Turkey Moderate Tours & Trip Packages

Turkey Moderate Tours & Trips

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

195 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Moderate
12 Day Classic Greece with 4 Day Iconic Aegean Cruise
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Athens, Corinth, Crete, Delphi, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Meteora , Olympia, Rhodes

Highlights

  • Explore the Acropolis, an ancient architectural masterpiece Visit the Acropolis Museum, a modern museum housing ancient relics from the Acropolis Visit Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games Tour the archaeological sites of Delphi and the Temple of Apollo Ascend to Meteora with its mystical monasteries Explore the archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus and the colorful town of Kusadasi Take a walking tour of the medieval Old Town of Rhodes and view the Palace of the Knights Tour the Minoan palace of Knossos, with its awe-inspiring Throne Room and beautiful frescoes †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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12 Day Classic Greece with 4 Day Iconic Aegean Cruise
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Athens, Corinth, Crete, Delphi, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Meteora , Olympia, Rhodes

Highlights

  • Explore the Acropolis, an ancient architectural masterpiece Visit the Acropolis Museum, a modern museum housing ancient relics from the Acropolis Tour the archaeological sites of Delphi and the Temple of Apollo Visit Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games Ascend to Meteora with its mystical monasteries †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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11 Day Classic Greece with 3 Day Iconic Aegean Cruise
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Athens, Corinth, Crete, Delphi, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Meteora , Olympia

Highlights

  • Visit the Acropolis, an ancient architectural masterpiece Visit the Acropolis Museum, a modern museum housing ancient relics from the Acropolis Visit Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games Tour the archaeological sites of Delphi and the Temple of Apollo Ascend to Meteora with its mystical monasteries Explore the archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus and the colorful town of Kusadasi Tour the Minoan palace of Knossos, with its awe-inspiring Throne Room and beautiful frescoes †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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14 Day Turkish Odyssey
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cappadocia, Fethiye, Istanbul

Highlights

  • Discover Istanbul’s extraordinary sights including the Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia and the Hippodrome Hunt for local treasures in the Grand Bazaar – your guide will teach you the “in’s and out’s” of shopping in the market Tour the astounding Topkapi Palace with its background of harem intrigue and power politics Head to the historical and colorful neighborhoods of Fener & Balat Embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia View traditional Turkish Ottoman houses in Safranbolu, in the Black Sea region Explore the underground city of Kaymakli in Cappadocia, once refuge for over 5000 people See the extraordinary “fairy chimneys” and the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit Sagalassos, one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey Full Day Cruise along Fethiye's stunning 12 Islands Marvel at the striking ancient Lycian tombs, carved high in the cliffsides in Kaunos †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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11 Day Essential Greece with 4 Day Iconic Aegean Cruise
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Athens, Corinth, Crete, Delphi, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Olympia, Rhodes

Highlights

  • Visit the Acropolis Museum, a modern museum housing ancient relics from the Acropolis Visit Olympia, birthplace of the first Olympic Games Tour the archaeological sites of Delphi and the Temple of Apollo Explore the archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus and the colorful town of Kusadasi Tour the traditional settlement of Lindos and the medieval city of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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7 Day Athens with 3 Day Iconic Aegean Cruise
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Athens, Crete, Ephesus, Kusadasi

Highlights

  • Visit the Acropolis, the astonishing ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens Tour the Acropolis Museum, a striking modern building where many of the original statues from the Acropolis are now displayed Explore the archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus and the colorful town of Kusadasi Tour the Minoan palace of Knossos, with its awe-inspiring Throne Room and beautiful frescoes †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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15 Day Highlights of Turkey & Greece with 3 Day Iconic Aegean Cruise
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Athens, Crete, Ephesus, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Meteora , Thessaloniki

Highlights

  • Visit Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans, including the Harem section Discover Istanbul's sights including St. Sophia, the Hippodrome, Turkish & Islamic Art Museum and Grand Bazaar Embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia Explore Edirne, an important gateway between Europe and the East with its iconic Selimiye Mosque Tour the archaeological site of Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Take a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki's distinct local flavors View the Royal Tomb of King Philip and the famous "Vergina Treasures" Visit Meteora with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched in mid-air Explore the Acropolis, an ancient architectural masterpiece and visit the Acropolis Museum Tour the archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus and the colorful town of Kusadasi Visit the Minoan palace of Knossos, with its magnificent Throne Room and beautiful frescoes †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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13 Day Turkish Treasures
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antalya, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Istanbul, Izmir, Pamukkale, Pergamum

Highlights

  • Visit the Anzac Cemetery, a memorial to the casualties of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in Gallipoli Tour the classical 4000-year-old city of Troy immortalized in Homer's epic poem, The Iliad Visit Pergamum, a kingdom dating back to the 4th century, home to the Roman center of Asklepion View the thermal pools at Pamukkale's "cotton castle" of cascading snow-falls View Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site Visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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195 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Moderate

Turkey Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
723  Reviews
See all Turkey tour reviews
Excellent
251
Great
63
Average
3
Disappointing
1
Terrible
0
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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