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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

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 the ancient theater at Hierapolis, perched atop the terraced pools of Pamukkale in southwestern Turkey
Map of 16 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
16 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 16 days in Turkey, you can visit at least six regions—from cities to sea. History buffs will appreciate touring Pergamon's Greco-Roman ruins, the partially submerged town of Old Halfeti, and the ancient city of Ephesus. Those interested in culture can join a cooking class, meet traditional carpet weavers, and attend a whirling dervish performance. Active travelers will enjoy sea kayaking at Kekova Island and hiking the Lycian Way, while sunseekers can tour the Turquoise Coast on a scenic sailing cruise.

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

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Turkey
Travel specialist Berat Ornek
active 1 min 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 5 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 Zehra Alper
active 4 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...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

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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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

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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Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Turkey

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

An amazing trip through Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale
Turkey | Feb 26 - Mar 8, 2024

P
Pat L.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024
We had an amazing trip through Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale. Murat provided many great ideas to make our trip amazing and he was very responsive to our needs. Our trip to Sirince, a small town in Turkey, was a fantastic suggestion. Murat arranged a great boutique hotel with a incredible sight over the whole village. The balloon ride in Cappadoccia was very memorable. Given the unpredictable weather during winter, we could have missed this opportunity but we were fortunate... Read more

We had an amazing trip through Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale. Murat provided many great ideas to make our trip amazing and he was very responsive to our needs. Our trip to Sirince, a small town in Turkey, was a fantastic suggestion. Murat arranged a great boutique hotel with a incredible sight over the whole village. The balloon ride in Cappadoccia was very memorable. Given the unpredictable weather during winter, we could have missed this opportunity but we were fortunate to capture this and had a once in a lifetime view of this amazing out of the world landscape. Sebnem, our local guide in Istanbul, was fantastic as she really listen to our needs and went out of her way to make our trip fantastic as well as her recommended restaurants. We also liked to explore on our own as well as using local guides to complement our experience. Murat really helped in making this possible. Highly recommend using Kimkim and in Turkey, Murat's team is fantastic!

Local specialist: Murat Ornek

Seamless and extraordinary Private Tour Turkey
Turkey | Feb 29 - Mar 9, 2024

Armando
Armando T.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Mar 10, 2024
With limited time and intervention from our part, Berat created a private tour and executed seamless for us, she listened to our preferences and we had a 9 days terrific experience, with little to no concern at all. The guides across Turkey were knowledgeable and were able to put in context all the points of interest we visited or we asked about it. The transportation was better than expected, the hotels were of good value, but the tour guides were the ones tha made the difference, thanks... Read more

With limited time and intervention from our part, Berat created a private tour and executed seamless for us, she listened to our preferences and we had a 9 days terrific experience, with little to no concern at all. The guides across Turkey were knowledgeable and were able to put in context all the points of interest we visited or we asked about it. The transportation was better than expected, the hotels were of good value, but the tour guides were the ones tha made the difference, thanks Vulkan - Istanbul; Irfan - Capadoccia and Hita in Sirince & Pamukkale. This was my first experience with Kim Kim, for sure is just the beginning.

Hotel Reviews
Ansen Suites
Istanbul

Location is great, room is ample and comfortable. The day left there was no electricity and elevator not working, had to bring down baggage’s on my own.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Not much contact with them or even necessary
Cleanliness & Comfort
Signature Hotel & Spa

Nicely located, modern construction, nicely done. Rooms could be a bit noisy, food just average. Very good spa and massages.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nisanyan Houses
Selçuk

Not easy to get in, but the hotel is a gem, the rooms, furniture and views makes this a very likable hotel, romantic with excellent food especially dinner and breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Just keep in mind no wheelchair or persons with limited mobility.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kale Konak Hotel

Location, uniqueness of the hotel, breakfast quality and service staff, good value hotel

Authenticity & Character
What better than a hotel in caves.
Location
A few meters from the Palace.
Staff
Personable and help
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dosso Dossi Hotel Old City

Not a great value, is the only location that I would not repeat.

Authenticity & Character
Not impressed
Location
Location is the only good part of hotel
Staff
I mentioned a terrible noise in the room. From the moment we arrived and we had to have a bad night to make a room change.
Cleanliness & Comfort
There are better options in the surroundings
Activity Review
Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul
Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul
İstanbul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Mar 12, 2024

Dear Armando,
Thank you for this great + detailed review! We are very happy 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

Great highlights tour of Turkey - Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus
Turkey | Dec 26 - Jan 5, 2024

Elizabeth
Elizabeth C.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2024
We had a fantastic 10 day trip to Turkey seeing the highlights in Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus/Sirince. We loved our guide in Istanbul, Volkan, and the sights were amazing; Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, the Cistern, and the Bosphorous cruise. The hotel in Old Town was excellent! Cappadocia lived up to the hype with the amazing hot air balloon ride, cave frescoes, and exploring the valleys. Staying in a cave hotel was a unique experience! Our guide Hattice was excellent with our son!... Read more

We had a fantastic 10 day trip to Turkey seeing the highlights in Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus/Sirince. We loved our guide in Istanbul, Volkan, and the sights were amazing; Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, the Cistern, and the Bosphorous cruise. The hotel in Old Town was excellent! Cappadocia lived up to the hype with the amazing hot air balloon ride, cave frescoes, and exploring the valleys. Staying in a cave hotel was a unique experience! Our guide Hattice was excellent with our son! Ephesus was amazing and we enjoyed exploring the town of Sirince. The boutique hotel on the hillside over Sirince was so traditional and the restaurant was amazing. We enjoyed the cooking class we did with the chef!

Hotel Reviews
Kale Konak Hotel

Such a unique experience, staff did an excellent job mitigating some cleanliness concerns in one of the rooms, rooms are dark but that is to be expected, hotel facilities are very nice (Turkish bath, terrace). Some minor flaws, nail in the wood on the bed sticking out, dogs were somewhat agressive coming in late at night, dirt from the cave ceiling falling down).

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness issues caused by the cave environment
Nisanyan Houses
Selçuk

Very unique boutique hotel obviously built with love and run by excellent staff. The terrace house was beautiful, and the tower house 3 room was fine, a little small for 3 people. There was a lot of work being done around the property given that it was the off season. Restaurant was amazing and the cooking class was a lot of fun! The hotel is not meant for people who don't like cobblestones or stairs.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
Fatih Istanbul

Absolutely beautiful, great location, fantastic breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visit to Ephesus Archaeological Museum + House of Virgin Mary
Visit to Ephesus Archaeological Museum + House of Virgin Mary
Turkey
Quality of Experience
O
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus
Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus
Turkey

Can't miss.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Avanos: Discovering the Ceramic Tradition and Light hiking in the Love Valley
Avanos: Discovering the Ceramic Tradition and Light hiking in the Love Valley
Cappadocia

We enjoyed the Ceramics experience; amazing work and it was fun that Connor got to try it. We did not do the hiking in the Love Valley due to timing and physical constraints.

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

Beautiful and great speed for my in-laws. The stop for pancakes along the river was fun.

Quality of Experience
O
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kaymaklı Underground City
Kaymaklı Underground City
Cappadocia

Amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Sinasos: The Pearl of the East
Explore Sinasos: The Pearl of the East
Cappadocia

I didn't really find this worthwhile. We only visited the church and it didn't seem particularly special.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whirling Dervish Ceremony at Saruhan Caravansarai
Whirling Dervish Ceremony at Saruhan Caravansarai
Turkey

Very authentic

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hattice was wonderful to keep Connor during the experience.
Transport
Sightseeing Around Uçhisar and Discovering the Cappadocian Valleys
Sightseeing Around Uçhisar and Discovering the Cappadocian Valleys
Cappadocia

Beautiful

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hot Air Balloon Tour at Sunrise
Hot Air Balloon Tour at Sunrise
Cappadocia

Flawless - must do

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine Pairing Dinner at Revithia Cappadocia
Wine Pairing Dinner at Revithia Cappadocia
Cappadocia

Very nice, only snafu was over who was paying for it, but it was worked out.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visiting Göreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage)
Visiting Göreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage)
Cappadocia

Amazing - recommend including visiting the Dark Church in the price

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Food Tour in Istanbul
Food Tour in Istanbul
İstanbul

Would recommend doing this earlier in the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Istanbul Archaeological Museum Tour
Istanbul Archaeological Museum Tour
İstanbul

Surprisingly good for kids.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Boat Tour on the Bosphorus
Private Boat Tour on the Bosphorus
İstanbul

Very interesting experience and the boat was great!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Eminönü Heritage Tour: Explore the Historical Bazaars and Ottoman Architectural Sites of Istanbul
Eminönü Heritage Tour: Explore the Historical Bazaars and Ottoman Architectural Sites of Istanbul
İstanbul

A must do in Istanbul.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul
Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul
İstanbul

Excellent overview of Istanbul and you hit the high points of the Old Town!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Volkan was an excellent guide!
Transport
Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on Jan 06, 2024

Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you for this detailed review!
We are very happy 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'll sure take into account all the valuable feedback you provided.
It was also so nice to meet you and your family in person!
All best regards on behalf of Trail Travel team,
Berat