Best Turkey Tours & Holidays

Our tours of Turkey cater to a variety of travel styles and interests. Choose from our immersive Small Group tours, perfect for travellers who prefer a more intimate experience with a maximum of 24 guests; Classic tours, offering excellent value and guided sightseeing; or Independent tours, where your accommodation and transport are organised, but you travel at your own pace. We also offer Tailor-made tours for those who want to customise every element of their travel in Turkey.

Yes—­but the amount of guiding depends on the style of trip you choose.

• Small-Group & Classic Tours

These itineraries are fully escorted by licensed local experts who bring Turkey’s history, culture and hidden corners to life. The only parts that run unguided are any cruise segments.

• Independent Tours

Designed for travellers who like a mix of structure and freedom, these trips give you plenty of unguided time to explore on your own, complemented by selected day tours led by a local guide.

Whether you’re weaving through the lanes of Istanbul or standing in Cappadocia’s rock-cut churches, you’ll have the right balance of guidance and independent discovery.

Solo travellers are welcome on all Turkey tours from Canada. Some itineraries offer a Shared Solo Option, where you can be paired with a fellow solo traveller of the same gender, avoiding the single supplement. Not every itinerary includes this, so check the individual tour details. Of course, private rooms are always available for those who prefer their own space.

We offer a range of paces across our group tours to Turkey. Choose from our Balanced itineraries for a blend of sightseeing and downtime, or Active tours if you're looking for a more energetic pace. Expect daily exploration, some walking on uneven ground (particularly at historical sites), and a few early starts to maximise your time at key attractions.

Some of our Turkey group tours feature a gulet cruise along the stunning Turquoise Coast. You'll sail past hidden coves, swim in ancient Roman bath ruins, and unwind on deck with onboard meals. Cabins include ensuites, and there are twin and double bed options. While compact, they're comfortable, and most of your time is spent outdoors enjoying the view. Please note that this cruise is not suitable for those with mobility restrictions.

Yes, many travellers add extra nights in Istanbul or combine their Turkey adventure with other countries like Greece, Egypt or with our Five Stans tours. You can also build your own Tailor-made tour through our dedicated team. If you're looking to extend your stay either before or after your tour ends, simply speak with us during the booking process, and we can help coordinate flights, hotels, transfers, and extensions. You can also manage all these optional extras yourself through our easy-to-use Traveller Hub once you’ve confirmed your booking.

Turkey enjoys four distinct seasons. Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) are ideal for sightseeing with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (July to August) is perfect for coastal cruising, but can be hot inland. Winter is quieter, with chilly temperatures, especially in Cappadocia, where you might even see snow-dusted fairy chimneys.

The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted in larger towns and hotels, but cash is preferred in smaller shops and markets. ATMs are widely available. It's a good idea to carry small denominations for tips and purchases at bazaars. While US dollars and euros may be accepted in some places, they shouldn’t be relied upon.

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but is appreciated. A tip of 5–10% at restaurants is typical. Guides, drivers, and gulet crew are also commonly tipped. Consider budgeting a little extra as a thank-you for good service throughout your Turkey tour.

Turkey’s geography stretches across two continents, so you’ll experience a real variety of climates depending on where and when you travel. Here's a guide to what you can expect:

Spring (March–May): Mild and comfortable, with temperatures around 16–20°C in Istanbul and Cappadocia. It's an ideal time for sightseeing, with blooming landscapes and fewer crowds at ancient sites.

Summer (June–August): Hot and dry, especially along the coast. Expect averages of 28–35°C in seaside towns like Antalya and Fethiye. Perfect weather for a gulet cruise or relaxing by the Mediterranean.

Autumn (September–November): Warm days and cooler nights, with temperatures ranging from 18–27°C. The sea remains warm for swimming, and the countryside transforms with autumn colours, an excellent time for exploring cities and natural sites alike.

Winter (December–February): Cool to cold, depending on where you are. Cappadocia often sees snow (averaging around 3°C), creating a magical winter landscape, while coastal areas like Antalya stay milder at around 15°C.

Each season offers its own distinct beauty, whether you're wandering through Istanbul's historic streets, sailing the sun-drenched coast, or marvelling at Cappadocia’s lunar landscapes.

Turkish is the official language. English is commonly spoken in major cities and tourist areas, especially by guides. A few useful phrases to learn:

• Hello – Merhaba
• Thank you – Teşekkür ederim
• Yes – Evet
• No – Hayır
• How much? – Ne kadar?

Turkish cuisine is rich, fresh and flavourful. Think grilled meats, fresh seafood, meze platters, and sweet treats like baklava. Each region has its own specialties, from kebabs in the southeast to seafood on the coast. On a gulet cruise, expect fresh-caught fish and family-style meals served onboard. Don’t miss:

• Gözleme (stuffed flatbread)
• Pide (Turkish-style pizza)
• Dolma (stuffed vine leaves)
• Simit (sesame bread rings)

Many traditional Turkish dishes are vegetarian-friendly. Common options include lentil soup, grilled vegetables, and stuffed vine leaves. Gluten-free meals can also be accommodated with notice. Let us know your dietary needs when booking.

Turkey is generally a safe destination for tourists. Inspiring Vacations monitors local conditions closely and avoids areas deemed unsafe, such as the far eastern border. We stay informed through local partners and adjust itineraries as needed. Always follow your guide’s advice and use common-sense precautions, especially in busy areas.

It’s best to drink bottled/purified water in Turkey—typically even the locals prefer it due its taste/mineral content. Hotels usually provide complimentary bottles daily. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're sure it’s from purified water.

Packing smart will help you enjoy every moment of your Turkey travel experience. Essentials include:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Modest clothing for visiting mosques (shoulders and knees covered)
• Swimwear for coastal regions or gulet cruise
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Layers for changing weather, especially in spring or autumn
• Power adapter (Type F, 230V)

When visiting religious sites, dress modestly. Women should carry a scarf to cover their heads when entering mosques. Remove shoes before entering homes or religious buildings. Greeting with a nod or handshake is polite. Bargaining is expected in markets, and showing interest is appreciated.

Our best Turkey tours are designed with comfort in mind and suit a range of fitness levels. Expect some walking over uneven ground, stairs at historical sites, and cobbled streets. If you have concerns, reach out and our team can guide you to the most suitable itinerary.

All our tours of Turkey include a mix of guided activities and free time. Enjoy shopping in Istanbul’s bazaars, relaxing by the coast, or simply wandering local streets at your leisure.

No, this is an optional extra arranged on the ground due to its weather-dependent nature. It’s a popular activity and well worth booking if conditions allow. Your guide can help you secure a spot, and prices start from around CAD$406 per person.

You’ll typically spend 1–2 hours at Gallipoli, visiting key sites like Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Memorial, and preserved trenches. It’s a powerful, reflective part of our guided tours of Turkey, particularly meaningful for Australian and New Zealand travellers.

Most travellers require a visa to enter Turkey. Fortunately, this can usually be obtained online before departure. Transit visa requirements may also apply depending on your travel route. We recommend checking our Visa Entry Requirements page early in your planning to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Getting started on booking one of our Turkey tours is easy. You can explore detailed itineraries, inclusions, and departure dates here on our website. When you're ready, you can book directly online or give our team a call at 1 888 356 2021. We’re always happy to help you find the trip that suits you best.

If you're ready to walk through ancient cities, sail the Mediterranean, and experience the rich culture of Turkey for yourself, take a look through our itineraries and see where your next journey could take you.