Turkey tours & holidays
Humming with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Central Asian influences, Turkey offers a world of experiences in one country
With ancient Greek ruins, Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches, Turkey is impossible to pigeonhole. Among its shifting mountain backdrops, craggy coastlines and energetic cities, you might find yourself cruising over a sunken city on a traditional gulet, sleeping in a cave hotel overlooking the fairy chimneys of Goreme or learning the art of coffee fortune telling with a local family in their home. With so much to see, do and taste, join us on a small group adventure led by a local leader passionate about the land they call home.
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Turkey at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Ankara (5.6 million)
POPULATION
85 million
CURRENCY
TRY
LANGUAGE
Turkish
TIME ZONE
(GMT+02:00) Athens, Bucharest, Istanbul
CALLING CODE
+90
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
Learn more about Turkey
Best time to visit Turkey
Due to its diverse landscapes, Turkey has several climates. The western and southern coastlines have a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and cool, wet winters. As you venture further inland, the climate becomes continental with more temperature extremes: very hot summers and cold, often snowy winters.
Turkey is a true year-round destination and the best time to visit depends on what you're interested in. Summer brings high temperatures inland, which some may find challenging, while coastal cities like Bodrum and Antalya thrive. Tourism peaks in July and August, particularly during the northern hemisphere’s school holidays, so the shoulder months of April, May, October and November may be better if you’d prefer milder weather and smaller crowds.
Winter might not be the best time for a coastal trip, but it’s a different story if you seek Turkish culture. Wander Istanbul’s bazaars, feast on hearty Turkish fare and visit popular sites like Ephesus and Troy with a fraction of the summer tourists. The weather may be cooler, but a hamam will soon warm you up.
Another consideration is Ramadan, an important holy month that occurs every year in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. While it can add another layer of cultural richness to your trip with elaborate feasts and a festive atmosphere after sundown, shops and tourist attractions may operate at limited or alternative hours, so ensure you factor this in.
History and culture
Notable civilisations that occupied the prehistoric Anatolian region included the Hattians, the Hittites and the Assyrians. The Greeks began settling in the northwestern and southern coasts around the 8th century BC, founding city-states on the Aegean coast. Alexander the Great then swept through Anatolia until his death, which led to the region coming under the influence of Greek-Macedonian rulers. The Romans took over in 133 BC until the Byzantine Empire took hold.
A mass migration in the 11th century brought Turkic tribes into Anatolia. This opened the region to Turkish and Islamic influences that shaped the culture and identity of modern Turkey. By the 14th century, Anatolia was divided into small principalities, including the Ottomans who became the dominant power, unified the region and created an expansive empire. It prospered for a few hundred years until territorial losses in the 19th century marked the start of its decline.
The Ottomans sided with Germany in World War and the Allied victory dissolved the empire. Following a brief Allied occupation, the Republic of Turkey was established in 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who introduced radical reforms to modernise Turkey and establish a unique national identity.
The legacy of the Ottoman Empire has imbued Turkey with a mix of European, Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Turkish people are deeply proud of their heritage and famed for their hospitality. (You’ll earn extra smiles if you eat multiple servings and finish everything on your plate). While Turkey is nominally secular, most Turks identify as Muslim and Islamic holidays like Ramadan and Eid are widely observed.
Geography and environment
Turkey is a largely mountainous country that shares borders with Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria. It also has wide stretches of coastline along the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Seas. Turkey’s landscapes vary dramatically across its regions, from the rocky, forested coastline of the Black Sea region to the fertile plateaus of the Marmara, the white sand beaches of the Aegean and the limestone formations of the Mediterranean. Adding further diversity, Central Anatolia, considered the country's heartland, features rugged snow-capped peaks, high plains and crystalline lakes.
Blessed with vast areas of fertile soil, Turkey also ranks among the world's top agricultural producers, featuring many farms, orchards, vineyards and olive groves which you can visit to taste the produce yourself.
Eating and drinking
Home to some of the tastiest produce, traditional cooking methods and influences from Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Turkey’s food is surprising, delicious and delightful (pun definitely intended). As well as restaurants serving traditional Ottoman and contemporary cuisines, there are countless street stalls and markets serving all sorts of Turkish favourites.
1. Gozleme
This iconic Turkish snack of cheese, meat and veggies stuffed in flatbread is a budget-friendly bite that will satisfy everyone. Cheese and spinach are the most famous fillings, but you’ll find all sorts of combos as you travel around.
2. Lokum
Love it or hate it, this divisive treat, known internationally as turkish delight, can be found in shops, bazaars and street stalls all over the country. Made from rosewater, sugar, cornflour and water (and sometimes nuts and other ingredients), these bite-size jellies go down a treat. Do like a local and enjoy it with Turkish coffee.
3. Simit
As far as quick and easy snacks go, it’s hard to pass up simit, a bread similar to a sesame-encrusted bagel. Carts selling simit can be found at bus and train stations, main streets and other busy thoroughfares.
4. Cig kofte
Made with bulgur, onion, tomato paste and spices, this south-eastern specialty is essentially a big ol’ vegetarian ‘meatball’. They're traditionally eaten by rolling it into a lettuce leaf and squeezing lemon juice or pomegranate molasses on top.
5. Balik ekmek
If you’re spending time along the Bosphorus in Istanbul, balik ekmek, or fish sandwiches, is a must-try street food. It's typically made with grilled mackerel served on a baguette with onion, salad and sumac.
6. Manti
Though the ingredients that fill these boiled dumplings vary, the most popular are ground beef or lamb, onion and spices. They're served with garlicky yoghurt, and though they’re small, it’s easy to polish off a plate yourself.
7. Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee is known around the world for its unique brewing method. It's made with finely ground arabica beans, often with cardamom, in a cezve – a pretty copper or brass pot with a long, thin handle. It has a thick foam layer on top and leaves a muddy sediment at the bottom of the cup.
8. Cay
Cay, or Turkish tea, is a staple of Turkish culture. It's brewed in a two-piece teapot with loose black tea leaves on top and water at the bottom. It’s mild in flavour and is typically enjoyed black with sugar.
Must-visit places in Turkey
1. Ephesus
One of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world, the ruins of Ephesus are essential viewing for history buffs.
2. Antalya
Home to Roman ruins and a harbour that proves the term ‘Turquoise Coast’ is well-deserved, Antalya is a sophisticated slice of Mediterranean Turkey. Relax on the beach, go on a boat trip or feast on the region’s exceptional seafood.
3. Istanbul
Allow at least a few days to explore the sights and bites of this continent-straddling city. From exploring historical treasures like the dazzling Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome to indulging in baklava and coffee in traditional cafes, Istanbul is full of highlights and hidden spots.
4. Goreme
The main base for exploring stunning Cappadocia, Goreme is famous for its fairy chimneys, deserted rock-cut homes and churches. For a unique perspective of this alluring landscape, take an optional hot air balloon ride over the village to see the skyline speckled with balloons.
5. Kekova
Hop on a gulet (a handcrafted wooden boat) for a day of swimming, sunbathing and cruising over the ancient sunken city of Kekova, where powerful civilisations like the Romans and Byzantines flourished. Look out for remnants of walls, staircases, tombs and boathouses as you float by.
Money matters
Major credit cards are widely accepted in cities, tourist areas and large hotels but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors in rural areas. We recommend carrying cash for smaller everyday purchases to avoid being caught out.
ATMs are common throughout Turkey in tourist hotspots and smaller towns. Regardless, it's best to be prepared by having enough cash before leaving the cities.
Turkey travel FAQs
Travellers from some nationalities can travel to Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Other travellers must apply for a visa online or through a Turkish embassy or consulate before travelling.
To enter Turkey, you may also need:
A passport issued within the past ten years
A passport valid for at least six months after return
Proof of onward or exit travel
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
It’s normal to tip 10 to 15% of the bill in cafes, restaurants and bars in Turkey (if the bill doesn’t include gratuity already). Hotel and hamam (Turkish bathhouse) staff may also expect a small tip. Tipping taxi drivers is unnecessary, although rounding up the fare for convenience is common.
Turkey is warm from late spring to early autumn, so layered clothing made from breathable fabrics like linen and cotton is recommended. In major cities and tourist areas, travellers and locals often wear shorts and sleeveless tops in the hot summer months.
In more remote areas, locals wear more conservative attire, so it’s best to follow suit and wear clothing that covers your shoulders to your knees – think long trousers or a skirt, a T-shirt and an overshirt or scarf.
Long layers must also be worn in mosques, as well as a head covering for women.
For winter trips, you’ll need warmer layers, especially if you’re venturing inland where the climate is continental. Ideally, a warm, windproof raincoat, a beanie and gloves, warm trousers and a thermal top.
No matter when you visit, comfy footwear is a must, as is a day bag for your essentials.
Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Turkey. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water or carry water purification tablets with you.
There are many free wi-fi spots in Turkey’s cities, and most restaurants, cafes and bars offer wi-fi to customers. The connection speed is fast in urban and touristy places but may be slower in rural areas, so consider activating global roaming on your phone or buying a local SIM card if you want to stay connected.
Mobile phone coverage is good in Turkey, especially in large cities. However, coverage may not be available in more remote areas. Before you leave home, ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier or look into buying a local SIM card.
Toilets are known as WCs (short for water closets) in Turkey. There’s a mix of Western and squat-style toilets, sometimes with a jug of water for manual flushing. The latter becomes more common in remote regions. However, there's typically a Western-style toilet in every bathroom.
Many public toilets require a small payment of roughly 5 to 10 liras, so ensure you carry change when out and about. It's also a good idea to carry toilet paper and hand sanitiser as these aren't always provided.
Turkey is generally a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers as long they exercise discretion. Many parts of Turkey, especially outside major cities, have conservative cultural attitudes. While same-sex relationships and non-normative gender presentation are not illegal, there's a lack of comprehensive legal protections against discrimination for LGBTQIA+ people. Legal measures like 'offenses against public morality' have occasionally been used to target LGBTQIA+ folks, although this is rarely directed at tourists.
Big cities like Istanbul and Ankara have established queer scenes; however, same-sex couples are still unlikely to engage in public displays of affection.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
If you’re travelling with Intrepid, you’ll be roomed with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know when booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some trips for travellers who don’t wish to share a room.
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Turkey directly support our foundation partner, Contemporary Life Support Association (CYDD).
Contemporary Life Support Association (CYDD) provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey. Donations fund a program where young scholarship awardees undertake outreach workshops with marginalised children in regional villages. Workshops include information sessions on gender equality, health, law, culture, and other human rights topics.
Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
While infrastructure is improving, much of Turkey remains difficult to navigate for wheelchair users and people with mobility concerns. Many cities in Turkey have been occupied for thousands of years and their design reflects that, with little regard given to making streets and attractions accessible. Travellers with impaired mobility will find that while tourist locales in Istanbul, such as hotels and mosques, are fitted with ramps and connected by an accessible tram, getting around the rest of the city can be challenging. Rural regions like Cappadocia will be difficult for travellers with mobility impairment to navigate independently.
Squat toilets remain the norm in many parts of Turkey, which can pose problems for travellers with certain disabilities.
Traffic in Turkey can be chaotic, and even when traffic lights and pedestrian crossings exist drivers do not always obey them. Taxis are, for the most part, not wheelchair-friendly.
Travellers who use battery-operated hearing aids should consider bringing a stash of extra batteries, as they can be difficult to locate in Turkey.
If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you’re about to embark on your first trip, travelling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organising amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), travelling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.