Plan your trip to Turkey
Straight answers to the questions we hear most from first-time visitors. If you would like a plan for your own dates, ask us for a free trip plan.
When to go
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (April to May) | Mild days, green landscapes and wild flowers. One of the best times for the whole country. |
| Summer (June to August) | Hot inland: Ephesus and Pamukkale often pass 35°C by midday, so sightseeing starts early. Istanbul is humid and busy. The coast is at its best for swimming. |
| Autumn (September to October) | Warm days, fewer crowds than summer and calm weather in Cappadocia. The other best time to travel. |
| Winter (November to March) | Cool and rainy on the coast, cold and often snowy in Cappadocia. Short days, quiet sites and lower prices. |
Balloon flights in Cappadocia run all year, but only on days when the weather allows. During religious holidays and the New Year, hotels and flights fill early and some prices are higher; the price calculator shows this for your date.
How many days you need
- 2 days: Cappadocia from Istanbul, or Ephesus and Pamukkale from Istanbul, with domestic flights.
- 4 to 5 days: two regions, for example Istanbul and Cappadocia, or Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
- 7 to 8 days: the classic route of Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia, with time in each place.
- 10 days: the classic route plus Antalya and Konya, or Gallipoli and Troy.
Domestic flights replace the longest drives, so even a short trip covers a lot of ground. See all packages by length.
Visas, money and luggage
- Visa: the rules depend on your passport. Check the official e-visa website of the Republic of Türkiye, evisa.gov.tr, before you travel. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.
- Money: the currency is the Turkish lira. Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and most shops; carry some cash for small shops, markets and tips. The balance of your tour can be paid in US dollars or euros in cash on day 1.
- Domestic flights: the baggage allowance on our domestic flights is 15 kg checked and 8 kg cabin luggage per person. A medium suitcase and a small backpack work best.
- Dress: comfortable walking shoes for ancient sites. In mosques, women cover their hair, shoulders and legs and men wear long trousers; scarves are available at the entrance.
- Tips: tips for guides and drivers are not included in the price and are entirely up to you.
- Electricity: 230 V with two-pin European plugs (types C and F).
- Travel insurance: we recommend a policy that covers cancellation and medical care from the day you book.