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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 · 7 days · 9 days · 10 days · 14 days

Turkey Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Balloon Flight in Cappadocia
Explore Istanbul and Cappadocia - 6 Days

Discover two of Turkey's most popular destinations, the bustling capital of Istanbul and the lunar-like valleys of Cappadocia. Explore the Ottoman and Byzantine sites of Istanbul with guided walking tours, a trip to the grand market, 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 famous fairy chimneys, plus a visit to the UNESCO Göreme Open Air Museum and the caves of Kaymakli Underground City.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Sofia mosque, Istanbul
How Many Days to Spend in Turkey

Turkey is a huge country, so unless you have 3 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

Ishak Pasha Palace in Turkey
Map of Turkey's Eastern Anatolia: Discover the Sacred Spaces of the East - 14 Days
Turkey's Eastern Anatolia: Discover the Sacred Spaces of the East - 14 Days

Follow in the footsteps of ancient civilizations and uncover sacred places of worship on this two-week pilgrimage through Turkey's eastern Anatolia region. Explore some of the world's oldest cities, ruins, and archaeological sites, including Göbekli Tepe, as you discover the Persian, Armenian, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Syriac Orthodox influences. But it's not all ancient monuments. You'll also soak in the beauty of saline Lake Van, look out in wonder over the Mesopotamian plains, and explore the buzz of Istanbul.

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 Turkey's vast history, both ancient and modern, on a voyage down the Aegean Coast that takes you from World War I battle sites to Roman ruins. Tea lovers will discover the best of Turkish blends on a cross-country trip showcasing Turkey's tea gardens and plantations, along with breathtaking natural scenery.

A peek inside the Blue Mosque, İstanbul
Map of Turkey at a Glance: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Şirince - 7 Days
Turkey at a Glance: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Şirince - 7 Days

Hit the highlights of Turkey's diverse landscapes on this well-rounded, weeklong itinerary. Start in the center of it all in Istanbul to see the famous Blue Mosque and cruise down the Bosphorous Strait, then move to the plains of central Anatolia and witness Cappadocia's stunning rock formations from high above in a hot air balloon. After, fly to the Aegean coast to explore Sirince and the archeological sites of Ephesus, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Turkey Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Turkey map: 5 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Turkey - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Turkey map: 2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Turkey map: 10 Days in Turkey - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days 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 day 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 1 day 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 Alev Onut
active 1 day ago

Alev Onut

I was born and raised in Belgium but in my mid 20’s I decided to move to Istanbul since it was love at first sight. It was inevitable to not fall in love with this magnificent city. You are...

read more...
Travel specialist Zehra Alper
active 1 day 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

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Trip Reviews for Turkey

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Trip to Turkey
Turkey | May 6 - May 16, 2023

R
Robert G.
Basking Ridge, NJ | Reviewed on May 22, 2023

We had a great trip to Turkey in May. Berat did an excellent job with our itinerary and was very flexible when we had to change our dates. She was a pleasure to work with. Berat very organized and each step of our trip was planned perfectly. She was able to combine all the sights we wanted to see including Istanbul, Capodoccia, Ephesus, and the Mediterranean coast into a 10 day trip for 4 family members. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and allowed us to do everything in our... read more

We had a great trip to Turkey in May. Berat did an excellent job with our itinerary and was very flexible when we had to change our dates. She was a pleasure to work with. Berat very organized and each step of our trip was planned perfectly. She was able to combine all the sights we wanted to see including Istanbul, Capodoccia, Ephesus, and the Mediterranean coast into a 10 day trip for 4 family members. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and allowed us to do everything in our itinerary. The guides and drivers were very good as were the accommodations that Berat recommended. I wholeheartedly recommend Berat as a trip planner when considering traveling to Turkey.

Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on May 23, 2023

Dear Robert,

We are so glad to read your review, thank you for your kind words. We look forward to welcoming you in Turkey in the near future.

Best regards from the whole Trail Travel team,
Berat

Sometimes, when you are most lucky, a trip be...
Turkey | May 2 - May 11, 2023

Janna
Janna F.
Seguin, TX | Reviewed on May 13, 2023

Sometimes, when you are most lucky, a trip becomes an indelible, lifetime memory. We chose Türkiye as our destination because of the amazing history and beautiful, varied geography of the region. Berat was our KimKim travel planner, and she organized an experience for us that we could have never arranged on our own. The itinerary she designed allotted the time we had to the cities/places we wanted to see in the perfect segments. The accommodations she chose for us were unparalleled for... read more

Sometimes, when you are most lucky, a trip becomes an indelible, lifetime memory. We chose Türkiye as our destination because of the amazing history and beautiful, varied geography of the region. Berat was our KimKim travel planner, and she organized an experience for us that we could have never arranged on our own. The itinerary she designed allotted the time we had to the cities/places we wanted to see in the perfect segments. The accommodations she chose for us were unparalleled for location, views, and service. The transportation was unfailingly top notch and professional. Berat recommended the perfect tours and she arranged a special request visit for us to a local business that is an area of particular interest and it was a highlight of our trip. (I am amazed at how she did this!) We did the balloon experience in Cappadocia (a bucket list item), and she chose, from the many options, a truly expert operation. This incredible memory will never dim!
The hospitality of the Turkish people is legendary. And the true magic of our trip was the assistance of the local guides. Hattie in Cappadocia, Erdem in Istanbul, and Alp in Antalya- all were amazing. Having the insight and the assistance of guides intimately familiar with everywhere and everything you will encounter enriches every precious moment. These special guides can take you exactly to the sites and experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.
Thank you to each individual who helped make our trip the amazing, seamless experience it was!

Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on May 14, 2023

Dear Janna,
Thank you for this wonderful 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 trip to Turkey--Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Turkey | Apr 26 - May 2, 2023

K
Katherine B.
| Reviewed on May 09, 2023

Our guide Hati was excellent. She was knowledgable and very attentive. She readily adjusted our itinerary in response to our needs and was very accommodating for one of our reluctant travelers :) KimKim made it easy to plan and Berat, our trip designer was extremely responsive and helpful. Two suggestions for travelers--be mindful to plan gratuity for guide and it seems in Turkey, the best way to get TL cash is to exchange US cash--but also can us US $ for gratuity. Wished we had known. Otherwise--all went very smoothly!

Local specialist: Berat Ornek
Berat
Berat Ornek
Local specialist in Turkey | Replied on May 09, 2023

Dear Katherine,
We are grateful for your review, and so glad to hear you had an overall positive experience in our beautiful country. Thank you very much for choosing us and for taking the time to write this review. We look forward to welcoming you again in the near future.
All best regards on behalf of Trail Travel team,
Berat