Turkey Travel Guide

A richly historical landmass straddling three continents, with magical landscapes and a mesmerising mix of the natural and the exotic; Turkey is an extraordinary destination.

Drawing in curious travellers from all over the world, this transcontinental nation dips its toe into both Europe and the East, resulting in a meld of Middle Eastern and Meditteranean cultures. With its history as one of the greatest empires of all time, often recalled as the ‘cradle of civilisation’, and the centuries of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule, Turkey has been left with world-famous ruins, world wonders and incredible monuments. 

Sitting on the Silk Road, the rich succession of important historical figures have all left a mark on this country. From the sprawling Topkapi Palace in Istanbul to the ancient port city of Ephesus and the subterranean cities of central Turkey, delights await you around every corner. 

Although Turkey held firm as one of the top ten places to visit in the world no more than five years ago, in recent years, the political unrest surrounding its neighbour, Syria, has seen a decline in travellers over safety fears. However, this is largely limited to specific regions of the country which can be avoided safely, especially if travelling with a Local Designer as you would with Designer Journeys. 

Beyond the dazzling mosques and domes of Istanbul, a land of fairytale chimneys, Roman ruins, a world wonder, 16 UNESCO sites and cobblestone streets awaits. From hot air ballooning over the magical landscapes of Cappadocia to kayaking over sunken ruins in Kekova, Turkey presents the thrilling, the relaxing and the unforgettable forms of activities. 

When your jaw isn’t dropped at the sight of one of Turkey’s archaeological sites, mountain-fringed landscapes or dazzling coastlines, you’ll be scooping delicious Turkish specialities into it. Turkey’s culinary expertise is built on centuries upon centuries of influence which have merged into hearty dishes packed with fresh ingredients and incredible flavour combinations. Eating is one of the best ways to understand Turkey on a deeper level.

Now, we have you hooked, it’s time to read about the best places to visit in Turkey, what it’s like to visit Istanbul and so much more in this comprehensive Turkey travel guide;

If you’re looking for great weather, then the spring months (April to May) and autumn months (September to October) are the best time to take a Turkey holiday. During these seasons, the days are long, and the heat is manageable. 

Between these two seasons sits summer, known as the high season (June to August). During this time, the crowds will be bigger and everything from meals to transport and accommodation will be slightly more expensive. You can expect fully-booked hotels and restaurants during this time, so it’s important to book in advance. 

Like Europe, summers are hot, and winters are cold. The winter months are often fairly wet and rainy, but if you don’t mind this, it is a great time to visit due to the lack of crowds and favourable off-season prices. With an umbrella in hand and some good walking shoes, you can make your way around the best places to visit in Istanbul with ease. 

A place where East meets West, where the people are welcoming, the cuisine is wonderful, the history in-depth and the adventures aplenty. There are so many reasons to visit Turkey so here’s our selection;

Visit Istanbul

Straddling the border between Asia and Europe, Istanbul is the only city in the world that can lay claim to its residency on two different continents. An Istanbul sightseeing tour is likely to be how you begin or complete your Turkey trip. With two major airports and links to destinations all over the world, the capital city is your entry and exit point.

Should your Turkey travel itinerary allow it, it is strongly encouraged that you spend a few days in Istanbul to learn about this historically significant city. Famous landmarks include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. With a Local Designer as your Istanbul guide, you’ll cover all of the best places to see in Istanbul and make a trip to the Grand Bazaar, Turkey’s oldest and largest covered marketplace. 

You can cover all this and more on this 5-day Istanbul trip!

Visit Cappadocia, Turkey’s Fairytale Landscape

The scenes of Cappadocia will be something you will have seen dreamy Instagram posts and in travel articles, and you’ll be pleased to know, it is a place that is just as magical in real life. 

Centuries ago, a large group of volcanoes erupted, covering the countryside in many layers of ash, sand and hot gases. Over time, rivers and the weather eroded the soft layers of these rocks; the result is Cappadocia’s landscape - a spectacular moonscape of cone-shaped rock formations and deep gorges.

Today, Cappadocia is filled with houses complete with ‘fairy chimneys’ and is one of the best places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride! It is the ultimate bucket list experience. 

The beauty of north and south Cappadocia can be experienced by rising up into the quiet morning on a hot air balloon in this 4-day Cappadocia Turkey experience!

Explore Pamukkale, Turkey’s Thermal Hot Springs

Pamukkale presents you with one of the most incredible experiences to have in Turkey; bathing in hot thermal spring water with surreal views of Western Turkey. 

Pamukkale is a town in the west of Turkey known for its mineral-rich thermal waters which flow effortlessly down white terraces on a hillside. The white travertines formed by the salt content in the thermal waters look like snowy slopes punctuated by gleaming blue pools that welcome you in for a swim. 

In Turkish, Pamukkale means ‘Cotton Castle’, and once you lay eyes on this landscape, you’ll understand why. Above the terraces, you’ll find the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis which is over 2,000 years old and perfect to tie in with a visit to the springs. 

Cover it all and travel from Istanbul to Pamukkale on this 7-day Turkey tour!

Ephesus, One of Turkey’s 16 UNESCO Sites

Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (the Temple of Artemis), Ephesus, or Efes in Turkish, is Europe’s best-preserved complete classic metropolis. Once an ancient Greek city, what you see of Ephesus today are the remains of a Roman city that acted as the trade centre of the ancient world. 

Turkey’s historical roots lie in the buildings within this architectural masterpiece. Dating back as far as the 10th century BC, Ephesus is complete with a huge theatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the impressive Library of Celsus. You can spend hours here strolling down the ancient streets filled with temples, libraries, houses, statues and theatres. 

Discover this ancient site and numerous others on this 7-day Turkey travel itinerary!

Antalya

Found on Turkey’s Mediterranean turquoise coast, Antalya is a bustling beach city with something for everyone. History and culture buffs will love to wander the labyrinth-like streets of the old town, whilst sun worshippers and beach lovers will flock to the beautiful white-sand beaches. Antalya holidays have the perfect balance of both natural and historic beauty. 

The old town, complete with traces of the Ottoman era, old mansions and cobblestone streets, overlooks the impressive Old Harbour which is often filled with jaw-dropping yachts. Beyond the obvious exploring and beach time, the best things to do in Antalya include visiting the impressive Yivli Minaret and sitting in a traditional coffee shop watching the world go by. 

If Antalya piques your interest, then you can explore this town and more on this 12-day Turkey itinerary!

Turkey is a very navigable country as much of it is covered by public transport in the form of domestic flights, minivans, ferries and long-distance buses. Currently, the train network in Turkey is being updated to bring in high-speed lines to connect key parts of the country. For the most part, booking on the day is fine, but during holidays and high season, you’ll want to book in advance. 

Cheap flights to Istanbul connect Turkey’s capital to the length and breadth of Europe. Once in Turkey, you can use good-value domestic flights to link key destinations such as Istanbul to Cappadocia. If you are time-rich and budget-friendly, the 12-hour bus journey from Cappadocia to Istanbul and vice versa may be perfect for you. 

When in the cities, the intercity buses are efficient and reliable. For Istanbul tours, getting around on the city’s bus and tram network will both enable you to cover all of the things to see in Istanbul as well as gain an insight into the local life here. Of course, no Turkey trip is complete without a ferry trip across the Bosphorus in Istanbul upon which you’ll travel from Europe to Asia in a matter of minutes. 

If your Turkey itinerary is flexible, then self-drive may be an option for you. Car rental is reasonable in Turkey, even more so in low season. However, road accidents are common. 

If you were looking for the flexibility of driving yourself without the arguments over maps and the danger that comes with not knowing the roads, then a Turkey private tour with a local guide would be ideal. Our Local Designers in Turkey can tailor your trip to suit you, right down to your budget, travel style and interests.  

Due to its size, to cover all of the top places to see in Turkey, you’ll be staying in a number of different regions. If you’re a casual traveller, turning up to a town and finding a bed is usually not a problem in Turkey, with the exception of high season. 

Despite the undulating economy, the prices in key tourist destinations tend to be on par with value according to typical western standards. Istanbul accommodation tends to be the most expensive place to stay in Turkey. 

In the large coastal resorts, big cities and popular Turkey destinations like Cappadocia, there is a wide range of accommodation available. From humble, family-run pansiyons (pensions/guesthouses) to five-star hotels and renovated Ottoman mansions, you’ll find it all. 

As you venture into the more remote towns of interior Turkey, the range of accommodation dwindles, so you are often left with the choice of very basic private rooms or luxurious hotels. Similarly, the popular coastal resorts are a little overrun by mass-market chain hotels.

Turkish food has a reputation as one of the best cuisines in the world. Gloriously combining the flavours of the Middle East, Central Asia, the Balkans and Eastern Europe, modern Turkish food invites a diverse blend of flavours. 

The Turkish cuisine you know today was developed during the Ottoman era, and as it came into contact with many different influences, it has expanded and diversified. These are some of the must-try dishes;

Turkish Delight

Turkish delight outside of Turkey rarely hits as good; hence, it is a must-try in the motherland. 

Traditional Turkish delight is made by combining the gel of starch and sugar with the aromatic flavours of rosewater, mastic, lemon or Bergamot orange. Often, you’ll find that chopped dates, hazelnuts, walnuts or chopped pistachios are added. In markets, towns and cities, you’ll find rows of stalls and shops selling Turkish delight in a rainbow of colours. These bite-sized cubes travel well so make for perfect holiday gifts. 

Baklava

Incredibly moreish, sweet, flaky, crispy; making baklava is an art form in Turkey, and once you try this delightful dessert, you’ll understand why. Baklava is made with layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts such as pistachios, hazelnuts or walnuts. The rolls of pastry are then sweetened and held together by lashings of syrup or honey. 

Each shop and stall will have its own signature way of making baklava and will add a range of sweet flavours such as rosewater and orange flower. 

Kofta & Kebabs

We started with the sweets so now it’s onto the meats. 

Popular all over Central Asia, the West and the Middle East, this dish consists of minced meat flavoured with a variety of herbs roasted on a stick or in balls. There are said to be almost 300 different kinds of kofta so predicting which one you’ll eat is impossible. That said, you’ll rarely find pork koftas as Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country. 

You’ll find both of these dishes at street food stalls. Kofta is usually served on a baguette whereas kebab meat is wrapped in a tortilla-like bread. 

Turkish Breakfast

A traditional Turkish breakfast is no small affair; instead, it is a full table of food with cheese, sesame-coated bread, salami, tomatoes, olives, jams, dips, eggs and of course, a Turkish coffee. 

A smaller, more modest version is often served as hotels and pansiyons. However, if you find yourself in a more upmarket hotel, you can expect the full works. On Sundays, Turks will invite friends and family to their homes for a big spread or head to a cafe that offers the full Turkish-style breakfast deal for as little as 10 Turkish Lira (USD$1.30).

Bread & Cheese

Turks are very fond of pastries, savoury bakes and cheese. Simit is a sesame-covered round, doughy bread that is often referred to as the lovechild of a bagel and a pretzel. Straight from the oven, they are perfect for snacking whilst exploring. 

If you’re a fan of both cheese and sweet things, then kunefe is a dish that combines them both! This sweet dish consists of shredded filo pastry filled with melted cheese before being soaked in syrup. Are you drooling yet?

And if that wasn’t enough, lahmacun is a Turkish flatbread topped with seasoned meat and herbs. Likened to a cheeseless pizza, this is the perfect grab-and-go snack.

Turkey is a majority Islamic country, so most of the religious festivals align with the dates determined by the Muslim Hijra calendar. There are also cultural celebrations and harvest extravaganzas that take place across the country; 

Ramadan

The month during which Muslims must abstain from water, food, tobacco and sexual relations during daylight. In Turkey, almost half of the population is fasting from sunrise to sunset for this month, yet life continues as normal. As a traveller, you’ll still be served in restaurants with good grace; you may just find that the menus are smaller and some will disclose their establishments behind curtains. During this time, you should avoid eating in public places as it is considered rude.

The hour after sunset during Ramadan is one of the busiest hours for restaurants as people pile in to feast after their fast. The mosques in Turkey are beautifully illuminated for the entire month of Ramadan, and they are usually full each night. 

Travelling during Ramadan is difficult so it’s best to avoid this month or be prepared to travel slow and stay in certain areas for longer. 

Seker Bayrami

Translated as ‘Sugar Holiday’, this three-day extravaganza is the holiday immediately following the month of Ramadan. Easily likened to the Christan Christmas, the holiday is celebrated with family reunions, gift-giving and showering children in sweets. Towards the end of Ramadan and during these three days, you’ll have to book well in advance for tables at popular restaurants. 

Kurban Bayrami (Festival of the Sacrifice)

Not one for the faint of heart, Kurban Bayrami is a four-day sacrificial offering festival. A sacrifice of a sheep represents Abraham’s son, Ishmael; during the event, a mass slaughter of sheep and goats take place. The meat is distributed to the poorer families of the neighbourhood who can’t afford a whole animal. 

Like Ramadan, travel during this period becomes difficult, and you will have to reserve well in advance to get a seat on any plane, train or long-distance bus. If the festivals happen to occur near to a national holiday, the whole of the country grinds to a halt for up to a week. 

Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival

The festival celebrates the thoughts of the great Sufi saint, one of the world’s greatest philosophers and the father of the Mevlevi sect, Mevlana. Music, dance, listening and spirituality come together during the dance of the Dervishes, an exciting performance to witness. 

The date of the celebration is based on the Islamic calendar and thus, like most of the festivals in Turkey, occurs on a different date from year to year. 

Mesir Paste Festival

If you’re looking for the perfect festival to connect with Turkish locals, then the Mesir Paste Festival is it. The festival itself celebrates the recovery of Hafsa Sultan, the mother of Suleyman the Magnificent. Legend has it that she was cured of a disease through a paste known as ‘Mesire Macunu’ and thus, the sultan ordered the paste to be distributed to the public for their well-being. 

You can witness this tradition in which a chef prepares a ‘magic’ paste from 41 spices and herbs. A group of 14 women then wrap the paste in little paper packages, bless them with 28 imams and apprentices, and then they scatter the packages from the dome of the minaret to domes of the Sultan Mosque. 

Language: The official language in Turkey is Turkish. However, Kurmanji, Arabic, and Zazaki are also widely spoken. In the cities and tourist destinations, you’ll find that most people speak English. 

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY) is the currency used. At the time of writing, December 2020, 1 USD is equivalent to 7.76 Turkish Lira. 

Safety: There is no denying the history of terrorist attacks in Turkey and the surrounding nations. The tourist destinations of Istanbul, Antalya and Cappadocia, among others, are relatively safe as long as you practice caution. Before you decide to travel, make sure to do your research and check government sites to inform your decision. 

Religion: Islam is the largest majority religion in Turkey, with over 99.8% of the population being registered as Muslim. 

Dress: Knowing how to dress largely depends on which area of the country you are in. However, beachwear should be kept on the beach, and you should cover shoulders and knees whenever entering a religious building. Generally, dressing conservatively will make you feel more comfortable. 

When planning a trip to Turkey, you should look no further than Designer Journeys for everything you need. Our Local Designers in Turkey are exactly what you’re looking for - local people who are experts at designing trips to diverse countries like Turkey. Who else would you trust to design a trip perfectly, but a local?

To get started, you can browse our gallery of fully-customisable Turkey tours and customise any trip to your exact budget, tastes and desires with our Local Designers. Alternatively, you can design your own Turkey trip from scratch, starting with the basics and working with a Local Designer to build your dream trip!