Turkey is home to some of the most noteworthy destinations on the planet, but your abiding memories of Turkey holidays are just as likely to be of the hospitality of this wonderful country's gentle people. One of the most fascinating cities on Earth, the capital Istanbul (one time Byzantium and Constantinople) is a must, as are the bizarrely sculpted landscape of Cappadocia and the shimmering coastline of the Aegean. Want to dig a little deeper - quite literally - in Eastern Turkey and you can visit Gobekli Tepe, built around 9500 BC and the oldest ever discovered temple. Or simply take a seat at a taverna table anywhere in rural Turkey and while away the meal talking, laughing and gazing in awe as endless meze (small dishes) and pillowy pitta breads are placed in front of you. As the evening ebbs on, you'll be made to feel like part of the family and when you reach into your pocket to pay, you may be told 'not this time'. You'll have to, and will want to, revisit.

Turkey holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Why visit Turkey with Original Travel

Boasting incredible cuisine, stunning scenery and a rich history, Turkey can often feel overwhelming – but that’s where our talented team steps in. We tailor itineraries to your taste and help you get under the skin of the country, from the sunken city of Kekova to lesser-known coastal spots around Fethiye. Foodies can enjoy our gourmet walking tour of Istanbul, while budding historians can marvel at the archaeological site of Ephesus, both accompanied by our personable guides. When it’s time to rest, our hand-picked properties range from historic to contemporary, oozing comfort and views so you can kick back in style.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Turkey

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Travel to Turkey by Region

Aegean Coast

Sitting proudly at the western end of Turkey, the Aegean Coast combines an extraordinary archaeological and historical heritage with some of the most vibrant seaside resorts in the Mediterranean. Aegean Coast holidays will take you from the thought-provoking ancient city of Ephesus to the bustling Ottoman streets of Izmir - the third-largest city in Turkey. Unwind with a swim in the gin-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, or dance the night away at one of Bodrum or Icmeler’s upscale nightclubs. Foodies will be in their element, too – what’s a trip to the Aegean Coast without a taste of Turkey’s indulgent cuisine? Savour the freshness of the local seafood, caught and served on the same day. Alternatively, consider seeing this glorious coastline from the water on a gulet holiday - one of the most civilised of all European holidays - spent aboard a wide-hulled and charmingly crewed schooner that moors each night in deserted coves.

Cappadocia & Anatolia

The small region of Cappadocia is one of the best-known - or at least most recognisable destinations - in Turkey. The fantastic rock formations of Cappadocia can be traced back ten million years to the eruptions of three huge volcanoes that left a layer of soft, porous rock over the entire region. Ancient civilisations then carved great caves and underground cities out of the soft volcanic rock, and sculpted it into increasingly bizarre shapes, most famously the 'fairy chimneys' of Goreme. Spend your Cappadocia holidays exploring hidden cave villages and small Byzantine churches sitting in the hollows of pale rocky valleys before retiring for the night to your extraordinary (and surprisingly comfortable) cave hotel, cut directly into the cliffs.

Eastern Turkey

A funny phenomenon is afoot. With so many of the greatest sites in antiquity - in Syria, Libya and Iran particularly - off limits at present, people's craving for cultural experiences means other destinations are now grabbing the limelight they arguably should have had years ago. Exhibit A? Eastern Turkey, a region that borders Georgia, Armenia, Iraq and Syria and in so doing sits at the very heart of where Western civilisation first emerged. Despite latter-day Turkey's Muslim status, the region is also full of fascinating Christian history. As you can probably tell from the number of neighbours, this is a big area, but we arrange Eastern Turkey holidays to this special region, taking in the many and varied highlights. And on the subject of highlights, what are they, exactly? Well, some - such as Mount Ararat, the final resting place of Noah's Ark - have deep-seated biblical resonance, while others such as Nemrut might not illicit a flicker of recognition until you realise this is the site of the extraordinary two thousand year old stone heads that often grace Turkey Tourist Board advertising. Throw in Gobleki Tepi, the world's oldest known temple (predating Stonehenge by a cool 5,000 years), stunning Roman mosaics, cliff-clinging monasteries and enormous amounts of Armenian culture, and you have a destination for the ages.

Istanbul

Istanbul is the place where East meets West. Located in the north-western corner of Turkey, along the strait that separates Europe from Asia, this city is defined by centuries of tumultuous history. From Byzantium to Constantinople, Istanbul’s name has undergone a few changes – but its inviting charm remains the same. Experience the fusion of modern Turkish life with the cultural legacy inherited from the Greek, Roman, and Ottoman empires while you explore the riches of the Topkapi Palace, wander around the Hagia Sophia Museum (one-time cathedral and now mosque again), or gaze at the domed architecture of the Blue Mosque. If you’re in need of some retail therapy, go on a shopping spree like no other at the colourful Grand Bazaar and when you've worked up an appetite, plates of freshly caught fish, kebaps (Turkish for kebab), or simit (a quintessentially Turkish sesame-encrusted bagel) will be the perfect fuel for the next adventures on your Istanbul holidays.

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Turkey Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Turkey Testimonials

2 reviews
5 / 5
"We loved our trip to Istanbul and would definitely recommend Original Travel to family and friends. Particular highlights were the nighttime views of Istanbul from our hotel's rooftop bar, visiting the Topkapi Palace (without having to worry about queues) and travelling business class! Thanks again."
Laleh - London
Published on 15th August 2024
"All in all we had a great time and it was pitched well, so thanks for all your hard work. All the contact with London and the fixer in Istanbul were positive and helpful, we were met and guided and driven everywhere and felt safe and looked after the whole time, so thanks again, it was really appreciated. The food was good everywhere and service was mostly excellent."
Ilana - Liverpool
Published on 14th May 2019

Our Turkey
specialists

Leave the planning to our travel experts for your next trip to Turkey and dive into the country’s archaeological and geographical wonders. We’ve got the inside scoop on the most exclusive experiences, be it watching the whirling dervishes in Konya or heading deep into the underground city of Kaymakli. Forget about stressing over in-country logistics, as our attentive Concierges are on call to ensure your trip is smooth sailing. What’s more, our knowledgeable guides are here to help you discover Turkey like a local, uncovering secret spots and sharing personal stories.

What can you find in Turkey have that can’t be found elsewhere?

Turkey is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus - but the treasures don’t stop there. Turkey offers a wealth of magical sites: the cascading pools of Pamukkale; the spiralling heights of the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia; Istanbul's glorious Grand Bazaar and the impossibly exotic whirling dervishes. But the story doesn’t stop there. Along the coast, you'll discover sweeping white sand beaches and unreal turquoise waters perfect for cruising; ancient Greek and Roman ruins crumbling in Smyma; and sunken cities dating back to the 4th century near Kekova. Out east there's Gobekli Tepe temple ruins, Armenian heritage aplenty and the iconic stone heads of Nemrut. Wherever you end up, Turkey glitters with delights.


Who are Turkey holidays best for ?

Those seeking lazy waterfront stays should head to the Aegean coast and linger on the shores of Lycia or the Antalya area. Here, you can blend beautiful beach stays with day trips to historic sites and unique landscapes. Meanwhile, art and history lovers will be smitten by the hustle of Istanbul - truly one of the most majestic cities in the world.


What are the best ways of discovering Turkey ?

Istanbul is a thousand cities in one: a wonderful world of bustling bazaars, shimmering fabrics, glittering lights, and intoxicating spices. From holy mosques to perfectly carved palaces, the bright blues of the Hagia Sophia, and the winding river that cuts Europe and Asia in half – a long weekend or week-long stay is just enough to give you a taste of the world’s most exotic city. Grant yourself another weekend and it’s enough time to cool your feet in the gin-clear waters of Antalya or Bodrum and rub your eyes in disbelief at the blue hues of Marmaris and Oludeniz. With several weeks free to explore the country, you can do it all - visit Istanbul, stroll the sublime site of Cappadocia, and see the archaeological wonders of Aphrodisias on Mount Nemrut in Eastern Turkey.


Unique experiences in Turkey

- Hop aboard a gulet charter yacht and cruise the coast of Lycia for the perfect blend of active discovery and deep relaxation. A bounty of inaccessible coves, ancient ruins and sleepy fishing villages, this is your chance to see a softer side of Turkey. We think a gulet holiday is quite simply one of the best ways to spend a week anywhere in Europe.
- In the heart of Anatolia, unlock the secrets behind the giant statues of Nemrut, celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Another of the most memorable experiences you can have on your Turkish holidays is staying in a cave hotel hewn from the bizarre rock formations that characterise the Cappadocia region of central Turkey. These are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions that deposited thick layers of soft rock. The forces of nature have, over the ages, sculpted outlandish shapes such as the so-called 'fairy chimneys' - toadstool-like rock pinnacles that litter the valleys and into which humans have, going back centuries, dug homes, churches and even entire underground cities. Some of these subterranean homes have been converted into cave-hotels - chic boltholes that offer everything the modern troglodyte could want.

Best places to go in Turkey



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