Turkey, home to magnificent sites such as the majestic Cappadocia region and the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, is one of the world's most beautiful countries. From the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean coast to one of the world’s oldest temples, Turkey offers many types of experiences. To maximize your time and make the most of your travels, it’s helpful to have a guide to accompany you. In fact, we have 10 reasons why we think it’s a great option for everyone.
Turkey has hundreds of tour companies and thousands of guided tours, from one-day tours of Istanbul to 21-day grand tours of the entire country. Continue reading below to find the best match for your travel interests, budget, and length of your stay in this amazing country. Below are some of the guided tours that offer great value for money:
| Istanbul City Tours | Country Tours 11-14 Days |
| Excursions from Istanbul | Yacht Cruises & Tour |
| Top Sights: 6- 10 Days | ANZAC/Gallipoli Tours |
Learn more about specialty tours and tours by duration. Before you sign up for any tour, read About Tours in Turkey. Keep in mind that any of my recommended travel agencies can set up a custom itinerary for you, or you can hire a professional guide.
ISTANBUL CITY TOURS
Here are my self-guided walking tours. Many companies offer half- and full-day Istanbul city tours. We recommend Efendi Travel, a trusted partner that offers innovative, high value-for-money half- and full-day tours.
Their Old Istanbul Guided Walking Tour may be the most cost-effective way to see Istanbul's top sights in one day. Their tours to see some out-of-the-way Istanbul sights such as the City Walls, Yedikule (Fortress of the Seven Towers), Kariye Museum (Church of the Holy Savior in Chora), Pierre Loti café, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, and Egyptian Spice Bazaar, at very competitive prices. Their Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar tours are good and inexpensive as well.
EXCURSIONS FROM ISTANBUL
Every visitor to Istanbul wants to spend a day or two out of the city if possible. These are the best options for short trips accessible from Istanbul.
TURKEY'S TOP SIGHTS IN 6 TO 10 DAYS
AEGEAN TURKEY SELF-DRIVE TOUR (6 days)
You start this six-day self-drive tour in Istanbul, drive to Gallipoli and Troy, then Assos, Mount Ida, Pergamum, Ephesus, and Kuşadası, then return to Istanbul by plane.
EXPRESS TURKEY (10 Days)
Can you see the top sights in Turkey comfortably in only 10 days? Yes, if you take a quality small-group tour like this one offered by Argeus.
TURKEY COUNTRY TOURS - 11 TO 14 DAYS
Perhaps the best 14-day introductory tour of Turkey that I've seen. You visit all of Turkey's top sights, stay in my favorite boutique hotels, and group size is limited to no more than 10 people.
TURKEY'S TOP SIGHTS with GULET CRUISE
The tour that everyone has been asking for: time at all the top sights—Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia—and four days on a gulet yacht Blue Voyage cruise.
Want to go well off the beaten path and discover parts of Turkey seen by only intrepid travelers? Eastern Turkey is strikingly beautiful, like one vast national park, with a surprising array of world-class archaeological and natural sites (including Mount Ararat). Rock Valley Travel can make all the arrangements for your self-drive or guided tour through Turkey's less-visited but more fascinating region.
GULET YACHT CRUISES & TOURS
The way to take a Turkish "Blue Voyage" along the Turquoise Coast is with archaeologist and filmmaker Peter Sommers, but reserve your place(s) early, as these wonderful adventures are regularly fully booked well in advance.
CULTURAL & SPECIAL-INTEREST TOURS
RUMI & WHIRLING DERVISHES
Argeus Tourism & Travel the whirling dervishes at the Rumi Tours in mid-December in Konya.
ANZAC/GALLIPOLI TOURS
ANZAC Day (April 24th-25th) is a special day for Australians and New Zealanders, and also a special day in Turkey. Whether you come on the day itself, or another time, a tour may be the best way to visit the historic sights.
CAPPADOCIAN CULTURE & CUISINE
Consult Turkish Heritage Travel if you'd like to go beyond the ordinary in biblical Cappadocia to the traditional culture, crafts, cave art, and cuisine. They'll even arrange your wedding and/or honeymoon in suitable Cappadocian style.
And speaking of weddings, Murat and Pinar Özgüç at Travel Atelier specialize in helping with any and all travel and legal arrangements for getting married in Turkey, as well as all normal travel agency services.
Best Travel Agencies