Why Take a Turkey Tour?
Why Join a Guided Tour to Turkey?
Top Museums in Turkey
The Best State Museums in Turkey
- Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul: Once the primary residence of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace Museum showcases opulent rooms, sacred relics, and imperial collections. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur and intrigue of the Ottoman Empire.
- Hagia Sophia Museum, Istanbul: Originally a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Its stunning mosaics and immense dome have captivated visitors for centuries, reflecting Istanbul's diverse religious history.
- Mevlana Museum, Konya: Dedicated to the famous poet and mystic Rumi, the Mevlana Museum is a spiritual and cultural landmark. The museum houses Rumi’s tomb and various artifacts related to his life and the Mevlevi Sufi order.
- Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Istanbul: Home to over a million artifacts, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum offers an extensive collection ranging from ancient Greek and Roman sculptures to Mesopotamian artifacts. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara: This museum in Ankara is renowned for its impressive collection of artifacts from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period. It provides an in-depth look at the diverse cultures and civilizations that have shaped Anatolia.
- Sakip Sabanci Museum, Istanbul: Located in a beautiful mansion overlooking the Bosphorus, Sakip Sabanci Museum features an extensive collection of calligraphy, manuscripts, and fine arts. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions of international and Turkish artists.
- Rahmi Koc Museum, Istanbul: Dedicated to the history of transport, industry, and communications, the Rahmi Koc Museum is a fascinating place for those interested in engineering and technology. It showcases Turkey's history in these fields. Its exhibits include vintage cars, submarines, and aircraft.
- Istanbul Museum of Modern Art: As Turkey’s first modern art museum, it showcases contemporary Turkish art alongside international works. The museum’s dynamic exhibitions and educational programs make it a vibrant cultural hub in Istanbul.
- Pera Museum, Istanbul: Pera Museum is known for its Orientalist paintings, Anatolian weights and measures, and Kütahya tiles and ceramics. It offers a rich and diverse collection that highlights Turkey’s artistic heritage.
- Rezan Has Museum, Istanbul: Housed in a restored Byzantine building, Rezan Has Museum features archaeological finds and contemporary art. The museum's unique setting and diverse exhibits provide a fascinating blend of ancient and modern culture.
Discover Turkey’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi, Sivas: This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and architectural grandeur. Built in the 13th century, it exemplifies Seljuk art and architecture and offers a glimpse into the region’s Islamic heritage.
- Historic Areas of Istanbul: The key landmarks of this area include Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque. These sites reflect the city’s rich history as a cultural crossroads between Europe and Asia, showcasing Byzantine and Ottoman architectural marvels.
- Hattusha, the Hittite Capital, Corum: The ancient capital of the Hittite Empire features impressive ruins, including city walls, temples, and royal residences. This archaeological site provides valuable insights into the Hittite civilization and its contributions to early history.
- Mount Nemrut, Adiyaman: Mount Nemrut is famous for its colossal statues and the tomb sanctuary of King Antiochus I. Located in southeastern Turkey, this UNESCO site offers a unique blend of Greek and Persian influences, with stunning sunrise and sunset views over the statues.
- Xanthos, Antalya: This ancient Lycian city is known for its monumental tombs and inscriptions. It played a significant role in Lycian history and mythology, and its well-preserved ruins illustrate the city’s rich cultural heritage.
- Archaeological site of Troy, Canakkale: Immortalized in Homer’s epic poems, this site reveals layers of ancient settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. Visitors can explore the remnants of this legendary city and its significance in both history and mythology.
- Goreme National Park and Rock Sites of Cappadocia: This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its unique rock formations, cave dwellings, and ancient churches. The stunning landscape of Cappadocia, shaped by volcanic activity, offers visitors an otherworldly experience.
- Hierapolis, Pamukkale: Hierapolis-Pamukkale combines ancient ruins with natural thermal springs, creating a unique UNESCO World Heritage site. The travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis attract visitors for their beauty and historical significance.
- Ephesus, Izmir: Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, featuring landmarks like the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman urban life and early Christian history.
- Diyarbakir Fortress: The massive black basalt walls of Diyarbakir Fortress are a testament to the city’s strategic importance throughout history. It encompasses various historical periods, from Roman to Ottoman, reflecting a rich cultural heritage.
- Archaeological Site of Ani, Kars: Ani, once a thriving medieval city, is known for its well-preserved ruins, including churches, mosques, and city walls. Located on the Turkish-Armenian border, Ani offers a poignant glimpse into the region’s diverse historical influences.
- Aphrodisias, Aydin: Aphrodisias, named after the goddess Aphrodite, is an ancient city famed for its sanctuary, sculptures, and well-preserved stadium. The site offers a deep insight into Greco-Roman art and architecture.
- Gobeklitepe, Sanliurfa: This is one of the world’s oldest temples, dating back to the 10th millennium BCE. With its massive stone pillars and intricate carvings, this archaeological site has transformed our understanding of early human society.
What to Know About Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes
- Galata Mevlevihanesi, Istanbul: This is Istanbul’s first Sufi lodge, where you’ll find informative exhibits, art, photographs, Sufi instruments, and more, as well as weekly whirling dervish performances (Sundays).
- Sirkeci Train Station, Istanbul: The Oriental Railway built this striking station on the European side of Istanbul in 1890. Whirling dervishes perform several days a week in the evening.
- Hodjapasha, Sirkeci: A former hammam with a visually interesting whirling dervish show, complete with exhibits and a performance.
Turkey’s Top Ancient Cities and Archaeological Sites
Istanbul’s Glories
Beyond Istanbul
- Cappadocia: The city is famous for its unbelievable land formations, cave dwellings, and the opportunity to glide above it all by hot-air balloon. This is a popular activity in Cappadocia; up to 80 balloons take flight any morning.
- Aphrodisias: It’s an ancient city in homage to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.
- Troy Ruins: The ruins of Troy, famously chronicled in Homer’s Iliad, offer a fascinating glimpse into the legendary city's ancient history and its role in epic Greek mythology.
- Pergamum: It’s home to Hellenistic ruins that overlook the town of Bergama in the Aegean region. Don’t miss the Pergamum Acropolis, Asclepion (spa) area, and Red Basilica.
- Turkish Riviera: The azure waters of Turkey’s southwest coast are where wooden boats day cruise from Bodrum, and swimming and lazing about are the most effort you might put into your day.
- Konya: The birthplace of Sufism and perhaps the most traditional place to see the whirling dervish — look for Turkey tours that allow for time to visit the Mevlana Museum to learn more about Rumi, Sufism and the former dervish school that used to be on the premises
- Kaş: It’s one of the most charming villages in Turkey, located on the Mediterranean coast. Visit Kas with a local guide to get the most out of your visit. They’ll be able to point out their favorite shops and restaurants and set up boat tours to Kalekoy Castle and the Sunken City of Kekova.
The Turkish Coast
- Antalya: The largest is Antalya, whose old section of winding cobbled streets sits on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean and is the site of numerous boutique hotels and chic shops. Antalya is said to be the third most visited city in the world after Paris and London. This is mainly due to cruise ship stops and packaged flights from northern Europe.
- Kusadasi: It’s another popular resort on the Aegean coast, but many foreign visitors go there to see the nearby ruins of Ephesus, a 3,000-year-old Greek commercial center that was the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (a single column remains).
- Ephesus: This well-preserved Roman port city is famous for the Temple of Artemis (in Selçuk), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Take time to explore Selçuk, perfect for Turkey history buffs. The Basilica of St. John, where the youngest apostle is buried, is also here.
- Ephesus later played important roles in the Roman Empire and early Christianity, and the ruins of the House of the Virgin Mary are said to be the last home of Jesus’ mother.
Cappadocia
Pamukkale
Outdoor Adventure Travel in Turkey
- Hike the Lycian Way: This renowned hiking trail is beloved for its amazing views of the Mediterranean, the limestone peaks of ancient Lycia, the ghost village of Kaya Köyü, the remote Seven Capes peninsula, the ruins of Sidyma, and so much more. Your hiking tour through this picturesque region of Turkey wanders from Ottoman routes to forested paths to ancient roads while offering a glimpse of traditional Turkish life.
- Horseback Ride in Cappadocia: Saddle up and take a horseback tour of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia, one of the world’s most dramatic and exciting landscapes. If you’ve experienced the Big Sky of Montana, you’ll love the similar vastness of this Asia region. Most horseback riding tours in Cappadocia will take a circular route into seldom-visited spots away from heavy tourist traffic.
- Walk the Carian Trail: This southwest coastal Turkey hiking trail is a bucket-list favorite of trekkers worldwide. Its 800 kilometers wind through the Mugla and Aydin provinces, following in the footsteps of the ancient Carian civilization. It’s one of the best hiking tours in Turkey to see traditional boat building, visit historical ruins, gaze out at the Aegean Sea, learn about the region’s agriculture, swim in turquoise waters, and experience a gorgeous Mediterranean climate.
- Cycle Along Turkey’s Southwest Coast: Cover miles of Turkish coastline and hinterland per day on a guided bike tour between Dalyan and Kas, perhaps combining your cycle trip with a walking tour of the Lycian Way.
- Try Kitesurfing: What to try something new on your Turkey trip? The best place to try kitesurfing in Turkey is Alaçati. Your outdoor adventure tour operator can bring you up to speed and help you sign up for a first-timer’s course. You’ll be soaring over the Aegean before you know it.
- Go Diving in Kas: Considered one of the best dive sites in the Mediterranean, Kas is a must for those who take their adventure travel under the waves. Even if it’s your first time, your tour guide can arrange certification. Explore rainbow-hued fish, caves, and rock formations under the glistening surface of the Mediterranean.
- Kayak Along the Lycian Coast: Guided kayak tours of the Lycian region in Turkey will take you around the remote Seven Capes peninsula, to white-sand Patara Beach, past caves and blowholes, and through the islands of Fethiye Bay, with plenty of opportunity to jump into the heavenly Mediterranean waters for a refreshing swim.
- Visit a Turkish Nature Park: There are countless protected nature parks throughout Turkey, perfect for outdoor activities. Depending on your interests, look for active travel companies in Turkey that utilize these picturesque spots for everything from angling and rafting to wildlife observation and mountain biking.
Nature and Wildlife Attractions in Turkey
- Goreme: Explore the mysterious and captivating landscapes of Turkey’s Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia.
- Kackar Mountains: The Kackar Range is one of the best places in Turkey for ecotourism and a favorite of nature-loving travelers.
- Dilek Peninsula: Not only is the Diley Peninsula National Park breathtaking, but it is also one of Turkey’s most important natural heritage sites. Located in the Aydin province in the Aegean region, it is also a world heritage site.
Turkish Wetlands
- Mount Erciyes in Cappadocia: This now-extinct volcano is in central Anatolia. Your small group’s local Turkish guide can help you navigate the mysterious lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys.
- Thermal Springs: Turkey is rich in thermal springs thanks to an ancient volcanic landscape. Tours focused on active adventure travel in Turkey will tell you where to see and soak in these healing waters.
- Pamukkale: With its gleaming white tiers over which blue hot springs cascade gently, Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Turkey’s most famous natural wonders. The ancient Romans living near Hierapolis visited the pools for their mineral-rich, healing properties.
- Mount Ararat: Adventure travelers on vacation in Turkey will love rugged, snow-capped Mount Ararat, the country’s highest mountain and source of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers.
- Aegean Sea: The Aegean region is one of the most photographed spots in Turkey, thanks to the flower-bedecked Butterfly Valley. Look for the rare Jersey tiger butterfly.
- Nemrut Lake: Turkey tours that visit Eastern Anatolia will highlight Nemrut Lake, the world’s second-largest crater lake and Turkey’s largest. There are steam chimneys, ice caves, hot and cold water to plunge into and soak in, a unique caldera landscape, and excellent birdwatching.
Food Tours in Turkey
- Kebaps — Grilled meat on a skewer, most likely lamb or beef, but chicken is also widely available.
- Döner — Meat mixed with local herbs and spices, then skewered and grilled vertically.
- Köfte meatballs — Typically ground lamb or mutton with breadcrumbs, onions, and spices; Izgara Köfte is a favorite, served with green peppers, dried red peppers, and rice or bread
- Mantı dumplings — Doughy dumplings filled with ground lamb or beef, onion, and spices
- Sade pilav — A popular side dish, essentially rice and tiny pasta (şehriye) cooked with various vegetables, meats, or chickpeas, with a variety of spices
- Cacık — A refreshing blend of cucumber, yogurt, garlic and mint
- Leblebi — roasted chickpeas with salt, spices, cloves or candy-coated
- Meze platter — Small dishes or appetizers like dips, purees, salads, meatballs, pastries, cheeses, olives, and more
- Imam Bayildi — Entire eggplant stuffed with onion, garlic and tomato
- Börek pastries — ranging from plain to spinach-filled to meat-filled
- Pide — slightly leavened bread similar to pizza, with a variety of meat and cheese toppings
- Mısır — boiled or grilled corn on the cob
- Balık ekmek — fish bread — truly, it’s grilled or fried fish stuffed inside a large hunk of bread
- Simit — a savory sesame-covered roll (think: Turkish bagel)
- Midye dolma — stuffed mussels
- Kokoreç — grilled sheep intestines with a heavy dose of spices, roasted on a skewer
Souvenirs to Buy in Turkey
- Turkish Delight: Don’t head home from your Turkey vacation without these traditional sweet treats. Choose from several flavors, including rose, cinnamon, and lemon, of this gummy treat. If you’re in Istanbul, stop by Hacir Bekir Efendi’s family shop — the original inventor of the Turkish delight.
- The Evil Eye (Nazar Boncugu): Ward off bad luck with this ancient Turkish talisman. If your Turkey tour visits Nazarkoy in western Izmir, you can see the workshops where many of these evil eyes are manufactured.
- Turkish Carpets: Bring a long-lasting Turkish carpet home to remind you of your travels to Turkey. Ask your tour guide for tips before shopping because many copycat carpets are flooding the market. Your expert local guide can point you in the right direction and help you navigate the traditional carpet choices. Given the high price tags, it’s worth it to take the time to do your research.
- Cappadocia Clay Pottery: Many Turkey vacation packages visit the intriguing Cappadocia region — shop for red clay pottery, particularly in Avanos on the Red River town. Want to give pottery a try yourself? Look for Cappadocia tours that include a trip to a workshop where you can sit down with the artists and provide the potter’s wheel a spin yourself.
- Apple Tea: The Rize area is Turkey’s tea capital, and although apple tea is a favorite Turkish souvenir, the locals drink black tea. Turkish coffee is another go-to souvenir for caffeine lovers — grab one of the small copper cups the locals use for it.
- Spices: You’ll be trying a whole range of Turkish cuisine during your small-group tour and, no doubt, looking forward to replicating the flavors when you return home. Shop at the Spice Market and Istanbul Grand Bazaar for red chili flakes and sumac. Just don’t fall for saffron because most of what you’ll find stems from Iran, not Turkey.
- Gourd Lamps: Less likely to break in your luggage than mosaic glass lamps, gourd lamps are readily available for purchase along the Turkish coastline and are made from dried squash, then decorated with sparkling jewels.