Region Flag

Welcome to Costsaver's South African website. Would you like to visit Costsaver's US website instead?

Navigation Close Icon
  1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. Europe
  4. Turkey
Destination Guide Badge Icon

R1,794

merhaba turkey destination guide

You can have it all in Turkey, with a thrilling mix of the rich cultures of Asia and Europe. All your Turkey trip essentials will be taken care of by us, giving you the freedom to tailor your trip your way. Create the Turkey tour of your dreams as you choose from our optional experiences or create your own adventure, because that’s how we like it best. Whether you want to explore the fairytale spires of Cappadocia, watch the dizzying dance of the Whirling Dervishes, or cruise the famous Bosphorus, you’ll always do Turkey your way. 

europe and britain 2022, out now

our favourite ways to see turkey

10 Day Trip

1 City in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Wonders of Turkey

4.6 4.6 211 reviews
Top Rated

Prices from R19,200 pp

Best price for Turkey
4.6 4.6 211 reviews
Top Rated

Prices from R19,200 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Turkey

    Istanbul

15 Day Trip

8 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Treasures of Turkey

Prices from R26,900 pp

Exceptional price for Turkey

Prices from R26,900 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Turkey

    Ankara Antalya Canakkale Cappadocia Istanbul Izmir Konya Pamukkale

11 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Moderate B

Prices from R48,415 pp

Prices from R48,415 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Greece

    Athens Heraklion Milos Mykonos Rhodes Santorini

  2. Turkey

    Kusadasi

8 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Ancient Lands Premier

Prices from R39,735 pp

Prices from R39,735 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Greece

    Athens Heraklion Mykonos Patmos Rhodes Santorini

  2. Turkey

    Kusadasi

8 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Ancient Lands Superior

Prices from R39,035 pp

Prices from R39,035 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Greece

    Athens Heraklion Mykonos Patmos Rhodes Santorini

  2. Turkey

    Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Premium

Prices from R53,215 pp

Prices from R53,215 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Greece

    Athens Heraklion Milos Mykonos Rhodes Santorini

  2. Turkey

    Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Superior

Prices from R50,715 pp

Prices from R50,715 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Greece

    Athens Heraklion Milos Mykonos Rhodes Santorini

  2. Turkey

    Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Premier

Prices from R51,615 pp

Prices from R51,615 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Greece

    Athens Heraklion Milos Mykonos Rhodes Santorini

  2. Turkey

    Kusadasi

8 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Ancient Lands Moderate B

Prices from R36,935 pp

Exceptional price for Turkey

Prices from R36,935 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Greece

    Athens Heraklion Mykonos Patmos Rhodes Santorini

  2. Turkey

    Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

2 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Deluxe

Prices from R54,915 pp

Prices from R54,915 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Greece

    Athens

  2. Turkey

    Kusadasi

11 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Aegean Odyssey Idyllic Route Moderate A

Prices from R45,315 pp

Prices from R45,315 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Greece

    Athens Heraklion Milos Mykonos Rhodes Santorini

  2. Turkey

    Kusadasi

8 Day Trip

7 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Ancient Lands Premium

Prices from R41,135 pp

Prices from R41,135 pp

view trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Greece

    Athens Heraklion Mykonos Patmos Rhodes Santorini

  2. Turkey

    Kusadasi

see more turkey trips

don't take our word for it

here's just a handful of over 10,000 reasons why our guests keep coming back for more

Overall Rating

4.5

Out of 5

Based on 12,773 independent reviews
C S_Icon_Expertlypreparedforyou1 Icon

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.
Read more... Read less...

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.
Read more... Read less...

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.
Read more... Read less...
C S_ Your_ World_ Coin Icon

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!
Read more... Read less...
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.
Read more... Read less...
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.
Read more... Read less...
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!
Read more... Read less...

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.
Read more... Read less...

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.
Read more... Read less...

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.
Read more... Read less...

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.
Read more... Read less...

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.
Read more... Read less...

packing tips for turkey

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Modest clothing

Turkey is home to some of the world’s most incredible mosques, so pack full-length clothing (and a headscarf for women) so you can respectfully enjoy these religious sites.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Swimwear

The magical Pamukkale hot springs are a must see in Turkey, but they’re dense in minerals that may aggravate your swimsuit. Pack something old and soak to your heart’s content.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Comfortable walking shoes

From the red valley of Cappadocia to the laneways of Istanbul, you’ll be covering a lot of ground when you visit Turkey. A reliable pair of shoes will get you through all of Turkey’s wonders.

C S_ Force_ For_ Good_ Coin Icon

how to travel responsibly in turkey

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Be mindful of your souvenirs

Be careful what you buy in Turkey. Shells and coral should stay in the ocean where they belong, and never buy products made from endangered species.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Dress appropriately

Turkey is a fairly conservative country, so it's important to dress modestly. It’s best to keep your shoulders, midriff and thighs covered and always wear full-length clothing at religious sites.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Shop local - and embrace haggling

Haggling is a part of shopping in Turkey, but there’s a right way of going about it. Only begin haggling if you genuinely want to buy something, always offer a fair amount, and don’t feel obliged to buy if you can’t agree on a price.

your europe, your way

R2,350 C S_ Per Day Coin Icon

Italy

Navigation Chevron Right Icon
R2,350 C S_ Per Day Coin Icon

Switzerland

Navigation Chevron Right Icon
R3,017 C S_ Per Day Coin Icon

Scandinavia

Navigation Chevron Right Icon
R2,743 C S_ Per Day Coin Icon

Greece

Navigation Chevron Right Icon