merhaba turkey destination guide

Visiting

Turkey
Istanbul

15 Day Trip

8 Cities in

1 Country

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Treasures of Turkey

East meets West on this 15-day journey across the fairy-tale landscapes and ancient landmarks of Turkey. From the lavish palaces of Ottoman sultans to Roman ruins along the Turquoise coast, you'll delve into the diversity and colourful multicultural experience that Turkey serves up in spades. Visit the enchanting cotton castles of Pamukkale, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and ancient trading routes once plied by camel caravans.

Prices from R26,900 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R26,900 pp

Visiting

Turkey
Ankara Antalya Canakkale Cappadocia Istanbul Izmir Konya Pamukkale

8 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

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Ancient Lands Premier

Discover Greece and Turkey's ancient towns and islands on this Cruise.

Prices from R37,935 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R37,935 pp

Visiting

Greece
Athens Heraklion Mykonos Patmos Rhodes Santorini
Turkey
Kusadasi

8 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

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Ancient Lands Superior

Discover Greece and Turkey's ancient towns and islands on this Cruise.

Prices from R37,035 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R37,035 pp

Visiting

Greece
Athens Heraklion Mykonos Patmos Rhodes Santorini
Turkey
Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

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Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Premium

All the ancient treasures and irresistible beauty of the Aegean are yours to discover on this incredible visit to Athens and the stunning Greek islands - the perfect trip for lovers of history and the good things in life.

Prices from R53,215 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R53,215 pp

Visiting

Greece
Athens Heraklion Milos Mykonos Rhodes Santorini
Turkey
Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

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Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Moderate C

Prices from R49,715 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R49,715 pp

Visiting

Greece
Athens Heraklion Milos Mykonos Rhodes Santorini
Turkey
Kusadasi

8 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

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Ancient Lands Moderate C

Discover Greece and Turkey's ancient towns and islands on this Cruise.

Prices from R36,035 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R36,035 pp

Visiting

Greece
Athens Heraklion Mykonos Patmos Rhodes Santorini
Turkey
Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

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Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Superior

Prices from R50,715 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R50,715 pp

Visiting

Greece
Athens Heraklion Milos Mykonos Rhodes Santorini
Turkey
Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

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Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Premier

Prices from R51,615 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R51,615 pp

Visiting

Greece
Athens Heraklion Milos Mykonos Rhodes Santorini
Turkey
Kusadasi

8 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

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Ancient Lands Moderate B

Discover Greece and Turkey's ancient towns and islands on this Cruise.

Prices from R35,135 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R35,135 pp

Visiting

Greece
Athens Heraklion Mykonos Patmos Rhodes Santorini
Turkey
Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

2 Cities in

2 Countries

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Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Deluxe

Prices from R54,915 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R54,915 pp

Visiting

Greece
Athens
Turkey
Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

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Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Moderate A

Prices from R45,315 pp

New for 2021

Prices from R45,315 pp

Visiting

Greece
Athens Heraklion Milos Mykonos Rhodes Santorini
Turkey
Kusadasi

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essential turkey bucket list items by us

Our Turkey tours are full of bucket list wonders, from the lively Grand Bazaar in Istanbul to the historic coastline of Çanakkale.

Enter the 17th-century Blue Mosque

If you're wondering what to do in Turkey, look no further than the Blue Mosque, the most photogenic building in Istanbul. Marvel at the huge domes and towering minarets, then step inside to find out how the mosque got its name. You'll be amazed by the dazzling interior of blue İznik tiles.

Visit the Byzantine Hippodrome

No Istanbul trip is complete without visiting the Byzantine Hippodrome and your Travel Director will lead the way through this massive arena. Just as it was centuries ago, today the Hippodrome is a buzzing hub for the city's social life. As you wander the obelisks and statues, you can imagine the roar of chariots cheered on by Emperor Constantine the Great.

Visit the red valley in Cappadocia

If you’re wondering what to do in Turkey, look no further than the magical landscapes of Cappadocia. With hot air balloons dotting the skies, and whimsical fairy chimneys spread across the red valley, you’ll be amazed by this peculiar place. You can even wander through the underground homes and ancient rock churches of Göreme.

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turkey tailored by you

Tailor your ultimate Turkey trip your way with our range of Optional Experiences. Choose from adventures like exploring Goreme's famous rock formations and a yacht cruise to the stunning Düden waterfall.

Take a Bosphorus Cruise

Cruise down the Bosphorus, with Asia on one side and Europe on the other. Take in the mix of grand hotels and old architecture while having fun with seagulls! Turkey is the perfect getaway where you see ancient ruins (think the library of Ephesus), amazing worship buildings (Haga Sophia, Blue Mosque) and beautiful nature (cotton castles of Pamukkale and out-of-the-world landscapes of Cappadocia) all in one trip!

Karine C.

Costsaver team member

Explore the local tastes at Spice Bazaar

The Egyptian Bazaar in Istanbul is the most famous and oldest covered bazaar in the city and was once used as the international trade centre of the Ottoman Empire. Here, the attractive smells of cumin, mint, cinnamon and countless other herbs and spices create an amazing ambience. There are so many colourful choices that it is hard to know what to taste first.

Irina G.

Costsaver team member

Discover Topkapi Palace

Libidinous sultans, ambitious courtiers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs lived and worked here between the 15th and 19th centuries when it was the court of the Ottoman empire. A visit to the palace's opulent pavilions, jewel-filled Treasury and sprawling Harem gives a fascinating glimpse into their lives. Make sure to give yourself a few good hours to explore this spacious palace.

Maximilian W.

happy Get Going past guest

what to eat & drink in turkey

We’ll show you the very best of Turkish food, from the juicy doner kebab, to the super sweet Turkish Delight, all washed down with a strong glass of Turkish tea.

Turkish tea

Tea is big in Turkey. It’s a daily staple guzzled at breakfast and throughout the day, and you’ll quickly get used to the idea of sipping on traditional black Turkish brew out of special tea glasses, creatively poured by the locals. We won’t be surprised if you pick up some tea leaves to take back home!

Lokum

Made with a mix of sugar and starch, these melt-in-your-mouth sweets are simply irresistible. Known as Turkish Delights around the world, you can go on the hunt for dozens of different flavours like pistachio, hazelnut, date, walnut, rosewater, lemon, coconut and chocolate... You'll find it hard to pick just one.

Doner kebab

What to eat in Turkey first? Make tracks for the doner kebab, an iconic creation and street food favourite of roasted meat (traditionally lamb) shredded from a vertical grill. With the shaved meat tucked into a delicious flatbread, the doner kebab just might become your favorite Turkish food.

when is best to visit turkey

Whether you want to explore Turkey’s cities or relax on a Turkey beach holiday, here are some of the best times to visit this exciting country.

Best time to visit Turkey’s beaches

Summer is the time to shine on Turkey’s beaches. The sunny season starts in June and peaks in July and August, and you’ll have perfect weather to soak in the sea or laze on the sand.

Best time to go sightseeing in Turkey

If you’re looking to explore the ancient cities, war memorials and natural treasures of Turkey, it’s best to go in autumn or spring when there are fewer crowds and milder temperatures.

Best time to visit Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s top tourist attractions, and timing is everything. Head there from the end of April to June or from September to October, when the days are warm, and there’s little wind and rain.