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Turkey Destination guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Turkey in a way like no other. Spilling across the border of Asia and Europe, few countries in the world hold the remarkable blend of cultures found here. Our tours through Turkey take you on a voyage of connection and discovery, as we learn the secrets of the spice markets and visiting religious sites with beauty to rival the Eiffel Tower. We'll move beyond the lively city of Istanbul to find otherworldly landscapes that will stir the soul. In Pamukkale, we'll soak in mineral-dense hot springs that cascade over white limestone pool, while in Cappadocia, a sky of hot air balloons drift above an arid valley of peculiar shapes and caves. From the Archaeology Museum to an encounter with belly dancers, the culture we connect with in Turkey is as alluring as a slice of baklava. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.
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4.8 446 reviews

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4.8 446 reviews

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Highlights of Turkey

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5 million happy guests and counting

Overall Rating

4.6

Out of 5

Based on 93,839 independent reviews
"It is always my pleasure to introduce my country to our guests. Trafalgar trips in Turkey, the cradle of civilisations, offer not only deep history, wonderful museums, great cities, amazing architecture but breathtaking natural beauty as well"
Barcin, Travel Director
Turkey at a glance
Learn the secrets of the spice markets, visit stunning religious sites, wander lively Instanbul, then discover otherworldly landscapes of hot springs and hot air balloons. From belly dancers to baklava, our expert Trafalgar Travel Directors will take you on a remarkable voyage through Turkey.
Currency
Turkish lira
Winter avg
6°C
Summer avg
23°C
Time Zone
GMT+3
Capital City
Ankara
Language
Turkish
Good morning
Günaydın
Good evening
İyi akşamlar
Turkish delight

Our top 5 things to do in Turkey

From the otherworldly hot springs of Pamukkale to the balloon covered valleys of Cappadocia, these are just some of the pinch-me moments to experience on our trips to Turkey.

Dine listening to Turkish folk and watching belly dancing

Slip into the Karsilama rhythm for a night of Turkish dance and folk music. The seductive art of belly dancing originated in Egypt but has found an energetic form here in Turkey. Take to the stage and try your hand and hips at these skillful moves. 
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See the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos

A humble stone house dating back to the Apostolic Age, the significance of Mt. Koressos's House of Virgin Mary sits within its Catholic mythology. The site where Jesus's mother was said to spend her last days on earth, this shrine attracts pilgrims from near and far.
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Relax in the water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs

Found in River Menderes valley, the Cotton Castle Springs of Pamukkale will leave you in awe of Mother Nature. Soak in the steaming waters of the travertine terraces that are known for their dense mineral content, allowing plenty of time to photograph the milky blue pools and the snow-like setting.
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Savour the intoxicating smells of the Spice Market in Ankara

In the nation's capital, dried fruits, nutty sweets and endless spices will entice your senses. Take time to wander the street of Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu before moving closer to Ankara Castle, where you can shop for silver and ceramics while eating your exotic snacks.
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Visit the peculiar landscapes of Cappadocia

One of the top things to do in Turkey, be amazed by the peculiar landscapes of Cappadocia covered in cave hotels and hot air balloons. Visit the so-called fairy chimney rock formations and discover remarkable beauty in the underground Bronze Age homes.
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Best museums in Turkey

Ready yourself for dazzling cathedrals, contemporary artworks and archaeological marvels on your Turkey trip. Trafalgar will take you under the skin of this country through its soul-stirring museum collection.
Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

A 6th-century masterpiece showing the opulence of distant eras, Hagia Sophia is a former cathedral transformed into a mosque before finding its current form as a museum. Stare upwards in awe of dome ceilings and ornate chandeliers before stepping outside to take in the external beauty from various angles.
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Istanbul

Istanbul Archeology Museum

Connect with an unfathomable depth of history in Turkey's Archaeology Museums. Featuring three buildings, the collections found here unlock the ancient orient and showcase the finest in Islamic art. Allow a whole day to get lost in the depths of distant eras.
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Istanbul

Istanbul Modern

Contemporary Turkish artists take the stage in the museum of Istanbul Modern. Housed in a former maritime warehouse, the building now features a cinema, library, gift shop and restaurant with views of the Bosphorus River. Find hours of entertainment within these progressive walls.
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Best food in Turkey

A tantalising blend between Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, we'll uncover the very best of Turkish food. From baklava to cheesy pides, with many glasses of hot tea in between.
 

Baklava

Pistachios, pastry and honey come together to create the delicious sweet of baklava. Connected to stories of Sultans and layered with history, sample this treat many times over in the name of culture. Find many moreish trays in any Turkish food market.
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Pide

Fill your tour of Turkey with copious amounts of the country's famous bread. Typically filled with stringy cheese and spinach, the pie meets pizza snack perfectly compliments a cup of sweet Turkish tea or a stroll around the city.
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Balik Ekmek

Balik Ekmek is a popular street food of oily fish wedged between two layers of soft Turkish bread. Traditionally dished up on a boat direct from the fisherman, find this lunch staple and enjoy it while walking along the Bosporus River.
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What to pack for Turkey

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A thirst for adventure

A Turkish Hammam scrub is a ritual you need to enjoy when visiting this country. Often teamed with communal bathing and occasionally requiring full nudity, pack your confidence to enjoy this tradition that is truly doing as the locals do.

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Modest clothing

Turkey is a religious and somewhat traditional country. Pack modest full-length clothing so you can respectfully enjoy momentous religious sights.

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A good camera

A smartphone won't suffice when trying to capture a peculiar desert framing a sky of hot air balloons. Pack a good camera so you can snap Turkey to its full beauty.

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Old swimwear

Dense in minerals, Turkey's Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs may aggravate your swimming clothes should you take a dip. Pack something old and submerge until your heart is content.

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Spare suitcase space

Baklava, tea, carpets and jewellery are just some of the goods that will entice you when shopping in Turkey. Leave space for the many treats and trinkets you will want to take home.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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