Türkiye

Top destinations to visit in Turkey

1. Istanbul: The cultural and historical heart of Turkey, Istanbul is home to the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. It is a city of contrasts, with ancient Byzantine and Ottoman monuments standing alongside modern skyscrapers.
2. Cappadocia: A land of fairy chimneys, cave churches, and hot air balloon rides, Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations. Explore the otherworldly landscape by hiking, biking, or taking a hot air balloon ride.
3. Ephesus:  Visitors can see the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theater. As you plan a trip to Turkey, don't miss to add this beautiful place to your itinerary.
4. Pamukkale: A natural wonder of the world, Pamukkale is known for its travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich waters. Experience bathing in the thermal springs, hike to the top of the terraces or take a tour of the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city.
5. Bodrum: A popular resort town on the Aegean coast, Bodrum is known for its beaches, nightlife, and historic castle. Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Halicarnassus, which was once one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
6. Antalya: A major port city on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is known for its beaches, its historical sites, and its theme parks. Go hiking in the Taurus Mountains, visit the ruins of Perge, or take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon.

Best time to visit Turkey

The spring and fall seasons are the best times for going on a Turkey trip. The weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer crowds.

Spring (April-May): The weather in Turkey during the spring is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F. This is a great time to visit Turkey for a tour, as the weather is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The blooming nature has a lot to offer as well, with tulips in full bloom in many parts of the country.
Fall (September-October): The weather in Turkey during the fall is also mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. This is a great time to visit Turkey for a tour, as the weather is still warm enough for outdoor activities, but the crowds have started to thin out. Popular spots are less crowded, making it a great time to visit some of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations.

Experiences you should not miss in Turkey

1. Experience the Turkish bath 
Hammams or Turkish baths, have a long and storied history in Turkey. They were once a vital part of daily life, providing a place for people to get clean and socialize. Today, hammams are still popular, but they are more often seen as a special-occasion destination. A traditional hammam experience includes a scrub and massage by a same-gender attendant. 
Istanbul's grandest hammams, namely Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı, the Kilic Ali Pasa Hamamı, and the Cagaloglu Hamamı, are a treat for the eyes and the body. Their marble-covered interiors and sky-lit domes are a beautiful sight to behold. In the old Ottoman capital of Bursa, hammams like Yeni Kaplıca and Eski Kaplıca have pools filled with water from the area's natural thermal springs. These hammams offer a unique bathing experience that is both relaxing and refreshing. Whether you are looking for a traditional Turkish bathing experience or a more modern spa treatment, a hammam is a great way to experience Turkish culture and history. 

2. Go hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia 
Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations and for good reason. One of the best ways to experience this city is to take a hot-air balloon ride. Rising up into the sky, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the landscape that are simply breathtaking.
No trip to Turkey is complete without experiencing this. Hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia is typically done in the early morning when the light is best. This means that you'll need to be prepared to wake up early, but it's worth it for the views. As you float over the landscape, you'll see the fairy chimneys up close, as well as the deep valleys and craggy rocks. You may even see some of the other hot-air balloons in the area, creating a truly magical sight. A standard hot-air balloon experience in Cappadocia includes hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast, and a flight that lasts between 45 minutes and an hour. You'll typically share a basket with between 16 and 24 other people, but there are also longer flight packages and completely private flights available. 

3. Explore Istanbul 
The city formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople is a treasure trove of history and culture and a part of all Turkey tour packages. The rulers of this ancient city left their marks in grand style, and their legacy can still be seen today in the city's many iconic landmarks. One of the most impressive sights in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia. This magnificent former church and mosque is now a museum and its soaring dome is still an engineering marvel. The Aqueduct of Valens and the Basilica Cistern are also impressive examples of Roman engineering. 
These structures once supplied the city with drinking water, and they are still standing today. Topkapi Palace is another must-see for history buffs. This former Ottoman palace is home to lavishly decorated chambers, a treasury dripping with jewels, and a kitchen that could feed 4,000 people. The palace also offers stunning views of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and Marmara Sea. Istanbul's skyline is also a testament to its rich history. The city's many minarets are a reminder of the Ottoman Empire's power and influence. The most famous minaret belongs to the Blue Mosque, but there are many other beautiful mosques in Istanbul that are worth visiting. 

4. Yatching in Fethiya 
Fethiye is a popular tourist destination in Turkey, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and vibrant nightlife. It is also a great base for yachting trips along the Mediterranean coast. There are two main types of yachting trips that depart from Fethiye: day trips and overnight cruises. Day trips typically visit a few of the islands in Fethiye Bay, while overnight cruises sail along the coastline to destinations such as Butterfly Valley, Gemiler Island, Kaş, and Kekova Island. 
The most popular day trip from Fethiye is the 12 Islands Tour. This tour sails around the islands that speckle Fethiye Bay, offering plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring. The most famous overnight cruise from Fethiye is the Blue Cruise. This cruise takes three nights to sail along the coastline from Fethiye to Olympos, with stops at some of the most beautiful places in the region. Yachting trips from Fethiye are a great way to see the best of Turkey's Mediterranean coast. The high season for yacht trip departures is July and August, but trips are possible from April through to October. 

5. Kayaking in Kas 
Kas is a popular destination for sea kayaking in Turkey. The nearby Kekova Island area, with its underwater Sunken City ruins, is a must-see for kayakers. Tour operators in Kas offer daily excursions to Kekova Island from April to September. These kayaking trips are suitable for beginners and are the only way to see the ruins up close. A typical tour starts with a transfer to the small village of Ucagız. Kayakers then launch their kayaks from the harbor and paddle out to Kekova Island. 
Along the way, they can see the ruins of Sunken City, which are just below the surface of the water. After exploring Sunken City, kayakers cross the Kekova Strait to the village of Kaleköy. Here, they can see the ruins of Ancient Simena, a former Greek and Roman city. Finally, kayakers paddle back to Uçağız along the coast. If you're an experienced kayaker, there are also longer, multi-day sea kayaking trips available from Kaş. These trips explore the rocky, forest-clad coast with its sea caves and ancient harbor ruins.

Things to know before traveling to Turkey

Visas: Most nationalities need a visa to visit Turkey. You can apply for a visa online or at a Turkish embassy or consulate.

Currency: The national currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). 

Language: The official language of Turkey is Turkish. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Transportation: Turkey has a good transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries. You can also fly between major cities.

Safety: Turkey is generally a safe country to visit. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.

Culture: Turkey is a Muslim country, so it is important to be respectful of local customs. For example, it is not appropriate to show religious symbols in public, and women should dress modestly.

Time difference: Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich MeanTime (GMT).

Weather: The weather in Turkey varies depending on the region. The Mediterranean coast is warm and sunny in the summer, while the Black Seacoast is cooler. The interior of Turkey can be hot and dry in the summer, and cold and snowy in the winter.

Why choose Acqua?

Acqua offers access to local expertise through carefully selected tour operators who possess excellent language skills, destination knowledge, and buying power. Customize your trip to Turkey by choosing accommodation, transportation, activities, and pace. Directly booking with local operators ensures cost efficiency and supports local economies. Acqua partners with established operators for favorable rates, providing peace of mind with guarantees and insurance coverage. By choosing Acqua, you support responsible travel and contribute to community projects.