Here, we discuss health precautions, insurance, and safety tips for various Turkish locales, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Before you embark on your Turkish journey, there are practicalities to consider. This section covers everything from packing essentials to cultural dos and don’ts, ensuring you are fully prepared for your adventure. Turkish culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from the many civilizations that have thrived here. This section delves into the customs, traditions, and daily life that create the country’s unique cultural identity. Learn about the importance of hospitality, the nuances of Turkish tea culture, and the significance of family in Turkish society.

Staying in Aksaray allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of Lake Tuz while also being close to other attractions in the region, such as the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia (see #2) and the ancient city of Kultepe. After an incredible few days in Cappadocia, it’s time to head towards the stunning Turkish coast. Konya, a compelling mix of ancient and modern and the home of the whirling dervish orders, is the perfect overnight stop before Antalya.

Nearby is the Ottoman-era Blue Mosque, and you’ll love wandering the Grand Bazaar covered market and the 1600s Spice Bazaar. Head to the Basilica Cistern deep underground (amazing experience) and get a bird’s eye view at the Galata Tower and museum overlooking the city. Bargain-hunt your way through a twisted warren of marketplace stalls, pausing to sip tea with a merchant.

Cappadocia: The Fairyland

Perched on a cliffside in Antalya, less than 1 km from Mermerli Beach, Perge Hotel is an adults-only paradise featuring stunning views, a private beach and lounge bar. The best way to get there is by flying into the Antalya International Airport (AYT). Check out Turkish Airlines for some of the best deals on direct flights from Istanbul and other major cities in Turkey. This highly-rated property is one of the most expensive hotels in the area, but still quite reasonable on the budget. The Travertines are just 500 meters away, making it a great place to base yourself for a night or two. After leaving Çanakkale we made a stop in the UNESCO city of Bursa before travelling to Istanbul, the final city in our Turkey itinerary.

Greece & Turkey Vacation Packages

Car rental prices are fairly affordable in Turkey, with budget rents at just $25-30 USD per day. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license in their home country. Domestic flights offer the advantage of saving time, particularly when covering long distances, and are a popular choice for those wanting to explore different regions of Turkey within a limited timeframe. Luckily for you we’ve put together a 12-day itinerary with the highlights of Turkey.

Many parts of Turkey, especially outside major cities, have conservative cultural attitudes. While same-sex relationships and non-normative gender presentation are not illegal, there’s a lack of comprehensive legal protections against discrimination for LGBTQIA+ people. Legal measures like ‘offenses against public morality’ have occasionally been used to target LGBTQIA+ folks, although this Viaggi in Turchia is rarely directed at tourists. Winter might not be the best time for a coastal trip, but it’s a different story if you seek Turkish culture. Wander Istanbul’s bazaars, feast on hearty Turkish fare and visit popular sites like Ephesus and Troy with a fraction of the summer tourists. Turkey is a true year-round destination and the best time to visit depends on what you’re interested in.

So, as per my itinerary, you will visit these places early enough and stay the night nearby for a more relaxing experience. Odynovo specialized in private and customized tours to over 70 destinations worldwide. Traveling with Odynovo means no two trips are the same, as we design our tours to perfectly match customers’ special interests. CostSaver offer you incredible experiences and value, whether you’re a first time traveler or a repeat guest.

Additionally, all of our partners have been qualified as upholding a level of service that we truly stand behind. We strive to work exclusively with like-minded partners who are committed to making sure tourism does not have a negative impact on destinations. Sometimes plans change and you can reschedule your trip or even change destinations. We will do our best to avoid or reduce the cancellation fees charged by suppliers. When plans change more than one month before departure we are usually able to waive all fees. When plans change in less than one month, we may not be able to cancel hotels and transport services such as trains.

This option is ideal for long-term travelers or retirees with the flexibility to go and stay where needed, as you’re obviously more limited with dates and destinations. You can stay nearby in the town of Nevşehir to easily get around the region by bus or private taxi if you don’t have a car. Antalya is also the start (or end) point of the famous Lycian Way, a 520-mile trail connecting 18 ancient sites along the coast to Ölüdeniz, so a great day out would be to hike along part of the trail. Staying in Bodrum, you should also make the most of the incredible coastline as well as your proximity to one of the most popular of the Dodecanese Islands. It may seem unusual or even sacrilegious to include a day trip to Greece while visiting Turkey, however, the two countries share a great deal of culture and history. As a popular destination for tourists and cruise ships, you’ll find plenty of hotels and B&Bs across the town for all budgets.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more tranquil setting, the Hıdırlık Hill area provides a picturesque and peaceful stay with its stunning views. A modern hotel that offers a comfortable stay with spacious rooms, beach access, and stunning views of Lake Van. Alternatively, you could rent a car and road trip (the drive from Istanbul is about 15 hours), or endure a 17+ hour bus ride. If you’re looking for a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, the Fethiye Town Center is for you. This area offers a variety of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly hotels to upscale resorts, and it’s conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and the Fethiye Harbor.

Located less than 2 km from the beach, this air conditioned studio is the perfect retreat for travelers on a budget. The city of Bodrum is a summer hot spot and idyllic beach destination on the turquoise blue Aegean coast. We definitely weren’t feeling the vibe, and it was the only town in Turkey we actually disliked. If you are in the south of the country and want to paraglide, we would highly recommend making a stop there to go paragliding over these blue waters, but not for much longer than a day. In Turkish, Ölüdeniz translates to dead sea, which refers to the ultra calm waters of the surrounding area (including the famous Blue Lagoon).