Best Turkey Tours & Holidays

Our tours of Turkey cater to a variety of travel styles and interests. Choose from: 

Small Group tours: A more intimate experience with a maximum of 24 travelers
Classic tours: Excellent value and guided sightseeing across Turkey’s major highlights
Independent tours: Your accommodation and transport are arranged, while you enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace
Tailormade tours: Fully personalized itineraries designed around your interests

Yes—however, the level of guiding depends on the style of tour you choose.

• Small-Group & Classic Tours
  These itineraries are fully escorted by expert local guides who bring Turkey’s history, culture and hidden corners to life, including the gulet cruise. Large cruise segments are unguided.

• Independent Tours
  Designed for travelers who like a mix of structure and freedom, these itineraries include selected guided day tours along with plenty of unguided time to explore on your own.

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 travelers are welcome on all Turkey tours from the United States. Some itineraries offer a Shared Solo Option, where you can be paired with a fellow solo traveler 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: 

Leisurely: Minimal walking, mostly coach-based sightseeing
Balanced: A mix of walking and relaxed exploration
Active: Longer walking days and some uneven terrain

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.

Check the Your Tour Experience section of the tour page to get a precise idea of the pace of each tour.

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 are compact but comfortable and include private ensuites, and a choice of twin or double bedding. 

Please note that this cruise is not suitable for those with mobility restrictions. Let us know if you have any concerns when booking.

Yes, many travelers add extra nights in Istanbul or combine their Turkey travels with other countries like Greece, Egypt or the Five Stans. You can also build your own Tailormade 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, and transfers. You can also manage all these optional extras yourself through our easy-to-use Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Turkey enjoys four distinct seasons, and the best time to visit depends on the style of holiday you prefer. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are ideal conditions for sightseeing with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (July to August) is perfect for coastal cruising, and time by the water, though inland areas can be hot. Winter (December to February) 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 Euro 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. It’s also customary to tip guides, drivers, and gulet crew. Consider budgeting a little extra for good service throughout your Turkey tour.

Turkey spans 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 60.8–68°F 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 82.4°F–95°F in seaside towns like Antalya and Fethiye. Perfect weather for a gulet cruise or relaxing by the Mediterranean.

Fall (September–November): Warm days and cooler nights, with temperatures ranging from 63°F–80°F. The sea remains warm for swimming, and the countryside transforms with autumn colors, 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 37.4°F), creating a magical winter landscape, while coastal areas like Antalya stay milder at around 59°F.

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 of Turkey. English is commonly spoken in major cities and tourist areas, especially by guides. Here are a few simple phrases that can help you connect with locals:

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

Turkish cuisine is varied, 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 local favourites such as:

• Gözleme (stuffed flatbread)
• Pide (Turkish-style baked flatbread often topped with cheese or meat)
• Dolma (vine leaves stuffed with seasoned rice)
• Simit (sesame-crusted bread rings, a perfect snack)

Yes, Turkey can be suitable for both vegetarian and gluten-free travellers, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Many traditional Turkish dishes are naturally vegetarian-friendly. Common options include lentil soup, grilled vegetables, stuffed vine leaves and a wide range of meze. 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. We work closely with our local partners and monitor local conditions, avoiding areas deemed unsafe, including regions close to the far eastern border. As with any international destination, follow your guide’s advice and use common-sense precautions, especially in busy areas.

It’s best to drink bottled or purified water in Turkey—typically even the locals prefer it due its taste and mineral content. Hotels usually provide complimentary bottles daily. If you’re unsure whether ice is made from purified water, it’s safest to avoid it.

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
• A Type F power adapter (230V)

Turkey’s culture is warm and welcoming, and understanding a few local customs will help you enjoy your travels even more:

• Dress modestly when visiting mosques; women should carry a scarf to cover their heads
• Remove your shoes before entering homes or religious buildings
• A polite nod or handshake is a common greeting
• Bargaining is expected in markets, and showing interest is appreciated

These small gestures go a long way in showing respect and connecting with local traditions.

Yes, our Turkey tours are designed with comfort in mind and suit a range of fitness levels. Travelers should 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 an itinerary with the right pace and level of physical activity.

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

No, the hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia is offered as an optional extra. As flights are weather-dependent and regulated locally, they’re arranged on the ground. 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 USD$290 per person.

Most itineraries allow around 1–2 hours at Gallipoli. During your visit, you’ll typically see 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 travelers.

Most travelers require a visa to enter Turkey. Fortunately, this can usually be obtained online as an eVisa before departure. Transit visa requirements may also apply depending on your flight route. 

We recommend checking our Visa Entry Requirements page early in your planning to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Booking a Turkey tour with Inspiring Vacations is simple. 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 tour 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.