Sofia mosque, Istanbul
How Many Days to Spend in Turkey

Turkey is a huge country, so unless you have 3 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

Ishak Pasha Palace in Turkey
Map of Turkey's Eastern Anatolia: Discover the Sacred Spaces of the East - 14 Days
Turkey's Eastern Anatolia: Discover the Sacred Spaces of the East - 14 Days

Follow in the footsteps of ancient civilizations and uncover sacred places of worship on this two-week pilgrimage through Turkey's eastern Anatolia region. Explore some of the world's oldest cities, ruins, and archaeological sites, including Göbekli Tepe, as you discover the Persian, Armenian, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Syriac Orthodox influences. But it's not all ancient monuments. You'll also soak in the beauty of saline Lake Van, look out in wonder over the Mesopotamian plains, and explore the buzz of Istanbul.

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 Turkey's vast history, both ancient and modern, on a voyage down the Aegean Coast that takes you from World War I battle sites to Roman ruins. Tea lovers will discover the best of Turkish blends on a cross-country trip showcasing Turkey's tea gardens and plantations, along with breathtaking natural scenery.

A peek inside the Blue Mosque, İstanbul
Map of Turkey at a Glance: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Şirince - 7 Days
Turkey at a Glance: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Şirince - 7 Days

Hit the highlights of Turkey's diverse landscapes on this well-rounded, weeklong itinerary. Start in the center of it all in Istanbul to see the famous Blue Mosque and cruise down the Bosphorous Strait, then move to the plains of central Anatolia and witness Cappadocia's stunning rock formations from high above in a hot air balloon. After, fly to the Aegean coast to explore Sirince and the archeological sites of Ephesus, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

See All Turkey Content

Turkey Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Turkey map: 5 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Turkey map: 2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Turkey map: 10 Days in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days 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 8 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 Murat Ornek
active 1 day 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 Alev Onut
active 7 hours ago

Alev Onut

I was born and raised in Belgium but in my mid 20’s I decided to move to Istanbul since it was love at first sight. It was inevitable to not fall in love with this magnificent city. You are...

read more...
Travel specialist Zehra Alper
active 13 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...
See All Turkey Travel Agents

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
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Trip Reviews for Turkey

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

We enjoyed our trip to Istanbul and Capadocci...
Turkey | Dec 13 - Dec 18, 2022

Fernando
Fernando R.
Statesboro, GA | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2023

We enjoyed our trip to Istanbul and Capadoccia.

We don't have any have complains, but would like to make some suggestions.

In the US and other countries there are very strict rules about smoking in restaurants or in public paces, however in Turkey it still is very common for people to smoke in restaurants or public spaces.
I understand that this is not under your control but I think you need to advice people visiting about this situation there and make sure to request a non smoking... read more

We enjoyed our trip to Istanbul and Capadoccia.

We don't have any have complains, but would like to make some suggestions.

In the US and other countries there are very strict rules about smoking in restaurants or in public paces, however in Turkey it still is very common for people to smoke in restaurants or public spaces.
I understand that this is not under your control but I think you need to advice people visiting about this situation there and make sure to request a non smoking table when eating in restaurants because waiters there usually don't ask .
Another suggestion is to make sure to communicate directly with the person that will be the main guide during the visit, because in our case or main communication was with Ms. Berat but during our visit our guide was Mr. Ibrahim and there was a confusion about which places were included for our visit, he had to call the agency because according to him the visit to Topkapi palace was not included in our tour.

Hotel Reviews
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Fatih Istanbul

Excellent location and service, it is located near all major attractions in the center of Istanbul

Authenticity & Character
Although the hotel expands a large area, each mansion feels like a small independent hotel
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kelebek Special Cave Hotel
Nevsehir

The hotel matches with the cave environment of the city and region

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul
İstanbul

We enjoyed the visit to all the mosques , Topkapi palace, the boat trip through the Bosporus and the modern area of Taksim and Galata. For us the visit to the spice market and grand bazaar was the least attractive part of the visit

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hot Air Balloon Tour in Sunrise
Cappadocia
Eminönü Heritage Tour: Explore the Historical Bazaars and Ottoman Architectural Sites of Istanbul
İstanbul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Boat Tour on the Bosphorus
İstanbul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking Tour: Pera and Beyond
İstanbul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kaymaklı Underground City
Cappadocia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whirling Dervish Ceremony at Saruhan Caravansarai
Turkey
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visiting Göreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage)
Cappadocia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sightseeing Around Uçhisar and Discovering the Cappadocian Valleys
Cappadocia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2023

Dear Fernando,
Thank you for your positive review, we appreciate it.
We are happy to hear that you had a great experience in Turkey! Thanks for your suggestions and we look forward to hosting you again in the near future.
All best regards from Trail Travel,
Berat

Read all Turkey reviews

Amazing tour of Turkey & wonderful service
Turkey | Dec 18 - Dec 28, 2022

Esther
Esther Y.
the United Arab Emirates | Reviewed on Dec 29, 2022

Thank you Kim Kim for great organization and service of our private tour. It was worth it. All 3 guides; Ibrahim (Istanbul), Nihat (Cappadocia) & Tunc (Izmir region) were really personable and gave really informative tours, patient and attentive service for my elderly mum and her friend who came with a walking stick. We really enjoyed our time in Turkey; even more so in Cappadocia and Izmir region (Ephesus, Sirince & Pamukkale). We want to give special mention to Tunc who proactively helped... read more

Thank you Kim Kim for great organization and service of our private tour. It was worth it. All 3 guides; Ibrahim (Istanbul), Nihat (Cappadocia) & Tunc (Izmir region) were really personable and gave really informative tours, patient and attentive service for my elderly mum and her friend who came with a walking stick. We really enjoyed our time in Turkey; even more so in Cappadocia and Izmir region (Ephesus, Sirince & Pamukkale). We want to give special mention to Tunc who proactively helped organize a paragliding experience for me and also a hot air balloon ride in Pamukkale for us as we didn't manage to do it in Cappadocia due to foggy weather; he managed to cater to my expectations as well as my mum and her friend. Thank you once again! We will definitely book with you the next time we plan to travel again. :)

Hotel Reviews
Sirkeci Mansion Hotel
Istanbul

Room was comfortable but the towel hanger fell off...Thankfully they managed to quickly fix it.

Authenticity & Character
Very quaint and charming interior decoration
Location
Situated in Old Town Istanbul
Staff
Very friendly and prompt
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice warm water for showering in cold weather
Kelebek Special Cave Hotel
Nevsehir

Amazing view. Love the fire place and the interior decoration of our room. Location is a bit challenging for elderly people to walk up from town center but it has an amazing view and sumptious breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Love it that we're staying in the fairy chimney itself
Location
Amazing view
Staff
All of the staff were very hospitable and helpful except for one person at reception who looked very grumpy
Cleanliness & Comfort
nice hot showers and fire place
Nisanyan Houses
Selçuk

We stayed in a cottage that comes with a huge common kitchen and dining room... looks amazing. Our room and bathroom is so charming, big but cozy; beautiful decoration. Breakfast with the view of Sirince was delicious and enjoyable. We wished we stayed a week instead of only a night at this beautiful place.

Authenticity & Character
Charming and quaint big room with nice fireplace setting and marble shower, outside balcony for some peace and quiet; great decoration
Location
Perched atop a hill with an amazing view of Sirince
Staff
Helpful porter who carried all our heavy luggage uphill.... so thankful but we felt so bad for him doing all the carrying
Cleanliness & Comfort
comfortable beds, fireplace, hot water for showering
Doğa Thermal Hotel & Spa
Denizli

Very commercial; not used to seeing so many tour groups after staying in boutique hotels our entire trip but the spa facilities were very good. The button of the toilet flush fell off and it took the concierge a bit of time to understand what happened before they manage to fix it.

Authenticity & Character
It's good for a commercial hotel but not our usual preference
Location
Staff
Some challenges speaking English
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spa facilities, comfortable bed
Activity Reviews
Sightseeing Around Uçhisar and Discovering the Cappadocian Valleys
Cappadocia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Pamukkale
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul
İstanbul
Quality of Experience
Hagia Sofia / Blue mosque was under renovation
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
learn how to use the tram in Istanbul :)
Eminönü Heritage Tour: Explore the Historical Bazaars and Ottoman Architectural Sites of Istanbul
İstanbul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public Boat Tour on the Bosphorus
İstanbul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visiting Göreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage)
Cappadocia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Avanos: Discovering the Ceramic Tradition and Light hiking in the Love Valley
Cappadocia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kaymaklı Underground City
Cappadocia

Very crowded on the weekend... but otherwise very interesting experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discovering the Ihlara Valley and Light Hiking Along the Melendiz River
Cappadocia

scenic walking trial ... highly recommend

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whirling Dervish Ceremony at Saruhan Caravansarai
Turkey
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour of Izmir: The Beautiful Port City of the Aegean Sea
İzmir
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus
Turkey

EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to Ephesus Archaeological Museum + House of Virgin Mary
Turkey
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Reviewed on Dec 29, 2022

Dear Esther,

We are grateful for your review, and so glad to hear you had a positive experience in our beautiful country. Thank you very much for choosing us and for taking the time to write this review - much appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you again in the near future.

All best regards on behalf of Trail Travel team,
Berat

Read all Turkey reviews

Fall 2022 - Turkey Trip
Turkey | Nov 25 - Dec 3, 2022

Melody
Melody B.
Tucson, AZ | Reviewed on Dec 14, 2022

Our trip was fantastic. From the moment we arrived until we departed, we were covered. We had wonderful guides, hotels, and transportation. I would highly recommend our guides in both Istanbul and Cappadocia. They were full of information helping us to step back in history and experience the deepness of each location. All of our excursions were well planned and exceptional. We enjoyed the cooking class, the Turkish Bath, and the balloon ride. Our hotel on Istanbul was comfortable and... read more

Our trip was fantastic. From the moment we arrived until we departed, we were covered. We had wonderful guides, hotels, and transportation. I would highly recommend our guides in both Istanbul and Cappadocia. They were full of information helping us to step back in history and experience the deepness of each location. All of our excursions were well planned and exceptional. We enjoyed the cooking class, the Turkish Bath, and the balloon ride. Our hotel on Istanbul was comfortable and centrally located. We loved the mansion hotel we stayed at in Cappadocia. The staff was incredible and the property was incredible. Overall, we were very pleased with our entire Turkey experience!

Hotel Reviews
Gül Konaklari Sinasos (Rose Mansions Sinasos)
Nevsehir

This was our favorite part of Cappadocia. We loved this beautiful mansion hotel. The property was unique and the staff was incredible. We also enjoyed the gourmet food and the service. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Cappadocia.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful mansion
Location
In a quiet village
Staff
Very friendly and helpful. They were incredible!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfy.
Arena Hotel Sultanahmet
Istanbul

This hotel is in a central location. It was quiet and comfortable. The breakfast was very good . The place had a nice feel to it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Airport
Istanbul

We just stayed at this one the night before we left. It was clean and comfortable. I would not recommend going to the on site restaurant. It was not good and the service was terrible. Only about 15 minutes from the airport.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the airport.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul
İstanbul

Nice place to learn about the history of Istanbul. Our guide was excellent!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cooking Class: Delve into Ottoman Cuisine at Old City Istanbul
İstanbul

The chef was amazing. We had so much fun and got to eat what we prepared. This was definitely one of our favorite activities.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Turkish Bath and Spa at Hürrem Sultan Hammam
İstanbul

This was the best experience of my life. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. The building was beautiful and the spa treatment was incredible. I felt like a true princess from the minute I got there until the moment I left. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this Turkish Bath.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Reviewed on Dec 14, 2022

Dear Melody,

We are so glad to read your review, thank you for your kind words. We look forward to welcoming you in Turkey in the near future.

Best regards from the whole Trail Travel team,
Berat

Read all Turkey reviews
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