Turkey Hiking Tours & Trip Packages

Turkey Hiking Tours & Trips

447 Turkey trips. Tours from 98 tour companies. 723 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

38 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Hiking
Best of Turkey: Istanbul Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Antalya, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Topkapi Palace

Highlights

  • Hippodrome: An enormous public entertainment arena with historical monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.
  • Blue Mosque: This iconic monument features a massive central dome, six minarets, and intricate blue tiles, showcasing Ottoman architecture and design.
  • Hagia Sophia: Famous basilica renowned for its Byzantine architecture, historical significance, and religious heritage.
  • Basilica Cistern: Impressive underground reservoir built during the Byzantine Empire, known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.
  • Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, offering a labyrinth of streets and thousands of shops.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

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Cappadocia - Ephesus Small Group Tour
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cappadocia, Ephesus, Istanbul, Red Valley

Highlights

  • Uchisar Fortress: Perched atop the breathtaking Cappadocian landscape like a guardian of ancient secrets. Marvel at the panoramic views stretching across valleys and fairy chimneys, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this iconic landmark.
  • Orta Hisar: Explore the hidden gem of Orta Hisar, a lesser-known fortress offering a glimpse into Cappadocia's storied past. Wander through ancient corridors and ramparts, where echoes of bygone eras resonate amidst stunning natural vistas.
  • Red Valley: Delight your senses with a journey through the vibrant hues of Red Valley, where towering rock formations and whimsical fairy chimneys create a surreal landscape straight out of a fairytale. Lose yourself in the enchanting beauty of this natural wonder, where every twist and turn unveils a new marvel to behold.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Rise above the Cappadocian valleys in a magical hot-air balloon ride, where the gentle breeze carries you on a journey of unparalleled beauty. Witness the dawn of a new day from the skies, as the sun casts its golden glow over the surreal landscape below.
  • Pasabaglari (Fairy Chimneys) and Zelve Open Air Museum: Step into a world of wonder as you explore Pasabaglari, home to whimsical fairy chimneys that stand as silent sentinels to Cappadocia's mystical allure. Then, immerse yourself in the living history of Zelve Open Air Museum, where ancient rock-carved houses and a Seljukian Mosque bear witness to centuries of cultural heritage.
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Themes

Climbing & Mountaineering, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

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The 7 Churches & Istanbul
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bosphorus Strait, Ephesus, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Philadelphia

Highlights

  • Exploration of Istanbul: Immerse yourself in the bustling city of Istanbul, experiencing its vibrant business districts, entertainment options, and rich cultural heritage. Explore ancient structures such as mosques and Roman-influenced architecture.
  • Visiting the 7 Churches of Revelation: Embark on a spiritual journey as you visit the locations associated with the seven churches mentioned in the biblical book of Revelation. These sites include Laodicea, Pamukkale with its thermal pools, Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum, Smyrna, and Ephesus. The tour will follow the route described in Revelations 1-3, offering insights into Christian history and devotion.
  • Discovering Western Turkey's Classical Sites: Alongside the religious sites, explore the major classical sites of western Turkey. Marvel at the historical significance and architectural wonders of these locations, gaining a deeper understanding of Turkey's rich heritage.
  • Thermal Pools of Pamukkale: Experience the natural beauty and therapeutic properties of Pamukkale's famous thermal pools, known for their stunning white terraces formed by mineral-rich waters.
  • Personalized Group Experience: Enjoy the tour in the company of a private group, allowing for personalized attention and a shared journey of discovery and reflection.

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

Trip dates & details
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Ephesus Small Group Tour
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Ephesus

Highlights

  • Magnificent Ephesus: Step back in time as you wander through the ancient streets of Ephesus, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world. Marvel at the grandeur of its well-preserved ruins, including the iconic Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, where echoes of ancient civilizations still resonate.
  • Terraced Houses: Delve into the opulent lifestyle of Ephesus' elite as you explore the Terraced Houses, marveling at the intricate mosaics, frescoes, and architectural wonders that adorn these ancient dwellings. Gain insight into the daily lives of the city's affluent residents, whose legacy is etched into the walls of these luxurious homes.
  • Ephesus Archaeology Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural heritage of Ephesus as you wander through the halls of the Ephesus Archaeology Museum. Discover a treasure trove of artifacts, from intricate sculptures to exquisite pottery, each offering a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of ancient life.
  • St. John's Basilica: Pay homage to the legacy of the Apostle John as you visit the majestic St. John's Basilica, a sacred site revered by pilgrims from around the world. Stand in awe of the basilica's imposing ruins, which bear testament to centuries of faith and devotion.
  • Temple of Artemis: Behold the remnants of the legendary Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Marvel at the architectural splendor of this sacred sanctuary, whose towering columns and intricate carvings speak volumes about the ancient world's reverence for the divine.
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

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Azerbaijan to Istanbul - 30 Days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Ephesus, Istanbul

Highlights

  • Baku - see the sights of Baku independently and visit the bubbling mud volcanoes and ancient petroglyphs at Gobustan
  • Vardzia - venture into the incredible subterranean cave city and visit the Vardzia Monastery where a handful of monks still reside
  • Cappadocia - discover the enchanting and unique landscape of subterranean churches and cities then opt for a hot air balloon ride over the magical region
  • Sumela Monastery - gaze out over the green forests and swirling mists of the valley from this ancient monastery which clings to the rock face
  • Ephesus - explore the ancient marble ruins including the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Serapis
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

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Central Asia Discovery Westbound - 63 Days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cappadocia, Istanbul, Samarkand

Highlights

  • Silk Road - follow the ancient trading route known as the Silk Road from Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan to the Turkish city of Istanbul - the gateway to Europe
  • Kyrgyzstan - explore hospitable Bishkek, overland through stunning Jeti Oguz, watch a demonstration from an eagle hunter and camp in yurts beside Song Kol Lake
  • Uzbekistan - take in the enchanting Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, camp in the Kyzylkhum Desert and discover modern Tashkent
  • Turkmenistan - marvel at the bizarre marble architecture of Ashgabat and see the incredible flaming Darvaza Gas Crater which is known by the locals as the 'Door to Hell'
  • Azerbaijan - see the bubbling mud volcanoes of Gobustan, explore bustling Baku and spend the night in an old Silk Road caravanserai
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Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
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Silk Road Encompassed Westbound - 89 Days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Istanbul, Kashgar, Samarkand, Xian

Highlights

  • The Silk Road - follow in the path of ancient merchants on the legendary Silk Road which weaves its way from Xi'an to Istanbul
  • China - marvel at the westerly most point of the legendary Great Wall, cross the sprawling Taklamakan Desert, see the incredible Zhangye Rainbow Mountains and end your tour in Xi'an
  • Kyrgyzstan - hike in the Kyrgyz Fergana Valley, explore the relaxed capital of Bishkek, stay with a local family in Kochkor and camp in traditional Yurts on the shore of Song Kol Lake
  • Uzbekistan - learn about the gruesome history of Bukhara, explore the heart of Timur's empire in Samarkand and wander around the Soviet city of Tashkent
  • Turkmenistan - see the highlights of the country's bizarre and futuristic capital Ashgabat, marvel at the Darvaza Gas Crater and cross the remote Karakum Desert
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Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Central Asia Discovery - 63 Days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Ephesus, Gallipoli Peninsula, Istanbul, Samarkand

Highlights

  • Turkey - ExplorTelavi cultural Istanbul, stroll around legendary Ephesus, marvel at the Sumela Monastery and discover the magical landscape of Cappadocia
  • Georgia - Relax in friendly Batumi, visit the capital Tbilisi, wander around ancient Kutaisi and enjoy wine tasting in Telavi
  • Armenia - Camp on the shores of Lake Sevan, explore the ancient city of Yerevan and admire the stunning Khor Virap Monastery set against the snow-capped peak of Mt Ararat
  • Azerbaijan - Stay in an ancient caravanserai in Sheki, stroll around the coppersmiths village of Lahij and lose yourself in the modern metropolis of Baku
  • Turkmenistan - Gaze at the bizarre buildings of Ashgabat, visit the flaming Darvaza Gas Crater and explore the ruined city of Kunye Urgench
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Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"First time we (mom and daughter) have done a tour and first time with on the go tours. What a special trip we had doing the 13 day Casablanca to Essaouira Morocco tour (26 Nov - 6 Dec 2023). We started the first 8 days doing the totally Morocco tour and the last few days at our own pace with down time in Essaouira. Jamal our guide led the tour from start to finish and took us safely on a culture filled journey. His knowledge of the country, it’s history and people was informative and inspiring. Every request was “no problem” and delivered with a smile and happy demeanour. Everything in Morrocco was “no problem” and we felt safe and looked after. We were driven in a comfortable coach with enough stops along the way to not feel long by our competent driver Suleman. The hotels, Riad and Dar were extremely comfortable with exceptional service. We would not have had the same experience travelling on our own, we felt as though we truly experienced Morocco. Everything was a highlight for us and we will definitely book another on the go tour in the future. If you wanting to see true Morocco we would strongly recommend doing this tour."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Turkey Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
723  Reviews
See all Turkey tour reviews
Excellent
251
Great
63
Average
3
Disappointing
1
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A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Highlights of Turkey

Wonderful introduction to this huge and beautiful country. Ancient history, beautiful coastlines, Turkish Baths, friendly people, gorgeous food The Wow moment was t...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A varied tour...history,culture,swimming,great food...what more could you want!

This was our ninth Exodus tour and it didn’t disappoint. We saw so much in 2weeks..Gallipoli,Cannukale, Pammukale,Ephesus,Troy,Antalya and Kas, Capadoccia........t...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great mix!

This trip is a great mix of man-made and nature-made. If you like ruins and nature it's an amazing trip! The scenery was great, you can't get bored and the ruins i...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A Comprehensive Tour

This is a very interesting and comprehensive tour of all the major sites in Turkey though with 11 different hotels in 14 days it's not particularly "leisurely" and...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A great trip!

Overall, the trip was wonderful! It was my first time doing a trip where we covered so many kilometres which made it tiring, but I expected that at the outset. Som...

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Turkey Tour Selection Trips

  • Consider how much time you have for your vacation to Turkey. Look for tours that focus on the highlights of Turkey in one week. Or, spend a couple weeks or more seeing all the country has to offer. If you have up to a month, combine a Turkey tour with visits to other Eastern European countries.
  • You could easily spend an entire week touring Istanbul, one of the world’s most fascinating cities, so don’t dismiss that option.
  • Consider making Istanbul a starting point for a Black Sea cruise and spending a few extra days there before your voyage; most cruise lines or tour operators can arrange it
  • For the most comfortable temperatures, plan to visit Turkey in the spring. Autumn is also quite comfortable, but summers can be quite hot.
  • Think about what activities you’d like to participate in on your Turkey vacation. Are you hoping to see the natural wonders of the country? Look for a tour that spends a considerable amount of time in Cappadocia. More interested in ancient sites, architecture and culture? Focus on Istanbul.
  • Don’t shy away from solo trips and women-only tours of Turkey. The country is welcoming to all manner of traveler and locals are eager to show off their culture. Pay attention to local customs and traditions and pepper your guide with questions to have the best possible experience.
  • You won’t regret booking a tour that includes Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most remarkable sites. Plan for three days in order to see the highlights. Hike to your heart’s content, take a hot-air balloon rise at dawn (a must-do in cappadocia) and explore mysterious caves.
  • First time in Turkey? Look for a small-group tour that visits Turkey’s top destinations, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Antalya. You may need as few as 8 days to cover these best-of-Turkey attractions, but you may want to consider taking two weeks to slow down the pace a bit.
  • As in much of the Middle East, touts and salesmen can be overly persistent and annoying to people they perceive as tourists. A good local guide should be able to shoo them away -- an excellent reason to take a guided trip to Turkey.

Additional details

Turkish Currency

Here’s the lowdown on the currency in Turkey. 

The currency in Turkey is the Türk Lirası (Turkish lira; ₺). You can expect to pay about ₺7–12 for a beer, ₺50 and up for a flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, ₺40 for a fish and meze meal and ₺35 for a boating day trip.

A hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia (a must-do activity in Turkey) runs about €160–175. Many Turkey tour operators will factor these costs into your package rate.

The lira is available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 notes, as well as coins from 1 to 50 kuruş, plus a coin for 1 lira. If you’re planning to visit the markets, keep a stock of coins and smaller notes for low-priced items - the vendors often do not have correct change. 

ATMS are available throughout Turkey and most business in metropolitan and heavily visited areas accept credit and debit cards. 

Hoping to bargain at the bazaar? The vendors are used to haggling, but you may want to ask your Turkey tour guide for local customs. There’s a fine art to bargaining, particularly for higher-priced items in upscale shops. Typically, there is some back and forth and ultimately, a price is agreed upon. It’s not considered good manners to haggle over the price and then change your mind and not purchase anything at the end. 

When you’re bargaining at a Turkish market, take your time, be polite and consider buying several items at once, paying in cash or using a strong currency. 

Best Time to Visit Turkey 

For pleasant weather for your Turkey vacation, the most optimal months to visit are April, May, September and October. You’ll miss the oppressive heat of mid-summer, making sightseeing at ancient ruins more comfortable - although if you’re focusing on a seaside tour of Eastern Europe, you may welcome the high temperatures.

Turkish tour operators often cite May as a particularly good month to visit for its warm, but not overly hot temperatures, making visits to Ephesus and other sites with little shade more pleasant.

After October, the temperature drops and it can be off puttingly cold from about November through March, particularly in the interior of the country. Then again, if you’re hoping to beat the crowds during your Turkey tour, then aim for the winter months. 

Is Turkey Safe to Visit?

There’s no yes or no answer to the question of Turkey’s safety for tourists. The political climate can be unstable and the news has opened the world’s eyes to the Syrian conflict and the ensuing terrorist attacks in Turkey. While the security of the country has been compromised at times, travelers can still tour Turkey comfortably with reputable tour operators, who will always have your safety and wellbeing top of mind. 

When you are considering a tour to Turkey, stay abreast of the latest news and government-issued travel warnings. For example, it is not advised to travel within 10 kilometers of the Syrian border and certain cities and regions are considered off limits, including the city of Diyarbakir, and the provinces of Sirnak, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Gaziantep, Kilis, Hatay, Tunceli and Hakari, where most of the terrorist attacks have occured. 

If you’re keen to visit Turkey, but aren’t sure if it’s worth the cost and effort to tour a country with an unpredictable political climate, consider purchasing travel insurance. That way, you can choose a tour company for your Turkey tour, make the arrangements, figure out what you want to see and do, and then - if disaster strikes - you won’t have lost your entire investment. 

Here are a few ideas for staying safe during your Turkey trip

  • Don’t go near any political gatherings or protests and watch the news before and during your tour to be aware of current or developing situations. 
  • Don’t dress in a particularly flashy way or throw cash around. Keep valuables in a safe in your hotel room and wear a money belt.
  • Learn a few Turkish phrases in case you need to ask for directions or need assistance in some way. 
  • Stay with your group tour as much as possible, whether you’re taking a day trip to Ephesus or a multi-day adventure. 
  • Don’t walk alone at night. 
  • Don’t speak ill of the Turkish government - it’s considered a crime. 
  • Be aware that scammers are out there - do a little advance research to see what travelers to Turkey and other Eastern European countries have been experiencing in the weeks before your tour.

What to Pack for a Trip to Turkey 

So you’re taking a tour in Turkey? Lucky you! This captivating land of eastern and western culture, history, art, geography, nature and cuisine is brimming with memorable moments.

To be the most comfortable, here are the top items to pack while you’re traveling in Turkey:

  • Clothing that covers your shoulders and, in more urban areas, your knees (in more rural areas or when traveling on public transit, wear full-length clothing) 
  • A headscarf for visiting mosques (though not required, you will draw less attention to yourself if one is worn)
  • A packable daypack for day trips
  • Hat
  • Walking shoes and casual sandals or flipflops 
  • Layers - the climate can change quite drastically depending on what region of Turkey you are touring 
  • Swimsuit
  • A reusable water bottle 
  • Hand sanitizer and mediation for indigestion 
  • Lightweight scarf or pashmina 
  • Tour operator information, written out in English and Turkish, if possible
  • A Turkish phrasebook or app for your smartphone
  • Power adaptors for your electronics
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray 
  • Headlamp 

Your Turkey tour operator can offer valuable advice on other essentials to pack depending on the region you’ll be visiting and the activities you’ll be doing. Take the time to pick their brains before departure from home so you can arrive with everything you need to fully enjoy your vacation in Turkey. 

Common Turkish Phrases

It’s such a welcome and polite gesture to learn a few important phrases in the local language of your tour destination. Try these Turkish phrases during your tour:

Günaydın: Good morning

Tünaydin: Good afternoon 

Tanıştığıma memnun oldum: Pleased to meet you 

Hoş geldiniz: welcome 

Buyurun: please 

Teşekkür ederim: thank you 

Afiyet olsun: may it be good for you, or enjoy your meal

Allah Allah: good Lord, oh my goodness, etc. 

Nasılsın?: How are you?

Özür dilerim: I'm sorry

Güle güle: Goodbye

Evet: yes

Hayir: no

Do’s and Don’ts for Traveling to Turkey

Make the most of your guided tour with these top Turkey travel tips: 

  1. Dress appropriately for a Muslim country. This means that when traveling in Turkey, women should keep their shoulders and knees covered and, when visiting a mosque, consider wearing a headscarf. (Friday is a day of prayer, so do not plan to visit a mosque on that day.)

  2. Be respectful of Ramadan. If you’re touring Turkey during the Islmaic month of fasting, avoid public dining out of respect to devout Muslims. 

  3. Don’t trash talk the government. Seriously. It’s considered a crime to speak ill of Atatürk, the founding father of the Turkish Republic, the government, the Turkish flag and the military.  

  4. Bargain away! The vendors of Turkish bazaars love to haggle over prices, so as long as you do so politely and with good humor, you can have fun with it and feel like a Turkish local. 

  5. Don’t photograph people without permission. Ask your Turkey tour operator about where it’s ok to take a photo and what is forbidden, both in terms of local residents and certain historical and religious sights.

  6. Eat all the Turkish food. Come hungry and try everything! Expect large portions and enjoy the indulgence. Try Köfte meatballs, lamb skewers, Manti dumplings and so much more.

  7. Keep the PDAs … well, private. Public displays of affection are frowned upon throughout Turkey. 

  8. Visit a Turkish bath (a hammam).

  9. Don’t refuse a cup of tea or a gift. The Turkish people are incredibly hospitable and will feel slighted, and justly so, if you turn down a gift. 

  10. Speaking of hospitality, you’ll find that the Turks love to socialize with travelers visiting their country, so take this opportunity to experience a real slice of local life. 

  11. Learn a few phrases in the local language.

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