Turkey Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

As a country that straddles Asia and Europe, Turkey is a geographically and culturally intriguing destination. The country is home to many historical and archaeological landmarks, stunning monuments, natural wonders, and a rich cultural heritage. Though it is a year-round destination, April to May along with September to October generally considered among the best time to visit Turkey. These are the periods when the weather is pleasantly warm, perfect for enjoying the amazing Aegean resorts as well as hiking the Lycian Way on your tour to Turkey.

If you are touring Turkey in January, you have picked a great time for a ski holiday adventure. Far away from the sweaty and crowded peak season of summer, Turkey is cold, and parts of it are blanketed with snow in January. Fewer tourists and cheaper rates are great perks if you are visiting this country during this time of year.The further you head inland, the colder the temperatures get, but you will also find better skiing conditions. Turkey is often overlooked for snowsports in favor of the Alps or even nearby Bulgaria. But Turkey is an affordable alternative for snowsport enthusiasts, especially at Bursa and Kayseri. Add to that a completely different cultural vibe in Istanbul, and you have the perfect holiday.

Ski up a storm on the Turkish slopes, dine on doner and kebabs, and explore Istanbul or Cappadoccia without throngs of tourists. Although likely too chilly for the beach, February in Turkey still has its perks, especially for those on a budget. Visiting Turkey in February offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, enjoying hot springs and participating in local festivals.

As winter transitions into spring, the weather in Turkey can get unpredictable at the beginning of March. But from mid-March onwards, spring is clearly in the air and temperatures start warming up.Explore the splendid Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, get lost among the geological wonders of Cappadocia, or go see the beautiful Duden waterfalls and Ottoman-style houses of Antalya. There are many attractions and hidden gems to discover if you visit Turkey in March.

With spring in full swing, Turkey sees pleasant weather conditions during April. The air is fresh, leaves have turned green and days are neither too hot nor too cold. There are tons of things to do on your trip to Turkey in April, thanks to the weather along with the fact that the busy season is yet to start.This month is a time of rejuvenation in the country as the dreary winter weather comes to an end and nature unleashes its beauty. It is also a time of celebrations, including Ramadan, which usually falls during this month and is the holiest time in the Islamic calendar.

An abundance of cultural festivals and warm weather make the early summer month of May in Turkey an ideal time to visit. Explore fabulous natural landmarks like the Fairy Chimneys or the Blue Lagoon and check out ancient wonders (think the Hagia Sophia) before throngs of crowds set in for the peak summer months. Read on to find out what you can expect on your holiday to Turkey in May.

Straddling Asia and Europe, Turkey attracts travelers from all corners of the earth thanks to its vibrant culture, sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches, and dazzling display of ancient monuments. While outdoor enthusiasts can trek the highlands of central Turkey or take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, foodies can embark on culinary tours of Istanbul, and culture vultures can explore the mysterious Lucian ruins found on the country’s Mediterranean beaches or perhaps admire the opulent Topkapi Palace. When it comes to planning a trip to Turkey, you can find several Turkey itineraries to suit all time frames, from five-day vacations to three-week adventures.

With 4 days in Turkey, you can see a lot more than you might imagine, with tours covering up to three or four iconic destinations. You could spend your time gazing in wonder at the hot air balloons of Cappadocia before relaxing in the natural pools of Pamukkale or indulging in a Mediterranean boat trip. Alternatively, you can stick to one larger destination like Istanbul. Four days in Istanbul gives you enough time to see sights like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and cruise across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. A four-day trip to Turkey is great for a whistlestop tour, but if you want to stay longer, check out our guide for how long to stay in Turkey.

If you have time for a short break, 5 days in Turkey is the perfect length of time to see at least two or three places in this amazing country. Enjoy the scenic wonders of Gaziantep before journeying to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Five days is also the perfect amount of time for a beach getaway, so be sure to check out the 5-day tours to Antalya to get your fix of the Mediterranean sea, sand, and sunshine. If you prefer to stay in one place during your Turkish trip, a five-day travel itinerary in Istanbul is ideal for seeing both sides of the Bosphorus Strait and checking out tourist hotspots like the Blue Mosque and Spice Bazaar. Read on to find out what your 5-day trip to Turkey can look like.

6 days in Turkey is an ideal amount of time if you want to visit three or four destinations in quick succession. Spend some of your time in Istanbul, exploring bustling tourist hotspots such as the Blue Mosque. Maybe you want to discover the sprawling natural wonders of Cappadocia. Perhaps you’d prefer to spend a few days hiking the Lycian Way instead or enjoying a boat trip around Bodrum.When considering how long to stay in Turkey, think about how many destinations you want to visit. Many of these 6-day Turkey trip itineraries pack in a lot more than you might think for shorter durations.

From spectacular views along the Mediterranean to monumental historic sights, there is a lot to do in 7 days in Turkey. Focus on a region or two during your week-long trip to make the most of your time. Book a trip to Istanbul and explore its backstreets and see the highlights of western Turkey, including Pergamon, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. Alternatively, venture into Anatolia’s mountains or cruise through the calm bays around Kas. Check out our best 7-day Turkey tour itineraries below.

If you’re spending 8 days in Turkey, you can definitely experience at least four or five destinations. This means you can explore the culture in the capital of Ankara, enjoy the nightlife in Fethiye, or get lost on a Mediterranean island off the coast of Kas. An eight-day Turkey travel itinerary gives you plenty of opportunity to combine ancient historic sites like Ephesus with more adventurous hiking excursions in the Valley of Love and beyond.