Experience Turkey in an intimate setting with our small group tours. Limited to fewer participants, these tours provide personalized attention and immersive experiences, allowing you to explore Turkey’s hidden gems and cultural treasures with leisure. Turkey’s southeast offers rugged mountain and high plateau scenery, historic cities, and some of the country’s most interesting archaeological sites and world-class museums.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and lively atmosphere of Istanbul while enjoying the comfort and luxury of their Sofitel experience. Today, visit the glorious city of Ephesus, the capital city Vacanze Turquia of the Roman Province of Asia Minor, founded over 4,000 years ago. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is represented by one column and fragments of a frieze.
What Should I Pack For A Trip To Turkey?
From the fascinating, sweeping views of Cappadocia, the ethereal hot springs of Pamukkale, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the vibrant culture of Istanbul – what more could you ask for? You can now enjoy one of the best Turkey itineraries 10 days long, and full of adventure. Pamukkale and Ephesus can be covered in a short time but can get extremely crowded during the mid-day because most of the people head there for a day trip.
Thankfully visiting it was an experience because I had a guide since I booked the green tour. As per the experts, the Derinkuyu underground city thrived in the Byzantine era and was used as protection from the Arabs during the Arab–Byzantine wars of 780–1180 AD. They were also used by Christian natives in the 14th century, as a refuge for Cappadocian Greeks and Armenians.
En route, visit the Ibradi Ormana Village, where some button houses date back to the 17th century. There are a variety of lunch options available with fresh, local vegetables. After lunch, continue to Antalya for check-in and dinner with your fellow travelers. Many empires influenced this incomparable country and their legacies can be spotted at UNESCO World Heritage Sites across Turkey. One of these is the ancient city of Ephesus, near the cruise port of Kusadasi. Built around the 6th century BCE, it was once considered the most important port city in ancient Greece.
Day 1: Arrive In Istanbul
In Turkey, May and September are categorised as the shoulder season, with October to March marking the low season, where you’ll find the cheapest prices. If you do have the option of visiting in the shoulder season, I highly recommend it. No only will the weather be perfect but prices will be lower, crowds will be thinner, and accommodation will be emptier. I’ve been recording every single cent I spend in the countries I visit from day one of my travels, because I want to prove that seeing the world is inexpensive and achievable.
Ephesus: Ancient Ruins
Again, I’d like to remind you to dress appropriately – cover your shoulders, your legs, and your head in order to visit religious sites in Turkey. The most visited Mosque in Istanbul is the Blue Mosque but it is the Süleymaniye Mosque that’s the grandest. One of the locals suggested that I visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, so I did. Buying things in the Grand Bazaar is now super expensive because a lot of tourists visit it from all over the world. From the sharp and sultry aromas of the Spice Bazaar to the Turkish lanterns and carpets at the Grand Bazaar, the hustle and bustle of the city is unrelenting. While Istanbul is rich in history, it is also buzzing with a lively atmosphere and super-rich culture that you should experience.
It’s normal to tip 10 to 15% of the bill in cafes, restaurants and bars in Turkey (if the bill doesn’t include gratuity already). Hotel and hamam (Turkish bathhouse) staff may also expect a small tip. Tipping taxi drivers is unnecessary, although rounding up the fare for convenience is common. It has a thick foam layer on top and leaves a muddy sediment at the bottom of the cup.
Turkey’s giant metropolis of Istanbul, with around 16 million inhabitants, hasn’t stopped reinventing itself. And the best coastal hideaways and beaches in Turkey range from tranquil stretches only accessible by boat to family-friendly resort areas to soak up the sun beside smaller cities. No matter where you choose to go, colorful culture and warm welcomes—as well as a sprawling breakfast or two—will make you feel right at home. Don’t miss scrambling up through the ruins of the craggy hilltop castle of Yılankale, just a short trip out of town, and day tripping to the Neo-Hittite site of Karatepe in the hills to the northeast. If you want to do a hot-air balloon tour, you’ll have to get a pre-dawn start the next day.
In addition to these beaches, you can explore the ancient ruins of Telmessos and the ghost town of Kayaköy. Spilling across the border of Asia and Europe, few countries in the world hold the remarkable blend of cultures found here. Our tours through Turkey take you on a voyage of connection and discovery, as we learn the secrets of the spice markets and visiting religious sites with beauty to rival the Eiffel Tower.
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